Soon, smartphones to warn you of impending heart attack

Image via CrunchBase

A new smartphone being developed is set to revolutionize the way we manage healthcare by warning people of impending heart attack. Nano-thin silicon heart-and blood-monitoring "tattoos" on people's arms, which will send a signal to a smartphone if the data indicates a health problem are the basis of the new technology.

Zak Holdsworth, a Silicon Valley digital entrepreneur, and Kiwi is helping bring such technology to market.
He reckons that heart patients will be sporting the "tattoos" on their arms within five years, and in 10 years of time people could be sporting the technology inside their hearts.

MC10 is the Boston-based technology company behind the tattoos and is now investigating the potential of microchips that are being inserted via catheter on to the heart's inner lining from where a signal will be sent to the patient's phone.

Source:Internet

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The anti-inflammatory properties of grapes allow them to act as natural pain relievers. Grapes are an important part of an anti-inflammatory diet and have been shown to reduce joint inflammation.

Grapes are sweet, tasty and help to protect the heart. Purple, black, golden, red and green grapes are the most common types of grapes. Fresh grapes taste best if they are eaten within the first two or three days after purchase. Fresh grapes will keep for about two weeks in the fridge.

How Many Calories are in Grapes?
Grapes are a delicious and comparatively low-calorie food. One cup of raw Concord grapes contains 62 calories. 8 fl. ounces of Welch’s red grape juice contains 170 calories. That’s the number of calories you burn in less than 15 minutes of swimming.

 

Image via Wikipedia

Grape Nutritional Value
There are many advantages to eating grapes. Grapes contain flavonoids, which support heart health in many ways. Flavonoids strengthen capillary walls. Flavonoids are also powerful antioxidants.
Even though LDL is called bad cholesterol, it is actually benign and only does damage when it is oxidized by free radicals. One of the ways in which grapes support heart health is by protecting LDL cholesterol from free radical damage.

When LDL cholesterol is damaged by free radicals, it is more likely to cause damage to the arteries. The French consume a lot more grape products-such as wine-than people in some other parts of the world. Apparently this consumption of grapes helps protect them from the negative effects of a rich, high-fat diet.

The French eat 4 times the amount of butter and lard that Americans do, and have a higher blood pressure on average. French people also have higher cholesterol levels than Americans, yet the French are 2.5 times less likely to die of coronary heart disease.

Grapes also help to fight inflammation. Grape powder has been shown to reduce joint inflammation in rats. Resveratrol is one of the constituents of grapes which fight inflammation.
 Resveratrol is found in grape seeds. Resveratrol is also found in grape skins

and red wine.

Inflammation in the blood vessels can interfere with the action of insulin in the body. Reduced inflammation decreases the risk of developing insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes. More research is pointing to inflammation as a root cause of Type 2 diabetes.
Researchers at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland, found that inflammation instigated by macrophages (immune cells) caused insulin resistance, which then led to Type 2 diabetes. The same discovery has been made by a research team at the University of San Diego, California.

White Grapes-Image via Wikipedia

Eat Grapes for a Healthy Diet

1. Grapes can be used to make a parfait, with ice cream or with yoghurt.
2. Grapes can be mashed with potatoes or chicken and applesauce and given to babies.
3. Grapes can be served with tuna in a tuna salad sandwich.
4. Grape recipes include grapes in salads, such as chicken salad or shrimp salad.
5. Thompson Seedless grapes are the grapes popularly used to make raisins. Raisins can be enjoyed by themselves or added to healthy recipes.
6. Grapes can be served with a variety of cheeses.
7. Grapes halves can be placed on top of cheese cake.
8. Grapes can be used as a garnish, for desserts or main dishes.

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A chat with Dr.Devi Shetty (Heart Specialist), Narayana Hrudayalaya, Bangalore

One of the best & most renowned Heart surgeons we have in India today.

