How the heart functions

The heart pumps blood by muscular contractions called heart beats which are controlled by electrical impulses generated in the heart..Each beat has three phases:diastole - when blood enters the heart,systole - when blood is squeezed out of the atria in the heart and ventricular systole - when blood leaves the heart...

In diastole,the heart relaxes..Oxygen rich blood from the lungs flows via the pulmonary veins in to the left atrium...Blood that has given up its oxygen to the body tissues flows from the venae cavae to the right atrium..

In atrial systole,the two atria contract and the valves between the atria and the ventricles open so that blood flows in to the ventricles..

During ventricular systole the ventricles contract..The thick walled left ventricle forces blood in to the aorta which carries it to the reat of the body..The right ventricle pumps blood in to the pulmonary artery which carries it to the lungs to colect more oxygen..

The circulatory system

The circulatory system consists of the heart and the blood vessels..These structures supply the body with a constant flow of blood,which brings oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and carries waste products away..


Blood is pumped around the body by rhythmic contractions of the heart muscle..The blood runs through a network of vessels..They are arteries,veins and capillaries..The force that is exerted by the blood flow through the main arteries is called blood pressure..It varies with the strength and phase of the heart beat,the elasticity of the arterial walls and the volume and thickness of the blood..

The heart is a muscular organ that pumps blood around the body and then to the lungs to pick up oxygen..Coronary blood vessels supply the heart muscle with oxygen and nutrients..

Oxygen rich blood or oxygenated blood passes from the lungs to the heart,then travels to body tissues via the arteries..Blood that has given up its oxygen returns to the heart through the veins..

Networks of fine blood vessels link the arteries and veins within the body tissues...Oxygen and nutrients pass from the blood in to the tissues,waste products pass from the tissues in to the blood through capillaries...

Aorta carries oxygenated blood to body tissues..

Vena cava carries deoxygenated blood from body tissues to the heart..

Pulmonary arteries carry deoxygenated blood to the lungs...

Pulmonary veins carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart...

Composition of blood:

There are about 5 to 6 litres of blood in the average human body..55% of the blood is clear yellow fluid(plasma)..In this fluid are suspended red and white blood cells and the platelets..

What happens during breathing?

The breathing process consists of the actions of breathing in(inspiration) and breathing out(expiration),followed by a pause..

Pressure differences between the lungs and the air outside the body determine whether air is drawn in or expelled...When the air pressure in the lungs is lower than outside,air is drawn in...When the pressure is higher,air is expelled..The pressure within the lungs is altered by the movements of the two main sets of muscles involved in breathing,the intercostal muscles and the diaphragm..

Breathing in:

The intercostal muscles(the muscles between the ribs) and the diaphragm contract,causing the chest cavity to expand and the lungs expand to fill the space..The pressure inside the lungs is reduced and air is drawn in to the lungs..

Breathing out:

The intercostal muscles relax and the rib cage returns to its resting position,while the diaphragm relaxes and retunrs to its domed shape..Thus the chest cavity becomes smaller and the pressure inside the lungs increases...Air flows out of the lungs to be exhaled..

Breathing is controlled by a set of nerve cells in the brain called the respiratory centre..This centre responds to changes in the level of carbon-dioxide in the blood...When the level rises,the respiratory centre responds by stimulating the intercostal muscles and the diaphragm to contract and a breath occurs..Our breathing changes in response to abnormal levels of carbon-dioxide or to low levels of oxygen...Also changes in case of stress,exercise,injury or illness..

The respiratory system

The respiratory sytem comprises of the mouth,nose,trachea or wind pipe,lungs and pulmonary blood vessels..Respiration involves the process of breathing and the exchange of gases in the lungs and in cells throughout the body..We brathe in air in order to take oxygen in to the lungs and we breathe out to expel the waste gas carbon-dioxide,a by product of respiration..

When we breathe,air is drawn through the nose and mouth in to the airway and the lungs...In the lungs,oxygen is taken from air sacs in to the pulmonary capillaries...At the same time,carbon-dioxide is released from the capillaries in to the alveoli...This gas is then expelled as we breathe out...

Structure of the respiratory system:

The lungs form the central part of the respiratory system..They along with the circulatory system perform the vital function of gas exchange on order to distribute oxygen around the body and remove carbon-dioxide..

Lungs are two spongy organs that occupy a large partof the chest cavity...

