Managing Diabetes in the winter: Safety tips

Cold and flu

To help avoid getting a cold or the flu:

Make sure you get plenty of rest.
Wash your hands more often — I've also noticed that more department stores offer hand sanitizers at the entrances and exits.
Get the flu vaccine.
When ill, drink plenty of fluids, and test your blood sugar more frequently.

Stay warm

Wear layers. Also, cover your head, and wear mittens or gloves.
Keep your feet warm and protected. Wear comfortable shoes and socks, which is especially important if you have circulation problems.
Protect devices. Keep your blood glucose monitor — and insulin pump if you wear one — close to your body to keep them warm.

Eat well

The holiday season makes it more tempting to stray from your diet plan. A healthy diet is important for everyone, not just those with diabetes. So, in general, be mindful of how much candy and fatty food you eat. Eat more of the grains, fruits and vegetables that are in season. Drink alcohol in moderation. And if you take insulin, it's best to have an alcoholic drink with food.

Exercise

The days are short and the nights are long in northern climates, making it difficult to go for a walk when you get home from work. To stay on track:

Look for ways to work in your daily exercise, such as by walking at your local mall or shopping center.
Join an exercise gym.
Explore community fitness classes, such as swimming classes, that may be offered for a small fee.
Try activities that you can do at home, such as stretching or doing leg or arm lifts while watching TV or listening to music. If you're able to, you could also walk up and down the stairs in your home.

Travel

Winter weather can disrupt your travel plans and potentially affect your diabetes management. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend keeping the following in a winter travel emergency kit:

Cell phone and charger
Shovel
Windshield scraper
Battery powered radio and extra batteries
Flashlight
Water and snack food
Extra hats, clothes and mittens
Blankets
Chains or rope and tire chains

Also recommended are:

Road salt and sand
Jumper cables
Emergency flares, a bright colored flag and help signs
First aid kit
Road map and compass
Waterproof matches (to melt snow for water)
And, no matter what time of year, if you have diabetes, it's always good to have glucose tablets or other hypoglycemia treatment readily available in the car.

Winter blues

The holiday season is stressful, and the shorter days and winter weather can affect your mood and emotions. Getting exercise, eating healthy and doing things with others can help keep your spirits up. If you're having trouble with depression, seek help. Talk to someone such as a close friend or your health care provider.

Check your blood sugar regularly. If you're having trouble managing your blood sugar this winter, or at any time, talk with your diabetes team.

Happy Holidays. Stay safe.

Read More

Top Five Winter Diseases

FOGGY mornings! Chilling evenings. Sweaters and fire place. Winter is almost here in India, much to the joy of the people. It’s the season of ginger tea and brewing coffee. It’s also a season of diseases. During winters, the body heat usually experiences a drop as the environment cools. At the same time, the body is adjusting to the new climate. As a result, the change in the process is demonstrated through a number of diseases. While some people cannot help catching a few common diseases the moment the temperature changes, most can avoid these ailments by just being careful. What are some of the most common winter diseases in India? Lets find out.

Common cold: The direct result of the loss of body heat due to an obvious drop in the temperatures leads to cold. However, one is more likely to catch cold even one keeps switching over warm and cool environment owing to air conditioners. It’s important to keep ACs at an even temperature during winter. Dryness in India due to dusty roads may also lead to common cold most likely during winter.

Coughs: Dust, dryness and cold winds all add to coughs during winter. To top that if you ended up having a cold drink followed by a hot drink like tea or coffee, that’s definitely going to mess up with your throat. Avoid dust if you have sinus problems. Wear a helmet, if you are on a two-wheeler.

Flu: This is something that most likely cannot be helped as it gets transmitted through air in the environment. Yet, keeping yourself shielded from chilling winds is always helpful.
Itchy skin: A lot of derm-sensitive people develop itchy skin during winter. The best to start with would be home remedies like applying of coconut or almond oil every night, drinking tea made with jaggery, avoiding eating oily food especially from street shops etc.

Headache: Cold winds sometimes play havoc on your head. Hence, shield yourself with a warm muffler or scarf. If you drive a two-wheeler in India, invest in a good helmet and a muffler if you want to stay away with persistent headaches during winter.

Quite a few of these diseases are a direct result of the change in the climate. The rest of them can easily be prevented by just being slightly more careful.