A chat with Dr.Devi Shetty (Heart Specialist),
Narayana Hrudayalaya, Bangalore was arranged by IT Company for its employees .
The transcript of the chat is given below. Useful for everyone.


Qn: What are the thumb rules for a layman to take care of his heart?

Ans:
1. Diet - Less of carbohydrate, more of protein, less oil
2. Exercise - Half an hour's walk, at least five days a week; avoid lifts and avoid sitting for a longtime
3. Quit smoking
4. Control weight
5. Control blood pressure and sugar

Qn: Is eating non-veg food (fish) good for the heart?

Ans: No

Qn: It's still a grave shock to hear that some apparently healthy person
gets a cardiac arrest. How do we understand it in perspective?

Ans: This is called silent attack; that is why we recommend everyone past the age of 30 to undergo routine health checkups.

Qn: Are heart diseases hereditary?

Ans: Yes

Qn: What are the ways in which the heart is stressed? What practices do you suggest to de-stress?


Ans: Change your attitude towards life. Do not look for perfection in everything in life.

Qn: Is walking better than jogging or is more intensive exercise required to keep a healthy heart?

Ans: Walking is better than jogging since jogging leads to early fatigue and injury to joints

Qn: You have done so much for the poor and needy. What has inspired you to do so?

Ans: Mother Theresa , who was my patient

Qn: Can people with low blood pressure suffer heart diseases?

Ans: Extremely rare

Qn: Does cholesterol accumulates right from an early age
(I'm currently only 22) or do you have to worry about it only after you are above 30 years of age?

Ans: Cholesterol accumulates from childhood.

Qn: How do irregular eating habits affect the heart ?

Ans: You tend to eat junk food when the habits are irregular and your body's enzyme release for digestion gets confused.

Qn: How can I control cholesterol content without using medicines?

Ans: Control diet, walk and eat walnut.

Qn: Can yoga prevent heart ailments?

Ans: Yoga helps.

Qn: Which is the best and worst food for the heart?

Ans: Fruits and vegetables are the best and the worst is oil.

Qn: Which oil is better - groundnut, sunflower, olive?

Ans: All oils are bad .

Qn: What is the routine checkup one should go through? Is there any specific test?

Ans: Routine blood test to ensure sugar, cholesterol is ok. Check BP, Treadmill test after an echo.

Qn: What are the first aid steps to be taken on a heart attack?

Ans: Help the person into a sleeping position , place an aspirin tablet under the tongue with a sorbitrate tablet if available, and rush him to a coronary care unit since the maximum casualty takes place within the first hour.

Qn: How do you differentiate between pain caused by a heart attack and that caused due to gastric trouble?

Ans: Extremely difficult without ECG.

Qn: What is the main cause of a steep increase in heart problems amongst youngsters? I see people of about 30-40 yrs of age having heart attacks and serious heart problems.

Ans: Increased awareness has increased incidents.. Also, sedentary lifestyles, smoking, junk food, lack of exercise in a country where people are genetically three times more vulnerable for heart attacks than Europeans and Americans.

Qn: Is it possible for a person to have BP outside the normal range of 120/80 and yet be perfectly healthy?

Ans: Yes.

Qn: Marriages within close relatives can lead to heart problems for the child. Is it true?

Ans : Yes, co-sanguinity leads to congenital abnormalities and you may not have a software engineer as a child

Qn: Many of us have an irregular daily routine and many a times we have to stay late nights in office. Does this affect our heart ? What precautions would you recommend?

Ans : When you are young, nature protects you against all these irregularities. However, as you grow older, respect the biological clock.

Qn: Will taking anti-hypertensive drugs cause some other complications (short / long term)?

Ans : Yes, most drugs have some side effects. However, modern anti- hypertensive drugs are extremely safe.

Qn: Will consuming more coffee/tea lead to heart attacks?

Ans : No.

Qn: Are asthma patients more prone to heart disease?

Ans : No.

Qn: How would you define junk food?

