Saturday, December 14, 2013
Mars Rover Curiosity Dates Rocks on Red Planet
NASA's Mars rover Curiosity data reveals new information every day. Now, scientists from the surface of the Red Planet have received the first detailed measurements showed that radiation.
This image of Mars ESA Mars Express space, images of Thaumasi Planum craters in the region indicates Arima twins.
NASA's Mars Curiosity geziciveri reveals new information every day . Now scientists have received adamlarıkızıl Gezegen'inyüzeyindenilk detailed radiation measurements have shown that . Findings reveal a little more about this gezegeninçevr .
New verimars Science Laboratory surface misyonununilk coming 300 days . Geziciradyasyo wondering detailed measurements of the environment yapılmışgal Crater , the onboard Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD) cruised around .
Solar energetic particle event of a hard and soft interplanetary coronal mass ejection associated with the dose of radiation ilişkiliradyasyo with three dips had a spike .
"Our measurements that provide information crucial for human mission to Mars ," Don Hassler, one of the researchers in a news release , he said. " Bizradyasyo the environment continue to monitor veyüzey at and sun cycles at different times of large solar fırtınalarıetki we see additional important data will provide .
Our measurements also habitability about Curiosity research into the tie. Radiation source is the humanhealth organic kimyasallarınkorun as well as the microbial survival affecting a concern to have . "
Galactic cosmic rays ( gcrs ) and with solar flares and coronal mass ejection ilişkiligüneş energetic particle (SEP) short-term low-dose chronic exposure : a potential health risk to astronauts are two forms of radiation .
Both of these pose challenges for human exploration of Mars vegezeg future to understand the surface radiation makes it more important than ever . Both gcrs and interact with sepsatmosfer and energetic enough , onlarradyasyo contribute to the environment üretmekmars secondary particles penetrate the soil .
According to RAD , the radiation exposure for astronauts to be during outgoing and travel will return. Sadeceuzay protected by the tool itself , will be exposed to radiation environment in space between the moment.
Long-term exposure to radiation , can increase a person's lifetime risk of cancer is especially important to understand because it poses .
Findings reveal a little more about Mars'ınyüzey conditions . NASA and other agencies while preparing for future missions , this data and information is particularly important for planning purposes .
This image of Mars ESA Mars Express space, images of Thaumasi Planum craters in the region indicates Arima twins.
NASA's Mars Curiosity geziciveri reveals new information every day . Now scientists have received adamlarıkızıl Gezegen'inyüzeyindenilk detailed radiation measurements have shown that . Findings reveal a little more about this gezegeninçevr .
New verimars Science Laboratory surface misyonununilk coming 300 days . Geziciradyasyo wondering detailed measurements of the environment yapılmışgal Crater , the onboard Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD) cruised around .
Solar energetic particle event of a hard and soft interplanetary coronal mass ejection associated with the dose of radiation ilişkiliradyasyo with three dips had a spike .
"Our measurements that provide information crucial for human mission to Mars ," Don Hassler, one of the researchers in a news release , he said. " Bizradyasyo the environment continue to monitor veyüzey at and sun cycles at different times of large solar fırtınalarıetki we see additional important data will provide .
Our measurements also habitability about Curiosity research into the tie. Radiation source is the humanhealth organic kimyasallarınkorun as well as the microbial survival affecting a concern to have . "
Galactic cosmic rays ( gcrs ) and with solar flares and coronal mass ejection ilişkiligüneş energetic particle (SEP) short-term low-dose chronic exposure : a potential health risk to astronauts are two forms of radiation .
Both of these pose challenges for human exploration of Mars vegezeg future to understand the surface radiation makes it more important than ever . Both gcrs and interact with sepsatmosfer and energetic enough , onlarradyasyo contribute to the environment üretmekmars secondary particles penetrate the soil .
According to RAD , the radiation exposure for astronauts to be during outgoing and travel will return. Sadeceuzay protected by the tool itself , will be exposed to radiation environment in space between the moment.
Long-term exposure to radiation , can increase a person's lifetime risk of cancer is especially important to understand because it poses .
Findings reveal a little more about Mars'ınyüzey conditions . NASA and other agencies while preparing for future missions , this data and information is particularly important for planning purposes .
