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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10 Ways To Keep Your Heart Healthy

The heart is the most vital organ in the human body. A healthy heart gives a healthy life. But, many of us neglect this little muscular organ. Our torpid lifestyle, having junk food, consuming alcohol, smoking, long hours of work and increasing stress are some of the reasons behind all our heart diseases. An average human heart beats approximately 2.5 billion times during an average lifespan of 66 years. But we fail to make the most of 2.5 billion beats. This is the high time that we cater to our heart's needs. Here, are some easy ways to keep your heart healthy.

Eat Healthy – Your food intake is highly responsible for a healthy heart. Always keep an eye on what you eat and when you eat. To help your heart beat longer, include adequate amount of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and small amount of oil in your daily diet routine.

Maintain healthy body weight – Obesity can give rise to many heart diseases like high blood pressure, blood sugar, etc. Try to keep your body weight under control. Maintain BMI between 20 to 25 which is considered the optimal weight.

Practice yoga, mediate or exercise – If its not possible for you to practice all of them together, try concentrating on one of the practices to ensure your heart's health. A 30 minutes aerobic exercise improves your heart rate. Yoga and meditation help to get relief from stress which automatically results in the better functioning of your heart.

Be active – If its difficult for you to make time for exercise regularly, then, just try to stay active throughout the day. Climb stairs instead of lift, practice mopping the floor, walk back home from work, if you live nearby. These are a few ways to reduce body weight, thus, helping your heart to stay healthy.

Quit smoking and alcohol – All of you who smoke or take alcohol are aware that these two practices can do a huge damage to your heart. Cut down your cigarette and alcohol intake. Though its difficult, but, at least its better than killing oneself. Try to get out of the addiction slowly, but surely.

Manage stress levels – Stress is the most harmful element of our modern life. Losing appetite, indulgence to smoking and drinking, sleeplessness, anxiety, anger, are a few common symptoms of a stressful life. Therefore, managing stress is very much essential. Don't let stress get on to your head. To reduce stress, talk to friends, socialise, slow down a bit and take a break. Enjoy your life to the fullest. This will keep your heart healthy and agile.

Check your family history – If any of your family member is having or had cardiovascular disease, then there is a high chance for you to develop heart problems. Consult the heart specialist regularly and take extra care of your heart.

Get good sleep – Try to sleep at least 7 to 9 hours each night. Lack of sleep can open the chance for getting blood pressure and cholesterol, which increases the level of inflammation in your body, resulting in heart diseases. So, sleep well to keep your heart steady.

Get regular health screening – Visit your physician regularly. Check your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Laugh out loud and be happy – Laughter is the best medicine for a healthy heart. A minimum 15 minutes of loud laugh will boost blood flow by 22% and prevent arteries from hardening. Being happy is indeed the ultimate solution for a healthy heart.

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Home Remedies For Diabetes

Of recent, the disease diabetes, has become a threat to the entire population. It is now a common name in most of the households. Our eating habits and torpid lifestyle, to some extent, is responsible for its popularity. Nowadays, we even hear of gestational diabetes. Can you imagine, India is leading in Type 2 diabetes, than any other nation! As taking medicines on a regular basis is unwanted, similarly,  insulin and dialysis are still worse experience. Striking out the conception, that, eating too much sweets is the only cause for this disease, diabetes can also be caused due to stress and genes. Prevention is always better than cure. Instead of popping pills everyday, if we can follow certain food habits, then this disease can come under control. Here are some home remedies that you can do to prevent or reduce it.

If you are having a sweet tooth, try to be compatible with the taste of bitter also. Have bittergourd juice in empty stomach. You can also make stuffed karela (bittergourd) or fry them like chips, if you enjoy eating bittergourd. Not only, it will bring a change in your menu and give a reprieve to your taste buds, but is also beneficial for your health.

Soak a few seeds (1/4 tspns) of methi in water overnight. The first thing you do in the morning, after brushing your teeth, is, gulp down the methi along with the water. This is also an effective method of restricting your blood sugar.

The fruit, Jambul, is also  said to have its effect on controlling diabetes, as, it is good for your pancreas. The seeds of the fruit are dried, powdered and can be had with water twice a day.

The fruit, that is available most of the time of the year, is, guava. Its Vitamin C and high fibre content make it one fruit that diabetics can fearlessly have. But, a recent study reveals that guava with its skin can rise the blood sugar levels. So, make sure you peel off the skin before you consume it.

