Warning signs of Vitamin D deficiency
About half of the India Population is deficient in Vitamin D. Proper Vitamin D3 levels can reduce cancer risks up to 80%. Vitamin D3 levels are easily monitored by a simple blood test. Taking 5,000 I.U. a day is a safe amount for continued good health, as suggested by medical experts.
- Aching Bones –
If you suffering from aches and pains, you may be deficient in Vitamin D. Calcium is not easily absorbed in the body without proper levels of Vitamin D, causing painful aches and uncomfortable throbbing throughout the skeletal system. This essential vitamin also helps to avoid tooth decay.
- Muscle Weakness –
Harvard researchers have found that those with low D levels experience muscle weakness, especially those over 60. The Western Journal of Medicine reports that D – related muscle weakness can be remedied by taking the supplement for just six months.
- Depression –
Studies have shown that people with low D levels, are more commonly affected by depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The hormone, serotonin, drops when adequate amounts of Vitamin D are not present in the body. This also accounts some women experiencing Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS).
- Head Sweats –
One of the classic symptoms of low Vitamin D is to have head sweats. This has been a cue for low D levels for years. In fact, pediatricians use this symptom to help determine if newborn babies are low in Vitamin D.
- Chronic Health Problems –
If you’re always getting sick and are affected by seasonal allergies, you may have low D levels. Research has shown that healthy Vitamin D levels play a huge role in fighting diseases and cancer.
- Constantly Tired –
If you’re chronically exhausted, but aren’t sure why, it may be that you need to up your intake of Vitamin D. Researchers suspect that chronic fatigue syndrome is related to deficient levels of D. some studies have shown that when adequate level of D are taken, exhaustion often subsides.
- Dark Skin –
People who are dark skinned commonly have low Vitamin D because their skin acts as a natural sunscreen which blocks the body’s ability to absorb it from the sun. In order to get enough D, it’s very important to take this vitamin in supplement from every day to protect your health.
Bird flu: Symptoms, Treatments and Prevention
What is Bird Flu?
Bird Flu, or Avian Influenza, is an infectious disease of birds caused by Type A strains of the influenza virus. Domestic poultry such as chickens and turkeys most susceptible. The virus that causes Bird Flu H5N1, is lethal. It has killed more than half of the people infested, including healthy adults. Most of the people infested so far are believed to have caught the virus directly from sick birds. If Bird Flu mutates so that it is transmissible human to human, the number of deaths could reach into the millions.
How Does Bird Flu spread?
- From another Bird.
- If come into contact with dirt, cages, or any surfaces that have been contaminated by sick birds.
- If birds’ infected feces and saliva get on farming equipment, like tractor wheels, clothing and cages.
How can you protect yourself?
- In most places, there is no immediate threat to humans from Bird Flu.
- The best way to protect yourself is by doing the same things you do to protect yourself from any contagious illness.
- Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water.
- Take proper food safety precautions.
Symptoms of Bird Flu
- Muscle aches
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Chest pains
- Breathing problems
- Headache
What should do in Flu?
- Rest
- Drink plenty of liquids.
- Avoid using alcohol and tobacco.
- Consult local doctor to take medication to relieve the symptoms of flu.
- Antiviral Medications can also be used to prevent the flu.
Treatment of Bird flu:
Treatments vary in their approach depending upon the symptoms of the patient. Body is kept hydrated to deal with the loss of salt and water caused due to diarrhea. Paracetamol is given to lower high fever and head ache. In most cases, treatment with antiviral medication such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) can help reduce the severity of the disease.
Prevention of Bird flu:
The best way to prevent infection with bird flu is to avoid sources of exposure whenever possible. Most human infections have occurred due to direct close or prolonged contact with sick or dead infected poultry.
Note: Bird Flu is not a Threat!!! You cannot get Bird Flu from properly handled and cooked poultry and eggs.
Warning signs of Arthritis
Warning Signs of Arthritis
Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation within a joint. About 10 million people have this problem in the India. Many people struggle with pain during the early stages of arthritis, often waiting until the pain becomes unbearable before seeking advice and treatment. However the symptoms are easier to treat when caught as early as possible.
Did you know? Although arthritis commonly affects people over the age of 50, there are around 27,000 people under 25 living with arthritis in the India.
Main Symptoms-
- Joint Pain and Stiffness –
Joint Stiffness often occurs after a period of inactivity, this is why stiffness in the morning is common. Joints stiffness and pain can reduce mobility and the range of movement.
What to do :-
Placing something cold on the affected joint will help to contract the surroundings blood vessels and numb some of the pain.
- Pain in the Big Toe –
Gout is a form of arthritis that occurs because of a problem in the way our bodies metabolize uric acid. It commonly affects the big toe. The result is painful swelling and the surrounding skin is redden and hot to touch.
What to do :-
Resting and elevating the affected area will ensure you avoid damaging the joint. Applying ice can also help to reduce the pain. Early treatment can help to reduce the frequency and severity of pain.
