Fenugreek seeds, good for Diabetes?

People have been using fenugreek seeds for diabetes for centuries. There's good evidence that it works. Studies show it can lower blood sugar after eating. Fenugreek may also raise "good" HDL cholesterol and lower unhealthy triglycerides.

Some small studies have found that fenugreek can help with acid reflux. Because it's high in giber  fenugreek may help treat or prevent constipation.

People use fenugreek for other conditions. They range from improving appetite to helping nursing women produce more breast milk. As a skin treatment, people use it for swelling, rashes, and wounds. There's no good evidence about whether these uses of fenugreek help.

Because fenugreek is an unproven treatment, there's no established dose. Some people take 10 to 15 grams daily for diabetes. Fenugreek is available in teas marketed to women who are breastfeeding, although it's not clear that they have any benefit, One study did find it increased milk production in breastfeeding women. Ask your doctor for advice.

Risks of taking Fenugreek

Tell your doctor about any supplements you’re taking, even if they’re natural. That way, your doctor can check on any potential side effects or interactions with medications.

• Side effects. Fenugreek as a food is safe. High doses can cause upset stomach and gas.
• Risks. Women who are pregnant or nursing, children, and people with liver or kidney disease should not use fenugreek supplements unless a doctor says it's safe.
• Interactions. If you take any medicines regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using fenugreek supplements. They could interact with insulin or other diabetes drugs.

8 sided smaller trivet, my own design, joined with a centre motif, for my daughter.



ring trivet, but this hasn't come out as well as expected, being my first attempt.

Nausea and Vomiting- causes & remedies

Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are extremely 

unpleasant but usually not harmful. Common 

causes include viral infection, pregnancy, 

certain medications, food poisoning, and 

motion sickness.

More serious symptoms such as confusion, 

abdominal pain, high fever, weakness, and/or 

persistent vomiting may be a sign of a more 

serious condition and should be evaluated by 

a doctor.

Signs of Dehydration

If you or your child has been vomiting, watch 

for signs of dehydration: increased thirst, dry 

lips or mouth, sunken eyes, and rapid 

breathing or a quickened heartbeat.

Children have a much higher risk of 

dehydration than adults. In infants, decreased 

urination and no tears are also red flags for 

dehydration.

Treating Dehydration

With vomiting, it's important to replace fluids. 

Adults and children can drink water or suck 

on ice chips, electrolyte drinks, or oral 

rehydration solutions.

Children under 6 are most at risk for 

dehydration. They may require a rehydration 

solution after only a few hours of vomiting.

What About Flat Soda?

Although some people say flat soda settles 

the stomach, you may want to limit the 

number of sweetened beverages your child 

drinks. Too much sugary fluid, like juice or 

soda, can cause diarrhoea.

Diet

Once vomiting has eased, you can begin a 

liquid diet. Small amounts of clear chicken 

broth or diluted apple juice are a good start.

As food and drink are tolerated, you can 

move on to soft foods, such as gelatin and 

apple-sauce. The next day, move to bland 

solid foods, including rice and toast.

Medications

Most of the time nausea and vomiting go 

away on their own. But for some people, 

medications called anti-emetics can prevent 

and control vomiting brought on by nausea.                                                 

Certain medications help with nausea and 

vomiting related to motion sickness or from 

chemotherapy. It's best to check with a doctor 

before using medication.

Ginger

It may sound like an old wives' tale, but some 

research suggests that ginger may be an 

effective remedy for nausea and vomiting 

related to pregnancy, motion sickness, and 

following surgery. In a study funded by the 

National Cancer Institute, chemotherapy 

patients who took as little as ¼ teaspoon of 

ginger per day experienced significantly less 

nausea.

Acupressure

Some studies suggest wrist acupressure can 

help manage nausea and vomiting related to 

pregnancy and chemotherapy.

One pressure point thought to help nausea is 

on the inside of your arm, a few inches above 

the wrist.

When to Call the Doctor

Seek immediate medical attention for 

children or adults if illness is severe, a person 

is unresponsive or too weak to move or 

stand, or if vomiting is accompanied by a stiff 

neck, severe headache, abdominal pain, 

vomiting of blood or coffee grounds, black 

tarry stools, confusion, high fever, or 

poisoning is suspected. People at high risk 

due to an underlying condition or needing 

essential medicine should also call their 

doctor.

