Hypertension

HYPERTENSION means that at least one of the two: systolic pressure or diastolic pressure is high. You can find out whether you are hypertensive or not by measuring your blood pressure on a regular basis.

Above 140/99 MM of HG on two or More occasional indicates High BP.

FACTS TO THINK UPON:

1. Hypertension increases stroke by 4-6 times.
2.  It is one of the common causes of hemorrhagic stroke.
3. People who have hypertensive parents are twice more likely to develop high blood pressure.
4. Smoking 2 cigarettes cause a temporary rise in both systolic and diastolic pressure by an average of 10 mmHg each. If you smoke heavily, your blood pressure is increased throughout the day.
5. Smoking can interfere with certain hypertensive medications.

Author: Dr. Ashok Kapoor, MD (Int. Medicine), DM (Cardiology), Specialist in Cardiologist

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Benefits of Walking

20 Benefits of Walking

1. Help with Weight Management
2. It's accessible to everyone
3. Doesn't require special equipment
4. One of the easiest ways to get more active
5. Reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety
6. It's a low impact exercise
7. Lowers Low-density Lipo-protein (LDL) Cholesterol (the "Bad" Cholesterol)
8. Raises High-density Lipo-protein (HDL) Cholesterol (the "Good" Cholesterol)
9. Lowers blood pressure
10. Reduces the risk of some cancers
11. Helps reduce risk and aids with the management of type-2 diabetes
12. Improves mood
13. Help maintain strong bones
14. Reduces the risk of heart attack
15. Less likely to lead to injuries
16. Reduces stress
17. Reduces risk of heart disease
18. You don't have to pay for it
19. Builds aerobic fitness
20. Helps maintain lean muscle tissue

Dental Health

People begin to learn about dental health from a very young age, when teeth first begin to show up. In spite of such early awareness, many people fail to maintain good dental health through their adult life. Good dental health comprises brushing and flossing your teeth every day, and regular visits to a dentist or dental hygienist as well. People also supplement their dental care with the use of products like mouthwash or advanced mouth care systems, and you should keep in mind that the lack of adequate dental care practices will result in cavities and gum disease.

It is generally advised that you use a toothbrush with softer bristles so as to protect your gums. Some people, however, prefer power brush systems that help break up plaque and bacteria in your mouth. But it takes more than brushing to keep your teeth in good health. Some other steps need to be taken to ensure that people do not lose their teeth as they become old.

To begin with, you should understand your own oral health needs, as your oral health depends on your diet, the type and amount of saliva in your mouth, your overall health and your oral hygiene routine. Try to follow a daily routine in consultation with your dentist.

As fluoride strengthens developing teeth in kids and prevents decay in adults, toothpastes and mouthwashes containing fluoride should be used. You should brush at least twice a day, if possible three times or after every meal. You should also floss at least twice a day. Brushing and flossing will remove plaque, a complex mass of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth.

Limit the consumption of snacks and follow a balanced diet plan. Tobacco in any form will enhance the risk of oral cancer and cause stains on your teeth. Visit your dentist regularly and get your mouth examined.

FLU VACCINE

Influenza vaccination commonly known as Flu vaccine or Flu shot is an annual vaccination recommended for a given year to help protect against the influenza virus(s) infection.

Although Influenza infection can affect people differently, even healthy people can get very sick from flu and spread it to others. An annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to reduce chances of catching the virus and also lessen the chance to spread it to others.

Sometimes, it can be very tricky to tell the difference between flu and common colds. Flu, in general is much worse than Common Cold and rather than assuming your symptoms just of common colds, it is recommended to have vaccination to get yourself protected. Very young and old are more prone in getting this disease.

Unlike other vaccinations, flu vaccine is recommended for pregnant women. It is also highly recommended for travelers at this time of the year. 

It usually takes about 2 weeks for the antibodies against the virus to develop.

Boost your immune system with a timely vaccination at Getwell Medical Center.

GMC provides flu shots; and other vaccinations as well as medical care. For appointments and enquiries please call or visit www.getwelluae.com.

