Afghanistan and UNICEF Role in Health Services | Health crisis amid uncertainty and instability

Children after crisis in Afghanistan 

Overview 

Recent developments or national uncertainty developed in Afghanistan have taken heavy deaths and injuries on Afghan children and their families. Long running humanitarian crisis has become triple crisis; recent escalation in conflict, covid-19 and drought has cause whole health system to fail to operate smoothly.

Afghans are experiencing a very bad psychological condition. They are feeling tremendous fear and their health condition is getting worse and and worse.

Although already Afghanistan was most dangerous places in Asia in context of health facilities, recent escalation in conflict has  intensified emergency situations of public health.

The combined impact of insecurity, internal displacement, poverty, covid-19, water scarcity is being felt by the most vulnerable: children including children with disabilities, women including pregnant women and elderly.

Baby ,child and mother are vulnerable. The access to a hospital or health facility is far beyond the reach of most of Afgans.

Afghanistan has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the world and thousands of Afghan women die every year from pregnancy-related causes. This condition is worsen by the  current uncertainty as Taliban militants captured the country.

The current uncertainty facing nation also has made uncertainty on health facilities, immunization for children, maternity care, international projects working there to assist health and other social sectors.

Now its time to see how UNICF performs its duty during this turmoil condition. Afghanistan uncertainty pose a threat to reach every child for their immunization, their nourishment and treatment .

Role of UNICEF for child and mother health in Afghanistan:

UNICEF with its office has completed more than half century on ground of Afghanistan to assist most vulnerable, especially child and mother.

So, UNICEF is a key organ in Afghanistan’s health system. It is continuing to work with its partners to support children and their families across the country. Despite the instability of the past few weeks, UNICEF is providing its services in most affected areas. It is trucking safe water to areas affected by drought.

Despite uncertainty and instability in Afghanistan UNICEF has committed to continue its work for children and families across the nation. As the lead United Nations agency  UNICEF wants yo reach to children who needs health support in hardest area without any obstacles from conflicting parties. For its humanitarian works , UNICEF is advocating with all parties to conflict for safe and unhindered access, in line with the Core commitment for children in Humanitarian Action, so that they can deliver much needed support to the Afghan population.

UNICEF wants to strengthen health facilities by providing training and essential newborn care equipment and deploying qualified health personnels .

Millions of people are under needs os essential services, including health, lifesaving vacation against polio and measles ,nutrition, protection,shelter, water and sanitation. UNICEF therefore increasing its lifesaving programmes for children and women- including through the delivery of health, nutrition and water services to displaced families.

As a lead of United Nations, UNICF  in Afghanistan is continuing its work through conflict and COVID-19. It is also calling  to end attacks on children. It is advocating for hard-won girls rights ,including access to education. It requests all conflicting parties to establish peace and security for children.

UNICEF recently has predicted that more than 18 million people including 10 million children are under needs of humanitarian assistance.  Organization also has predicted that 1 million children under age of 5 will be severely malnourished by the end of 2021.

UNICEF has also expressed its concerns over reports of escalating grave violation, including children being recruited by armed groups.

Challenges to UNICEF to run health programme in remote villages:

Recent developments in Afghanistan has added more challenges to UNICEF. It has following challenges:

• To reach remote areas to support vacation programmes

• To assist  vaccination for pregnant women to prevent nine disease

• To run child nutrition programmes in remote areas

• To run mobile health camp in needed areas

• To support specialised maternity " waiting homes and rooms " programme among vulnerable group in remote villages. 

Thyroxine(T4) and Triiodothyronine(T3) Impacts on Health | Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism

Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3) Impacts on Health 

Thyroid testing 

Overview:

Thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) are thyroid hormones secreted by thyroid gland. Disturbance of these hormones causes wide range of health problems in the body.

Thyroid gland is one of the largest of the endocrine glands ,weighing 15 to 20 grams in adults. The gland is located immediately below the larynx on each side of and anterior to the trachea . The gland resembles a butterfly in shape, consisting two lobes one on either side of trachea.

The thyroid gland synthesize hormones that help control many vital functions of the body. It produces two major hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine(T3). Thyroid gland also secretes calcitonin which is important for calcium metabolism.

T3 is about four times as potent as thyroxine,but it is present in the blood in much smaller quantities and persists for a much shorter time compared with thyroxine.

Nearly about 93 % of metabolically active hormones secreted by the thyroid gland is thyroxine and  7 % triiodothyronine forms.

Both of these two hormones, T4 and T3 increase the metabolic rate of the body. The secretion of thyroid hormones is mostly controlled by the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) from pituitary gland. Normally level T4 and T3 remain at certain range keeping basal metabolic rate at normal level. As secretion of thyroid hormone increases or decreases , there occurs bad impacts on entire body.

Thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) are essential for normal growth and development of the body especially of the nervous system and skeletal. T4 and T3 hormones play vital roles byv regulating metabolism of carbohydrates,proteins and fats. So ,T4 and T3 affect most of cells of the body by increasing metabolic rate and heat production. Along with it T4 and T3  have physiological influence on the heart, skeletal muscles, skin, digestive and reproductive system.

If secretion of thyroid hormone exceed normal level, it is called hyperthyroidism. If secretion decreases and thyroid hormone levels in blood comes below normal level, it is called hypothyroidism.

Regulations of secretion of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) :

Regulation of T4 and T3 

Regulation of secretion of T4 and T3 is a vital phenomenon to keep balanced stage of basal metabolism and to maintain health.

Regulation of secretion of T4 and T3 take place as following:

• Thyroid releasing hormone (TRH) produced from hypothalamus stimulates to produce thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)

• Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) produced from pituitary gland stimulates to produce thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).

• As blood level of T4 and T3 raised above the  normal level, it passes an signal to hypothalamus to inhibit(stop) production of thyroid releasing hormone (TRH) and to pituitary gland to inhibit secretion of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH )

• During metabolism use of hormones by most of the body cells make lower the level of T4 and T3 in the blood.

•  As level of T4 and T3 in the blood comes below the normal level, this condition passes signal to hypothalamus to stimulate secretion of thyroid releasing hormone (TRH) which again stimulate the pituitary gland to secret thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH stimulates to thyroid gland to secrete T4 and T3 . In this way regulation of T4 and T3 takes place as well designed mechanism.

• Exercise, stress, malnutrition, low level glucose,sleep may stimulates hypothalamus to secrete TRH which stimulates pituitary gland to produce TSH. As mentioned above TSH stimulates thyroid gland to produce T4 and T3.

In case any faults occur in this regulation of secretion mechanism, secretion of T4 and T3 whether more than normal or very lower than normal.  If secretion occurs more than need it is called hyperthyroidism and  if no secretion occurs or less secretion occurs than need it is called hypothyroidism. Commonly people say thyroid occur.

Hypothyroidism:

Thyroid problems are most occurring problems among endocrine problems. Iodine deficiency and neonatal hypothyroidism remain major challenges for public health in developing countries.  And another frequent cause of thyroid dysfunction is autoimmunity, where the follicular gland structure is destroyed by autoreactive T cells.

Primary hypothyroidism is confirmed by performing biochemical diagnosis . In primary hypothyroidism a high serum TSH and a low free T4  are found . In autoimmune hypothyroidism thyroid peroxidase autoantibodies is found along with high serum TSH and a low free T4 .

The prevalence of hypothyroidism in white populations is around 2 percent in women and 0.2 percent in man . The rate is lower in Asia and black populations.

Common effects of  decreased secretion of T4 and T3 hormones ( Hyperthyroidism):

• Decreased basal metabolic rate. Comlete lack of thyroid secretion usually causes the basal metabolic rate to fall 40 to 50 % below normal.

• Depression, psychosis, mental slowness, lethargy

•  Dry skin, brittle hair

•  Bradycardia

• Dry cold skin, prone to hypothermia

• Costipation

• Weight gain, anorexia

Causes of Hypothyroidism :

Primary causes:

• Iodine deficiency

• Autoimmune hypothyroidism

• Hashimoto's thyroiditis

• Primary myxoedema

• latrogenic treatment

• Subtotal or total thyroidectomy

• External irradiation for  treatment of lymphoma or cancer involving the neck

• Drugs like

1. lodine-containing contrast media
2. Amiodarone
3. Lithium 
4. Antithyroid drugs
5. p-Aminosalicylic acid
6. Interferon-a and other cytokines
7. Aminoglutethimide
8.  Tyrosine kinase inhibitors

• Congenital hypothyroidism

• Absent or ectopic thyroid gland

• Dyshormonogenesis

• TSH receptor mutation

• Destructive thyroiditis

• Postpartum thyroiditis

• Silent thyroiditis

• Subacute thyroiditis

•  Infiltrative disorders

•  Amyloidosis

• Sarcoidosis

• Haemochromatosis

• Scleroderma

• Cystinosis

• Riedel's thyroiditis

• Consumptive hypothyroidism due to increased type 3 deiodinase expression

Secondary causes

• Hypopituitarism

• Pituitary tumours

• Trauma (head injury)

•  Pituitary surgery or irradiation

• Infiltrative disorders

• Infarction

•  Isolated TSH deficiency or inactivity

• Hypothalamic disease

Hyperthyroidism and Thyrotoxicosis

Hypothyroidism occurs when thyroid  gland release excessive amount T4 and T3 that is more than normal level. Hyperthyroidism occurs in Graves' disease, inflammation of the thyroid or in benign tumor of thyroid.

Thyrotoxicosis is the condition that occurs due to excessive thyroid hormone. Hyperthyroidism exists when thyrotoxicosis is caused by thyroid overactivity.  It should be noted that there are many types of thyrotoxicosis that are not caused by hyperthyroidism. It is obvious that thyrotoxicosis may occur due to administration of excessive T4.