Read More

10 Proven Benefits of Drinking Water for Weight Loss

1. Drinking More Water Can Help You Lose Weight

Did you know that you can lose weight drinking water? Drinking water to lose weight is one of the easiest things you can do to support your weight loss efforts. Studies have shown that drinking water raises your metabolism, and improves your fat burning rate.

And if that wasn’t awesome enough, drinking water before a meal can also help you feel more satisfied and eat less. Drinking water helps with weight loss, reducing bloating.

So if your goal is to lose weight naturally , drinking water for weight loss is a smart move.

I recommend drinking a 16 ounce (500 ml) glass of water before you eat as an easy habit that will pay off long term.

If you find yourself consuming more often try, drinking a large glass of water in lieu of snacking. You can lose weight drinking water because it will fill you up and ward off those snack hunger.

2. Water Helps Your Muscles Perform At Their Best

If you don’t drink enough water during physical activity, your performance can suffer. As little as a 2% loss of fluids can have a noticeable affect on your athletic abilities.

Lose Water Weight with Exercise

when you’re exercising , make sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and make it easier for your body to perform at its best.

Sports drinks are packed with sodium, preservatives, fake sugars and artificial colors, all of which negatively affect weight loss.

So keep it simple and opt for water, best of all most gyms have water fountains, free is better than sports drink!

3. Water Can Help Boost Your Brain Functions and Mood

Your brain is mostly made of water and is highly sensitive to dehydration. Studies have shown that even mild dehydration (1-3%) can have an adverse effect on memory and feelings of anxiety.

In another study, loss of fluids after exercising negatively affected the mood and concentration of the study participants, and increased the amount of headaches subjects experienced.

Yes you read that correctly, dehydration can cause headaches and migraines (more below)!

A 1-3% loss of fluids in your body can happen with just normal everyday activities. So to keep your brain functioning at its best, make sure you drink plenty of water all day.


4. Water Can Help Prevent and Treat Headaches

Benefits of Water Headaches Studies have shown that drinking water can help prevent and treat headaches, especially the migraine type.

So the next time you have a headache, try drinking a tall glass of cool water, it just might do the trick without having to take any medication.

And be sure to drink up all day long to avoid those nasty headaches and migraines.

5. Drinking More Water May Help Prevent Constipation

Many people suffer from constipation. It’s caused by many things, including medications, stress, poor diet, and not drinking enough water.

Consuming more water  is often recommended as part of a treatment plan for constipation and has been shown in studies to be effective. 

So drink up and keep things moving…


6. Drinking Water Helps Flush Toxins From Your Kidneys

Higher liquefied intake increases the amount of urine that passes through your kidneys, helping them to flush toxins and supporting normal kidney functions.

It also helps prevent the buildup of minerals which could turn into kidney stones.

So if you’ve been consumed too many bad things (like alcohol and salt),drink lots of water to give them a good detox flush.

7. Water Can Help Make Your Skin Look Good

Your skin contains a lot of water. It also acts like a barrier preventing fluid loss throughout your whole body.

When you’re dehydrated, your skin will look more dry and wrinkled. But once you take in the proper amount fluids, it will look its normal, beautiful self again. Skin moisturizers also help create a physical barrier as well to lock in moisture, but remember to treat from within as well with lots of water.

8. Water Helps Prevent Hangovers

Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it promotes the production of urine and causes excess fluid loss in your body. Hangovers are partly caused by the diuretic effect of alcohol, and the dehydration it causes.

Benefits of Water HangoverTo help alleviate the chances of a hangover when you’re drinking alcohol, try drinking a glass of water between each drink. Also, have at least one large glass of water before you go to bed.

If you do wake up with a hangover try drinking one of my restorative fruit infused drinks, if you have a bloated feeling hangover Cucumber Lemon Water will help you feel less bloated and get your headache and fuzziness in check.

If you have a nauseous hangover Mango Ginger Water will help easy your tummy while clearing any headaches and dizziness caused by dehydration.

9. Water Helps Regulate Internal Body Temperature

Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and is responsible for helping to control the temperature of your body through sweating. Since your body creates a lot of heat through metabolic processes, it’s important that it’s able to regulate temperatures properly.

When you’re dehydrated, your skin isn’t able to produce as much sweat and you can become overheated. This can lead to symptoms as mild as red flushing or as serious as heat stroke.

