How You Can Help When a Loved One has Alzheimer’s Disease

Woman Taking Care of an Elderly Man Alzheimer’s disease is an aggressive neurological disorder that slowly breaks down brain cells and inhibits bodily function. The main problem materializes when a person starts to forget things as their brain cells gradually die.

For loved ones, it can be very difficult to see how Alzheimer’s is takes away the independence of the person who has acquired it. It can also get frustrating, especially when the individual is unable to communicate their wants and needs. There are a lot of myths about Alzheimer’s, so we are going to provide the proper procedures to follow as if you find yourself in a position to assist someone who has acquired this debilitating disease.

Read Up about It

A good way to help is by doing your research regarding Alzheimer’s disease. This can allow you to understand what you should expect and how you can prepare. In many cases, there are common misconceptions about the condition as well that might mar your plans. Always do your research and ensure that you are educated about the condition. This will mean that as your loved one’s condition worsens, you can still do all in your means to make them comfortable.

Similarly, not all forms of Alzheimer’s cause dementia. Dementia only occurs when Alzheimer’s has progressed to a serious stage. The main goal here for you is to understand the condition so that you can offer better support to your loved ones. If you don’t understand it, you cannot help them in a greater capacity, as they need.

Healthy Exercises

Just because someone has Alzheimer’s does not mean that they have to stop doing the activities that they’ve enjoyed. In fact, it is actually encouraged that they indulge in activities that can keep their brain healthier for longer time. From gardening and yard work yoga, jogging, swimming or walking the dog can improve their mood as well as allow them to keep their cognitive thought processes working.

Remember to offer them healthy snacks and water when they are exercising. Also, continue to encourage and interact with them. Whenever possible, allow them to maintain their independence. Alzheimer’s can cause a person to rely heavily on a caretaker. Until that moment, allow them to retain their activities without your assistance. Be careful in some cases though, such as cooking or other activities where a danger may exist. Accidents can occur if the person forgets they are chopping vegetables or they put something in the oven and then forgot about it.

Have Realistic Expectations

Alzheimer’s can make a person rather moody and prone to mood swings so you should expect the unexpected. Keep in mind that these patients can fluctuate between good days and bad days. The good days might make you hopeful but things can definitely take a wrong turn with ease. For this reason, be realistic and take each moment as it comes. Also, keep in mind that the good days are not a sign that the disease is diminishing.

As a degenerative condition, there are treatments available that can slow down the disease but there is no ultimate cure. If your loved one is taking medication for Alzheimer’s, understand that it won’t fix the condition; the medication will just allow them to enjoy their quality of life for longer. It also allows them to adjust to the condition. By understanding and accepting this factor, you can make sure that you have realistic expectations of how the condition will progress.

A Predictable Schedule and Routine

One of the major problems with Alzheimer’s is that it can cause confusion on a daily basis. By having a schedule and a routine that is predictable, you can make an Alzheimer’s patient’s life easier. Have meals consistently at the same time; schedule their bathroom breaks, their activities and bedtime. It might feel like looking after a toddler but it allows your loved one to have a set routine that they will not forget so easily.

The routine and monotony of daily life will also allow them to easily handle much of the anxiety and confusion that comes as their condition progresses. Remember to be patient and avoid deviating from the routine as much as possible. Any unexpected changes can trigger anxiety as they are not expecting the change. Moreover, without a consistent routine, it can be difficult for them to remember what they did during the day.

Don’t Argue

As they lose their memory, your loved ones will often forget something. They might often believe that they are living in the past or have forgotten that someone has passed away. Never try to argue with them because their failing memory means that they cannot remember what has actually happened. The best thing to do is to gently steer the conversation towards the truth.

If they still insist on something, tell them the truth firmly but avoid arguing. Getting angry for forgetting something will only add to their confusion which in turn, will end up making them angry at their inability to remember. Moreover, as the condition progresses, they will forget so you can’t fault them on this aspect.

Emotional Bonds

When a person has Alzheimer’s they can slowly lose their vocabulary as well as their ability to write. They might also forget what certain objects are called and will come up with words for them. An apple could become a red ball. It is very important to read between the lines. When someone with Alzheimer talks to you, you need to listen with your eyes, ears and your heart.

In many cases, the person might not remember an event but they still remember the emotions they felt. Capitalize on this aspect by developing and improving your emotional bonds with them. Listen to music, read out loud to them and try to paint. Moreover, always remember to hug them and let them know they are loved by your actions and your words.

Amazing Health Benefits of Palm Oil

If we are careful of what we eat and in what oil our food is made, we can reduce the risk of many kinds of health issues. One such cooking oil that holds benefits for us is palm oil.

Palm oil is a popular vegetable oil derived from different types of oil palms. The core varieties that are used in its production are American oil palm (Elaeis oleifera) and African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis). The natural color of palm oil is reddish-orange because of its high beta-carotene content. It is also among very few naturally saturated vegetable fats.

Although palm oil is most commonly used for cooking purposes, not many people know that it is very versatile. It is also used in the manufacturing of many beauty products around the world and palm oil’s nutritional benefits are the reason it is used in the production of many edible and non-edible products.

Let’s take a look at some of the health benefits of palm oil.

Improved Energy Level

Beta-carotene has been proven to improve energy levels in a person and also boost hormonal balance.

Better Vision

In addition to boosting energy levels, beta-carotene is very significant in improving vision. Many antioxidants are present in palm oil, which provide the body with powerful defensive mechanisms. These antioxidants are byproducts of cellular metabolism and can effectively protect the body from free radicals that can lead to vision issues.

Healthier Cardiovascular System

The content of both HDL and LDL cholesterol is very high in palm oil. Although one is beneficial (HDL) and the other one is bad (LDL), palm oil can still provide a healthier balance to your body. If you ensure a healthy balance of both types of cholesterol that are needed for the body, your cardiovascular system can improve.

Cancer Prevention

Palm oil is rich in Vitamin A and E. Vitamin E contains natural antioxidants and Vitamin A contains retinol. Tocopherols are such natural antioxidants that can activate a powerful defensive mechanism in the body by producing compounds to neutralize free radicals. Free radicals can inject cancer into healthy cells, therefore, high levels of tocopherol are necessary to prevent cancer.

