Yes! oranges peel powder have healing properties. The scientific name of the orange is Citrus sinens is. Oranges are known for their healing properties and in ancient Greece, they are called “God of fruits”. Orange is a citrus fruit that has high amounts of vitamin C. It has innumerable health benefits. Here we are discussing the ten surprising healing properties of orange that you might be interested to know. Nutrition Facts of Oranges Oranges are World’s popular fruits, Credits: pixabay Oranges are the World’s popular fruits and they are known for their natural sweetness. They are rich in vitamin C and anti-oxidants. Almost 60% of the recommended daily requirement of vitamin C can be obtained from vitamin C. Below is the nutritional profile of oranges. One medium orange weighing 131 g provides 61.6 calories, 0.16 g of fat, 237 milligrams of potassium, 15.4 g of carbohydrate, 12.2 g of sugar, and 1.23 g of protein. Oranges are composed of Oranges contain simple sugars like glucose, fructose, and sucrose. The good news is it has a low glycemic index (31 to 51). Oranges are low in protein and fat. Oranges are rich in fiber like pectin, cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Apart from vitamin C, the other vitamins found in oranges are thiamine (vitamin B1), and folate (vitamin B9). Oranges contain potassium which helps in lowering the blood pressure and reducing the risks of heart diseases. The important anti-oxidants in oranges are carotenoids and phenolics. Oranges do not contain saturated fats or cholesterol. The sour taste of oranges is due to the high amounts of citric acid and citrates. How to have Oranges? Readily available Orange juice, Credits: pixabay Oranges can be consumed as a whole or as orange juice. But fiber content is lost in the juices. Also, when you add too much sugar to the orange juice, it can lead to weight gain and thus it becomes a poor choice. So, in general, whole oranges are a better choice. You can have oranges in the form of fruit salad along with strawberries, pineapple, and grapes. Orange peel powder can be used for skin. Oranges are also available in the form of orange sweet essential oil. Ten Surprising Healing Properties of Oranges The regular consumption of oranges provides innumerable health benefits. The following are the important benefits of oranges. Cold Skin Health Lowers cholesterol Blood pressure Heart Health Kidney Stones Prevention Prevention of anemia Cancer Protection Management of Diabetes Nervous System Cold A woman with a common cold, Credits: pixabay The vitamin C in oranges helps in the proper functioning of the immune system and protects against cold and recurrent ear infections. Skin Health Woman with perfect skin tone, Credits: pixabay The high amounts of vitamin C in oranges help maintain skin health and appearance. Vitamin C helps in collagen production, and collagen supports wound healing and skin strength. Lowers cholesterol Recent research identified that citrus fruit peels contain Polymethoxylated Flavones (PMFs) that can lower the levels of cholesterol effectively than prescription drugs. Blood Pressure A man checking blood pressure, Credits: pixabay Oranges contain high potassium and no sodium which helps maintain the blood pressure. It has been found that a cup of orange juice can boost daily potassium intake by 14%. Potassium intake helps relax and open the blood vessels, which helps lowers blood pressure. Heart Health Heart health, Credits: pixabay Hesperidin is a flavonoid found in oranges that provide protective effects against heart diseases. Also, the fiber and potassium in oranges help maintain heart health. The daily intake of orange juice for four weeks has been shown to have blood-thinning effects and could lower the blood pressure significantly. Kidney Stones Prevention The citric acid and the citrates in the oranges help prevent the formation of kidney stones. Patients with kidney disease are usually prescribed potassium citrate and citrates in the orange can do the same wonder. Prevention of Anemia Red Blood Cells, Credits: pixabay Though oranges are not a good source of iron, vitamin C and citric acid in them help the absorption of iron from the digestive tract. When taken with iron-rich foods, oranges help prevent anemia. Cancer Protection As oranges are rich in antioxidants, they help fight against free radicals, thereby protecting against cancer. But the desired therapeutic effect can be attained only by consuming 300 oranges’ worth of vitamin C, which is quite unimaginable. Pectin found in oranges acts as a natural laxative, helping in the prevention of the lining of the colon against toxins. This flavonoid-rich fruit protects against oral cancer and lung cancer. Also, citrus peels may help prevent the reproduction, growth, and spread of cancer cells, as well as support apoptosis. Management of Diabetes Checking blood sugar levels, Credits: pixabay Though oranges cannot control the levels of blood sugar, it helps the ways our body responds to insulin. As oranges are rich in fiber, it helps to keep your tummy full, limiting the requirement of further snacking, thereby helping in weight management. Nervous System Neurons, Credits: pixabay The Orange Peel Powder acts as a stimulant to the nervous system and also aids in DNA repair and serotonin production. Serotonin helps promote sleep and happiness. The folate in the oranges helps act against depression and memory problems. The hesperidin in orange rind protects against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. When to Avoid oranges? People with acidity may not feel comfortable eating citrus fruits. They may experience an increase in their symptoms like heartburn, which is due to the high acid content in the citrus fruits. Take-Home Message This citrus fruit has infinite benefits to your skin, heart, and nerves.

