IDENTIFY A STROKE

STROKE: Remember the 1st Three Letters.... S. T. R.

STROKE IDENTIFICATION:

During a BBQ, a woman stumbled and took a little fall - she assured everyone that she was fine (they offered to call paramedics) .she said she had just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes.

They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food. While she appeared a bit shaken up, Jane went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening

Jane's husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital -
(at 6:00 pm Jane passed away.) She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ. Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Jane would be with us today. Some don't die. They end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead.

A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke...totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

RECOGNIZING A STROKE

Thank God for the sense to remember the '3' steps, STR

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.

Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:
S *Ask the individual to SMILE.

T *Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently)

(i.e. It is sunny out today.)

R *Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call emergency numberimmediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

New Sign of a Stroke -------- Stick out Your Tongue

NOTE: Another 'sign' of a stroke is this: Ask the person to 'stick' out his tongue.. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other, that is also an indication of a stroke.

HOPE FOR HEART PATIENTS

I had earlier mentioned that undergoing Angioplasty or By-pass surgery is not without risks as they are invasive techniques. The remedy offered by these techniques are limited as they take care of only those arteries mended during operation. They cannot in any way rule of possibility of recurrence in other arteries.

There is one Doctor at New Delhi by the name of Dr.Bimal Chhajer who has done extentive studies on the subject of Coronary Heart Diseases (CHD). He has founded SAAOL Research Centre at Lajpatnagar-IV in New Delhi. According to him the blockages in arteries occur due to the deposition of fat. He has a credible solution to the patients suffering from CHDs. By a combination of oil-free diet, yoga, dhyana and walking which have to be strictly adhered to, he feels that the heart blockages can be reversed (This view is not held by allopathy doctors). I am myself a patient of this doctor and in the last 1-1/2 years have seen marked improvement in my condition. Moreover, the treatment is affordable by middle-class people. The doctor's camps are conducted at regular intervals at all major cities. One can avoid the costly Angioplasty and By-Pass surgeries. The contact address and numbers are;

SAAOL Heart Center, 14/84-85, Vikram Vihar, Lajpat Nagar-IV, New Delhi - 110024.
Tel : 011-26235168, 26283098, 26211908 Fax : 26212016 email: info@saaol.com
Website: www.saaol.com

SAAOL's Regional Centers:
South Zone - Bangalore Mr.S.S.Prasad / Ramani 3/1, 4th Teple Street, 13nth Cross Malleswaram, Bangalore - 560003. Tel : 080-23310856, 23344626. Mobile : 9343736554 email; ssprasad@yahoo.com

West Zone - Mumbai Mr.Deepak Dalal B-301, Gold Mist, Thakur Complex, Kandivili (E), Mumbai - 400101. Tel : 022-56995378, 28543088 Fax : 022-28544217

East Zone - Kolkata Mr.Praveen 65/4A, Flat No. 1A, Sarat Bose Road, Kolkata - 300025
Tel : 033-30930329, 24545981 Mobile ; 9330870713

SAAOL Products are available at the following places;
Chennai Sales Office : Mr.Kamal Chhajer c/o Jeans Park India Pvt. Ltd., 566, Anna Salai, Chennai - 600018 Tel : 044-24337236, 55360450

Hyderabad Sales Office : Mr.S.L.Chhajer Sarda Adeifice, Flat No. 203, H.No.3-5-590 Himayat Nagar, Hyderabad - 500029 Tel : 23224084

ANGIOPLASTY OR BYPASS FOR HEART BLOCKAGE

Whenever there is a blockage in the arteries of the heart the patient is generally advised angioplasty or a Bypass surgery depending on the severity of the blockage and the artery in which the blockage has occurred. This has become almost very common nowadays and is being performed by Doctors routinely. The operation may be one of the many that the Doctor may be performing but for the patient, it is for the first time. Often, no effort is made to put the patient at ease and therefore he is given no time and no choice but to undergo whatever the Doctor prescribes.

But there is no need for patients to feel alarmed whenever one has a heart attack. God has given our body excellent powers to administer it’s own medicines and remedial measures even in case of emergency. But we have take attention within a time period beyond which the body may loose its capacity to fight back. In case of heart the time for attention is within the first 6 hours. Therefore one must get attention and medication within the first 6 hours. Therefore while immediate medication is being given there is time for one to consider and plan a curative and lasting remedy.

Both Angioplasty and Bypass are by no means lasting remedies and there are risks associated with these. Blocks may reoccur in the same artery or another after a period of time. Therefore the lasting remedy in such a situation is to get rid of the causes of heart attacks. This is to reduce the thickening of the arteries which can cause the blockage. Towards this purpose one’s diet is very important. Cholesterol (fats) and Triglycerides have to maintained under strict control in the body. For this purpose the diet has be simple and calorie intake has to be watched. Weight and Blood Pressure has to be maintained at acceptable levels. Regular exercise, walking and meditation have to be practised regularly. The mind has to be kept calm and without worries. One must lead a simple life and enjoy everyday life.

