He�l�� VOL 3, ISSUE 2
APRIL - JUNE 2017
L��� A VOICE OF ASIA PUBLICATION
International Yoga Day June 21, 2017
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INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA 2017
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE Can we combine modern science and ancient wisdom to provide a collaborative approach to keeping our bodies disease free? This is the question that we seek to answer in this edition of HealthLine. The answer, as with most things in life, is: it depends on whom you ask. You may receive a different answer from the dedicated yoga devotee who makes yoga practice a daily discipline than you will receive from the weekend warrior who may view yoga as an occasional act of penance for a night of overindulgence. Regardless of which of the above camps you fall into, we suspect that this issue of HealthLine will inspire you. Perhaps this issue of HealthLine may even get you to start thinking outside the box when it comes to your health. We are confident that this issue of HealthLine will embolden you to question the tried and true paradigms regarding preventative care that you have always accepted. We are hopeful that the articles on yoga will expand the horizons of how you view the pathways to maintaining your health. You will find yoga to be that perfect balance between hardcore science and ethereal spirituality. Contrary to what Hollywood would have us believe, yoga did not start with the airbrushed, photo-shopped perfection of celebrities gracing covers of glossy magazines. Nor did yoga start with color-coordinated leggings and monogrammed yoga mats in trendy studios replete with juice bars. Yoga originated in India more than 5,000 years ago. Although yoga has since morphed into a mode of physical exercise, it started as a spiritual discipline that sought to bring the mind and body into total alignment. Yoga was, and is among true practitioners, a holistic approach to life in its totality. Regardless of whether you are a dedicated adherent of yoga or whether you are a newbie that doesn’t know the difference between a “sun salutation” and a “half moon pose”, this issue is for you.
KOSHY THOMAS Publisher and CEO of Voice of Asia Group
CONTENTS 06
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TEETH WHITENING What you should know
WEIGHT LOSS 07 LONG-TERM Tips for success
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HIATAL HERNIA SYMPTOMS 5 natural remedies
WEIGHT 10 LOSE Gain health! The best way forward
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SURVIVORS 12 CANCER What chemicals to avoid
TEETH WHITENING WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
APNEA 13 SLEEP Why you might need a sleep study
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LONG-TERM WEIGHT LOSS TIPS FOR SUCCESS
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PATH TO REALITY VEDANTA’S INNER YOGA
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TREATING ADDICTION SAVING LIVES EARLY ON
Cover Articles - Wellness through Yoga TO REALITY 15 PATH Vedanta’s inner Yoga’ & MEDITATION 17 YOGA Preksha meditation at JVB Preksha Houston
18 YOGA IS A SKILL
How to calm down the mind
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19 AYUSH WAVE
Yoga and Ayurvedic support for individuals
CANCER SURVIVORS CHEMICALS TO AVOID
20 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA 2017 celebration on June 21st
THERAPY 23 OCCUPATIONAL Having a purposeful recovery TREATMENT 24 GERD You don’t have to live with it ADDICTION 26 TREATING Saving lives by addressing it early THERAPY 28 OSTEOARTHRITIS Non-pharmacologic solutions
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OSTEOARTHRITIS THERAPY NON-PHARM SOLUTIONS
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GAP DISTRESS 29 ACCULTURATION Parents and children in different worlds
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HEALTHLINE April - June 2017
Publisher Koshy Thomas Editor-in-Chief Shobana Muratee Marketing Manager Jacob David Marketing Susan Pothanikat Accounts Manager Priyan Mathew Magazine Layout David Garvin Printing Richmond Printers LLC
Contributors
Advertisers Index
Josh Axe, DNM, DC, CNS Sejal Desai, MD Joseph Emmett Bindu George-Chacko, MOT, OT/L Denise Hulett, MS P.C. Jain, MBBS Seema Jain Meena Kankani Noreen Khan-Mayberry, MD Joseph Krainin, MD, FAASM Kanika Monga, MD Krupa Patel, DDS Shwetha Reddy, BAMS Laura Spiller, PHD, PPLC Lupus Foundation of America - 2 Texas Caregiver Support Services - 6 The Medical Resort / Houston Hospice - 11 Sherly Thomas-Philip, Attorney at Law - 14 Nova Asset Management - 21 Aetna / Ace Pain Managaement - 21 Rachna Bhala, MD / Ashish Kapoor, MD - 22 Wells Fargo Bank - 25 Ayush Wave / Kim Dao - 27 Thrive Nutrition - 31 CHI St. Luke’s Medical Group - 32
EDITORIAL Dear Reader, Like all else that’s trending, health matters. And since we are more globally connected today than ever, the health of one nation can impact another almost instantaneously. The recent chemical attack in Syria by Sarin gas (or a similar substance) killed 89 people early this month. This may be the beginning of what’s to come, especially considering how volatile international relations are at present. While we battle new threats our health and wellbeing, people are focusing on going back to the grassroots of a healthy lifestyle. One such practice is yoga, having originating in ancient India dating back to 2700 BCE. This wellness tradition has voyaged like no other. Time and again, great saints who travelled, preserving and spreading its pure form by teaching small groups. These new students have continued to follow it principles and practices, both physical and spiritual, and in turn taught others. In December 2014, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution with a record number of 177 co-sponsoring member states to commemorate the International Day of Yoga every year on 21 June. All of this was due to one man’s effort, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, who reiterated it’s importance globally. This year, the UN Postal Administration (UNPA) will issue a set of stamps showing 10 yoga asanas (poses) to commemorate the International Day of Yoga. This is our commemorative issue in honor of the effort of so many individuals, groups, and yoga advocates worldwide to further the holistic approach yoga offers. To our readers, Happy International Yoga Day!
