Wellness Pillow – Benefits Of Wellness Pillow

A good sleep is necessary for one and all. Pillows play a vital role in getting a complete sound sleep. After a long tiring day, a 'right' pillow can provide the perfect comfort that your body looks for. Besides providing comfort, a right pillow provides necessary support for the neck and spine, thus preventing common types of back pain, shoulder pain and neck pain.

Healthbuddy wellness pillow is made up of memory foam which increases the vicosity and density of the pillow. Memory foam is polyurethane which softens, when comes in contact with body heat, moulding it to a warm body in a few minutes. It also quickly recovers to its original shape once the weight is removed. Its USP lies in its scientific design, soft and cushiony body, plush looks, resilient PU foam. Some of its salient features are -

• Optimal Foam Density -  Soft and cushiony provides more comfort, good resilience, effective support to the neck, longer functional life, handy zip-lock pouch
• Scientific Design – Maintains the neck in slight hyperextension, provides muscle relaxation, proper support to neck
• Plush Covering – Provides soft feel, good aesthetics, durability.

Wellness pillow is designed to support your neck in a proper position while you sleep. It holds your head and neck at the right angles when you are in a resting motion. The angles and spacing between your body and the mattress vary whether you sleep on your back or side. These pillows tend to rise where the neck is and compress where the head rests. Its memory foam accomodates the compressing and decompressing necessary to contour your neck which provides optimal support and ergonomic comfort for a good night's sleep. Here are some of its usage benefits -

• Provides full support to the neck allowing shoulder and upper back muscles to relax
• Reduces stress by relieving neck and back pain from stiff muscles
• The optical foam density and buoyancy of the pillow helps to keep the spine straight making it more comfortable for you to get a sound sleep.
• It renders support to patients suffering from cervical spondylosis.
• Provides proper extension of muscles for relaxation.
• Sleeping in alignment with a cervical pillow can assist in lowering the blood pressure by correcting the blockage. The round cervical design can stretch, relax the neck muscles and reduce the neck tension that could be the restriction problem.

Not only these, the wellness pillow is fostered with some special features as well. These are -

• Freely adjustable
• Resilient
• Temperature controlled filling
• Firm and non allergic

You may think about how to clean the pillow. Yes, a vaccum cleaner or a gentle pat of hand may be applied to clean the cushion.

Here are some cautions that you must follow -

• Do not bleach
• Do not dry
• Do not dry clean
• Do not iron

So, what are you waiting for! Get a Healthbuddy Wellness Pillow soon, to sleep better and stay better. Remember, this is a drug free way to reduce your neck and back pain.

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Natural Mosquito Repellent

As winter is arriving, swarms of mosquitoes are all set to 'take on' the human body. It seems that the only thing we can do is to protect ourselves by using chemical based DEET sprays. Using insect repellents containing DEET should not be harmful if label directions are followed and the product is used safely. Despite this, DEET exposure over time can cause problems like skin or respiratory irritation. Natural home-made insect repellents are a great alternative to chemical-based ones.  Store bought natural repellents can be expensive, but not to worry. You can prepare these natural repellents in your home and most of the ingredients might already be around your home.

Grab some essential oils – A few drops of essential oils are the foundation of most home-made insect repellents. Any of these will work well. They are- Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemon-balm, Citronella, Rose geranium, Cinnamon oil, Peppermint, Basil, Clove, Thyme.

Find a Carrier Liquid – Even if, you can apply a few drops of essential oils directly to your skin, adding it to some liquid carrier helps the solution last longer. In addition, most of the carriers also boost the bug-repelling power. Witch hazel, Sunflower oil, Apple cider, Liquid Soap, Vegetable oil, Mineral Oil, Lemon juice, Tea tree oil, Vodka, Rubbing Alcohol are some of the liquid carriers.

Pick some herbs – To get the most of your natural mosquito repellent, you can steep your mixture with some fresh herbs. You can also substitute them for many of the above mentioned essential oils. Here are a list of herbs that you can add to your home-made mosquito repellent. They are- Catnip, any variety of mint, thyme, basil, rosemary, sage, lavender, citronella, lemon grass.

Mix everything together – Once you pick a carrier liquid, few essential oils and a herb or two, you can create your own natural repellent. There are so many different recipes, but here I'll mention the easiest to make and remember. Mix one-part essential oil with fifteen-parts carrier liquid. Pour solution in a saucepan and heat it up on the stove pot. Chop up the selected herbs and steep them in the warm solution for anywhere from a few minutes to overnight – the longer the better. Lastly, strain the mixture and put it in a spray bottle.