The good news is that there are alternatives to Angioplasty and Bypass surgeries. One is known as PAN Angiography. Angiogram need not be performed to know the level of blockage in the heart. There is something called as Scan 64 machine which is non-invasive scan of the heart. Once the position and extent of the blockage is known, then the patient can be made to undergo PAN Angiography which can reduce the blockage and cure this disease. The duration of this treatment is about one month daily for about 2 hours.

The other is Biochemical Angioplasy which is an injection given everday for 30 days and results in the dissolving of the blockages. These are easy to undergo and costs much less than Angoiplasty and Bypass surgery. An added advantage is that both are non-invasive techniques. Therefore there is no need of hospitalization, no foreign bodies inside the body and no pain associated with surgeries.

CHOICE OF FOOD

Apples - Protects your heart Prevents constiption Blocks diarrhoea Improves lung capacity Cushions joints

Apricots - Combats cancer Controls blood pressure Saves your eyesight Shields against Alzhiemer's Slows ageing process

Artichocks - Aids digestion Lowers cholestrol Protects your heart Stabilizes blood sugar Guards against liver diseases

Avocados - Battles diabetes Lowers cholestrol Helps stop strokes Controls blood pressure Smoothes skin

Bananas - Protects heart Quiets a cough Strengthens bones Controls blood pressure Blocks diarrhoea

Beans - Prevents constipation Prevents hemorrhoids Lowers cholesterol Combats cancer Stabilizes blood sugar

Beets - Controls blood pressure Combats cancer Strengths bones Protects heart Aids weight loss

Blue-berries - Combats cancer Protects heart Stabilizes blood sugar Boosts memory Prevents constipation

Broccoli - Strengths bones Saves eyesight Combats cancer Protects heart Controls blood pressure

Cabbage - Combats cancer Prevents constipation Promotes weight loss Protects heart Prevents hemorrhoids

Canta-loupe - Saves eyesight Controls blood pressure Lowers cholesterol Combats cancer Supports immune system

Carrots - Saves eyesight Protects heart Prevents constipation Combats cancer Promotes weight loss

Cauli-flower - Protects against prostate cancer Combats breast cancer Strengthens bones Banishes bruises Guards against heart diseases

Cherries - Protects heart Combats cancer Ends insomnia Slows ageing process Shields against Alzhiemer's

Chestnut - Promotes weight loss Protects heart Lowers cholesterol Combats cancer Controls blood pressure

Chillipeppers - Aids digestion Soothes sore throat Clears sinuses Combats cancer Boosts immune system

Figs - Promotes weight loss Helps stop strokes Lowers cholesterol Combats cancer Controls blood pressure

Fish - Protects heart Boosts memory Protects heart Combats cancer Supports immune system

Flax - Aids digestion Battles diabetes Protects heart Improves mental health Boosts immune system

Garlic - Lowers cholesterol Controls blood pressure Combats cancer Kills bacteria Fights fungus

Grape-fruit - Protects against heart attacks Promotes weight loss Helps stop strokes Combats prostate cancer Lowers cholesterol

Grapes - Saves eyesight Conquers kidney stones Combats cancer Enhances blood flow Protects heart

Greentea - Combats cancer Protects heart Helps stop strokes Promotes weight loss Kills bacteria

Honey - Heals woumds Aids digestion Guards against ulers Increases energy Fights allergies

Lemons - Combats cancer Protects heart Controls blood pressure Smoothes skins Stops scurvy

Limes - Combats cancer Protects heart Controls blood pressure Smoothes skins Stops scurvy

Mangoes - Combats cancer Boosts memory Regulates thyroid Aids digestion Shields against Alzhiemer's

Mushrooms - Controls blood pressure Lowers cholesterol Kills bacteria Combats cancer Strengthens bones

Oats - Lowers cholesterol Combats cancer Battles diabtes Prevents constipation Smoothes skins

Oliveoil - Protects heart Promotes weight loss Combats cancer Battles diabetes Smoothes skins

Onions - Reduce risk of heart attacks Combats cancer Kills bacteria Lowers cholestrol Fights fungus

Oranges - Supports immune system Combats cancer Protects heart Straightens respiration

Peaches - Prevents constipation Combats cancer Helps stop strokes Aids digestion Helps hemorrhoids

Peanuts - Protects against heart diseases Promotes weight loss Combats prostate cancer Lowers cholesterol Aggravates diverticulites

Pineapple - Strengthens bones Relieves colds Aids digestion Dissolves warts locks diarrhoea

Prunes - Slows ageing process Prevents constipation Boosts memory Lowers cholesterol Protects against heart diseases

Rice - Protects heart Battles diabetes Conquers kidney stones Combats cancer Helps stop strokes

Straw-berries - Combats cancer Protects heart Boosts memory Calms stress

Sweetpotatoes - Saves eyesight Lifts moods Combats cancer Strengthens bones

Tomatoes - Protects prostate Combats cancer Lowers cholesterol Protects heart

Walnuts - Lowers cholesterol Combats cancer Boosts memory Lifts mood Protects against heart diseases

Water - Promotes weight loss Combats cancer Conquers kidney stones Smoothes skins Reduces stomach acidity

Water-melon - Protects prostate Promotes weight loss Lowers cholesterol Helps stop strokes Controls blood pressure

