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Unusual Mental Disorders Diagnosed in Humans

It may be surprising to learn that the human brain possesses the potential to act completely off balance and bizarre, as well as possibly having an intelligent and creative manner. Some of these unusual occurrences can go to such an extent that those who display such behavior are termed as having a mental disorder. Here is a list of some completely unexplainable mental disorders which are found to affect some people:

Stendhal Syndrome

Though the human mind likes the idea of something being aesthetically appealing, some people fall victim to a psychosomatic disorder when exposed to something extremely beautiful or appealing. As they see the object in reality or by seeing it in the form of a picture, physical symptoms of likeability may also appear. Some common signs include the heart beating rapidly, feeling dizzy, being in a confused state of mind, or even having hallucinations. Quite commonly, people who travel a lot experience this syndrome when they come across something that instantly appeals to them and sweeps them off their feet with its beauty.

Stockholm Syndrome

In normal circumstances, nobody would have any feelings of attraction or affection for a person who harms them in one way or another. But in case of people who are kidnapped, some often develop a feeling of sympathy, affection, and even loyalty to their abductor. Consequently, they don’t resist the harm done to them; rather, they try to understand why the person, in this case the abductor, is doing it. A lot of people develop similar feelings for their partner in an abusive relationship, even in the event of rape and child abuse.

Lima Syndrome

Lima Syndrome is the opposite of Stockholm syndrome where the abductor develops affectionate feelings towards the victim.

Bibliomania

Though Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can be quite damaging in any form, this one is weird due to its association with a constructive activity. A person suffering from bibliomania has the urge to collect books to the point that it has the negative and hurtful impact on their relationship and personal well-being. This also includes buying the same book in its various versions, numerous copies of the similar title, and so on.

Pedophilia

Though sexual relationships might have been considered to be something acceptable centuries back, feeling such desires for children is deemed as a mental disorder in the current world. As a matter of fact, such behavior is subject to punishment under modern laws and is looked down upon by almost all societies and civilizations.

Humans are quite complex creatures; that’s for sure! There are numerous disorders and mental health conditions that simply don’t make sense to a person who is used to living a normal and morally and culturally acceptable lifestyle. Some disorders are even bizarre to the point of making others feel disgusted. Nevertheless, this calls for mental health to be given even more attention than we generally do.

 

Robotic Assistance For Nurses

The number of robots in the workforce is on the rise with no signs of slowing down and in the healthcare field, medical robotics are already being used. The da Vinci machine is used in a wide variety of fields to perform surgeries with precision. The tiny origami robot comes in a capsule, which dissolves when swallowed. It is then controlled by a technician to patch up wounds in the stomach lining or remove foreign objects. The benefits of robotics are plenty: these machines show no bias, have low error rates, and never get tired or need food.

Robot in Medical Technology
A robotic arm used in high-throughput screening

Nursing and engineering students at Duke University have recently created a robotic nurse assistant funded by the National Science Foundation. Tele-Robotic Intelligent Nursing Assistant (TRINA) is currently able to bring a patient a bowl, cup, pills, and a stethoscope. When admitted to a hospital, a patient will spend most of his/her time with a nurse; with many hospitals being understaffed and nurses overworked, TRINA might be what the medical field desperately needs.

Very shortly, TRINA will be able to perform even more tasks, such as caring for patients suffering from highly infectious diseases, taking vital signs, collecting and testing fluids, and distributing medication. TRINA is not a standalone robot, it has to be controlled by an operator. The goal of TRINA and other healthcare robots is not to replace nurses and medical professionals, but to limit their exposure to infectious diseases and to better aid busy doctors and nurses. The National Science Foundation is also funding the development of a new robot that will help nurses lift patients as well as heavy objects.

Robot touching computer screen
3D rendering 3D illustration of a medical artificial intelligence robot working in a future hospital

Companion robots can also help patients by alleviating loneliness and treating mental health issues. When a nurse is overworked and unavailable to a patient, friendly companion robots can keep patients from feeling lonely by enabling them to make calls, play games, take pictures, and text.

These social robots, such as Buddy, Pepper, and Paro, can also read emotions and interact accordingly, providing companionship and entertainment. From hospital settings to nursing homes, these companion robots can alleviate stress for busy nurses.

Two Centuries Later, Cholera Still Haunts Us

What was thought to be a disease in the early 19th century caused by bad air was later on discovered to be a disease that was caused by a bacterium strand known as Vibrio Cholera. In 1854, physician Dr. John Snow discovered the microbial link to cholera and that the diseases came from consuming contaminated drinking water. It has been two centuries since cholera epidemic was fought off but the deadly illness still haunts us.

