Dr.Sharma's Homoeopathy

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The main causes of hair falling in younger age are- chronic diseases, improper way of having diet, excessive burden on the mind, severe fever, hormones disorders or hereditary hair fall.

Homoeopathic medicines in hair problems

1. Selenium:- cold natured patient suffers from hair fall of eyebrows, moustache and genitals
2. Fluoric acid:- the hot natured patient suffers from hairs fall.
3. Acid phos:- provides relief if the patient suffers from grey hair in early age or hair fall due to worry.
4. Mezereum:- if symptoms like- dandruff in the head, hair dryness, layers on the skull like chalk, constant itching in the head, etc. 
5. Nitric acid:- the patient suffers from purulent pimples in the head with hairs fall due to which, he is not able to touch his head by his hands.
6. Kali-carb:- in the conditions of hair fall with dryness in the head. All hair problems end by taking this medicine.
7. Syphilinum:- hairs fall stops within few days if correct potency is taken.
8. Antherum:- if the patient suffers from hairs falling of beard
9. Lycopodium:- lycopodium is considered as very effective medicine if any one suffers from hairs fall; grey hair.
10. Thuja:- if the patient suffers from hair fall due to dryness in the head and scabby dandruff, using the mother tincture of thuja is very beneficial.
11. Ustilago:- if the patient suffers from following symptoms like- hairs falling in early age and stop growing of hairs again after falling once, etc,
12. Phosphorus and calcarea phos:- in symptoms like- hairs falling in bunches as one bunch of hair falls from one portion of the head and after that another bunch of hair falls again, etc.
13. Natrum muriaticum & sepia:- if a woman suffers from hairs falling during her pregnancy.
14. Arsenic:- if the patient’s hair falls due to weak hair root and he suffers from head dryness, skin dryness, etc, 

Homoeopathic treatment cures hairfall completely if correct potency is choosen. No side effects.

Eat 5 peeled walnuts in morning to enhance memory and concentration.

Making decisions is an everyday occurrence, be it big or small. We decide when to wake up, what to eat for meals and where we want to go on holiday. They may not be big decision, but they are decisions nonetheless. But sometimes there are things holding us back from making good decisions. Things such as not having enough information on the subject or not having the confidence to see the decision through. Often times we are simply afraid that the decision we make may be the wrong one. Like all thing there are certain steps we can follow to try and make the best most rational decision, they are:

1. Identify your goal:

It is important to identify what you hope to achieve from making this decision. Identifying what the problem is and why it needs to be solved is a great start to making a decision. It is important to know what you want out of making this decision. Identifying this will help making your decision easier.

2. Gather information:

In order to make an informed decision it is important to know all the pertinent information regarding the decision. By doing this you have a better understanding of the problem and how best you can solve it.

3. Brainstorm outcomes:

To any situation there are always several different outcomes to it. Before making any decision, it is important to know all the various outcomes that could happen. Your decision could lead to various other situations. Think about all the different outcomes that could happen see what could happen based on the decision you make.

4. Consider the consequences:

No matter what decision you make there are always consequences to them. Consider what the consequences could be and decide whether your decision outweighs the risks of going through with it.

5. Take action:

Now that you have gathered all the information and thought of the different outcomes and consequences of your decision it is time to take action. Follow through on the option you think is the best one. Once you have made your decision, remember that it too will have certain risks and consequences you will have to face, make sure you are ready for them.

6. Evaluate your decision:

Whether your decision turned out to be good or bad, it is important to evaluate it. Figure out where you went wrong or what could be done better next time. This way the next time you have to make a similar decision you know what needs to be done.

A poor posture like sitting or driving in a hunched position for too long can cause strain the neck muslces.

Doing a self-check for potential penis issues is always a good idea. Often in the process of inspecting himself, a man will discover he has some penis bumps which weren't there previously. They may be due to a rash or to some other rather simple penis health issue. But in some cases, penis bumps might be a clue that a staph infection is present, and that is something that requires a doctor's attention.

