Controlling Ebola Outbreak Once Again

The good news is that, the World Health Organization has announced the Ebola outbreak in three west African countries finally ended as virus spread of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone is now under control. Margaret Chan, MD, WHO Director-General, mentioned that the Ebola-free status is a “monumental achievement”. He also congratulated incredible efforts of national authorities, heroic health workers, civil society, local and worldwide organizations, and generous partners, etc. Bruce Aylward, MD, MPH, the WHO’s assistant director-general in charge of Ebola outbreak response, confirmed that, there are rare chances flare-ups of this disease again as virus spread has been decreased significantly from respective population. Mr. Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., Director of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) warned that, Ebola is a threat which is not so easily going to disappear especially from the areas where it had appeared before. This can be also found to be true by the two recent flare-ups in Liberia in November, although in May 2015 the nation had been declared Ebola-free. 

Ebola Virus 

Ebola is a disease caused by entry of any Ebola virus strain belonging to filoviridae family into the body. The transmission of the Ebola virus can be due to coming in the contact with the body fluids (e.g. faeces and urine, vomit, semen and sweat), or from direct contact of broken skin and mucous membranes with blood of an infected person. When virus enters into the body it multiplies and lead to harmful health effects like severe bleeding (hemorrhaging), organ failure and death. Previously it was postulated that, transmission of Ebola virus can happen via drinking-water contaminated by faeces or urine. So, for checking fecal contamination of the water resources microbiological testing of water came into existence to detect coliforms in drinking water indicating fecal contamination. But, further researched proved that the chances of surviving virus outside of the body were almost negligible. Then, further study also proved that, the virus is deactivated within few minutes of being in water.

In recent Ebola outbreak nearby 28,500 people were infected and around 11,300 died due to it. Hence, it is clear that with continuous phenomenal collective efforts by various communities the goal of Ebola-free Liberia was successfully achieved and also, 200 volunteers completed Ebola trial test. When the outbreak was observed, to control over it the US-joint Partnership for Research on Ebola Vaccines in Liberia (PREVAIL) clinical trial tests were conducted. Last week 200 of them were certified only after one year of observation confirming absence of any symptoms. This clinical trial was also a part of efforts to stop Ebola disease spread and prevent frequent outbreaks. Also, on top of it, an independent commission of 17 experts in public health, research and finance have been appointed for greater global investment in preventing future epidemics.

Don’t Blame Your Thyroid For Everything :

Thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland situated at the base of the throat, which secretes thyroid hormones that helps into maintaining body temperature,metabolism, synthesis of proteins also, helps brain, heart, muscles, liver, kidneys and other organs to perform their respective functions. Hence, it is extremely important to know proper functioning of the body’s overall well-being. Whenever there is a sudden weight gain or feeling of the restlessness, people often blame it on thyroid. These can be some of them, rightfully so. When your thyroid gland fail to release enough hormones or release excess of hormones this further causes underactive thyroid which can cause fatigue, low energy, weight gain, depression, dry skin, hair loss, constipation etc on other hand excess of thyroid secretion can cause irritability, rapid heart rate, weight loss, sleeplessness, sensitivity to heat, and diarrhoea.

Thyroid
Image Courtesy : dianeatwood.com

Unless you have done with a blood test from the best pathology labs in India for confirming your thyroid hormone levels then, chances are there that your are blaming the thyroid wrongly and the actual cause can be another medical condition. The simple blood test can able to detect how much your thyroid hormone levels deviate from the normal, especially when there is a severe imbalance. Hence, though you are suffering from the any of the symptom related to thyroid and suspicious about same then, it’s always better to consult your GP.  The cause of behind the symptoms is very important since the symptoms of thyroid abnormalities are common hence, there are large possibilities that the root cause of them may not be thyroid abnormality. According to the recent research survey conducted more than 15% of people with properly functioning thyroid showed four or more symptoms that can be associated with underactive or hyperactive secretion of the thyroid gland. So, it is obvious that above mentioned symptoms might not always attribute to the thyroid alone. 

As mentioned earlier people with the underactive thyroid levels known to report fatigue, hypothyroidism with proper medical treatment can make you feel much better. Still if no effects can be seen even after modifying thyroid levels with the help of medications then, the actual cause of fatigue can be something else. Hence, it’s not always thyroid that needs to be blamed. After confirming from physician and blood test from the diagnostic centre that thyroid levels are withing normal range then, the conditions such as sleep apnea or depression can drain you. This was just about fatigue and tiredness, the same can be applicable for other symptoms related to thyroid. Hence, don’t blame thyroid for everything. 

Kids Are Happy as No compromise on Studies While Combating Cancer.