Today, about 1.3 to 4 million people fall victim to this disease and out of them 21,000 to 143,000 people die. It is an acute diarrhoeal condition that requires immediate treatment and results in fatal end within hours if the victim is not provided with any immediate medical aid.

Symptoms

The victims may show no or very mild symptoms. It is in very rare cases that the infected person shows any severe symptoms. Only one in ten persons would have a severe condition which is characterized by profuse watery diarrhea, vomiting, and cramped legs. In such cases, the victim loses fluids very rapidly and it results in extreme dehydration and a state of shock. Treatment is required on spot and in its earliest stage, it can be cured using intravenous fluids and antibiotics.  Mild symptoms can be successfully cured using oral rehydration solution.

Areas of High Risk

Areas and regions where water and sanitation facilities are mediocre, they are at the risk of facing cholera epidemic. For instance, in many parts of Africa, cholera epidemic has been going on for years now.  This is mainly owed to inadequate sanitation facilities and poor water treatment.

People Who Are At The Risk Of Severe Cholera

Scientific research studies conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital, Broad Institute of MIT, and researchers at Harvard University have reported in their findings published in Science Translational Medicine that who have blood type O are at higher risk of developing severe cholera disease.

Most recently, United Nations has called for the world to support their two-track plan for Haiti to fight against the ill-fated disease. The plan was launched by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Stage one of the plan would be focused on the main problem of poor water facilitation and sanitation, and stage two would be centered on victims, their families, and communities.

Most Recent Cholera Outbreak

Haiti has been dealing with the most recent cholera outbreak since October 2010. It was soon after the region was struck by a devastating earthquake. The epidemic has affected as many as 788,000 people and claimed the lives of an estimated 9,000 people. Rigorous efforts have been made by UN which have paid off really well and there has been a reported 90% reduction in the suspected affected areas.

Nevertheless, much more needs to be done. World Health Organization suggests providing safe oral cholera vaccines as well as a provision of safe drinking water and improved sanitation system in order to prevent and control the outbreaks. This is particularly eminent for areas that are at high risk of facing an epidemic.

 

 

Do Vitamin and Mineral Supplements Really Help?

Vitamins out of bottle
Photo by Kitch – yayimages.com

Billions of dollars are spent on supplements in the US. These include herbal supplements, minerals and vitamin products. The supplements are marketed rather touted as the best cure for diseases caused by deficiencies of essential minerals and vitamins.

However, a number of studies have raised a question about the benefits of taking a supplement for the majority of the individuals.  Here we will take a closer look at the findings of the study about the dietary supplements.

Are Supplements Beneficial for Your Health?

In an article published in the JAMA journal titled “The Supplement Paradox: Negligible Benefits, Robust Consumption”,  Dr. Pieter A. Cohen who works at the Cambridge Health Alliance and Somerville Hospital in Massachusetts said that most people do not benefit from taking dietary supplements.

According to the researcher, supplements are important in treating mineral and vitamin deficiencies. Moreover, they also help in the treatment of age-related diseases such as macular degeneration. However, he also added that most of the individuals do not benefit much from taking supplement tablets.

Dr. Cohen also stated that despite a number of studies that have indicated doubt over the benefits of taking daily supplements, their use has continued to climb in the US. Most of the people use the supplements for reasons such as improving or maintaining overall health or better cardiovascular health. In addition, the use of supplements is higher in older people and those belonging to the lower socioeconomic status.

Additional studies apart from Dr. Cohen also have found that taking supplements offer little benefits. The US Preventive Services Task Force that consists of a group of independent physicians, opted not to recommend regular use of multivitamins tablets by people that were not nutrient deficient.  VegetablesFor those who are not deficient in vitamins, eating healthy foods is one of the best ways to go and nutrition specialists recommend getting the required minerals and vitamins from a natural diet.

The bottom line is that supplements are not a good replacement for nutrient-rich foods. A supplement does not contain all the essential items found in wholesome foods. For instance, the fiber present in vegetables and fruits that are essential for health is not present in any of the supplements.

Apart from that, there is a risk of side effects if people that do not face any nutrient deficiency take dietary supplements. The presence of too many vitamins or minerals in the body results in various side effects that range from mild to serious health complications.

In the end, the best advice is to take a wise and cautious approach when taking supplements. Avoid taking a supplement if your blood tests show there is no mineral or vitamin deficiency. Also, do not take the supplement as an alternative to a healthy diet. The supplements should only be taken on the advice of a professional medical expert when facing a deficiency.

