Don’t fall prey to these fitness misconceptions, experts tell us…

Inspired by the numerous models flaunting their hot-bods in commercials on the small screen and by actors on the big screen, you finally decide to join your local gym. But before you step into the ‘fitness world’ there are a few workout misconceptions that you need to be aware of. Here’s busting some myths…

Exercising on empty stomach

According to fitness expert Nawaz Modi Singhania, one of the most common mistakes people make when they start to workout is by starting to exercise on an empty stomach. “Working out on an empty stomach could lead to fatigue, even before your body actually starts metabolising the fat,” she says. “But don’t exercise on a full stomach either.” The healthy thing to do is to not eat a heavy meal for at least an hour before you begin your workout. Instead have a light health snack. “A fruit or health biscuits are a good option,” she says.

Join a gym to get fit
This is another common misconception, point out health experts. Any form of activity that gives your body an overall workout including cycling, dancing, jogging or even swimming is just as good a way to get fit as joining a gym. As long as you get exercise in some form, being fit need not be synonymous with gymming.

Women bulk up like men if they do weights
“Regular workouts only make the muscles firm and taut. It’s a myth that women bulk up like men do,” clarifies clinical fitness specialist Namita Jain. “Unless a woman works towards achieving that look, it’s highly unlikely, that she will bulk up by default,” adds Namita.

Expecting miracles
The perfectly-sculpted bodies that you see on TV are not made over a day. It needs patience, dietary discipline and a lot of hard work. Fitness instructors who promise you otherwise in just a few weeks are exactly the ones you’d want to avoid.

Excessive sweating means you’re unfit
“Sweating is simply a mean to release the heat from the body to keep your body temperature normal. It just efficiently cools down your body and it’s perfectly normal,” say experts.

The more you exercise, the better it is
Yes, there is a thing as over-exercising, and it can cause injury. Your muscles need at least 24 hours to repair themselves. It’s important to rest your muscles too to avoid muscle fatigue.

Supplements are a must for fitness
Supplements cannot compensate for poor nutrition. “They can be an added, but never the main foods. Vitamins, proteins and carbohydrates work best for the body in their natural forms”.

Do not eat immediately after training
Post-workout nutrition is as important as what you eat before it. Include protein and carbohydrates in your diet and not just any one. Studies have shown that proper post workout nutrition increases protein synthesis, suppresses cortisol, replenishes glycogen, and enhances recovery.

A new study has found that smoking marijuana has therapeutic effects.

Cannabis, also known as marijuana, marihuana and ganja (from Sanskrit: गांजा gañjā, meaning “hemp”), among many other names, refers to any number of preparations of the Cannabis plant intended for use as a psychoactive drug. The most common form of cannabis used as a drug is the dried herbal form.

Experts at the University of California”s Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research (CMCR) claim they have found “reasonable evidence that cannabis is a promising treatment for some specific, pain-related medical conditions.

CMCR director, Igor Grant, MD, Executive Vice-Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at the UCSD School of Medicine, said: “We focused on illnesses where current medical treatment does not provide adequate relief or coverage of symptoms.

“These findings provide a strong, science-based context in which policy makers and the public can begin discussing the place of cannabis in medical care.”

The researchers have completed five scientific clinical trials, with more in progress.

All these studies show that cannabis can be helpful in easing pain in selected syndromes caused by injury or diseases of the nervous system and possibly for painful muscle spasms due to multiple sclerosis.

Senator John Vasconcellos, original author of The Medical Marijuana Research Act of 1999 (SB847), which led to the creation of the CMCR, said:

“These scientists created an unparalleled program of systematic research, focused on science-based answers rather than political or social beliefs.”

The study has been presented to the California legislature.

Now, love psychologist Susan Quilliam has revealed the marriage commandments that keep them together, reports the News of the World.

Give each other space - Absence makes the heart grow fonder, especially when living on different continents. While David is playing football in Italy, Victoria keeps herself busy juggling family life and her fashion career in the States. “Separate interests keep their love fresh and alive. They make the most of, and live for, the time they spend together,” says Quilliam.