Industry not contributing financially to science, says CNR Rao
Bharat Ratna awardee and eminent scientist C N R Rao today said the financial contribution of industry towards the development of science in the country has not been on the levels of what has taken place in the Western countries.
"The industry has to support (science), which has not happened till now. Most of the science money has come from the government. In the US or Cambridge, about 40-45 per cent of the money comes from the industry.
"Here 90 per cent is supported by the government. So I think the entire society has to take interest in science," Rao said in a discussion at the NDTV Solutions summit here.
The noted scientist added that the position of science as a discipline in India is at the bottom of the value system in the society.
"Science is very down in the value system in India. How much does the Indian society respect science? Science comes at the bottom of the list... If science has to succeed they have to have a better support," he said.
To compete with the rest of the world, India has to create institutions where young people can work enthusiastically, he felt.
Nobel laureate and biologist Venkataraman Ramakrishnan said India must invest in molecular biology to take giant strides in progress and must focus on its own intellectual property.
Noted agriculture scientist MS Swaminathan expressed concern over the stagnation in agricultural research.
"Our country still has large untapped production reservoir and there is an urgent need to tap its potential to bring a second green revolution," Swaminathan, also know as the father of the green revolution in India, added.
Tata Consultancy Services CEO Natarajan Chandrasekaran emphasised that a majority of India's problems can be solved with technology.
"IT has a huge role to play, particularly in dealing with corruption. It will bring in transparency, everything will be real-time," he added.
On the need to develop teaching in the country, Rao said he has approached the Planning Commission to develop a programme of making teaching a national mission in the country for the next five years.
"The industry has to support (science), which has not happened till now. Most of the science money has come from the government. In the US or Cambridge, about 40-45 per cent of the money comes from the industry.
"Here 90 per cent is supported by the government. So I think the entire society has to take interest in science," Rao said in a discussion at the NDTV Solutions summit here.
The noted scientist added that the position of science as a discipline in India is at the bottom of the value system in the society.
"Science is very down in the value system in India. How much does the Indian society respect science? Science comes at the bottom of the list... If science has to succeed they have to have a better support," he said.
To compete with the rest of the world, India has to create institutions where young people can work enthusiastically, he felt.
Nobel laureate and biologist Venkataraman Ramakrishnan said India must invest in molecular biology to take giant strides in progress and must focus on its own intellectual property.
Noted agriculture scientist MS Swaminathan expressed concern over the stagnation in agricultural research.
"Our country still has large untapped production reservoir and there is an urgent need to tap its potential to bring a second green revolution," Swaminathan, also know as the father of the green revolution in India, added.
Tata Consultancy Services CEO Natarajan Chandrasekaran emphasised that a majority of India's problems can be solved with technology.
"IT has a huge role to play, particularly in dealing with corruption. It will bring in transparency, everything will be real-time," he added.
On the need to develop teaching in the country, Rao said he has approached the Planning Commission to develop a programme of making teaching a national mission in the country for the next five years.
SEBI may re-examine its order on Jet-Etihad: Sources
Market regulator SEBI may look to re-examine its order on Jet Airways and Abu Dhabi carrier Etihad deal. Sources told CNBC-TV18 SEBI is likely to approach the Competition Commission of India (CCI) seeking clarity on its order. The channel had earlier reported that the CCI has raised red flag over what appeared to be a prima facie case of violation of section 43 (a) by Jet-Etihad. The deal, involving Abu Dhabi carrier Etihad’s purchase of 24 per cent stake in Naresh Goyal-led Jet Airways , was approved last month by the Competition Commission of India (CCI).
This clearance has been challenged in the Competition Appellate Tribunal (Compat) by national carrier Air India’s former Executive Director Jitendra Bhargava , while BJP leader Subramanian Swamy has written to the SEBI asking that Etihad be considered a ‘person acting in concert’ with Jet’s current promoters for this deal. CCI Chairman Ashok Chawla said that the two carriers have been issued show-cause notices on a separate issue relating to their certain commercial agreements. Sources say SEBI is likely to seek information from the CCI is to how Etihad may have joint control.
