The two faces of Sun

Sunrise

(as viewed from my bedroom window)

My wife enjoys Sunrise being an OPTIMIST to the core.

Sunset

(as viewed from my clinic)

(as viewed on my way back home)

(Note the bird flying home)

I am always seeing the sunset, real pessimist.

It is almost dark when I return.

PEACE

Definition of Peace

1, In its most myopic

and limited definition,

peace is the mere absence of war.

O’Kane (1992) 2, The state prevailing

during the absence of war 3, The absence of war

or other hostilities.

An agreement or a treaty

to end hostilities.

Freedom from quarrels

and disagreement.

Peace Quotes.

Indira Gandhi: You can't shake hands with a clenched fist. Croesus:

In peace the sons bury their fathers,

but in war the fathers bury their sons. Agatha Christie: One is left with the horrible

feeling now that war settles nothing;

that to win a war is as disastrous as to lose one. William E. Gladstone : We look forward to the

time when the Power of Love

will replace the Love of Power.

Then will our world

know the blessings of peace. Thomas Jefferson: The care of human

life and happiness,

and not their destruction,

is the first and only

object of good government. Ramona L. Anderson: People spend a lifetime

searching for happiness;

looking for peace.

They chase idle dreams,

addictions, religions,

even other people,

hoping to fill the emptiness

that plagues them.

The irony is the only place

they ever needed to

search was within. Ralph Waldo Emerson: The real and lasting

victories are those of peace,

and not of war. Oscar Romero: Peace is not the product

of terror or fear.

Peace is not the silence

of cemeteries.

Peace is not the silent

result of violent repression.

Peace is the generous, tranquil

contribution of all to the good of all.

Peace is dynamism.

Peace is generosity.

It is right and it is duty. Moshe Dayan: If you want to make peace,

you don't talk to your friends.

You talk to your enemies. Martin Luther King, Jr.: True peace is not merely

the absence of tension:

it is the presence of justice. John F. Kennedy: It is an unfortunate

fact that we can secure peace

only by preparing for war. Jimi Hendrix: When the power of love

overcomes the love of power the

world will know peace.

Quotes

Common Sense

(Praying to God for some)

Common sense is the best sense I know of. Lord Chesterfield (1694 - 1773) Nothing astonishes men so much as

common sense and plain dealing. Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 - 1882) The philosophy of one century

is the common sense of the next. Henry Ward Beecher It is a thousand times better to have

common sense without education

than to have education without common sense. Robert Green Ingersoll Common sense ain't common. Will Rogers Common sense is the

collection of prejudices acquired

by age eighteen. Albert Einstein Nothing is more fairly distributed

than common sense:

no one thinks he needs more of it than he already has.

Descartes

Common sense is the knack of seeing things

as they are, and doing things as they ought to be done.

Josh Billings Common sense and nature

will do a lot to make the pilgrimage of life

not too difficult.

W. Somerset Maugham Common sense is in spite of,

not as the result of education.

Victor Hugo

It pays to be patient

Patience pays:

Last night I saw this spider weaving this

web. I was reminded of this poem which

I had read in my school.

BRUCE AND THE SPIDER

by: Bernard Barton (1784-1849)

OR Scotland's and for freedom's right

The Bruce his part has played;--

In five successive fields of fight

Been conquered and dismayed:

Once more against the English host

His band he led, and once more lost

The meed for which he fought;

And now from battle, faint and worn,

The homeless fugitive, forlorn,

A hut's lone shelter sought.

And cheerless was that resting-place

For him who claimed a throne;--

His canopy, devoid of grace,

The rude, rough beams alone;

The heather couch his only bed--

Yet well I ween had slumber fled

From couch of eider down!

Through darksome night till dawn of day,

Absorbed in wakeful thought he lay

Of Scotland and her crown.

The sun rose brightly, and its gleam

Fell on that hapless bed,

And tinged with light each shapeless beam

Which roofed the lowly shed;

When, looking up with wistful eye,

The Bruce beheld a spider try

His filmy thread to fling

From beam to beam of that rude cot--

And well the insect's toilsome lot

Taught Scotland's future king.