Quite often people who are determined to lose bodyweight efficiently and quickly, tend to go the extra mile and consume strict or restricted diets, suppress their cravings, hit the gym for hours, etc. Although some of these extreme measures may be effective, there are also less extreme measures and daily habits that can help you lose weight naturally. 15 Daily Habits That Help You Lose Weight Exercise for 35-40 Minutes Daily In general, when it comes to losing weight, cardio is always the best option. However, one common mistake people make is hitting the gym or working out for more than one hour daily. There are a couple of problems that could go wrong with this decision. It is worth pointing out that when a person is typically trying to lose weight, they may be new to the concept of exercising and will initially start out full fledge by overdoing it and eventually their body will give in due to sudden overworking of the body and the person may give up on the first week or month. What to do: Set up a 35-40 minute effective cardio or workout routine with 30-60 seconds breaks between each variation. On decreasing the amount of time spent on each session, it will make a session less intense which will motivate the person to exercise more regularly and thus, proves to be more effective I’m the long run. Image Credit: Pikist Drink Plenty of Water When it comes to weight loss, water has a couple of benefits: It is calorie-free. Consuming water helps you burn more calories. It helps suppress your appetite. Fun fact: More than often, when people feel hungry or do not know what they are craving, there are high chances that your body is just trying to signal you to drink more water. In short, a person who thinks they are hungry may just be thirsty. Thus, staying well hydrated will prevent you from bored eating or unnecessary junking. What to do: Drink 2-3 liters of water per day and consume foods that have high water content. Portion Control and Moderation: How to Change Eating Habits to Lose Weight The ideal eating habit is to have 3 main meals a day and a snack in between. The reason behind portion control and moderation is to either stop the person from over starving themselves or overeating. Ironically, one could also lead to the other as if a person is suppressing their cravings or food intake in an extreme manner, they will eventually give in to their craving and start overeating. Most importantly, eating in moderation and snacking between two meals can boost your metabolism. This is because if you eat two main large meals with many hours in between, the metabolism activity slows down, and thus, the rate of metabolism also decreases. Image credit: Pikist Some Healthy Products to Snack on Speaking of snacking in between meals, there are also times you get hungry or crave a snack but feel too guilty consuming more calories. Here are some delicious, low calories snacks that will fill you up and suppress your hunger: Sliced carrot and cucumber with a hummus dip. Boiled cauliflower with lemon juice and pepper dressing. Apple slices with peanut butter. Steamed edamame Baked chickpeas Unsalted popcorn Oven-baked asparagus in olive oil and seasoning. Never Skip Breakfast Think of your body’s metabolism as if it were a switchboard and in this case breakfast way switches on and jumpstarts the activity of your metabolism for the day. Thus, consuming breakfast can actually help your body burn down calories much faster and more efficiently. Lastly, consuming a high protein breakfast that is low in carbohydrates is most desirable as carbs tend to tire out the body which could lead to low energy and sleepiness which most people will mistake for hunger and thus, increases the chances of overeating. Build Up Your Food Knowledge If one is a no brainer, but a very important factor for weight loss and is the reason why most people turn to nutritionists for help. This is because it is important for one to know the nutritional value for some of the most basic and staple food products that they consume daily. It is done in order to rightfully judge if your body is receiving the right and moderate amount of nutrition, while at the same time avoiding overconsumption of excess carbohydrates, sugars, and unhealthy fats that could lead to weight gain. Image credit: Pxhere Avoid Junk Food and Beverages This is because they are high in unsaturated or unhealthy fats, calories, added sugars, and added salt- all of which lead to weight gain and could ultimately lead to obesity. Such junk food products that must be avoided include: Salted chips Pizza French fries Cold drinks or sodas Ice cream Cookies Burgers Instant noodle Stay Active Besides your dedicated workout or exercise sessions, there are a couple of ways you can stay fit and burn some more calories throughout the day. One can you so by indulging in activities like: Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walking or cycling to a particular destination close by, instead of using a transportation service. Walking your dog or offering to walk someone else’s dog. Indulging yourself in challenges like squatting 10 times before sitting or after standing up. In short- where there’s a will, there’s a way. It is very possible and doable to incorporate such activities into your daily lifestyle and make a routine or habit out of it. In doing so, consistently, one will continue to notice very significant changes in their health and body weight. Image credit: Pickpik Don’t Avoid Your Vegetables/Greens They include: Spinach Kale Broccoli Bok choy Brussel sprouts Green peas Such foods are extremely filling as it is loaded with fibers and nutrients, while at the same time being low in calories and carbohydrates. Thus, it is a perfect combination for weight loss and will help avoid overeating. No Such Thing as “Cheat Day” Most people refer to a cheat day as the day where they take a time out or time off from their usual exercise habits and eating habits, once a week, typically on weekends. In the majority cases, this does not end well as the person tends to overeat up to the point where they are undoing all the progress that they worked on through the week. As a result, all the positive progress is reversed and the person will attempt to rebuild it from the same level the next week until the other cheat day arrives and the cycle continues. Thus, it is more advisable to eat in moderation daily and avoid any such cheat days. Image credit: Pxfuel Make friends with Active People When you go to your local gym or local park, make some friends who you can exercise or workout with. Ever heard the phrase ” Show me who your friends are, and I will tell you who you are”? In this context, it means that surrounding yourself with a company of active people will help inspire you to do the same and keep pushing.  By doing so, you will have an exercise or running companion(s) who will motivate you to exercise, especially during days when you feel low and unmotivated. Say No to Procrastination The main problem with procrastination is that it is very easy to slip into such habits or situations but very difficult to escape from. For example, skipping one day of your morning run could break your routine and demotivate you to go running in the following days. Another common example is when one starts snacking on ready-made, processed, or packet junk food due to the laziness in prepping a healthy meal. Such habits and situations can greatly affect your weight management and therefore, one must try to avoid procrastinating to the fullest. Image credit: Pikist Replace One Meal with a Salad As much as possible, try to replace 1 out of 3 daily meals with a salad. The sole purpose of this measure is to reduce the amount of calorie intake while still ensuring that the body is receiving adequate amounts of nutrition. Thus, it is advisable to use more green and fewer fruits in your salads, using vinegar-based dressing instead of creamy ones, and a source of protein like lean chicken can be included. Once again in order to construct a healthy meal that is low in calories requires some food knowledge that one must-have. Image credit: Pxhere Drink Daily Metabolism Boosting Drinks Such drinks go perfectly well with your breakfast or after. They include: Green tea Coffee Ginger tea Celery juice A shot of apple cider vinegar Green detox juice Strawberry smoothie Invest in a Pedometer Investing in a Fitbit or a Pedometer is a very good idea as it will help set a certain goal, that being that number of steps, and then motivate you to see it through and try full fill the required amount of steps. Walking or running is one of the best ways to burn calories and reduce your body weight. Most importantly, a person can do so at their own pace and time. At the end of the day, one will get satisfied by the number of calories that they burnt, which will only motivate them to do it again the next day.