Pleural membrane has two layers seperated by a lubricating fluid which surrounds and protects each of the lungs..

Winpipe extends from larynx to two main bronchi..

Bronchioles are small air passages that branch from bronchi and eventually open in to alveoli within lungs..

A network of tiny blood vessels surrounds each alveolus...The thin walls of both structures allow oxygen to diffuse in to the blood and carbon-dioxide to leave it..

Checking circulation after bandaging - How to check for circulation after applying a bandage

Checking circulation after bandaging


When bandaging a limb or using a sling circulation must be checked in the hand or foot immediately after you have finsihed bandaging and every 10 minutes thereafter..Limbs swell after an injury and a bandage can become too tight and interfere with blood circulation to the area beyond it...The symptoms of impaired circulation change as the veins and arteries become constricted..

If circulation is impaired there may be a swollen and congested limb and blue skin with prominent veins...There will be also a feeling that the skin is painfully distended..If left unattended there will be pale,waxy skin,cold numbness,tingling followed by deep pain,inability to move affected fingers and toes..

How to check for circulation after bandaging:

Press one of the nails or the skin just for few seconds or until it turns pale and then release the pressure..If the colour doesnot return or returns slowly,the bandage may be too tight..Insuch a case loosen the tight bandage by unrolling just enough turns for warmth and colour to return to the skin..The affected person will feel a tingling sensation...Now reapply the bandage..

Principles of bandaging - How to apply a bandage

Bandages can be used to secure dressings,control bleeding,support and immobilise limbs and reduce swelling in an injured part...Roller bandages secure dressings and support injured limbs..Tubular bandages hold dressings on fingers and toes or support injured joints..Triangular bandages can be used as large dressings,as slings,to secure dressings or to immobilise limbs...
Rules for applying a bandage:

Before applying a bandage,reassure the affected person and explain what you are going to do..

Make the affected person comfortable,in a suitable sitting or lying down position..

Keep the injured part supported while you are working on it..

Always work at the front of the casualty and from the injured side where possible..

If the affected person is lying down,pass the bandages under the body's natural hollows at the ankles,knees,waist and neck,then slide the bandages in to position by easing them back and forth under the body...

Apply bandages firmly but not so tightly that they interfere with circulation to the area beyond the bandage..

Leave the fingers or toes on a bandaged limb exposed,if possible,so that you can check the circulation afterwards..

Use reef knots to ties bandages...Ensure that the knots do not cause discomfort and do not tie the knot over a bony area...Tuck loose ends under a knot..

Regularly check the circulation in the area beyond the bandage...Unroll the bandage until blood supply returns and reapply it more loosely...

Second trimester - Weeks 13 to 20 - Development of the foetus

second trimester


Weeks 13 to 20 development of the foetus

Week 13

Baby flexes and kicks:

You cant feel yet but your baby can move in a jerky fashion-flexing the arms and kicking the legs..This week,your baby might even be able to put a thumb in his or her mouth..

Week 14

Hormones gear up:

The effect of hormones becomes apparent this week...For boys,the prostrate gland is developing..For girls,the ovaries move from the abdomen in to the pelvis..By the end of the week,the roof of the baby's mouth will be completely formed..

Week 15

Bones start strenthening:

The bone and marrow that nake up your baby's skeletal system are continuing to develop this week...Your baby's eyes and ears now have a baby-like appearance and the ears have almost reached their final position..

Week 16

Facial expressions are possible:

Sixteen weeks in to your pregnancy,your baby is between 4 and 5 inches long and weighs a bit less than 3 ounces...He or she can now make a fist...Your baby's eyes are becoming sensitive to light...More developed facial muscles may lead to various expressions such as squinting and frowning...

Week 17

Fat accumulates:

Fat stores begin to develop under your baby's skin this week...The fat will provide energy and help keep your body warm after birth..

Week 18

Baby begins to hear:

As the nerve endings from your baby's brain hook up to the ears,your baby may hear your heart beating,your stomach rumbling or blood moving through the umbilical cord..He or she may even be startled by loud noises...Your baby can swallow this week too..

Week 19

Excretory function starts:

Your baby's kidneys are already producing urine..As your baby's hearing continues to improve,he or she may pick up your voice in conversations..Due to the millions of neural cells developing in the brain,your baby can make reflexive muscle movements..

