- The countries which are independent and
prosperous are known as Developed Countries. The countries which are
facing the beginning of industrialization are called Developing Countries.
- Developed Countries have a high per
capita income and GDP as compared to Developing Countries.
- In Developed Countries the literacy
rate is high, but in Developing Countries illiteracy rate is high.
- Developed Countries have good
infrastructure and a better environment in terms of health and safety,
which are absent in Developing Countries.
- Developed Countries generate revenue
from the service sector. Conversely, Developing Countries generate revenue
from the industrial sector.
- In developed countries the standard of
living of people is high which is in contrast to developing countries.
- Resources are effectively and
efficiently utilized in developed countries. On the other hand, proper
utilization of resources is not done in developing countries.
- In developed countries the birth rate
and death rate are low, whereas in developing countries both the rates are
high.
Saturday, 19 March 2016
Healthcare in developing and developed nations:
Wednesday, 24 February 2016
Exercise is essential for Healthy Life
Benefits of Exercise, Different Types of Exercises, How Does Exercise Benefit The Body And Keeps It Fit.......
Different Types Of Exercises
- Aerobics
- Body weight training.
- Strength training.
- Swimming.
- Running.
- Yoga.
- Exercise in dance form.
- Cycling.
How Does Exercise Benefit The Body And Keeps It Fit
Benefits of Sleeping for Healthy life
Newborns (0-3 months old) | 14-17 hours |
Infants (4-11 months old) | 12-15 Hours |
Toddlers (1-2 years old)l | 11-14 Hours |
Pre-schoolers (3-5 years old) | 10-13 Hours |
School-aged Children (6-13 years old) | 9-11 Hours |
Teens (14-17 years old) | 8-10 Hours |
Young Adults (18-25) | 7-9 Hours |
Adults (26-64) | 7-9 Hours |
Older Adults (65+) | 7-8 Hours |
Sleep reduces your chances of diabetesSo, if you're trying to lose those stubborn few pounds that just keep hanging around, consider the benefits of sleep on weight control and make sure that getting enough sleep each day. For more information on sleep and body weight, click here.
Tuesday, 23 February 2016
5 Benefits of Doing Plank Exercise
5 Benefits of Doing Planks
Planking has become increasingly popular for core strengthening, and for good reason: it works – in large part because it engages multiple muscle groups simultaneously. What are some of the benefits you can expect from adding this exercise to your regular routine?1. A Toned BellyPlanking will help build your deep inner core muscles that lay the groundwork for that six-pack look. As your abdominal muscles become stronger, your mid-section will tighten.Keep in mind, however, that in order to really get "six-pack" abs, you have to shed fat. For men that would be a body fat of about 6 percent, and women around 9 percent, in order to achieve that classic six-pack. This is not necessarily healthy.2. Reduce Back PainPlanks work for back pain because they strengthen your core, which has the pleasant “side effect” of reducing back pain. They also strengthen your back muscles, especially those in your upper back. According to the American Council on Exercise (ACE):“Because the plank exercise requires minimal movement while contracting all layers of the abdominal fascia, it is an excellent way to strengthen the core, which, in turn, helps reduce low-back pain.”3. FlexibilityWhile building strength, planks also increase flexibility in your posterior muscle groups. The muscles around your shoulders, collarbone, and shoulder blades will expand and stretch (an area that often receives little attention), as will your hamstrings and even the arches of your feet and your toes.If you do a side plank, you can also stretch out your sides (especially if you extend your arm up over your head in line with your body). To increase the stretching benefits, try a rocking plank – once in basic plank form, rock your body back and forth by moving your toes a few inches either way.4. Improve Your MoodVirtually every exercise has the potential to give you a mood boost, and planks are no exception. Planks are unique, however, in that they help stretch and ultimately relax muscles groups that often become stiff and tense from prolonged sitting. The tension release that planks provide is uplifting for your spirit.5. Improve Your Balance and PostureTo do a plank correctly, you must engage your abs to stay upright. Side planks or planks with extensions are particularly beneficial for building balance, as are planks performed on a stability ball. To test and strengthen your balance, try a side plank with a leg raise – get into side plank position, then lift your top leg and hold for one count. Lower it and repeat, then switch sides. In addition, planks work all the muscles you need to maintain proper posture, like your back, chest, shoulders, abs, and neck. If you do planks regularly, you’ll find you’re able to sit or stand up straighter with ease.