Prevents Vitamin Deficiency during Pregnancy

Pregnant women are often faced with complications arising due to vitamin deficiency that does not only pose threat to them but their unborn child too. Palm oil contains good quantities of Vitamin A, D, and E. Since our bodies are not capable of naturally retaining these vitamins, it is essential to consume them through our diet. If pregnant women include palm oil in their diet, they can prevent vitamin deficiencies from occurring.

Using palm oil for cooking purposes is generally considered as a good health choice due to the above-mentioned benefits. Interestingly, palm oil can also help prevent premature aging.

Seven Ways to Stay Healthy

Which vitamins are good for me? What’s the best way I can lose weight? When should I get a flu shot? And on and on… So we decided to provide a guideline that is straightforward and simple to follow. If you should you feel you want to learn more, just click the links provided.

See Your Doctor on a Routine Basis

Doctor with Child You don’t avoid bringing your car in for routine maintenance, right? Then you should do the same thing with your body. With that said, the older you are, the more this should apply.

Bottom line: Make routine visits to your physician. At the very least, make it a point to have yearly checkups where they can do a complete workup and confirm that everything is alright.

If there are issues, that doesn’t mean that you have reached your end-of-life cycle. But it does mean that you might need some extra nutrients or some other non-threatening additions for you to have a healthier lifestyle. And if you are told that there is a need for follow up (e.g. X-Ray, MRI or to see a specialist). Just do it. Many times, it is just to confirm there is nothing wrong.

Woman Brushing her Teeth And we don’t mean just your doctor. Make sure you visit your dentist for checkups as well. Dental checkups and cleaning is an essential part of staying healthy for not just your teeth but your heart as well.

Wash Your Hands!

One person told us (but this applies to millions of others who do the same thing) that he washes his hands many times a day and he attributes that to not having a cold or similar illness for years. This doesn’t mean that you need to turn into a germaphobe, but even if you do, so what?

Howie Mandel is one and so is Jennifer Lawrence and there is nothing wrong with being a little obsessed with keeping clean (although Mandel is a little more on the extreme side).

Carry some of those $1.00 anti-bacterial bottles or wet wipes, but the bottles may be more practical since you can get more cleaning done with them.

Hand Soap

While we are on the subject of obsessive cleaning (which we are saying is a good thing), wash your hands after touching a door handle, especially one of those restroom door handles. Just because you washed your hands before leaving doesn’t mean that you won’t get contaminated with bacteria on your way out. Who knows what germs are on those things?

When you leave public transportation, wash your hands. That’s where these antibacterial bottles come in. And those airline tray tables! Clean them before with anti-bacterial solution or wipes before you eat on one.

Have kids? If yes, you need to raise the bar and keep your house as clean as possible. Kids, especially the younger ones are magnets when it comes to dirt and bacteria and schools are notorious for breeding these magnets.

Teach your children when they are young the importance of keeping clean and why. Carry antibacterial cleansers with you. Going to a restaurant? Give them the wipes to wash prior to eating. Do the same everywhere you go with your kids. Start them early and they will be doing this on their own by default before you can say “dirt”.

What Are the Healthists Foods to Eat?

Fruits We are not talking about dieting, although much of what is discussed here can apply to a healthy diet.

You know what they say: “An apple a day…”, and that is so true as you can’t go wrong with fruits and vegetables, blueberries, raspberries, grapes, oranges, bananas, avocados, broccoli and garlic, just to name a few. These are some of the most nutritious foods you can eat.

Then there is fish. Salmon is rich in nutrients, especially vitamin D, but just about any fish, even tuna will be a boost to your body’s health. Some seafood such as lobster and crab provide zinc which helps keep the immune system working properly and they are not big weight gainers. All these foods help enrich your immune system, keep your heart healthy and your bones too. Some even help keep the wheels in your brain moving like a well-oiled machine.

Don’t forget to go nuts! That’s right. Find some packages of cashews, almonds, walnuts, pecans or any nuts from this family of super nutrition. Macadamia nuts are said to contain some of the highest concentration of nutritional items.

*Dark Chocolate Almonds are a great source of nutrition for your heart and health in general*

Let’s not forget about dark chocolate and there are many combinations of foods that contain both dark chocolate along with other nutrients. On the con side, it does contain a certain amount of sugar, but the antioxidant content in dark chocolate is extraordinary and the main idea is to find foods that are rich in antioxidants. By absorbing these vitamins and antioxidant-rich foods, you will be moving in the right direction towards a healthy body and mind.

Want to go further? Try organic foods. They contain fewer pesticides and since some pesticides can be destructive to your immune system, they can be an added benefit.

Best vitamins to help fight off diseases are vitamin C and vitamin D. Make sure your body gets the recommended dosage every day and keep an eye out for those foods that have a high level of antioxidants and there are many, some mentioned here.

As far as avoiding colds, follow what is mentioned in this article as well as these guidelines which provide more detailed information.

Drink Right

Eight ounces of water a day is still the recommended dosage. Water is the most natural liquid you can put in your body and by doing so, it helps to clean out those elements that don’t belong there. It is a great weight reducer too!

Green tea is a winner. Great for the heart and has loads of antioxidants.

What not to drink: Soda which has many non-nutritional factors is not recommended to be your daily drink, as well as other drinks high in sugar. Drinking alcohol doesn’t have many benefits either, but red wine can be advantageous for your heart and help prevent cancerous diseases as well.

Get Vaccinated

Flu season is among us now. Don’t go without a shot, especially if you are a senior or have young children. But in general, taking precautions for any of the recommended vaccinations is of extreme importance. Besides the flu, there are vaccines for pneumonia, shingles, and Pneumococcal conjugate to name a few. If you are traveling, definitely find out what medical precautions you need to take before leaving. Speak to your doctor about what vaccines are needed for you.

Get that Body Moving

Woman doing yoga Did you really think that we were not going to let you read this article without the mention of exercise? Well, here you go! Make those 10,000 steps a daily routine. Getting the blood pumping is vital!

Those Eight Hours Do Mean a Lot

Just about every sleep study has concluded that humans need a good seven-eight hours of sleep every night.