However, they add that it is up to the government to take a final call on the much-talked about mega aviation deal. Jet Airways stock price On December 13, 2013, Jet Airways closed at Rs 272.75, down Rs 20.65, or 7.04 percent. The 52-week high of the share was Rs 688.60 and the 52-week low was Rs 270.20. The latest book value of the company is Rs -27.75 per share. At current value, the price-to-book value of the company was -9.83.
Read more at: http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/sebi-may-re-examine-its-orderjet-etihad-sources_1008392.html?utm_source=ref_article
Read more at: http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/sebi-may-re-examine-its-orderjet-etihad-sources_1008392.html?utm_source=ref_article
Add nuts to your diet for sake of health, longevity
Nuts to you! No, that’s not an insult. It’s a recommendation to add nuts to your diet for the sake of health and longevity.
Consistent evidence for the health benefits of nuts has been accumulating since the early 1990s. Frequent nut consumption has been linked to a reduced risk of major chronic diseases, including heart and blood vessel disorders and Type 2 diabetes.
The newest and most convincing findings, reported last month in The New England Journal of Medicine, come from the Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study, which together have followed nearly 119,000 women and men for decades. Both studies repeatedly recorded what the participants ate and analysed their diets in relation to the causes of death among the 27,429 people who died since the studies began.
The more often nuts were consumed, the less likely participants were to die of cancer, heart disease and respiratory disease, and not because nut eaters succumbed to other diseases. Their death rate from any cause was lower during the years they were followed. (The nuts in question were pistachios, almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans, pine nuts, peanuts and walnuts.)
I know what you’re thinking: Aren’t nuts fattening? Yes, an ounce of nuts has 160 to 200 calories, nearly 80 per cent from fat.
But in study after study, the more often people ate nuts, the leaner they tended to be.
For example, in a Mediterranean study that tracked the effect of nut consumption on weight gain over the course of 28 months, frequent nut consumers gained less weight than those who never ate nuts, and were 43 per cent less likely to become overweight or obese.
How is that possible? First, nuts may be taking the place of other high-calorie snacks, like chips, cookies and candy. And nut eaters may be less likely to snack, period; the fat, fiber and protein in nuts suppresses hunger between meals.
Second, the body may treat calories from nuts differently from those in other high-carbohydrate foods. Third, nut eaters may pursue a healthier lifestyle and burn more calories through exercise.
And not just tree nuts. The new study found that peanuts were also linked to a reduced death rate and lower risk of chronic disease.
Thus, all nuts are powerhouses of biologically active substances, most of which are known to protect and promote health. Penny M Kris-Etherton, a professor of nutrition at Penn State who has studied the effects of nuts on heart disease, describes them as “complex plant foods that are not only rich sources of unsaturated fat but also contain several nonfat constituents”, including protein, fibre, plant sterols that can lower cholesterol, and micronutrients like copper and magnesium.
Every one of these substances has been shown to ward off one disease or another. The fat content of nuts alone could account for their ability to support heart health. Nuts have less cholesterol-raising saturated fat than olive oil. On average, 62 per cent of the fat in nuts is monounsaturated, the kind that supports healthy levels of protective HDL cholesterol and does not raise blood levels of harmful LDL cholesterol.
Most nuts, and especially almonds, are good sources of vitamin E, an antioxidant. The nurses’ study has linked tree nuts to a reduced risk of pancreatic cancer. In both the nurses’ and health professionals’ studies, eating nuts more than five times a week was associated with a 25 per cent to 30 per cent lower risk of needing gallbladder surgery.
Consistent evidence for the health benefits of nuts has been accumulating since the early 1990s. Frequent nut consumption has been linked to a reduced risk of major chronic diseases, including heart and blood vessel disorders and Type 2 diabetes.
The newest and most convincing findings, reported last month in The New England Journal of Medicine, come from the Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study, which together have followed nearly 119,000 women and men for decades. Both studies repeatedly recorded what the participants ate and analysed their diets in relation to the causes of death among the 27,429 people who died since the studies began.