Forgive and forget - David’s downfall came in 2004 in the form of Rebecca Loos, 32. “The Beckhams were obviously able to talk through their problems, learnt to understand one another, and then put it behind them,” says Quilliam.

Family comes first - The Beckhams have produced a hat-trick of gorgeous sons: Brooklyn, 10, Romeo, six, and break-dancing Cruz, four. “When you’re in a loving marriage and know you can weather any storm, having a child can bring you even closer, provide a focus for your love and give you a shared job to do,” says Quilliam.

Be each other’s cheerleader – The couple idolises each other. “Victoria’s made many sacrifices, but both have genuinely admired and supported the other. Be proud of what your partner does – and tell them so,” says Quilliam.

Dress for marriage success – The Beckhams ensure their glamour dial is always cranked up to 11 on nights out. “It’s a sign of disrespect to your partner to let yourself go. By taking care of themselves, David and Victoria help keep the lust alive,” says Quilliam.

When two become one – Their penchant for copycat behaviour is a sure-fire sign of a successful relationship. “While individuality is important, their ‘matching’ styles, and the overlap between them, shows the world they have a rock-solid partnership – they think, feel and act the same,” says Quilliam.

All you need is love – Victoria and David travel thousands of miles to spend one night together. “They’re constantly declaring their love. Just saying: ‘I love you’ every day goes a long way in keeping romance alive,” says Quilliam.

The in-laws are not the enemy – The secret of a happy relationship is a happy family. With their hectic schedules, David and Victoria would be lost without Sandra and Jackie, their respective mothers-in-law, who regularly travel with the family, acting as babysitters and allowing the couple to spend precious time alone. “The Beckhams know the importance of making their mums feel involved and valued. They give the family stability and are a vital source of support,” says Quilliam.

Never air your dirty laundry in public – Behind the scenes, Posh and Becks have had their fair share of humdinger rows. But unlike other celebrity couples, they’re careful never to argue or criticise each other in public. “David and Victoria have such a public profile that even the slightest hint of tension would quickly come back to haunt them. They never criticise or bad-mouth each other, and if anything negative happens, they close ranks,” says Quilliam.

Spice up (Sex) life - Posh is regularly seen scouring LA’s sex shops and stocking up on red-hot goodies. And David often buys sexy underwear for his missus. “Love thrives on physical passion. Shared pleasure and sex binds them together and helps them get through stressful times,” says Quilliam.

Some disease-causing microbes are becoming resistant to existing antibiotics. As a result, scientists worldwide are searching for new antibiotics.

Previous studies have hinted that pumpkin, long used as folk medicine in some countries, might have antibiotic effects.

In the new study, Kyung-Soo Hahm, Yoonkyung Park and colleagues extracted proteins from pumpkin rinds to see if the proteins inhibit the growth of microbes, including Candida albicans (C. albicans).

That fungus causes vaginal yeast infections, diaper rash in infants, and other health problems.

One protein had powerful effects in inhibiting the growth of C. albicans, in cell culture experiments, with no obvious toxic effects.

The study suggests that the pumpkin protein could be developed into a natural medicine for fighting yeast infections in humans.

The protein also blocked the growth of several fungi that attack important plant crops and could be useful as an agricultural fungicide, the researchers found.

The study has been published in the current issue of ACS’ Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry , a bi-weekly publication.

But when this pain is persistent and hinder your day to day activities, it should become a cause of worry.

Fibromyalgia may not be a household name, but it affects 30 per cent of population. ‘Fibro’ stands for fibrous body tissues and ‘algia’ stands for aches. So fibromyalgia stands for pain in the body tissues that is continual.

What is it?

Fibromyalgia is a muscular ailment that is characterised by muscle pains, fatigue and tenderness in areas such as the spine, neck, shoulder and hips (also known as ‘tender points’). These points hurt throughout the day and especially when strained excessively, for example while lifting a heavy stuffs, studying with head bent down or working on the computer.

Who can it affect?

Of the 30 per cent of population that fibromyalgia affects most are women. In men, it is common in those who indulge in excessive physical activity that revolves around one joint.