Kids mean everything for parents and the feature of any country lies in their hands but, what if these hands only become weak if they become victim of deadly disease like cancer. In India cancer is making an easy pray to innocent children every day, without any fault of children. The most of the children who are suffering from it, belongs to low income groups so, prolong cancer treatments are not affordable to all of them. The recent statistics published by Tata Memorable Hospital (TMH) showed that, nearly 2,000 kids cancer cases registered with hospital which comprises of kids belonging to low-income families and most of these kids become frequent visitors to hospital for treatment, which can even lasts for more than six months to certain years. During this period often children need to drop out of the schools and stop further education as they become incapable of following normal routine and miss out on attendance due to hospital visits. According to TMH around 25% of cancer-affected children discontinue their treatment despite of financial help just because of disturbance in gaining education. So, to overcome such barriers TMC along with flagship of ‘ImPaCCT Foundation’ launched of new education programme.     

TATA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
Image Courtesy : dnaindia 

Understanding this need of educating these children suffering from cancer, Tata Memorial Hospital has come up with a brilliant initiative to provide education to them and help school drop outs due to treatments. This education programme has been introduce to bridge the gap of education when they are receiving treatment. One of the example of this is a Sabrin Shaikh who is currently attending chemotherapy sessions at TMH for the Burkitts Lymphoma cancer. Now her mother brought Sabrin’s brothers from village who together attends school at TMH five days a weeks which was not possible for them, even in their village. There are now six teachers which come regularly to TMH and teach children according to their ages. As younger children often given with puzzles to solve and also, encouraged to participate in artistic and creative activities. On other hand older children are learning science, mathematics, geography as well as general knowledge atleast two hours daily.

The best part of it is, when children finish their treatment and fit to return to their regular schools, a certificate has been provided to them so that, their entire year should not be missed. Also, the fact we all need to appreciate is, the programme is driven by NGOs, companies and corporates through the Corporate Social Responsibility Arm. In the end I would like to appreciate such efforts which make us belive humanity still exists withing us and also, would like to give my best wishes to TMH and ImPaCCT foundation for bringing some smile on the face of children and ultimately wining hearts of million.

Lowering Your Blood Pressure will, Prevent your Risk of Diabetes.

You know the ways to control blood pressure levels but, did you aware that, controlling blood pressure can prevent you from the risk of diabetes, heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, etc. It has been observed that, very often diabetes or pre-diabetes people focus more on controlling their blood sugar levels and forget about maintaining blood pressure and cholesterol levels. This, gave rise to series of other health problems as abnormal levels of either of it, may be glucose, blood pressure or cholesterol is linked to other complications. There are many studies or research conveying relation between diabetes and obesity as one in three diabetes patients are obese but, very less is known about the connection between high blood pressure and diabetes. But, now this fact will no longer be the same as now new research conducted suggest the connection between the two. 

Hypertension & Diabetes
Image Courtesy : dlife 

Did you know that, nearly one million die each year due to diabetes in India. Now let us see how diabetes and hypertension or high blood pressure and diabetes is interlinked to each other. Diabetes can affect arteries by blocking circulation of blood due to atherosclerosis, which further lead to increase in blood pressure. This if not detected on the time or not treated effectively then, it can induce permanent damage to blood vessels, heart attack, stroke or even kidney failure. Hence, diagnosis of diabetes from reputed diagnostic centre with out delay is necessary in order to restrict it further developing into severe complications. As compare to normal people, the individuals suffering from high blood pressure are more prone to get coronary artery disease, strokes, congestive heart failure, or peripheral vascular disease. 

The another reason why blood pressure patients acquire prevention from diabetes is due to, the medication they take for the hypertension. As most commonly used drugs to blood pressure are angiotensin receptor blockers(ARBs), beta-blockers or angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, all of these suppress activity of angiotensin which is responsible for tightening of blood vessels and blood pressure rise. Taking any one of these drugs at bedtime, rather than in the morning, reduced the risk of Type 2 diabetes by between 61% and 69%. 

Now, we will see how hypertension can cause heart disease along with diabetes. It has been observed that, blood vessels that are damage or under immense stress due to high blood pressure and further weakened by diabetes invite heart disease or stroke. Apert from this, it can also contribute to secondary complications of diabetes which include problems with nerves, extremities especially legs, eyes and even sexual behavior. Also, according to the recent research survey individual’s chances of death decreases by around 13% for each 10 mm drop in systolic (upper limit). Hence, control blood pressure for acquiring diabetes prevention. 

Everyone has secretes, is diabetes one of them? Don’t Fear Diabetes.

You can’t judge a person by just looking at him, like you can not decide whether the person is diabetic or not. In short many people try to hide their reality and try to pretend what they want to be like without realizing that, they are faking it. I feel they do this, because they do not want to show others their weakness. The fear of  misusing or taking advantage of their weak points by others build up the thoughts of insecurity in the mind which ends up into not revealing certain things. The diabetes can be one of it, at first you don’t know that you can be victim of it but, when you are diagnosed with this condition, the fear of developing complications which can affect normal way of living can be really troublesome. Hence, at first whenever comes to know about it, a diabetic patient suffers trauma and is often into immense state of shock.   