When it comes to headaches or migraines, they can usually be triggered by a number of various triggers like environmental factors, neurological disorders, etc. Stress and Anxiety are one of the biggest triggers of headaches and is experienced by a large number of people in the population.  Here are some natural remedies that will help manage stress-induced headaches by either reducing the stress or directly treating the headache pain. 5 Natural Remedies for Stress Management Hydration As we know, water is a very important product that our body requires for proper brain function, metabolism, homeostasis, etc. Thus, when your body does not consume an adequate amount of water or when one is dehydrated, your heart rate will go up due to the decrease in the fluid. Moreover, the stress hormones, like cortisol, tend to stay low when the body is well hydrated. In short, depriving our body of fluids, you are putting your body in stress and the symptomatic headache is the body’s way of responding to it. What to do: Consume food products with high water content and drink up to 2-3 liters of water per day. Avoid excessively consuming diuretics like caffeine, alcohol, etc Image credit: Pixabay Essential oil and Aromatherapy Essential oils are pure and natural oils that are extracted from plants or other sources like flowers, natural herbs, roots, leaves, etc. They are best known for the beneficial properties in their odor and the treatment is commonly known as Aromatherapy. Such products are used to treat problems related to stress, anxiety, headaches, migraines, etc. This is because the aroma or odor activates the olfactory receptors in your nose which will in turn stimulate other areas of the nervous and bring about chemical changes. As a result, your body will secrete hormones and bring about other changes that will help you relax and therefore, reducing the headache due to stress. Some essential oils include: Lavender essential oil Cinnamon leaf essential oil Lime essential oil Cedarwood essential oil Grapefruit essential oil Eucalyptus essential oil Sandalwood essential oil Lemongrass essential oil Image credits;Pixabay Acupuncture It is a procedure where long and thin needles are inserted inside the body for 15-30 minutes. This is done in order to activate the different pressure points in the body, in this case, the stress and headache relief pressure points. Some of these pressure points include: Feng Chi, located near the ear bone Tai Chong, located near the toe of the foot. He Gu, located on the muscles near the thumb and index finger. Jian Jing, located on the shoulder muscles. Note: Such procedures are as sensitive as they are effective and should be performed by a trained professional only. Image credits PxHere Green Ginger Tea: Natural Remedy for Reducing Stress Ginger green tea has the following benefits: Green Tea It contains polyphenols that help reduce psychological stress and an amino acid known as L-theanine that has a soothing and calming effect. Thus, the combination of the two compounds acts as a headache and stress-buster. Ginger The strong flavor in ginger is not only beneficial for cooking but is also beneficial to your health too. This is because ginger has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects on the body and is very helpful in treating headaches, migraines, and nausea. What to do: Grate one inch of ginger into a vessel containing one mug of water and boil for 15 minutes. Once this is done, add your green tea bag or green tea leaves for 5 minutes. Tai chi, Image credit: Pixabay Stress Management Exercises: How to Cure a Headache? Exercising can help your body receive more oxygen and regulate your blood flow and pressure. Some of the best stress management exercises include: Yoga Walking Tenis Pilates Tai Chi Cycling Gardening Conclusion Undeniably, stress has become a part of our everyday lives. Be it family, financial problems, relationships, etc. Unfortunately, the problems do not stop there, with stress comes other problems like hair fall, the decline in mental health and as discussed above, stressed-induced headaches. Luckily, there are ways to manage such problems which methods and natural remedies like the ones mentioned above.

When we think or talk about the possible causes of knee pain, the most common causes that come to mind are brittle bones or disintegrated cartilage due to conditions like arthritis, knee injury, calf sprains, gout, etc However, quite often knee pain could be caused by some injury or problems related to your quads. In order to understand this, we must first understand the anatomy of the quads as it has clinical relevance to the problems of knee pain. What are Quads on the Body? Quadriceps femoris or most commonly known as quads is a group of muscles that are located or placed in the front part of your thighs. The four main quadricep muscles include: Vastus Lateralis Vastus Medialis Vastus Intermedius Rectus Femoris Image credit: Wikipedia The vastus muscles originate from the femur or thigh bone and are partially covered by the rectus femoris, which is all attached to the kneecap or patella. The only difference is that, on the other end, the rectus further extends on to the hipbone. The quadriceps tendon attaches the quads to the patella. The lateral femoral circumflex artery supplies the necessary oxygenated blood to the quad muscles. FUNCTIONS Quads play a major role in walking and other movements like running, jumping, bending, and squatting. This is because the primary function of the quads is to stabilize, bend, and straighten your knees. How Your Quads Cause Knee Pain The downside to the structure of the quads is that it is very prone to injuries, sprain, tears, and ruptures. As a result, such problems can directly affect your knees and cause knee pain. This is because the quads muscles are attached to the kneecap or patella. Thus, any sprain or tightness will cause misalignment of the patella which will directly affect the stability and movement of the knee joint and cause knee pain, pain behind the knee when straightening the leg. Image credit: Pickpik Such problems can be caused by various activities or lifestyle habits. They include: Over exercise or excessive activity Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance Continuously sitting in one place or on your office desk Another common condition that causes knee pain is when the quadriceps tendons become inflamed. This condition is known as quadriceps tendonitis and causes pain in the knees and just above the knee cap. Self Diagnosis Lie flat on your stomach Gently try to bring your ankles to your bottoms as close as you can If you feel any significant pain or discomfort, you probably have tight or sprained quads Image credit: Pikist Treatment Treatment for injured quads includes a surgical or non-surgical approach. Cold compression Elevation Physical therapy Sound wave therapy Exercises Bracing Anti-inflammatory medications Surgical repair Conclusion In conclusion, there is a relationship between quads and knee pain among other causes or conditions. The sole reason behind this is because the quad muscles are attached to the knee cap. Thus, any problem in either structure will affect the functioning of the other.