Common Adult Skin Problems

Is your skin itching, breaking out, covered in a rash, or playing host to strange spots? Skin inflammation, changes in texture or colour  and spots may be the result of infection, a chronic skin condition, or contact with an allergen or irritant. You can learn to recognize common adult skin problems. Yet, while many are minor, they may signal something more serious, so always consult a doctor for proper diagnosis.
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Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
Shingles starts with burning, tingling, or very sensitive skin. A rash of raised dots develops into painful blisters that last about two weeks. Shingles often occurs on the trunk and buttocks, but can appear anywhere. Most people recover, but pain, numbness, and itching linger for many -- and may last for months, years, or the rest of their lives. Treatment with antiviral drugs, steroids, antidepressants, and topical agents can help.


Hives (Urticaria)

A common allergic reaction that looks like welts, hives are often itchy, and sometimes stinging or burning. Hives vary in size and may join together to form larger areas. They may appear anywhere and last minutes or days. Medications, foods, food additives, temperature extremes, and infections like strep throat are some causes of hives. Antihistamines can provide relief.


Psoriasis


A non-contagious rash of thick red plaques covered with white or silvery scales, psoriasis usually affects the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. The rash can heal and recur throughout life. The cause of psoriasis is unknown, but the immune system triggers new skin cells to develop too quickly. Treatments include medications applied to the skin, light therapy, and medications taken by mouth, injection or infusion.




Eczema
Eczema describes several non-contagious conditions where skin is inflamed, red, dry, and itchy. Stress, irritants (like soaps), allergens, and climate can trigger flare-ups though they're not eczema's exact cause, which is unknown. In adults, eczema often occurs on the elbows and hands, and in "bending" areas, such as inside the elbows. Treatments include topical or oral medications and shots.


Rosacea
Often beginning as a tendency to flush easily, rosacea causes redness on the nose, chin, cheeks, forehead, even the eyes. The redness may intensify over time, taking on a ruddy appearance with visible blood vessels. In some cases, thickened skin, bumps and pus-filled pimples can develop. Rosacea treatment includes medications as well as surgical procedures such as laser therapy, dermabrasion, and electrocautery to reshape affected areas.

Cold Sores (Fever Blisters)

Small, painful, fluid-filled blisters on the mouth or nose, cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. Lasting about 10 days, cold sores are very contagious. Triggers can include fever, too much sun, stress, or hormonal changes such as menstruation. Antiviral pills or creams can be used as treatment, but call your doctor if sores contain pus, there is spreading redness, you have a fever, or if your eyes become irritated.

Rash From Plants

Contact with the oily coating from poison ivy, oak, and sumac causes a rash in many people. It begins with redness and swelling at the contact site, then becomes intensely itchy with the development of blisters usually 12 to 72 hours after exposure. The typical rash is arranged as a red line on an exposed area, caused by the plant dragging across the skin. The rash usually lasts up to two weeks.

Soothe Itchy Plant Rashes

Prescription or over-the-counter medication may soothe the itching of mild rashes. Cool compresses and oatmeal baths may help with symptoms. For a severe rash, oral corticosteroid may be given. If the skin becomes infected, antibiotics may be necessary. Avoiding direct contact with the plants can prevent the rash, so learn to recognize poisonous plants. In general, poison oak grows west of the Rockies; poison ivy to the east.

Razor Bumps

Razor bumps are tiny, irritated bumps that develop after shaving. People with curly hair are most affected by them. The sharp edge of closely shaven hair can curl back and grow into the skin, causing irritation and pimples, and even scarring. To minimize razor bumps, take a hot shower before shaving, shave in the direction of hair growth, and don't stretch the skin while shaving. Rinse with cold water, then apply moisturizer.

Skin Tags

A skin tag is a small flap of flesh-coloured or slightly darker tissue that hangs off the skin by a connecting stalk. They're usually found on the neck, chest, back, armpits, under the breasts, or in the groin area. Skin tags appear most often in women and elderly people. They are not dangerous and usually don't cause pain unless they become irritated by clothing or nearby skin rubbing against them. A doctor can remove a skin tag by cutting, freezing, or burning it off.

Acne

At the heart of acne lies a clogged pore from oil and dead skin cells that can become inflamed. When open, it is called a blackhead or open comedo; closed, a whitehead or closed comedo. Often seen on the face, chest, and back, acne can be triggered by hormones and bacteria. To help control it, keep oily areas clean and don't squeeze pimples (it may cause infection and scars).

Athlete's Foot

A fungal skin infection that can cause peeling, redness, itching, burning, and sometimes blisters and sores, athlete's foot is contagious, passed by direct contact, sharing shoes worn by an infected person, or by walking barefoot in areas such as locker rooms or near pools. It's usually treated with topical anti fungal lotions or oral medications for more severe cases. Keeping feet and the inside of shoes clean and dry is important in treatment.