How to Perform a Basic Plank Exercise
You can view a plank demonstration in the image above, but for those of you who prefer a written description, here are the basic steps for performing a plank, from the American Council on Exercise.
- “Hold your elbows directly under your shoulders and place your wrists in line with your elbows.
- Push your body up into your upper back and hold your chin close to your neck (like you’re holding an egg between your chin and your throat).
- In this position, brace your abdominals—contract them like expecting a punch in your stomach, squeeze your gluteal (tailbone) and thigh muscles simultaneously while continuing to breathe normally.
- Hold a plank at least 20 to 30 seconds. (When using correct form, it is not necessary to hold it for longer than this amount of time.) Rest for approximately one minute and repeat three to five more times.
- Start doing the plank using your elbows and toes (feel free to drop to your knees if necessary) and progress up to a high plank when you feel you have developed the necessary strength.”
Here are two additional points for performing a front-facing plank correctly:
- While in plank position, pull in your bellybutton. Your bellybutton is attached to your transverse abdominis, that inner sheath that holds your gut inside and gives your spine and vertebrae a nice, weight belt-tightening type of support. So by pulling it in, you begin to contract that deep inner transverse abdominis muscle. If you want to work your six-pack rectus abdominis muscle, drive your chin down toward your toes while you're focused on squeezing your bellybutton in.
- Next, do a Kegel squeeze. More women than men might be familiar with this term. A Kegel squeeze is performed by drawing your lower pelvic muscles up and holding them up high and tight. For men who aren't familiar with that term, it's similar to trying to stop urinating in the middle of the flow. This squeeze will allow you to feel and focus on your abdominal muscles.
How to Perform Plank Variations
As mentioned, you can perform the plank in many different directions: front, side, and reverse—each direction engages different sets of muscles for all-around toning and strengthening. The front-facing plank engages the following upper and lower body areas: abdominals, lower back, chest, shoulders, upper trapezius, and neck, biceps, triceps, glutes, thighs, and calves. Side planking is particularly effective for training your obliques, which really helps stabilize your spine, while the reverse plank places the focus on your glutes, hamstrings, abs, and lower back.To perform a side plank, start by lying down on your right side, keeping your legs straight. Next, raise yourself up on your right forearm; your body should form a straight, diagonal line from head to toe. Your hips and knees should be off the floor. You can rest your left hand on the floor in front of you for support, on your hip, or behind your head. Brace your abs and hold for one minute.For the reverse plank, start out by sitting on the floor with your legs straight out in front of you. Place your palms on the floor, below your shoulders, squeeze your buttocks and thighs, and then push your body up into a reverse plank position. Alternatively, you can begin by placing your elbows rather than your hands on the floor, for a less dramatic lift. Again, keep your body in a straight diagonal line from shoulders to heels, making sure your hips are in line.
4 Common Plank Mistakes
Proper form is very important when performing planks and overdoing it could lead to injury. As noted by certified personal trainer Estelle Underwood in the Huffington Post:"If you feel any neck or low back pain while doing the exercise, this may be an indication of weakness in the upper or lower regions of the spine. If the core is too weak, the spine will sag, causing compression in the vertebrae, pressure on vertebral discs, and/or shoulder joint inflammation."Be particularly careful doing planks if you have back pain or injury. And if you’re just starting out, try holding the plank position for several seconds only, slowly working your way up to where you can hold it longer. In addition, be careful to avoid these common plank mistakes:
- Allowing your hips, head, or shoulders to drop
- Placing your hands too close together, which creates internal rotation and instability at your shoulder joint
- Holding your breath
- Trying to hold the position too long – it is better to maintain proper form for a shorter period of time than to hold improper form for longer
Wednesday, 10 February 2016
Care @ Healthy Living Tips
Wednesday, 3 February 2016
World Cancer Day 2016 ‘We Can, I Can’
February 4th is celebrated as World Cancer Day 2016 to raise awareness about the risks involved in cancer.