Sleep apnea

Many people who have this sleep apnea, also called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) don’t know it, but their partner might. That is because snoring is a common sign that you might be one of those individuals who have this illness. We’re saying ‘illness’ because technically that’s what it is. For the most part, it is not life-threatening for most people, but if an oxygen denial event termed hypoxia develops, it can become dangerous and life-threatening.

With that said, sleep apnea can be a destructive element to your body and mind, because you can walk around tired for different times of the day and subsequently, your cognitive abilities may be diminished. Additionally, if you don’t get the recommended 7+ hourse of noghtly sleep, your body loses its chance to replenish and recuperate, especially if you already have an illness or injury.

What does sleep apnea do exactly?

Student sleeping in computer lab OSA consists of the complete obstruction of the airway while sleeping. This obstruction prevents air from entering the lungs. Obstructive Sleep Apnea is characterized by recurrent episodes of airway collapse during sleep. A critical issue with an apnea event is how long oxygen is cut off. When the airway is blocked for more than ten seconds oxygen loss begins to occur.

Bottom line: Your body needs at least seven hours of sleep per night. If you do not get it, you can be prone to tiredness during the day and more importantly, you are not giving your body the ability to heal or strengthen. To learn more about sleep apnea, go here.

If you don’t feel you are getting enough sleep, regardless if you have sleep apnea or not, see your doctor.

Stay Calm

We all can get a little stressed out now and then, but if you are finding that you are more stressed than you should be, this will have a negative impact on your body. There are many ways to reduce stress. Work on it and do your best to stay stress-free.

Bottom line: Stay clean. Eat right. Dring right and sleep the recommended hours for a healthier lifestyle. See your doctor and dentist on a routine basis even if it is just for a checkup.

Four Common Misconceptions About Parkinson’s Disease

Sir_William_Richard_Gowers_Parkinson_Disease_sketch_1886 — Sir William Richard Gowers Parkinson Disease sketch, 1886. Public Domain

Previously, we discussed the medical facts associated with Parkinson’s Disease and since 7 to 10 million people currently have this illness, it would be appropriate to pay attention to the misconceptions that are abundant in the social circles and beyond.

Only then can there be more consideration to assisting those who are inflicted.

The following are a few of these faulty facts:

Parkinson’s is an Old Age Disease

It is generally believed that Parkinson’s is a disorder that afflicts the elderly because of their weakened systems or poor health. It is generally believed that anyone who is 60 or above is at risk of developing this disease.

Parkinson’s is not just an old age disease. Many people are diagnosed with it when they are only in their 40’s. In some cases, people can also be in their late 30’s when they are diagnosed with it, known as YOPD – young on-set of Parkinson’s disease.

The main reason why people believe it is an old age disease is that the average age for the diagnosis is 60. Similarly, many doctors also believed in this misconception which often results in misdiagnosis of young-onset of Parkinson’s disease. Luckily, more doctors now understand that age is not a factor with this disorder.

It Starts with a Tremor

Parkinson’s is widely known to be a neurological disorder that impacts motor functions. This is why people usually look at getting a tremor as the first sign of it. In fact, it is considered to be one of the most well-known signs of Parkinson’s.

During the early stages of Parkinson’s, a person might experience slurred or soft speech as well as lose facial expressions. The following are some signs of Parkinson’s disorder, apart from having a tremor:

Muscle Rigidness – Stiff muscles can cause pain or make certain actions difficult. These can occur anywhere on the body.
Impaired Balance and Posture – It might be difficult for someone to maintain their balance even when standing still. Their posture will also be greatly stooped. They might also face difficulties in standing up from a sitting position.
Loss of Unconscious Movements – Unconscious movements include blinking, smiling or even swinging your arms while walking. A person might have decreased functions in this aspect. They will also have to consciously make an effort to make these actions.
Change in Reflexes – Reflex actions might also become slower in a person. Apart from their reflexes, they might find it difficult to perform functions such as being able to write, knit or draw and more.
Depression or Moodiness – A person can experience major mood swings and depression when they have undiagnosed Parkinson’s. This leads to a lot of confusion, hurt and shame that they are unable to perform regular functions with ease. Depression can worsen Parkinson’s, making a person more prone to indulge in unhealthy behavior that allows the disease to progress faster.
Constipation or Urinary Incontinence – Bodily functions might also become out of order with a person needing to urinate more frequently. Similarly, they might experience constipation for a large number of days.

Diagnosis is Not Easy

Diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease is not easy at all and can take a lot of time. Extensive tests need to be completed and no two Parkinson’s disorder cases are the same. An individual might also experience Parkinson’s in a different manner which means that they won’t experience the same symptoms as someone else. In many cases, while the tremor might be the first symptom, others might not show tremors until years later.

Similarly, for some, slowness in walking as well as difficulty in expressing emotions might be the first symptoms whereas, for others, it might not be the case. For this reason, a person can’t be said to be a patient of Parkinson’s based on symptom comparisons alone. It is always best to go to a doctor to get the symptoms examined and have proper tests run on you.

Doctors also have to run careful tests to discount other conditions that could be responsible for causing the decline in motor skills. After a process of careful elimination, they can then diagnose the patient with Parkinson’s. For some patients, this can mean that they get properly diagnosed four years after they start showing the symptoms.

It’s Hereditary?

Parkinson’s disorder is not hereditary unless you have family members who have this affliction. Even then, the odds of you developing it are low. If you have a family history of the disease with multiple family members who have or had it, then you might have an increased chance of inheriting the condition. However, unlike other disorders, this isn’t limited to a person’s genes.

On the other hand, just because you have Parkinson’s doesn’t mean that your life is over. Sure, there is no cure for the disorder but there is a medication that can make the condition easier to deal with. Similarly, it is better to keep indulging in healthy activities such as yoga, going on walks, spending time with loved ones and more. You don’t have to put your life on hold just because you have this disorder. Another thing you should opt to do is sign up for a support group.

Parkinson’s can be very hard to deal with and each day, you can experience certain symptoms that might make you feel like you have taken two steps forward and ten steps back. With a strong support system, you can easily ensure that you don’t get depressed, especially on days when your symptoms are extremely bad.

