Crystals, healing and all that jazz

Crystals supposedly has various powers. Well, James Randi shows that it might be not true!

How to save yourself when having a heart attack!

Imagine you're all alone when you have a heart attack! How do you save yourself? Here's how!

LASIK

LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) is performed for correcting refractive errors of the eye like myopia, hypermetropia and astigmatism. It involves creating a flap of cornea with an instrument called microkeratome, reflecting it back, and zapping the cornea with an Excimer laser. The laser, basically 'sculpts' the cornea to a predetermined level so as to ensure optimum vision. The flap of cornea is then placed back to the original position. The procedure is done under topical anesthesia and the patient can return back home shortly after the procedure.


Complications after LASIK are also not uncommon. In some cases, there might be a residual refractive error, and the patient might have to continue with the glasses. In some cases, there may be complications related to the flap. Also, structurally, the cornea is weakened slightly than it was before.

Nevertheless, in carefully selected cases, Lasik is an effective and safe procedure. LASIK is not indicated for very high refractive errors or in eyes with preexisting disease like dry eyes etc. Your eye doctor, after a thorough assessment, would be able to say if you are the right candidate. Make sure you know about all the complications and the level of vision you are likely to get, before proceeding.
Related Links:
Bionic eye
Computer vision syndrome

Amazing Derren Brown

I am a big fan of Derren Brown, the famous English mentalist. He harnesses the mysterious and powerful effects of the brain by suggestion, tricks of the mind, NLP, hypnosis etc. There is no magic involved, just a perfect understanding of how the mind works and using it to bamboozle people.

When a series of commands is issued rapidly and sometimes confusingly, many at the other end up doing what they are told.

I have many favorites but think this is hilarious. A poor guy ends up giving his wallet, and much more, to Derren. Of course, it may not work on any one but then, Derren has a knack of spotting the most suggestible person!




"Trains of thought" is equally amazing!( instant hypnosis at work!)



Related links:

Mind reading, psychic powers, miracles etc, etc

Kosmix

The aim of Kosmix, according to their own words is to "Build the unofficial home page for every topic on the Web." With the help of a unique categorization engine that searches countless Web pages, a home page is generated on each individual topic. For example, a search on Atkins Diet will bring up a home page, which contains relevant results, articles, images, videos etc on the topic.

The results are further refined on any particular topic. Kosmix is thus the best starting place to search for any topic.

Psychological aspects of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, relapsing and usually lifelong condition. Patients with psoriasis often lose hope that their condition can be managed. This may lead to poor treatment compliance. It is a well established fact that in addition to physical discomfort and disability, psoriasis can produce anxiety, depression and other psychological problems, which in turn can aggravate the disease.

A number of studies have shown that psychological stress is often caused by psoriasis, and can be a factor in flare-ups of psoriasis. Pruritis in psoriasis contributes to stress and the stress in turn can lead to more pruritis. This vicious cycle can contribute to psychological problems including depression, anxiety, aggressive behaviors, obsessional behavior, and alcoholism.The other psychological problems can include poor self-esteem, sexual dysfunction, and suicidal ideation. The mechanisms by which psychological stress can make pruritis worse are not clearly understood.

Psychological counseling may be helpful in some patients with psychosocial problems. A family counseling session may also help the family members to understand the nature of the disease better and realize the role that family members can play in reducing psychosocial stress.

Traditional psoriasis treatment regimens may be augmented with stress-reduction strategies. Biofeedback training, psychotherapy, and hypnosis are examples of adjuncts to traditional medical treatment.

Hypnosis may improve or resolve numerous dermatoses, including psoriasis. In addition, hypnosis can facilitate aversive therapy and enhance desensitization and other cognitive-behavioural methods.

Cognitive behaviour therapy combines two kinds of psychotherapy, cognitive therapy and behaviour therapy. CBT has been very thoroughly researched. Numerous studies have shown CBT to be as effective as drugs in treating both depression and anxiety.

Recognising eating disorsers

I had a friend who was a food enthusiast. She loved to visit all kinds of exotic restaurants and try new flavors. She always used to stay slim though and I was really amazed how she managed to maintain her figure. Over the years, she became too thin and looked tired and withdrawn. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that she was a bulimic.

It is too lengthy to go into the specifics of each eating disorder but I would like to point out some salient features on how to recognize the common signs of eating disorders: excessive and sudden preoccupation with body image and thinness, excessive exercising, fine hair on arms and face with loss of scalp hair, irregular or lack of periods in girls, dry skin with desquamation etc. Bulimics have some dental signs like caries, and gum disorders. Russell's sign is bleeding, scarred, or callused knuckles (due to repeated contact with the front teeth). The person may lie about food intake, conceal food or buy laxatives diuretics etc.

Of course, in some cases, there may be very subtle signs that even an observant parent or friend cannot pick up, and oh, don't forget that eating disorders are not uncommon in males too.

Related links:
Bariatric surgery

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

It is really sad when teachers and parents label kids "stupid" without knowing that there might be an underlying disorder, like ADHD. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a disorder manifested in preschool and early school children who often have difficulty in controlling their behavior and/or pay attention. The exact etiology of this condition is unknown but it is thought to be a genetic disorder, with deficient dopaminergic neurotransmission.
The symptoms of ADHD include: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The condition is usually suspected when such symptoms starts to affect the child’s school performance, or behavior at home. More often, the condition may not be detected till a considerable time has passed. The child may demonstrate symptoms like constant fidgeting,restlessness, squirming etc.
Medications like amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and pemoline are used. Interventional approaches like psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, social skills training etc may also be helpful.

Mind reading, psychic powers, miracles etc, etc

I have always been fascinated by the powers of the mind. Hypnosis is one such powerful tool, which is scientifically validated and has been put to good use to cure a variety of psychosomatic disorders and habits.

Unfortunately, there are many tricks, illusions and sleight of hand, which can be used to fool people. James Randi and Derren Brown are two of my favorites, when it comes to exposing such people who claim to 'read minds' or posses psychic powers. Randi has exposed many, including the likes of Uri Geller:



He also exposed James Hydrick:


In subsequent blogs I'll talk about the amazing Derren Brown!

Related link:
Unmasking Sai Baba
Related articles:
Exposing faith healers
Exposing psychic surgery

Is your child autistic?

Autistic children lack or show difficulty with social interaction, display repetitive behavior, and have problems with verbal and non-verbal communication. The severity of autism varies widely in different children, and in mild cases, the symptoms may go unheeded, till it becomes disabling. The usual cause is genetic, although environmental factors may also have a role.

In mild cases, there may be improvement as the child grows older. There is no specific cure, although lots of Autism research has been done over the decades.