Cancer Statistics in India
Cancer incidences are set to rise during the next few years.
From 979.786 cases in 2010 it will go up to 1,148,757 cases in 2020Tobacco-related cancer in males will go up to 225,241 in 2020Gynaecological-related cancers will rise to 182,602 in 2020The rise in the number of cancer cases over the last century and the subsequent expected rise require active participation in controlling incidences. The number of deaths due to cancer has been increasing due to existing misconceptions and lack of awareness that still exists among many.
2016 World Cancer day theme is ‘We Can, I Can” and this theme that will extend for another couple of years.
As part of the “We Can” measure, collective action is encouraged by society at large to partake in activities which could actively support the cause of cancer.Actively support causes that could prevent premature death or better screening facilities.Raise awareness in schools and other educational institutions about cancerImprove social environment, making it hygienic and disease freeWork with fellow minds to strengthen resolve against cancerBring about change in legislation to promote cancer careAs part of the ‘I Can” measure, individual people can work towards cancer support and careTake care - everyone should learn to lead a healthy lifestyle. Most people fail to look after their health, while being extra cautious about the health of family.Go for regular check-upsTry to lead a normal life- There is no point brooding. Even if a close family member is affected, it is important to remain positive.Speak out about challenges faced and ways they can be avoided. This would benefit many people.Get back to work- Work will take the focus off from the disease and encourage normalcySome of the special gestures by celebrities and teams for this world cancer day:The South African cricket team will be sporting pink pants and shirt for the one day International game against England on February 12th 2016. They hope to raise one million Rand through donations that will be used for mammography and other diagnostic testing.Celebrities from around the world, Nicole Scherzinger and Craig David, amongst others, will wear unity bands to support the causeMilind Soman, Model turned actor, organizes marathons across India called pinkathon to raise awareness about breast cancer.The South Shield’s town hall will turn purple on Thursday for World Cancer Day 2016.A special event at Abu Dhabi will mark World Cancer Day 2016 for UAE’s cancer patient care group.The increased awareness and education is expected to lower deaths due to cancer and encourage early detection. Many people in developing countries are unaware about the options available and the course of treatment, reaching these people would benefit cancer support and care.
References:
1. http:www.worldcancerday.org/
2. http:www.ok.co.uk/celebrity-pictures/celebrities-support-world-cancer-day/Craig-David-supports-World-Cancer-Day-by-wearing-a-Unity-Band-424703
Tuesday, 2 February 2016
Top 10 Causes Of Cancer That We Use Daily
Why Is This Hidden From The Public: Top 10 Causes Of Cancer That We Use Daily
These are the ten causes of cancer that are kept in secret so the pharmaceutical industry can make profit from this illness, according to the alternative web pages. They have published an intriguing list of them.
1. Hormones in meat and milk:
Most of the domestic animals are fed with artificial hormones, in order to increase the production of milk and meat. The artificial hormones induce inflammations, cancer and other diseases.
2. Mammography, dental X-rays, scanners at the airport:
Did the mammography technician forget to tell you to pass the protective SWITCHES across your chests before he ran out the office? Yes, we are talking about the deadly rays that cause cancer, and you came in order to prevent it or react on time.
3. Aluminum in deodorants and antiperspirants
Most of the breast cancers occur in the upper quadrant, near the armpit, right where we apply deodorants filled with aluminum. Use some homemade or organic deodorants.
4. Toxic cosmetics
The skin is our largest organ, and we still treat it with a PREPARATIVE or decorative cosmetics that are full with petroleum and coal tar. These toxic substances are traveling without any problem through the skin in the bloodstream and in that way make a fertile ground for cancer cells. Start using organic or homemade cosmetics and repair the damage.