Staph infection

It's kind of a funny name, so just what is a staph infection? To start with, the "staph" part is short for staphylococcus aureus, a kind of bacteria. If the bacteria gets into the skin (usually through a cut or scrape), it can cause an infection.

If it occurs in the groin, it may present as a rash or swelling; it may also present as penis bumps or bumps on the balls, often resembling little pimples. In some cases, the bumps start as ingrown pubic hairs.

Staph can be annoying, but if it gets under the skin and into the bloodstream, it can become dangerous. In some cases, a simple staph infection spreads and becomes a urinary tract infection, pneumonia, meningitis or sepsis. The presence of infection can be especially dangerous if the form of bacteria is that known as methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus. This bacteria is much harder to kill and can cause severe damage or even death. Fortunately, MRSA is much rarer than regular staph infections.

When the staph infection gets underneath the penis skin, it can sometimes cause extensive swelling (and not the kind a man expects when the penis is in a sexual state of excitement).

Treatment

Antibiotics (most often penicillin) are typically used to treat a case of staph infection. However, cases involving MRSA may prove much more difficult to treat with this option. In some cases, it may be necessary to surgically remove infected areas, although this is a rare course of action.

Prevention

As noted, bacteria cause staph infection, so the most important way to prevent this condition is to pay close attention to basic hygiene. Washing regularly is essential, as is wearing clean clothing (especially underwear and pants, where staph infection of the penis is concerned). In the summer, when men tend to sweat more, it may be a good idea to "air out" the penis regularly, perhaps by sleeping unclothed.

Direct contact with an infected area can also cause the bacteria to spread, so it's wise to avoid skin-to-skin contact with a partner's infection. Also, be advised that the bacteria can be spread through other means, such as using the towel or razor of an infected person, wearing an infected person's clothing, etc.

Keep an eye out for penis bumps or ingrown hairs, especially if they are accompanied by abnormal swelling. For men who manscape, take care to avoid cuts, which provide a direct pathway for bacteria to get into the skin.

Again, a guy who suspects a staph infection in his penis should see a doctor right away. Dead tissue can develop relatively quickly if the infection is left untreated.

Penis bumps are not always the result of a staph infection, of course, and may simply indicate dry or damaged penis skin. Regular application of a superior penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) can keep that skin healthier or more resistant to damage. Be sure to select a crème that includes vitamin A among its ingredients. Also known as retinol, vitamin A is a natural antibacterial agent, so it can help fight many types of bacteria that cause skin irritation. The crème should also include Shea butter and vitamin E, a potent combination of moisturizers that can repair dry penis skin and provide a moisture lock to keep the skin better hydrated.

Healthiest butter substitute options

1. Coconut oil and coconut butter

Coconut oil may be getting a bit of a bad rap lately with new studies that have been published by the american heart association claiming it’s unhealthy to eat. In moderation, though, coconut oil is a healthy choice — perhaps the problem is people are overdoing it. 

However, it’s delicious to cook with and makes a great spread on muffins or toast. Equally, it’s great in homemade recipes, such as my energy balls. Like coconut oil, coconut butter is delicious and can add just the right sweetness and toasty coconut flavor to most any dish.

2. Shea butter

Yes, you read that right. Shea butter does more than help promote healthy skin. It’s an alternative to butter and often used instead of cocoa butter. It’s edible and filled with antioxidants, essential fatty acids and vitamin e.

If you’re a label-reader, you’ve probably noticed it in the ingredients list of some dark chocolate treats. You can simply use a small amount of shea butter in place of regular butter in just about anything. Make sure to purchase pure, unrefined versions, and I suggest purchasing small amounts as it tend to go rancid quickly.

3. Cocoa butter

Cocoa butter is another alternative to butter and is considered a healthy fat. It’s used to make chocolate and is high in antioxidants, providing amazing polyphenols. According to one study, the polyphenols are so great that it may actually help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. 

Some of the other benefits are improved immunity and lowering inflammation within the body. Like shea butter, make sure to get 100 percent pure versions with no additives. Try using it in baking instead of regular butter.