The more often nuts were consumed, the less likely participants were to die of cancer, heart disease and respiratory disease, and not because nut eaters succumbed to other diseases. Their death rate from any cause was lower during the years they were followed. (The nuts in question were pistachios, almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans, pine nuts, peanuts and walnuts.)
I know what you’re thinking: Aren’t nuts fattening? Yes, an ounce of nuts has 160 to 200 calories, nearly 80 per cent from fat.
But in study after study, the more often people ate nuts, the leaner they tended to be.
For example, in a Mediterranean study that tracked the effect of nut consumption on weight gain over the course of 28 months, frequent nut consumers gained less weight than those who never ate nuts, and were 43 per cent less likely to become overweight or obese.
How is that possible? First, nuts may be taking the place of other high-calorie snacks, like chips, cookies and candy. And nut eaters may be less likely to snack, period; the fat, fiber and protein in nuts suppresses hunger between meals.
Second, the body may treat calories from nuts differently from those in other high-carbohydrate foods. Third, nut eaters may pursue a healthier lifestyle and burn more calories through exercise.
And not just tree nuts. The new study found that peanuts were also linked to a reduced death rate and lower risk of chronic disease.
Thus, all nuts are powerhouses of biologically active substances, most of which are known to protect and promote health. Penny M Kris-Etherton, a professor of nutrition at Penn State who has studied the effects of nuts on heart disease, describes them as “complex plant foods that are not only rich sources of unsaturated fat but also contain several nonfat constituents”, including protein, fibre, plant sterols that can lower cholesterol, and micronutrients like copper and magnesium.
Every one of these substances has been shown to ward off one disease or another. The fat content of nuts alone could account for their ability to support heart health. Nuts have less cholesterol-raising saturated fat than olive oil. On average, 62 per cent of the fat in nuts is monounsaturated, the kind that supports healthy levels of protective HDL cholesterol and does not raise blood levels of harmful LDL cholesterol.
Most nuts, and especially almonds, are good sources of vitamin E, an antioxidant. The nurses’ study has linked tree nuts to a reduced risk of pancreatic cancer. In both the nurses’ and health professionals’ studies, eating nuts more than five times a week was associated with a 25 per cent to 30 per cent lower risk of needing gallbladder surgery.
No move to lift ban on IOA: IOC
Not completely happy with the Indian Olympic Association leaving room for interpretations in its recent constitutional amendments, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Saturday indicated that it may not proceed to lift the ban on the country until IOA ensures clarity regarding barring of charge-framed persons from contesting elections.
The IOA amended its constitution on December 8 by barring charge-framed persons like Abhey Singh Chautala and Lalit Bhanot from elections set for February 9, but the sticking point has been the provision to refer the matter to its internal Ethics Commission.
The IOC had on Friday issued guidelines to avoid “unnecessary speculation or doubtful interpretation”, making it clear that charge-framed persons will have to resign automatically or else be suspended provisionally.
The world body had also made a veiled threat that it reserves the right to impose necessary sanctions if the IOA does not ratify the interpretations suggested by the IOC.
In another letter on Saturday, the IOC made it clear that it will not lift India’s suspension until the IOA ensures absolute clarity in the charge-framed clause by ratifying the interpretations suggested by the world body.
“Upon receipt of confirmation of the IOC’s interpretation and of the minutes of the next General Meeting, which will ratify the above interpretation of these clauses, the IOC will be in a position to confirm its formal approval of this Constitution,” the IOC said in a letter written by its NOC Relations Director Pere Miro to IOA officials.
The IOC’s latest communication could mean that the IOA will have to ratify the world body’s interpretations of the charge-framed clause before the proposed February 9 elections if India’s suspension has to be lifted.
The IOA may now have to ratify the interpretations of the IOC before the elections if it wants India’s ban to be lifted.
The IOA amended its constitution on December 8 by barring charge-framed persons like Abhey Singh Chautala and Lalit Bhanot from elections set for February 9, but the sticking point has been the provision to refer the matter to its internal Ethics Commission.
The IOC had on Friday issued guidelines to avoid “unnecessary speculation or doubtful interpretation”, making it clear that charge-framed persons will have to resign automatically or else be suspended provisionally.