SHOBANA MURATEE Editor-in-Chief
Teeth Whitening Teeth Whitening by Krupa Patel, DDS Teeth whitening is a popular dental treatment that is readily available; it is often obtained through overthe-counter products, by prescription, or in-office treatment. Using prescribed or over-the-counter products for whitening is a fairly safe procedure; however, everyone should pay a visit to the dentist before trying any product. A dental visit will ensure you have healthy gums and teeth before bleaching.
As a dentist, it’s important for me to know what products I can trust and recommend to my patients, so I make sure to know what the products contain. At-home and over the counter whitening kits normally have carbamide peroxide because it causes less gum irritation than hydrogen peroxide, commonly used for in-office treatment. Carbamide peroxide takes longer to whiten because it takes time for the carbamide to react and become hydrogen peroxide (whitening chemical), allowing it to be safe for at home use. In-office whitening typically uses a heavy concentration of hydrogen peroxide and is shown to be more effective. Photo credit: Fotolia
Severe side effects are rare with any bleaching technique; nevertheless, it’s very important to know
their whitening treatment. These highly acidic drinks can cause further sensitivity and make room for complications. To help with sensitivity, I recommend using fluoride toothpaste after bleaching which allows teeth to strengthen their enamel.
how to use any whitening product you buy. Not following instructions can cause short-lived side effects such as sensitivity or gum irritation. Some common mistakes patients make are that they leave a product on longer than instructed in the hopes that it will enhance their results, this misconception can actually increase sensitivity. Another common mistake is drinking soda, coffee, or even wine after
Apart from the pros and cons of whitening today, it is crucial to know that whitening does not affect everyone the same way. Our age and habits, such as smoking, drinking, and the foods we eat, dictate how well the whitening will work. Although fairly safe, it is best to get a dental check up done to get advice from your dentist for best results.
Dr. Krupa Patel, DDS, earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from Creighton University School of Dentistry and has recently opened her first clinic in Richmond, TX, Southern Charm Dental.
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Krupa Patel, DDS
Photo credit: Fotolia
to get you started:
Tips For Long-Term Weight Loss Success by Sejal Desai, MD The prevalence of obesity has more than doubled in the US in the last 30 years. Nearly two thirds of all adults in America are either overweight or obese. Furthermore, childhood obesity is an increasing epidemic. Despite abounding evidence touting the benefits of maintaining a healthy weight and physically active lifestyle, Americans continue to eat larger portion sizes than necessary while remaining less physically active than recommended. Obesity is a major risk factor for many chronic illnesses, such including, but certainly not limited to diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, HEALTHLINEMAG.COM
and certain cancers. On an encouraging note, even a modest weight loss of 5-10% sufficiently results in major health benefits. Simply maintaining a healthy weight can be tough. And losing weight can be even tougher. If you’ve tried and failed to lose weight before, you may believe that diets don’t work for you. However, not all diets are for everyone. For long term success with weight loss, it takes a comprehensive approach, tailored to the individual, factoring in eating patterns, emotions, risk factors, family history and physical activity. There is no easy fix to losing weight, but here are a few steps
1.) Know your numbers – The first step in weight loss is to find out where you stand. What is your weight, BMI (Body Mass Index), blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, thyroid level? All of these values will give important information on your risk factors and possibly rule out reasons for weight gain. It’s important for a weight loss professional to keep track of these parameters as you go through your weight loss program. If you haven’t had a complete physical in the last year, contact your primary care doctor to get it scheduled. 2.) Food & Activity Journal – Start by logging everything you eat for 3-5 days. Calculate your current calories. There are great apps that help you do this easily. Be completely honest! 3.) Set your goals – Now set a goal to cut out 500 calories per day. With 3500 less calories a week, you can lose 1 pound per week. I know this may seem like very little weight loss, but remember that losing it slowly and steadily will give you the best chance of keeping that weight off long term. 4.) Get on a schedule – It’s important to eat 3 meals with 2-3 snacks each day. This means you are typically eating every 2-3 hours. Don’t skip meals. This will only make you more likely to choose unhealthy options at the next meal. Eating regularly also keeps your body in a state of burning calories as opposed to storing them. 5.) Watch your portions – For many people, it’s not what they eat, but how much they eat. Make sure your portions
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are appropriate. Fill half of your plate with vegetables, one quarter with protein, and the last quarter with carbohydrates.
7.) Avoid eating out as much as possible – When you eat out, you have no idea what is in the food. Most restaurant and fast food options are loaded with salt, butter, oil, and sugar. If you must dine out, choose healthier options (such as salads with dressing on the side).
9.) Get adequate sleep – Studies have shown that getting 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night is essential in achieving your weight loss goals. People who get too little sleep tend to make unhealthy food choices and have been shown to have increased levels of the hunger hormone, ghrelin. 10.) If you still have trouble losing weight despite your best efforts, talk to your doctor to be referred to a medically managed
weight loss program. Remember that the journey to successful weight loss and maintenance takes time and many attempts. It should be a slow and steady work in progress. There will likely be challenges along the way. You may have good and bad days, but it’s important to stay focused, motivated, and not give up. After all, it’s a journey to achieving a healthier you!
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8.) Physical Activity – Aim for 30 minutes to 1 hour daily of moderate intensity physical activity (walking, jogging, treadmill, swimming). The key is to find activities that you enjoy. Keep a pedometer to count your steps and challenge yourself to increase those steps over time.
Photo credit: Fotolia
6.) Hydrate with water – Cut out sodas, juices and caffeinated beverages. Drinking at least 64 oz of water daily helps keep you full and has tremendous benefits for your whole body.
Sejal Desai, MD is a Board Certified family physician who has been active in primary care in the Houston area for the past 7 years. Prior to that, she worked in Austin and southern California. She sees patients of all ages and has a special interest in weight loss medicine. Dr. Desai speaks English and Gujarati, practices at Memorial Hermann Katy.