Causes of Thyrotoxicosis

Primary hyperthyroidism

• Graves' disease

• Toxic multinodular goitre

• Toxic adenoma

• Drugs: iodine excess , lithium, amiodarone

(type 1 amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis)

• Thyroid carcinoma or functioning metastases

• Activating mutation of the TSH receptor

• Activating mutation of the Gsa protein

• Struma ovarii (ectopic thyroid tissue)

Thyrotoxicosis without hyperthyroidism

• Ingestion of excess thyroid hormone (factitious -thyrotoxicosis)

• Subacute thyroiditis

• Silent thyroiditis

• Other causes of thyroid destruction: amiodarone (type 2 amiodarone

induced thyrotoxicosis),  or external irradiation (acute effect), in-

farction of an adenoma

Secondary hyperthyroidism

• TSH-secreting pituitary tumour

• Chorionic gonadotropin-secreting tumours

• Gestational thyrotoxicosis

• Thyroid hormone resistance

Common effects of  decreased secretion of T4 and T3 hormones(Hyperthyroidism

• Increased basal metabolic rate . Extreme excesses of thyroid secretion may increase the basal metabolic rate to 60 to 100% above normal.

• Anxiety, physical restlessness, mental excitability

• Hair loss

• Tachycardia, palpitation, atrial fibrillation

• Warm sweaty skins, heat intolerance

• Diarrhea

• Weight loss, good appetite

• Exophthalmos in Graves' disease . Most people with hyperthyroidism exhibit some degree of protrusion of the eyeballs,

• Muscle weakness

• Tremor of the hands.

• Nervousness 

Vitamins for Women: Role of vitamins during pregnancy

Sources of vitamins 

Vitamins for Women 

Everyone needs vitamins and nutrients for good health. Some people take vitamins through diet and some take it in other ways. The use of vitamins is important and cannot be ignored.  Men and women have different nutritional needs.  Women need more vitamins at one age.  Women need more nutrition than men.  

The need for nutrition changes in different stages of a woman's life. All kinds of nutritious food and diverse diet are very important for a woman.  A woman has to go through various stages of her life like puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth. For which she needs extra vitamin intake. At any stage, a specific group of vitamins is needed to keep healthy and active. Pregnant women need more vitamins than other women.  For these changes in life, a woman needs proper care and a healthy diet, which can provide all the necessary nutrition for the body.

Although all vitamins are essential for healthy life, the following vitamins are very important for women:

Vitamin B12 

Vitamin B12 has play vital roles to create DNA, to nourish the brain and nervous system ;and to assist for formation of healthy red blood cells. 

It is an important vitamin which helps to convert your food into glucose and helps to generate energy in the body.  A woman needs a lot of energy for her body. It boosts your metabolism and keeps you healthy and active.

Vitamin B12 deficiency in the early stages of pregnancy of woman increases the risk of neural tube birth defects and low birth weight. Deficiency of vitamin B12 also may cause miscarriage or premature birth.

There is more probability to have child with birth defects if mother has low levels of vitamin B12 during pregnancy. 

Folic acid 

Folic acid is a kind of vitamin B called folate. 

If a woman is thinking of getting pregnant or is pregnant, she needs folic acid.  This is very important for pregnant women.  This vitamin play important role in the production of red blood cells and reduces the risk of neurological problems in brain and spinal cord and any other chronic disease.  This vitamin is very important for a woman and her baby to keep them healthy. 

In context of embryonic development, baby's brain and spinal cord starts to develop early stage of pregnancy. So, it is important to begin to have folic acid regularly from early stages of pregnancy. There is more probability of occurring birth defects within 3-4 weeks of pregnancy. 

In absence of proper amount of folic acid in mother's body during pregnancy, baby's neural tube may not close correctly and they could develop neural problems called nural tube defects. 

These include:

• Incomplete development of the spinal cord or vertebrae called Spina bifida

• Incomplete development of major parts of the brain called Anencephaly

The daily requirement of folic acid for all women of child-bearing age is 400 mcg. For fourth to ninth months of pregnancy women need 600 mcg daily.

Taking recommended dose of folic acid during pregnancy may also protect baby against:

• Lip and palate cleft

• Premature birth

• Low birth weight

• Miscarriage

• Poor growth in the womb

Vitamin K 

More women than men die of heart attacks and other heart diseases.  Vitamin K plays a vital role to reduces the risk of heart disease and keeps the heart healthy.  That is why every woman should include vitamin K in her diet.  It increases bone strength and also facilitates blood circulation.

Vitamin K deficiency may lead to hemorrhage in mother and baby. Haemorrhage occurs due to reduce levels of prothrombin which depends on vitamin K during blood coagulation. As blood clotting take long time excessive bleeding takes place both in mother and baby.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is vital to regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body. It is well known fact that calcium and phosphate are needed to keep bones,teeth and muscles healthy. 