Ans : Fried food like Kentucky , McDonalds , samosas, and even masala dosas..

Qn: You mentioned that Indians are three times more vulnerable. What is the reason for this, as Europeans and Americans also eat a lot of junk food?

Ans: Every race is vulnerable to some disease and unfortunately, Indians are vulnerable for the most expensive disease.

Qn: Does consuming bananas help reduce hypertension?

Ans : No.

Qn: Can a person help himself during a heart attack (Because we see a lot of forwarded emails on this)?

Ans : Yes. Lie down comfortably and put an aspirin tablet of any description under the tongue and ask someone to take you to the nearest coronary care unit without any delay and do not wait for the ambulance since most of the time, the ambulance does not turn up.

Qn: Do, in any way, low white blood cells and low hemoglobin count lead to heart problems?

Ans : No. But it is ideal to have normal hemoglobin level to increase your exercise capacity.

Qn: Sometimes, due to the hectic schedule we are not able to exercise. So, does walking while doing daily chores at home or climbing the stairs in the house, work as a substitute for exercise?

Ans : Certainly. Avoid sitting continuously for more than half an hour and even the act of getting out of the chair and going to another chair and sitting helps a lot.

Qn: Is there a relation between heart problems and blood sugar?

Ans: Yes. A strong relationship since diabetics are more vulnerable to heart attacks than non-diabetics.

Qn: What are the things one needs to take care of after a heart operation?

Ans : Diet, exercise, drugs on time , Control cholesterol, BP, weight.

Qn: Are people working on night shifts more vulnerable to heart disease when compared to day shift workers?
i
Ans : No.

Qn: What are the modern anti- hypertensive drugs?

Ans : There are hundreds of drugs and your doctor will chose the right combination for your problem, but my suggestion is to avoid the drugs and go for natural ways of controlling blood pressure by walk, diet to
reduce weight and changing attitudes towards lifestyles.

Qn: Does dispirin or similar headache pills increase the risk of heart attacks?

Ans : No.

Qn: Why is the rate of heart attacks more in men than in women?

Ans : Nature protects women till the age of 45.

Qn: How can one keep the heart in a good condition?

Ans : Eat a healthy diet, avoid junk food, exercise everyday, do not smoke and, go for health checkup s if you are past the age of 30 ( once in six months recommended) ..

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Ayurveda: Medicinal Use of Flowers at Home

Lotus: There is a strong relationship between the lotus and Goddess Lakshmi (signifying richness and wealth). The lotus represents growth in nature. The honeybee makes honey with its pollens and the flower is used to prepare Gulkand. Gulkand is used as a medicine to cure constipation and other diseases. One can see green colored seeds inside the lotus flower, which are roasted to make makhana. If the raw seeds are peeled and taken as a medicine, it increases strength and vigor. It is cold in nature. It is used as eyeliner along with honey to improve the eyesight. The lotus leaves can be used as a cosmetic as well. Grind the lotus leaves and mix them with the ubatan (a pack made out of gram flour, raw milk, curd and 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder) and apply on the face. Rub it gently on the face, the skin glows and the face looks beautiful.

Kewda (Pandanus) : It has a nice fragrance like Kasturi (musk). This flower removes odors and fills the atmosphere with fragrance. Kewda oil is beneficial for respiratory problems and provides vitality. Its perfume relieves headache and gout pain. Boil the flowers in water and take bath with this water, it is very beneficial in cases of leprosy, itching, small pox and heart diseases. A few drops of this flower added to water gives relief in headache and tiredness. In case of fever one drop of kewda essence helps the sweat to come out and the body temperature comes down. In case of severe pain in the ear, place two drops of its perfume in the ear. It will instantly relieve the pain.

Rose: Rose represents beauty, love and affection. The gulkand made out of rose is purgative in nature and reduces the heat in the intestines and stomach. It makes the heart and mind cheerful. Wash the eyes with rose water to reduce the redness of the eyes and swelling. Its perfume is vitalizing and its oil makes the mind cool. A few drops of rose essence is used in sweet dishes. It provides coolness during the hot summer season.