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Sejal Desai, MD HEALTHLINEMAG.COM
Hiatal Hernia Symptoms + 5 Natural Remedies
by Dr. Josh Axe, DNM, DC, CNS
Different types of hernias develop inside different parts of the body, causing an abnormal bulging of one area into another. A hiatal hernia forms inside the diaphragm, the muscular area that lays between the chest and the lower abdomen. The prevalence rate of hiatal hernia is between 13-60 percent of all adults. This includes roughly half of those over the age of 50. However, many people with a hiatal hernia have no idea because they never experience noticeable symptoms. The abdomen holds most of the important organs of the digestive system. These include: the lower part of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys and bladder.
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When the abdomen experiences injury, lots of pressure, straining or inflammation, then any of these organs can _______________________________________ dysfunction. What Is a Hiatal Hernia? Middle to older-aged women (over 50 years old) develop hiatal hernias more than any other group. The risk only goes up if the woman is overweight, obese, ill due to another disease or pregnant. If you’ve talked to your doctor about symptoms of heartburn, anemia, acid reflux or GERD, he or she might have recommended that you should be checked for a hiatal hernia. All of these conditions are related and develop due to similar causes. These causes include eating a poor diet, being overweight/obese, taking certain medications, or high levels of inflammation. HEALTHLINEMAG.COM
A hiatal hernia is when a part of the stomach bulges into the chest through an opening called the hiatus. The hiatus is part of the digestive system that connects the stomach to the esophagus (also called the food pipe). (While a hiatal hernia sounds like a pretty painful condition, most people with one don’t notice any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they include heartburn, acid reflux symptoms or developing a more severe digestive problem called gastroesophageal reflux disease (or GERD for short). Around 20 percent of all adults experience APRIL - JUNE 2017 I HEALTHLINE
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these symptoms on a regular basis, some almost daily. While many people with hiatal hernia suffer from symptoms of heartburn/acid reflux, the hernia doesn’t seem to directly cause these conditions. Instead, whatever factors contribute to acid reflux (poor diet, inflammation, etc.) also contribute to hernias. Having a hiatal hernia isn’t a guarantee of developing acid reflux or GERD. However, some people have one condition without having the other, but research shows there is often overlap between the two. _______________________________________
If someone does develop signs or symptoms of a hiatal hernia, usually they include chest pain, burning sensations and irritation of the throat. Other symptoms related to acid reflux, heartburn and GERD are also possible. Symptoms associated with acid reflux include: • Heartburn • Bitter taste in your mouth. Periodically, or, for some people, throughout the day — some people taste regurgitated food or sour liquid at the back of their mouths/throats • Waking up feeling like you’re choking or coughing in the middle of the night • Dry mouth • Gum irritation, including tenderness and bleeding • Bad breath • Regurgitation of acidic foods • Bloating after meals and during bouts of symptoms • Nausea More severe symptoms can include: • Bloody vomiting (possible sign of damage in lining of esophagus) or black stools
Photo credit: Fotolia
Common Symptoms of a Hiatal Hernia
• Belching, gassiness, burping and flatulence after meals • Hiccups that are difficult to stop • Difficulty swallowing (possible sign of narrowing esophagus) • Unexpected weight loss • Discomfort that worsens when bending over or laying down • Hoarseness upon arising or throughout the day • Chronic coughing or throat irritation • Throat soreness and dryness • In severe cases, GERD may lead to bleeding ulcers in the esophagus. It also can lead to a dangerous condition called Barrett’s esophagus, which can lead to esophageal cancer. Reprinted with permission from Dr. Josh Axe, who leads one the world’s largest natural health websites at www.DrAxe.com
Dr. Josh Axe, DNM, DC, CNS is a certified doctor of natural medicine, doctor of chiropractic and clinical nutritionist. In 2008 he started Exodus Health Center with a passion to help people get healthy by using food as medicine.
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Josh Axe, DNM, DC, CNS HEALTHLINEMAG.COM
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If you have a terminal illness, help is available in your home or wherever you need us to be. Expert physical, emotional and spiritual support helps patients live life to the fullest so they can keep making memories. Call now to learn about the Houston Hospice Care Team in your area. Serving Austin, Brazoria, Colorado, Fort Bend, Harris, Jackson, Matagorda, Montgomery, Waller and Wharton Counties www.houstonhospice.org │ Member of the Texas Medical Center
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Chemicals to Avoid for Cancer Survivors by Noreen Khan, MD
H
ere are the top chemicals which cancer survivors should avoid:
Endocrine disrupting chemicals Parabens & Pthalates. These chemicals are found in many of our personal care products, soaps, haircare, cosmetics. Changing the hormone system leads to the development of tumors (cancerous and benign). Propyl Paraben (PP) is a common preservative found in many snack foods. PP has been shown to accelerate the growth of breast cancer cells. Pthalates have lead to early onset of puberty and has been linked to breast cancer development later in life by those women who fell into this group. Avoid plastic packaging and containers containing Pthalates. Bisphenol-A (BPA) BPA has not only been linked to breast cancer, it may also interfere with chemotherapy treatment. Use BPA free containers or PVC-free butcher or wax paper, cellulose wrap, parchment paper. Avoid canned food items. Almost all cans are lined with BPA so that foods do not stick to the can.
Styrene Styrene is used to make styrofoam. It is carcinogenic to mammary tissue in animals and suspected human carcinogen. Never reheat foods in styrofoam containers and do not use disposable Styrofoam plates for parties/routine use. It easily melts when hot foods or heat (and type including microwaves). Formaldehyde Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen according to the World Health Organization (WHO) & National Toxicology Program (NTP). Formaldehyde is used so extensively that all of us have some low level exposure in a daily basis. You can find formaldehyde in cosmetics, nail polish, lotion, the adhesives in our vehicles (new car smell), carpets, as a preservative, faux woods, plywood, treated/pressed fabrics, cabinets, furniture, fabric pigment dyes, disinfectants. Reprinted with permission from: http://www. doctornoreen.com/chemicals-to-avoid-for-cancersurvivors/
Dr. Noreen, also known as “The Tox Doc�, is a toxicologist that specializes in environmental, space, food and nutritional toxicology. Her personal mission is to translate the language of science for non-scientists in order to educate and inform the public of critical issues that affect their health and quality of life.