4. Mashed avocado

Mashed avocado is one of my favorite healthy fats, and with the recent popularity of avocado toast, i’m not the only one who loves it. Avocado makes a nice spread when mashed, is delicious on eggs and adds an amazing creaminess to your smoothie, all while offering the nutritional benefits of fiber and loads of phytonutrients. Additionally, research has shown it may help reduce the growth of cancer cells and inflammation. 

5. Hummus

Hummus is one of my favorite ways to flavor just about anything and is part of a healthy mediterranean diet. It’s typically made from chickpeas, lemon juice, garlic and tahini as the main ingredients, offering tons of fiber, protein, vitamin b6 and other nutritional benefits, but it can be made from black beans, lentils and even vegetables. It’s a great topping on sauteed vegetables, eggs, mixed greens or as a snack with raw vegetables. Hummus is commonly eaten with pita triangles, but you can skip the bread and opt for celery if you’re watching your wheat and gluten intake.

6. Extra virgin olive oil

Extra virgin olive oil is a great way to add a little flavor to sourdough bread, toast or grilled meat, to name a few. While you don’t need much, it’s a great way to gain some added benefits, such as lowering inflammation, the risk of heart disease, depression and dementia.

With all of that in mind, unfortunately, not all olive oil is created equally. Just make sure you get the real thing; there is a lot of fake olive oil out there. Watch out for virgin olive oil that costs less than $10 a liter, look for a seal from the international olive oil council and check for a harvesting date on the label. Additionally, if it’s labeled light, pure or a blend, it isn’t real, pure virgin olive oil. 

7. Applesauce

Applesauce is great for baking or to add a little flavor to your oatmeal or chia pudding. You get fiber, vitamin c and that perfect touch of sweetness without a lot of calories. There’s some sugar to think about, however. Read the label and be conscious of how much you use. Try spreading thinly or mix it with a little nut butter for a delicious, healthy blend. 

8. Dairy-free yogurt

Dairy-free yogurt, such as coconut yogurt or almond yogurt, blended with a little cinnamon can be delicious on toast. There are many of options out there for anyone who really needs to watch dairy consumption. Dairy-free yogurt can be a great alternative and helps strengthen bones.

Regardless, watch the label. I cannot stress this enough, especially with new foods popping up everywhere trying to cash in on a trend, such as no dairy. Most of the dairy-free options still have added sugar and more. You can easily find the plain, no-sugar versions if you look for them, however. Go for those and you can create an amazingly, healthy, dairy-free chia pudding, use it on your favorite mexican dish like sour cream and more. Also, many have the probiotics that can help treat leaky gut.

9. Chicken stock, vegetable stock and bone broth

Chicken stock, vegetable stock and bone broth are great for sautéing. You won’t even miss the butter! the stock or broth can help keep foods juicy and tender while adding delicious flavor and nutrients, even helping with digestion, arthritis and cellulite while boosting the immune system.

10. Nut butters

Nut butters, such as almond butter, cashew butter and peanut butter, are great on celery sticks, bananas, toast or even a vegetable sauté for a quick and easy thai dish. Almond butter, for example, contains vitamin e, iron and magnesium.

The key here is to be conscious of just how much. Two tablespoons is a serving, which comes in at about 180 calories. Also, you need to read labels since most add tons of sugar and oils. Either grind your own or purchase those that contain nuts only. Sea salt is fine, but avoid added oils and sugars.

11. Pumpkin puree

Pumpkin puree is a great option to add to plain yogurt, breads, coffee cakes and muffins. You gain nutrients like vitamin k, potassium and fiber with just a few extra calories. Use ¾ cup of pumpkin puree for every cup of butter called for in a recipe.

12. Nutritional yeast

Nutritional yeast is often forgotten but is great for seasoning most anything if you want a cheesy flavor. It also contains nutritional benefits, such as being an immune booster and contains protein, b6 and b12, making it a vegan must-have. It’s quite the superfood, but what is nutritional yeast? it’s an inactive yeast made from sugarcane and beet molasses. It’s found in most health food stores on the shelf or in the bulk section, typically as a powder of flakes.