5. GMO soy and corn:
Most of the soy that you can buy in America is genetically modified, and if you are fan, for example, of soy milk, switch to another one because… Soy milk contains hemagglutinin, an ingredient that converts the red corpuscles into clots. The soy also increases the estrogen. Buy some organic milk, no matter what type do you prefer (cow, rice milk…).
6. Artificial sweeteners
Refined sugar is a danger because not only is it typically GMO because it’s genetically modified sugar beets, but it rapidly spikes insulin levels. Fructose, the type of sugar found in soda, is a serious cancer culprit as well. It contains caramel color, a known carcinogen. Soda acidifies the body, which in turn causes cancer cells to multiply. Skip the sodas altogether limited your intake of refined sugars.
7. Fluoridated water
No, this is not a mineral found in the nature or purified water passing through the pipes. The fluoride is actually polluting the water and washes the minerals from our body and it that way weakens the immune system. Drink spring water.
8. Drugs, vaccines
Look for a doctor that you can trust to, who will give you advice about a lifestyle and nutrition as prevention of cancer. Stay away from “drugs” from the Big Pharma sound names with the same aim to make profit and that you disease is of great interest.
9. Canned Goods
Most cans are lined with a product called bisphenol-A (BPA), which has been shown to genetically alter the brain cells of rats. Many plastic goods, thermal paper, water lines, and many dental composites also contain BPA.
10. Commercial soaps, shampoos, tooth pastes, creams
Again, the things that are applied to the skin, hair or teeth end in your bloodstream. Perfumes, colors, animal by-products and the other suspicious substances can cause cancer. Do it yourself or buy organic and natural cosmetics. There is a saying “If you would not eat it, do not use it on your skin!”
Remove All Toxins From your Body
Remove All Toxins From your Body In 3 Days, this Removes Excess Water, Fat And Prevents Cancer too
It is somehow hard to completely avoid them, while we are all aware that unhealthy and processed foods do much harm to our health and body. The 3 day-cleansing treatment that we will present you today will detoxify your body, reduce the desire for processed foods and help you change your diet.
You should stop consuming dairy products two days before you start the treatment because they can stop the cleansing treatment and are slowly digested. Your body must be clean from toxins found in dairy products before you start cleansing your lungs.
You need to drink a cup of herbal laxative tea (ex: Black Forest) the night before you start with the cleansing method because it will cleanse the intestines from waste and toxins that can cause constipation. During the process of detoxification, your lungs should not be overloaded by blockages.
Make a drink between ½ cup of water and juice from 2 lemons for the next morning and drink it before breakfast. It will help you regenerate the lungs and improve your digestion.
After the breakfast, consume 1.5 cups of grapefruit juice. You can dilute with fresh water or replace it with pineapple juice if you do not like the taste of this juice. Both of these juices, pineapple and grapefruit juice have large amounts of antioxidants that keep the health of the respiratory system.
The next thing you should do is to prepare juice rich in potassium by squeezing spinach, carrots, sea greens, parsley and celery.
Consume 1.5 cups of this mixture during the lunch. This juice will cleanse your entire body sue to its powerful antioxidant properties.
The mixture between a cup of water and pure Noni Juice can also replace the mixture that we mentioned above.
One hour before dinner can consume a cup of mucus-cleansing tea. It is rich in peppermint, rose hips and ginger which are absolutely powerful against congestion, stuffy nose and mucus build up. This tea can be found in healthy food stores and supermarkets.
In the end, before go to sleep, drink 340 ml of pure cranberry juice. It helps against bacteria in your lungs that may cause infection. Cranberries are beneficial for your urine and blood and represent potent antioxidants.
The whole procedure is the same during the 3 days treatment. Completely detoxified body, clean lungs, eliminated toxins, water and fat are the invaluable results of this treatment.