Diabetes Secret
 Image Courtesy : secretclosetmiami 

Once it has been confirmed that, now for rest of life have to deal with it’s control and complications. The mental disturbance can affect the life of individual in many aspect may be it is about career, job or about relations, bonds. It has been observed that people with diabetes often tend to find themself depressed and different from the others due to imposing of so many restrictions in order to control the diabetes. This leads to frustration so, to avoid this people often try to hide the fact that they are diabetic. 

At first biggest fear of diabetes was facing needles and syringes for blood test from pathology lab repeatedly to monitor blood glucose levels but, now due to advancements in the technology like glucometer, it has became a history so, successfully we have manage to overcome that fear. Still diabetic patients need to take insulin injection if the blood glucose levels went beyond the permissible limits. Fortunately, this does not happen repetitively. The another fear of the diabetes is following medication, as it may have side effects. So, many people who are already scared to take medicines avoids revealing that, they are suffering from such condition. Apart from it the biggest reason why people do not confront to others about their disease is because they do not want to be a financial burden on the family. The treatment and medication of it is very much expensive and many low income or lower middle class families can not afford it, creating the biggest fear in victim’s mind. All these also, has tremendous negative impact on mental as well as physical health of diabetic who’s health is already depriving due to diabetes.    

The fear has two meaning, Forget Everything And Run or Face Everything And Rise, the choice is in your hand, you hide it and put your self more into risk of the diabetes or determine yourself to find out new solutions by discussing openly with experts. 

Diwali : Delicious Dishes & a fight with Diabetes

Diwali is a Hindu festival popular in parts of south Asia especially celebrated with the lightening diyas or lanterns in front of houses, bursting of fireworks, decorating with colourful lights garlands, buying gold ornaments and sharing sweets, chocolates, etc. Therefore, this is mainly popular among the children. This festival signifies the victory of good over evil, hope over despair, knowledge over illiteracy, and love over hatred. The another most important tradition of making festival dishes especially sweets such as laddoo, barfi, shankarpali, gulabjamuns, sonpapadi, rasgulla and basundi, etc. During this festival season often people meet over lunch to enjoy it altogether all the delicious dishes keeping their diet aside.

Diwali Sweets 

All the sweets are made up of sugar which is an enemy of the diabetic patients hence, proper control over diet happens to be crucial in maintaining of the blood glucose levels. For diabetics it become difficult to refuse when they were offered sweets unknowingly. Staying away from so their cravings for long time and watching others enjoying the same, leads to urge of eating them. Controlling this temptation to eat can even cause depression and irritability. Many times when control is lost then people end up eating lot of high calories, fat and sugar containing food items. This can induce some health problems so, most of the healthcare professionals suggest to undergo blood testing to check blood sugar levels. It is important to check the levels before and after the festival season. If the levels are slightly higher then, can be control by means of exercise and diabetic diet. Hence, calculation of the calories per day is important which will be helpful in celebrating this festival with all the enthusiasm. Following are the few tips on celebrating Diwali with out inviting the risk of diabetes. 

Use artificial sweeteners : This is the best option to enjoy every moment of the festival and if sweets are made using artificial sweeteners then, any one can have it without hesitation. 

Use low fat milk : By using low fat milk to make sweets like basundi, can achieve both the purpose of enjoyment of the taste and keeping control over sugar intake. 

Eat more baked food : Generally, during the festival time we often have heavy meals, so eating baked food is really healthy and can easily be digested as it does not contain excess of fats. 

Don’t forgot to try out some moves : Dancing is the best therapy which anyone can choose this season as one can witness lots of Diwali parties going on many places. This will definitely help you to burn few calories. 

Include non-starchy vegetables in your diet : This option is always beneficial for the health, not only during the festive season but for the entire life. These vegetables contain fibers which can help in digestion. 

Strictly avoid alcohol : You celebrate each and every moment of Diwali but, don’t make drinking alcohol a part of it. This can lead to a destruction in your celebration as there are high chances of getting carried away and spoiling not just your’s but every ones Diwali. 

Cook with Olive oil : The Olive oil contains monounsaturated fatty acids which are actually considered as a healthy dietary fat. Hence, use olive oil for cooking to keep up your wellness. 

Let’s this Diwali fulfill your home with healthy living and God’s blessings. 

Quench the thirst for fitness : 5 Health Risks To Watch Out For This Diwali :

Quench the thirst for fitness :

 5 Health Risks To Watch Out For This Diwali : The festival of joy, lights and firecrackers brings in all the goodness with it but, sadly something good or auspicious is often followe...