Note: The advice contained within this article is suggestive and is for informational purposes only and should not be followed without the prior consultation of a medical professional! 

Saturated Fats Not Always Bad for the Health

Saturated fats are fat molecules that are saturated with hydrogen molecules. The high amount of saturated fats in the body has been linked with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Consuming saturated fats increase the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level in the blood. This result in blockage of the arteries that increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other heart-related complications.

One study conducted by researchers at the University of Bergen, Norway found that saturated fats are not always bad for the body. Moderate amount of these fats in the body can, in fact, be beneficial for the body.

The Link Between Saturated Fats and Heart Health

Intake of saturated fats is the only way to boost good cholesterol level, also known as high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in obese individuals, according to the researchers at the University of Bergen. The study observed 38 individuals with abdominal obesity. Participants on the high-fat diet had significant improvements in different cardio-metabolic risk factors including blood pressure, ectopic fat storage, and blood lipids (triglycerides).

In addition, people that were administered diet containing saturated fats did not suffer from abnormal blood sugar levels. This means that people that eat a diet containing the saturated fat have decreased the risk of developing diabetes.

According to one of the researchers, Vivian Veum, the study team had examined the effects of saturated and total fat on persons that were administered a healthy diet that consisted of vegetables, rice, and fat sources such as cream, butter, and cold pressed oils. He said that the alleged health risks of the intake of saturated fats have been largely exaggerated.

The findings of the research indicated that saturated fats are not always bad for the health. Intake of saturated fats from lowly processed or natural sources can offer great health benefits resulting in reduced risk of cardio-metabolic diseases and diabetes.

Most people can tolerate intake of saturated fats as long as they are sourced from natural or lowly processed food items. The researchers, one of whom is a cardiologist, have found that intake of ‘quality’ saturated fats was good for the health even at high total energy levels.

The researchers at the University of Bergen had analyzed participants by measuring the fat mass in the abdominal region, liver, and heart. This provided accurate results about the effects of a fat-rich diet on the body.

Individuals are advised to follow the American Heart Association’s recommendation aiming 5 percent to 6 percent of calories from saturated fat sources. So, a person with 2000 calories a day diet should intake no more than 120 calories from saturated fat sources. This corresponds to an intake of around 13 gm of saturated fats in a daily diet.

The Benefits and Risks of a Vegan Diet

Approximately 3.3 percent of adults in the US claim to be a vegan or vegetarian. People become vegans for different reasons such as health concerns, religious beliefs, and distress over the killing of animals or use of hormones or antibiotics in livestock. Some people become vegans as they simply can’t afford to buy meat.

Whatever the reasons for being a vegan, the trend is growing in the US partly due to increased availability of fresh vegetable and fruit products and dining places that offer vegan-only food items. While there are many benefits of a vegan diet, there are also certain risks that you should know about the plant-based diet.

In this article, we will take a close look at both the health benefits and the risks of adopting a vegetarian diet.

Health Benefits of a Vegetarian Diet

Vegetarian diet offers great benefits to the individuals. Vegans are less likely to suffer from obesity as compared to people that eat meat-based diet. Studies have shown that vegans are at a lower risk of suffering from cardiovascular diseases as compared to non-vegans. The unsaturated fats that are present in seeds, soybeans, avocados, olives, nuts, and other plant-based food items reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. They are rich in fiber and contribute to an increase in the good cholesterol levels, also known as high-density lipoproteins (HDLs).

Apart from a lower risk of high blood pressure, Vegans also tend to have a lower risk of developing hypertension (low blood pressure) as compared to people that eat mostly meat. This is because the vegans are able to maintain a healthy body weight that helps them in maintaining healthy blood pressure.

Health Risks of a Vegetarian Diet

The foremost risk of a plant-based diet is that it increases the chance of developing health disorders due to lack of essential nutrients and vitamins. A number of vitamins and minerals including omega-3 fatty acids, protein, calcium, and others can be obtained from eating animal-based food items. Lack of these essential nutrients increases the risk of various health disorders.

In addition, people can’t fulfill the daily calorie intake through a vegan diet alone. Trying to meet the daily calorie intake requirement through a vegetable or plant-based diet can lead to unpleasant health effects.

In the end, a vegan diet can offer various health benefits such as reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and other serious health maladies. However, the major risk of a vegan diet is complications due to lack of essential nutrients. That is why it’s extremely important to consult with a dietician before adopting a vegan diet. The dietitian can recommend a healthy diet plan that consists of all the essential vitamins and minerals. In addition, the dietitian may also recommend intake of supplements for vitamins and nutrients that cannot be obtained from a plant-based diet.