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Noreen KhanMayberry, MD HEALTHLINEMAG.COM
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Sleep Apnea
Why You Might Need a Sleep Study by Joseph Krainin, MD Sleep apnea is an incredibly common problem across the United States. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) estimates that 1 in 4 American adults between the ages of 30 and 70 has this dangerous disorder. Sadly, sleep apnea is grossly under-recognized by both the general population and the medical establishment - it’s estimated that 80% of patients are undiagnosed. Major symptoms and risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the most common form of sleep
apnea, include: • snoring on the majority of nights of the week (loudness of snoring isn’t as important as regularity of snoring) • feeling un-refreshed after a full night’s sleep • frequent awakenings during the night • excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue • being overweight (body mass index [BMI] 25-29.9) or obese (BMI ≥30) • your bedpartner voicing concerns about abnormal breathing (such as stopping breathing) in your sleep • waking up gasping, coughing or choking • neck circumference ≥17” in men or ≥16” in women Other, more subtle signs may indicate OSA, such as:
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extremely restless sleep
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waking up in the morning with headaches
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nighttime acid reflux
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feeling hot and sweaty during the night or needing the bedroom extremely cool
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needing to urinate multiple times during the night APRIL - JUNE 2017 I HEALTHLINE
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Sleep apnea is important to diagnose because it can cause or worsen many medical problems, including: • • • • • •
high blood pressure type 2 diabetes heart attack irregular heart rhythms stroke depression
Many people are aware that they are at high risk for OSA and need to get checked out but they are reluctant to do so because of the need to spend a night in a sleep lab. Common reasons that people give to avoid an in-lab sleep study include: • the high cost - in-lab sleep studies can cost up to $4,000 • inability to leave household dependents (children, disabled, elderlies) alone for a night • fear of inability to sleep in a foreign environment • anxiety about someone watching them on a monitor all night • not wanting hairstyles, extensions, or wigs disrupted by electrodes and paste applied to the head Thankfully, there is an exciting new technology to diagnose sleep apnea: the home sleep study! In 2007, the AASM published a guideline stating that home sleep test (HST) devices are equivalent to in-lab studies for the purposes of diagnosing OSA in high-risk patients. HST units are significantly less expensive and cumbersome than in-lab studies. Instead of sensors placed on your body from head to toe, the most common type of HST device uses just a chest belt, nasal cannula, and finger oxygen sensor. So there’s no reason to put off that sleep apnea test any longer - get tested and stay healthy!
Joseph Krainin, MD, FAASM
6213 Skyline Drive, Suite 2100, Houston, Texas 77057
Joseph Krainin, MD, FAASM is board-certified in sleep medicine and neurology and is the founder of Singular Sleep, a sleep telemedicine practice.
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Path to Reality Vedanta’s inner yoga by Joseph Emmett In his magnum opus, Vedanta Treatise: The Eternities, Swami Parthasarathy writes: ‘The union of your individual self with the supreme Self is yoga. The merger of the conditionedconsciousness, the ego with the pure, unconditioned Conciousness’. Yoga is not a physical practice. Yoga is the process of stilling thoughts and desires. Its culmination is Self-Realization. Even Patanjali, the author of the Yoga Sutras, describes yoga as ‘yogacittavrittinirodha’. Literally meaning ‘yoga is the cessation of mental fluctuations’. And yet, the small part of yoga known as asana (physical poses) has taken over the modern understanding of yoga. The real, inner yoga has been completely neglected, leading to what Swami Parthasarathy calls ‘The Fall of the Human Intellect’ in his book with the same title.
Being able to fold ourselves into a pretzel, hold our breath for minutes, stand on our heads for hours, etc. will not bring about reduction of ego and agitating selfish desire. The gross cannot affect the subtle. No doubt, the body needs to be kept fit. Yoga asanas should be done daily, in addition to other exercises, proper eating habits, and so forth. But none of that will result in true yoga if the mind is not dealt with directly. Thoughts alone can affect thoughts. To deal with the inner personality, what is required is Gnana Yoga, Yoga for Your Intellect. This is the discipline of taking in higher values on a daily basis, reflecting upon them and gradually allowing our lower tendencies to vanish. This is what Emerson, Hawthorne, Browning, Thoreau and others were doing in their meetings in Concord. At Walden Pond, Thoreau wrote, ‘In the early morning, I bathe my intellect in the
Photo credit: Josheph Emmett
Joseph Emmett lecturing at India House, Houston
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Vedanta Malibu offers Beyond Business management seminars and retreats for companies and organizations
Just as we bathe and exercise our bodies, we have to bathe and exercise our intellect. If we do not, it becomes weak. When the intellect is weak, we are susceptible to the wanderings of our mind. Intellect and mind are two separate equipments, known in Sanskrit as Buddhi and Manas, respectively. A strong intellect can direct the mind, keep it concentrated and thus less scattered. If the intellect is not strengthened through study and reflection on higher values, the mind runs amok. That is the source of all stress, strain, militancy, depression, divorces and other personal and social ills. On the positive side, when a person puts in the effort to study and reflect and develop the
Swami Parthasarathy
Photo credit: Vedanta Malibu
stupendous philosophy of the Bhagavad Gita’. He was not merely counting leaves and observing ice form in the lake!
intellect, the personality becomes streamlined. • Actions become more dynamic. • The mind becomes less attached, more universally loving and socially conscious. • The intellect becomes sharp leading to clarity of thinking. • In the advanced stages, the intellect can hold the mind in higher flights of contemplation and meditation. • The conclusion of the journey is SelfRealization.