Knee pain is one of the most common ailments that affect people of all ages. There are various types and causes of knee pain. This article discusses the possible causes and symptoms of a common pain experienced behind the knee, especially when straightening the leg. Symptoms of Pain on Inside of the Knee The symptoms mentioned below are common symptoms that are accompanied by pain in the back of the knees. They include: Swelling behind the knees Lump behind the knees Cracking joint or knees Locked knees Fluid buildup inside the knees Decreased range of motion Stiffness Image credit: Pixabay Common Causes for Pain Behind Knees Here are 6 common causes of back of knee pain: Arthritis A condition where the bone, or in this specific case the knee joint and cartilage, starts to gradually degenerate, get worn out, and become brittle. The two most common types of arthritis are: Osteoarthritis: The gradual breakdown of bones and cartilages that is usually triggered by old age. Rheumatoid arthritis: It is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system fails to recognize its own body cells and starts to attack the joint cells Other types of arthritis that causes pain at the back of the knee are Lupus and psoriatic arthritis. Blood Clot Quite often pain, discomfort, or swelling behind the knees could also be caused by blood clots. One of the most common conditions is known as DVT or Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), where a blood clot is formed in a deep vein inside the leg and blocks the blood flow, thus blocking the oxygen and nutrients. The pain experienced is most significant when one is straightening the leg or standing up. Detection and dissolution of the clot by blood thinners is highly crucial as if the clot breaks free and travels to the lungs, it could be fatal. Besides back of the knee pain, other symptoms include: Swelling Raised temperature around the area Red or purple skin Blood clot, Image credits: Wikimedia commons Baker’s Cysts This condition is one of the most common causes of pain behind the knees. Our body has fluid sac-like structure throughout the body that helps lubricate and protect our body parts as we move by providing cushion and are filled with synovial fluid. Such sacs are known as bursa and the popliteal bursa is present behind the knees. Baker’s cysts is a condition where the popliteal bursa becomes inflamed due to extra fluid build-up which forms cysts. Other symptoms include: Pain inside the knee Trouble flexible inside the knee Stiffness and swelling Sharp pain when the cysts burst Pain gets worse if physical activity is continued. Hamstring Injury or Cramp Essentially, your hamstrings are muscular structures that allow your knees to bend. They consist of three muscles that run through the back of your thigh. The hamstring consists of a trio of muscles that run down the back of your thigh: Semitendinosus muscle Semimembranosus muscle Biceps femoris muscle Thus, injury to either or all of these muscles is known as a hamstring injury. Image credits: Wikimedia commons Besides, back of the knee pain, other symptoms include: Bruising or out purple skin Swelling Sudden, tense, and sharp pain Tenderness Popping or tearing sensation This commonly occurs when the hamstring muscles are stretched too far or wrongly and thus, is a very common injury for athletes. One way to significantly reduce the chances of a hamstring pull or tear is to stretch before performing any outdoor activity Meniscus Tear The joints in your knees are protected from friction, cushioned, and stabilized by a cartilage structure known as a meniscus which is present on the two ends of the bones that make up a knee joint. Sometimes, this cartilage structure can disintegrate, weaken, or degenerate due to factors like rapid motion or old age. This condition is known as a “Meniscus tear” and the most significant symptoms of the “popping” or “cracking sounds” from the knees. Other symptoms include: Swelling Locked knees Restricted movement Weakness The cartilage usually heals on its own with rest, but in some cases, surgery may be required to repair the damaged cartilage. Treatment, Image Credits: Needpix Back of Knee Pain Treatment There are various forms of treatment for this condition, depending on the cause and extent of the pain. They include: Surgery Using a knee brace OTC medications to reduce inflammation Physical or physiotherapy Making lifestyle changes like reducing intensive activity, talking rest, routine compression, etc Cortisone injections Exercise and weight loss Conclusion There are different types of causes of pain behind the knees and most have similar accompanying symptoms. However, pain due to some causes may go away on it’s own while others may not. Therefore, it is very important to consult your healthcare specialist.

Labour and childbirth are two such experiences in a woman’s life that she can never forget. Every woman desires a safe and healthy pregnancy with minimal complications. Often, the process of childbirth seems both exhilarating as well as daunting. Specially for those expecting for the first time, the process is usually fraught with mysteries and a never ending list of do’s and don’ts. In such a scenario, it’s natural for an expectant mother to feel anxious and stressed. Fortunately, there are many pregnancy classes or childbirth classes that aim to relieve soon-to-be moms with such worries. You can gain a wealth of knowledge from these classes regarding various aspects of pregnancy, emotional and physical fitness, pain relief, as well as post pregnancy baby care. 6 Things Childbirth Education Classes Can Teach Expecting Women Many expecting couples attend prenatal classes to gain a better understanding of the process of childbirth. It also serves as a great outlet for them to vent their fears and boost their confidence. Here is how birthing classes can prepare you for labor and birth. Dealing with the pain Various positions during labor Relaxation techniques Navigating through various labor stages How to care for your baby Information regarding medical interventions 1. Dealing with the Pain Caption: Woman feeling pain, Credit: Pixabay The fear of pain looms large in the mind of pregnant women. Prenatal classes prepare  women for the process of childbirth. They gain emotional support from others and learn from each other’s experiences. A strength in their ability to give birth is also emphasized by the educators. Besides, women get information about medications that can be used to decrease the intensity of pain and natural ways by which labor pain can be kept at bay. 2. Various Positions During Labour Women get a lot of valuable information about the correct positioning during labour that can speed up the process of their delivery. The difference between various labor positions is explained and you are advised on when a particular position can be used. Benefits of different positions like walking, rocking, squatting, kneeling, etc. is  also explained for you to better understand their importance. 3. Relaxation Techniques Relaxation is something that an expecting woman needs the most. It not only helps in the smooth delivery of the baby, but also calms her mind. Birthing classes suggest different techniques of relaxation that can prove very helpful in distracting a woman from the pain that is commonly experienced. Various techniques for mindfulness and muscle relaxation are also explained which can reduce your discomfort during contractions and enable you to enjoy the birth experience. 4. Navigating through Various Labor Stages Caption: woman during labour, Credit: Pixabay Navigating efficiently through the stages of labor is a must for a healthy delivery experience. Childbirth education classes help you identify the first signs of labor starting from contractions and give you complete knowledge on how to deal with each stage. You become better equipped with the right techniques that would help you deliver a healthy baby. 5. How to Care for Your Baby Caring for a newborn baby is not easy. A new mother often finds it difficult to cope with the various needs of her baby as the development of a baby is rapid in the initial months. Prenatal classes give you complete information about the right care of your baby week as well as month-wise. 6. Information Regarding Medical Interventions Caption: Doctor with patient, Credit: Pixabay Complete knowledge about medical procedures like C-section, induction, etc. is given for you to make an informed choice. You will find out the reasons behind these medical interventions and if they leave any side-effects for you to cope with. Hence, a childbirth class can prove very valuable to expecting moms, especially those struggling to cope up with all the misinformation and myths that surround the process of childbirth. It’s time to let go of all your worries and confidently embrace this experience.