Dengue Fever

O'nyong-nyong fever; Dengue-like disease; Breakbone fever

Dengue fever is a virus-caused disease that is spread by mosquitoes.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Dengue fever is caused by one of four different but related viruses. It is spread by the bite of mosquitoes, most commonly the mosquito Aedes aegypti, which is found in tropic and subtropic regions. This includes parts of:

• Indonesian archipelago into northeastern Australia
• South and Central America
• Southeast Asia
• Sub-Saharan Africa
• Some parts of the Caribbean

Dengue fever is being seen more often in world travelers.

Dengue fever should not be confused with Dengue hemorrhagic fever, which is a separate disease that is caused by the same type of virus but has much more severe symptoms.

Symptoms

Dengue fever begins with a sudden high fever, often as high as 104 - 105 degrees Fahrenheit, 4 to 7 days after the infection.

A flat, red rash may appear over most of the body 2 - 5 days after the fever starts. A second rash, which looks like the measles, appears later in the disease. Infected people may have increased skin sensitivity and are very uncomfortable.

Other symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Headache (especially behind the eyes)
• Joint aches
• Muscle aches
• Nausea
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Vomiting

Signs and tests

Tests that may be done to diagnose this condition include:

• Antibody titer for dengue virus types
• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for dengue virus types

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for dengue fever. You will need fluids if there are signs of dehydration. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is used to treat a high fever. Avoid taking aspirin.

Expectations (prognosis)

The condition generally lasts a week or more. Although uncomfortable, dengue fever is not deadly. People with the condition should fully recover.

Complications

• Febrile convulsions
• Severe dehydration

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you have traveled in an area where dengue fever is known to occur and have developed symptoms of the disease.

Prevention

Clothing, mosquito repellent, and netting can help reduce exposure to mosquitoes. Traveling during periods of minimal mosquito activity can also be helpful.

Mosquito abatement programs may reduce the risk of infection.

References

1. Naides SJ. Arthropod-borne viruses causing fever and rash syndromes. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 390.
2. Vaughn DW, Barrett A, Solomon T. Flaviviruses (yellow fever, dengue dengue hemorrhagic fever, Japanese encephalitis, West Nile encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, tick-borne encephalitis). In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone: 2009:chap 153.

Harmful Effects of Obesity

Obesity is an abnormally high amount of body weight due to an excessive amount of adipose tissue (fat cells) in the body that can lead to a lot of health risks, here is a list of them below

- Increased body weight leads to more work for heart because a greater load is put on the cardiovascular system. High blood pressure, hyper-lipidemia (increased fats in the blood) and atherosclerosis ( fat accumulation in the arteries) can all lead to heart attack strokes. These diseases are very common in obese people.

- Obesity decreases respiratory movements leading to obesity hypo-ventilation. Tolerance to physical exercise is decreased resulting in breathlessness on minor exertion.

- Varicose veins is also commonly seen in obese individuals.

- Joints become painful and sore due to all the weight that they have to carry especially weight bearing joints like the knee. This can lead to osteoarthritis of greater stress and strain.

- Back pain is also a common problem in the obese.

- There is excessive sweating because deposits of fat under the skin acts as an insulating material making it difficult for the body to lose heat by radiation and convection; in addition more heat will be produced by an obese person as compared to a thin person under similar conditions.

- Diabetes is also a very common disease in obese people especially diabetes type 2 , which starts in mid life and is usually due to insulin resistance.

- Cancer of the rectum, colon, breast, ovaries and uterus are more common in the obese.

- Sexual disorders like menstrual disorders and sterility are common in obese women. In men extra fat cells convert more testosterone to estrogen producing an anti testosterone effect.

- The resistance to infections is is less in the obese making them more prone to respiratory infections and fungal skin diseases.

- The incidence of gall bladder disease is also higher in the obese.

Hiatus hernia leading to heart burn due to gastro -esophageal reflux is also very common.

- The obese are poor surgical risks.

- Pregnancy is also accompanied by more complications in obese women.

- Snoring and sleep apnea are also quite common in obese people, sleep apnea can cause dangerous and fast heart beats which occasionally can be fatal. The person does not feel fresh on waking up from sleep and remains somnolent during the day showing microsleep meaning sleep that last a very short time.

- The obese have an overall short life expectancy. As said “longer the belt, shorter the life span”.

- Obese individuals are more prone to mental depression due to decreased self respect brought about by unkind remarks and jokes. They have a poor degree of self image which improves with loss of body weight.

- Men with a waist circumference more than 40 inches and women with more than 35 are at a risk of developing obesity.