Monday, 1 February 2016
Radiation May Fight Cancer
Radiation May Fight Cancer Cells Escaping Immune System
A team of researchers at Georgia State University is fighting cancers using a combination of therapies and recently found ways that radiation could maximize responses to novel immune-based therapeutic approaches to fight cancer.
"Radiation can increase the expression of genes, which allows the immune system to attack tumor cells that may have previously escaped elimination," said Charlie Garnett Benson, assistant professor in the Department of Biology at Georgia State and lead author on the study, whose findings have been published in the International Journal of Oncology.
"These changes are a result of altered gene expression that results in different proteins being displayed on the tumor cell surface. Thus, tumor cells that survive radiation therapy are changed in a way that makes them more sensitive as targets for killer T cells and other immune cells."
The researchers revealed in this study that radiation is capable of changing the expression of such genes by influencing key enzymes that control whether a gene is open and expressed, or not. It is the first study to report that enhanced immune system attack of tumor cells can be due to changes in the epigenetic programs that organizes DNA and controls the expression of some genes.
"Previously, there were several pathways that were thought to control changes in gene expression within treated cancer cells and most of these were related to well described DNA repair pathways since radiation induces DNA damage," Benson said. "However, we showed that radiation can change the expression of genes not typically considered a part of the known DNA damage response pathways. More important, some of the modulated genes are known stimulators of killer T cell function."
The work being performed in Benson's lab is dedicated to understanding how the activity of immune cells is increased to fight cancers after radiation treatment, and how best to apply radiation therapy to enhance cancer immunotherapy effectiveness.
"One of the major research thrusts in our lab is to examine the effects of ionizing radiation on gene expression in diverse cells to gain further insights into the mechanistic link between radiation treatment and increased attack by immune cells," Benson said. "We will continue our work to better understand the basic immunology principles that could impact the design of immune therapies in combination with standard therapies for the treatment of cancer."
Saturday, 30 January 2016
Breastfeeding can Save 800,000 Childrens Lives Every Year...
Breastfeeding can save 800,000 Childrens Lives Every Year...
Breastfeeding can prevent more than 800,000 child deaths, about 20,000 breast cancer deaths every year and could also save the global economy some $300 billion in a single year, simply by yielding smarter and higher-earning offspring, revealed a new study.
"Breastfeeding saves lives and money in all countries, rich and poor alike. There is a widespread misconception that the benefits of breastfeeding only relate to poor countries. Nothing could be further from the truth," said Cesar Victora from the Federal University of Pelotas in Brazil, one of the authors of a research series published by The Lancetmedical journal.
The findings were based on analysis of 28 scientific reviews and meta-analyses that looked at the proven health and economic benefits of breastfeeding.
The authors said this was the largest and most detailed analysis of its kind ever done. It concluded that breastfeeding led to a "dramatic" improvement in life expectancy.
In high-income countries, it reduced the risk of sudden infant deaths by more than a third. In low-and middle-income countries, it could prevent about half of diarrhea episodes and a third of respiratory infections.
Altogether, about 800,000 children's lives could be saved every year -- the equivalent of about 13 percent of all deaths in children under two.
"It also increases intelligence. Modelling conducted for the series estimates that global economic losses of lower cognition from not breastfeeding reached a staggering $302 billion (276 billion euros) in 2012."
This was about half a percent of the world's gross national income.
Last year, a study in The Lancet Global Health Journal said breastfeeding led to increased adult intelligence, longer schooling and higher adult earnings, regardless of family background.
That research had tracked the development of 3,500 people in Brazil over 30 years from birth.
The new series said boosting breastfeeding rates for children under six months to 90 percent in the United States, China and Brazil, and to 45 percent in Britain, would dramatically cut treatment costs of common childhood illnesses such as pneumonia, diarrhea and asthma.
In the US, the saving would be $2.45 billion, in Britain $29.5 million, in China $223.6 million and in Brazil $6 million.
For women, longer breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, the study authors said, and estimated that some 20,000 women's deaths could be prevented per year.