Photo credit: Vedanta Malibu
What the world needs is higher knowledge and development of the intellect, not mere stretching. As the great Adi Shankaracarya wrote, ‘Knowledge is as essential for Liberation as fire is for cooking!’.
Joseph Emmett is a student of Swami Parthasarathy and a graduate of Vedanta Academy’s three-year residential program on Vedanta. Based in Malibu, he is in residence at Calamigos Guest Ranch and Beach Club, offering daily Vedanta talks to the guests. He also makes monthly visits to Houston for a new study group that has been launched. His activities can be seen at www.vedantamalibu.org. More about the work of Swami Parthasarathy and Vedanta Academy is available at www.vedantaworld.org. If you would like to study with Joseph, please email joseph@vedantamalibu.org.
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Joseph Emmett HEALTHLINEMAG.COM
live and practice it constantly. People from every corner have experienced peace, happiness and bliss by listening to their spiritual discourses, counseling and the practices enunciated by them in the Preksha Meditation camps.
J
Another flagship program of JVB Preksha center dedicated to serving Houston Community is Gyanshala program which is open to kids’ ages 4-14 years on every 1st & 3rd Sunday of the month. JVB Gyanshala values our intellectual
Yoga & Meditation at JVB Preksha
by Seema Jain Meditation to VB Preksha Meditation everyone irrespective center is a non-profit of his or her race, spiritual, educational, religion, language, charitable and humanicolor, sex and belief. tarian organization dedicated to serving Houston society The uniqueness of by strengthening the individual. this center lies in It started in 2000 and is based the fact that all of its on the teachings of Acharya Shri weekly programs and Tulsi and Acharya Shri Maevents are crafted hapragya. Its mission and vision and conducted is to “Comprehend the soul and under the auspicious transform yourself” through the presence and practice of Preksha Meditation, guidance of two Yoga, Pranayama, Kayotsarga, Jain nuns, called Anupreksha and Mantra MeditaSamanijis who are the disciples of tion. Acharya Shri Mahashraman, the Preksha Meditation is a technique eleventh Acharya and supreme head of Jain Shwetambar of meditation for attitudinal Terapanth group. Glorious in change, behavioral modification Peace, humble in learning and and integrated development specialist in simplicity is the of your personality and takes brief introduction of Samanijis. you on a journey to your inner They are the ones who not consciousness through your only motivate and promote the perception and concentration. worshipping of the soul but also The center promotes Preksha
Seema Jain, an accountant by profession, is serving as the President of JVB Preksha Meditation Houston center. Her passion for service (sewa) started with volunteering at the center and soon it became a way of her life. “It taught me to be grateful for the things we take granted in life.” She is the mother of two lovely daughters. HEALTHLINEMAG.COM
capital, and nurture it through a perfect blend, of the traditional as well contemporary ways and means, for the comprehensive development, of the kid’s personality, so that every year the society at large is benefitted with the positive minded young individuals who can significantly contribute to the value creation process.
Seema Jain
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“Yoga is the skill to calm down the mind”
by Meena Kankani Photo credit: Fotolia
‘Manah Prasamana Upayah Yogah’ - Sage Vasista “Yoga is the skill to calm down the mind” The root of the word yoga is yuj. In Sanskrit yuj means joining. Yoga is not merely a set of asanas, pranayama, or meditation; it is the science of holistic living that consists of a value system featuring health, wealth, bliss, poise, harmony and efficiency. Yoga is a conscious process of gaining mastery over the mind. This process consists of two aspects: the ability to concentrate, and the capacity to calm your mind at will. In yoga, incorporating your breath is just as important as incorporating your body. The quality of breath expresses one’s inner state. For example, if I am in pain, it shows in my breathing; if I am distracted, I lose control of my breathing. Therefore, breathing is the link between one’s inner and outer self. Yoga is the means of balancing and harmonizing the body, the mind and one’s emotions. This is done through practicing asanas, pranayama, mudras, bandha and meditation. By practicing yoga daily, one promotes his or her physical health and longevity.
1. Deeply relaxing at a muscular level. 2. Decreasing the rate of breathing and maintaining balance at a pranic level. 3. Increasing mental creativity and will power. 4. Sharpening and calm down the intellect. 5. Enhancing happiness in life. 6. Manifesting the innate divinity in man in all aspects of life. 7. Toning, cleansing, and nourishing the body on every level. 8. Maintaining the health and integrity of the joints and spine. 9. Managing the energetic system of the body. Long term yogic practice helps to develop voluntary control over the autonomic system. Yogic practices lead to enhancement of parasympathetic activities, provide stability, improve thermoregulation efficiency, improve adaptability to environmental stress and cognitive function such as concentration, memory, learning, efficiency and vigilance. Words cannot convey the value of yoga; it has to be experienced.
Yoga is a process of an all-round personality development by:
Meena Kankani is a certified Yoga Instructor and Yoga Therapist through ‘VYASA’ yoga research university and her studio, Swasth Yoga, in Katy.
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Meena Kankani
The much anticipated online store is launched at www.shop.ayushwave. com with access to everyone at best price. Online shop will have the same products as in store.
Photo credit: Fotolia
“We are thrilled to bring yoga, ayurvedic consultation, beauty services and herb shop together under one unit Ayush Wave in Sugar Land in the U.S.,” says Shwetha Reddy, Founder Ayush Wave. Further, she adds, “microcosm is equal to the macrocosm, meaning every aspect of nature has the answers to good health and we come up with the motto ‘Be Natural Be Healthy’”.
by Shwetha Reddy, BAMS Ayush Wave, an alternative and complementary health care facility. The concept of Ayush Wave is to serve Houston community focusing on providing Ayurvedic support to individuals suffering from chronic diseases and bring external as well as internal beauty based on Ayurvedic principles.