- Bumps on the Fingers –
Bumps, known as ‘bony spurs’, may appear on the finger joints. This is one of the leading symptoms of osteoarthritis and often affects women. The resultant swelling and pain reduce mobility and make simple tasks such as buttoning a shirt or tying shoelaces tricky. Arthritis in the hands can also be a symptom of rheumatoid arthritis, if both hands and feet are affected simultaneously.
What to do :-
Physiotherapy and stretching the affected area can help to soothe pain.
- Trouble Sleeping –
Many painful joint conditions also affect sleeping patterns, and result in us being awakened by pain throughout the night. The first signs of gout often occur at night and this is generally considered to be one of the most painful forms of arthritis.
What to do :-
A warming bath before bed can help to relax the joints.
- Fatigue Symptoms –
Fatigue and flu symptoms can be an indication of rheumatoid arthritis. In these cases joint pain and swelling often affects the entire body rather than one specific joint. Other symptoms of RA include weight loss, chronic tiredness and anemia.
What to do :-
Try to strike a balance between work and rest, so as not to overload you. Visit your doctor if you think you may have developed fatigue or flu symptoms.
- Red, Patchy or Scaly Skin –
This could be due to the development of psoriatic arthritis; a type of arthritis that is also associated with psoriasis. In addition to the painful joints commonly associated with arthritis, the skin also become red and inflamed making it appear patchy or scaly. This can affect the joint in the body, and the severity of pain can vary.
What to do :-
If you suffer from these symptoms, consult your doctor. In the meantime, applying hot or cold packs to affected areas can help to numb pain and relax muscles.
HIV-AIDS Vaccine Discovered
The HIV-AIDS vaccination discovery made the world a better place to live in. The vaccination was discovered by Prof. Thumbi Ndung’u, the head of the KwaZulu-Natal Research Institute for Tuberculosis and HIV pathogenicity. Prof. Thumbi presented his research findings at the HIV-AIDS conference in Nairobi Kenya. The vaccine for the virus which has killed millions of people in the world is now available, claimed the professor. Kenya, the country in which this vaccine is discovered is celebrating the invention.
Although, the cost of this HIV-AIDS vaccine is currently very high around 100,000 US dollars. With government intervention of different countries, and pouring funds, the cost would definitely come down in near future to make it available to the common masses.
Thanks Prof. Thumbi Ndung’u!
‘I am acute Hepatitis B Patient’- reveals Amitabh Bachchan
Bollywood superstar Mr. Amitabh Bacchan recently disclosed that he had been infected with Hepatitis B since last few decades which has damaged almost 75% of his liver. He is surviving with only the 25% rest. His bold disclosure challenges the larger stigma attached with the disease. Most of the victims hide their status under the fear of social stigma.
Symptoms of Hepatitis B:
Symptoms are variable and include yellowing of the eyes, abdominal pain and dark urine. Some people, particularly children, don’t experience any symptoms. In chronic cases, liver failure, cancer or scarring can occur.
Transmission of Hepatitis B:
This disease is most commonly spread by exposure to infected body fluids. The most common ways are through sexual contact, blood transfusion and syringes. It can also get transmitted through saliva. Mother to fetus infection through placenta is also common. The virus is more easily transmitted than HIV.
Treatment:
Once infected, the virus remains in the body for life long. Medical science tries to minimize the damage caused by the disease through the antiviral medicines.
Vaccination:
Vaccine for Hepatitis B is very easily available for age groups. This provides lifelong protection and is must for everyone.
Saviors of the accident victim should not be tortured: Supreme Court
The Supreme Court of India in its recent judgement held that the majority of road accident deaths occur because the people passing by the site of accident don’t help the victim reach the hospital on time because of the fear of harassment in the hands of police and court. Such people, who help the victim should be applauded rather than being harassed. They are the Good Samaritan and the court has ordered certain guidelines to the police and hospital staff in this regard.
- The Good Samaritan will be treated respectfully and without any discrimination on the grounds of gender, religion, nationality and caste.
- Any individual, except an eyewitness, who calls the police to inform them of an accidental injury or death need not reveal his or her personal details such as full name, address or phone number.
- The police will not compel the Good Samaritan to disclose his or her name, identity, address and other such details in the police record form or log register.
- The police will not force any Good Samaritan in procuring information or anything else.
- The police will allow the Good Samaritan to leave after having provided the information available to him or her, and no further questions will be asked of him or her if he or she does not desire to be a witness.
Even when Good Samaritans agree to become witnesses, the guidelines accord them protection and comfort. They ensure that:
- If a Good Samaritan chooses to be a witness, she will be examined with utmost care and respect.
- The examination will be conducted at a time and place of the Good Samaritan’s convenience and the investigation officer will be dressed in plain clothes.
- If the Good Samaritan is required by the investigation officer to visit the police station, the reasons for the requirement shall be recorded by the officer in writing.
- In a police station, the Good Samaritan will be examined in a single examination in a reasonable and time-bound manner, without causing any undue delay.