Don't forget to also check out some of the mosquito-repellent plants that you can grow around your home. They will add an extra bug-repellent barrier.

You can go for Healthbuddy natural mosquito repellent bracelet. It is completely DEET and biocide free and made up of 100% natural essential oil, which is non-toxic and harmless to use. The pellet ingredients being herbal, Healthbuddy Natural Mosquito Repellent Bracelet is completely skin safe.

The smell of the essential oil emitting from the bracelet deters the mosquitoes from approaching. The smell is pleasant to wear but mosquitoes and other pests are not quite fond of the same. These bracelets can be used for indoors as well as outdoor activities like boating, camping, golfing, jogging, fishing, hunting, gardening etc. The bracelet being waterproof, stays effective even after sweating or other contact with moisture. Additionally, the band is adjustable making the usage convenient for any wrist size. One pellet can be used for up to 15 days. In between uses, the pellet can be stored in the 'blister card package' provided or in any other air-tight container.

So, get your totally DEET free Healthbuddy natural mosquito repellent bracelet today. It's simple and inexpensive.  Why not give it a try this winter!

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Generic Drugs – Know The Associated Pros And Cons

If you regularly buy medicines for the seniors or kids of your house, then you must have an idea that medicines can be of two types – branded as well as generic. There are not much difference between branded and generic drugs. Well, generic drug is simply a branded drug which comes into the market with a new name after the patent for the branded drug expires. However, it should be also be noted here that though generic drugs are popular, there are certain pros and cons associated with it.

Pros and cons of generic drugs

Let's take a look at some of the pros associated with generic drugs:

Pricing: While you buy the generic medicines, you will be able to get the products at a lower price compared to their branded version. This is because the medicines will be made locally by various medicine producing companies once the patent gets expired. Once the medicines are locally available, they will not have to be imported from other countries or some other places. As a result, the price automatically drops down to a great extent.

Easily available: The generic drugs are easily available unlike many branded drugs. You will get the generic version of the drugs in your local medical store or even at the online medicine shops. You do not have to pay extra money for it or do not have to order it beforehand. Thus, whenever you are in need of these medicines, you will be able to get them easily.

Similar composition of drugs: While you buy the generic medicines, it is quite common that you might be worried about the composition of the drugs. Well, you should not worry much. You should note that generic medicines in India or in any part of the world will have more or less the same composition.

Some of the cons associated with generic drugs are as follows:

Inadequate testing: All medicines need to be tested before they are made available for the common users. Testing and checking for branded drugs are quite extensive and they last for years. This is not the same for generic drugs. The generic drugs mainly go through the "bio-equivalent" test. This will only test whether the active ingredients are almost the same as compared to its branded version.

Different labeling: Many a times, labeling on the packages of the generic medicines are quite different from that of the branded medicines. This can sometimes confuse the people who consume the medicines. Thus, they misunderstand as to what they are consuming and what side effects the medicine can have.

Variation of inactive ingredients: Medicines contain various inactive ingredients. These ingredients might vary to a great extent in generic medicines when compared to that of branded medicines. Depending upon your allergy and immunity levels, these inactive ingredients can have impact on your health. So, before you go for these medicines, take the opinion of your physician.

Hopefully, now you have a clear idea about the pros and cons of generic medicines. Thus, you will be able to decide whether or not you should go for it.

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Do Cigarette Filters Really Filter Anything Out Of The Smoke?

Smoking is always considered injurious to health. Don't ever think that you can escape the harms of smoking by taking the aid of cigarette filters. Though cigarette filters filter out the particular components of smoke such as tar which results in a mild decrease in the amount of carcinogens, but they should not be considered in anyway safe or better than unfiltered cigarettes. Same as, unfiltered cigarettes, cigarette filters also run the risk of developing lung cancer, heart attack, stroke, emphysema. There is also added risk of inhaling partials from the filter into the smoker's lungs and causing scaring and increasing the chances of emphysema. Also studies have shown that smokers tend to draw longer and harder on filtered cigarettes. This causes additional exposure to the harmful chemicals found in tobacco smoke. The best way to reduce the risk of developing such diseases is to quit smoking. Filtered cigarettes hardly make any difference to the harms caused to a person's lungs and body.

Just as everything has its advantages and disadvantages, there are not all negative about cigarette filters.  The good thing that cigarette filters do is, keeping bits of tobacco out of your mouth. Filters cool the smoke, keeps your fingers from getting stained. Whereas traditional cigarettes have 4000 additives that can damage our body, smokeless cigarettes do not ruin your health with these deadly chemicals, as severe chemical and carbon monoxide do not exist with e cigarettes. If you cannot do without smoking, then consider using smoking filter. You can prevent the added output due to acquiring smoking filter. These filters are available in four types, and they may last for a month or as long as you can easily use it. The first step to begin utilizing these filters is to trim the nicotine gotten from cigarette by 25 percent; this indicates that you will only receive 75 percent of nicotine. You can utilize each filter for about two weeks before you need to switch to a new one.