Champa (fragrant yellow flower): Grind champa flowers and apply it on the skin affected with leprosy. A few drops of this flower destroy the germs present in the blood. Dry the flowers and make a fine powder, use this powder to get relief from itching. Champa cures fever, improves the eyesight and gives strength and energy to men.

Aniseed (Saunf): Aniseed contains a lot of beneficial qualities. Boil the aniseed flowers in water; add cardamom and a few mint leaves in the water. It is better to boil the leaves in a ceramic pot and keep the water aside. When the water gets cold, give one teaspoon to small children and to babies who are getting new teeth and those who are suffering from extreme heat. This reduces the stomachache and the teeth will also grow in the correct manner.

Marigold: Grow marigold flowers near dirty ponds and near the surroundings of the house to protect the house from mosquitoes. It is also beneficial in liver diseases, swelling of the liver, stones and skin diseases.

Jasmine: This flower possesses a very good fragrance and grows especially in the summer season. Decorate the house with Jasmine flowers. You can keep a garland near you or in a vase, which will give freshness and fragrance. Its smell reduces the burning sensation. Women who have the problem of mild menstruation should chew a few petals of this flower. The menses cycle will become regular and the menstruation also becomes normal.

Night Queen: Commonly known as 'Raat ki Rani' possesses an extremely good fragrance, which can be felt from a long distance. The flower produces fragrance from evening to midnight and after that it gradually reduces. Another advantage of this flower is that mosquitoes are kept at bay. Its fragrance makes the person drowsy and puts one to sleep.

Sunflower: Sunflower contains vitamins A and D. It cures diseases which occur due to sunlight. Its oil is especially beneficial for heart patients and it reduces the level of cholesterol in the blood.

Chameli: Oil of this flower is used in skin diseases, pyaria, toothache, wounds, eye diseases, boils, etc. It increases the blood flow and activates the entire body. In case of mouth ulcers chewing the leaves of Chameli provide instant relief. This flower also contributes in providing mental happiness.

Saffron: This flower gives happiness and glowing skin. It gives strength, stops vomiting and destroys wind, bile and phlegm related problems (all the three dosha disorders). Saffron cools down the anxiety and stress present in different systems. Hence it is also known as a natural tranquilizer. It gives vigor, strength, activity and glow if consumed along with betel leaf.

Ashok: It is also known as Madan tree. The flowers, skin and leaves of Ashoka tree are highly beneficial for women and are used as medicine to cure several diseases. Its powder has the potential to cure most of the diseases related to women.

Palash (Forest Flame): It is considered to represent immense beauty because of the yellow flowers which grow on the tree in bunches. The tree looks very attractive from a distance. It is also called Forest Flame due to this quality. Its powder can cure any type of stomach problem. Boil the flowers in water and make a fine paste, keep this paste on the lower part of the belly to cure problems of stones. In case of acute pain due to the presence of stones or painful urination this medicine is highly beneficial.

China Rose (Gudhal): This flower is related to the uterus. Roast this flower in ghee and consume it after your menstruation cycle. This will protect the pregnancy. Chew a few China rose flowers to cure mouth ulcers. If you are suffering baldness or loss of hair, make a fine paste with these flowers and apply it on the scalp. It gives coolness and purifies the blood. It can be taken in the form of squash or Gulkand to cure Sujak (gonorrhoea) disease. China Rose squash is especially beneficial and makes a person happy and cheerful.

Shankhpushpi (Blue creeper): It is also known as 'Vishnukanta' and is found in summer season and appears to be some kind of grass. Grind the flowers, leaves and stem. Mix the paste with water and add honey or sugar candy. This medicine is extremely good for refreshing the mind and overcoming lethargy. Students are advised to take this regularly to cope up with stress, burden and competition.

