HYDERABAD | THURSDAY 16 MAY 2013

| HEALTH |5
HbA1C is too high, changes in your diet, your exercise program, or your medicine maybe advised. Blood glucose can be self-monitored at home, as per the schedule advised by your doctor, a record maintained and shown to your doctor at every visit. It helps to keep a track of fluctuations in your blood glucose levels and can help to guide treatment. MD, DM Endocrinology (The doctor is Consultant Endocrinologist at Ozone Hospitals, Kothapet, Hyderabad; Ph: 988564 6917)

Grab that glass

Water is indeed the elixir of life, more so to beat dehydration this season
ehydration can occur due to sunstroke when excess of body fluids are lost due to sun's heat or due to diarrhoea when body loses excessive body fluids and salts due to loose motions. It can also occur when

Exercise: Best medicine for diabetics

How much exercise do diabetics need? Most guidelines recommend 300 minutes of exercise per week, which works out to around 45 minutes per day. Physical activity can be anything brisk, including walking, swimming, cycling or dancing. It also need not be at a stretch, but can be broken down into two segments in the day. What medical consultations should I undergo? After diabetes is diagnosed or if you develop symptoms of diabetes, a referral should be obtained with an endocrinologist who is the specialist for management of diabetes and hormone disorders. Based on other symptoms and complications, you might also be referred to an eye specialist, a surgeon if you have a nonhealing ulcer, cardiologist, nephrologist or other specialist as required. You also need to follow-up with endocrinologist every three months with HbA1C and self-monitored blood glucose record every three months or even more frequently, if blood sugars are high. Blood pressure should also be checked and controlled regularly and also cholesterol and lipid levels should be controlled. What other tests should be done? You may also need to get evaluated for kidney and liver functions, get your lipid, urine and hemoglobin and blood cell diabetes can be maintained with a small dose of medication, because this early insulin therapy helps the pancreas to recover and produce more natural insulin. How do I monitor my diabetes? Usually by HbA1C levels and self monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG). HbA1C level is a measure of your blood sugar over time and this important test is done once every 3 months. The American Diabetes Association recommends an A1C level under 7%. If

you do extensive workouts in hot sun. Dehydration can also occur when you have high temperature and body tries to sweat more to reduction in body temperature. Dehydration is a frequent problem in summer when heat and temperature rises above 45 degree centigrade. Dehydration is a phase, when body loses more water than it consumes or holds.

Tips to prevent dehydration in summer

It is a good practice to drink sufficient water in summer. An average human being should consume at least three litres of water or any other fluids to prevent loss of fluids in summer. Drink water before and after going out in hot summer, thus keeping the balance of water and body fluids intact. Don't wear dark clothes in summer. In order to keep body temperature normal, wear loose-fitted white or light coloured clothes with half sleeves. Clothes play a very important part in prev e n t i n g dehydration. Take fleshy and juicy fruits in summer to restore some of the body fluids which are lost in course of the day. Eat ripe mango, water melons and other melons family fruits and vegetables help in reinstate body fluids. Administer oral dehydral

Dr V Sri Nagesh examination done, get your eyes checked for health of retina and get an ECG done. Other tests can be recommended based on your complication status. These tests need to be repeated annually. What medications will I be prescribed? Depending on your age, blood glucose levels and other complication status, you might be prescribed diabetic drugs which (i) stimulate your pancreas to secrete more insulin (ii) ensure that your natural insulin acts more effectively (iii) slow down the absorption of glucose from food after a meal (iv) increase your satiety and reduce appetite. You can also be prescribed insulin. I have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes only recently and my doctor is asking me to use insulin. Is he correct? Recent research indicates that if insulin is used for a few months at the time of diagnosis, it can be subsequently stopped and the person with

Dr Srirang Abkari liquids like ORS, or prepare fresh dehydral liquids by taking one litre of water, adding one spoon of sugar and a pinch of salt into it. Stir it well. Given in regular intervals, the ORS liquid prevents dehydration. If the stage of dehydration level is critical, take medical advice and if required administer intravenous dehydral fluids. Athletics who do regular workouts need to take care of their body fluids twice than a normal person. They should use sports drinks which are rich in sodium, before, in between and after a strenuous workout to restore lost body fluids. Excessive dehydration can lead to kidney failure and also death, in some cases. (The doctor is Consultant Physician at Aware Global Hospitals, LB Nagar Ph 9848540595)

NUTRITION CORNER

Sureshot foods to fight impotence

udden changes in lifestyle have created a private menace to many men. Inability to achieve and maintain an erection for consistent period of time is how one defines impotence i.e. ED Erectile Dysfunction. Recent studies state that one in 10 men suffer from this issue. But the good news is proper lifestyle changes can bring things back up!