Week 20

The halfway point:

Halfway in to your pregnancy,your baby is about 6 inches long and weighs 9 ounces..You've probably begun to feel your baby's movements now..Your baby's skin is thickening and developing layers..You baby now also has thin eyebrows,hair on the scalp and well developed limbs...

Back pain and how to deal with it

Back pain and back injuries are very common in our society...Atleast 60 to 90% will experience atleast one back injury in their lives..Half of these people will experience multiple episodes of back problems..Many will undrgo surgical procedures and roughly 10% will see their condition become chronic..


Back problems can make fishing,golfing or even just laying with children and grandchildren fraught with pain..Back problem can even interfere with the ability to get dressed...Despite all this,still people take their backs for granted not realising the dangerous positions they put their backs in everyday...Almost everything you do requires the use of your back and back problems are rarely the result of a single activity or accident..Most injuries occur over a period of years or even decades,a result of various factors-how you sleep or sit,what you eat or how you deal with the emotional stresses at home and work..

What can cause back injuries?

Many things cause back injuries-muscle strain or spasm,sprains of ligaments(which attach boe to bone),joint problems or a slipped disc..The most common cause of low back pain is using your back muscles in activities you are not used to like liefting heavy furniture,playing basket ball or while doing any other strenuous kind of work..

A sliped disc happens when the disc between the bones bulges and presses on nerves..This is often caused by twisting while lifting...But many people wont know what caused their slipped disc..

Back pain also follows normal activities such as bending over the sink to brush your teeth..Back pain may be made worse by stress,long periods of inactivity or being in an unusual position for a long time..

What should i do when i have hurt my lower back?

The best position for relief when your back hurts is to lie on your back on the floor with pillows under your knees,with your hips and knees bent and your feet on a chair or just with your hips and knees bent...This takes the pressure and weight off your back..

If you are resting a hurt back,you may need a few days of this sort of rest..Resting longer than this can cause your muscles to weaken,which can slow down your recovery..Even if it hurts,walk around for a few minutes every few hours..

If you are resting a tired back,stay in one of these positions for five to 25 minutes at a time..

Heating pads can help relax painful muscle spams..Use heat for 20 to 30 minutes at a time..Ice packs and massages may also give relief..Medicines that reduce pain or swelling which are available at your local pharmacist will also help but never take any medicine without consulting with your physician..

Is there relief for persistent ack problems?

Treatment of back problems of a persistent nature must be directed at te cause..This may be losing weight(because being overweight can make the back pain worse),getting your muscles in better shape and improving your posture when you are standing,sitting and sleeping..Most people feel much better within a few weeks...

What is the best for standing?

If you must stand for log periods,rest one foot n a low stool to relieve pressure on your lower back...Every 5 to 15 minutes,switch the foot you are resting on the stool..Move around as much as you can..Maintain good posture..Keep your ears,shoulders and hips in a straight line with your head up and your stomach pulled in..

What is the best way to sit?

Sitting puts more pressure on your back than any other position,even more than standing...To reduce this pressure,sit in chairs with straight backs or lower-back support...Keep your knees a little higher than your hips..Adjust the seat or use a low stool to prop your feet on...Turn by moving your whole body rather than by twisting at your waist...Use a swivel chair to help reduce twisting..

When driving,sit straight and move the seat forward..This helps you not to lean forward to reach the controls...You may want to put a small pillow or rolled towel behind your lower back if you must drive or sit a long time...

What is the best position for sleeping?

The best way to sleep to reduce the pressure on your back is on your side with your knees bent...You may put a pillow under your head to support your neck..You may also put a pillow between your knees..

If you sleep on your back,put pillows under your knees and a small pillow under your lower back..Do not ever sleep on your stomach unless you put pillow under your hips..Use a firm mattress..If your mattress is too soft,use a board of 1.3 cm(1/2 inch) plywood under the mattress t add support..

What exercises can i do to help my back?

Some specific exercises can help..One is to gently stretch your back muscles...Lie on your back with knees bent and slowly rasie your left knee to your chest..Press your lower back against the floor...Hold for five seconds...Relax and repeat the exercise with the right knee..Do ten of these exercises for each leg,switching legs..It's important to stay active...Bicycling or walking are good for improving your fitness..

Tips for preventing back strain:

Don't lift objects by beding over...Lift an object by beding your hips and knees and then squatting to pick up the object..Keep your back straight and hold the object close to your body...Avoid twisting your body while lifting...