Six times the gossamery thread

The wary spider threw;--

In vain the filmy line was sped,

For powerless or untrue

Each aim appeared, and back recoiled

The patient insect, six times foiled,

And yet unconquered still;

And soon the Bruce, with eager eye,

Saw him prepare once more to try

His courage, strength, and skill.

One effort more, his seventh and last!--

The hero hailed the sign!--

And on the wished-for beam hung fast

That slender silken line!

Slight as it was, his spirit caught

The more than omen; for his thought

The lesson well could trace,

Which even "he who runs may read,"

That Perseverance gains its meed,

And Patience wins the race.

The Value Of A Drink

The Value Of A Drink

'Sometimes when I reflect back on all the wine I drink I feel shame. Then I look into the glass and think about the workers in the vineyards and all of their hopes and dreams. If I didn't drink this wine, they might be out of work and their dreams would be shattered. Then I say to myself, 'It is better that I drink this wine and let their dreams come true than be selfish and worry about my liver.' ~ Jack Handy WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may leave you wondering what the hell happened to your bra and panties among other things. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

'I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day. ' ~Frank Sinatra WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may create the illusion that you are tougher, smarter, faster and better looking than most people. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

'When I read about the evils of drinking, I gave up reading.' ~ Henny Youngman WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may lead you to think people are laughing WITH you. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

'24 hours in a day, 24 beers in a case. Coincidence? I think not.' ~ Stephen Wright WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may cause you to think you can sing. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

'When we drink, we get drunk. When we get drunk, we fall asleep. When we fall asleep, we commit no sin. When we commit no sin, we go to heaven. So, let's all get drunk and go to heaven!' ~ Brian O'Rourke WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may cause pregnancy. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

'Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.' ~ Benjamin Franklin WARNING: The consumption of alcohol is a major factor in dancing like a retard. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

'Without question, the greatest invention in the history of mankind is beer. Oh, I grant you that the wheel was also a fine invention, but the wheel does not go nearly as well with pizza.' ~ Dave Barry WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may cause you to tell your friends over and over again that you love them. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To some it's a six-pack, to me it's a Support Group. Salvation in a can! ~ Dave Howell WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may make you think you can logically converse with members of the opposite sex without spitting. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And saving the best for last, as explained by Cliff Clavin, of Cheers. One afternoon at Cheers, Cliff Clavin was explaining the ' Buffalo Theory' to his buddy Norm. Here's how it went:

'Well ya see, Norm, it's like this... A herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest buffalo. And when the herd is hunted, it is the slowest and weakest ones at the back that are killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members. In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Excessive intake of alcohol, as we know, kills brain cells. But naturally, it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way, regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine. That's why you always feel smarter after a few beers.' WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may make you think you are whispering when you are not ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

True Story: Proud To Be Indian

Hello everyone,

This is a true story and it happened to one of our friends. It is so sweet that I felt like sharing it.

"In 1983, I was engaged in porting of a big application from CDC mainframe to a small Honeywell computer for a customer in a remote place called Bibbiena near Florence, Italy. I could do the debugging work only during the night as the computer was used for accounting during the day. So, I used to do the paper work during the day and debugging after dinner till three or four in the morning. Then two three hours of nap on an easy (not so easy) chair in front of the computer and back to work.

One fine morning, at around 07:00 I woke up to find the wife of gatekeeper of the factory with a big mug of boiling hot coffee with milk and bread-butter. The same thing happened again the next morning and again. My Italian was very poor and the lady couldn't speak any English. On the third day, I was told by the gatekeeper that I was invited for lunch at their house and once there, the lady offered to wash my clothes as I was away from home and always working. I also discovered that she used to walk four km early in the morning up to a farm house to get fresh milk for my coffee. I was unable to understand why this much of attention and affection for me. After all, I was unknown to them till the other day. And when I discovered the reason behind, I was full of tears and bent my head in the face of the greatness of this elderly lady.

The story goes like this. When the allied forces entered Italy, after the battle of Monte Cassino, they started inching towards north Italy due to a very stiff resistance by the Germans. Our "masters" our "rulers" – the likes of Churchill who firmly believed in the superiority of white race, sent North Africans and other "inferior" races including Indians as advance troops to face the German machine gun fire. These poor people who left their villages to earn some money doing soldiering for the "masters" had hard time in these distant lands.