The world body had also made a veiled threat that it reserves the right to impose necessary sanctions if the IOA does not ratify the interpretations suggested by the IOC.
In another letter on Saturday, the IOC made it clear that it will not lift India’s suspension until the IOA ensures absolute clarity in the charge-framed clause by ratifying the interpretations suggested by the world body.
“Upon receipt of confirmation of the IOC’s interpretation and of the minutes of the next General Meeting, which will ratify the above interpretation of these clauses, the IOC will be in a position to confirm its formal approval of this Constitution,” the IOC said in a letter written by its NOC Relations Director Pere Miro to IOA officials.
The IOC’s latest communication could mean that the IOA will have to ratify the world body’s interpretations of the charge-framed clause before the proposed February 9 elections if India’s suspension has to be lifted.
The IOA may now have to ratify the interpretations of the IOC before the elections if it wants India’s ban to be lifted.
Kumar Sangakkara named ODI Cricketer of the Year: Did he deserve the award?
Bestowed with the honour of the International Cricket Council (ICC) One-Day International (ODI) Cricketer of the Year 2013, Sri Lanka’s perfectionist, Kumar Sangakkara has now stretched his love affair with the 10-year-old annual awards to three years. It all started in 2011, when he won the ODI cricketer of the Year prize for the first time. Since then, Sangakkara has bagged four more ICC awards, namely Cricketer of the Year 2012, Test Cricketer of the Year 2012, People’s Choice Award 2012, and the latest accolade.
Sangakkara’s class and performances, over the years, can never be a subject of speculation or debate. One of the most elegant batsmen of the last decade or so, the former Sri Lanka captain has broken several records in the book, and more importantly has played the role of a vital cog in his nation’s success, on the field. But if one were to evaluate his performances in ODIs from August 2012 to August 2013 (when performances are judged for the relevant ICC awards), and compare them to the performances of the other nominees in the same category over the same time period, should Sangakkara have won the ODI cricketer of the year prize then?
Sangakkara had to ward off competition from Saeed Ajmal and Misbah-ul-Haq of Pakistan, and Shikhar Dhawan, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja of India to win the coveted award for the second time in his career. The fact that all the nominees in this category were from the subcontinent just goes to show which part of the cricketing world witnesses most number of ODIs in a year. But that’s a different discourse altogether. For the moment, let’s evaluate the performances of these six gentlemen during the applicable time frame, and try to come to a conclusion on whether the jury appointed by the ICC raised the right chit from the bowl or not.
Saeed Ajmal
The Pakistan spinner played 21 ODIs during this time period. He registered 41 scalps at an impressive average of 19.75, and struck once almost every 28 balls. He picked up 27 of the 41 wickets during the 15 matches played on foreign soil. Moreover, he accounted for 18 wickets in the subcontinent, compared to 23 outside. As a spinner, that statistic makes his success even sweeter. One of his two career five-wicket hauls in ODIs came during this period. During these 21 matches, he registered his best bowling averages (11.66 cumulatively) in a winning cause, when Pakistan were defending a total.
| M | W | Ave | 5WI | BBM | SR |
| 21 | 41 | 19.75 | 1 | 5/24 | 28.6 |
Misbah-ul-Haq
Captaining a side forever in turmoil in no easy job. But Misbah has taken all the rotten tomatoes in his stride, and turned out to be a real champion cricketer. He played one more ODI than his teammate, Ajmal. Misbah scored 910 runs in the calendar year, registering nine 50s at an average of 53.52. The fact that he fell 90 short of 1000 runs in the calendar year meant that his name wasn’t taken in the same vein as a Shikhar Dhawan or a Virat Kohli. In the swinging and seamy conditions of England, he scored 173 runs from three matches, at an average of 86.50. Against the pace and bounce of the South Africans, he scored 227 in five matches, at 56.75. The fact that his average in away conditions never fell below 55 is proof of Misbah’s character as a batsman, and as a captain. And whenever he scored a fifty in a winning cause, his average rose to a mammoth 77.50.
| M | R | Ave | 50s | 100s | BBI | SR |
| 22 | 910 | 53.52 | 9 | 0 | 96* | 70.76 |
Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan had been on India’s domestic scene for quite some time now. Finally, when he got his deserved international break, the moustache-twirling southpaw from Delhi just let it rip. He went donuts. In the period between August 1, 2012 and July 31, 2013, Dhawan scored a satanic 666 runs from 13 ODIs, at a mouth-watering average for an opener, 55.5, and not to forget, at a strike rate of 92.75. During this period, he notched up two fifties, and converted three more to a ton. Every time he crossed the fifty mark, India won the match. Like Misbah, all his runs came away from home. And if one were to add his Test form, Dhawan had a dream year as an international cricketer.