In today’s world, we are going back to basics with a conscious effort to eat organically grown and home cooked food for a fit body. This is due to the fact that there has been a revival of many age old wellness movements like Ayurveda. Ayurveda is an ancient medical field that relies on the use of massages, oils and herbs for the resolution of various ailments. As per Ayurveda and other arms of holistic medical fields, green tea is an ingredient that is highly beneficial for the health. 

Read on to know more about the health benefits of green tea:

1. Antioxidants and Bioactive Compounds: Green tea consists of a number of bioactive compounds that can improve one’s health. These bioactive compounds include polyphenols like flavonoids and catechins which are best known as antioxidants. The formation of free radicals in the body is curbed by these substances which can further prevent aging and other ailments. The EGCG or Epigallocatechin Gallate is one of the most powerful antioxidants that can be found easily in green tea.
2. Brain Function: There are also a number of brain boosting minerals and compounds found in green tea. These substances improve the brain function and keep away the signs of aging when it comes to this area. Caffeine is one of the key ingredients in green tea. This ingredient acts as a vital stimulant, which keeps the brain well functioning. Also, it has a positive effect on the neurons and neurotransmitters that are released by the brain. These neurotransmitters include dopamine and norepinephrine. In this way, green tea also reduces the risk of falling prey to conditions like Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease.
3. Fat Burning: Green tea is an excellent fat burning supplement that is fast gaining popularity in the weight management market. The various elements of green tea help in boosting the rate of metabolism and increasing the fat burning process. This is due to the fact that it increases the expenditure of energy to a great degree. Green tea is also credited with the mobilisation of various fatty acids that can be found in the fat tissue of the body.
4. Cancer: Green tea also reduces the risk of cancer because it has a number of antioxidants. It helps in the prevention of various kinds of cancer including prostate cancer, breast cancer and even colorectal cancer.

An excess amount of fat present in the human body can lead to a chronic condition called obesity. If the amount of fat, which is used to perform multiple functions in the human body, is found in excess (more than 25% in males and 30% in females), it leads to obesity. Besides being a cosmetic concern, obesity is a chronic disease that can lead to other serious ailments such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, gallstones and other similar illnesses. It has a higher rate of relapse rate and is difficult to treat.

Causes

1. Consumption of more calories than the person burns through various activities throughout the day is the primary cause. Overeating, especially in diets having a majority of fats, is a major cause of obesity.
2. Obesity can be a result of certain medical conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome (a disorder that develops due to an increased exposure to immense amounts of “cortisol” over an extended period of time), Prader-Willi Syndrome (a birth disorder), hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland), polycystic ovary syndrome (enlarged ovaries characterized by tiny cysts on the outside) and other diseases.
3. Hormonal disorders and genetics may also contribute to obesity. It is observed that the likelihood of being obese increases if the parents are obese. Hormones that facilitate fat regulation in the body are affected by genetics.
4. Lifestyle choices such as inactive, sedentary lifestyle and consuming an excess amount of fast foods such as high calorie beverages.
5. Psychological factors do have a role to play in people being obese. Many people overeat as a response to emotions such as stress, sadness, boredom or anger.

Symptoms
A person is generally considered to be obese if his/her BMI (Body Mass Index) is above 30.
1. A person whose BMI is in the range of 30 to 35 is classified under “Type I obese”.
2. A person in the BMI range of 35 to 39 falls under the category of “Type II obesity”.
3. If the BMI of a person is above 40, he/she is considered to be extremely obese.

BMI is usually a reliable method to find out if a person is obese, but in certain instances such as that of a professional bodybuilder, BMI could prove to be inaccurate. Without treatment, obesity can lead to serious health conditions such as:
1. Gallstones
2. Osteoarthritis
3. Sleep Apnea
4. Heart Disease
5. Stroke
6. Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome (characterized by the inability to breathe long or deep enough)

Spinal cord is a very important part of your body as it renders support to your body.  It also gives your body a good posture and thus maintaining a healthy spine is very essential. An unfit spinal cord can lead to various complicated problems.