Acacia: Grind the leaves of Acacia tree and apply on the head to get rid of headache. Apply the paste on skin affected with eczema and ringworm; it is beneficial for skin diseases. It also gives relief in cough and respiratory problems. Gargling with the acacia leaves helps stop tooth decay.

Neem: Grind the flowers of the neem tree and make a fine paste, apply this on boils and wounds to reduce burning sensation and heat. Rub the paste on the body and take bath, this is good to cure ringworm problem. Neem leaves are also useful for reducing weight. Grind the flowers, mix the paste in water and sieve it nicely. Regular consumption of this solution reduces weight and purifies the blood. It protects the body from infectious diseases. Neem has many uses and hence is also known as 'doctor of the home'.

Clove: This destroys the bacteria present in the pancreas and intestines. It increases the white blood cells and thereby the resistance power of the body. It also stops bad breath. It works like a painkiller, in case of pain in any part of the body. Rub the clove on a grinding stone and apply the paste on the painful area. Suck a clove incase of severe pain in the teeth. Smoking clove excretes all the unwanted elements through sweat.

Juhi (a kind of Jasmine): Make Gulkand or powder from the Juhi flowers. This medicine is beneficial for acidity, stomach ulcer and mouth ulcers. Living under the proximity of a Juhi tree protects one from tuberculosis.

Madhawi (Basil, a kind of creeper, which gives fragrant flowers): This flower is beneficial to cure skin diseases. Prepare powder from these flowers and apply the lep (pack) on the affected area. In case of arthritis, chew these flowers in the morning. It also controls respiratory problems.

Harsingar or Parijat: (Coral Tree ): This flower cures arthritis. The face pack made with these flowers gives glowing skin. Its sweet smell makes the mind cheerful.

Swallow-wart (medicinal plant - Aak): This flower removes phlegm and burning sensation. In case of jaundice, keep a few flowers in one or two betel leaves and give it to the patient. This medicine is very beneficial for this disease.

Kadamb: It is also known as Madan tree. If the cattle are suffering from some disease, keep the flowers and leaves in the cattle shed; the disease will not affect the cattle. It grows in rainy season and was the favorite tree of the 'gopikas' of Lord Krishna.

Kachnar (flowers of this tree are used as a vegetable): The bud of this tree blossoms in rainy season. The buds are useful in controlling the urge to pass bowels at small intervals. You can also make a poultice from the skin and flowers along with water and apply it on burn wounds and boils.

Shirish (Acacia tree): It is a wild tree possessing a nice fragrance. Its fragrance coming along with the wind refreshes the mind and makes a person happy. In case of itching sensation, grind the flowers and apply on the paste on the affected area. Prepare a decoction of the flowers and wash the eyes, this is useful for any type of eye problem.

Naagkesar (medicinal tree): It looks like clove. It destroys itching sensations. Make a powder of these leaves and consume it with butter or curd, this is beneficial in bleeding piles. It is also beneficial for conceiving a child.

Bakul (tree with fragrant leaves): The flowers of this tree are mixed with oil and used to make perfumes. Make powder of the flowers and apply it on the skin. This will make your skin becomes smooth. The squash of these flowers cures infertility in women. Use the stem of this tree for brushing teeth; it cures all dental problems.

Amaltaas (purgative medicinal plant): It grows in the summer season and the yellow flowers of this plant grow in bunches. It is very pleasing to the eyes when seen from a distance. Gulkand of these flowers is beneficial to cure constipation. Excess consumption is harmful and can cause dysentery, cramps in the stomach and ill feeling.

Pomegranate: In case of bile related eruptions on the body, prepare the juice from the pomegranate flowers, add sugar candy and drink it. Suck the flowers to cure mouth ulcers. Pour the juice of pomegranate bud to cure conjunctivitis.

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Herb for all seasons–tulsi

What makes it a legend?

In ancient Greece, receiving a sprig of basil meant being warned of a plot against you! Today it is offered as a token of goodwill and friendship. In India it’s said that no disease visits a house that has tulsi growing in its courtyard.