M
| R | Ave | 50s | 100s | BBI | SR |
| 13 | 666 | 55.50 | 2 | 3 | 116 | 92.75 |
Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja’s career turned on its head, ever since bestowed with the moniker ‘sir’. Once the subject of all remodeled Rajnikanth jokes, Jadeja’s career took a complete U-turn during the last year. From being bullied by a few batsmen, he has now become India’s strike bowler in limited overs’ cricket. During the judging period, the all-rounder has played a vital role in India’s success. He played 20 matches during this period, scored 334 runs at 41.75, but more importantly it was his bowling that took the cricketing world by surprise. He picked up 35 wickets at 18.48, including a five-wicket haul. He troubled batsmen around the world. They had no clue about which one would turn, and which wouldn’t. Out of his 35 scalps, 31 came in winning causes. The highlight of his career so far has to be the performance during the ICC Champions Trophy 2013.
| M | R | Bat Ave | 50s | 100s | BBI | Bat SR | W | Bow Ave | 5WI | BBM | Bow SR |
| 20 | 334 | 41.75 | 1 | 0 | 61* | 88.59 | 35 | 18.48 | 1 | 5/36 | 29.2 |
Mahendra Singh Dhoni
Over the last couple of years, Mahendra Singh Dhoni has established himself as the best one-day batsman in the world, and why not. He has scored the most important runs for his country when they needed him the most. Be it 15 required off four balls, or his team derailed halfway through an innings, Dhoni rises to the occasion when there is a crisis. One of the most composed cricketers in recent times, the Indian captain played 16 matches in the relevant period, amassing 508 runs at an average of 56.44, four points above his career average. As a wicketkeeper, he played a part in 23 wickets. But Dhoni’s contribution to his team cannot be completely evaluated through numbers alone. His average in a winning cause when India chased down a target shoots up to 128. Whenever the prolific Indian top order collapsed while batting first, captain cool kept the innings together more often than not, at an average of 77.50. During this period, Dhoni led his team to the ICC Champions Trophy for the first time.
| M | R | Ave | 50s | 100s | BBI | SR |
| 16 | 508 | 56.44 | 3 | 1 | 113* | 88.96 |
Coming back to Sangakkara…
Compared to the above five contenders, Sangakkara has played about the same number of matches — 21. He scored 40 odd, runs more than Misbah, standing at 956. Dhawan scored a ton more than him, and had a better conversion rate. He scored two centuries and six 50s at 63.73. Sangakkara played a majority of his matches at home, 12. Away from home, he scored 400 runs compared to 556 at home. In matches when Sri Lanka found it difficult and lost Sangakkara could manage only 221 runs from 7 matches at a meager average of 31.57.
| M | R | Ave | 50s | 100s | BBI | SR |
| 21 | 956 | 63.73 | 6 | 2 | 169 | 89.34 |
When you compare the above statistics and numbers, ICC’s decision of choosing Sangakkara can be definitely questioned and challenged. Since these annual awards are based on a player’s individual performances and how they impact their team’s performance as a whole, Sangakkara is not a clear winner, by any margin of thought. Misbah has been captaining a sinking ship, and has been doing it marvelously. Dhoni, apart from scoring runs, has strengthened his team’s position at the top of ODI rankings as a skipper. Jadeja has donned the uncomfortable hat of being India’s all-rounder quite brilliantly. Dhawan has been a batting phenomenon, to say the least. So, choosing Kumar Sangakkara as the ODI Cricketer of the Year is a decision that demands debate as these awards, even if not as prestigious FIFA awards, go a long way in effecting a player’s reputation and confidence.