Four Key Benefits of Nursing Homes for Senior Parents

Howard Fensterman has been instrumental in helping nursing homes maintain high quality health care for their patients. Most nursing facilities provide private accommodations and personal care to a majority of folks that are elderly individuals; hence, the decision to move to a nursing home can be emotionally taxing for both the immediate family members and the senior parent.

Most often, family members try their best to take care of the individual. But the demands of the work involved or the illness can become difficult at times, especially if the family member is not well versed in medical care. Sooner or later, it may become mandatory to seek outside help. In such a situation, nursing homes are a viable option.


Photo by HighwayStarz – yayimages.com

Here are four main benefits of nursing homes for senior parents

Social Experiences

Nursing homes provide the best social experiences for the elderly individuals. They can take part in activities with other senior persons and share their life views and experiences.  Some of the nursing facilities also organize social events where all the residents of the nursing home can mingle together and share experiences.

As a result, the senior parent won’t succumb to the feelings of depression or melancholy due to being isolated. Most of the senior individuals that reside at nursing homes enjoy a quality time having fun with people of their own age group.

Assistance with Chores

Performing simple daily chores becomes difficult during the old age. Several senior individuals lose their ability to perform such simple tasks. Nursing home care professionals assist the senior individuals in performing activities such bathing, changing clothes, eating and drinking, driving, administering medicine, and using the restroom. What’s more, the help is offered to the senior individuals as a premium service and not as assistance due to being handicapped. This ensures that the senior persons don’t feel invalid in any way due to not being able to perform simple daily chores.

Round the Clock Medical Help

Nursing homes provide 24/7 medical help to the elderly individuals. Many nursing facilities have medical professionals onsite at all times. Living in the home will ensure the perfect safety of the senior patients and can offer immediate medical assistance in case of an emergency. This will ensure that your loved one is under the proper care and able to lead a good life without much physical or emotional pain.

Safety and Security

Another key advantage of a nursing home is that they offer a greater level of security as compared to home care or when the individual is living alone. Imagine the horror if the senior parent forgets to turn off the gas after cooking, or forgets to lock the door at night. Placing senior parents in a nursing home will offer a peace of mind in knowing that the loved and dear one is provided maximum protection and security, both during the day and night.

In conclusion, a nursing home is the best option when it comes to the care of the elderly parent. The senior individual can have a quality time socializing and engaging in fun and exciting activities. Also, the senior person would be offered round the clock medical help that will ensure maximum safety and protection of the individual. The decision to place in a nursing home care can be the best one you can make for your senior parent, particularly during the stage of life when the person can’t live without external assistance.

 

 

 

 

Is Daylight Saving Time Bad for Your Health?

Daylight Saving Time (DST) had raised controversy ever since it was implemented about a century ago in the western world. The practice of moving one hour ahead and back during the summer and winter months, respectively, was first implemented during the WW I by Germany to reduce the consumption of electricity.  

However, a number of studies point out that not only DST does not help conserve electricity, but it also increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. In this article, we will find out what research studies say about the effect of DST on health.

Man reaching for clock
Photo by diego_cervo – yayimages.com

The Effect of DST on Health

Research is mounting about the bad effect of DST on health.  A number of recent studies published in reputable journals claim that the habit of moving one hour forward and backward has a negative effect on the sleep-wake-cycle, which is also known as the circadian rhythm.

A study that was presented at the Annual Scientific Session of the American College of Cardiology claimed that the incidence of the heart attacks increased on the day following the DST. The researchers found that there was about 25 percent increase in the incidence of a heart attack on the Monday following the DST as compared to other Mondays.

The researchers made the conclusion after examining 42,000 patient admissions in different hospitals in Michigan. They found that 32 heart attacks occurred on average during any particular Monday. However, this figure rose to an average of 40 heart attacks the Monday after the hours are moved by one hour each year.

A similar conclusion was drawn by a number of other research studies. For instance, a study published in the American Journal of Cardiology in 2013 found that the rate of heart attack increased the Sunday after the time was shifted by an hour.

Another study published in 2012 by researchers at the University of Alabama found that the rates of heart attacks increased by about 10 percent on the Monday and Tuesday after the change to DST.

Finally, a Swedish study published in 2018 found that the chances of a heart attack increased in the first three days after the shift to DST. The study found that the incidence of heart attacks increased by 10 percent on the first Tuesday and five percent on the first Monday after the change to DST.

How to Offset the Harmful Effects in Circadian Rhythm of DST?