When they started advancing from Naples up to Rome to Florence and so on, many of them along with the Americans got engaged in rapes, lootings and other such things to the local population, to vent out their rage against the Germans and their Fascist allies. Many of the village girls used to hide in cattle sheds to avoid rape by North Africans and one such young girl was the lady I have mentioned before. She was in her late teens and was hiding along with other women when they were surprised by some Algerian soldiers. They would have had a very bad fate but fortunately another group of soldiers arrived and saved them from the clutches of Algerians and escorted them to a safe place. The only thing she remembered of the leader of her rescuers was that he was an Indian, had beautiful black eyes, snow white teeth, a metal bracelet in his hand (kara) and a turban on his head. Since then she had always wanted to do something for the kind people of that kind country. And finally, in me she had encountered a person from that land.

"You will understand why I am so proud to be an Indian"!!

Watches & Opinion

"Opinions are like hand watches. Everyone's watch shows different time from others. But, Everyone believes that their time is correct."

God's Pharmacy

God's Pharmacy

(THIS IS SO REAL, MAKES YOU THINK TWICE)

It's been said that God first separated the salt and water from the fresh dry land, planted a garden, made animals and fish... all before making a human. He made and provided what we'd need before we were born. These vegetables and fruit are best & more powerful when eaten raw. We're such slow learners... God left us a great clue as to what foods help what part of our body! A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye... and YES, science now shows carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes. A Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart has four chambers and is red. All of the research shows tomatoes are loaded with lycopine and are indeed pure heart and blood food. Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food. A Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds on the nut are just like the neo-cortex. We now know walnuts help develop more than three (3) dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function. Kidney Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys. Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and many more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don't have enough sodium in your diet, the body pulls it from the bones, thus making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body. Avocadoes, Eggplant and Pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female - they look just like these organs. Today's research shows that when a woman eats one avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight, and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? It takes exactly nine (9) months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (mo dern science has only studied and named about 141 of them). Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the mobility of male sperm and increase the numbers of Sperm as well to overcome male sterility. Sweet Potatoes . Look like the pancreas and actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics. Olives assist the health and function of the ovaries. Oranges, Grapefruits, and other Citrus fruits look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts. Onions look like the body's cells. Today's research shows onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells. They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes. A working companion, Garlic, also helps eliminate waste materials and dangerous free radicals from the body.

Love Maddy

Let us become strangers again

Chalo ek baar phir se, ajnabi ban jaye ham dono. -2 Na main tumse koi ummeed rakhoon dilnavaazi kee Na tum meri taraf dekho galat andaaz nazaron se Na mere dil kee dhadkan ladkhadaaye meri baaton meyn Na zaahir ho tumhaari kashm-kash ka raaz nazaron se Chalo ek baar phir se ..Tumhen bhi koi uljhan rokti hai peshkadmi se Mujhe bhi log kehte hain, ki yeh jalve paraaye hain Mere hamraah bhi rusvaaiyaan hain mere maajhi ki -2 Tumhaare saath bhi guzri hui raaton ke saaye hain Chalo ek baar phir se॥ Taarruf rog ho jaaye to usko bhoolnaa behtar Taalluk bojh ban jaaye to usko todnaa achaa Voh afsaana jise anjaam tak laana na ho mumkin - 2 Use ek khoobsoorat mod dekar chhodna achaa Chalo ek baar phir se॥

Quotes

Courage Quotes “Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.” “A ship in the harbor is safe. But that’s not what ships are built for.” “Behold the turtle. He only makes progress when he sticks his neck out.” “Fortune favors the bold.” “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” “Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.” “Yes, risk taking is inherently failure-prone. Otherwise, it would be called sure-thing-taking.” “Do not be afraid to ask dumb questions. They are easier to handle than dumb mistakes.” “I believe that anyone can conquer fear by doing the things he fears to do, provided he keeps doing them until he gets a record of successful experiences behind him.” “Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no ones definition of your life; define yourself.” “Courage is like a muscle; it is strengthened by use.” “Much as we may wish to make a new beginning, some part of us resists doing so as though we were making the first step toward disaster “No pain, no palm; no thorns, no throne; no gall, no glory; no cross, no crown.” “All problems become smaller if you don’t dodge them, but confront them. Touch a thistle timidly, and it pricks you; grasp it boldly and its spines crumble.” “Our doubts are traitors, And make us lose the good we oft might win. By fearing to attempt”.