So, vitamin D is one of the most important vitamins.  It boosts and protects your immune system.  In addition, it makes you stronger physically and mentally.  Many women are suffering from vitamin D deficiency. It is thought that  vitamin D deficiency can also increase the risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes and asthma.  To be healthy, women need to take 10 mcg of vitamin D every day.

Human bodies make vitamin D through exposure of skin  to sunlight. 

Covid-19 and Diabetes | New diabetes cases linked to COVID-19 c

Covid-19 patients with diabetes 

Covid-19 and Diabetes 

Covid-19 emerged as a worldwide disaster 

Since its outbreak in December 2019,the covid-19 caused by SARS-COV-2 has spread to more than 210 nations, affecting over 212.14 million individuals and inflicting 4.43 million fatalities globally. Although the overall mortality rate is nearly 2%, people with diabetes mellitus ( DM) tend to have more severe disease, acute respiratory distress syndrome and increased fatality .

Here we discuss two aspects of covid-19 in context of diabetes: First is complications of covid-19 in people with diabetes and ; second is development of new diabetes in people after SARS-COV-2 infection. Second type of effect is called diabetogenic effect of COVID-19.

Complications of  COVID-19 in patients with diabetes mellitus

Clinical data collected from different hospitals in the world has suggested that covid-19 has more serious complications in the patients with diabetes than in non diabetic patients. But it is not proved yet that people with diabetes are more likely to get infected with SARS-COV-2 than the general population. Although clinical data prior to this covid-19 pandemic has shown that people with diabetes are more likely to have more severe symptoms and complications when infected with any virus.

The risk of being serious illness due to Covid-19 can  be reduced by well managing diabetes of patients. It is also found that diabetes along with heart disease or other underlying health conditions increase the risk of being severely ill from covid-19. More than one underlying health conditions makes it harder for covid-19 patients to fight against infections.

Diabetogenic effect of COVID-19

Although it can't be proved yet, clinical data collected from different hospitals in the worldwide and different studies conducted by  experts showed diabetogenic effect of COVID-19 in some people who have not history of diabetes mellitus. Thus the growing evidence suggests that SARS-COV-2 infection might cause new diabetes mellitus in some people. This diabetogenic effects of covid-19 may pose threats in large population during this covid-19 pandemic.  Now many researchers have engaged to find exact mechanism of development diabetes due to Covid-19.

Here are some findings that say some new diabetes cases are linked to covid-19 :

Finding 1:

• In England,  one study tracked 4700 people admitted to hospital for treatment of  covid-19 before August 2020. Researchers kept contiue to follow their health regularly. Seven months after discharged from hospital 5% of people were found developing new diabetes mellitus.

• Researchers also revealed that people who had been admitted hospitals with covid-19 were 1.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes mellitus after their discharge than people of the same age and background who hadn't been admitted in hospital with covid-19.

Finding 2

• In Wuhan, China, the elevated blood sugar level was found in patients with covid-19 in early January 2020.

Finding 3

• During pandemic doctors in Italy observed association between SARS-COV-2 infection and onset of diabetes

Finding 4

• The association of SARS infection and onset of  diabetes was seen in past.

All findings showed one common point that new diabetes cases during this pandemic are linked to covid-19. It hasn't clearly been understood exactly how covid-19 triggers type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes  or whether the  cases are temporary or permanent.

Vitamin K and Heart Health | Vitamins reduces the risk of heart disease

 

Heart and coronary artery 

Do you have vitamin K rich foods in your diet?

Heart disease is one of the most leading causes of death worldwide.  Poor lifestyle, lack of nutrition in the diet, physical inactivity and smoking habits are found to cause problems like heart disease at an early age. 

Researchers seeking treatment for these problems have recently made a big claim in a study.  According to scientists, taking vitamin K reduces the risk of heart disease (conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels) associated with atherosclerosis in humans.  Atherosclerosis is caused by narrowing of the arteries (arteriosclerosis) and the formation of fat, cholesterol and other substances inside it, which can lead to heart disease in humans.  In a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, scientists found that taking vitamin K reduced the risk of such problems.  Vitamin K can be easily obtained from many diets in daily life.

For the study, scientists examined data from more than 50,000 people over a 23-year period. 

Scientists tried out to find out that people who consume excessive amounts of vitamin K-rich foods can reduce the risk of heart disease associated with atherosclerosis.

The study found that people who ate a diet high in vitamin K1 had a 21 percent lower risk of being hospitalized for heart disease related to atherosclerosis.  Thus, people who take vitamin K2 have a 14 percent lower risk.

Vitamin K1 and K2 are both beneficial for the body

According to experts, both types of vitamins can be obtained from food.  The first vitamin K1 is obtained mainly from green leafy vegetables and vegetable oils and vitamin K2 is found in foods such as meat, eggs and cheese.  Dr. Nicola Bondono, senior author of the study, says that people who overdose on vitamins have a lower risk of atherosclerosis and other types of cardiovascular disease.  The amount of vitamin K1 in the diet that people eat every day is found to be high, but vitamin K2 is often deficient. 'However, this study found that taking both vitamins is beneficial in protecting against heart disease.