Tulsi means incomparable; and this defines merits of this branched fragrant herb growing in wild and tropics regions.

What medicine says?

• Basil is a restorative warming herb considered to be potent antioxidant. Orientin and vicenin are two flavonoids—phytonutrients in basil that control free radicals.
• Belonging to mint family, strong aroma and astringent taste come naturally to this herb. In traditional healing system of Ayurveda tulsi founding its way through different concoctions—herbal tea, dried powder, fresh leaf or mixed with ghee.

The elixir of life

• Fever and common cold. The leaves of basil are specific for many fevers. During the rainy season, when malaria and dengue fever are widely prevalent, tender leaves, boiled with tea, act as preventive against theses diseases.
• Coughs: Tulsi is an important constituent of many Ayurvedic cough syrups and expectorants. It helps to mobilize mucous in bronchitis and asthma. Chewing tulsi leaves relieves cold and flu.
• Sore Throat: Water boiled with basil leaves can be taken as drink in case of sore throat. This water can also be used as a gargle.
• Respiratory Disorder: The herb is useful in the treatment of respiratory system disorder. A decoction of the leaves, with honey and ginger is an effective remedy for bronchitis, asthma, influenza, cough and cold. A decoction of the leaves, cloves and common salt also gives immediate relief in case of influenza. They should be boiled in half a liter of water till only half the water is left and add then taken.
• Kidney Stone: Basil has strengthening effect on the kidney. In case of renal stone the juice of basil leaves and honey, if taken regularly for 6 months it will expel them via the urinary tract.
• Heart Disorder: Basil has a beneficial effect in cardiac disease and the weakness resulting from them. It reduces the level of blood cholesterol.
• Children’s Ailments: Common paediatric problems like cough cold, fever, diarrohea and vomiting respond favorably to the juice of basil leaves. If pustules of chicken pox delay their appearance, basil leaves taken with saffron will hasten them.
• Stress: Basil leaves are regarded as an ‘adaptogen’ or anti-stress agent. Recent studies have shown that the leaves afford significant protection against stress. Even healthy persons can chew 12 leaves of basil, twice a day, to prevent stress. It purifies blood and helps prevent several common elements.
• Mouth Infections: The leaves are quit effective for the ulcer and infections in the mouth. A few leaves chewed will cure these conditions.
• Insect Bites: The herb is a prophylactic or preventive and curative for insect stings or bites. A teaspoonful of the juice of the leaves is taken and is repeated after a few hours. Fresh juice must also be applied to the affected parts. A paste of fresh roots is also effective in case of bites of insects and leeches.
• Skin Disorders: Applied locally, basil juice is beneficial in the treatment of ringworm and other skin diseases. It has also been tried successfully by some naturopaths in the treatment of leucoderma.
• Teeth Disorder: The herb is useful in teeth disorders. Its leaves, dried in the sun and powdered, can be used for brushing teeth. It can also be mixed with mustard oil to make a paste and used as toothpaste. This is very good for maintaining dental health, counteracting bad breath and for massaging the gums. It is also useful in pyorrhea and other teeth disorders.
• Headaches: Basil makes a good medicine for headache. A decoction of the leaves can be given for this disorder. Pounded leaves mixed with sandalwood paste can also be applied on the forehead for getting relief from heat, headache, and for providing coolness in general.
• Eye Disorders: Basil juice is an effective remedy for sore eyes and night-blindness, which is generally caused by deficiency of vitamin A. Two drops of black basil juice are put into the eyes daily at bedtime.

(These are only general guidelines as first aid)

No wonder this perennial herb is present in every Hindu household, is an important symbol in the Hindu religious tradition and worshipped by many morning and evening. Not only tulsi purges our body but also our souls.