Fruits, dry fruits and spice in the right quantity can resolve the issue

Focus on brain and heart

A good erection is closely linked with circulatory system and levels of dopamine in your brain. Circulatory system and brain chemicals allow good inflow of blood into male organ and slow down on out flow maintaining erection, while brain chemicals stimulate for arousal. Bananas: Apart from the visual treat, bananas are rich in potassium. Potassium helps in proper functioning of nerves, milk, orange juice and tomatoes are also good sources of potassium. Bananas are also rich in B vitamins which helps to maintain

Dr Janaki B testosterone (male hormone). It also contains an enzyme called bromeliad, which actual has been linked to reversal of impotence. Banana is also stamina booster too. Almonds and Honey: A sure shot combo! Almonds are full of nutrients that help circulatory system and stimulates brain too. Not only that, they also contain essential fatty acids and vitamin E that keeps the blood vessels clean (not allowing the blocks to form) and helps the production of healthy levels of hormones and dopamine (brain

chemical) that helps in sexual energy and drive. Honey is rich in B vitamins that helps as energy booster and boron element in honey increases the blood flow. Chilies and Peppers: The capsaicin compound in the chilies and peppers does the

instant magic of rushing the blood flow and stimulating nerve endings. But be careful not to overdo it, as it may irritate your stomach. Zinc rich foods: Zinc is essential for production of hormone testosterone and for repair of the cells and creat-

ing new cells. Shell fish, seeds like sunflower seeds, gingerly seeds and pumpkin seeds are rich sources of zinc. Arginine rich foods:Arginine is an amino acid that works as a vasodilator thus relaxing the blood vessels allowing full flow to genitals.

Raisins are rich source of this amino acid compound. Arginine helps decrease erectile dysfunction and some of sexual disorders. Caroline in water melon produces the arginine compound. Mediterranean Diet stresses on usage of healthy oils, plenty of fruits , vegetables, fish and red wine in moderation for healthy heart and blood vessels , thus improving the impotence. American Heart Association Diet also restricts fat and allows good amount of fruits and vegetables. It also restricts trans fats and saturated fats. National Heart Blood and Lung Institute Heart Healthy Diet also vouches the same. All these diets aim for a healthy heart, maintain healthy body weight and improved immunity, all of which lead to improve over all functions of the body, thus impotence too. (The doctor is consultant Nutritionist with 'Diaita' Eat Right Clinic Hyderabad; Ph: 9848195081)

PREVENTION

Women, go the Angelina way TIRED OF THYROID PROBLEM?

Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie boldly went ahead to undergo a double mastectomy (surgical removal of both the breasts) to prevent breast cancer. Here is what women need to do to detect breast cancer

Women at high risk (greater than 20% lifetime risk) should get an MRI and a mammogram every year. Women at moderately increased risk (15% to 20% lifetime risk) should talk with their doctors about the benefits and limitations of adding MRI screening to their yearly mammogram. Yearly MRI screening is not recommended for women whose lifetime risk of breast cancer is less than 15%. mone oestrogen stimulates breast cell growth, exposure to oestrogen over long periods of time, without any breaks, can increase the risk of breast cancer. Some of these risk factors are: Taking combined hormone replacement therapy (oestrogen and progesterone; HRT) for several years, or taking oestrogen alone for more than 10 years; being overweight and regularly drinking alcohol.