What do researchers say about this?

Vitamin-K can help prevent the formation of calcium in the major arteries of the body.  This unnecessary construction increases the risk of heart disease.  Recently, researchers say that more research is needed to fully understand the process.  Researcher at the University of Western Australia, Dr Jamie Bowling says "heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide,".  This study highlights the importance of vitamin K in reducing the risk of this dangerous disease. 'Health experts also need to pay attention to this.'

How to get Vitamin K1 and K2?

According to dieticians, Vitamin K1 and K2 can be easily obtained in daily diet.  Cooked spinach, mustard greens, cooked spinach and mustard greens, cooked black, cooked knot greens, cauliflower leaves, dried basil and soybean oil are rich in vitamin K1.  Similarly, K2 can be obtained from chicken meat, blue cheese, cheese, dairy products etc.

Superfatation pregnancy | pregnancy over pregnancy

Superfatation baby

Can a woman get a fetus again while she is pregnant?  How would you react if you had to re-implant a fetus in the womb a few weeks into your pregnancy?  In medical language it is also called superfatation pregnancy or double pregnancy.

Concisely to say superfatation is a second new pregnancy during initial pregnancy. It is extremely rare in human and common some genus of animals.

What is superfatation pregnancy?

In a superfatation pregnancy, a woman's ovum (egg) produced during initial pregnancy get fertilized by sperm and second embryo implanted in the womb some days later than first one. Actually this may happen in the first few weeks of pregnancy.  According to experts, the second pregnancy can cause problems.  In many cases, newborns may also be malnourished.

Superfetus not twins

Having twins and being superfatation are two different situations.  When a woman carries two  embryos at a time, it is called twin pregnancy.  While in superfatation, a woman becomes pregnant again a few weeks after implanting first embryo in the womb.  The case of superfetus is most common in species such as fish and crocodiles.  People are less likely to have it.

Are both babies born at the same time?

Even if the embryos are transplanted at different times, the delivery is at the same time.  If there is a long time difference in the pregnancy of the fetus, the risk is higher during childbirth.  If another fetus is delivered before 37 weeks, the baby may be malnourished.

Why is superfetus considered unique?

In fact, when a woman becomes pregnant, the body's reproductive hormones stop working completely.  Due to which the egg is unable to work.  That is why superfatation is considered a unique phenomenon.

Which woman is more likely to have this?

According to experts, women undergoing IVF, fertility treatment or hormone treatment are more likely to have superfatation.  Because their ovaries are already ready for the baby.  Likewise, having sex during pregnancy can increase the risk of fetal problems.

Complications of superfatation

- Problems breathing after childbirth

- Problems of low birth weight in newborns

- Difficulty feeding the baby

- Bleeding in the brain

- Having breathing problems due to underdeveloped lungs

Old Age| Changes in body with ageol

 

Old age caring

At the age of 50, the body undergoes many changes.  At this age, the body is weakening and many parts of the body are not able to function as before.  Let's learn about the changes seen in the body after the age of 50 and what the lifestyle should be like at this age to stay healthy.

1.  Effects on the brain

At the age of 50, brain function also increases.  However, around the age of 55, the memory gradually begins to weaken due to stress in the mind.  At this age, you need to follow the Mediterranean diet to improve your memory.  For example: Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, pomegranates and healthy fats.  However, menopause at this age in women causes many types of hormonal changes that affect their mood.  Many people at this age become depressed due to illness.  So keep yourself active and keep yourself busy with some work.  You should not stop exercising.

2.  Weakened immune system

At this age, the immune system begins to weaken, and the cells that fight infection become less active.  This increases the risk of contracting the flu, pneumonia and tetanus.  This age should be vaccinated against the flu.

3.  Effects on hearing

Forty percent of people at  this age have hearing loss.  The effects of diseases such as high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes also reduce hearing after a certain age.  If you also have such a problem, contact a doctor and get checked.

4.  Effects on bones

As you grow older, your bones begin to weaken.  At this age, the risk of cell rupture increases.  You should eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D at this time.  Exercise to strengthen the bones.

5.  Effects on muscles and joints

Age affects most muscles.  Your physical strength begins to weaken.  It is advisable to exercise with training to strengthen it.  This will increase your muscle density and balance.  Joint pain is also a big problem at this age.

6.  Cardiac effects

The risk of heart attack increases with age.  Exercise should be done to prevent this.  To avoid this, walk 30 minutes every day.  Control your blood pressure to prevent weight gain.  If you smoke, stay away from cigarettes after this age.

7.  Effects on hair and skin

At this age the hair becomes white, thin and very weak.  The effect of age is especially evident in men's hair.  However, there is nothing to worry about.  You can also color it if you want.  During this time, the skin may become scarred and rough.  The risk of skin cancer also increases.  So do not ignore any problem and do not forget to contact the doctor in time.

