Free health and beauty tips

In moderation, the right beverage can bring cheer on a cold winter night. But will it really warm you up?  According to studies over the years, while alcohol may seem like the perfect cold-weather beverage because it creates a sensation of warmth, it actually decreases core body temperature, regardless of the temperature outside and increases the risk of hypothermia. The normal process that makes us feel cold occurs when blood flows away from the skin and into the organs, which increases core body temperature. Alcohol reverses this process, increasing the flow of blood to the skin and setting off a sharp drop in body temperature. It also reverses other reflexes that control body temperature. A study by the Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine found that the “primary mechanism by which alcohol exacerbates the fall in body core temperature” is by reducing the ability to shiver, the body’s way of creating warmth.

          Another study, published in 2005, found that after a single drink, the body tries to counteract the brief sensation of warmth caused by increased blood flow to the skin by ramping up its rate of sweating, which only decreases body temperature even further. This may not sound like much. But several studies have found that alcohol ingestion often plays a role in hypothermia-related injuries and deaths. Experts say it’s something to keep in mind at tailgates and other outdoor activities.

          Alcohol may make you feel warmer, but its net effect is a quick drop in body temperature. 

Hair, along with teeth, is one of the tow tissues of the body that are the hardest to destroy. Yet, many people suffer from hair loss; the culprits being weather, water and worry.

Do’s

·        Do a simple test called the blotting paper test to understand your scalp type. Don’t wash your hair for tow days in a row and then press a blotting paper to the scalp for about 15 seconds. If the blotting paper becomes wet, you have an oily scalp. If you find dry debris on the blotting paper, you have dry scalp. If you do not see either, then it is a normal scalp.

·        Deficiency of iron and protein aggravates hair loss. You can be grossly overweight and yet be anemic. And if you are on a weight loss programmed, there can be a deficiency in protein as well. However, hair needs only four out of the 22 amino acids that protein contains. If you are taking the wrong set of amino acids, then you will build your muscles, but not hair. To verify if you7 are anemic, check your blood ferreting levels. That’s more accurate than checking the hemoglobin. Besides your usual food intake, it is imperative to have daily supplements rich in iron and those containing cystine, isoleucine, leucine and methionine.

·        For oily scalp, wash hair daily with a shampoo which has a deep cleansing effect. For dry scalp, shampoo on alternate day with a moisturizing effect and a conditioner-heavy base.

·        Perming, straightening and ironing should be at best once a year. Hair colouring is safe.

·        For an oily scalp, avoid applying oil or conditioner. If you have long hair, apply oil only to hair ends. For dry scalp, massage jojoba or coconut oil 1-2 times per week, but in case of hair loss, avoid conditioners altogether.

·        Short hair for working women is ideal for maintenance. Always opt for monthly trimmings even if you do it yourself at home.

·        Exercise always helps.

Don’ts

·        Avoid head massage as it does not help in better blood circulation.

·        Hot oil treatment for any scalp condition is a strict no-no as it takes away the moisture.

Scientists have cracked the genetic secrets of the microbe that causes dandruff. The breakthrough holds out the prospect of effective treatment for one of life’s minor embarrassments and a possible goldmine for shampoo manufacturers. The researchers have mapped out the genome of Malassezia globosa, a fungus that lives and feeds on human skin, causing itching and the familiar silvery flakes that sprinkle the clothing of sufferers. The researchers say knowing the genome will give researchers vital clues on how to tackle the fungus, arresting its growth. “This research may well lead to an understanding of the conditions that lead to skin disease and treatment paradigms to alleviate the major impact that Malassezia species have on human and animal health,” said a research paper due for publication today. The team was led by Jun Xu, a researcher with Procter & Gamble, at its American centre in
Cincinnati, Ohio. Twenty researchers at seven scientific institutions in America, Holland and

Canada have worked to crack the dandruff genome. Those who may ultimately benefit include Gordon Brown, the prime minister, who has reportedly been among dandruff sufferers. Others afflicted have included John Lennon, Bill Gates, the Microsoft tycoon, and Brad Pitt, the Hollywood star.