Rules Are Meant To Be Broken

Rules Are Meant To Be Broken On the first day of college, the dean addressed the students, pointing out some of the rules: "The female dormitory will be out-of-bounds for all male students, and the male dormitory to the female students. Anybody caught breaking this rule will be fined $20 the first time. Anybody caught breaking this rule the second time will be fined $60. Being caught a third time will cost you $180. Are there any questions?" One boy raised his hand. "How much for a season pass?"

Maddy's is forced to think

I like animals because they are not consciously cruel and don't betray each other.

Taylor Caldwell

Trust can take years to build, but only a second to break. Unknown

We have to distrust each other. It is our only defense against betrayal. Tennessee Williams

Love is what ever you can still betray. Betrayal can only happen if you love. John LeCarre

The day you betrayed my trust was the day that I lost all my trust for you. I believed that you would take care of my heart and that's why I left it with you. Well, I am taking it back because at this very moment I can't trust you with my heart in fear that you will hurt me once more. Unknown

Anything may be betrayed; anyone may be forgiven, but not those who lack the courage of their own greatness. Ayn Rand

If I had to choose between betraying my country and betraying my friend I hope I should have the guts to betray my country. Edward M Foster

It breaks my heart; it makes me sad to think of all the times we had. You made me laugh and you made me cry. And all that I can do is sigh and wonder why. Unknown