Push rather than pull when you must move heavy objects..If you must sit at a desk or at the wheel of a car or truck for long hours,break up the time with stops and stretch..Think about your posture...Wear flat shoes or shoes with low heels 2.5 cm or lower...

Go to a physician/Doctor if- Pain goes down your leg below your knee...

Your leg,foot,groin or rectal area feels numb..

You have fever,nausea or vomiting,stomach pain,weakness or sweating..

You lose control over going to the bathroom..

Your pain was caused by an injury..

Your pain is so intense that you cant move around..

Your pain doesnt seem to be getting better after two to three weeks...

Dealing with Chickenpox

Infectious diseases are commong during this hot season..Chicken pox is one of them..It is a common viral infection prevalent all over the world and is seen throughout the year..The incidence is a little higher in summer..Although chicken pox is a self limiting condition,it can be sever at times..It can be life threatening as well..Antiviral drugs are available now and so are chicken pox vaccines..It is also called Varicella..It is a highly contagious viral disease caused by Varicella-Zoster virus characterised by high fever and diffused skin rash..It usually affects children below the age of 10 years..The condition is rather mild in them with mild fever and moderate rash..In adults Varicella is quite severe with high fever and extensive skin rash...Scarring is also severe..
Clinical features:

The incubation period of chicken pox is about 14 days..Affected persons are infective during the later stages of the incubation period(about 5 days prior to the apperance of fever and rash) and they remain infectiuos till the lesions dry up(up to about 7 days after the appearnce of skin rash)Varicella is characterised by modertae to high fever,skin rash and ulcers in the mouth and throat..It not only involves the skin but also the gastro-itestinal tract and also internal organs..

The skin rash starts as reddish spots which soon become blisters..Successive crops of blisters appear over the next few days mainly on the trunk and face with scattered lesions over extremities..Over the next few days the blisters turn in to pustules with central depression and subsequently dry up forming crusts..Itching can be present from the beginning but is more common when the lesions are dry..The crusts eventually fall off leaving superficial depressed spots and these spots take a couple of months to clear..Scarring is unusual in chicken pox..Larger lesions and lesions which get secondarily infected due to scratching leave characteristic rounded and depressed scars..The entire episode from the strating of fever and skin rash till the crusts fall off lasts for about 15 to 20 days..

Pregnancy and chickenpox:

When chicken pox appears during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy,congenital malformations of fetuses appear..Fetal anomalies include stunted limbs,large skin ulcers and scars..The condition can be sever with extensive rash and a few can develop pneumonitis..The risk for spontateous abortion is 3%..If the mother develops chicken pox between 5 days before the delivery,the new born can also develop chickenpox and it is usually very severe..

Treatment:

Mild to moderate attacks are managed at home and if the condition is severe it is necessary to admit the patient in the hospital ..Antiviral therapy should be started..Acyclovir,Famcyclovir or Valcyclovir are the common antiviral drugs used for the treatment..

In children as the condition rather mild ,anitviral therapy is not recommended ..It is given only when the condition appears progressing towards the severe spectrum and in children suffering from atopic dermatitis where the condition can be very severe and can lead to serious complications..

But in adults,the condition is usually severe and so antiviral therapy must be started as soon as diagnosis is made..Severe chicken pox in pregnant mothers and newborn children should be treated with antiviral medications..Antiviral therapy helps to bring down elevated body temperature,prevents the appearance of new lesions withina couple of days,the existing lesions heal faster wihout much scarring and complications like pneumonitis and encephalitis are extremely rare..

Antiviral therapoy doesnot alter the development of adequate immunity to reinfection.For fever and itching,symptomatic treatment with Paracetamol and antihistamines are given respectively..

Topically,cleansing the lesions with dilute potassium permanganate solution and application of dilute calamine lotion gives a soothing effect..

In india neem baths are given...The water is soaked with neema leaves with a dash of turmeric powder for faster healing of lesions..

If there is secondary infection,topical and systemic antibiotics are needed..Chickenpox scars are usually superficial and heal after a few weeks..In case od deeper scars microdermabrasion or chemical peeling may be needed..Light food must be taken during the course of this disease..