1. Basil is a restorative warming herb considered to be potent antioxidant. Orientin and vicenin are two flavonoids—phytonutrients in basil that control free radicals.
2. Belonging to mint family, strong aroma and astringent taste come naturally to this herb. In traditional healing system of Ayurveda tulsi founding its way through different concoctions—herbal tea, dried powder, fresh leaf or mixed with ghee.

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Lower cholesterol naturally

To begin with cholesterol is not that a devil as it is made of, in human body cholesterol forms naturally in liver. Cholesterol is a fatty substance, which forms an important part of the coating of cells in the body. In the food cholesterol comes from animal origin—meat, eggs, dairy produce and fish. LDL is the main cholesterol carrier in the blood. LDL is referred to as bad cholesterol as an increased level of LDL cholesterol is related to an increased risk of heart disease. By lowering cholesterol we mean ways to reduce LDL and increase HDL.

1. Have oats for breakfast. Oats have soluble fibre called beta glucan and they help in lowering LDL cholesterol.
2. Before you hit the sack have a tall glass of water with two heaped tea spoons of psyllium husk. This will help lower cholesterol.
3. Have a crushed clove of garlic on an empty stomach. Garlic is loaded with antioxidants and it helps lower LDL cholesterol. If you can’t bear the stench of garlic, have a capsule of it instead.
4. All fruits help lower cholesterol, but apples are particularly good at this.
5. Snack on almonds to lower cholesterol.
6. Vitamin B3 or Niacin is good for raising HDL levels. Niacin is found in chicken breasts, raw carrots, sprouted moong, green peas, cooked cauliflower, tomatoes and broccoli. Incidentally, these are also sources of fibre and improve your digestive health.
7. Black pepper if taken regularly is an effective herbal remedy for lowering
   cholesterol.
8. Have one tablespoon of honey regularly for lowering cholesterol.
9. Boil two tablespoons of dry coriander seeds in a glass of water. Filter and drink the liquid twice daily. It is a good diuretic and helps stimulate the kidneys.

* The article is only for information and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment,

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Do you get angry a lot?

If you "fly off the handle" easily you may risk serious illness, so it's important to know how often you place yourself at risk. Everyone gets angry occasionally. But people who "fly off the handle" easily may be at risk for heart disease or other illnesses, so it's important to know how often you place yourself at risk. Men are at greater risk for these illnesses than women. Score 1 if the statement is never true for you, 2 if it's sometimes true, 3 if it's often true, and 4 if it's always true. SCORE STATEMENT It doesn't take much to get me mad. People tell me I should calm down. I blow up at terrible drivers. If I'm upset, I'll hit the dog or cat. People call me hotheaded. I'm furious about the way I get treated at restaurants or stores. Often other people's mistakes slow me down, it can upset me for the whole day. If things are bad enough, I'll throw things. I swear loudly to blow off steam. I feel like hitting someone who makes me very angry. I've been told I have a bad temper. If you embarrass me in front of someone, I'll be furious. I'm a very ambitious person, so sometimes I get impatient and angry with other people. I've been known to break things when I'm frustrated. TOTAL SCORE What Your Score Means If you score 18 or below, you have a high temper threshold, and are able to stay calm in situations which would frustrate many others. This helps you manage your stress levels. If you score 19-27, you get angry about as often as most people. To reduce your score, practice the hints below. If you score 28-35, you might be under too much stress, or getting angry may be a habit. Take this score seriously, and begin to make changes now, before it affects your health. If you score over 35, and you continue with your behaviors and attitudes, you risk serious stress-related disease. Work your way down the list below and take the test again. Repeat until your score is in the normal range. It may help to speak to a counselor about other ways to deal with your anger. Hints That Help You'll be happier and easier to live with if you try these hints every day: Say "I was wrong" to someone. Think about when and where you learned your reactions to anger. Spend 10 minutes sitting in a park or garden. Laugh at a joke, situation or yourself. Read something for pleasure. Avoid doing two things at once (such as eating and reading). Try to relax and gain perspective on your life.

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