Jaundice

What is jaundice? Jaundice is not a disease but rather a sign that can occur in many different diseases. Jaundice is the yellowish staining of the skin and sclerae (the whites of the eyes) that is caused by high levels in blood of the chemical bilirubin. The color of the skin and sclerae vary depending on the level of bilirubin. When the bilirubin level is mildly elevated, they are yellowish. When the bilirubin level is high, they tend to be brown. What causes jaundice? Bilirubin comes from red blood cells. When red blood cells get old, they are destroyed. Hemoglobin, the iron-containing chemical in red blood cells that carries oxygen, is released from the destroyed red blood cells after the iron it contains is removed. The chemical that remains in the blood after the iron is removed becomes bilirubin.The liver has many functions. One of the liver's functions is to produce and secrete bile into the intestines to help digest dietary fat. Another is to remove toxic chemicals or waste products from the blood, and bilirubin is a waste product. The liver removes bilirubin from the blood. After the bilirubin has entered the liver cells, the cells conjugate (attaching other chemicals, primarily glucuronic acid) to the bilirubin, and then secrete the bilirubin/glucuronic acid complex into bile. The complex that is secreted in bile is called conjugated bilirubin. The conjugated bilirubin is eliminated in the feces. (Bilirubin is what gives feces its brown color.) Conjugated bilirubin is distinguished from the bilirubin that is released from the red blood cells and not yet removed from the blood which is termed unconjugated bilirubin.Jaundice occurs when there is 1) too much bilirubin being produced for the liver to remove from the blood. (For example, patients with hemolytic anemia have an abnormally rapid rate of destruction of their red blood cells that releases large amounts of bilirubin into the blood), 2) a defect in the liver that prevents bilirubin from being removed from the blood, converted to bilirubin/glucuronic acid (conjugated) or secreted in bile, or 3) blockage of the bile ducts that decreases the flow of bile and bilirubin from the liver into the intestines. (For example, the bile ducts can be blocked by cancers, gallstones, or inflammation of the bile ducts). The decreased conjugation, secretion, or flow of bile that can result in jaundice is referred to as cholestasis: however, cholestasis does not always result in jaundice. What problems does jaundice cause? Jaundice or cholestasis, by themselves, causes few problems (except in the newborn, and jaundice in the newborn is different than most other types of jaundice, as discussed later.) Jaundice can turn the skin and sclerae yellow. In addition, stool can become light in color, even clay-colored because of the absence of bilirubin that normally gives stool its brown color. The urine may turn dark or brownish in color. This occurs when the bilirubin that is building up in the blood begins to be excreted from the body in the urine. Just as in feces, the bilirubin turns the urine brown.Besides the cosmetic issues of looking yellow and having dark urine and light stools, the symptom that is associated most frequently associated with jaundice or cholestasis is itching, medically known as pruritus. The itching associated with jaundice and cholestasis can sometimes be so severe that it causes patients to scratch their skin raw, have trouble sleeping, and, rarely, even to commit suicide.It is the disease causing the jaundice that causes most problems associated with jaundice. Specifically, if the jaundice is due to liver disease, the patient may have symptoms or signs of liver disease or cirrhosis. (Cirrhosis represents advanced liver disease.) The symptoms and signs of liver disease and cirrhosis include fatigue, swelling of the ankles, muscle wasting, ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity), mental confusion or coma, and bleeding into the intestines.If the jaundice is caused by blockage of the bile ducts, no bile enters the intestine. Bile is necessary for digesting fat in the intestine and releasing vitamins from within it so that the vitamins can be absorbed into the body. Therefore, blockage of the flow of bile can lead to deficiencies of certain vitamins. For example, there may be a deficiency of vitamin K that prevents proteins that are needed for normal clotting of blood to be made by the liver, and, as a result, uncontrolled bleeding may occur. How is the cause of jaundice diagnosed? Many tests are available for determining the cause of jaundice, but the history and physical examination are important as well. History The history can suggest possible reasons for the jaundice. For example, heavy use of alcohol suggests alcoholic liver disease, whereas use of illegal, injectable drugs suggests viral hepatitis. Recent initiation of a new drug suggests drug-induced jaundice. Episodes of abdominal pain associated with jaundice suggests blockage of the bile ducts usually by gallstones. Physical examination The most important part of the physical examination in a patient who is jaundiced is examination of the abdomen. Masses (tumors) in the abdomen suggest cancer infiltrating the liver (metastatic cancer) as the cause of the jaundice. An enlarged, firm liver suggests cirrhosis. A rock-hard, nodular liver suggests cancer within the liver. Blood tests Measurement of bilirubin can be helpful in determining the causes of jaundice. Markedly greater elevations of unconjugated bilirubin relative to elevations of conjugated bilirubin in the blood suggest hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells). Marked elevations of liver tests (aspartate amino transferase or AST and alanine amino transferase or ALT) suggest inflammation of the liver (such as viral hepatitis). Elevations of other liver tests, e.g., alkaline phosphatase, suggest diseases or obstruction of the bile ducts. Ultrasonography Ultrasonography is a simple, safe, and readily-available test that uses sound waves to examine the organs within the abdomen. Ultrasound examination of the abdomen may disclose gallstones, tumors in the liver or the pancreas, and dilated bile ducts due to obstruction (by gallstones or tumor). Computerized tomography (CT or CAT scans) Computerized tomography or CT scans are scans that use x-rays to examine the soft tissues of the abdomen. They are particularly good for identifying tumors in the liver and the pancreas and dilated bile ducts, though they are not as good as ultrasonography for identifying gallstones. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans are scans that utilize magnetization of the body to examine the soft tissues of the abdomen. Like CT scans, they are good for identifying tumors and studying bile ducts. MRI scans can be modified to visualize the bile ducts better than CT scans (a procedure referred to as MR cholangiography), and, therefore, are better than CT for identifying the cause and location of bile duct obstruction. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic ultrasound Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) provides the best means for examining the bile duct. For ERCP an endoscope is swallowed by the patient after he or she has been sedated. The endoscope is a flexible, fiberoptic tube approximately four feet in length with a light and camera on its tip. The tip of the endoscope is passed down the esophagus, through the stomach, and into the duodenum where the main bile duct enters the intestine. A thin tube then is passed through the endoscope and into the bile duct, and the duct is filled with x-ray contrast solution. An x-ray is taken that clearly demonstrates the contrast-filled bile ducts. ERCP is particularly good at demonstrating the cause and location of obstruction within the bile ducts. A major advantage of ERCP is that diagnostic and therapeutic procedures can be done at the same time as the x-rays. For example, if gallstones are found in the bile ducts, they can be removed. Stents can be placed in the bile ducts to relieve the obstruction caused by scarring or tumors. Biopsies of tumors can be obtained. Ultrasonography can be combined with ERCP by using a specialized endoscope capable of doing ultrasound scanning. Endoscopic ultrasound is excellent for diagnosing small gallstones in the gallbladder and bile ducts that can be missed by other diagnostic methods such as ultrasound, CT, and MRI. It also is the best means of examining the pancreas for tumors and can facilitate biopsy through the endoscope of tumors within the pancreas. Liver biopsy Biopsy of the liver provides a small piece of tissue from the liver for examination under the microscope. The biopsy most commonly is done with a long needle after local injection of the skin of the abdomen overlying the liver with anesthetic. The needle passes through the skin and into the liver, cutting off a small piece of liver tissue. When the needle is withdrawn, the piece of liver comes with it. Liver biopsy is particularly good for diagnosing inflammation of the liver and bile ducts, cirrhosis, cancer, and fatty liver.