A Look into Circumcision and Why it is Important

”newborn child" — Photo by – yayimages.com

You may have heard the terminology circumcised or circumcision at one point or another. Circumcision is basically the removal of the foreskin that envelopes the head of the flaccid penis. Males are born with a layer of skin, which is also referred to as prepuce, at the front of their genitalia i.e. the glans. The procedure whereby this film of extraneous skin is eliminated from their unerect penis is called circumcision.

Insight

The amount of skin attached to the anterior varies from one male to another. While one newborn may have a virtually nonexistent foreskin, another child may have enough that it protrudes from their glans. This is what causes the erection of certain males to display a loose foreskin that peeks from the head of their penis.

In uncircumcised males, the head of their manhood is a shade of pink. This becomes clear when the head of their genitalia emanates in the process of an erection. This inadvertently gives the penis a two-tone image.

With regards to newborns, their foreskin is attached to the area beneath their penis and gradually detaches in the first few years of their lives in the vast majority of cases. When the procedure is performed, the foreskin disconnects simply through a number of different surgical techniques.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

In most cases, if a disease or disorder develops in an individual, it is understood that they will seek treatment with the hope of improving their health. In this particular instance, circumcision is often a choice. In fact, religion is one of the foremost reasons for the performance of circumcisions.

The rules and regulations of both Islam (Khitan) and Judaism (Brit Milah) dictate that newborns must be circumcised. Another rationale for circumcisions includes personal decisions, aesthetic preference, and reduction of health risks.

Pros

Nevertheless, circumcision is a unique medical proposition based on the fact that we can discuss its benefits and drawbacks. First of all, there are several advantages to the operation. Infants who undergo the procedure are less likely to develop urinary tract infections (UTIs) for one. This is particularly true in the first few months post birth. UTI is a recurring disease in newborn males and those who remain uncircumcised are 10 times more likely to contract this affliction.

Furthermore, circumcision also diminishes the risk of penile cancer. Research has also indicated that those who are subjected to this procedure are less prone to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Genital Herpes.

Concerns pertaining to the penis, such as agitation, swellings, and infections are also more common in uncircumcised males. Also, circumcised genitalia is considered more sanitary, since it is more effortless to keep it clean compared to uncircumcised ones.

Cons

On the other hand, there are a few risks attached to circumcision, a caveat that applies to all medical procedures. Fortunately, these disadvantages are fundamentally insignificant, although there are cases where complications may arise. For example, any circumcision-related predicaments in newborns are only found in between 0.2% to 2% of cases. Out of these, the most common are minor bleeding and infections. Thankfully, both concerns can be rectified with the adequate treatment.

Another issue with circumcision is that the procedure can prove painful for newborns. This is precisely why pain relief medication is administered to babies when they are circumcised. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that newborns who are circumcised should be given anesthesia, which has since become standard practice.

There are two main categories of local anesthetic that may be used on newborns to manage their discomfort. One is a topical ointment, which is applied to their penis and warrants around half an hour before it is entirely effective. The other is provided through an injection and needs less time to be active. Also, acetaminophen is administered by some pediatricians. It is known to have a longer lasting effect and may last hours after the circumcision has been performed.

Preparation and Performance

Jewish Circumcision — The New Testament relates how after his birth, Jesus was circumcised according to Jewish tradition (Luke 2: 21)

Now we will discuss the prerequisites and practice of circumcision. In major cases, the procedure is completed while the newborn is still admitted to the hospital. There are multiple practitioners who have the training to perform a circumcision, such as pediatricians and obstetricians.

It is mandatory for parents to sign a consent form before the operation. This is par for the course and is really a formality. In cases involving children and adults too, a circumcision is scheduled in a hospital or surgical center on an outpatient basis. This is defined as a situation where the patient is discharged on the same day.

We can delve into the actual procedure as well. It is performed by the usual suspects, such as pediatricians, who are doctors that deal exclusively with cases involving children. Other trained personnel that may do a circumcision include surgeons and urologists. Like we mentioned before, circumcisions that are done owing to religious reasons may be completed by those who are skilled in the matter, since the method may possibly differ based on the religion.

As far as newborns are concerned, they are placed tenderly on their backs and their arms and legs are kept at a distance from their genitals. The anesthetic is then administered via cream or injection so that it is numb.

Doctors performing the procedure may use one of several methods at their disposal. This is typically determined by the physician’s choice. The most popular techniques that are executed are called the Gomco clamp, Plastibell device, and the Mogen clamp.

All three of the aforementioned approaches involve slashing the circulation of blood to the foreskin so that there is no bleeding when the doctor slices the foreskin. The entire process of circumcision takes a total of 15 to 30 minutes maximum.

A Brief Overview of Pregnancy Complications

”pregnant woaman on a beach" — Photo by alenkasm – yayimages.com

Pregnancy and childbirth are a miracle of nature. A woman is able to bear a child for a specific duration before the child is born. It is nothing short of a biological marvel! Given the seriousness of the pregnancy, it becomes imperative for all concerned parties i.e. the woman especially, their doctor and midwife to proceed with caution and care.

Even so, there are innumerable instances where women experience difficulty when they are expecting. Despite exercising due diligence, pregnancy complications may introduce various intricacies to the equation. These obstacles can affect the mother’s health and the well-being of the fetus. Such issues can make childbirth a high-risk procedure and be a concern for those involved.

So what are the potential predicaments that pregnant women may encounter? Let’s take a look.

Miscarriage

As the name suggests, miscarriage is defined as the loss of pregnancy from natural causes in the first twenty weeks. 10 to 20% of identified pregnancies end in the unfortunate event of a miscarriage. Additionally, the vast majority of miscarriages occur in the first twelve weeks of a pregnancy i.e. the primary trimester. These are generally provoked by chromosomal anomalies in the fertilized egg, which disable the embryo from evolving sufficiently.

Furthermore, in terms of symptoms, the first indication of a miscarriage is that vaginal spotting or bleeding may appear. Regardless of the potential advent of a miscarriage, a pregnant female should consult a gynecologist at the first instance if there is bleeding. If the specialists suspect a miscarriage is underway, they may order an immediate ultrasound to gauge if the uterus is stable.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, a miscarriage is the most frequent cause of pregnancy loss. Research has shown that chemical pregnancies account for up to 75% of all miscarriages. This scenario transpires in the aftermath of implantation which gives rise to excessive bleeding when the woman experiences her period.