Education is the solution to all the small and big problems that confront people. The same can be said about pregnancy and childbirth for women. Pregnancy is one of its kind experience and women are often subjected to a lot of disquieting myths and misconceptions about it.  Additionally, the fear of pain haunts most expecting women, and without the right knowledge at their disposal, coping with this process can become quite terrifying. It is where birthing classes, also known as childbirth education classes or prenatal classes prove themselves as a valuable resource for many women. The pregnancy classes are characterized by a great deal of interaction between educators and expecting women which provides them with the right information about childbirth, physical fitness, emotional support thus helping them overcome any unsettling doubts and fears. List of the Best Childbirth Education Classes in Major Cities in India 1. DelhiS.No.NameAddressPhone NumberWebsite1.Fortis La FemmeGreater Kailash, S-549, GK-II, New Delhi011-40579400http://mammamia.fortishealthcare.com 2.Apollo CradlePlot No- 15 A, Nazafgarh Rd, Moti Nagar, New Delhi011-44244424http://www.apollocradle.com 3.The Nutan Pandit Lamaze Programme for ChildbirthGround Floor Defense Colony, C-407, New Delhi011-24601689www.ncbchildbirth.com 4.Paras Bliss hospitalEast of Kailash, F-44, New Delhi      –www.parasbliss.com 5.PregafitChirag Enclave, C-20, GK I, New Delhi9953494048http://pregafit.com/ 2. MumbaiS.No.Name Address Phone NumberWebsite 1.Holy Family HospitalSt. Andrew’s Rd., Bandra, Mumbai9819869670www.holyfamilyhospital.in 2.Fortis Mamma MiaSector 10, Mini Sea Shore Road, Vashi, Mumbai022-39199342www.mammamia.fortishealthcare.com 3.Baby’s Castle2nd Floor, 201, SV Road, Santacruz (W), Mumbai022-26613535www.babyscastle.com 4.Hypnobirthing Pregnancy and Childbirth ClassesAndheri, Mumbai9867613259www.birthindia.org 5.Fit for BirthVasant Oscar, Lbs Marg, 104, Mulund West, Mumbai9920357437www.fitforbirth.net 3. PuneS.No.NameAddressPhone NumberWebsite 1.Gupte HospitalBhandarkar Road, 904, Pune9371307591www.guptehospital.com 2.Healthy Mother Lamaze Prenatal CentreKothrud, Pune9975083436www.healthy-mother.com 3.Tanushree Divine GarbhasanskarNarayan Peth, 1st Floor, 503, Ramanbaug Chowk, Pune9822407677www.tanushreegarbhasanskar.com 4.Noble HospitalMagarpatta City Road, No. 153, Hadapsar, Pune9423238679       –5.Care During Pregnancy105, Poonam Plaza, Dr. Advani’s Clinic, Market Yard Road, Pune9822088710 www.dradvanisclinic.com 4. BangaloreS.No.NameAddressPhone NumberWebsite 1.Expecting Moms595, 16th Cross, ITPL RD, Thubarahalli, Brookefield, Bangalore9448908896http://www.expectingmomsblr.com/ 2.The Parenting PlaceInside PARI’s Haute Couture Premises,½ , Cambridge Road Cross, Ulsoor, Bangalore9611739400http://www.theparentingplace.in/ 3.Columbia Asia HospitalBashettihalli, Doddaballapur, Bangalore8119300300http://www.india.columbiaasia.com/hospitals/doddaballapur 4.The NestThe Nest, 154/9, Bannerghatta Rd, IIMB, Bangalore9663367253http://www.thenest.in/ 5.Biba Bhushri4A, Malabar Mansion, 376, 13 Main, Koramangala, Bangalore9343779493 biba.bhusri@gmail.com 5. ChennaiS.No.NameAddressPhone NumberWebsite1.Dwi Maternity StudioT.T.K. Road, Srilabdhi Colony, No. 9B/22, Alwarpet, Chennai44-42151976http://www.dwimaternitystudio.com/ 2.Happy MotherhoodModel School Road, Yoga Studio, 136.1, Shollinganallur, Chennai7598430267http://www.happymotherhood.co.in/ 3.Wish Tree11th Street, A-block,A-66, Anna Nagar East, Chennai09841586755    –4.UtsavNo. 55, 28th Street, Thillai Ganganagar, Chennai9962503415http://utsavcelebratewomanhood.blogspot.in 5.Happy Mom3/2, Tharamani Rd, Tansi Nagar, Chennai944432677www.happymom.in

Parturition is a word that doesn’t quite exist in everyone’s vocabulary. Yet no one is unfamiliar with the term childbirth. Many of you may have learned about childbirth from here and there, but a good knowledge of what actually happens in the labor room is challenging to comprehend for most. It is particularly relevant for expecting mothers who are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their little one. Likewise, many of those who search for maternity meaning often confuse pregnancy with childbirth. It is because the meaning of these words does not differ much from each other. Maternity entails the whole period when a woman is pregnant, along with sometime after childbirth. Here is what you need to know about parturition and how the process unfolds. The Three Stages of Parturition or Childbirth Parturition or birth is the process of bringing the baby from the womb into the world. There are three stages of childbirth of varying periods experienced by different women. These are : Dilation Expulsion Placental 1.  Dilation Caption: Woman experiencing labor pain, Credit: Pixabay Dilation refers to that phase when the process of labor begins. This stage lasts till the cervix gets fully dilated. It is further divided into latent phase and active phase. The latent phase takes around 5-8 hours in different women. In the active phase the cervix dilates at around 1-2 cm per hour. 2.  Expulsion Caption: A woman with her child, Credits: Pixabay After the full dilation of the cervix is achieved, the next stage, i.e, expulsion begins. It is divided into passive phase and active phase. During the passive phase the baby’s head begins to move down through and out of the vagina. The active phase, lasting about 45 minutes is characterised by the woman requiring to contract the abdomen muscles and push the baby out. This stage ends with the newborn baby. 3.  Placental Caption: A fetus, Credits: Pixabay The placental stage begins after birth. Here the doctor gently pulls out the placenta (the organ that connects the fetus to the wall of the uterus) that takes around 5 minutes. But sometimes it can take around 30 minutes. What Are the Complications That Arise During the Stages of Childbirth Caption: A pregnancy in operation, Credits: Pixabay Contrary to what you may expect, the process of childbirth can sometimes be       characterized by various complications. A woman attending birthing classes or prenatal classes are made aware about the potential complications that may develop during the parturition process. Following are the most common complications that are experienced by women: Passive heart rate of the baby Incorrect positioning of the baby The problem of nuchal cord 1.  