Rates are low
Yet, one in five children in high-income countries are breastfed to 12 months, and one in three in low- and middle-income countries are exclusively breastfed for the first six months of their lives.
In Britain, about one percent of children are breastfed until the age of one, in Ireland about two percent and in Denmark three percent -- among the lowest rates in the world.
Breastfeeding is much more common in poor countries. Breast milk is free, nutritious and protective against disease, but not always practical for women who cannot be on call around the clock.
In some societies, it is frowned upon to breastfeed in public. And in some cases, it can be dangerous -- breastfeeding can pass on the HIV virus that causes AIDS from infected mothers to their children.
"Currently, breastfeeding promotion focuses on encouraging women to breastfeed without providing the necessary economic and social conditions such as supportive healthcare systems, adequate maternity entitlements and workplace interventions, counselling and education," said co-author Nigel Rollins from the World Health Organisation.
Another problem was "aggressive marketing" of breast milk substitutes -- with global sales set to reach $70.6 billion by 2019.
The researchers called for political commitment and financial investment to make it easier for women to breastfeed, and tighter regulation of the breast milk substitute industry.
Friday, 29 January 2016
How Vitamin A can Reduce Scarring in Blood Vessel
This is How Vitamin A can Reduce Scarring in Blood Vessel...
By Dr. Trupati Shirole
While scarring is a natural part of any healing process, scar formation within our blood vessels can be deadly. A team of US researchers has developed a new biodegradable material with built-in vitamin A which has been shown to reduce scarring in blood vessels.
"When injury occurs, cells proliferate and migrate into the blood vessel, creating scar-like tissue. It can create blockages that impair blood flow," said lead researcher Guillermo Ameer from the Northwestern University.
The soft elastic material can be used to treat injured vessels or be used to make medical devices such as stents and prosthetic vascular grafts. Early tests have shown that the material can reduce cell migration - a major contributor to the scarring process - by 57%.
"In his new work, vitamin A is integrated into the material, harnessing the beneficial properties of vitamin A and allowing for its broader application in medical devices," the authors noted in a paper published in the ACS Biomaterials Science and Engineering.
This new advanced material brings together two major advantages. Its antioxidant component can reduce the oxidative stress that leads to chronic inflammation.
Vitamin A, which is released as the material degrades, can prevent or reduce scarring.
It can potentially also be used outside the body such as for wound-healing bandages for diabetic patients.
Because the new material releases vitamin A as it degrades, the potential for toxic build up is much lower.
Ameer's team can also control how quickly the material degrades - and thus releases the vitamin A - depending on how the material is produced in the laboratory.
The team now plans to explore the material's potential for additional applications. Vitamin A is already widely known for its anti-aging properties and topical antioxidants can be used to combat cell damage or improve wound healing.
Asthma
Home Remedies for Asthma / Natural Asthma Remedy
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic lung disease characterized by a decreased ability to breathe easily. The flow of air in and out of the lungs is obstructed in the airways that carry air to the air sacs deep inside the lung. The larger airways (bronchi), branches into smaller airways (bronchioles), which may be obstructed by tightening of muscles, irritation or swelling in the airways, and accumulation of mucous thereby resulting in asthma. Asthma can either be acute or chronic. Symptoms associated with asthma are coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness.
Common Causes of Asthma
• Allergy to pollen, dust mites• Air pollution• Respiratory infections• Non-specific hyperirritability• Sulfites in food• Certain medications
Home Remedies for Asthma
Tip 1:
Mix 1 tsp honey with ½ tsp cinnamon powder. Consume just before sleeping.
Tip 2:
Boil 8-10 cloves of garlic in ½ cup of milk. Have at night. Good for early stages of asthma.
Tip 3:
Figs are good for draining phlegm. Wash 3-4 dry figs with water. Soak in 1 cup of water. Eat these on an empty stomach and drink the water that the figs were soaked in also. Do not eat anything else for an hour at least. Do this for 2 months.
