VOLUME 3, EDITION 2 WWW.SAHAITA.ORG Hold and support a frail hand Bring a smile on an innocent sad face Afford dignity to the less fortunate Concerns About the H1N1 Flu virus If you live in areas where people have been identified with 2009 H1N1 flu and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people. CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Stay away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick. Staying at home means that you should not leave your home except to seek medical care. This means avoiding normal activities, including work, school, travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings. If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed. If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care. In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include: • Fast breathing or trouble breathing Bluish or gray skin color • Not drinking enough fluids • Severe or persistent vomiting • Not waking up or not interacting • Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held • Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include: • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen • Sudden dizziness • Confusion • Severe or persistent vomiting • Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough Epsom Salts and its Benefits by Dr. Harkesh Sandhu Researchers and physicians suggest these health benefits from proper magnesium and sulfate levels, as listed on the web site of the Epsom Salt Industry Council: • Improved heart and circulatory health, reducing irregular heartbeats, preventing hardening of the arteries, reducing blood clots and lowering blood pressure. • Improved ability for the body to use insulin, reducing the incidence or severity of diabetes. • Flushed toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances. • Improved nerve function by electrolyte regulation. Also, calcium is the main conductor for electrical current in the body, and magnesium is necessary to maintain proper calcium levels in the blood. • Relieved stress. Excess adrenaline and stress are believed to drain magnesium, a natural stress reliever, from the body. Magnesium is necessary for the body to bind adequate amounts of serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of well being and relaxation. • Reduced inflammation to relieve pain and muscle cramps. • Improved oxygen use. • Improved absorption of nutrients. • Improved formation of joint proteins, brain tissue and mucin proteins. • Prevention or easing of migraine headaches. INSIDE THIS ISSUE Food Pyramids 2 Obesity 3 Pictures 4,6 Lung Cancer 5 Anemia 5 Suicides 7 All this from a bath, hurray! While there are many different brands of Epsom salt, they are all the same product chemically, and can be found at most drug stores. Add two cups of Epsom salt and soak for at least 12 minutes. Do this three times weekly. If you are pregnant or have any health concerns, check with your doctor before using Epsom salts. SAHAITA INC. Page 2 Exercise is the Key! by Gaurav Kumar Look at the image to your top right. This is the typical “food pyramid” that we are used to seeing at the doctors office or at the grocery store. This was the food pyramid created by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 1992 as a nutrition guide. It illustrates all of the food groups and the amounts that one should have of each everyday. For example, according to the pyramid, grains (breads and such) should be consumed more frequently—hence making up the base, or the foundation of the pyramid— while oils and fats should be used “sparingly”—making up the small tip of the pyramid. Now look at the image to your bottom right. This was the new pyramid released by the USDA in 2005. Visually it differs a great deal from the original. One key noticeable difference in the content is the use of quantitative measurements such as cups and ounces. The original pyramid stated “servings” which was confusing and a bit vague. Another key difference about the new pyramid is that it is interactive. Unlike the original which was a general guide for everyone, the new pyramid offers personalized information because after all, each person is unique. By logging onto www.mypyramid.gov, one can receive personalized nutrition information. Above: First USDA food pyramid released in 1992 The tip of the new pyramid is white in color representing discretionary calories. These are basically extra calories that can be consumed with any of the food groups. For example, instead of eating regular cereal, you can eat extra sweet cereal. But keep in mind that the allowance is very low! So, why are there stairs behind the pyramid? And why is a person walking up those stairs? Exercise! Yes, the USDA recommends that along with a healthy diet and lifestyle, one must also have some amount of physical activity. At least 30 minutes of moderate or vigorous exercise is recommended. Now that you know about the new pyramid, log onto www.mypyramid.gov, get your personalized plan, and you’ll be one step closer to a healthier lifestyle! Above: The newer USDA food pyramid released in 2005 Left: Part of the new USDA pyramid released in 2005. Important changes include the use of cups and ounces instead of servings. SAHAITA INC. SAHAITA INC. Page 3 Obesity by Rupinder Randhawa Globally, there are more than 1 billion overweight adults, at least 300 million of them obese. Obesity and overweight pose a major risk for chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and stroke, and certain forms of cancer. The key causes are increased consumption of energy-dense foods high in saturated fats and sugars, and reduced physical activity. Studies show the number of obese people now outweighs the number of malnourished people, this is really sad for us!!!! How do we define obesity and overweight? BMI is calculated by dividing a person's body weight in kilograms by their height in meters squared (weight [kg] height [m]2). A BMI over 25 kg/m2 is defined as overweight, and a BMI of over 30 kg/m2 as obese. Obesity in the United States takes more lives than AIDS, cancers and accidents combined! Causes