Namita has been getting so many questions asked by all of you. We pick the most interesting questions * Namita answers!
Email your questions to namitajain@liveactive.com and she will answer them here.
High Blood Pressure
April 16th, 2009
Do you get headaches often? Spells of dizziness at times? Bouts of anxiety?
If you’ve just said yes, then you may be suffering from hypertension.
Hypertension, referred to as the ‘silent killer’ is especially dangerous because it often has no specific warning signs or symptoms. Of those who have high blood pressure, almost 35 percent don’t even know they have it. Fortunately, it is easy to monitor blood pressure by having it regularly checked.
Blood pressure rises and falls throughout the day. When the pressure stays elevated over time, greater than 140/90mmHg, it is then termed high blood pressure.
Why should blood pressure be controlled?
High blood pressure causes the heart to work too hard. It increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. It can damage the eyes, kidneys, liver and the nervous...
Heart Healthy
April 14th, 2009
Perhaps busier than the busiest executive is the heart.
Contracting 100,000 times a day and pumping 5 to 6 litres of blood each minute,
It is undoubtedly the most important organ in the body. What is more, it pumps 20 times the normal volume when you exercise.
The heart is a muscular organ located in the chest, or thoracic cavity, diagonally behind the chest or breastbone. Shaped and sized similar to that of a clenched fist, this small organ performs tremendous work to maintain life process.
Why exercise?
You could ask, why work the heart when it’s already working so hard?
The heart like any other muscle works better and more efficiently when it is in shape. And there’s no better way to keep it in shape than regular exercise.
As you exercise, your heart...
Diabetes and Exercise
April 14th, 2009
Diabetes is disorder that disrupts glucose, protein and fat metabolism. It is typically characterized by high sugar levels. This is due to reduced insulin (a hormone) secretion by the pancreatic beta cells or reduced sensitivity to insulin.
Diabetics are at a greater risk for numerous health problems, including kidney failure, nerve disorders, eye problems and heart disease.
The two primary classes of diabetes are - Type 1 (insulin dependant diabetes mellitus) and Type 2 (non-insulin dependant diabetes mellitus). Both types have distinct causes and different strategies for disease management.
You can take care of your diabetes by:
• Exercising regularly and leading and active lifestyle
• Following regular meal timings and planning healthy meals
• Taking medicines, if prescribed by your doctor
Why exercise?
Exercise is important because it improves glucose regulation, reduces the risk for heart disease,...
Arthritis and Exercise
April 14th, 2009
The word "arthritis" literally means joint inflammation. This condition may cause pain, stiffness and swelling in joints and other supporting structures. Some types of arthritis are a result of connective tissue degeneration while others are described as autoimmune diseases. There are many types of arthritis - such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, gout.
Should People With Arthritis Exercise?
Yes. Exercise reduces joint pain, increases flexibility and bone strength and improves cardiovascular fitness. It also helps with weight reduction and contributes to an improved sense of well-being.
Don’t get into a vicious cycle of inactivity
The commonest mistake is avoidance of exercise. This in time leads to more stiffness, reduced strength and compromised cardiovascular fitness. Inactivity further weakens the body, leading to a vicious...
Workout Myths and Facts
April 13th, 2009
1) Myth: The fastest way to flat abs is to train them every day.
Fact: When abs are trained too frequently, the recovery process is shortchanged, resulting in diminished muscular development. The abdominal muscles, like any other, need adequate rest and recuperation. Alternate your days for doing abdominal exercises to achieve maximum benefit. Remember, crunches will only tone your abdominal muscle, so if you want to get rid of the fat around your stomach, you have to create a calorie deficit by burning more calories than you consume.
2) Myth: As long as you exercise regularly, you can indulge and eat whatever pleases you.
Fact: For improved fitness, and especially to lose weight, you need to combine a nutritious diet with exercise. If you follow a low fat, healthy diet and combine it...
Namita Answers your Health Queries
April 13th, 2009
Q. I am a housewife and follow a fairly healthy diet. I have one-glass of fruit juice every morning. I have been told by a relative to substitute the juice with whole fruits to increase fiber intake. How does fruit consumption ensure a higher intake of fibre?
----- Sonalika singh
A. Yes it is a good idea to consume fruits instead of the juice. Eating whole fruit will ensure a higher consumption of fibre. When you consume fruit juice - the removal of the peel, seeds or hulls reduces the fibre content. For example; The peel contains 75-percent of dietary fibre in an apple; tomatoes with seeds have more fibre than de-seeded ones.
It is important to make sure the fruits and vegetables are washed properly if you decide to eat the...
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