Passive Heart Rate of the Baby Sometimes during the childbirth process, the heart rate of the baby slows down to a considerable extent. A doctor makes use of a vacuum extractor or forceps to quicken the delivery process. 2.  Incorrect Positioning of the Baby It is also known as a breech pregnancy. A healthy delivery is one in which the baby is pushed out of the vagina with its head down. During breech pregnancy, the baby is positioned feet down or sideways. It can be corrected with either a manual intervention by the doctor or by performing a C-section. 3.  The Problem of Nuchal Cord Sometimes, the umbilical cord can wrap itself around the baby’s neck. If the mother is not able to push the baby out then it can become problematic for the baby. A doctor uses a vacuum extractor, or if that fails, decides to perform a C-section. The pregnancy journey and the process of childbirth isn’t the same for every woman. It is marked by varying levels of physical health, psychological, and other changes. In Spite of the differences every expecting mom goes through the above three stages to bring out her child that makes up what is called as the parturition.

Arthritis is very common in India. The common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis and the characteristic feature of the disease is inflammation of the joints. Do you know that certain foods can trigger inflammation and can make the pain bad? Here are 10 foods that cause inflammation and it is ideal to avoid them. What Foods Cause Inflammation of Joints? Here are 10 foods to avoid if you have inflammation of joints. Fried and Processed Foods Dairy Products Alcohol and Tobacco Salt and Preservatives Corn Oil Glycation Products Sugar Mono Sodium glutamate Night Shades Wheat Products Fried and Processed Foods Fried products cause inflammation, Credits: pixabay Fried and processed foods are never good for your health. Most of the fried and processed foods contain trans-fat that increases bad cholesterol and also cause inflammation. When you cut down the number of processed foods, there are chances that your inflammation will subside and your body’s natural defenses will also be restored. Instead of fried meats and prepared frozen meals, you can try incorporating lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Dairy Products Dairy products can irritate the joints, Credits: pixabay It is believed that some proteins in the dairy products can induce arthritis pain and irritate the tissue around the joints. If you feel that dairy products are inducing your joint pain, you can stop them temporarily and switch to a vegan diet, which does not contain any forms of animal products. You can get the required protein from vegetables like spinach, nut butter, tofu, beans, lentils, and quinoa. Though milk is supposed to have an anti-inflammatory effect, the use of dairy products during joint pain is a little conflicting. Alcohol and Tobacco Alcohol causes gout, Credits: pixabay Alcohol and tobacco pose lots of ill effects on your body. Smoking increases the citrullination of the joints and puts you at risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Alcohol consumption can cause gout. Salt and Preservatives Saltinduces inflammation, Credits: pixabay Alt tags: Salt To increase the shelf life of the products, too much salt and preservatives are added. It is important to check the label before you buy a product. Excess amounts of salts can cause inflammation of the joints. So it is good if you keep your salt intake to a minimum amount. Always prefer prepared cooked meals that are rich in sodium and are healthy for your joints too. Corn Oil Cookies contain omega-6-fatty acids, Credits: pixabay Many baked and snacks like cookies, crackers, and cake mix contain corn oil that is rich in omega-6-fatty acids. These omega-6-fatty acids can trigger inflammation and cause obesity. Instead, prefer foods made from olive oil that contains omega-3-fatty acids that help relieve from joint pain. Glycation Products Grilled meat can induce inflammation, Credits: pixabay You may love roasted, grilled meat cooked at high temperatures. But they are bad. An advanced glycation end product (AGE) is a toxin that appears when foods are heated, grilled, fried, or pasteurized. They can increase your inflammation. The highest of levels dietary AGEs are found in beef, pork, and fish. Some alternatives to these glycation products are steaming fish and seafood, simmering chicken in a sauce. Sugar High sugar release inflammatory mediators, Credits: pixabay A diet rich in sugar can increase inflammation. So always limit the number of deserts, pastries, and sweet drinks, such as sodas and fresh juices. Sugar can trigger the release of inflammatory mediators called cytokines. Mono Sodium glutamate MSG is a flavor enhancer commonly found in soy sauce. This is thought to trigger inflammation. Night Shades Tomatoes can cause gout, Credits: pixabay Nightshades are a group of vegetables (tomatoes, bell peppers, chili peppers, eggplant, and potatoes) that contain the compound solanine. Though not scientifically well established, people believe that removing these nightshade vegetables from the diet can help improve symptoms of arthritis. Tomatoes raise the levels of uric acid and can cause gout. Wheat Products Pasta can affect your joints, Credits: pixabay Wheat products like pasta, bread, crackers and, bagels can affect your joints. Wheat contains gluten that can aggravate joint pain. Quinoa and brown rice can be alternatives. What Are Anti-Inflammatory Foods? The following foods can help manage your inflammation and joint pain. Onions, garlic, and leeks Sweet potatoes, squash, and carrots Green leafy vegetables Citrus fruits, strawberries, and kiwi fruit Nuts and seeds Olive oil Take-Home-Message There is no single diet that works for everyone. If you feel that certain foods trigger your joint pain, it is better to avoid them. Make sure you do exercises and have a balanced diet to fight against your joint pain.

