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Medical Health Fitness

MAGAZINE

Special Supplement 2014

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INTERVIEW

The Medical Supplement 2014

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INTERVIEW

The Medical Supplement 2014

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INTERVIEW

Medical Health Fitness

CONTENTS

Special Supplement 2014

36. What COCONUT WATER is Really Good For

16. Diabetes Mellitus

Basics, Myths & Facts

30. Natural Cough

52. Why Crying Is Good for You

Remedies for Persistent & Dry Coughs

50. What Your PEE is Telling You 18. Know Your Vitamins

32. Death by CHAIR

28. The Danger of Antibiotic Overuse 22. What's Your Breast Cancer IQ?

24. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s More To The Eyes Than Vision 26. Top 10 Tips For Eating Right During Pregnancy 30. 7 Natural Cough Remedies for Persistent & Dry Coughs 40. Food Addiction 43. 5 Ways to Improve Your Smile 46. Osteoporosis 48. Essential Vaccinations 54. The Healthy Home with MEDISANA 56. Helpful Gadgets For Your Health 58. Kids Health Guide for Parents 64. Understanding Your Laboratory Report 68. 5 Common Myths About Aging

44. Thalassemia

INTERVIEWS 34. Ali Al Hendal 38. Dr. Alaa Etabbakh

FIRST AID 09. First Aid & Emergency Treatments at Home

PROFILES 60. GIG Profile 63. Boushahri Specialized Polyclinic Profile

DIRECTORY 70. Medical Phone Directory

‫ﻋﺮض اﻟﻤﻮﺳﻢ اﻟﺠﺪﻳﺪ ‪ ،‬ﺧﺼﻮﻣﺎت ﻋﻠﻰ ﺟﻤﻴﻊ ﺟﻠﺴﺎت اﻟﻠﻴﺰر‬ ‫ زاﻟﺔ اﻟﺸﻌﺮ‬

‫ﻟﻴﺰر اﻟﻴﺪﻳﻦ‬ ‫‪ 50‬د‪.‬ك‬

‫ﻟﻴﺰر ﻣﻨﻄﻘﺔ ا ﺑﻂ‬ ‫‪ ٢٠‬د‪.‬ك‬

‫ﻟﻴﺰر اﻟﺴﺎﻗﻴﻦ‬ ‫‪ ٩٠‬د‪.‬ك‬

‫ﻟﻴﺰر ﻣﻨﻄﻘﺔ اﻟﺒﻴﻜﻴﻨﻲ‬ ‫‪ ٤٠‬د‪.‬ك‬

‫ﻟﻴﺰر اﻟﻮﺟﻪ‬ ‫‪ ٣٥‬د‪.‬ك‬

IMPORTANT DATES & MONTH-LONG AWARNESS October

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

November

Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Disease Awareness Month

November

Lung Cancer Awareness Month

November

Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

14 November -

World Diabetes Day

19 November -

International Men's Day

1 December -

World AIDS Day

Medical Health Fitness

Special Supplement 2014

FROM THE EDITOR Dear Readers... Stay Healthy and Fit! Welcome to our second issue of the Medical, Health, and Fitness Supplement with even more useful information. We would like to thank our sponsors and advertisers for their continuous support and believe in us and our new projects. We believe that when you learn as much as possible, you'll stay in control of your health, rather than let your health control you. Enjoy this supplement, We've developed it with you in mind.

Dr. Nazia Nausheen Project Manager -

Medical, Health & Fitness Supplement Dr. Nazia Nausheen is a Certified Medical Doctor. She also holds a Masters Degree in Business, Specializing in Sales and Marketing.

I also would like to thank Dr. Nazia Nausheen for once again working hard on this supplement and carefuly researching and put together anoter issue of this useful supplement. Please spread the message and awareness with this Special Supplement and lets together save lives and promote a healthy lifestyle.

JAMEEL ARIF jameelrf@citypageskuwait.com

DISCLAIMER

Extra care has been used to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this magazine. However, the publisher will not accept responsibility for errors and omissions in the publication. In addition, the views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. Photos have been altered to comply with the Laws of Kuwait. All rights reserved. No part of this publication including pictures, articles, artworks, and overall design may be reproduced, copied, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated in any language in any form or means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the written permission of the editor or the publisher. Copyright ÂŠ 2014

FIRST AID

The Medical Supplement 2014

First Aid is the temporary help given to an injured or a sick person before professional medical treatment can be provided. This timely assistance, comprising of simple medical techniques, is most critical to the victims and is, often, life saving. Any layperson can be trained to administer first aid, which can be carried out using minimal equipments. There are several conditions that require first aid but we will discuss only few, more common ones.