Causes of miscarriage include, but are not limited to hormonal problems and maternal health concerns. Also, a woman’s lifestyle and ill-conceived choices may be the reason for a miscarriage. For instance, if a woman who is expecting does not abandon her smoking habit, has a poor diet or does not kick drug use could lead to a miscarriage. Malnutrition and abundance of caffeine are other potential reasons. So are maternal age and maternal trauma.

Likewise, there is no definitive list of symptoms that a pregnant woman may exhibit. However, the most common red flags include different degrees of back pain, which may be considerably worse than menstrual cramping. Weight loss is another potential signal and so are regular contractions, which may occur every five minutes or so.

Preeclampsia

This is a condition that transpires exclusively when a woman is expecting and entails extraordinarily high blood pressure and protein in their urine or liver. Also, they may have kidney abnormalities in the second trimester.

Preeclampsia is a severe ailment that affects roughly 5% of all pregnant women. Typically, most females who are expecting a child develop moderate signs as their due date approaches. However, with adequate care and conservative measures, both the mother and her newborn child do not suffer any consequences.

If not diagnosed properly and left unchecked, preeclampsia can cause deterioration of the woman and baby’s health quickly. It may incite organ issue and potentially life-threatening scenarios as well. This may cause an early delivery or a caesarian section, a medical procedure where surgical equipment is used to deliver a child.

Moreover, females who are in line to become mothers for the first time are most susceptible to contracting preeclampsia. Those with a track record of suffering from preeclampsia or gestational hypertension may also be prone to the affliction.

In addition, pregnant women who are carrying more than one child or those who are aged 40 and above may also face complications. The same rules apply to females with high blood pressure and those who are obese also.

For the mother, the possible impact of preeclampsia includes liver or renal failure and probable cardiovascular concerns at some point in the future. The potential damage is far greater for the unborn child. They may suffer from diminished oxygen and nutrition. This transpires when preeclampsia restricts the placenta from obtaining ample blood. This may result in the child being born with significantly lower weight.

Gestational Diabetes

In the United States, between 2 and 10 percent of expectant mothers contract gestational diabetes. Although the numbers may sound promising, this disease must not be underestimated, given that its severity may increase. Pregnant women are frequently tested in a glucose screening to observe if they are not victims of gestational diabetes.

In cases where the screening has a negative result, pregnant women are monitored by professionals. With the proper care, a majority of women are able to maintain their blood sugar levels with the right diet and exercise (there is a specific exercise regimen that can be adhered to during pregnancy). This allows them to deliver a healthy child eventually.

Mothers who suffer from gestational diabetes are also at greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in the future as well. Warning signs of gestational diabetes are the presence of sugar in urine. Obviously, it is not apparent to the naked eye but a test at the doctor’s office can determine its presence. Excessive thirst, considerable exhaustion and the feeling of nausea are other symptoms of gestational diabetes.

Placenta Previa

Another case of pregnancy-related issues is called placenta previa. The placenta lies lower than usual in the uterus which is how it covers part of the cervix. The placenta severs from the uterine wall while the cervix starts to dilate during labor.

Symptoms of placenta previa vary on a case by case basis but the most frequent signal is pain-free bleeding during the third trimester of pregnancy. Additionally, premature contractions, the child’s irregular position in the womb are also signs of placenta previa.

Common Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), which are also known as Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and Venereal Diseases (VD), are part of the same family of diseases or infections that develop from sexual contact between two individuals.

About Sexually Transmitted Diseases

The activity can vary from vaginal intercourse to oral and anal sexual interaction. In addition, there are some sexually transmitted infections that may spread by way of unsterilized or unsanitary injections commonly used by drug addicted individuals. STDs may also be carried from the mother to her newborn during the process of childbirth, and breastfeeding can also result in the transmission as well as some blood transfusions.

Moreover, sexually transmitted diseases rank among the most infectious ailments known in the United States today. In fact, The Center for Disease Control estimates that a staggering 20 million new STD cases emerge on an annual basis in America. Half of these transpire in youngsters aged between 15 and 24. That number gives us a strong indication that suggested precautions are not taken and that those affected may not act with heed.

There are more statistics which delineate a damning indictment of sexually transmitted diseases in the country. According to the CDC, every other sexually active person is likely to contract some type of STD by the time they are 25 years old.

Unfortunately, these numbers are only scratching the surface of a predicament that has swept the nation. While young people represent nearly half of all sexually transmitted diseases, a concern for specialists and professionals is that recent surveys have shown that only 12% of individuals with STDs were actually tested. Essentially, that means that most individuals with such infections ignore medical attention. Logic would suggest that in some cases, their condition may worsen.

Last but not least, the health care industry in the United States is burdened considerably by the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases. The total cost of STDs in America each year is approximately a whopping 16 billion dollars!

Common Causes of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

What causes the infection depends on the disease. However, the most frequent reasons are generally the same. The most common determinants are viruses, bacteria, and parasites. For each of the aforementioned categories, there are several sexually transmitted diseases that occur due to the presence of these microorganisms.

Types of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is one of the most common.. It is caused by a bacteria known as Chlamydia trachomatis, a bacteria that affects only humans and can affect both genders. While men contract chlamydia in their urethra, rectum or throat, women may get infected in their cervix, rectum, and throat.

Symptoms of chlamydia for men include a white and water like discharge from their genitals, which must not be confused with sperm. They may feel excruciating pain when they urinate, and their testicles may have cause for concern since most men who are chlamydia patients tend to have discomfort there.
Women may experience a notable augmentation in the excretion from the vaginal cavity, which is caused by an inflamed womb i.e. cervix. Additionally, they may also feel a painful sensation when they urinate and the same applies when they participate in sexual intercourse. Other red flags include aches in their lower abdominal area, specifically during sex and excessive bleeding during their periods.