Moles

Usually brown or black, moles can be anywhere on the body, alone or in groups, and generally appear before age 20. Some moles (not all) change slowly over the years, becoming raised, developing hair, and/or changing colour  While most are non-cancerous, some moles have a higher risk of becoming cancerous. Have a dermatologist evaluate moles that change, have irregular borders, unusual or uneven colour, bleed, or itch.

Age or Liver Spots

These pesky brown or gray spots are not really caused by aging, though they do become more common as people age. They're the result of sun exposure, which is why they tend to appear on areas that get a lot of sun, such as the face, hands, and arms. Bleaching creams, acid peels, and light-based treatments may lessen their appearance. To rule out serious skin conditions such as melanoma, see a dermatologist for proper identification.

Melasma ('Pregnancy Mask')

Melasma (chloasma) is characterized by tan or brown patches on the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin. Although usually called the "pregnancy mask," men can also develop it. Melasma occurs in half of all women during pregnancy. It may go away after pregnancy but, if it persists, can be treated with prescription creams and over-the-counter products. Use a sunscreen at all times if you have melasma, as sunlight worsens the condition.

Warts

In most cases, common warts appear on the fingers or hands. Caused by contact with the contagious human papillomavirus, warts can spread from person to person or via contact with something used by a person with the virus. You can prevent spreading warts by not picking them, covering them with bandages, and keeping them dry. In most cases, warts are harmless, painless, and go away on their own. If they persist, treatments include topical medications, freezing, burning, surgery, lasers, and chemicals.

Seborrheic Keratoses

Non-cancerous growths that may develop with age, seborrheic keratoses can appear on many areas of the skin either alone or in groups. They may be dark or multicolored, and they usually have a grainy surface, though they can be smooth and waxy. No treatment is necessary unless irritation develops or their appearance is a concern. Because seborrheic keratoses may be mistaken for moles or skin cancer, see a dermatologist for proper diagnosis.

Older people taking psychiatric drugs are more prone to fall

Seniors taking psychiatric drugs may be at extra high risk for 

falling according to a new  research.

Of about 400 elderly people in the study, those who took 

medications including antidepressants and anti-psychotics 

were twice as likely to report having fallen three or more times 

in the previous year, researchers found.

The new study can't prove that falls were due to the effects of 

the drugs, themselves, and not to seniors' underlying medical 

conditions, for example.

But a number of side effects of psychiatric drugs - from 

changes in thinking and attention to drops in blood pressure - 

could put elderly people at greater risk for falls, according to  

the Dr. 

Seniors are especially vulnerable to falls, which at their worst 

can cause hip fractures, head injuries or death.

If possible (psychiatric drugs) should be avoided for elderly 

patients with other risk factors for falling.

In particular, the researchers found a higher rate of multiple falls 

among people taking antidepressants, antipsychotics and 

short-acting benzodiazepines, which include the anxiety drug 

alprazolam (marketed as Xanax) and the insomnia drug 

temazepam (Restoril).

That pattern held after the team took into account any 

depression or cognitive impairment among the seniors, as well 

as their exact age, their living situation and how much they 

typically walked each day.

Seniors and their families should come to each healthcare visit 

with a list of all medications an elderly person is taking and 

what each was prescribed to treat said the Dr. Sometimes, he 

noted, a person gets put on an anti-psychotic for delirium while

in the hospital, for example, and ends up staying on it for years 

for no good reason.

Many of our old people have multiple (conditions) that need 

medication to control them or make them feel better. Every 

time somebody is considering adding something, review 

everything else they're taking to make sure there is a solid 

indication for everything they're already on," the Dr. advised.

Many different factors may raise the risk of falls and fractures, 

such as age, osteoporosis or a history of stroke.

Drugs end up being the thing that you can modify," the Dr. said. 

Infants' Inattentiveness Might Signal Later Autism

 Attention problems might be seen in 6-month-old infants who 

are later diagnosed with autism according to a new study .

Researchers found that the infants who paid less attention to 

people's overtures and activities than infants who did not 

develop autism.

This information could be used to identify infants at greatest 

risk of developing autism and provide them with early 

treatment, the researchers said.

This work is highly consequential for identifying new treatment 

targets and early intervention strategies.

The study included 67 infants at high risk for developing autism 

and 50 low-risk infants. Their eye movements were tracked 

while they watched a video of a woman doing everyday things, 

such as making a sandwich, looking at toys, or speaking.

Compared to the other infants, those who were later diagnosed 

with autism spent less time watching the social activities 

depicted in the video. When they did pay attention, these 

infants spent less time watching the woman's face.

