Health And Safety

Patients opting for LASIK or LASEK surgery, but are having a hard time deciding what is better for their eyes, can possibly decide now. A new study conducted for comparing both the techniques, which was based on eye to eye comparision, found that there is little difference in the results of both the eye surgery techniques.

It was found that vision correction surgery patients will get just as good results from LASIK as from LASEK. Both surgeries make use of lasers to cut the flaps in the cornea to correct its shape. But in LASEK (laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy), only the outside surface of the cornea is cut. This may avoid some of the flap problems that may arise from deeper cuts made during LASIK (laser in situ keratomileusis) surgery.

But it looks like LASEK recovery is a bit longer, and there is usually more pain after surgery. Some doctors opt for LASEK, whereas some swear by LASIK.

The study concluded that both procedures seem safe, effective, and predictable. It was noted that eyes treated with LASEK had a slightly better vision. But the difference was too small for people to notice.

Here’s another reason for men to lose weight this holiday season: A new study found that losing weight reduces the risk of aggressive prostate cancer.

The study conducted on nearly 70,00 men found that men who lost more than 11 pounds had a lower risk of aggressive prostate cancer than men whose weight remained the same.  This study also indicates that weight loss can decrease the risk of severe prostrate cancer.

Men should avoid putting on extra weight as they get older, and if they are already overweight, it’s high time that they lose some pounds.

Apart from skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer for men, and the second leading cause of cancer deaths for U.S. men. About 1 in every 6 men gets affected with prostrate cancer during his lifetime.

So hit the gym and lose the flab !!!

A research team from Newcastle University found that drinking regular cups of green and black tea may improve your memory by inhibiting the activity of key enzymes in the brain that are associated with memory.

It was found that both green and black tea inhibited the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) enzyme. But green tea went a step further, because it obstructed the activity of beta-secretase in the brain which is associated with Alzheimer’s disease. It was also found to have continued inhibitive effect for a week, whereas black tea’s enzyme-inhibiting properties lasted for only one day.

The researchers hope that their findings may help in developing an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease. Although there is no total cure for Alzheimer’s, it is possible to slow the development of the disease. Researchers feel that tea may the same effect as drugs specifically designed to combat the condition.

Year after year, you may find yourself making new year resolutions but never really being successful in keeping them. New Year is not just about making resolutions, it is about achieving them. Set challenging and specific goals that are realistic at the same time.

Don’t expect dramatic results that will happen overnight. Create smaller goals that will eventually lead you towards your big goal. For example, if you want to lose 20 pounds, start by setting smaller goals such as losing 5 pounds this month and then 6 pounds in the next month and so on …

It is better to write down your resolutions, and post them somewhere you can see every day, so that you don’t forget them and keep reminding yourself.

1. Get in shape: Go to gym atleast 5 times a week, and workout for 60 to 90 minutes. Or do some aerobics at home. Play some music and work out with your whole family.

2. Walk everyday: Make it a point to walk briskly for atleast 30 minutes everyday, early in the mornings or in the evenings. If you feel too bored to walk alone, take your pet for a walk. Or else make it a family affair. Walking together can be loads of fun and healthy for the whole family.

3. Eat healthier: Consume low-fat milk and yoghurt. Eat atleast 5 fruits and 5 veggies every day, and limit your consumption of junk foods. Cut down your intake of fries and oils, and substitute bad oils with healthier options such as olive oil. Don’t deprive yourself of pies and cookies altogether, it is okay to indulge yourself once in a while.

4. Kick your bad habits: Cut down your intake of alcohol, wine, colas and sodas. Also kick your smoking habit. It’s never too late to ditch your bad habits and start afresh with life. Break down your long-term plans into smaller and easier steps. Suppose you plan to quit smoking completely by year end, then you need to cut down the number of cigarettes you smoke every day and then slowly quit smoking altogether.

5. Organize your life: Make a list of all the tasks according to their priorities and try to accomplish them one by one. Set realistic goals, that you can achieve. Work hard in your professional life and be true to yourself.

6. Have more fun: Schedule fun activities, like bike riding, cycling, swimming, soccer, skiing, snow boarding etc. Apart from fun, all these activities give you the much needed physical-exercise to keep you fit and healthy.

7. Spend wisely and get rid of debts: Free youself from debts if any, by paying a small amount each month. Try to save money from your earnings to buy something you always wanted. Don’t spend too much on unnecessary and unimportant stuff.

8. Spend more time with family and friends: You may have been ignoring your family and friends due to your busy schedules, so try to reserve a few hours for them each day or atleast on weekends. Play with your kids for 2 to 3 hours on sundays and bond with your family. Go out for dinner once a week with your family and once with your friends. Watch a movie together.

9. Reward your success along the way: But do not reward with food. Rewards encourage you to attain your goals, that look difficult to achieve. Celebrate little milestones by treating yourself to a movie, or buy new clothes or music CD. Setting up a reward system is an excellent strategy to help you stick to your long-term goal.

10. Be positive and stay motivated: Track your progress from time to time. Don’t make excuses or blame others if you are unsuccessful. Take responsibility and bring the changes you want in your life. And yes, don’t give up if you fail at some attempts. The game is not over if you think it is over. It is over the moment you give up thinking that it’s over !!! HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU !!!

Good news for all ya women who work at home - A new research shows that women who exercise by doing the housework can reduce their risk of breast cancer.

The study conducted on 200,000 women from 9 European countries found that doing household chores was far more cancer protective than playing sport.

We have long known that physical exercise can reduce the risk of breast cancer, but we are glad to know that something as simple and cheap as doing housework can help. Tasks like cleaning, cooking, washing, dusting, mopping and vacuuming are all better than having a physical job.

The latest study took both pre and post-menopausal women into account and studied a range of activities, including work, leisure and housework. It was observed that housework can cut breast cancer risk by 30% in pre-menopausal women and 20% in post-menopausal women.

The results suggested that moderate forms of physical activity, such as housework, may be more important than less frequent but more intense recreational physical activity in reducing breast cancer risk. Doctors also suggest men and women to maintain a healthy weight and do regular exercise to reduce the risk of cancer.