In 2015, The Center for Disease Control stated that chlamydia ranked among the most reported STDs in the country, along with gonorrhea and syphilis (which we will discuss below). There were nearly 1.5 million cases of chlamydia, which was the highest number ever recorded by health care agencies across the United States.

Gonorrhea

Another popular sexually transmitted disease is Gonorrhea. It is a disconcerting STI since it can lead to infertility in both men and women. Fortunately, there is adequate treatment and preventative measures for this affliction, although scientists have recently discovered that a new strain of the ailment has emerged which has proven resistant to all antibiotics utilized by doctors.

Gonorrhea is also borne by a bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which can infect the genital tract, mouth or anus. The disease can be contracted through vaginal, oral and anal sexual activity with a partner who is infected. Also, a pregnant woman may pass the condition onto their child during birth.

Youngsters accounted for 50% of all gonorrhea diagnosed in the United States in 2015. What is more disconcerting is the fact that a sharp increase in cases of gonorrhea has been observed in recent years. In the 2013-2015 period, cases increased on a year-by-year basis, leading up to almost four hundred thousand cases in 2015.

Syphilis

Another disease caused by bacteria, more specifically the Treponema pallidum, syphilis is spread by sexual contact with an infected person who has the syphilis lesion. When an individual comes into contact with open sores during sexual intercourse, the illness is disseminated from the affected person to their partner.

Syphilis affects the genital area, lips, and anus of both genders. The incubation period once the disease is transmitted lasts up to 90 days (3 months) with the average time being three weeks. That is when symptoms begin to manifest themselves. While some patients exhibit no signs of the ailment, others may have mild signals. Perhaps the most disconcerting cases of syphilis are those where the warning signs dissipate gradually but the bacteria is still present inside the individual’s body. In this instance, the presence of germs can cause issues at a later stage.

If left untreated, syphilis can even incite damage to the brain, nervous system and blood infections. There have also been unfortunate cases where syphilis has been fatal as well. Syphilis is a prevalent disease in the United States. For instance, in 2015, the rates of syphilis in both sexes showed considerable augmentation in every region of the country.

Small and largely innocuous sores identify initial stages of syphilis. These sores may induce an inflammation in the lymph nodes. If patients do not seek immediate medical attention, a skin rash may develop, usually on their hands and feet.

(Genital) Herpes

Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease that is caused by a virus called the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Genital herpes is a frequent STD that affects a multitude of people. An unsettling fact about herpes is that a high number of affected individuals are not aware that they have the disease at all.

There is no discernible cure for herpes but scientists have devised a treatment that can abate the symptoms of herpes and also greatly diminish the chances of spreading the ailment on to others if the individual is sexually active.

There are two main forms of herpes. One is called the HSV 1, which causes cold sores around the mouth and lips of the affected person. The other is known as HSV 2 and also causes cold sores around the genitals and rectum of patients, which is why it is aptly called genital herpes. The affected areas are used to distinguish between type 1 and type 2 herpes.

Herpes is known to create sores in the genital and rectal area, buttocks, and thighs of those who contract the disease. It may be spread by engaging in vaginal, oral, and anal sexual activity with an infected person. Additionally, the virus is capable of distribution even if sores are not apparent, and akin to other sexually transmitted diseases, a mother may infect their children during childbirth.

If you feel you have a sexually transmitted disease, contact your medical professional immediately. If you feel you would like to learn more about STDs or have questions, you can contact the Planned Parenthood U.S. National Sexual Health Hotline at 1-800-230-PLAN (7526).

What Does Eczema Entail?

”Eczema signboard" — Photo by – yayimages.com

The word eczema is derived from a Greek term and its meaning can be interpreted as “to boil.” Eczema or atopic dermatitis as it is also known is an inflammatory condition of the skin, which makes its origin quite apt, since the patients may feel a boiling sensation if they contract this disease. It is essentially a change in the foremost layer of the skin which involves redness, blistering, scaling, and thickening, although not all of the above transpire contemporaneously.

The label atopic is used to depict conditions such as eczema, asthma, and rhinitis, all of which may have a genetic basis. This condition typically manifests in the first few weeks post birth. That makes it a common occurrence in children since at least 10% of infants develop the ailment at some stage. There are seldom cases where eczema may develop in adults as well.

Forms of Eczema

Eczema on the Hand — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Eczema.png

There are several variations of eczema and we will highlight some of the most prevalent types below.

Atopic Dermatitis

First and foremost, we will focus on the most frequent archetype i.e. atopic dermatitis. Signs of this affliction generally appear in childhood and also get milder or completely subside as the patient ages. Dermatologists refer to atopic dermatitis as part of the atopic triad, which means it is one of three diseases, the other two being asthma and hay fever. The triumvirate is likely to affect patients simultaneously.

Rashes usually form in the creases of an individual’s elbows or knees and the affected skin is likely to change color and become thicker as well. If the eczema stains are scratched profusely, they may discharge fluid also. Infants usually get rashes on their scalp and cheeks. Atopic dermatitis happens when the skin’s natural fortification against elements such as irritants and allergens is depleted. This allows the aforementioned unwarranted agents to wreak havoc.

Contact Dermatitis

As the name suggests, contact dermatitis is caused by being exposed to substances that incite a reaction where the skin may aggravate and turn red. This form of eczema is divided into two main categories namely allergic contact dermatitis, which is an immune system reaction to irritants like metal and irritant contact dermatitis, which begins when agents like chemicals provoke the skin.

The patient’s skin generally turns red and stings considerably as well. Itchy bumps called hives may develop on the surface of the skin and so can blisters which might discharge fluids if grazed. If the illness is not treated, the patient’s skin may also thicken over time and feel scaly.

Dyshidrotic Eczema

Dyshidrotic eczema involves the nativity of small blisters on the patient’s hands and feet. It generally affects women more than men. Also, the condition can be gauged by the presence of blisters that develop on the individual’s fingers, toes, palms and the soles of their feet as well. Another attribute of these cysts is that they itch significantly.

Hand Eczema

Another title that is self-explanatory is hand eczema. The patient’s hands are the solitary part that is affected by this particular sickness. People who are employed in jobs like hairdressing and cleaning are more likely to catch hand eczema than the general public, since their hands may be subjected to products and chemicals that adversely affect their skin. Hand eczema is typified by red, itchy hand and cracks also.