Why young Mumbaikars are rushing to ortho clinics
Why are Mumbaikars as young as 30 queueing up at ortho clinics with joint pain?
Make hay while the sun shines carries a literal meaning for Bandra entrepreneur Preet Motwani. She gets out every morning at 8.15 am to soak in an hour of bright sunlight. It wasn't like this nine months ago. The 35-year-old was fighting time to get her eight-year-old ready for school before heading to her interiors store in Andheri.
But a sever stomach infection she contracted in January, that she overcame with a light, nutritious diet and medication, left her weak, irritable and lethargic. "I was experiencing excruciating pain and spasms in my neck, which travelled down my shoulders and spine," says Motwani. This lasted a month before she decided to visit a doctor who suggested she get her Vitamin D3 and B12 levels tested. While her B12 reserves were sufficient, Motwani's Vitamin D level stood at 12.20 ng/ml, way below the normal range of 30 to 100 ng/ml). "The deficiency was responsible for the pain that was a result of weakened bones," she says. Other than the mandatory hour of sunshine, Vitamin D supplements and physiotherapy have seen her through the year.
Age dropping
Mumbai's orthopaedics and physiotherapists have reported a rise in the cases of poor bone healthcompounded by muscle weakness, as in Motwani's case. Orthopaedic surgeon and head of orthopaedics at Seth G S Medical College and KEM Hospital, Dr Pradeep Bhosale, says the situation has worsened in the last five years. "Most female patients also complain of pain in the heels, irritability and short temper," says the doctor, who sees four such cases a week. Across the city in Bandra, physiotherapist Dr Poonam Bajaj treats 30 odd patients a day, teaching them exercises that will rid them of joint and muscle pain. Medically, they use the term osteopenia or the lack of bone density mineral to describe such cases. It's a step before osteoporosis, a condition that refers to the degeneration of bones. The thinning of bones due to ageing is a natural process. Most adults reach their peak bone mass density (BMD) at 30, after which there is a gradual bone mass loss that kicks in. In fact, by middle age, the body reabsorbs existing bone cells faster than new bone cells are made, resulting in minerals, mass, and structure loss, leaving bones weaker. Brittle bones are more susceptible to fractures.
Doctors say, owing to a poor lifestyle most people don't end up reaching their peak BMD at 30. This is why they are noticing more cases of weak bones in patients in their 20s because they haven't built their reserves.
Lack of Vitamin D is the biggest culprit, with orthopaedics calling it India's 'urban epidemic'. Dr Ameet Pispati, consulting orthopaedic surgeon at Jaslok and Bhatia Hospitals, explains, "The bone has a trabecular network. Think of it as a honeycomb. Its main source of constitution are Vitamin D and calcium. They are the lime and cement of the bone's building structure." If a person is deficient in either of these, the network's foundations are affected, leaving him more prone to pain and fracture.
What's wrong?
Doctors are not ruling out poor posture, sedentary lifestyle, and high impact workouts without warming up as factors, too. Likewise, lack of exercise, high stress, excessive smoking and drinking, a poor diet, an overdose of caffeine and colas (they increase calcium excretion and reduce absorption) and hormonal imbalances are contributors, too.
Women are especially vulnerable since they have a lower peak BMD to begin with. Besides, loss of bone mass tends to speed up as hormonal changes kick in with menopause.
Dr Fixit
The easiest and cheapest remedy, experts will tell you, is to expose yourself to morning sunlight for 40 minutes every day. Playing tennis, jogging, dancing and climbing stairs together with the right diet (see box) helps slow down bone loss. "It easier to prevent bone weakness than treat it. Once bones are weakened, it is a longterm uphill battle," says Dr Pispati.
Feed your bones
Where to get your calcium from
Dietician and fitness expert Sheela Tanna suggests dairy products (milk, ghee, yoghurt and cheese). Go for eggs, dark green leafy vegetables and soyabean.
Replace the junk food
High sugar and fat intake leads to bone weakening. Since fast foods are deficient in calcium, Vitamin C and zinc, all necessary for bone maintenance. Instead of snacking on chips and farsan, eat fruits like orange, guava and sweet lime, rich Vitamin C. Have khakra and bread or rotis made from whole grains.