Prevention:

Chickenpox vaccine is indicated for active immunization against chickenpox from the age of one year..It is also advised for highly susceptible healthy contacts if they had not suffered from chickenpox earlier..A single dose is given for children between ages 1 to 12 years..For persons above 13 years of age,two doses are given at an interval of 6 to 10 weeks..After vaccination,prevention of severe varicella is virtually 100%..It is contraindicated in pregnancy..Pregnancy should be avoided for three months after vaccination..About 3 to 4 % of vaccinated individuals can develop mild form of chicken pox with a few scattered lesions with mild or no fever and the condition clears within a week..

A person who has had chickenpox develops immunity and the condition does not recur..The varicella zoster virus can remain dormant in the body after initial infection and sometimes get reactivated to cause the painful Herpes Zoster..

Few facts about cord blood

Few facts about cord blood:


Your child's cord blood is a rich source of stem cells..Today many diseases can be treated using stem cells and many more will be treatable in the future..Should your child or its siblings requires it,the cord blood collected and stored at the time of birth can be a valuable treatment option in the future..Stem cells which are the basic cells are also known as master cells,can differentiate to form various cells in the body like red blood cells,white blood cells,platelets,the cells of our immune system and other tissue cells..Banking them at birth may provide future opportunities for medical treatment,if required..Cord blood banking does not put the mother or child at any risk..Cord blood is collected from the umbilical cord only after the baby has been seperated..Therefore it doesnot cause any pain to either the mother or the child..Cord blood banking is possible only at the time of birth..It's a once in a life time opportunity to have bio-insurance,a potential back-up for critical times..The storgae conditions decide how long the cord blood can be stored..If stored in conducive conditions,it can be stored for as long as is required..Considering that your child's health is priceless,the expected benefits of stem cell banking far outweigh the costs involved..Before you choosea cord blood bank,here are some questions you should ask:

1.Is it backed by a company of long standing repute?

2.Does it have a sound infrastructure?

3.Will it be able to store our child's cord blood safely?

Studies have proved that cord blood stem cells can be used to treat around 45 life-threatening diseases..Some of them include Acute Leukaemias,Chronic Leukaemias,Thalassemia,Fanconi's anemia,Sickle cell anemia,Hodgkin's Lymphoma,Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma,Multiple myeloma and so on..

Research is ongoing on emerging applications of stem cells in the following spheres and could hold the key to critical treatment options in the future..Cardiac disease,Diabetes,Multiple Sclerosis,Muscular dystrophy,Parkinson's disease,Spinal cord injury,Stroke,Alzheimer's disease,Pheumatoid arthritis..

10 commandments of friendship

10 commandments of friendship


1.Pick friends who make you feel good about yourself and are yet honest with you without being too critical..

2.If your friend is the jealous type he or she will be never honest and would therefore be untrustworthy..

3.Go by gut feeling..If a person is genuinely fond of you,you'll know..

4.While you must cherish old friendships,be open to new..

5.Dont ever ask friends for favors or things to do that you wouldnot do yourself..

6.Your friend's priorities may be different from yours..Respect them..

7.It is not advisable to simmer over an argument..Always speak up and sort it out..

8.Always remember a friend's b'day!

9.Make it a point to call up your friend if something big,good or bad is happening in their lives..

10.Dont take your friends for granted ..They are your support all right,but burdening them is unfair and you must not encroach upon their private lives..Acknowledge their limits...

Ten steps to increase your self-confidence

10 steps to increase your confidence


1.Begin a journal..Ask yourself what is making you feel like you cannot get to the point in life you want to reach....Write any thoughts that come to mind...Also,write down what self-confidence means to you...

2.Remember that past is over,you can only change the future..Wrtie ten positive things about yourself..Go through your journal and look at all the 10 positive things about yourself..Concentrate on your strengths..These are the reasons you should love yourself and have high self-esteem and sel-confidence in yourself..

3.Accept yourself and learn to love yourself for whom you are a person...Everyone has his or her own qualities and characteristics...We are all born differently for a reason...Do not compare yourself to others....

4.It's crucial to understand yourself mentally,physically and spiritually...Take some time to relax by yourself in a quiet room...Rest on your back with your head and neck comfortably supported..Rest hands on the upper abdomen,close your eyes and settle in a comfortable position...Breathe slowly,deeply and rhythmically...Inhalation should be slow,unforced and unhurried...Silently count to four,five or six,whatever feels right...When you have inhaledbreathe out..The exhalation should take as long as the inhalation...There should be no sense of strain...If initially,you feel you have breathed your fullest at the count of three,it is all right..Try gradually to slow down the rhythm until a slow count of five or six is possible with a pause of two or three between in and out breathing...