- If a Good Samaritan declares himself to be an eyewitness, she will be allowed to give her evidence in the form of an affidavit.
Avoid Aspirin in Dengue or Chikungunya
Dengue or Chikungunya both are the viral fever known to be adversely affecting (lowering) the platelets count. Low platelet count can result into bleeding from eyes, nose, alimentary canal which may sometimes prove fatal.
Aspirin (Disprin) is an over the counter pain killer commonly used for pain and fever. However, the lesser known fact is that aspirin is also a blood thinner which reduce the platelet count. This is often prescribed in old age to prevent stroke and heart attack.
When a patient suffering from Dengue or Chikungunya takes aspirin, the platelet count which is already on the lower side due to the infection, gets further reduced because of the medicine. This may complicate the health condition causing severe bleeding and posing as a threat to life.
During the season of dengue or chikungunya, when someone develops a fever one should avoid the medicines like aspirin. Instead, paracetamol (Crocin) is the drug of choice. Paracetamol should be taken to reduce the fever and lessen the body ache. Under no circumstances, aspirin should be taken.
Astigmatism: Types, Symptoms and Treatments
Astigmatism is an eye condition with blurred vision as its main symptom. The front surface of the eye (cornea) of a person with astigmatism is not curved properly – the curve is irregular – usually one half is flatter than the other – sometimes one area is steeper than it should be.
When light rays enter the eye they do not focus correctly on the retina, resulting in a blurred image. Astigmatism may also be caused by an irregularly shaped lens, which is located behind the cornea.
Common types of astigmatism
The two most common types of astigmatism are:
- Corneal astigmatism – the cornea has an irregular shape
- Lenticular astigmatism – the lens has an irregular shape
Symptoms of astigmatism
The following are common symptoms of astigmatism:
- Blurred or distorted vision at all distances.
- Photophobia – sensitivity to light.
- Headaches.
- Excessive squinting.
- The person is constantly closing his/her eyes.
- Eye strain – occurs more often when the eye has to focus for long periods, as in reading from paper or a computer monitor.
Treatment
The goal of treating astigmatism is to address the uneven curvature that’s causing your blurred vision. Treatments include wearing corrective lenses and undergoing refractive surgery.
Angina: Symptoms, Types and Treatment
What is Angina?
• Regular symptoms might feel like squeezing or pressure in your heart.
• The pain sometimes can also extend to arms, shoulders, jams, neck or back. In some patients, it may also cause indigestion.
• Angina is a symptom of the coronary heart disease (CHD) and is one of the most common heart diseases found in adults.
Signs and Symptoms
• The main symptoms include discomfort and pain in the chest. Burning, tightness or pressure on the chest is caused due to angina.
• It is an observation that the pain begins just behind the breastbone.
• More often, people find it difficult to tell On point of origin of the pain. it seems to be corning from all the sides including jaws, back, shoulder, neck or arms.
• Other notable signs include fatigue, nausea, light-headedness, weakness, sweating and shortness of breath.
Types
Classical/Typical/Stable/Exertional Angina
• Due to fixed and stable plaque
– Prinzmetal/Variant Angina o Due to spasm of coronary artery
– Unstable Angina
• Due to unstable plaque (± thrombus)
Treatment
• Treatments for angina include lifestyle changes, medicines, medical procedures, cardiac rehabilitation , and other therapies. The main goals of treatment are to
• Reduce pain and discomfort and how often it occurs
• Prevent or lower your risk for heart attack and death by treating your underlying heart condition
Appendicitis
What is Appendicitis?
Appendicitis is normal and can influence anybody of any age. Youngsters and youthful grownups are the most regularly influenced. Around 6 in 100 individuals in the India have Appendicitis sooner or later in their lives.
Appendicitis is the inflammation of our Appendix, a vestigial organ in our digestive tract. It can cause infection of digestive organs and can potentially cause harm to other organs. If the Appendix bursts, it can ultimately lead to death.
Some of the most commonly experienced symptoms of appendicitis include :—
- Loss of appetite
- Dull pain next to the navel or the upper abdomen that eventually becomes sharp as you go closer to the lower right abdomen.
- Abdominal swelling
- Nausea and/or vomiting right after the pain starts
- Inability to pass gas
- Fever
- Dull or sharp pain in the back or rectum
- Pain during urination
- Severe cramps
- Diarrhea with gas or constipation
What is the cause of Appendicitis?
- Relates to blockage of the inside of the appendix, known as the lumen
- Blockage leads to increased pressure, impaired blood flow and inflammation
- If blockage is not treated, gangrene and rupture of the appendix could result
- Bacterial or viral infections in the digestive tract which can lead to swelling of lymph nodes, which squeeze the appendix and caused obstruction.
Symptoms of a Burst Appendix :-
- Severe Abdominal Pain
- High Fever
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
Where is the Appendix located in the body?
The Appendix is located near the junction of the small intestine and large intestine in right lower quadrant of the abdomen near the right hip.