Make hay while the sun shines carries a literal meaning for Bandra entrepreneur Preet Motwani. She gets out every morning at 8.15 am to soak in an hour of bright sunlight. It wasn't like this nine months ago. The 35-year-old was fighting time to get her eight-year-old ready for school before heading to her interiors store in Andheri.
But a sever stomach infection she contracted in January, that she overcame with a light, nutritious diet and medication, left her weak, irritable and lethargic. "I was experiencing excruciating pain and spasms in my neck, which travelled down my shoulders and spine," says Motwani. This lasted a month before she decided to visit a doctor who suggested she get her Vitamin D3 and B12 levels tested. While her B12 reserves were sufficient, Motwani's Vitamin D level stood at 12.20 ng/ml, way below the normal range of 30 to 100 ng/ml). "The deficiency was responsible for the pain that was a result of weakened bones," she says. Other than the mandatory hour of sunshine, Vitamin D supplements and physiotherapy have seen her through the year.
Age dropping
Mumbai's orthopaedics and physiotherapists have reported a rise in the cases of poor bone healthcompounded by muscle weakness, as in Motwani's case. Orthopaedic surgeon and head of orthopaedics at Seth G S Medical College and KEM Hospital, Dr Pradeep Bhosale, says the situation has worsened in the last five years. "Most female patients also complain of pain in the heels, irritability and short temper," says the doctor, who sees four such cases a week. Across the city in Bandra, physiotherapist Dr Poonam Bajaj treats 30 odd patients a day, teaching them exercises that will rid them of joint and muscle pain. Medically, they use the term osteopenia or the lack of bone density mineral to describe such cases. It's a step before osteoporosis, a condition that refers to the degeneration of bones. The thinning of bones due to ageing is a natural process. Most adults reach their peak bone mass density (BMD) at 30, after which there is a gradual bone mass loss that kicks in. In fact, by middle age, the body reabsorbs existing bone cells faster than new bone cells are made, resulting in minerals, mass, and structure loss, leaving bones weaker. Brittle bones are more susceptible to fractures.
Doctors say, owing to a poor lifestyle most people don't end up reaching their peak BMD at 30. This is why they are noticing more cases of weak bones in patients in their 20s because they haven't built their reserves.
Lack of Vitamin D is the biggest culprit, with orthopaedics calling it India's 'urban epidemic'. Dr Ameet Pispati, consulting orthopaedic surgeon at Jaslok and Bhatia Hospitals, explains, "The bone has a trabecular network. Think of it as a honeycomb. Its main source of constitution are Vitamin D and calcium. They are the lime and cement of the bone's building structure." If a person is deficient in either of these, the network's foundations are affected, leaving him more prone to pain and fracture.
What's wrong?
Doctors are not ruling out poor posture, sedentary lifestyle, and high impact workouts without warming up as factors, too. Likewise, lack of exercise, high stress, excessive smoking and drinking, a poor diet, an overdose of caffeine and colas (they increase calcium excretion and reduce absorption) and hormonal imbalances are contributors, too.
Women are especially vulnerable since they have a lower peak BMD to begin with. Besides, loss of bone mass tends to speed up as hormonal changes kick in with menopause.
Dr Fixit
The easiest and cheapest remedy, experts will tell you, is to expose yourself to morning sunlight for 40 minutes every day. Playing tennis, jogging, dancing and climbing stairs together with the right diet (see box) helps slow down bone loss. "It easier to prevent bone weakness than treat it. Once bones are weakened, it is a longterm uphill battle," says Dr Pispati.
Feed your bones
Where to get your calcium from
Dietician and fitness expert Sheela Tanna suggests dairy products (milk, ghee, yoghurt and cheese). Go for eggs, dark green leafy vegetables and soyabean.
Replace the junk food
High sugar and fat intake leads to bone weakening. Since fast foods are deficient in calcium, Vitamin C and zinc, all necessary for bone maintenance. Instead of snacking on chips and farsan, eat fruits like orange, guava and sweet lime, rich Vitamin C. Have khakra and bread or rotis made from whole grains.
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