If you are thinking of trying filtered cigarettes instead of unfiltered ones, try STOPTAR Smoking Filter. It is made of Grade -A plastic sans any chemicals. It separates and selectively absorbs heavy tars, carcinogenic poly-nuclear compounds and many such toxic and hazardous chemicals from the smoke with mechanical refining insert i.e. by centrifugal force. It is an affordable smoke-safety product that filters out the tar and nicotine making each smoke inhaled by you a safer option. It also offers economy of use, as each filter can be used for as many as 10-15 times before disposal.

Sadly, there has been no study about what is the healthiest way to smoke because the non-smoking lobby is just not interested in providing any options for a better way to smoke and the tobacco companies are not going to research that counteracts their marketing of low tar. So, the best way left, is to give up your smoking habits and stride towards a healthy lifestyle.

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Promoting Healthy Lifestyles – Know The Strategies That You Need To Practice

We speak a lot about healthy lifestyle but practicing it in regular lives can be quite tough. However, if you can make sure that you follow a healthy lifestyle, then you will be able to stay fitter and you won't suffer from any health issues. Here are few strategies which you can follow in order to promote healthy lifestyle in your life:

Exercise regularly: It is important to understand the utility of exercise. You should incorporate at least 30 minutes of exercise in your daily schedule. Exercising at least thrice a week is quite essential to keep your overall body in shape. In our busy professional lives, we hardly get time to exercise. Moreover, most of us have to sit in front of the computers for long period of time. So, you should try some exercises like stretching, leg lifts, neck exercises, etc. which you can practice while sitting at one place without attracting any undue attention. Apart from this, one easy way to exercise is to include walking in your daily schedule. You can go for a morning walk for 20-30 minutes. Also, while you are at work, you can walk for 5 minutes every hour in order to ensure proper blood circulation throughout the body.

Consume low saturated fats: Ensure that you eat a diet which is low in saturated fats. So, you should lower the intake of heavy diary products, meat, refined sugar, etc. Rather, you should make sure to include fruits and green vegetables in your diet. You should also consume green tea for better health. Try growing some vegetables in your kitchen garden as they will have less pesticides and insecticides in it. Thus, they will be beneficial for your health. You should always remember that rather than going for healthcare products available in the market, you should go for natural options.

Sleep well: In order to maintain a better health and ensure a healthy lifestyle, you should definitely sleep well at night. A good night's sleep will help you lower your blood pressure levels. It will also help you improve your immune system. Thus, you will be able to fight all other diseases and infections in a better way. 7- 8 hours of sound is quite essential for better health. You should also remember that constant sleep deprivation can lead to negative effects on your brain. It might even lead you to take poor decisions. Apart from this, it will lead to weight gain.

Enjoy your life: You should also enjoy your life in order to ensure healthy living. You should lead a healthy social life and interact with your family and friends regularly. It provides a sense of security and connection. You should also avoid or quit smoking and intake of drugs. Try to remain happy and eliminate negative feelings from your mind. Ignore things that make you sad or bring tears to your eyes. This will help you lead a better life.

So, now you have a better idea about strategies which can help you promote a healthy lifestyle!

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Commonly Used Anti-Diabetic Drug Can Cause Bladder Cancer

Indian doctors have restricted the use of the commonly used drug for diabetes, Pioglitazone, better known by brand name Glizone and Pioz. Studies reveal that the drug increases the risk of developing bladder cancer. Diabetologists state that bladder cancer is already seen among patients who have been on lower dosages of the drug for two years or more. Falling under the class of Thiazolidinedione, Pioglitazone is a prescription drug that lowers sugar levels in diabetics. Rosiglitazone, which is another medication of the same class has been withdrawn from the market in 2010 following risks of cardiovascular diseases. Exposure to Pioglitazone for two years may more than double the risk of developing bladder cancer. Diabetic patients who have consumed Pioglitazone are at a 83% increased risk of developing bladder cancer than the rest of the population.

Out of 115,727 patients who have been treated for diabetes between 1988 and 2009, 470 of them had bladder cancer. This shows that everyone in 250 patients, taking the drug for more than two years, are developing the risk of bladder cancer. Researchers say that the risk applies to patients who have been taking maximum dosage of the drug -45mg for two years. Indian doctors claim that the drug should be continued as no risk has been proved for those who take dose of 15mg and 30mg everyday. It is the most effective drug to bring sugar levels under control. Without this drug, the only option that remains is to take insulin. Others say that the risks of the drug should be briefed to the patient or withdrawn.