Even though it can occur at any age, people between the ages of 20-35 are more prone to fibromyalgia. This especially includes working professionals who have sedentary lifestyles.

SYMPTOMS

• Difficulty in sleeping
• Feeling tired even after sleeping all night
• Frequent headaches
• Numbness in hands and feet
• Bodily stiffness
• Difficulty in waking up/ laziness
• Sometimes it can result in irritation and severe depression in the patient
• Aches in different areas of the body. Particularly near the upper back, shoulder blade and neck.

Causes

There is no absolute cause that can pinpoint why fibromyalgia occurs. But there are things that trigger it – accident, childbirth, stress, faulty sleeping habits (sleeping face down repeatedly). When the muscle or ligaments in the body are severely strained over a period of time, fibromyalgia occurs. Also sometimes after a severe muscle injury, the healing makes the muscles stiff, making it lose its original flexibility, thereby resulting in the ailment. Research has also found that deficiency of serotonin in the central nervous system and resulting the imbalance is blamed for its occurrence.

Treatment

There are a number of ways to deal with fibromyalgia.

There are oral muscle relaxant pills and painkiller ointments that are prescribed to the patient.

If the fibromyalgia is at a more serious level, then regular physiotherapy is also administered.

In some cases when fibromyalgia leads to depression, anti-depressants are prescribed.

Clinical healing through heat or vibration treatment can also be given to the patient.

Coping with it

Since fibromyalgia has no fixed cure, only its symptoms can be treated by effectively managing it. Here is how to cope:

Stretching exercises:

Stiffness is often caused by fibromyalgia. This can be treated with simple stretching exercises. Try out active stretching (stretching through yoga) instead of using gym equipments. You could even workout

on the gym ball. However make sure you inform your trainer about your weak spots.

Swimming:

Swimming relaxes the mind and energizes the body. It will equally stretch the entire body at one go.

Hot water bath:

If you feel lazy after waking up, massage your body with scented oils and have a hot water bath to refresh yourself.

Relaxation:

Take short breaks while working for a long period of time. This will calm down the strained muscle.

But when this pain is persistent and hinder your day to day activities, it should become a cause of worry.

Fibromyalgia

may not be a household name, but it affects 30 per cent of population. ‘Fibro’ stands for fibrous body tissues and ‘algia’ stands for aches. So fibromyalgia stands for pain in the body tissues that is continual.

What is it?

Fibromyalgia is a muscular ailment that is characterised by muscle pains, fatigue and tenderness in areas such as the spine, neck, shoulder and hips (also known as ‘tender points’). These points hurt throughout the day and especially when strained excessively, for example while lifting a heavy bucket, studying with head bent down or working on the computer.

Who can it affect?

Of the 30 per cent of population that fibromyalgia affects most are women. In men, it is common in those who indulge in excessive physical activity that revolves around one joint.

Even though it can occur at any age, people between the ages of 20-35 are more prone to fibromyalgia. This especially includes working professionals who have sedentary lifestyles.

SYMPTOMS

Difficulty in sleeping

Feeling tired even after sleeping all night

Frequent headaches

Numbness in hands and feet

Bodily stiffness

Difficulty in waking up/ laziness

Sometimes it can result in irritation and severe depression in the patient

Aches in different areas of the body. Particularly near the upper back, shoulder blade and neck.

Causes

There is no absolute cause that can pinpoint why fibromyalgia occurs. But there are things that trigger it – accident, childbirth, stress, faulty sleeping habits (sleeping face down repeatedly). When the muscle or ligaments in the body are severely strained over a period of time, fibromyalgia occurs. Also sometimes after a severe muscle injury, the healing makes the muscles stiff, making it lose its original flexibility, thereby resulting in the ailment. Research has also found that deficiency of serotonin in the central nervous system and resulting the imbalance is blamed for its occurrence.

Treatment

There are a number of ways to deal with fibromyalgia.

There are oral muscle relaxant pills and painkiller ointments that are prescribed to the patient.

If the fibromyalgia is at a more serious level, then regular physiotherapy is also administered.

In some cases when fibromyalgia leads to depression, anti-depressants are prescribed.