Ayush Wave and Yoga
Ayush Wave explores each aspect of wellbeing: physical, mental and emotional bringing together Ayurveda, Yoga, Natural Healing, and Spa. Wellness services, Ayurvedic therapies, Panchakarma-Internal detox, Beauty services, Massage services and Yoga, each has its own dedicated space, with qualified practitioner and certified therapists maintaining professional quality and dignity of the system focused on healing, restoring balance and enhancing wellbeing. Ayush Wave also opens Shop with USDA approved Ayurvedic herbs and formulations to public.
Our most significant offerings at Ayush Wave is Ayurveda, India’s traditional form of science and an art offered in its authentic and most complete and pure form. All products used are being selected for their therapeutic value. Customers will soon have access to yoga and Ayurvedic therapies that work towards various chronic diseases in addition to detox, destress, weight management and beauty or an overall improvement in physical health and lifestyle. Ayush Wave treats each individual unique and customizes treatments accordingly. The specialty of Ayush Wave is bringing both the sister sciences together. And individually developed protocols for personal needs.
Shwetha Reddy has been practicing Ayurveda since 2006 in India and Europe. She has consulted over 2000 patients till date and continues to maintain an active Ayurvedic practice at Ayush Wave in Sugar Land, TX. She has completed B.A.M.S (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery), experienced in consulting chronic disorders and a board member of AAMA and NAMA. HEALTHLINEMAG.COM
Shwetha Reddy, BAMS
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International Day of Yoga 2017
International Day of Yoga 2017
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HEALTHLINE I APRIL - JUNE 2017
Photo credit: Fotolia / idayofyoga.org
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
International Day of Yoga 2017
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Medwin Family Medicine & Rehab 1235 Lake Point Pkwy, Suite # 103 Sugar Land, Texas 77479
• Best Family Physicians by Consumer Research Council in 2006, 2008 and 2015. • Practicing Medicine for 25 years. Manjula Raguthu M.D FAAFP, ABAARM Board Certified in Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine, Family Physician
832-532-0040
www.medwinfamily.com Affiliated with American Family Physicians Association Texas Family Physicians Association Valley Chapter, Currently involved with Multiple Philanthropic Associations and Chapters.
Ace Pain Management Standing up for equality in the communities we serve Aetna is proud to support the HealthLine Wellness Expo.
Aetna is the brand name used for products and services provided by one or more of the Aetna group of subsidiary companies, including Aetna Life Insurance Company and its affiliates (Aetna). ©2016 Aetna Inc. 2016028
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Physical Therapy and Stem Cell Treatment
• We offer Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation, Sports Medicine and Pain Management.
www.acepain.com 1235 Lake Point Pkwy, Suite # 103 Sugar Land, Texas 77479
Surya Raguthu M.D DBIPP, ABIME Board Certified in Pain Management and Interventional Pain Physician
832-532-0050
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International Day of Yoga stamps released
T
he UN Postal Administration, UNPA is issuing a set of stamps showing 10 yoga ‘asanas’ to commemorate the International Day of Yoga on June 21, 2017 in New York.
YogA
The term yoga comes from a Sanskrit word which means ‘yuj’ (union). Traditionally, yoga is a method joining the individual self with the Divine, SUniversal Spirit, or Cosmic Consciousness.
The 10 stamps each depict a different yoga pose next to a large ‘Om’ in Devanagri script.
North Houston Internal Medicine We want to be your Doctor for life
• Primary Care Physician • Diabetes and Thyroid Management • Hypertension & Cholestrol Management • Stomach, Bowel & Colon Disease • Health Screening / Physicals • Health & Asthma Management Ashish Kapoor, M.D Board Certified in Internal Medicine
Dr. Kapoor speaks English & Hindi. Spanish Interpreter available.
Most Health Plans Accepted
Call for Appointment: 281-970-8900 Our current working hours are Monday thru Friday 8 A.M to 5 P.M. Same Day appointments available.
To book an appointment online, please visit:
AshishKapoorMD.com 21212 Northwest Frwy, Suite # 465, Cypress, TX 77429
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exercises are designed to help achieve this goal, also called self-transcendence or enlightenment. On the physical level, yoga postures, called asanas, are designed to tone, strengthen, and align the body. These postures are performed to make the spine supple and healthy and to promote blood flow to all the organs, glands, and tissues, keeping all the bodily systems healthy. On the mental level, yoga uses breathing techniques (pranayama) and meditation (dyana) to quiet, clarify, and discipline the mind. However, experts are quick to point out that yoga is not a religion, but a way of living with health and peace of mind as its aims.
Photo credit: Fotolia
Physical and mental
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Purposeful Recovery
Occupational Therapists were forefront in the rehabilitation field of “purposeful” therapy, meaning doing things that matter! Occupational Therapists will retrain patients on how to do the basic things in life that are the most difficult after an injury, such as holding a glass to take a drink of water. In addition, to re-teaching a patient the most essential life skills, they also evaluate and develop more complex programs for patients who maybe recovering from an orthopedic injury such as a rotator cuff tear. An OT will build an
individualized plan of care along with the orthopedic surgeons so patients can gradually regain lost range of motion and strength in the affected muscles and joints, which allows the patient to return to their normal activities. In stroke recovery, patients who may only have use of one side of the body will need OTs
to help them adapt and learn new strategies to complete self -care necessities such as getting dressed and opening containers on their lunch trays. Also OTs will utilize creative techniques in their treatments to motivate patients in their recovery such as using animals
Bindu Chacko is the Director of Rehabilitation at The Medical Resort Sugar Land. She has over 14 years of clinical expertise in the field of therapy as well as a background in teaching. She currently serves on the Advisory Board for the PIMA Medical Institute and is an active member of the Texas Occupational Therapy Association. HEALTHLINEMAG.COM
Photo credit: The Medical Resort
A
pril is Occupational Therapy Month! Occupational Therapists also known as OTs, are an essential part of the rehabilitation team. Individuals who have suffered from a stroke , heart attack or orthopedic injury can benefit from OTs in order to regain independence in their daily lives.
by Bindu George
or pets. Dogs are often used by OTs to encourage stroke patients to move their affected body parts. Patients will naturally reach out to pet the dog and unknowingly move their weak affected arms or legs.