No detailed study of the effectiveness of the drug in India is recorded, but, some doctors in India say that they have seen new cases of bladder cancer for people who have been taking lower dosage(15mg) of the drug for two years. Madras Diabetes Research Foundation has collected medical details of eight patients, who developed bladder cancer after being prescribed  Pioglitazone. The patients were from Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Belgaum and Salem. Foundation Director Dr. V.Mohan said that none of them had bladder cancer before they were prescribed the drug. So, its proved that even lower dosages increases the risk of bladder cancer.

The US Food and Drug Administration warned that taking Pioglitazone for at least a year increased the risk of bladder cancer by at least 40%, and ordered the drug's manufacturer to note the risk on the drug's label. Counries like, France and Germany has banned the drug. Dr. Mohan suggests that the drug should be banned for new patients and patients who are taking it should be warned about the risk. Another diabetologist, Dr. A. Ramachandran said he has already withdrawing old patients from consuming this drug. He also said that it is better to take the pricks instead of risking cancer. Delhi based diabetologist Dr. Anoop Mishra says that with so many safe and effective drugs for diabetes, Pioglitazone should be considered as the last option.

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Healthy Winter – Check OutThe Top 20 Tips For Better Health

Post Diwali, you will notice a chill in the air especially during the early morning. This is the right time to start off with your winter healthcare. Whether it is your skin or hair, you need to take special care of it during the winters. Here are 20 health tips which will help you to keep yourself healthy and glowing throughout the winters:

1. Moisturise yourself daily: In order to keep your body hydrated and moisturised, you should use a good body lotion, immediately after shower. This will lock in extra-moisture in your body.

2. Hot water shower – A big no-no: It might be very tempting to go for hot water showers during winters but it can rip off the moisture of your skin. So, you should go for a lukewarm bath.

3. Avoid chapped lips: The problem of chapped lips is quite common in winters. Avoid licking your lips to avoid chapped lips. Use a lip balm to keep your lips hydrated.

4. Use sunscreen regularly: Sunscreen is not for the summer months only. Winter sun can also tan your skin. So apply ample sunscreen to the exposed body parts when you step out.

5. Take care of your cracked heels: Cracked heels and winters are synonymous. In order to avoid this, soak your feet in warm water and then scrub off the dead skin with pumice stone. Apply a cream and say good bye to cracked heels.

6. Ensure soft hands: Your hands can become rough and dry during the winter months. Apply hand creams in order to ensure that you have soft, smooth hands during winters.

7. Oil your hair: During the winters, you should oil your hair quite often. This will help you remove the dryness of the hair and will ensure soft and beautiful tresses throughout the winter.

8. Condition your hair regularly: If you wish to moisturise your hair, you will have to condition it regularly. Conditioners will help smoothen the dry hair and give them a nice look.

9. Stay away from dryers: During the winters, you should stay away from the hair dryers. Blow drying your hair during the winters will make your hair more brittle and dry.

10. Cover your head with a scarf: Surely cover your hair with a hat or a scarf to prevent the frizz in the hair due to the dry wind.

11. Get rid of hair static: Lack of moisture in the hair may lead to hair static. So, you should go for a leave-in conditioner while styling your hair.

12. Avoid regular shampooing: Regular shampooing can rip off the natural oil from your hair. So, shampoo your hair twice or thrice in a week.

13. Runny or stuffed nose: During winters, runny or stuffed nose is quite common. Visit the healthcare stores and stock medicines for the same or inhale few drops of eucalyptus oil.

14. Get rid of flu: It is a common winter ailment. Take steamy shower and enjoy hot drinks like chicken soup to get rid of flu.

15. Take care of soar throat: Cold winter winds can lead to throat pain. To avoid this, mix warm water and salt and gargle with it.

16. Right clothing: When it is cold outside, try to keep yourself fully covered. Use bonnets, mittens, scarves and jackets to stay safe from cold winds.

17. Eat healthy: If you wish to keep ailments at bay, then you should eat healthy. Include fruits, vegetables and nuts in your diet.

18. Exercise regularly: Though winters can make you lazy, you should try to remain active as much as possible. This will keep winter ailments at bay.

19. Drink water: During winters, it is essential to keep yourself hydrated. It will benefit your skin and will help you avoid winter lethargy.

20. Stock up medicines: Stock up anti-oxidants and mineral supplements in order to keep winter ailments at bay.

Follow the above mentioned tips and stay healthy!

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