healthnews
T H E IN E Q R M A T IO N Y O U N E E D T O
ELL
Kick the Butt
Thebeginningofanewyearistherighttimetogofirmon
your resolution and quit smoking. Here’s some expert advice.
DISTRACT YOURSELF
“A smoker’s fingers can get into
a repetitive pattern and crave to hold a cigarette,” explains Dr
Rangaraju Ranga Rao, Chairman, Medical Oncology, Artemis
Health Institute, Gurgaon. If you’re craving, distractyour
hands by engaginginactivities.Try writing, painting, or typing.
NEW TREATMENT
A lasertreatment done through a
laserdiode, Nicolite, holds promise. Nicolite inducesthe
release of happy hormones in the body. These reduce stress
and anxiety related to withdrawal. (But check with your
doctor about its safety). This treatment is available at New
Look Cosmetic LaserClinic, Delhi.
^5) NICOTINE AID
Likeyour hands,your mouth too needs
to break free of the habit. Chew on gu ms (regular or nicotine),
cloves, or cardamoms to keep the mouth busy.
But Dr Rao makes it clearthat these are only temporary
aids. To quit long-term, build upyour will power, seek support
from family and friends,andgoinforcounselling.
If you are hit by
a continuous
cough, try
aniseed (
s a u n f
).
Aniseed loosens
congestion,
expels mucus,
and relaxes the
respiratory tract.
Simmer 2 tbsp
aniseed in 250
ml water for 15
minutes. Strain;
add 100 ml
honey (honey
soothes a dry
throat) and take
2-3 tbsp
whenever the
cough attacks.
(Source: Reader’s Digest
1801 Home Remedies)
For more info, see Resources
OJ to Y our Aid
grab a fast-food meal every now
m, but feel guilty about it? Just
be sure to have some orange juice (O J)
along w ith the meal. According to the
researchers at the University of Buffalo,
US, orange juice decreases a meal’s
harmful effects by controlling the
increase in levels of free radicals from
unhealthy foods. Also, OJ is an anti-fat
elixir. W hile it can help limit the
Unhealthy effects of a fatty meal, don’t
make junk food a habit.
Blah to Blues
W in te r blues is a m ild form o f seasonal
affective d iso rd er (SAD) b u t easy to banish.
Soak u p th e sun w h e n ev e r you can. K eep
cu rtain s and blinds in yo u r hom e/office open
to let in light. Also, choose com forting
carb o h y d rate-lad en foods to c h e e r up. Pick
‘good’ carbs such as w h o le fruits, vegetables,
and w holegrains.