Photo credit: The Medical Resort
O T
Occupational Therapy:
Rehabilitation after any life changing incident cannot be complete without a comprehensive occupational therapy assessment.
The Medical Resort Sugar Land OTs are known for amazing accomplishments! Come tour for yourself to see our state of the art rehabilitation center, conviently located at 1803 Westcott Ave, Sugar Land, TX 77479
Bindu GeorgeChacko, MOT, OT/L
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G You don’t E have to R live with it D Causes and Nutritional Treatment of GERD
Photo credit: Fotolia
by Denise Hulett, MS
The most common symptom of GERD is heartburn; however, other symptoms include vomiting or regurgitation, dry cough, sore throat, bloating, burping or hiccups, or difficulty swallowing. Conditions that can increase your risk of GERD include obesity, a hiatal hernia, pregnancy, smoking, dry mouth, asthma, diabetes and excessive drinking. In addition, the foods you eat affect the amount of acid your stomach produces. The following foods are common triggers amongst people who
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Many people have suffered from occasional acid reflux but for some it is an everyday occurrence. Chronic acid reflux is referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD.) GERD occurs when there is acid backflow from the stomach into the esophagus. This happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is weakened or damaged. Someone suffering from GERD does not have a LES that closes up properly thus acid backflow leaks upward into the throat and even into the mouth.
suffer from GERD: high fat and fried foods; acidic foods such as tomatoes and citrus fruit; carbonated beverages; caffeine; chocolate; garlic, onions and other spicy foods. While there is no specific diet that can eliminate GERD in all patients, there are certain foods that you can incorporate into your diet to manage symptoms of acid reflux. • Eat plenty of green leafy vegetables. These along with other vegetables, are naturally low in fat and sugar
HEALTHLINE I APRIL - JUNE 2017
and help reduce stomach acid. • Incorporate ginger into your diet. Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties and it’s a natural treatment for heartburn and other gastrointestinal problems. • Start your day with oatmeal. Oatmeal can absorb acid in the stomach and reduce symptoms of reflux. • Choose lean meats like chicken, turkey, fish, and seafood are low-fat and reduce symptoms of acid reflux. HEALTHLINEMAG.COM
Photo credit: Fotolia
• Lastly, make healthy fats a part of your diet such as avocados, walnuts, flaxseed, olive oil, sesame oil, and sunflower oil. If you suffer from GERD, try keeping a food log and track what foods you eat, what time of day you eat, and what symptoms you experience. Try to keep this log for at least a week. You can use the log to identify specific foods and drinks that affect your GERD and the symptoms that occur. In addition, this food log can help you and your doctor and/or nutritionist develop a food plan that can help treat or minimize your symptoms.
Denise Hulett, MS is a nutrition, personal trainer and owner of Restorative Fitness and Nutrition in Sugar Land, Texas. She has a Masters in health and nutrition education and focuses on helping clients use nutrition to enhance their lives and their health. For more information, visit www.restorativefitnessandnutrition.com.
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Denise Hulett, MS
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Treat Addiction Early
This callousness also involves attitude of the community towards addicts as mostly they are considered as criminals and unworthy elements in the society. Not only family members and friends, most of the medical practitioners also don’t recognize this problem may be due to lack of education about alcohol & drugs in undergraduate medical syllabus and many physicians feel that addiction is not treatable. Nowadays, many physicians themselves use these addictive substances and therefore, create in them a moral dilemma about treating such cases. Many lives could have been saved if treated in the early stages of addiction. For treatment of addiction, the most important role should be played by family members. 1. They should treat him/her with love & affection just as a patient having other life-threatening diseases 2. They should not quarrel or argue with him/her when under addiction. 3. They should not be suspicious all the time about his/her addiction and take care about their
health, food, medication and other needs. 5. As it is a chronic disease of brain so, they should be patient & continue the treatment religiously till complete recovery.
Photo credit: Fotolia
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ddiction of Alcohol, Drugs and other narcotics is a world wide phenomenon where very less people seek medical treatment. This is because of many reasons for example personal fear of addicts about exposure in the society, doubts about the nature of treatment, fear as to how to tolerate the withdrawal symptoms, underestimating the severity of the disease and overestimating their ability to control the addiction and notably treatment mostly not covered by insurance.
by Dr. P.C. Jain
What we can do? Ask- addicts about their addiction Advise –about quitting addiction by showing them about bad effects of these substances on health and later adverse effects on family Assess- know about their desire to leave the addiction Assist- take them to appropriate medical practitioner or to a rehabilitation center Arrange – when fully treated engage them in some job or activity to normalize the things As per the report recently released in USA “Facing Addiction in America only one out of 10 addicts seeks the treatment of addiction so rest nine suffers the late effects of the addiction which can be prevented and many lives can be saved. So, treat the addiction early as addiction treatment is effective, prevention always works and recovery is possible.
Dr. P.C. Jain MBBS is a Medical PractSitioner, De-addiction expert and doing awareness among masses about problem of addiction in Rajasthan, India. Invited to give presentations at Sikh Centers, Houston, along with radio talks on Radio Punjab.