Neurodermatitis

The fifth type of eczema is similar to atopic dermatitis. It causes the patient to develop dense and rough patches on their skin. These thick spots may appear on their arms, legs, nape, scalp, soles, and genitals as well. In a nutshell, neurodermatitis can cover almost all parts of the body. Besides, the affected skin is highly susceptible to episodes of itching, especially when the individual is composed or even asleep. Also, if patients respond to the itching by scratching the spots, it may bleed or worse, get infected.

Nummular Eczema

Nummular eczema is distinguished by the round spots that appear on the skin. These blemishes resemble coins, which is what nummular means in Latin. Besides the different appearance, nummular eczema also involves severe itching.

Stasis Dermatitis

The final classification of eczema is called stasis dermatitis. This transpires when there is a fluid discharge out of weaker veins into the patient’s skin. The fluid incites swelling, redness, and discomfort. In stasis dermatitis, the lower part of the legs may be inflamed, particularly when the patient is ambulatory during the day. As a result, the legs may feel heavy or ache considerably. A side effect of stasis dermatitis is that those affected may also develop varicose veins, which are damaged veins that appear blue when they are severed. The skin above the broken veins becomes considerably dry.

Complications

Naturally, there are instances where a bout of atopic eczema may flare up and cause further irritation. There are several determinants in the environment a patient inhabits that can cause negative reactions. These include exposure to heat and dust for example. Coming in direct contact with agents that irritate the skin, like a specific soap or detergent may incite an episode of eczema as well.

If the patient is already suffering from another ailment, even if it is minor like a common cold, it may end up making matter worse if they also suffer from an eczema attack. The latter is likely to flare up if the former is active.

Infections that are induced by the presence of bacteria or viruses can also create complexities. If the patient is subjected to the bacteria called Staphylococcus, which is an infection, then their skin may turn yellow and crusty. Likewise, cold sores or herpes simplex virus can cause eczema to flare and disseminate on to other parts of the body. Lastly, dryness and stress have also been known to agitate eczema cases.

Diagnosis

An eczema examination starts with the dermatologist, who is a skin specialist, analyzing the patient’s skin for symptoms. If they assume that the condition is active and bound to spread, they may conduct a patch test to corroborate its presence beyond a reasonable doubt.

The test involves patches that contain allergens being placed on the patient’s back. They are placed there for 48 hours before they can be removed. Once that happens, dermatologists are able to ascertain if there are signs of an allergic reaction.

In some cases, a biopsy may be carried out. This usually happens when specialists are not content with the outcome of a patch test. A skin lesion biopsy is scheduled to ensure that any health condition is not causing eczema. This procedure usually involves displacing a sample of the affected skin and sending it to the laboratory for conclusive trials.

Treatment

Eczema is not considered a dangerous disease, although the patient may be uncomfortable while they have it, but it can get worse with repeated scratching. There are several medications that provide aid and relief for eczema patients. For instance, there are multiple creams that control itching and help restore the skin to a state of normalcy. A corticosteroid cream may be prescribed by dermatologists. Calcineurin inhibitors may also be used by patients to minimize itching. These ointments must be applied after moisturizing the skin.

Moreover, specialists may also ask patients to consume oral antibiotics for a few days to treat the infection. In cases of extraordinary severity, doctors will prescribe oral corticosteroids such as prednisone for short-term use.

The Best Foods to Eat to Minimize High Blood Pressure

In our previous articles, we have discussed hypertension in great detail, with periodic mention of the right foods to eat. In this article, we will elaborate on the proper diet to follow that will help maintain good blood pressure levels.

According to the numbers furnished by the American Heart Association, more than 100 million US citizens are currently suffering from high blood pressure. Experts call the condition of high blood pressure a quiet pathway to death. Many people affected by this circulatory system irregularity don’t consider it a disease. However, it is a gateway to multiple illnesses of the heart and other organs, such as the kidneys. Stroke is also one of the possible outcomes of high blood pressure. So, treating high blood pressure as a non-issue is not a healthy move by any means.

Pressure greater than 120 over 80 and less than 140 over 90 is considered normal levels. For anything higher, you should consult your physician, but as the commercial says: “The more you know, the better we look”, you can change that to The more you know, the better you will look (or feel), so let’s assemble some facts.

For starters, watch this great animated video of exactly what blood pressure is and what happens when it goes over the normal limits.

It is Not always in One’s Control (but could be)

It is important to mention that some of the risk factors associated with high blood pressure are not under our control. Age, genetics, family, and racial background play a key role in the prevalence of hypertension. However, aggravating this condition is surely in one’s hands. For instance, carelessness in dietary routine can make the matters worse for patients suffering from high blood pressure. Similarly, obesity and stagnant physical activity also add insult to injury.

Food to the Rescue

Here we will talk about how the right foods can help reduce your high blood pressure. As mentioned earlier, we can’t stop the process of aging. Nor do we have the capabilities to change our genetic makeup (at least not for now). Nevertheless, we can control and minimize high blood pressure through diet adjustments with the inclusion and exclusion of some food items. In this article, we will discuss some of these foods that can help in lowering high blood pressure.

Leafy Greens

Arterial blood pressure shoots up as sodium is being circulated in the blood. Therefore, try to consume foods that are not rich in sodium. With the inclusion of different leafy greens in your diet, you can get rid of excess sodium in circulation through urine.

Potassium, which is abundantly present in leafy green vegetables, actually helps in driving out extra sodium from the body. Kale, lettuce, spinach, turnip greens, beet greens, arugula, and Swiss chard are some of the easily available leafy greens that you can add to your staple diet to minimize high blood pressure. Try to get fresh greens instead of the canned ones because the latter are often processed with sodium for flavor enhancement. Leafy greens also help in weight management since they only contain good nutrients.

NOTE: It should be noted that people who are on blood thinners, such as coumadin and other medications should consult their physician if it is OK to eat these vegetables.

Berries

Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries look and taste good. But more importantly, their regular use also results in lowering high blood pressure. As per research studies, the pigment (flavonoids) present in berry fruits help in normalizing blood pressure. You can easily get any of the berries all through the year. Hypertension patients who are not suffering from type-2 diabetes can add fresh berries to their daily breakfast cereals or just eat them as a natural dessert for their health benefits.