So when you’re heated, make sure to drink lots of water to ensure your body can cool itself perfectly.

10. Drinking Water Fights Bad Breath

Water Benefits Bad Breath.Bad breath (halitosis) is caused by bacteria lodged in the grooves of your tongue, teeth, and gums. This buildup of bacteria causes bad smelling things called volatile sulfur compounds.

When your mouth is dry (like when you first wake up in the morning), you lack the saliva to rinse these compounds out of your mouth.

Drinking water helps cleanse these bacterias and keeps your mouth from having a build up the bad smelling compounds.

So drink lots of water and keep your breath fresh!

Read More

10 Food Items Your Kids Must Try This Winter

1. Green Garlic Garlic with long leaves just like Spring Onions) This one is very good for their health and fight all the cold, coughs, virals and has a very strong flavour. Add it to your veggies, to bajre ki rotis or just about everything.

Green Garlic

2. Ponkh or Green Wheat : This one is my favourite and the daughter absolutely loves it. Its extremely healthy and all you need to do is buy, wash and add lemon juice and some salt. There is a special sev that you serve with this ponkh which is slightly spicy so go easy on it while adding it for the babies.This one is not available everywhere so you could get it at Chheda Stores, Walkeshwar (2369-9442) or Chheda Stores, Matunga (2430-8594). Hiralal Kashidas Bhajiawala, C P Tank, Grant Rd Market

Ponkh

3. Hara Chana/Fresh Green Garbanzos : This one is an absolute delight with the pods hanging from long leafy stems. You can get these at most vegetable vendors. Boil them, add some tomatoes, onions, salt, lemon juice and red chilli powder and serve as a snack. The traditional way is to roast it on a sigdi and then eat them.

Hara Chana

4. Orange & Yellow Haldi (Amba Haldi): This one is so medicinal that if your kids are addicted to it you will be one happy mom. As gujjus we eat it with all our meals especially with theplas and its sour taste and colour is loved by the kids.

5. Different variety's of Mirchis: The variety of mirchis you get during winters is amazing and if you are wondering why has it made to our list for the kids its because they are non spicy. Make into a pickle or stuff with it some besan. This one can be a great option of second veggie during winters.

6. Bajra: This one is extremely good for winters and even though you can have it round the year it gives a perfect roti option. Serve it with ghee and jaggery or with baingan bharta and udad ki dal. But make them try it if they haven't already.

7. Amla: Filled with Vitamin C this one is extremely nutritious. Add some salt and haldi to add to the taste. The kids will love it.

8. Green leafy veggies: Everyday of the week introduce a new veggie and recipe. From the sua bhajji/dil to fresh spring onions, spinach, Methi, Tanjaliya, etc.

9. Sweet Potato: Don't know if this one is my favourite or the daughters? Cant help but think of Delhi where its roasted on the sigdi, peeled and then served hot with some chaat masala. Try lots of different recipes with this one like tikkis and chaat or just eat it plain with some chaat masala.

10. Black Til(Black Sesame seeds): This one is heaty so you may need to restrict is during other months. But the black til can be consumed in many forms. Eat it as or in form of chikkis, sani(crushed black til with jaggery & ghee) . Very high in iron.

Read More

12 TIPS TO KEEP SKIN SOFT AND GLOWING IN WINTER

1. WASH IN LUKEWARM WATER

Hot showers and baths always feel good in the winter, but when you can, particularly when just washing your face or hands, choose lukewarm water to avoid stripping as many oils away from the skin.

2. MOISTURIZE IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARDS

Your skin not only needs more moisture, but moisture right after you wash. Applying moisture to damp skin helps seal that dampness into the skin. Keep a bottle near the bathtub, shower stall, and at every sink and use liberally every time you wash.

3. CHOOSE MOISTURIZER CAREFULLY

Some over-the-counter moisturizers have petroleum-based ingredients that can actually further dry your skin in the winter months. Be sure to choose a smart formula that has natural, nourishing ingredients. Go for an oil-based rather than a water-based solution, as it’s more likely to help your skin retain moisture in the winter. Try Indie Lee’s natural moisturizing oils, as they’re made with natural, hydrating ingredients like lavender, chamomile, jojoba, and more, which help soothe dry, itchy skin.

4. PROTECT

Get used to wearing gloves and scarves to protect skin from cold winds, rain, and snow. Also, don’t forget the sunscreen. Winter sun can be just as damaging as summer sun, so apply a safe option like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to any exposed areas.