5.Be ready...Self-confidence comes to a person who is sure they're for anything...

6.Strengthen your inner self..Write down in your journal what you will be able to do once you acquire the self-confidence you need...

7.Begin changing what you do not like about yourself..Confidence comes from within..You need to be able to concentrate on the positive things about yourself..

8.Notice the change in your self-esteem and confidence..Reward yourself each time you do something that makes you feel proud...go out some place or take it easy for the day!!

9.Learn how to give and take...Confidence is being able to find a balance between helping people and accepting when we need help...

10.Have a tremendous amount of pride in yourself...Remember,you are the best!!

Clocks at home - Clocks - Types of clocks

Time doesnt stop for anyone...It is true..Lets stop to see time itself pass by..Wall clocks are definitely more than timepieces..They are pieces of art for the home..So,how do you decide what to buy?Or rather what will suit your home decor?In this day and age,many wall c,locks are available in the market with wide range of styles and designs..With so many options it is not hard to find one that will fit in with your needs..You can choose from a wide range of quartz wall clocks,theme clocks,ornamental,religious,inspirational,commercial or antique ones,atomic,kitchen,contemporary,designer,digital,logo and modern wall clocks...

Firstly understand the rooms in your home where the wall clock is needed...You can use wall clocks themselves as a room's style displaying a synchronised display of your own decorative style...However,be very choosy while buying a wall clock..You can decorate a room with most beautiful furniture,howver it will not look complete until it's adorned with a fine wall clock..Yes,wal clocks are the decorative parts of the decor of any home or office whether they are modern or antique..One beautiful wall clock can be a great addition to any home decor and an excellent way to build or continue a design theme that is an expression of your individuality..Themed wall clocks work excellent in your children's rooms..

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you are shopping for clocks..

-When you are looking around for wall clocks for any of the rooms,it is better you take the picture of your room to find that perfectly fitting one..

-Dont be too choosy about the colours since a slightly different colour mixed with like colours on your wall will usually give that unique shade..Remember,bright colours or a big contrast in colour complements the overall decor of your home..

-Purchase a kitchen wall clock that doesnot have a plastic or glass sheet over the face..These often fog up when kitchen cooking becomes humid..

-While looking for an outdoor wall clock,be careful to choose the right style and material like a metal case which are much more durable,as many clocks are not suitable for outdoor use..

-Wall clocks also make an excellent gift for that special person on any occasion like birthday,wedding or anniversary which will be loved and used for a lifetime..My parents gifted me a beautiful cuckoo wall clock...I just adore it..
 

Types of wound - Classification of wounds

Types of wound -


Wounds can be classified in to a number of types depending on the object that produces the wound such as knife or a bullet and the manner in which the the wound has been inflicted..Each of these types of wound carries specific risks associated with surrounding tissue damage and infection..

Incised wound:

This is caused by a clean cut from a sharp edged object such as a razor...Blood vessels are cut straight across and so bleeding may be profuse..

Laceration:

Crushing or ripping forces result in tears or lacerations...These wounds may bleed profusely than incised wounds but there is likely to be more tissue damage.Lacerations are often contaminated with germs,so the risk of infection is high..

Abrasion:

This is a graze seen...It is a superficial wound in which the topmost layers of skin are scraped off,leaving a raw,tender area..Abrasions are often caused by a sliding fall or a friction burn...They can contain embedded foreign particles that may result in infection..

Contusion:

It is also called as bruise..A blunt blow or punch can rupture capillaries beneath the skin causing the blood to leak in to the tissues...This ptocess results in bruising...The skin occasionally splits...Severe contusion may indicate deeper damage such as a fracture or an internal injury..

Puncture wound:

An injury such as standing on a nail or being pricked by a needle will result in a puncture wound...It has a small entry site but a deep track of internal damage...As germs and dirt can be carried far in to the body,the infection risk is high...

Stab wound:

This type of wound is caused by a long or bladed instrument usually a knife penetrating the body...Stab wounds to the trunk must always be treated seriously because of the dangers of injury to vtal organs or life threatening internal bleeding...

Gunshot wound:

A bullet or other missile may drive in to or through the body causing serious internal injury and sucking in clothing and contaminants from the air...The entry may be small and neat..Any exit wound will be large and ragged...