8.  Effects on the eyes

If you have to focus on your eyes while reading something, it means that age has an effect on your eyes as well.  Well, people often need glasses at this time.  Check your eyes regularly.  Testing - At this age the risk of developing many types of disease increases.  Therefore, tests should be done for colon cancer, mammogram test, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.  Do not ignore any of the symptoms and tell your doctor if there is a genetic disease in the home.  They may also suggest some other tests.

Signs of Heart Attack in Women

Heart Attack patient

 

Overview of Heart Attack in Women 

Mostly heart attack occurs when arteries carrying oxygenated blood to heart muscle get blocked. The blockage of coronary arteries occurs mostly due to fatty deposits or plaques. Blockage of oxygenated blood to heart muscle causes damage to heart muscles leading to stop heart pump. 

 

The most common signs and symptoms of attack is chest pain or discomfort which may travel into the shoulder, arm back neck or jaw. Chest pain often occurs in the center or left side of the chest and lasts for more than a few minutes. Heart attack is also known as myocardial infarction in clinical language.

 

The risk of heart disease is increasing rapidly worldwide. Men are more likely than women to have a heart attack, which is completely wrong. In addition, we hear that men have heart attacks after the age of 40 and women after the age of 45. But, there is no age for heart attack. Whether it's 25 years old or 45, anyone can have a heart attack. In United States, at every 40 seconds one person has a heart attack.

 

One of the major symptoms of a heart attack is chest pain, but according to a recent research report from the Cleveland Clinic Medical Center in the United States, there are many symptoms of a heart attack that are seen in women.   

 

Let's discuss warning signs and symptoms of Heart Attack in Women

 

Sign and symptoms connected heart attack are not same in all people. Some people have mild pain while others have more severe pain . Some people have no symptoms. Some have sudden cardiac arrest.

 

Some heart attacks strike suddenly, but in most of cases people have warming signs and symptoms hours, days or weeks in advance. These warning signs and symptoms might be recurrent chest pain or chest pressure angina or chest discomfort.

 

Chest Pain or Chest Discomfort

 

Uncomfortable pressure, deep pain, tightness in the centre or left side of the chest is a main warning signs of heart attack. The pains spread to neck, jaws or back of body and it last within few minutes and may come back again.

 

Dizziness and shortness of breath

 

Dizziness and difficulty breathing are common symptoms of a heart attack. However, according to the latest reports, dizziness is also considered a common symptom in women. Therefore, it is important to be cautious.

 

Discomfort upper areas of the body

 

Heartburn in chest and pain and discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach are another signs and symptoms connected heart attack.

 

Cold Sweating

 

Cold sweating is a normal process of sweating. But women have been found to have cold sweats many times during heart attacks. If you have a cold sweat, it is important to contact a doctor immediately.

 

Feeling very tired / Fatigue

 

Person has relaxed a lot but she is constantly feeling tired and she doesn't even feel that she can get up and walk 10 steps, it can also be a symptom of a heart attack.

Note if any sign or symptoms have seen in you body you should visit to doctor as soon as possible

Heart Attack symptoms 

Heart attack risk factors

 

There are certain factors that contribute heart attacks in people. Although we cannot escape from some factors like age, gene factor, we can eliminate or reduce some factors effect in our body. Reduction or elimination of such factors reduces the chance of heart attack.

Heart attack factors are age, high blood pressure, tobacco, high blood cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, family history of heart attacks, stress, lack of physical activity, illicit drug use, history of preeclampsia, and autoimmune condition

Prevention of heart attack

 

Although we can't completely prevent heart, we can reduce the chance of heart attack by applying certain medical measures. These measures are :

 

Medications :

 

Taking medicine at right time can reduce the chance of heart attack and save the heart muscle from being damaged. Person with possible heart attack should continue to take what doctor prescribes

 

Lifestyle :

You know that your life styles always determine your health status. So everyone should maintain healthy weight with heart healthy diet to reduce the probability of heart attack. Don't smoke, do exercise regularly, manage stress, keep control over blood pressure, blood cholesterol levels and diabetes to prevent possible heart attack

Alzheimer’s Disease | Memory Impairment Causes and Symptoms

 

Alzheimer’s Disease Patient

Overview of Alzheimer’s disease 

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disorder which is associated with a progressive loss of structure and function of neurones that leads to neuronal death. 

The neurodegenerative disorder results in impairment of the person’s memory and ability to perform daily activities The most common early symptom is difficulty in remembering recent events. The disease causes deterioration in memory, thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday activities.  

Briefly to say Alzheimer's disease is a most common form of dementia and it may contribute 60-70% cases of dementia.  

Alzheimer's disease is becoming a major health issue in the world. It us an ever-increasing challenge as the population ages and life expectancy increases. 