Tip 4:
Add 1 tsp of honey in very hot water and sip slowly. Take this just before sleeping to remove phlegm from the throat.
Tip 5:
In 1 cup of water soak 1 tspn of Fenugreek seeds overnight. Strain. Add 1 tspn of Ginger juice and 1 tspn of honey to this. This should be taken morning and evening.
Home Remedy for ANEMIA
Anemia Home Remedy
What is Anemia?
Anemia is a disorder, which results from decrease in the concentration of red blood cells or hemoglobin. One of the main functions of hemoglobin is to carry oxygen to tissues and anemia results in decreased oxygen carrying capacity of blood. Symptoms associated with anemia are dizziness and unconsciousness. People with acute anemia feel tired and look pale.
Common Causes of Anemia
• Bleeding (hemorrhage)
• Iron deficiency
• Body inability to produce sufficient red blood cells
• Hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells)
• Menstruation
• Pregnancy
• Lactation
• Peptic ulcer
• Piles
• Hiatus hernia
• Hookworm infestation
Home Remedies for Anemia
Tip 1:
1 Cup beetroot juice, 1 cup of apple juice, mixed with either sugar or honey once a day.
Tip 2:
Consume a ripe banana with 1 tbsp of honey 2 times a day.
Tip 3:
Soak 10 currants overnight. Remove seeds and have for 3-4 weeks and have first thing in the morning .
Tip 4:
Drink a mixture of apple and tomato juice.
Tip 5:
Eat a lot of green leafy vegetables.
Tip 6:
Honey-It is very good for an anemic person because it helps increase the haemoglobin in the blood. It is rich in iron, copper and manganese.
Smoking and Cancer
Smoking And Cancer
Smoking is the most important preventable cause of cancer in the world.
About
Smoking is the most important preventable cause of cancer in the world.
Cigarette smoking is harmful to the smoker and also nonsmokers who are exposed to the smoke. Smoking has negative health impacts on people at all stages of life. It harms unborn babies, infants, children, adolescents, adults and seniors.
Smoking harms almost every organ of the body and diminishes a person’s overall health. The chances of smokers being affected by cancer are very high.
Several studies have shown that the various carcinogens in the cigarette smoke cause cancer. Cancers are most likely to occur in organs like lungs and oral cavity, which come into direct, contact with smoke.
Cigarette smoke contains about 4,000 chemical agents, out of which 70 substances are carcinogenic. Some of these harmful substances are - carbon monoxide, tar, arsenic, cyanide, benzene, formaldehyde, methanol, acetylene, ammonia, lead etc.
When the carcinogens in cigarette smoke are absorbed and spread through the human body, smoking causes cancer at various distant sites. Smoking causes many types of cancer, including cancers of the lung, esophagus, larynx, mouth, throat, kidney, liver, bladder, pancreas, stomach, cervix, bowel and also acute myeloid leukemia.
The risk of developing cancer is related to:
Number of cigarettes smokedDuration of smokingAge at which smoking is startedThe type of cigarettes smoked
Types of smoking:
Active smoking - Active smoking is the intentional inhalation of smoke using cigarettes and cigars.Passive smoking - Passive smoking is when a non-smoker breathes other people's smoke. It is also called as involuntary or secondhand smoking.
How Does Smoking Lead to Cancer?
Tobacco smoke contains about 70 carcinogenic (cancer causing) substances. Some of these harmful substances are - carbon monoxide, tar, arsenic, cyanide, benzene, formaldehyde, methanol, acetylene, ammonia, lead etc. The cancer-causing agents (carcinogens) in tobacco smoke enter the lungs on inhalation. From there they spread to the rest of the body and damage important genes. They mutate the DNA that controls the growth of cells, causing them to grow abnormally or to reproduce in a haphazard manner. The carcinogen carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells. This prevents the affected RBCs from carrying a full load of oxygen. The carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene binds to cells in the airways and major organs of smokers. Smokers have lower levels of antioxidants in their blood, which prevents the damaged cells from repairing themselves. Smoking affects the function of the immune system and may increase the risk for respiratory and other infections.