Gooseberry/amla juice are also helpful in cutting the blood sugar levels.

Honey can be a good substitute for sugar. Instead of sugar, try using honey in your tea and coffee.

Research suggests that black coffee without sugar cuts down the level of Type 2 diabetes.

Green tea helps to reduce the blood sugar and insulin levels in the body.

Try and stop the intake of red meat completely. Go for a vegetarian diet. Decrease the consumption of eggs and poultry. Eat lean fish two or three times a week.

Try to switch to low fat milk and its products like yoghurt. Replace high fat cheese with low fat cottage cheese.

Garlic can also reduce the blood sugar levels. Take three or four flakes of freshly crushed garlic daily. Garlic is rich in potassium and replaces the potassium that gets lost in urine. Zinc and sulphur, which are components of insulin, are also contained in garlic.

Onion's diuretic and digestive properties work against diabetes. Raw onion is more effective.

Flaxseed is the richest source of Omega 3 fatty acids. It maintains the sensitivity of the cell membrane, expedites insulin, and thereby the uptake of glucose by the cells, which results to restrict diabetes.

Diabetes can also be controlled by the soluble fibre found in apples, kidney beans, oatmeal, soyabeans, etc. . Excess bile acids found in the intestinal tract – the same acids that are converted to blood cholesterol, are soaked up. They help empty the stomach and trigger the satiety that aids Type 2 diabetics achieve weight loss goals. 

Boil cinnamon sticks in water and drink this water. Water extracts of cinnamon promote glucose metabolism and reduce cholesterol.

Apart from all these, make regular walks and exercise part of your routine.

These are some of the home remedies that you can follow, to control diabetes. If you are a diabetic, there's nothing to fear. Diabetes is curable. Be positive and try these tips. You can certainly win over this dreadful disease.

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11 Benefits of Green Tea That You Didn't Know About

Green tea has fascinated the race for thousands of years. Its medicinal properties have been recognised all throughout the World. Having originated in China, this beverage has captured the attention of the mass. Its popularity lies in its multiple benefits, starting from lowering blood pressure to preventing cancer. The reason why green has more health benefits than black tea is because of its processing. The processing of black tea requires fermentation whereas green tea processing avoids the fermentation part. That is why green tea retains maximum amount of antioxidants  and polyphenols which contribute green tea its many benefits. Here, are some of its amazing benefits - benefits which you may not have been aware of.

Weight Loss – Green tea helps to increase the metabolism. The polyphenol present in green tea works to aggravate levels of fat oxidation and the rate at which your body turns food into calories, resulting in weight loss.

Diabetes – Green tea helps to balance the glucose levels slowing the rise of blood sugar after eating. This can prevent high insulin impale and resulting fat storage.

Heart Disease – Research proves green tea works on the lining of blood vessels, keeping them relaxed and better able to combat changes in blood pressure. Clot formation is also prevented which is the major cause for heart attacks.

Esophageal Cancer – There's a view that green tea kills cancer cells in general without damaging the healthy tissue around them. It also reduces the risk of esophageal cancer.

Cholesterol – By increasing the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol, green tea helps in keeping the bad cholesterol at bay.

Alzheimer's and Parkinson's – Not only it helps to delay the deterioration caused by Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, green tea protects brain cells from dying and restores damaged brain cells.

Tooth Decay – The chemical antioxidant 'catechin' in green tea destroys bacteria and viruses that cause throat infections, dental caries and other dental conditions.

Blood Pressure – The risk of high blood pressure is reduced by the regular consumption of green tea.

Depression – The amino acid, Theanine, found in tea leaves provide a relaxing and tranquilizing effect and therefore is a great benefit for the tea drinkers.

Anti-viral and Anti-bacterial – Tea catechins which are strong anti-bacterial and anti-viral agents treat everything from influenza to cancer. Studies suggests, green tea can restrain the spread of many diseases. 

Skincare – Because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, green tea helps to reduce wrinkles and signs of aging. Both animal and human studies have exhibited that green tea applied topically can reduce sun damage.

These are some of the many benefits of green tea. But the fact is, just one cup of tea won't give you all the gains. There is a controversy on how many cups of tea in a day are necessary. Some say, it can be as little as two cups, some say it can be five cups while others say you can drink upto ten cups a day. So, if you are planning to go down this path, green tea will be the appropriate option. So, next time you buy tea, go for green tea and enjoy healthy living.

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