There are more than 100 types of arthritis and the hallmark feature of all forms of arthritis is inflammation. Though inflammation is considered as a basic defense, chronic inflammation is always dangerous. Complementary and alternative therapies hold a great promise in controlling the inflammation. Here we are discussing five natural remedies for inflammation. What is Inflammation? A man experiencing inflammation in hands, Credits: pixabay Inflammation is considered as a defense mechanism against illness, injury, and infection. During an inflammatory response, our body increases the production of white blood cells and cytokines that helps fight infection. The signs of acute inflammation include redness, pain, heat, and swelling. The chronic and long term inflammation drives illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, cancer, atherosclerosis, and arthritis. Five Natural Remedies for Inflammation Though there are medications available to treat inflammation, short term inflammation can be treated with some natural remedies. We are discussing the following five natural remedies to help ease inflammation. Heat and cold Diet Exercises and meditation Sleep Acupuncture 1. Heat and Cold Heat and cold help relieve the symptoms of arthritis pain. How to Use? Cold curbs joint pain and inflammation. You can place an ice pack to the affected joint for 15 minutes to reduce the swelling. The heat helps relax the muscles and increase the blood flow. A moist heat pad can be used. The heat helps soothe the pain and helps relax the stiff muscles. 2. Diet Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, Credits: pixabay Scientists speculated that certain foods promote inflammation. Consuming high amounts of sugary drinks, carbohydrate-rich foods, and fried foods can increase inflammation.  To reduce inflammation, the following can be incorporated into your diet. 1. A tonic of baking soda and water helps reduce inflammation. But overdose of this can lead to harmful effects like bone loss and liver damage. This tonic should be consumed only for one month. 2. Ginger contains gingerol that has potent anti-inflammatory properties. It helps prevent the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. You can easily make ginger juice at home and consume. 3. Turmeric contains a bioactive component called curcumin that has proven anti-inflammatory properties. It has been shown to reduce inflammation and discomfort in patients with arthritis. Turmeric is available in the forms of tablets, capsules, extracts, and pastes. 4. Green tea is thought to disrupt the process that causes inflammation. 5. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like nuts and seeds, fish, salmon, and sardine tend to induce an anti-inflammatory response. 6. Instead of white rice, you can incorporate millets and brown rice in your diet. So make sure you have anti-oxidant rich foods, fruits, spice, and herbs to combat mild to moderate inflammation. 3. Exercises and Meditation A woman doing exercise, Credits: pixabay Though the joint pain and stiffness, makes it hard for you to do any sorts of exercises, a sedentary lifestyle makes the condition even worse. Regular exercises can decrease the levels of inflammatory markers and helps manage chronic pain. Some of the following exercises can help reduce inflammation. 1. Walking and swimming 2. A range of motion exercises can be practiced to help ease joint pain. 3. Balancing exercises helps prevent falls and stumbles. 4. Meditation and breathing exercises improve the overall functioning of your body. 5. Also, research shows that the regular practice of yoga has reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory markers. 4. Sleep A girlsleeping, Credits: pixabay A poor night’s sleep can increase your inflammation. Good sleep helps protect you against stress, and chronic inflammation. Seven to nine hours of sleep helps avoid low grade, systemic inflammation associated with aging and chronic disease. 5. Acupuncture Acupuncture treatment, Credits: pixabay This is a traditional form of Chinese medicine. In this, super fine needles are used to stimulate the energy along the pathways in the body called meridians. It helps in managing chronic inflammation, osteoarthritis, and back pain. But a substantial amount of evidence is lacking on how acupuncture can control inflammation. It is advisable to consult your doctor before you start acupuncture. Take-Home Message Inflammation disrupts your life and these natural remedies help ease your low-grade inflammation.