The statistical data are alarming, with an average of one person losing memory due to Alzheimer's disease every three seconds in the world. In the past years only had Alzheimer's disease but these days young and middle aged people are also victims of the disease.

Alzheimer's disease and related dementias have affected over 50 million persons worldwide.

Statistical data shows that the number of persons with Alzheimer's disease has been increasing and it is estimated that the number of people suffering from this disease will increase by 70 million by 2030.

Alzheimer's disease at a glance: 

Alzheimer’s Disease at glance

What is Alzheimer's disease?

Alzheimer's disease is a brain killer which kills brain cells causing deterioration in memory,thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday activities. It is also called neurodegenerative disease as it is a brain related problem. This disease causes constant damage to the brain cells. The disease presents with varying combinations of progressive cognitive, emotional, motor, autonomic, and peripheral symptoms and clinical signs. Loss of memory is devastating.

Causes of Alzheimer's Disease 

Data shows that age is the most important overall risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. Prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease is 0.5 % at the age of 60 and it is 40% at the age of 90.

Thus age increases a person's risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Similarly, data says that nearly 70 percent of Alzheimer's diseases are caused by heredity. Thus genetic factor main factors for Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, high blood pressure, head injuries, obesity, etc. can also cause Alzheimer's disease.

Sign and symptoms connected to Alzheimer's disease

The sign and symptoms linked to Alzheimer's disease are :

•  Impairment of episodic memory in which patients forget recently completed activities or events.

• Decreased ability to think . 

•  Changes in behavior.

• Difficult in speaking and repeat same words many times.

• As the disease becomes severe, person cannot recognize people around him/her.

•  At severe stage person loses the ability to do every day task.

Note that the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease worsen over time.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease 

Stages of Alzheimer's disease

The different stages of Alzheimer’s disease are summaries of the changes in abilities typically seen in persons with the disease.

Usually Alzheimer's disease starts silently and slowly, with the change in structure and function of neurones that begins years before anyone notices a disorder in a person.

On the basis of the changes in abilities typically seen in persons with the disease, main stages of disease have been described as:

1. Early or Preclinical Stage AD

During this stage the changes in structure and function of neurones due to Alzheimer’s disease are happening slowly but the patients is not showing signs of disorders. During this stage persons with Alzheimer's disease function at high level, so it cannot be diagnosed. This stage can last for years or decades. At this stage brain imaging shows deposits amyloid protein in the brain. This deposits of amyloid protein interferes with the brain's communication system.

2. Mild Stage of AD

During this stage , signs and symptoms connected to Alzheimer's disease begin to be noticeable. Person with mild Alzheimer’s disease:

• Forgets recently happened or informed events, places, names or informations

• Feels difficulty in finding right words to speak.

• Has confusion about time and place

•  Repeats the same questions over and over

•  Has difficulty in solving problems

•  Takes longer to time to complete normal daily activities

• Feels difficulty in completing complicated tasks such as managing money and paying bills

• Loses or misplaces the object

•  Experiences chane in personality

Most of person with mild Alzheimer’s disease have no problem recognizing familiar faces and can usually travel to familiar places

3. Moderate Stage of AD

During this stage, person with AD require assistance. Person with AD in this stage: 

•  Has increased memory loss and confusion. Often forgets events or details about his/her own life

•  Has shot-term memory

•  Feels some difficulty in recognizing friends and family members

•  Has difficulty in carrying out multi-step tasks.  

• May need some help with self-care ,such as bathing, showering and toileting

•  May need help choosing proper dress and may need help putting clothes in right place

•  Experiences more changes in personality including being agitated ,acting out

•  Wanders from his/her living place

4. Moderately Severe Stage of AD

During this stage, person with moderately severe AD :

• Has significant confusion in recognizing his or children or spouse or other family members.

• Loses skills in dressing, bathing and toileting

• Has sleep disturbance

5. Severe Stage of AD

During this severe stage, person with AD :

•  Has almost total memory loss  

• Needs help with all basic daily activities

• Completely unaware of his or her surroundings

•  Begins a decline in ability to sit up,walk and eat without assistance

•  Loses weight

6. Very Severe Stage of AD

During very severe stage of disease, the person:

•  Loses the ability to communicate. Speech becomes limited to a few words .

•  Forgets how to swallow  

• Loses the ability to control bladder and bowel function.

•  Develops skin infections

Management of patients with Alzheimer’s disease and prognosis of Disorders  

The management of a patient with Alzheimer’s disease involves many  

sensitive issues. It is very important humanitarian job to provide medical and psychological support to patients as well as to their families and carers. During the

progression of the disease there will be different goals at different stages, ranging from aiding failing cognitive function in the setting of independent living, to managing behavioural problems and aggression, and eventually to providing full supportive nursing care.

There is great variation in the rate of progression, but depending on

the age and stage of disease at diagnosis, on average, patients spend several years in the mild or minimal stages (although it can be as long as 5–10 years), between 4 and 5 years in the moderate disease stages, and, depending on the quality of care in the dependent stages, a year or more requiring full nursing care.