Clinical healing through heat or vibration treatment can also be given to the patient.

Coping with it

Since fibromyalgia has no fixed cure, only its symptoms can be treated by effectively managing it. Here is how to cope:

Stretching exercises:

Stiffness is often caused by fibromyalgia. This can be treated with simple stretching exercises. Try out active stretching (stretching through yoga) instead of using gym equipments. You could even workout

on the gym ball. However make sure you inform your trainer about your weak spots.

Swimming:

Swimming relaxes the mind and energizes the body. It will equally stretch the entire body at one go.

Hot water bath:

If you feel lazy after waking up, massage your body with scented oils and have a hot water bath to refresh yourself.

Relaxation:

Take short breaks while working for a long period of time. This will calm down the strained muscle.

A new research in the FASEB Journal by the researchers shows that a “breast cancer gene” causes osmidrosis (smelly armpits) and makes earwax wet and sticky.

That’s because they’ve found that a gene responsible for breast cancer causes these physical symptoms.

“We do strongly hope that our study will provide a new tool for better predication of breast cancer risk by genotyping,” said Toshihisa Ishikawa, Ph.D., a professor from the Department of Biomolecular Engineering at the Tokyo Institute of Technology and the senior researcher involved in the work.

“Using a rapid and cost-effective typing method presented in this study would provide a practical tool for pharmacogenomics-based personalized medicine,” the expert added.

To reach the conclusion, Ishikawa and colleagues monitored the activities of a protein created by a gene associated with breast cancer, called “ABCC11.” By studying this gene and its complex cellular and molecular interactions in the body, the researchers discovered a distinct link between the gene and excessively smelly armpits and wet, sticky earwax.

Specifically, the researchers expressed the ABCC11 gene and variant proteins in cultured human embryonic kidney cells and showed exactly how the ABCC11 gene produces the wet-type earwax and excessive armpit odor.

The discovery could lead to practical tools for clinicians-especially those in developing nations-to rapidly identify who may have a higher risk for breast cancer.

“Wet, sticky earwax might not be easily noticed, but most people can’t miss unpleasant body odors,” said Gerald Weissmann, M.D., Editor-in-Chief of The FASEB Journal, “As it turns out, the type of ear wax one has is linked to a gene that leads to bad odors from one’s armpit. These may become lifesaving clues to the early detection and treatment of breast cancer.”

Scientists in Japan are presenting the first scientific evidence that inhaling certain fragrances alter gene activity and blood chemistry in ways that can reduce stress levels.

Akio Nakamura, of Saitama University, Japan and colleagues note that people have inhaled the scent of certain plants since ancient times to help reduce stress, fight inflammation and depression, and induce sleep.

Aromatherapy, the use of fragrant plant oils to improve mood and health, has become a popular form of alternative medicine today.

And linalool is one of the most widely used substances to soothe away emotional stress. Until now, however, linalool’s exact effects on the body have been a deep mystery.

The scientists exposed lab rats to stressful conditions while inhaling and not inhaling linalool.

Linalool returned stress-elevated levels of neutrophils and lymphocytes – key parts of the immune system- to near-normal levels.

Inhaling linalool also reduced the activity of more than 100 genes that go into overdrive in stressful situations. The findings could form the basis of new blood tests for identifying fragrances that can soothe stress, the researchers say.

These findings were published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

A well known American psychic, Edgar Cayce claimed that through dreaming, people gain access to their spirit and all possible questions are answered by our inner conscious. Some dream interpretations are strange, while others are pretty understandable. We bring you ten most commonly experienced dreams to help you interpret their meaning within the context of your own life.

Car troubles

Description: This is a common nightmare among all ages, even for people who usually don’t drive. In this dream, you are usually in or near a car or some other type of vehicle which goes out of control. The circumstances can vary, for example, you may find that you have no brakes, or that the steering wheel doesn’t work, or that you have run out of fuel. You may also dream that you are going off the road, off a cliff, going through a red light, or crashing into an object or person. Mr. X, a sales manager with a leading telecom company, recalls “I don’t remember my dreams. But a few years ago, when I was getting over a troubled relationship and going through an emotional turbulence, I used to have a recurring dream that I am driving a car and suddenly the brakes failed. It was an intense feeling.”