The following are 5 must do exercises in order to maintain a healthy spine:

1. Exercising your core muscles can help you to maintain a fit spine. Your core muscles refer to the muscles of your lower back and your abdominal muscles. These muscles give support to your spine. So exercising them can give you a healthy spine.
2. Walking regularly can also give you a healthy spine. It is suitable for people of all age groups. Daily walking can help you to recover from various spinal illnesses as well such as spinal stenosis.
3. Swimming is also a good exercise for maintaing a fit spinal cord. Swimming helps to exercise all back muscles and thus, gives you a healthy spinal cord.
4. Lying down straight with your face down on an even and firm surface for about twenty minutes can help you to get a healthy spine and also a good body posture.
5. Cycling can also help you achieve a healthy spine. While cycling, all your back muscles and the muscles of the lower part of your body are engaged in physical activity. If the muscles of your lower back are strong, then it can help you to keep your spine fit.

Other than these exercises, stretching your limbs and other stretching exercises are also beneficial for a healthy spine. But it is highly recommended for you to consult a doctor before doing any exercise in order to be guided in the proper manner and avoid further complications.

Plantar fasciitis is an orthopedic problem that gives rise to pain in the foot and heel due to strain or pressure on the plantar fascia. This is a ligament or connective tissue which lies in a flat band, connecting your heel with the toes and effectively, providing a basis for the motion of the feet in general. Inflammation, swelling and bruising of this tissue or ligament can lead to excessive pain in the heel.

Let us look at ways that can help you deal with this pain:

1. Rest: Taking rest and giving your feet a break from all kinds of strain inducing activities can help in relieving the pain. Also, you can keep your feet elevated to help in reducing the pain in the area.
2. Supportive footwear: Using pads within your shoes with gel built into them, or using specific footwear that help in walking without feeling too much of pain is a good way of dealing with Plantar fasciitis. The shoe inserts must be rubber, felt or plastic so that they are soft for your feet. They also give your heel and its arch good support, while Orthotics pulls the ligament so that there is less stress on the same. You can also pull on a pair of night flints which will keep the foot and the ligament stretched while you enjoy a good night of sleep.
3. Exercise: Indulging in mild muscle strengthening exercise that also involves stretching and heel hooks can help in alleviating chronic pain that you may be suffering from. Lie flat on your back and take a towel. Lift your leg and hook your foot into it. Now press against the towel and pull down the towel simultaneously. Repeat at least ten times per foot. This will give you flexibility and strength in the area.
4. Painkillers: Use pain killers only when absolutely necessary and with due advice from the doctor or Orthopaedic specialist. The use of Ibuprofen and other pain relievers can help in numbing the pain inducing nerves in the brain and give you instant relief.
5. Anti-inflammatory drugs: Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication that can bring down the swelling for more comfortable functioning when you are on your feet. Naproxen is one such drug that helps in bringing down the inflammation. Also, corticosteroid injections can relieve severe pain.
6. Surgery: Heel spur removal or Plantar fascia release are some of the surgical options for chronic and severe cases.

Taking care of your feet is a matter of ensuring that you look into the slightest discomfort and report the same to a doctor.

In today’s stressful environment, more and more people are being diagnosed with psychological disorders such as insomnia and depression. Neither of the two are things which people feel lucky to possess. However, it is interesting to note that there is a link between the two conditions. Also, the problems are a lot more common than a person is likely to first think; 80% of depressed people suffer from chronic insomnia!

For a long time until recently, many people were of the opinion that most depressed people were insomniac. But that is not really correct. The two issues do overlap to a large extent, but they are different from each other. Again, that does not mean one cannot affect the other.