HOMEOPATH

Homeopathy treats it not just by supplementing the deficiencies or surplus, but by reactivation of efficient glandular function
front of the neck. The glands of the endocrine system control many of the body's function through chemical substances called hormones. The hormones produced by the thyroid gland regulate how the body cells use energy and how fast the body's metabolism work. This gland also affects the rate of growth on the hair and bones, the body's weight, temperature and energy level as well as the function of the heart and digestive system. Hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid is a disease in which the thyroid produces fewer hormones than needed for normal body function. The symptoms include brittle nails and hair, fatigue, weight gain, decreased heart rate, constipation and feeling cold. Skin can become coarse or dry. Hypothyroidism is also one of the major cause of infertility. At the root of most hypothyroid cases is something called Hashimoto's thyroiditis, a disease in which the body produces antibodies that attack the thyroid and reduce its function. Whereas hyperthyroidism is a disease in which the thyroid produces too many hormones with the symptoms like hair loss, weight loss, increased heart rate, nervousness, frequent bowel movements, perspiration and menstrual irregularities. The incidence of thyroid problem is more in females rather than males. Conventional treatment for thyroid disease involves a lifelong medication or surgery. Homeopathy treats the problem not just by supplementing the deficiencies or tackling the surplus, but by reactivation of efficient glandular function. Our immune system is also under constant attack from toxins within air, water and food supply. These pollutants over-stimulate our immune system, create autoimmune reactions and damage thyroid function. In Homeopathy, we provide constitutional treatment which focuses on improving the function of thyroid gland by natural means. The constitutional remedies will stimulate the body to reactivate thyroid secretions. It will help boost energy, improve circulation and thereby help balancing hypo

as well as hypothyroid functions. It may be also used as a supportive help for regulating both hypo and hyper thyroid functions.

Diet and exercise for thyroid disorders:

1. Consume fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low fat dairy products and essential fats. 2. Foods to avoid include soy food,vegetables such as broccoli,cabbage and cauliflower; fruits such as peaches and strawberries. 3. Regular exercise plays an important role in thyroid disorders. Yoga and pranayama has been found very effective in thyroid disorders. (The doctor is CMD Homeocare International Free Consultation: 9550003399 Branches: Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Vizag, Guntur, Rajahmundry, Hanumakonda, Tirupati, Bangalore, Mangalore, Hubli, Davangere, Chennai, Coimbatore & Madurai)

Dr Srikant Morlawar eeling sluggish? Bloated? Cold? You may have a thyroid problem. But before you self-medicate or seek help from numerous online coaches who peddle advice, find out what's really wrong. The statistics shows that the thyroid condition is the most under diagnosed health problem. There are millions of people suffering with thyroid issues, but only few out of those are diagnosed and treated, see positive results using thyroid medications. Often the thyroid levels appear normal with lab, yet the individuals struggle with the symptoms of thyroid disorders! The thyroid is one of several glands in the endocrine system, located in the

Dr Ch Mohan Vamsy

Oral contraceptive use

Using oral contraceptives (birth control pills) appears to slightly increase a woman's risk for breast cancer, but only for a limited period of time. There is no proof that stress and anxiety can increase breast cancer risk. However, anything you can do to reduce your stress and to enhance your comfort can have a major effect on your quality of life. (The doctor is MS (Gen), DNB (Surg), Mch (Surg, Onco), FRCS (Edin) Diploma in lap Surg (France) Chief Surgical Oncologist Vamsy1964@gmail.com 9848011421)

Yearly mammograms are recommended starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a women is in good health. Clinical breast exam (CBE) should be part of a periodic health exam, about every three years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women 40 and over. Women should know how their breasts normally feel and report any breast change promptly to their health care providers. Breast self-exam (BSE) is an option for women starting in their 20s.

RISK FACTORS
Weight
Being overweight is associated with increased risk of breast cancer, especially for women after menopause. Angelina Jolie cream), because they may contain hormones, other growth factors, antibiotics, and pesticides. A low-fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables is generally recommended.

Diet
Diet is a suspected risk factor for many types of cancer, including breast cancer, but studies are yet to show which types of foods increase the risk. It's a good idea to restrict sources of red meat and other animal fats (including dairy fat in cheese, milk, and ice

Exercise
Engage in 45-60 minutes of physical exercise five or more days a week.

Exposure to oestrogen
Because the female hor-