Autism is a neuro-developmental disorder characterized by 

impaired communication and social interactions. The 

researchers said this is the first study to show that early signs 

of autism are present in the first year of life.

The researchers are now trying to determine the specific 

causes behind this lack of attention to social activities in infants 

later diagnosed with autism.

Autistic children may have eating issues

Children with autism are five times more likely than other kids 

to have feeding issues, such as being especially picky eaters 

or having ritualistic behaviours or extreme tantrums during 

meals according to a new research.

These problems can lead to deficiencies in calcium, protein 

and other nutrients.

Healthy eating promotes a child's growth and development, 

and mealtimes provide important opportunities for children to 

socialize. Chronic feeding troubles increase a child's risk for 

problems such as malnutrition, poor growth, social difficulties 

and poor school performance.

The researchers added that there is growing evidence that 

feeding problems and dietary patterns among children with 

autism may put them at increased risk for long-term health 

problems such as poor bone growth, obesity and 

cardiovascular disease.

It not only highlights the importance of assessing mealtime 

concerns as part of routine health care screenings, but also 

suggests the need for greater focus on diet and nutrition in the 

autism community.

According to researchers, despite the risk of long-term medical 

issues, feeding problems often are overlooked in relation to 

other areas of concern in the autism population.

Vitamin D Loss Attributed to Obesity

Obesity can lead to vitamin D deficiency, a new study indicates.

British researchers found that a 10 percent rise in body-mass index (BMI) was linked with a 4 percent drop in concentrations of vitamin D in the body. BMI is a measurement of body fat based on height and weight.

The link between BMI and vitamin D levels was found in men and women, as well as in younger and older people, the investigators noted.

The findings suggest that a higher BMI leads to lower levels of vitamin D circulating in the body, while a lack of vitamin D has only a small effect on BMI.

Efforts to tackle obesity may also help reduce levels of vitamin D deficiency.

Previous studies have linked vitamin D deficiency with obesity, but it wasn't clear whether a lack of vitamin D triggered weight gain or whether obesity led to vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D, which is essential for healthy bones and other functions, is produced by the skin when exposed to sunlight. It can also be obtained through foods and supplements.

Vitamin D deficiency is an active health concern around the world. While many health messages have focused on a lack of sun exposure or excessive use of sun-creams  we should not forget that vitamin D deficiency is also caused by obesity.

How To Lead An Easier Life With Osteoarthritis

Walking
If arthritis is making it harder for you to keep up with daily activities, there are many simple tools that can make your life easier. For walking, options range from specially designed shoe inserts called orthotics to braces, canes, crutches, and even walkers. Be sure to get these fitted by a health care professional. Even a simple cane that isn't the right height may do more harm than good.

Moving Inside the house
Make it easy to get around your home. Keep pathways clear and remove scatter rugs. Add extenders that convert doorknobs to levers, so you can open doors simply by pushing a handle up or down without twisting a knob. Use lamps that turn on and off with a tap to the base or sound-sensitive lamps that work with a clap of your hands. Switch adapters can make it easier to flip on regular lamps and lights.

In the Living Room
Sit in chairs that are easy to get in and out of. If your favorite chair is too low, consider adding risers that adjust its height. Get a remote control with large, easy-to-push buttons. And make sure there are plenty of light sources. Hunching over a book in dim light can strain your joints.

In the Kitchen
Kitchen utensils with padded or moulded handles are much easier to pick up and hold. An electric can opener and fixed jar opener can reduce strain. Using a wheeled cart or even two-handled pots and pans can make it safer to carry items across the room. Reachers -- rods with grasping devices on the end -- work well for grabbing lightweight items. But remember that the long pole makes heavy cans even heavier to lift.

Getting Dressed
Buy slip-on shoes and clothes that close in the front with large buttons, hooks, or Velcro. Button hooks and zipper pulls can help you get dressed. Better yet, buy loose clothes that slip over your head. Shoehorns and sock aids can make it easier to slip on socks and shoes and mean you won't have to bend over to reach your feet.

Using the Shower and Toilet
Installing grab bars in the bathroom is especially important if you have problems with balance. A waterproof tub seat can keep you steady in the shower. Consider a raised toilet seat as well. This will make it easier to get up and down.

At the Sink
You can find many gadgets to help turn water on and off if your faucet is hard to use. Rubber grips can make handles easier to turn and adapters can turn traditional knobs into easy-to-use levers. You can find tools for opening medicine bottles, working tweezers, spraying aerosol cans, and squeezing eye drops. To make brushing easier, make sure your toothbrush has a padded or easy-to-grasp handle.