Light up your living room - Lights in living room - Living room

Light up your living room to have a great looking living room...Like in every home,most of the guests are entertained in the living room which would mean,their first glimpse of your home interiors would be through your living room...You have all the right furniture,collectibles,books but did you choose the right lighting too?Your living room can take on many different roles...It can be used for watching television,reading,listening to music,relaxing,chatting with friends and family as well as being a wide spectrum of moods and activities...

One of the most important factors that affect the home enviornment is indoor lighting because it can affect our daily life in different degree...Different forms of illumination can affect an object's image,its tone as well the impression that they leave behind...Yes,lighting can create or destroy the atmosphere or indoor enviornment...The lighting in this room needs to be adequate in order to accommodate such a wide variety of different uses...This is easily achieved by using lighting that is both flexible in quantity and quality...Lights should be chosen depending on what sort of mood you wanted to create and what activities were taking place...

Imagine just one boring light bulb hanging from the centre of the room...However great your furnishings are,it will ruin the complete look...Instead you can go creative and give your imagination a run for its money by incorporating down lighters,recessed lighting,decorative table lamps,reading lamps,wall lights,picture lights as well to highlight an interesting object...

Lighting design is a lot about what pleases the eye and here are some handy hints to help you get through most lighting tasks easily...

Create a balance between the light and shadows...The type of moods created depends on the timings and the bulbs used for lighting...Heavy shadows can look dull and morbid while uniformly bright light can look too stark...

Choose a modest backdrop of light throughout the room and use strategically placed lights for extra illumination..

Have special lighting points placed to highlight an attractive area of the room,for instance,a painting on the wall,a set of curios or a reading corner...

Make sure that naked light bulbs are not visible to people sitting or standing in the room..If the living room has a dining,use rise and fall pendant lights for the table...

When considering the uses of your room,remember to position lighting where it will be most useful...If you always sit in the same chair to read,place a light next to that chair to provid god lighting and to help prevent eye strain..The light should be positioned to one side and should illuminate the page without casting any shadows..

Floor and table lights are good options for ambient light and using freestanding lights gives flexibility if you want to redecorate or rearrange furniture,as they can be moved as necessary...

Using rooms are often places of display for artwork and objects...Spotlights can be used to highlight such features..

First trimester - 7th to 12th week

First trimester - 7th to 12 th week

Week 7

The umbilical cord appears:

The umbilical cord is the link between your baby and the placenta is now clearly visible..The arm bud that sprouted last week now resembles a tiny paddle...Your baby's face takes on more definition this week,as a mouth perforation,tiny nostrils and ear indentations become visible..

Week 8

Baby's fingers and toes form:

Your baby will develop webbed fingers and toes this week...Wrists,ankles and elbows are clearly visible and your baby's eyelids are beginning to form...The ears,upper lip and tip of the nose also becomes recognizable...As your baby's heart becomes more fully developed,it will pump at 150 beats a minute,about twice the usual adult rate...

Week 9

Movement begins:

Your baby is nearly 1 inch long...Your baby's head which is nearly half the size of his or her entire body is now tucked down on to the chest...Nipples and hair follicles begin to form..The internal reproductive organs such as testes or ovaries start to develop...Your baby may begin movng this week but you wont be able to feel it for quite a while as yet...

Week 10

Brain starts developing:

By now your baby's vital organs have a solid foundation...Your baby has fully seperated  fingers and toes...The bones of your baby's skeleton begin to form...This week your baby's brain will produce almost 250000 new neurons every minute...Your baby's eyelids are no longer transparent..The outer ears are starting to assume their final form and tooth buds are forming as well..

Week 11

Baby's sex may be apparent:

Form now onuntil your 20th week of pregnancy which is the halway mark,your baby will increase his or her weight 30 times and will triple in length...To make sure your baby gets enough nutrients,the blood vessels in the placenta  are growing larger and multiplying...The baby can now be called as a foetus...Your baby's ears are also moving up and to the side of the head this week...

Week 12

Baby's fingernails and toenails appear:

Twelve weeks in to the pregnancy and your baby is nearly 3 inches long and weighs about 4/5 of an ounce...Your baby's head is nearly half the size of his or her entire body..This week marks the arrival of finger nails and toenails...Your baby's chin and nose will become more refned as well...