Experts recommend that individuals can counteract the harmful effects of DST by taking a few simple measures. Individuals are advised to go to bed about half an hour earlier on Friday night that comes before Sunday when the clock is moved one hour forward.  In this way, the individual can undergo a natural transition to the time adjustment and avoid negative effects on the health.

Retired Baby Boomers Enjoy an Active Life in Nursing Care

There are around 75 million baby boomers in America. Also known as the World War II baby boomers, it includes persons that are between the ages of 52 and 70 in 2016.

Nearly 3 million baby boomers will retire in the coming two decades. Most of them will depend on their immediate family members for care. To meet the long-term care needs of these individuals, the best option is a nursing home.

Advantages of a Nursing Home for the Baby Boomers

Whether you are a baby boomer or an immediate family member responsible for the care of the elderly individual, you should consider nursing homes that serve as a silver lining in the cloud for baby boomers.

elerly people

Photo by moodboard – yayimages.com

Nursing homes provide the perfect opportunity for senior individuals to participate in social activities. The activities provide the platform for the residents to come to know each other and have quality time together. It gives the senior person the opportunity to lead a highly satisfied and active social life.

Nursing homes schedule a lot of activities that allows the residents to mingle with each other. All the individuals that reside in the nursing home are encouraged to take part in the social activities. The best part about these activities is that it allows the elderly baby boomer to enjoy a quality time.

After retirement, the senior individuals have limited opportunities to interact with others. Most of the immediate family members are busy with their own work and social life. In such a situation, the elderly person feels left out and neglected.

In a nursing home, the retired baby boomers will have no time to feel depressed or abandoned. The nursing home care professionals make sure that every resident is offered the opportunity that makes them feel an active member of a society.

Every activity is performed under the supervision of the nursing care providers. They are there to offer immediate medical help in case of an emergency. This ensures that the elderly individual is able to enjoy a quality time while remaining perfectly safe and protected.

Conclusion

A nursing home is a perfect option for baby boomers that are nearing retirements. It is particularly a good option for retired baby boomers living alone. Instead of sulking alone in the home, the senior individual can lead a socially active life at the nursing home. The senior persons will find their hours filled with quality time mingling with other retired senior individuals.

The benefits of a nursing home, however, go beyond allowing the baby boomers to lead a satisfying post-retirement life. The individuals are offered round the clock care in dealing with both daily chores and coping with difficult health conditions. It would be better and much safer for the aging baby boomer to spend quality time in a nursing home as compared to assisted home care.

When is Nursing Home Care Recommended for Seniors?

Happy Senior CitizensA common question among family members with senior loved ones is when is the best time to move the elderly from the home to a nursing home? While most senior persons prefer to live the remaining years after the retirement in their own home, sometimes their health conditions necessitate moving to a nursing facility.

A number of factors should be considered when deciding on the best option for the senior person. In this article, we will discuss some of the situations where a nursing home is preferable for the seniors instead of a home care.

1. Problems in Performing Daily Activity

A nursing home is a right choice when the senior individual cannot perform daily activities such as bathing, dressing, driving, and shopping grocery items. Nursing home care providers can help the senior individual in performing the daily chores.  

The friendly and welcoming professionals at the nursing home will ensure that the senior person has no problem while performing their daily tasks. This is especially helpful for senior individuals that suffer from physical or mental problems that prevent them from performing the daily chores.

2. Suffering from Health Disorders  

Taking Care of the ElderlySenior persons that are in advanced stages of Dementia, Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease can greatly benefit from nursing home care services. The nursing home ensures that the elderly individual is offered round the clock assistance and surveillance that is not possible when residing at the home. So, if the elderly individual suffers from a serious medical condition, moving him or her to a nursing home would be recommended.

3. Reside in Remote Place

If the senior resides in an area where immediate medical assistance is not possible, then the best option is to move the individual to a nursing home. The nursing homes offer facilities that ensure that the senior person gets the immediate medical service whenever needed.

In the unfortunate event that the senior individual suffers a heart attack, the nursing home care personnel will make sure that the person receives immediate medical care to minimize the damage.

4. Alone at Home

Dementia PatientA nursing home is a right option when the senior who is leading a post-retirement life is mostly alone at home. Nursing homes offer plenty of opportunities for the residents to lead a socially active life. Residents of the nursing home lead a satisfying life while taking part in a number of activities that are organized by the nursing home administration.

Most people want to live the remainder of their post-retirement life full of fun, joy, and laughter. Nursing homes can offer an environment for the elderly to live an active and enjoyable life. The facilities offered at the nursing homes can ensure that the senior person has quality time without facing any hardships that manifest due to advanced age.