When a person has depression, one of the main things that he or she can experience is a lack of pleasure from the activities and happenings which occur in his or her daily life. Similarly, when a person does not get enough sleep or even just cannot sleep, he or she is quite likely to display a tendency to worry. Often, worrying sets the stage for depression to develop in the person. In fact, doctors have observed that people who do not sleep enough are more likely to undergo treatment for depression than the others.

Recent findings have concluded that when a person sleeps better, the case of depression also shows an uptick. In addition to this, the habit of sleeping well can also go quite a long way to make sure that a person does not relapse into depression. According to some sleep therapies, people who suffer from lack of sleep are advised to follow a systematic routine of getting to bed and getting out of bed. Activities including reading in bed or watching TV after going to bed must be avoided. While there are various means to help a person sleep better, the choice as to which one would suit a person in the best possible way is only best decided by the person’s personal doctor. What is for sure is the fact that a person can effectively sleep to a better life!

So, it can be said that if a person wants to cure his/her depression and enjoy life being peppy, napping away is not such a bad idea after all. Having said that, everything is good only up to a certain limit!

Otoplasty is a surgical procedure where modifications are made in the shape and size of the ear. This procedure can only be carried put after the ears are fully developed, that is after the age of 5. This surgery can be used to improve the functionality as well as the appearance of the ear.

The reasons why people opt for otoplasty are-

• If the ears are relatively large in comparison to the face
• When the ear sticks out excessively from the head
• Problems caused by any previous surgery

Procedure

Incisions are either made through the back of the ear or through the inner creases of the ear. Once the incision is made, then the excess skin or cartilage is eliminated. After completion of the surgery, the incisions are closed by stitches. The entire process generally lasts for up to two hours.

After the stitching is done, the ears are covered with bandages. Once the bandages are removed from the ear, a loose headband is worn to provide support to the ears while sleeping.

Risks associated with the surgery

There are certain risks associated with this surgery, like:

• Formation of the scars due to the surgery
• An asymmetric appearance of the ears as the healing process may affect it
• Decreased skin sensitivity in the adjoining area
• The stitches in the ear can cause inflammation in the skin. It may also lead to an abnormal shape where the ears have a pulled back appearance
• Like other surgeries, bleeding and infection may occur

Post procedural care

The following precautions should be taken after completion of otoplasty:

• The headband should be used constantly after the surgery for about two months
• Direct exposure to the sun should be avoided
• If rash forms after the bandages are removed then consult a medical professional

If you've ever thought about how to rejuvenate your skin and make yourself look younger, chances are that you've heard about chemical peels. As the name suggests, getting a chemical peel involves the application of a chemical on the skin that causes the top layer to peel off. By doing this, a new layer of skin is exposed that is usually smoother than before. Chemical peels are often misunderstood and surrounded by a number of myths. 

Let's take a look at three common myths about this procedure. 

1. All chemical peels are the same: All chemical peels are definitely not the same. Chemical peels can be categorized as light or superficial peels, medium peels and deep peels. A light peel removes only the top layer of skin to make your skin look brighter and reduce wrinkles. Medium depth chemical peels penetrate deeper into the skin and are used to treat sun damage and pigmentation. Deep peels are the strongest type of peels that penetrate into the dermal layers of the skin. They are rarely performed nowadays. Chemical peels also vary on the basis of the chemical used. 
2. It involves a long recovery: Though the process itself may not take long, the recovery time depends on the type of chemical peel procedure you have undergone. A superficial peel has virtually no recovery time and can be performed even during a working day's lunch break. Medium depth peels can cause discomfort for about an hour after the procedure and can take a few days to heel. During this time, your skin may look patchy and inflamed and may feel itchy. With a deep peel, the skin may heel in 2-3 weeks but usually remains red for a few months. 
3. It is beneficial only if you have a dermatological issue: You don't need to suffer from a skin problem to undergo a chemical peel. Many women undergo a chemical peel simply to give their skin a glow and to brighten their skin. It can remove wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation while making the skin smoother and softer to touch. Along with the face, chemical peels can also be done on the neck, chest, back and arms. Chemical peels can do wonders for your skin as long as you choose the right peel for your skin and it is performed safely.