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P.C. Jain, MBBS HEALTHLINEMAG.COM
Ayush Wave Be Natural, Be Healthy
Experience the Art of Healing at Premium Ayurvedic Spa in Texas
Ayurveda Treatments
Request a Free Consultation • Swedana – Herbal Steam Therapy • Basthi - Ayurvedic Pain Management • Pinda Sweda-Bolus Therapy • Patra Pinda Swedana- Bolus Therapy • Nasyam - Nasal Therapy • Udvartana – Dry powder Massage • Padhabyanga- Ayurvedic Foot Massage • Kayaseka – Medicated Body Bath • Himalayan Salt Scrub • Body Wraps and Facial Treatments • Variety of Massage and Detox Programs • Yoga Classes Daily
Shirodhara
Abyanga
Abyanga – Oil massage is an ancient style of daily/weekly regimen. It is a procedure of ayurvedic medicine that involves massage of the body with large amounts of warm oil. The oil is often pre-medicated with herbs for specific conditions. Ayush Wave is one of the Ayurveda based spa providing the authentic abhyanga in Houston area.
Ph: 281-870-2772 info@ayushwave.com 15263 Southwest Frwy, Sugar Land TX 77478
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APRIL - JUNE 2017 I HEALTHLINE
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Photo credit: Fotolia
that can be unsafe, so please be careful.
Non-Pharmacologic Therapy in Osteoarthritis by Kanika Monga, MD Did you know that over 10% of Americans between the ages of 25-75 years have Osteoarthritis (OA)? It is actually the most common joint disease in the world. Some of the common risk factors for OA include increasing age, obesity (especially in the knee), and female sex (particularly in the hands and knees). Symptoms include pain, cracking of the joints, joint swelling, and functional limitation with decrease in the range of motion. Non-pharmacological therapy includes various options including some that are homebased and low cost. Exercise and physical therapy have a huge impact on OA.
They have shown to decrease symptoms, improve function, and overall quality of life. The focus should include range of motion, aerobics, muscle strengthening and flexibility. Data from the national health and nutrition examination survey reveals that obese women had four times the risk of knee OA compared with non-obese women. For men, the risk increased to almost 5 times. Exercise also helps in weight reduction, which in itself may decrease disease progression in patients who are overweight. A win-win situation The Framingham Study reported that for a woman of normal height, for every eleven pounds weight loss the risk of knee OA dropped >50%. A recommended weight loss is 1-2 lb a week. More than
Kanika Monga, MD, a graduate from the University of Texas and Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, is an Internal Medicine resident at the University of Texas Houston. She is also a recipient of the AMA’s National Leadership Award.
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Nutritional products such as glucosamine and chondroitin have yielded mixed results in studies that were conducted. Although, a report from the National Institutes of Health did suggest that glucosamine and chondroitin did not prove better than placebo in decreasing pain in most patients. But it is if the patients were suffering moderate to severe knee pain. Education also serves as an important non-pharmacological therapy. Programs such as The Arthritis Self-Management Program have resulted in improvement and overall wellbeing of patients with OA. The program includes sessions focusing on various components including information about disease progression, medications, cognitive behavior techniques and much more. These programs are usually organized by the national arthritis foundation and more information can be found on their website. Other therapies that may prove useful include minimizing wearing high-heels, insoles, assistive devices and bracing. Many non-pharmacological therapies serve as adjuncts to pharmacotherapy. Before attempting any of the above, please discuss the various options with your healthcare provider.
Kanika Monga, MD HEALTHLINEMAG.COM
by Laura Spiller, PhD Immigration to a new country challenges families to adapt to a different way of life. Moving to a new country often requires learning a new language, understanding another culture, and creating a new social network. Acculturation is the term for this process of adapting or adjusting to a new culture. Acculturation can lead to changes in behaviors, values, and beliefs. The process of immigration and acculturation can be difficult because the individual and the family must decide which of their traditional values or cultural behaviors to keep and which to adopt from their new country. Each member of a family can experience the acculturation process differently. Immigrant parents often end up in a cultural world that’s distinct from that of their children. Through their schools, children often have more involvement with the host culture and thus learn new languages and mannerisms quickly. They integrate into the new culture faster. At the same time, immigrant children may have
fewer opportunities to stay connected to their heritage culture. Parents, on the other hand, cherish the cultural values they grew up with. They are often slower to develop social connections, and have more difficulty learning a new language.
Photo credit: Fotolia
Photo credit: Fotolia
Parents and Children in Different Worlds: Acculturation Gap Distress
This difference in adapting to the new culture across generations is called the acculturation gap Such acculturation gaps have been linked to family conflict and poorer youth adjustment. One source of conflict results from challenges to family communication and mutual understanding. It’s not surprising that misunderstandings arise when parents and children have different expectations for behavior and family relationships. For example, immigrant children contrast their parents’ stricter parenting style with the greater independence and permissive parenting they see in the families of their American friends. Immigrant youth who feel caught between two cultures have been shown to have higher levels of depression, problem behaviors, and lower academic achievement. These difficulties appear to be directly related to the level of family conflict. Fortunately, well-functioning family relationships may buffer the effects of intergenerational
Dr. Laura Spiller is a clinical psychologist in private practice. She helps adults, couples, and families struggling to make difficult life changes, especially related to health and medical issues. HEALTHLINEMAG.COM
differences in acculturation. Families with good communication and close relationships may be able to handle acculturation gaps without experiencing increased conflict and the resulting adjustment problems. One way to increase communication around acculturation is for parents and children to jointly engage in social activities to increase engagement with host culture. Helping immigrant children retain their heritage language also appears to be important. Parents and schools should support the children’s heritage language development. Family therapy designed to reduce the culture gap between parents and children has also been shown to reduce youth behavior problems. It is not necessary to have a therapist from the same cultural background, but they should be culturally sensitive and knowledge about the immigration experience.
Laura Spiller, PHD, PPLC
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