Skim Milk

Dairy products are an essential part of our staple diets. A little adjustment in their consumption can prove to be beneficial in lowering down blood pressure. Instead of using full cream milk, opt for skim milk that is low in fat and high in calcium. It has been studied that the continuous use of skim milk can reduce the chances of developing the issue of hypertension by 20 percent in the female population.

Aside from its benefits against hypertension, skim milk is good against many other physical ailments including obesity. People who can’t consume milk in its pure form can go for yogurt as an alternative.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is widely used as a standard breakfast meal. It is rich in fiber, low in sodium and fats, and thus healthy for people suffering from high blood pressure. Its good satiety value also helps individuals who are embroiled in the bad habit of excessive eating.

Seafood

Salmon There are many among us who love meat-based meals in our daily dietary routine. However, people suffering from hypertension shouldn’t go overboard with the use of red meat. Excessive use of beef and pork is strongly linked to high blood pressure. So, all those individuals who are vying to lower their blood pressure, but also don’t want to stick to a vegetarian diet can include seafood in their meals.

There are some fish meats (Salmon and mackerel) that proactively help in reducing high blood pressure because they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. The addition of seafood to your daily diet will fulfill your need for proteins while maintaining lower blood pressure.

Bananas

As mentioned earlier, potassium-rich foods help in offsetting the negative effects of sodium in the body. So, the addition of any potassium-rich food item can eventually help in minimizing blood pressure. They are easily available and you can eat them at any time of the day.

Garlic

Garlic is a root vegetable that is usually used as a flavor enhancer in the preparation of many meals. But some recent studies suggest that the constant use of garlic can indirectly help in reducing the condition of hypertension. Garlic contains traces of nitric oxide. Scientists have studied that the presence of nitric oxide in the body is attributed to vasodilatation. To put it in simple words, nitric oxide increases the arterial diameter which cancels out the increased value of blood pressure.

Olive Oil

Olive oil, in general, is considered a healthy substitute for palm and other cooking oil variants. In addition, the use of olive oil also results in lowering blood pressure with its polyphenol action. Polyphenols are compounds that can resist inflammatory reactions and in so doing, help in lowering blood pressure.

Besides leafy greens, berries, seafood, bananas, and garlic, unsalted seeds, and pomegranate are also known for their physiological effects in reducing blood pressure, but if you really want to remain healthy, put the brakes on the excessive use of salt and alcohol.

Preventing High Blood Pressure and its Related Health Consequences

Heart Attack

2025 Update

Personal hypertension management has made its way into the mainstream. Mobile apps such as HealthHeart and Braun Healthy Heart have made them into the mainstream. These are mobile devices that come with sphygmomanometers (those blood pressure cuffs we see the doctors use when we visit them). They use the latest technology to monitor your blood pressure. Check them out at the App Store or Google Play.

Overview

With no symptoms, high blood pressure (HBP) can sneak up on a person and escalate to any number of diseases that could result in death.

Without being tested for HBP, a patient might never know that HBP, also called hypertension, may be damaging his/her arteries, heart, and other organs.

Studies

A recent study from the American Heart Association found that keeping systolic blood pressure below 140 mm Hg reduces the risk of stroke for people aged 60 years and older. The study looked at the new systolic blood pressure target, which was 150 mmHg as recommended for older people who don’t have chronic kidney disease or diabetes, but determined that raising the target could put the population at a greater risk of stroke.

“We started this analysis very soon after [the JAMA paper] came out … because we were concerned about the recommendation’s potential effect on stroke prevention,” study author Ralph L. Sacco, MD, professor and chair of neurology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, said in a statement.

Diagram of the Human Heart
The study looked at 1,750 people who were free of stroke, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. Participants with a systolic blood pressure of 140 to 149 mmHg had an elevated stroke risk that was equal to participants with systolic blood pressure greater than 150 mmHg. The risk of increased stroke was most notable among Hispanics and blacks.

According to Dr Sacco, more aggressive treatment of blood pressure, especially among blacks and Hispanics, is even more critical. He added that the findings support the American Heart Association’s guidelines for treating blood pressure above 140 mmHg.

“The findings suggest one should not liberalize or change the treatment threshold for blood pressure in people older than 60 without chronic kidney disease or diabetes,” Dr. Sacco said. “For stroke prevention, maintaining a blood pressure target of 140 mmHg is important.”

Symptoms

HBP does not have any symptoms except in the extreme case of a hypertensive crisis. However, there are many misconceptions. For example, there is no actual evidence that HBP causes headaches.

In addition, nervousness, sweating, difficulty sleeping, and facial flushing are not signs of HBP either. Other symptoms that are sometimes thought to be signs of HBP but have no scientific link include nosebleeds, blood spots in the eyes, and dizziness.

Don’t wait for symptoms before taking care to prevent or get diagnosed with high blood pressure. Left untreated, hypertension can cause heart attacks, heart disease, heart failure, stroke, vision loss, memory loss, and kidney disease, among other health consequences.

Diagnosing is quick and painless—healthcare professionals use a blood pressure monitor, and a cuff is placed on the upper arm and inflated. The cuff momentarily stops blood flow, then slowly releases. Optimal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg.

Some patients are at a higher risk of developing HBP. Certain groups have a higher risk—for instance, African Americans have a higher risk than other racial groups, and after age 65, women are more likely to have HBP than men.

Risk factors for developing hypertension include family history, advanced age, lack of physical activity, poor diet and a diet high in salt, being overweight or obese, heavy and regular use of alcohol, stress, smoking, and sleep apnea.

However, some of the factors can be controlled. While there isn’t much that can be done about family history, race, or age, the other risk factors can be treated.

Wheat Grain in a Field If you are diagnosed with HBP, medication is not the only method that can reduce high blood pressure. Losing weight (even as little as 10 pounds); exercising regularly (at least 30 minutes multiple days a week); eating a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products; reducing alcohol intake; quitting smoking; and either limiting or better coping with stress are all factors that are under your control. So why wait? With a bit of willpower, you can make these changes!