Interpretation: A vehicle is the symbol of our life’s path. This dream arises when things are not going well for you and you are unable to control the unpleasant events happening in your life. If the car in your dream has poor control or missing parts, it suggests that your sense of control over current conditions is being compromised. “A troubled car dream always means that you are going through a change – be it changing jobs or experiencing your first pregnancy”.

Failing a test

Description: This dream is often seen by those who have been out of school for a long time. In this dream you are prevented from passing a test in diverse circumstances. In one scenario, you find that you are unprepared to undergo the test either because you have not prepared for it or because you are missing the necessary equipments needed to sit for the exam. In another scenario you may find that you can’t answer any of the questions or that the test is in some unknown language. You can also not complete the exam within the stipulated time or find that you are late in arriving at the exam hall. All these factors contribute to you failing this test. Ms. M, a content writer with a MNC, says, “I get this dream periodically. It’s usually college and I’ve blown a class off for almost the entire semester and once the finals come I have to find a map and locate the room like it’s my first day there.”

Interpretation: Such dreams highlight your frustration and depression. It usually means that you are feeling tested in life and may experience the fear of not being accepted. It could even imply not being prepared to face challenges or not being good enough. You are worried that you are not making the grade and measuring up to other people’s expectations. “To dream that you are taking an exam indicates that you are being put to the test or being scrutinised in some way. These dreams also suggest that you are feeling unprepared for a challenge. These dreams are not about the content of the test, but rather how you are feeling while taking the exam”.

Illness or dying

Description: A dream death is a moderately common nightmare and it involves deaths of famous people, your parents or children, a lover or even yourself. Occasionally, it occurs during the onset of an illness. According to American psychic, Edgar Cayce, when you dream about the accidental death of any person, that person’s death symbolizes something in you that is no longer functioning. Mr. K, a senior engineer says, “I usually dream of goons breaking into my house and shooting at my father. I’m the only one who witnesses this in the dream”
Interpretation: This dream is related to your life and it means that you are emotionally hurt or are afraid of being hurt. “This dream may work as a warning for you to make you aware of an upcoming physical risk to yourself or a loved one. When it is someone else in the dream who dies, it can mean that you feel that part of yourself (that you see represented by that person) is also dead. It may also mean that you wish the person would go away or that you fear losing them”.

Being chased

Description: Dreaming about being chased is also a commonly experienced nightmare. Most often the chaser in the dream is a monster or some person who is frightening; occasionally it may be an animal. Such dreams are not only horrifying and shocking, but often leave the dreamer with a lasting image of the dream. It is also worth noting that sometimes this dream is a replay of an actual event in your life. Mr.A, a student, says, “When I was young I used to have nightmares about being chased. Usually I was chased by two lions and I would be running away from them towards my house, but I could never reach the door no matter how hard I’d try.”

Interpretation: This type of dream often results from stress. In this type of dream you feel frightened, attacked and in danger. If you dream of being chased by someone you know, this person is somehow contributing to your anxiety. If you dream of being chased by a stranger, it’s possible that the stranger represents some aspect of yourself. “Running is an instinctive response to physical threats in our environment, therefore ‘chase dreams’ represent your way of coping with fear or stress. Instead of confronting the situation, you are running away and avoiding it”.

Bad or missing teeth

Description: Teeth dreams usually involve the discovery of extremely decayed or missing teeth in your own mouth. Common dream scenarios include having your teeth crumbling in your hands or your teeth falling out one by one with just a light tap. Ms. S, a call center executive, recalls, “Five years back, I would constantly dream about my teeth falling out. And not just falling: they actually crumble into much smaller pieces, and I end up spitting the pieces throughout my dream. I was seeing that dream so often that I actually went and talked to someone about it, and they told me it could mean that I wasn’t feeling nurtured or loved by those around me.”