Bone loss is a silent condition that occurs over the years as you age. It is a condition when the bones become weak and fragile. Many people may not even know that that they are suffering bone loss until it leads to serious conditions such as Osteoporosis. Bone loss resulting in osteoporosis is more in women than men. It is estimated that one of every three women above 50 years suffers from osteoporosis related fracture.

What causes bone loss?
Bones are made of minerals, calcium, and phosphate. Bones are being constantly destroyed and refoemed within the body. As long as your body balances the process, your bones stay strong and healthy. However when the bone decay out grows the bone formation process, bone loss and a host of other problems occur. Some of the common causes bone loss are:

1. With growing age, the body starts to reabsorb phosphate and calcium instead of keeping it in the bones. This makes the bones weak. When the process continues for a long time, it leads to osteoporosis.
2. If your diet doesnot contain high calcium foods, then your bones donot get enough calcium.
3. Smoking and drinking can make your bones weak.
4. Medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney disease can cause bone loss.
5. Sometimes medicines can also result in bone loss.

What are the symptoms of bone loss?

1. Receding gums: Our teeth are connected to the jaw bone and if the jaw starts losing bone then it causes receding of gums. Loss of jaw bone is linked to lower bone mineral density.
2. Decreased grip strength: Hand grips strength decreases due to low bone density.
3. Weak and brittle fingernails: You may find your fingernails have become weak and brittle.
4. Cramps, muscle pain, and joint ache: Pain in muscles and joints are an important indicator of vitamin D deficiency, which is a vital component for healthy bones. Cramps in legs and foot at night are an indicator of deficiency of potassium and calcium in the bones.
5. Height loss: This is a common problem that comes with age. But there are other factors that lead to height loss such as poor posture and fractured vertebra. Poor posture can cause bone loss.
6. Overall low fitness: If you notice that your overall fitness has declined which includes your balance, muscle strength then you may be suffering from bone loss.

Can homeopathy treat osteoporosis?
Homeopathy has the most effective and holistic approach to treat osteoporosis. Homeopathy doesn’t intend to cure bone loss, instead, it tries to treat the underlying health condition that leads to osteoporosis. Consult a homeopath online. Some of the important homeopathy remedies are:

1. Calcaria Phos: It is a very effective remedy for osteoporosis It helps in increasing the absorption of calcium from the food. It is a bone builder and creates new cells.
2. Calcaria Iod: This is a great remedy to treat loss of bones as well as loss of muscles and fat.
3. Alendronate: Alendronate is given to patients suffering from osteoporosis which is caused by steroid treatment. It reduces the release of calcium from the bones to the blood.
4. Calcitonin - Salmon: Calcitonin-Salmon is a man-made hormone used to treat osteoporosis.

Winter brings with it the most common skin problem of chapped lips. While you may think that chapsticks are the solution to your dry lip problems, chances are that they may be making your lips drier than what it was before you used it.

Why do chapsticks make your lips drier?

• The answer lies in the ingredients used. Chapsticks are composed of ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerine, which make the lips drier. These suck the moisture out of your skin, especially during dry climate, which causes your lips to be even drier after using a chapstick.
• For chapsticks to be effective, the ingredients used need to be offset by other ingredients, which can help in moisturising your lips. Chapsticks containing ingredients like beeswax, shea butter and various other essential oils help in creating a physical barrier, which prevents in the loss of moisture from your lips.

So what can you do to cure chapped lips?
Use chapsticks that contain natural ingredients such as shea butter, beeswax and essential oils along with hyaluronic acid and glycerine. Alternatively, drinking plenty of water in winters can prevent your lips from drying out.

One of the most contagious infections to affect children and adults is conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye is an inflammation of the conjunctiva. This makes the blood vessels of the eye more visible and turns the white part of the eye pinkish. This condition can be caused by a number of factors such as exposure to bacteria or viruses, allergens and irritants. Treatment for conjunctivitis depends on the cause of the condition.