At Work or in a Home Office
Set up your computer desk so that you're looking straight at your screen, your wrists aren't bent, and there's no strain on your back or legs. You may want a keyboard with extra-large keys if you have arthritis in your hands or fingers. Consider using a headset or earpiece so you don’t have to strain your muscles and joints by holding a phone to your ear. Use a stand to prop up materials when you read or type.

In the Car
Key turners, car door openers, and gas cap wrenches make it easier to use a car when you have arthritis. There are also more permanent fixes, like devices for holding on to the steering wheel. However, talk to an auto expert who specializes in disability adaptations before making changes that could affect the safety of your car.

In the Yard
When you're heading to the garden or working in the yard, look for tools with comfortable grips and handles. Replace old hoses with newer, lightweight ones, and consider a motorized hose reel. Use a gardening kneeler or seat that lets you work on the ground without stooping, or plant your flowers in a raised bed.

Get Advice
Sometimes a simple assistive device or a change in the way you do things can make daily tasks much easier when you have arthritis. Occupational therapists are trained to help you function at your best. Consulting an OT before purchasing new devices -- especially if they are expensive -- may help you sort the gimmicks from the lifesavers.

crochet trivet

this is my own design of smaller trivet with just 8 petals & 2 rows only !

crochet trivet wall hangars

the basic trivet design isn't mine, but joining them to make a wall hangar is mine, the top one was a challenge to join, as how to join 10 petals of the centre ( though they all have 10 petals) with 6 trivets . after a great deal of thought did manage to do so successfully.

the smaller one of 4 was easier to join.

6 Symptoms of Women's Heart Attacks

When a heart attack strikes, it doesn’t always feel the same in 

women as it does in men.

Women don't always get the same classic heart attack 

symptoms as men, such as crushing chest pain that radiates 

down one arm. Those heart attack symptoms can certainly 

happen to women, but  many experience vague or even “silent” 

symptoms that they may miss.

These six heart attack symptoms are common in women

1)Chest pain or discomfort. 

Chest pain is the most common heart attack symptom, but 

some women may experience it differently than men. It may feel 

like a squeezing or fullness, and the pain can be anywhere in 

the chest, not just on the left side. It's usually "truly 

uncomfortable" during a heart attack, says cardiologist. It feels

 like a vise being tightened.

2) Pain in your arm(s), back, neck, or jaw.

 This type of pain is more common in women than in men. It 

may confuse women who expect their pain to be focused on 

their chest and left arm, not their back or jaw. The pain can be 

gradual or sudden, and it may wax and wane before becoming 

intense. If you're asleep, it may wake you up. You should report 

any "not typical or unexplained" symptoms in any part of your 

body above your waist to your doctor or other health care 

provider, says cardiologist.

3) Stomach pain.

 Sometimes people mistake stomach pain that signals a heart 

attack with heartburn, the flu, or a stomach ulcer. Other times, 

women experience severe abdominal pressure that feels like 

an elephant sitting on your stomach, says cardiologist..

4) Shortness of breath, nausea, or light-headedness. 

If you're having trouble breathing for no apparent reason, you 

could be having a heart attack, especially if you're also having 

one or more other symptoms. It can feel like you have run a 

marathon, but you didn't make a move.

5) Sweating.

 Breaking out in a nervous, cold sweat is common among 

women who are having a heart attack. It will feel more like 

stress-related sweating than perspiration from exercising or 

spending time outside in the heat. "Get it checked out" if you 

don't typically sweat like that and there is no other reason for it, 

such as heat or hot flashes.

6) Fatigue. 

Some women who have heart attacks feel extremely tired, even 

if they've been sitting still for a while or haven't moved much. 

Patients often complain of a tiredness in the chest. They say 

that they can't do simple activities, like walk to the bathroom.

Not everyone gets all of those symptoms. If you have chest 

discomfort, especially if you also have one or more of the other

 signs, call the hospital or your Dr. immediately.

What NOT to Do

If you feel heart attack symptoms:

1) Don’t delay getting help. 

Women generally wait longer than men before going to the 

emergency room, says  a cardiologist. Even if you think your 

symptoms aren’t that bad or will pass, the stakes are too high.

2) Don't drive yourself to the hospital.

 You need an ambulance. If you drive, you could have a wreck 

on the way and possibly hurt yourself or someone else.

3) Don’t have a friend or relative drive you, either. 

You may not get there fast enough.

Don’t dismiss what you feel. "Don't worry about feeling silly if 

you're wrong. You have to get it checked out right away.  

People don't want to spend hours in an emergency room if it

 isn't a heart attack,says a Dr.. But women are actually good at 

deciding what is typical for themselves and when to seek health

care.