Heart-lung machine temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs during an open heart or coronary artery bypass surgery. Let’s learn more about this medical equipment. What is “Heart-Lung Machine?” A cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) machine is called a heart-lung bypass machine. During a surgical procedure, when the heart is temporarily stopped, this device aids in providing blood and oxygen to the body. In serious procedures like coronary artery bypass surgeries, where the arterial blocks need to be removed and grafted, this heart-lung machine performs the function of the heart temporarily. Are CPB Pumps Mandatory? Medical equipment, Credits: pexels The choice of using a “on-pump” or “off-pump” surgery will be based on a patient’s health history and the decision will be made by the surgeon. If a person carries a higher risk of complications when a pump is used, the surgery may be performed through “off-pump” modes. The surgeon decides which tools will suit the patients. What are the Uses of this Machine? CPB pumps are crucial in heart surgeries, Credits: pixabay Some heart surgeries cannot be performed while the heart is beating. In surgeries like heart transplantation, the role of the cardiopulmonary bypass machine is crucial. Also if a person is experiencing heart failure, the patient may be placed on a pump until further procedures are carried out. This cardiopulmonary bypass pump helps in pumping the blood throughout the body so that tissues can get the oxygenated blood. The machine also adds oxygen to the blood, thereby helping to replace the function of the lungs. How This Machine was Discovered? In the early days, surgeons faced lots of difficulties performing heart surgery. They could not do a procedure on a heart that was beating. In 1931, a young female patient died due to blocked lung circulation and an American surgeon John H. Gibbon started devising a pump that helps to perform the surgery better. Through his strenuous efforts, in the year 1953, he discovered a heart-lung machine. This machine created a new era in cardiac surgery. Who Runs the Cardiopulmonary Bypass Machine? The machine contains a pump that functions as a heart and an oxygenator that replaces the functions of the lungs. A specialized technician called a perfusion technologist runs a cardiopulmonary bypass machine during a crucial surgery. Apart from a CPB machine, cooling techniques are also employed during a cardiac surgery that helps surgeons perform the surgery without damaging the heart tissues. Cool temperatures avoid damage to the heart tissue by reducing the heart’s need for oxygen. The heart is cooled by pouring cold saltwater over the heart. How does the “Heart-Lung machine” Work? A surgery, Credits: pixabay The CPB machine is operated in the following way during cardiac surgery. Drugs are administered to keep your blood from clotting. Then the heart-lung bypass machine is connected to your heart. The machine temporarily takes over the pumping action of the heart, and a perfusion technologist monitors the machine throughout the procedure. The pump helps the surgeon to operate the heart that is not beating and that does not have blood flowing through it. During this procedure, a tube is used in the heart to drain blood to the machine. The CPB machine removes carbon dioxide from the blood, adds oxygen, and then pumps the blood back into the body. Once the surgery is over, the surgeon restores the function of the heart. Usually, the heart will start beating on its own, in some cases; a mild electric shock may be required to restart the function of the heart. The Risks of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Bleeding after surgeries, Credits: pixabay Though there are risks associated when placing the patients on the CPB machine, the surgeries that are done are extremely lifesaving ones to the patients. Some of the risks associated with being on this machine include Blood clots Bleeding after surgery Surgical injury to the phrenic nerve Acute kidney injury Decreased lung or heart function The medical professionals aim to reduce the above risks by placing the patients on the pump for the shortest possible time. Take-Home Message: The heart-lung machine mimics the work of the heart and lungs during a crucial surgery.

We know well that the heart is a pivotal organ and it supplies blood to our body. But when the function of the heart turns out to be improper, what needs to be done? Well, if the issue is a major one, surgery needs to be done to restore the functions of the heart. What is Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery? Heart performs major functions, Credits: pixabay Coronary artery bypass surgery is a type of surgery that helps improve the blood flow to the heart. This is done in people who have severe coronary artery disease. Coronary bypass surgery helps in repairing the blocked or partially blocked artery in your heart to improve blood flow to your heart muscle. This procedure involves taking a healthy blood vessel from your leg, arm, or chest and connecting it beyond the blocked portion of the coronary arteries. The grafted artery or vein bypasses the blocked portion of the coronary artery. This creates a new passage, and oxygen-rich blood is routed around the blockage to the heart muscle. What Causes Coronary Heart Disease? Coronary heart disease (CHD) occurs when plaque buildup in the arteries. The arteries are supposed to supply oxygen-rich blood to your heart. Plaque is composed of fat, cholesterol, and calcium. Plaque narrows or blocks the coronary arteries and reduces blood flow to the heart muscle. If the blockage is severe, angina, shortness of breath, and, in some cases, a heart attack can occur. The ICD code for coronary artery disease is I25.10 (https://www.icd10data.com/ICD10CM/Codes/I00-I99/I20-I25/I25-/I25.10) What are the Risk Factors for Developing Coronary Heart Disease? Smoking increases the risk of CHD, Credits: pixabay You may be at risk of CHD if you are A Smoker Overweight Consume a high-fat diet What is The Procedure Involved in a Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery? Surgery, Credits: pixabay The procedure for Coronary Artery Bypass surgery is as follows. The person undergoing the surgery should not eat or drink for 8 hours before the procedure, generally after midnight. The person will be given general anesthesia before the surgery. An anesthesiologist will monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, and blood oxygen level during the surgery. The surgeon prepares the arteries and removes the veins that will be used as bypass grafts. The surgeon makes an incision down the center of your chest, through your sternum (breast bone), so your heart and coronary arteries can be seen. The heart will be stopped for a short time, so that the surgeon can perform the bypass procedure. The “heart-lung machine” temporarily takes over the function of your heart and lungs, so that blood keeps moving throughout the rest of the body. This procedure is called “on-pump” surgery and the pump is turned off once the grafts are in place. Sometimes the surgery is done without this machine and in such cases; the procedure is referred to as “off-pump” or “beating heart” surgery”. The bypass grafts are put in place by sewing one section of the artery or vein around a tiny opening just below the blockage in the diseased coronary artery and attaching the other end to a tiny opening made in the aorta. This redirects the blood flow around the blockage. During the surgery, your surgeon will place temporary pacing wires and a chest tube before your sternum is closed with special wires. Your chest incision will be closed with internal stitches or traditional external stitches. The chest tube is needed to drain fluid. If any sorts of abnormal heart rhythm are seen, pacing wires are placed. Sometimes the wires may be attached to a temporary pacemaker until the heart rhythms turn to be normal. Depending on the number of arteries that are bypassed, the time of the surgery may vary. The usual time is three to six hours. How Long Does It Take to Recover After Surgery? People may need to stay in the hospital for at least seven days, after the bypass surgery. You need to go for a follow-up visit after six to eight weeks. The recovery time may vary depending on your medical condition. Most people will be able to resume most of their activities in six weeks or so. Full recovery is possible in 12 weeks. What are Common Side Effects after the Surgery? A Depressed man, Credits: pixabay Some of the common side effects after this bypass the surgery include Chest pain around the area of surgical cut Fatigue and muscle pain Constipation Loss of appetite Swelling in the area where the artery was removed for grafting Depression and mood swings Some people may face serious complications like irregular heartbeat, memory loss, infection, kidney failure, and stroke. What are the Precautions to Follow? A healthy lifestyle, Credits: pixabay Bypass surgery is not a cure for coronary artery disease. One must adapt to a healthy lifestyle by exercising regularly and consuming a healthy diet. You should take the prescribed medicines regularly. These medicines include blood thinners, beta-blockers, diuretics, and statins. If necessary, your doctor may refer to cardiac rehabilitation. Take Home Message: Coronary Heart disease can be corrected through coronary artery bypass surgery.