of Obesity: Genetics: Children whose parents are obese also tend to be overweight. A family history of obesity increases your chances of becoming obese by about 25 to 30 percent . But that doesn't mean you should have to live being obese, Early life style changes such as, eating smaller portions, regular exercise and skipping fast foods should help decrease your risk of being obese. Culture: People learn to eat and cook the way in which they were brought up. Unfortunately Today's culture promotes eating habits that contribute to obesity. People may serve large portions and foods that are most readily available instead of choosing foods that are most nutritious. Physical inactivity: Overweight people are usually less physically active than normal weight adults. The additional weight can cause pain in the feet, knees and ankles. It can cause shortness of breath, making you feel tired quickly. Also we have become “Lazy“; For example, we drive to the corner store for a frozen dinner. We drive home, click the garage door opener and relax on the couch with the remote control. All these devices can keep us from physical activity. Emotional or psychological factors: Many people turn to food during periods of stress or even celebration, Example; ice cream, pizzas, donuts and cakes! Gender: Muscle uses more energy than fat does. Men have more muscle than women, and burn 10 percent to 20 percent more calories than women do at rest. For this reason, women are more likely to be obese. Age: As you get older, the amount of muscle in your body tends to decrease, and fat accounts for a greater percentage of your weight. This lower muscle mass leads to a decrease in metabolism. Your metabolism also slows with age. Together, these changes reduce your calorie needs. If you don't adjust your food intake, you will gain weight. High-fat/High Calorie Diet: Fat provides more than twice as many calories as protein or carbohydrates (nine calories for fat versus four calories for carbohydrates). This energy difference may explain how fat promotes weight gain. Yet even when caloric intake is the same, a person eating a high-fat diet tends to store more excess calories as body fat than someone eating a lower fat diet. Often low-fat foods are high in calories. The major health consequences associated with overweight and obesity are: • Type 2 Diabetes • Coronary Heart Disease • Hypertension • Gall Bladder Disease • Dyslipidemia • Insulin Resistance • Certain Type of Cancers: Colon, Kidney, Endometrial etc.. Benefits of Weight Loss on Blood Pressure Obesity raises blood pressure and makes high blood pressure more difficult to control. In contrast, weight loss reduces blood pressure. Blood pressure falls by about 1 mmHg for every 2.2 pounds (1.0 kg) of weight lost, an effect that is consistent for both men and women and for people of different ethnicities. Increased Health Risk of Heart Disease The risk of heart attack, Congestive Heart Failure, Sudden Cardiac Death, Angina or chest pain is increased in persons who are overweight or obese. High blood pressure is twice as common in adults who are obese than in those who are at a healthy weight. Obesity is associated with high triglycerides and decreased HDL cholesterol. Health Risk of Arthritis Musculoskeletal disorders, including Osteoarthritis, are much more prevalent among obese patients, especially patients diagnosed with severe clinical or morbid obesity. Health studies show that obesity is a strong predictor for symptoms of osteoarthritis, especially in the knees. The risk of osteoarthritis increases with every 2-pound gain in weight. In general people who are over weight have more problems with their knees and ankles, Since these areas bear all your weight. Childhood obesity is already epidemic in some areas and on the rise in others. An estimated 22 million children under five are estimated to be overweight worldwide!! SAHAITA INC. Medical Camps Pictures from India Page 4 Patients Lining up to get seen at Camp in Sultanpuri Patients waiting at Medical Camp in Machiwara Dr. Jogi and Mary with patients at Outdoor clinic in Kishanpur Pegah Dixon and Terry Walker at Taragarh Clinic. Garima Kaur teaching Yoga exercises at the camp Feroz Khan performing at Care Disabled Facility, Padialla SAHAITA INC. Page 5 Anemia by Robin Toor Anemia, one of the more common blood disorders, occurs when the level of healthy red blood cells (RBCs) in the body becomes too low. This can lead to health problems because RBCs contain hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to the body's tissues. Causes of Anemia: The cause depends on the type of anemia. Possible causes include: • Certain medications • Diseases such as cancer or rheumatoid arthritis • Genes -- some forms of anemia can be inherited • Kidney failure • Blood loss (for example, from heavy menstrual periods) • Poor diet • Pregnancy • Problems with bone marrow (where blood cells are made) • Problems with the immune system that cause the destruction of blood cells • Surgery to the stomach or intestines that reduces the absorption of iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid Symptoms of Anemia Include: • Fatigue • Weakness • Fainting • Breathlessness • Heart palpitations (rapid or irregular beating) • Dizziness • Headache • Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) • Difficulty sleeping • Difficulty concentrating Common Signs Include: • Pale complexion • The normally red lining of the mouth and eyelids fades in color • Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) • Abnormal menstruation (either absence of periods or increased bleeding) Tests for Anemia: The following blood tests are used to diagnose anemia: • Blood levels of vitamin B12, folic acid, and other vitamins and minerals • Bone marrow examination • Red blood count and hemoglobin level • Other tests may be done to identify medical problems that can cause anemia Treatment: Treatment should be directed at the cause of the anemia, and may include: • Blood transfusions • Corticosteroids or other medicines that suppress the immune system • Erythropoietin, a medicine