Dental Tips

Recently I had to visit a dentist for my dental pain. I have a cavity in one molar, which needs to be filled, and another requires root canal treatment. Only now I realize the importance of brushing regularly. I would like to share with you, what I have learnt due to this pain. Top 10 Myths About Root Canals. 1. Root Canals Hurt According to the American Association of Endodontists, the perception of root canals being painful began decades ago when root canal treatments were painful. Today, with modern technology and better anesthetics, root canal treatments are no more painful than having a filling. Knowing what to expect while having a root canal can help ease a lot of anxiety. 2. Root Canals Require a lot of Visits to the Dentist With today’s cutting edge technology, most root canals can be performed in one or two office visits. 3. Crowns Cause Teeth to Need Root Canals Many people believe that having a crown on a tooth means that the tooth will eventually need a root canal. Crowns do not cause the need for root canal therapy. If a crowned tooth does require a root canal, it could be that the tooth has abscessed or that decay has gotten underneath the crown and reached the pulp of the tooth. 4. Root Canals Cause Illness There is no evidence to support that root canals cause illness. However, there is evidence to support the fact that people who have had root canals are no more at risk for developing illness than people who have never had root canals. 5. Root Canals Involve Removing the Roots of the Tooth When the dentist or endodontist performs a root canal treatment, he or she remove the pulp from inside of the tooth. The roots of the tooth are not removed. 6. Pregnant Women Can't Have Root Canals Pregnant women can and do have root canals. Having a root canal does require a small x-ray, but the radiation exposure is very minimal and the x-ray is aimed at the mouth, not the abdomen area. If you are pregnant and your dentist needs to give you an x-ray, he will use a lead apron to cover your belly. The anesthetics that dentists use are also safe for pregnant women. Be sure to let your dentist know beforehand if you are pregnant. 7. Even With A Root Canal, The Tooth Will Come Out Eventually If you have your tooth properly restored, maintain good oral hygiene and visit your dentist for regular checkups, your natural tooth could last for the rest of your life. 8. If the Tooth Doesn't Hurt, There is no Need for a Root Canal While a throbbing toothache usually results in the need for root canal treatment, many times a tooth can require root canal treatment when there is no pain present. Dentists and endodontists are specially trained to test a tooth to see if the pulp has been infected or damaged. If this is the case, a root canal would be necessary to save the tooth. 9. Pulling the Tooth is Better than Getting a Root Canal Keeping your natural teeth for as long as possible is very important for proper eating and chewing functions. There are several options available for missing teeth, such as dentures, partial dentures, dental implants and fixed dental bridges, however, these alternatives can be much more expensive than saving your tooth with a root canal treatment. 10. After Having a Root Canal, My Tooth is Completely Restored After having a root canal, it is extremely important to make a follow-up appointment with your dentist to have the tooth permanently restored. After the pulp of the tooth has been removed, the tooth can become very dry and brittle. Having a permanent restoration will help protect your tooth from fracturing. Brushing Tips Brushing should take about 2 1/2 to 3 minutes. Get a soft toothbrush; the packaging should identify it as such. Never use medium or hard brushes because they can damage your gums and cause recession. Brush your teeth at least two to three times a day, and after each meal if you can. You might want to set a brushing schedule so you keep at it. Brush the backside (or inside) surfaces of your teeth - both upper and lower. Take your time and be gentle when doing this. It requires angling the tooth brush to get these surfaces. For the lower front teeth, angle the brush so the bristles are slightly below the gum line and gently pull up and out so the brush lifts any plaque and debris from around your lower gum line and teeth. Repeat this approximately five to seven times for each area of the front teeth. When your toothbrush bristles fray out or become too soft, usually after 3 months, it is time to get a new toothbrush. (You can find toothbrushes that change color when the brush is ready to be thrown out.) If your gums start bleeding, it means they are out of shape. Make sure you are brushing properly! Visit a dentist at least twice a year for an exam and x-rays, and a cleaning. Consider using mouthwash after you brush for a fresh, clean feeling and added protection against gingivitis, etc. Floss daily. Dentists say that the minimum time you should spend brushing your teeth is 2 minutes twice a day. Here are some tips on how to brush properly: Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle against your gumline. Gently brush from where the tooth and gum meet to the chewing surface in short (about half-a-tooth-wide) strokes. Brushing too hard can cause receding gums, tooth sensitivity, and, over time, loose teeth. Use the same method to brush all outside and inside surfaces of your teeth. To clean the chewing surfaces of your teeth, use short sweeping strokes, tipping the bristles into the pits and crevices. To clean the inside surfaces of your top and bottom front teeth and gums, hold the brush almost vertical. With back and forth motions, bring the front part of the brush over the teeth and gums. Using a forward-sweeping motion, gently brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth to remove the decay-causing bacteria that exist in these places. Use an egg timer or play a favorite song while brushing your teeth to get used to brushing for a full 2 to 3 minutes. Some electronic toothbrushes have timers that let you know when 2 minutes are up. Facts on Flossing Brushing is important but it won't remove the plaque and particles of food between your teeth, under the gumline, or under braces. You'll need to floss these spaces at least once a day. The type of floss you choose depends on how much space you have between your teeth. Dentists usually recommend unwaxed floss because it's thinner and easier to slide through small spaces. However, studies have shown that there is no major difference in the effectiveness based on the type of floss used. With any floss, you should be careful to avoid injuring your gums. Follow these instructions: Carefully insert the floss between two teeth, using a back and forth motion. Gently bring the floss to the gumline, but don't force it under the gums. Curve the floss around the edge of your tooth in the shape of the letter "C" and slide it up and down the side of each tooth. Repeat this process between all your teeth, and remember to floss the back sides of your back teeth.