Wheatgerm - Combats colon cancer Prevents constipation Lowers cholesterol Helps stop strokes Improves digestion

Wheatbran - Combats colon cancer Prevents constipation Lowers cholesterol Helps stop strokes Improves digestion

Yogurt - Guards against ulcers Strengthens bones Lowers cholesterol Supports immune system Aids digestion

DIFFERENT TYPES OF MEDICAL TREATMENTS

Conventional Medicine or Allopathy : This is the most widespread form of Medical Treatment which involves diagnosis, treatment and in some cases surgery. There has been lot of research done and the procedures are well documented. But it is expensive. There has been tremendous advancement made in diagnostic methods and treatment. There is however criticism that this type of treatment is only palliative and not curing. There is growing disillusionment with Allopathy due to its temporary healing ability and its alarming side effects.

Ayurvedic Medicine: This is an ancient medical treatment that originated in India long long ago. It is derived from two words, ‘Ayus’ denoting life and ‘Veda’ implying knowledge.
The treatment is based on plant herbs which are ground and made into a paste and applied to the body. The ancient medical practitioners of this treatment were of the belief that both the body and the mind are to be treated for any illness. Ayurveda emphasiasis holistic living. It does not merily incorporate physical well-being but, includes your lifestyles such as your diet,clothing, the way you conduct yourself and a host of other aspects. The treatments are described in various ancient literatures which are scattered, well documented but may not be easily understood. It was generally passed on down the hierarchy. This form of treatment is closely associated with nature. Ayurveda is being revived now and this can become popular in the coming years.

Homeopathy: Homeopathy has a German origin . The name is derived from the Greek word, ‘Homeo’ meaning similar and ‘Pathos’ meaning suffering or treatment by the same. It is said to improve ones immune system and then cure the disease.This branch of medical treatment is based on drug and rare-metal formulations which have found favour with people. This method of treatment takes into account the patients family history. The treatment is prolonged and takes a long duration. There is claim that there are medicines for even the most dreaded diseases.

Unani Medicine : the fundamentals of Unani medicine are similar to that of Ayurveda. This form of treatment originated from ancient Greece. Like Ayurveda it recognizes that body is made up of four elements, viz., Water, Fire, Earth and Air. i.e., khoon (blood), balgam(phlegm), safra (yellow bile), and sauda (black bile). In Unani it is believed that if any imbalances occur in these in the body then it is to be treated accordingly.

Pranic Healing : This form of treatment is based on curing of the physical body through the mind and ones breathing patterns. This form of treatment believes that any disharmony in breathing, if addressed properly can lead to the cure of the disease.

COUNT YOUR CALORIES

It is necessary for one to maintain his body weight nowadays if they want to contain the many diseases that plague humankind. One must maintain his Body Mass Index that we discussed in the last topic. Therefore one must plan one’s food intake. The following calculation will make it easier to calculate ones calorie intake that will help to maintain one’s BMI.

It is found that calorie requirement of an individual is about 1600 Calories, not more, not less.

It is divided for various times as follows;
Breakfast 25 % --- 400 Cals.
Lunch 35% --- 560 Cals.
Evening Snacks 10% --- 160 Cals.
Dinner 30% --- 480 Cals.

We eat three kinds of food everyday. They are carbohydrates, Proteins and fats. These break down to give energy, which is measured in calories. If these calories are not spent then they accumulate in the body tissues and that is how one tends to put on more weight. The energy giving capacity of these three types of food are;
Carbohydrates --- 4 Cals / gm.
Proteins --- 4 Cals / gm
Fats --- 9 Cals / gm.

Food like rice, wheat and flour are sources of carbohydrates.
Food like Dals, soya and meat are sources of Proteins.
Food like Ghee, Butter, oils are sources of fats.
Vegetables and fruits contain fewer calories. They are sources of vitamins and minerals.

The food intake can be calculated as follows;

If one chapatti weighs 75 grams, it gives 75 calories energy.
100 gms of rice give 100 calories.
A gulab Jamun that weighs 50 grams gives 450 calories.
100 gms of vegetables or fruits give 30 – 40 calories only. Therefore more intakes of vegetables and fruits are preferred. Exceptions are potatoes (100 gms give 100 cals, Banana 100 cals.)

If one eats 4 chapattis and 200gms of vegetables, he gets 380 cals. A cup of Curd/Dahi made from toned (30 gms ) milk will give approximately 150 cals.

The calorie intake depends on one’s physical efforts. If one is doing strenuous physical work he may require more calories accordingly.

( The above information sourced from Dr. Bimal Chajjer’s SAAOL Foundation, New Delhi ).

BODY MASS INDEX (BMI)

If one is fat or not is determined by their Body Mass Index. The BMI is calculated by the following method.

Body Mass Index = Weight in Kgs / Sq. of (Height in Meters )

for Eg. Consider that the weight of a person is 70 Kgs and his height is 172 cms.
( i.e 1.72 Meters ). His Body Mass Index is :

BMI = 70 / (1.72 X 1.72) = 23.66

If the BMI is greater than 25 an individual is overweight and if it more than 30 he or she is obese.

Ideal BMI is between 20 and 25.