that helps your bone marrow make more blood cells • Supplements of iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, or other vitamins and minerals Little Known Signs of Lung Cancer 1. Persistent cough or hoarseness 2. Deep chest pain when you cough or laugh 3. Shortness of breath or wheezing 4. Reddened, rust-colored, or bloody phlegm 5. Getting recurrent infections, like pneumonia or bronchitis 6. Thickened, painful fingertips (caused by abnormal bone growth) 7. Weight loss or lack of appetite 8. Abnormal breast growth in men 9. Mood swings, depression, or lethargy in someone who hasn’t been depressed before 10. Sudden onset of irritability, aggression, and temper; could be characterized as “everything gets to him.” Many of these symptoms sound vague, or could indicate a number of other conditions or other cancers. But trust your gut; if you or someone you love is feeling or behaving in a way that’s out of character, see the doctor about it. In the case of lung cancer, this is particularly important for anyone with a history of smoking. SAHAITA INC. Sahaita Organization Trip in India 2008 Page 6 Sultanpuri family they may not have food but have smile Morni Kaur lost 4 brothers in 84 riots Rajinder Kaur & Garima Kaur with a 3 day old abandoned baby Children of Sultanpuri (Delhi ) have no clue about their future without education . Parents have no money for school. Larry with over 100 yr old man at Taragarh Supreet Kaur talking with a Patient She make 20 cents a day filling this bucket to help feed her family Widow of 1984 riots in Delhi SAHAITA INC. Page 7 2 Million Adults Made Suicide Plans, Study Says About 32,000 U.S. adults kill themselves each year. But millions more think about suicide or even make plans to kill themselves, according to a new national survey. The 2008 survey found that an estimated 8.3 million people ages 18 and older -- 3.7% of the adult population -- had serious thoughts of suicide in the previous year. Of those who pondered suicide, an estimated 2.3 million -- 1% of the adult population -- made a suicide plan, and about half of those actually attempted suicide, the survey by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration found. Suicidal thoughts occur most often in people ages 18 to 25, according to the study. And substance abuse disorders were associated with an increased risk to consider, plan or attempt suicide; 11% of people who had substance abuse disorders had serious thoughts of suicide, compared with 3% of those with no history of substance use disorders. The survey was conducted of 46,190 American adults. "This study offers a far greater understanding of just how pervasive the risk of suicide is in our nation and how many of us are potentially affected by it," Eric Broderick, the agency's acting administrator, said in a news release. "While there are places that people in crisis can turn to for help like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK), the magnitude of the public health crisis revealed by this study should motivate us as a nation to do everything possible to reach out and help the millions who are at risk -- preferably well before they are in immediate danger." FUN STUFF! EASY Instructions: Each Sudoku has a unique solution that can be reached logically without guessing. Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. Every row must contain one of each digit. So must every column, as must every 3x3 square. HARD SAHAITA INC. Page 8 www.sahaita.org What is Sahaita? The word Sahaita is used in both Hindi and Punjabi language and it means “to help” or “to support.” Sahaita Inc. is a non-profit organization whose main goal is to provide health education and support for our community, as well as to needy children in India. We accomplish our goals by: > Holding free medical camps in India, Canada, and the U.S. > Supporting the Bal Bhawan complex in India— a complex that houses orphans and handicapped children > Providing preventative health education by means of radio talks and materials such as our very own Sehatnama and brochures > Supporting other organizations who share the same passion as us We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give — Winston Churchill Top Eight Reasons to Perform 1. You don't have to complain: "Charity money hardly ever reaches the DESERVING ones" 2. You don't have to ask: "HOW will my few dollars help someone's get basic necessities of life.". 3. You can help the unfortunate in our HOMELAND. 4. CHOOSE among many types of help coordinated by Sahaita: Healthcare, Education, Shelter’s. We would like to thank all of Sahaita’s sponsors who continue to contribute toward Sahaita’s cause. GRAND SPONSOR Punjabi American Heritage Society (Yuba City) PLATINUM SPONSORS United Way of Bay Area Jadwinder Dhaliwal GOLD SPONSORS Raj Sweets and Indian Cuisine Iron Systems, Inc. Ajay and Madhu Dhillon GENCO - Bay Area Families (GNDC Alumni) Jasvir Singh Gill SILVER SPONSORS Dr. Harbans Singh Sraon and Family Dr. Ripudaman Singh Beniwal and Family Mr. Cal Takhar and Sunita Takhar 5. Help fix their misfortune by improving the LIVES of the needy children (not temporary help like giving money for a meal or a blanket) Dr. Devinder Singh Shoker 6. Follow up your religious, social, and human value-systems with ACTION. Dr. Sheila Dobe 7. We make sure 100% of your donations goes to the projects and we do not have any overhead charges. 8. Our goal of helping the impoverished children and elderly and provide preventative health education can be realized only with your support morally and financially. ACT NOW! Make the check payable to Sahaita and mail to: 3781 Monte Sereno Terrace Fremont, Ca 94539 You will get a receipt within 3 weeks. You can DONATE ONLINE by credit card at www.sahaita.org Dr. Dalvir Singh Pannu Dr. Gurinder Kanwar Akal Animal Hospital Paul Bains and Raj Bains A & J Precision Sheetmetal, Inc. Harpal Harika, Broker Harroop Kaur Sihota Daljit Singh Khera Sikh Sports Association,California Karnail Singh Sahaita Inc. • P.O. Box 14801 • Fremont, CA 94539 • USA • email: [email protected] • Ph: (510) 333-1488 • Fax: (925) 372-2804