Down the memory lane.

A wise man once said, “When people are asked to remember a person who meant a lot to them in life — a teacher, a friend, a parent, a grandparent — they usually remember a person who really cared and understood them. Think back in your own life. Was there someone who stands out in your memory because they really cared about you?” When I close my eyes and try to analyze and answer this question, his image comes to my mind instantaneously. He loved me so much. In fact it was mutual. We loved each immensely. But she didn’t like. She poisoned his mind constantly for years, a sustained effort and she was successful in creating the divide. I lost his love and affection. He is no more but I still love him. I remember his love, his gentle touch, his hand which once held my hand and guided me in life,his concern when I was in the medical school. The past is behind, learn from it. The future is ahead, prepare for it. The present is here, live it. One must always maintain one’s connection to the past and yet ceaselessly pull away from it. You can’t change the past, but you can ruin the present by worrying about the future. Right actions in the future are the best apologies for bad actions in the past. The farther behind I leave the past, the closer I am to forging my own character.

Health Tips -Why breast milk is important.

1. Breast milk contains numerous immunogenic materials that not only prevent disease in newborn baby but also stimulate and strengthens the development of baby's immature immune system. This results in better health, even for years after breast feeding has ended.
2. Each breastfed baby gets fewer infections, including middle ear infection and diarrhoea.
3. Breast fed babies have lesser chances of asthma,allergic disorders and obesity.