Interpretation: What does it mean when we dream about missing teeth? At the most basic level it means that we are afraid of being looked upon as unattractive. At a deeper level, it can signify a fear of embarrassment or loss of power in real life. “Sadly, we live in a world where good looks are valued highly and our teeth play an important role in conveying that image. The dreams about your teeth reflect your anxiety about your appearance and how others perceive you. Another rationalization for falling teeth dream may be rooted in your fear of being embarrassed or making a fool of yourself in some specific situation”.

Falling or sinking

Description: We have all had falling dreams. This is the most common dream, and is sometimes accompanied by muscle jerks, which may jolt you awake. In such dreams we are usually falling through the air and are extremely frightened. Occasionally we may be sinking in water and in danger of drowning. Ms. S, customer care executive, says” I often dream that am floating or have the ability to levitate, sometimes with a great sense of power other times with powerlessness.”

Interpretation: Dreams of falling often arise from the fear of losing control. A person who is having this dream is either insecure or lacks support in real life. If you have this dream you should evaluate your current situation and try to identify the problem. “Falling is an indication of insecurities, instabilities, and anxieties. Sometimes when we have these dreams, your whole body jerks or twitches and we wake up. This happens because falling or sinking dreams typically occur during the first stage of sleep and the dreams in this stage are often accompanied by muscle spasms of the arms, legs, and the whole body. This jerking action is part of an arousal mechanism that allows the sleeper to awaken and become alert and responsive to possible threats in the environment”.

Missed a train, bus, boat or plane

Description: In this type of dream you are rushing to catch a bus, train, plane or other type of public transport, but you miss it generally by a fraction of second. You feel frustrated rather than afraid in these dreams. In a variation of this theme, you arrive very late for a performance in which you are supposed to participate and find that the event has already begun.

Interpretation: “Travel images often signify an emotional journey of discovery and this dream usually means that you have missed out on an important opportunity in your real life. This dream often occurs when you are struggling over an important decision”.

Faulty machinery

Description: In the faulty machinery dream you dream of trying to operate some mechanical equipment while it malfunctions. Many such dreams involve telephones, with the dreamer having trouble dialing, getting disconnected or making a faulty connection. It can involve a lost Internet connection or a jammed or broken machine. Aaron, a web developer, says “I dream about the faulty connection most often. I can never dial the right number or get hold of the person I am trying to reach”

Interpretation: “This dream means that you are losing touch with reality or that a part of your body or mind is not functioning properly. You can also have such dream when you are feeling anxious about making a connection with another person in real life”.

Lost or trapped

Description: In this dream you try to find your way out of an unknown territory such as a forest, city streets, a large building or any other maze-like structure. Another way this dream plays out involves you being trapped, buried alive, caught in a web or unable to move for some other reason. Mr. A, a bank employee says, “One recurring dream is of being on my way somewhere and taking a shortcut through a building. This turns into an endless series of stairs and doors that lead nowhere.”

Interpretation: Dreaming about getting lost is very common and will usually occur when you are not able to decide on how to react to a certain situation in real life. “This type of dream will usually carry an element of fear or of frustration and it usually means that you are trapped in real life and you are unable to make the right choice”.

Dreaming nudity

Description: In this type of dream you are in a state of undress, partial undress or inappropriate dress. For example you have gone to work wearing pyjamas. Occasionally you are the witness of another person who is naked while you are clothed. This is often accompanied by feelings of embarrassment and shame, but occasionally with the feeling of pride or freedom. Keith, a software engineer, recalls “When I was young the most recurring dream was that I went to school wearing only pajamas and I am surprised that I still remember it”

Interpretation: As with all the dreams, the emotional tone of this one is important to the meaning. The meaning of this dream is that you are feeling exposed, awkward or you are afraid that you have revealed too much of yourself to someone who is not trustworthy. An interesting fact about this type of dream is that it occurs much more frequently in people who are involved in a wedding ceremony or event management in their real life. “Getting humiliated at the realisation that you are walking around naked in public, is often a reflection of your vulnerability or shamefulness. Finding yourself naked at work or in a classroom suggests that you are unprepared for a project at work or school. But if you are proud of your nakedness and not embarrassed or ashamed then it symbolises your unrestricted freedom”.