Which Cancers are Caused due to Smoking?
Smoking harms almost every organ of the body and has negative health impacts on a person’s overall health at all stages of life. Smoking is the leading cause of cancer and causes many types of cancer. Cigarette smoking increases the risk of the cancer in the following organs - Lung cancer Larynx cancer Esophageal cancer Mouth or oral cancer Stomach cancer Pancreatic cancer Colorectal cancer Liver cancer Bladder cancer Kidney cancer Cervix cancer Breast cancer Non Hodgkin's tumors Blood cancers like Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)
Passive Smoking
A non-smoker who breathes other people's smoke is called passive smoking. It is also called as involuntary or secondhand smoking. Passive smoking is particularly dangerous as the passive smoker inhales - The smoke from the burning tip of the cigarette (side stream smoke) The smoke that has been exhaled by the smoker (mainstream smoke) Passive smoking consists mainly of side stream smoke. Side stream smoke contains much higher levels of many of the poisons and cancer-causing chemicals in cigarettes and is about four times more toxic than mainstream smoke. Second hand smoke comprises of up to three times more carbon monoxide, five times more cadmium and about 15 times more benzene. The various chemicals and carcinogens in the cigarette smoke can cause smoking related diseases similar to ones acquired by actual smoking. Effects of passive smoking - Effects of passive smoking depend on the exposure levels and duration of exposures. It can be immediate or late effects. The chemicals in the cigarette smoke can cause irritation of the eyes, headache, cough, sore throat, and nausea. Studies have shown that in patients with asthma, exposure to smoke can reduce the lung function significantly and new cases of asthma can be induced in children who are exposed to cigarette smoke. A major review by the Government-appointed Scientific Committee on Tobacco and Health (SCOTH) stated that passive smoking is the cause of lung cancer and ischemic heart disease in adult non-smokers, and the cause of respiratory disease, cot death, middle ear disease and asthmatic attacks in children. Passive smoking increases the risk of getting frequent lower respiratory tract infections in children. Passive smoking during childhood predisposes children to develop cancer as adults. Exposure to passive smoking during pregnancy can lead to the birth of low birth weight babies.
Friday, 22 January 2016
Water Benefit....
Saturday, 16 January 2016
Healthy Tips
6. Regular exercise prevents bone loss and incidence of fractures; it increases the muscle strength and hence the balance and co-ordination.
7. Cover Your Nose and Mouth while sneezing or coughing to prevent the spread of flu to your family members
8. Sleep is essential for hypertension. Eat a handful of walnuts before bed as it contains fiber and essential fatty acids along with the amino acid tryptophan -- a natural sleep-inducer.
9. Consume whole foods, reject foods and drinks made with corn syrup and have mixed green salad at start of dinner every day to reduce intake of high calories in your meal.
10. To prevent seasonal allergies stay inside to have minimum contact with outside allergens.
11. Drinking 6-8 glasses of water each day helps to maintain the nutrition of skin and keeps the skin healthy.
12. A balanced diet with regular exercise and early screening with prompt treatment can prevent occurrence of heart disease.6. Regular exercise prevents bone loss and incidence of fractures; it increases the muscle strength and hence the balance and co-ordination.7. Cover Your Nose and Mouth while sneezing or coughing to prevent the spread of flu to your family members8. Sleep is essential for hypertension. Eat a handful of walnuts before bed as it contains fiber and essential fatty acids along with the amino acid tryptophan -- a natural sleep-inducer.9. Consume whole foods, reject foods and drinks made with corn syrup and have mixed green salad at start of dinner every day to reduce intake of high calories in your meal.10. To prevent seasonal allergies stay inside to have minimum contact with outside allergens.11. Drinking 6-8 glasses of water each day helps to maintain the nutrition of skin and keeps the skin healthy.12. A balanced diet with regular exercise and early screening with prompt treatment can prevent occurrence of heart disease.