5. HUMIDIFY

Heating systems dry out the air, so consider installing a humidifier in your home, particularly in your bedroom, to put moisture back into the air and help prevent your skin from drying out.

6. DRINK

We tend to drink less water in the winter because we turn to hot drinks like cocoa and tea, but don’t forget that your skin needs hydration from the inside, out. A little warm water with lemon can be very refreshing and hydrating at the same time.

7. OVERNIGHT MOISTURIZE

Dryer areas like hands, feet, elbows, and knees have thin skin and tend to lose moisture faster than other areas on the body. Consider slathering on a deep moisturizing balm Skin Food by Weleda at night, then wear cotton gloves and socks to seal in the moisture until morning.

8. EXFOLIATE

We often forget to help the skin slough off dead cells in the winter, particularly on our hands. Yet moisture can’t get in if the dead cells are too plentiful. Find an exfoliating mask and use it on your face and your hands, as well as gently on your lips, then follow immediately with moisture to truly see a smoother difference. Exfoliating body washes are also helpful in the winter months.

9. AVOID TOXINS, SPECIFICALLY ALLERGENS AND IRRITANTS

Particularly if you have eczema, dermatitis, or psoriasis, you have to avoid allergens and irritants that may trigger a flare up. Winter skin is more fragile, so avoid irritating fabrics (like wool) and chemical-laden detergents, and use mild cleansers and moisturizers designed for sensitive skin. In addition, glutathione is considered the “master anti-oxidant” and helps your body detox.

10. HYDRATE FROM THE INSIDE OUT

Eating foods high in water content can help hydrate your skin from the inside out. Try watermelon, cantaloupe, apples, oranges, kiwi, and watery veggies like celery, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, and carrots. Make sure you’re getting enough vitamin C and zinc to support the healthy production of collagen and elastin. Also consider Be Well’s omega-3 supplement, or consume more fatty fish and flaxseed to give your skin the building blocks it needs to appear supple and smooth.

11. CHANGE YOUR CLEANSER

Cleansers can be extremely drying to the skin. If you’re used to using options that contain glycolic or salicylic acid, rotate with a more hydrating version that contains moisturizing ingredients. Try like Suki Naturals Moisture-Rich Cleansing Lotion, or for really dry skin, try a cleansing balm like Ren No. 1 Purity Cleansing Balm. After cleansing, don’t leave the skin naked for more than 30 seconds, as this can dehydrate it, leading to increased dryness. Apply a hydrating toner and moisturizer to seal in moisture.

12. USE DIY MASKS

Homemade hydrating masks can provide needed moisture in the winter months. Use natural moisturizing ingredients like honey, avocado, yogurt, olive and jojoba oils, almond oil, bananas, and aloe. Mix what you like together to create a cream or paste, and leave on skin for 10-30 minutes for lasting hydration.

Read More

Benefits of massage therapies

Feeling stressed after a long day of work? Head to the nearest spa and opt for a massage therapy. Here are some of its benefits.

Boosts energy: A massage therapy can help reduce your fatigue by eliminating blockages in the body's meridians or invisible energy lines. It also helps to increase mental alertness.

Boosts immunity: Massage therapies increase the response of lymphocytes -- a type of white blood cell, which improves the body's resistance to diseases.

Relaxes body: Going in for a body massage helps relieve pain by healing damaged muscle tissues. It improves blood circulation leading to increased supply of oxygen and other nutrients to the muscles.

Reduces anxiety: Massage therapies reduce anxiety by lowering levels of the stress-hormone, cortisol and increasing levels of serotonin, the happiness hormone in the body. They are also effective in lowering blood pressure.

De-toxify your body: Sweat is essential for the skin to eliminate toxins. Going in for spa therapies like body wraps promote sweating, which detoxifies the body and restores metabolism to its normal state.

Glowing skin: If you are attending a wedding, make sure you head for a massage prior to the function. Spa therapies like facials and body polishes uses gentle exfoliation techniques to remove dead skin cells and stimulate new cell growth which gives you healthy, glowing skin.

Anti-aging properties: Body wraps and anti-aging facials firm up loose skin and treat the unsightly appearance of cellulite, revealing younger-looking skin.

Read More

NEW OFFER 2

Read More