Nonpharmacological treatment of Alzheimer’s disease 

The mainstay of treatment is social support and increasing assistance with day-to-day activities. Depending on individual circumstances, symptoms, and disease stage, there may be different requirements for the support . All these supports are nonpharmacological treatment.

Nonpharmacological treatment or support includes:

• information and education

• diet, exercise, mental activity

• carer support groups

• community dementia team, including home nursing and personal care

• community services (e.g. meals-on-wheels, community transport services)

• access to dementia charities

• sitter service

• day centre

• respite care

• residential/nursing home

• palliative care

How to avoid Alzheimer's disease 

There is no definitive way to prevent Alzheimer's disease. Scientists are still researching it. However, the risk of Alzheimer's can be reduced by controlling the risk of heart disease, cholesterol, obesity and diabetes. In addition, regular exercise from a young age can reduce the risk of Alzheimer's. 

Marburg virus Disease: Deadly Marburg virus infected case reported for first time in West African countries Guinea

Marburg virus 

 

About Marburg virus 

On 9 August 2021, WHO published a news about outbreak  of Marburg virus disease (MVD) in Guinea, a west African country. According to WHO news , on 6 August 2021 , the Ministry of Guinea informed WHO of a confirmed case of Marburg virus disease in Guinea. It is also said that case of  Marburg virus disease is the  first in Guinea and in West Africa.

Marburg virus Disease was first documented in 1967 in Marburg and Frankfurt in Germany,  and in Belgrade, Serbia.

Marburg virus disease is a viral haemorrhagic fever caused by Marburg virus or Ravn virus .

It is also known as Marburg haemorrhagic fever. 

Both Marburg and Ebola viruses are the members of Filoviridae family or filovirus.

Clinical features of disease is very similar to the disease caused by Ebola. So disease is diagnosed by doing RT-PCR test in lab.

Marburg virus causes severe viral haemorrhagic fever in humans, often become fatal illness in humans. The average Marburg virus disease case fatality rate is around 50 percent. Data on past outbreak of MVD showed case fatality rate variation from 24 % to 88% depending on the strain of virus and case management.

Mode of transmission of Marburg virus

Marburg virus transmitts to people from bats and then spreads among humans through human-to-human transmission via direct contact (through broken skin or mucous) with the blood ,secretions or body fluids of infected people .

Transmission of  virus remains more probable to health workers while treating Marburg virus disease patients due to lack of practicing infection control precautions .

Direct contact with deceased body during burial ceremonies can contribute in transmission of Marburg virus. Note that people remains infectious as long as their blood contains the virus.

Sign and symptoms of Marburg virus disease

The sign and symptoms of Marburg virus disease is very similar to Ebola virus disease.

The time period from infection to onset of symptoms which we called incubation period is 2 to 21 days.  Marburg virus disease begins with high fever, severe headache, severe malaise, muscle aches. Abdominal pain and cramping, severe diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting are also common symptoms which are mostly observed from third day of infection.

As patients reached to severe stage of disease bleeding occurs in multiple areas body . Many patients develops such haemorrhagic stage between 5 to 7 days of infection. Bleeding from nose,gums vagina causes more fatality in patients. During the severe phase of illness, patients have high fever.

In fatal cases, death occurs between 8 to 9 days after onset of symptoms.

Diagnosis of MVD

It is more difficult to clinically distinguish Marburg virus disease from other infectious diseases like Ebola, malaria, typhoid fever, meningitis, shigellosis and other viral haemorrhagic disease. To confirm that symptoms seen and noticed are due to Marburg virus, the following any one or two diagnostic test methods should be done;

• RT-PCR test

• Antigen detection tests

• Serum antibody test

• Virus isolation by cell culture method

• Electron microscopy

Treatment and vaccines for MVD

As to date there are no vaccines and  no antiviral treatments for Marburg virus . However, supportive care and treatment- rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids are found beneficial to patients . Supportive care is equally important to prevent secondary infections and increase survival rates in fatal cases. Antivirals drugs like remdesivir and Favipiravir have been used in clinical research.

Prevention and control of Marburg virus

Preventive and control measures of disease is same as other diseases.

Spread of virus can be prevented by:

• Reducing the risk of bat-to-human  transmission

• Reducing the risk of human-to-human transmission in the community arising from direct or close contact with infected patients.

• Reducing the risk of possible sexual transmission.

• Applying approved outbreak containment measures such as social distancing, contact tracing, isolation of infected people, proper practice of burial of deceased people .

• Taking standard precautions by health care workers while caring for patients. They should follow basic hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, safe injection practices and safe and dignified burial practices.

It is more important to take precautionary measures in pig farms to avoid pigs becoming infected through contact with fruit bats. Such infection could potentially amplify the Marburg virus and could cause or contribute to Marburg virus disease outbreak .