The first step towards treating this disease is to correctly diagnose it. Some of the symptoms that can be noticed are:

1. Redness in the white of the eye
2. Itchiness and burning in the eye
3. Discharge from the eye
4. Crusting of the eyelids
5. Increased sensitivity to light

If you notice any of these symptoms persisting for over a few days, consult a doctor immediately. There are two aspects to dealing with conjunctivitis; preventing the infection from spreading and reducing the infection. Here are a few tips to help stop the infection from spreading.

1. Stop wearing contact lenses. While the infection persists, wear spectacles instead. Once your eyes have healed, dispose of the old contacts lenses and solution and get yourself a new pair.
2. Wash your hands often. This is especially important if you have touched your eyes and will prevent the infection from spreading.
3. Avoid sharing contact lenses, eye makeup and other forms of makeup along with makeup brushes.
4. Avoid rubbing your eyes. Often conjunctivitis can affect only one eye at a time. Keeping yourself from rubbing or touching the infected eye will keep the infection from spreading to the other eye.
5. Remove the discharge from around your eye every few hours with a clean cotton swab. Throw the swab away after it has been used once and wash your hands with soap and water before touching anything else.
6. Avoid using swimming pools and hot tubs.
7. Wash towels. Pillow cases, sheets and other things that come in regular contact with your eyes every few days with hot water to disinfect them.

In most cases of infective conjunctivitis, antibiotics are not needed. Instead lubricant eye drops are prescribed that are available over the counter. This can help ease soreness and stickiness in the eye. When using lubricant eye drops, do not let the dropper touch the infected eye and do not use the same eye drops for both eyes. Untreated conjunctivitis can be treated with antibiotics such as chloramphenicol and fusidic acid. These antibiotics can have a few side effects such as blurred vision and hence you must avoid driving and operating heavy machinery after using them.

Vitamin D and pregnancy hand in hand go together. Expecting mothers need ensure they get the recommended amounts of Vitamin D during pregnancy for the healthy development of the baby as well as their own well-being. 

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin obtained mostly from consuming fortified milk or juice, fish oils, and dietary supplements. It also is produced in the skin by exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D which is ingested or produced in the skin must undergo hydroxylation in the liver and kidney to promote absorption of calcium from the gut to enable normal bone mineralization and growth. Severe maternal Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with congenital rickets and disordered skeletal homeostasis coupled with fractures in the new-born during pregnancy.  Vitamin D is necessary for the metabolism and absorption of phosphorus and calcium. Many studies are finding a connection between low serum vitamin D levels and an increased risk of certain types of autoimmune disease, cancers, insulin resistance, neurological disease and cardiovascular disease.

Latest studies have shown that Vitamin D deficiency is common during pregnancy especially among women residing in northern latitudes, living in cold climates or wear sun and winter protective clothing and ethnic minorities, especially those with darker skin. As the Vitamin D level of new-born is largely dependent on maternal Vitamin D status, the infants of mothers with vitamin D deficiency are also at risk of Vitamin D deficiency. Inadequate vitamin D can lead to abnormal bone growth, fractures, or rickets in new-borns.  Deficiency of vitamin D leads to a higher risk of pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes, premature birth and low birth weight.

The symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency include aching muscles, bone pain, and softened bones leading to fractures. Fish liver oil, fatty fish, and eggs are excellent food source for Vitamin D. It is difficult to get sufficient vitamin D from food, which makes it necessary to have Vitamin D supplements. Since the skin uses the sun's rays to produce vitamin D, limited sun exposure is recommended. Exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays intensifies the pigment changes causing skin darkening in pregnant women. Thus, most doctors endorse that pregnant women protect themselves from the sun and get their vitamin D from supplements. The average prenatal vitamin contains 400 IU of vitamin D, which makes it imperative that additional supplements should be taken. The significant compounds for human development are D2 and D3. The best way to really ensure adequate vitamin D is through simple supplementation. Ergocalciferol is the vegetarian form of vitamin D whereas cholecalciferol is the animal-sourced form, derived from fish liver oil or lanolin from sheep.