Fever Overview

• Fever is higher-than-normal body temperature (Normal temperature is 37°C or 98.6°F) • Indicates an abnormal process in the body • Fever is a symptom and not disease • Also called 'pyrexia' • Low fever:98.8°F to 100.8°F • Mild to moderate:101°F to 103°F • High fever:104°F and above

Causes

• Hot weather • Childhood immunization • Bacterial/viral infection • Spending much time in sun • Allergy to medication / food

Symptoms

• Hot flushed face • Lack of interest in food • Nausea • Vomiting • Head and body ache • Constipation • Diarrhea

High fever maybe associated with: • Delirium • Convulsion

Treatment

• Monitor temperature using a thermometer • Remove the excess clothing • Keep the person in a cool place • Give a sponge bath in luke warm water • Give plenty of fluids • Give prescribed doses of Adol • Do not give aspirin to a person with fever • Do not wrap the person in blankets / warm clothing

Consult a Doctor in case of: • Irregular breathing • Stiff neck • Confusion

• Rashes • Persistent sore throat • Vomiting • Diarrhea • Painful urination • Convulsions

Headache

care is proved to be quiet effective

Consult a doctor

• If headache is recurrent and persistent • If headache occurs with o Fever/convulsions o Memory loss/confusion o Loss of consciousness o Stiff Neck

Overview

Nose Bleed

• A condition where pain occurs in the head • Most common of pain complaints • Majority of headaches are harmless, require Overview • A nose bleed occurs when a small vein, no treatment along the lining of nose, bursts • Some are indications of an underlying • Most nosebleeds look scary, but are disorder harmless Causes • Can be treated at home • Tension • Common in children/elderly • Fever • High blood pressure • Migraine • Straining the eye • Sinus infection • Dehydration • Ice cream • Thunder • Withdrawal from caffeine/drugs • Brain related o Aneurysms o Tumors o Meningitis o Encephalitis o Head injury

Treatment

• Most headaches are treated with pain killers • Common medications- acetaminophen/ Panadol/aspirin • Tension headache treated by lowering body temperature- This is achieved by taking a cool shower • If recurrent, keep a headache diary - This helps to identify the cause • Chronic use of painkillers causes 'rebound headaches' • Complementary treatments like chiropractic

Causes

• Dryness • Nose picking • Blowing nose with force • Use of medications, like aspirin • Introducing objects into nose (mostly children) • Injuries • Allergies • Infections • High BP • Atherosclerosis • Blood-clotting disorders

Types

a. Anterior Nosebleed • Affects lower part of nose septum or wall that separates nostrils • The wall or septum contains blood vessels • These can be broken by blow to nose/ fingernail • The bleeding starts from front of nose • It flows outward when patient is sitting/ standing • Occurs during dry season/harsh winter b. Posterior Nosebleed • The bleeding starts deep within the nose

FIRST AID

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• It flows down the back of the mouth & throat • This happens even when the person is sitting/standing • Occurs in old people/those with high BP/ injuries • This type of bleeding is severe/ requires medical help

Treatment

If your nose bleeds: • Sit down and lean forward • Using your thumb & index finger, squeeze soft part of nose • This part is between end of nose and the bridge of nose • Continue holding till bleeding stops• Do not stop in-between • If bleeding continues, hold for another 10 minutes • If the patient is a child, divert attention by TV/Stories • Avoid picking, blowing or rubbing nose for 2 days • Place an ice pack on the bridge of nose

Consult a Doctor if:

• The bleeding continues for more than 15 minutes • The bleeding is caused by an injury • You get nosebleeds often

• Hands will grasp throat • Breathlessness • Noisy breathing • Inability to cough • Skin, nails and lips may turn blue • Loss of consciousness

Overview

• Heimlich maneuver can be used • It forces the diaphragm up to the lungs • Creates an artificial cough

Symptoms

Treatment

Heimlich Maneuver on a standing person • Stand behind the person • Form a fist with one hand • Place fist below ribcage, thumb inward • Hold the fist with other hand • Keep arms off ribcage • Give four inward and upward thrust • Repeat till the object is ejected • Same method is used for a child too

Heimlich Maneuver On an Unconscious Person

Causes

• If person is lying down, straddle the person with your knees • Place heel of one hand above waistline • Place other hand over the first • Give four inward and upward thrust • Repeat till object is coughed out Heimlich Maneuver On an Infant • Place the infant face down across your forearm (resting your forearm on your leg) and support the infant’s head with your hand. • Give four forceful blows to the back with the heel of your hand. • repeat this several times until the obstructing object is coughed out • If it does not work, turn the baby • Place two fingers an inch below the imaginary line connecting nipples • Give four thrusts to the chest to a depth of 1 inch to bring out the object • Repeat if required

Symptoms

• While eating, concentrate on the task • Do not eat quickly, without chewing • Supervise children while they eat • Give easily chewable, soft food to children • Do not leave tiny objects within the reach of children

Prevention

• Keep fingernails short • Quit smoking • Open your mouth while sneezing • Use a humidifier at night in case of dry weather

Choking Overview

• Occurs when foreign object is lodged in windpipe (trachea) • This blocks oxygen supply to brain • In adults, choking occurs due to food • In children it also occurs on swallowing an object • Choking could be fatal, if first aid not given • Swallowing a large piece of food • Swallowing food that is not well chewed • Eating food quickly • Eating and talking at the same time • Wearing dentures • Walking / playing with food in mouth

Prevention

Animal bites • Domestic pets cause more bites • Dogs more likely to bite and cats are more infectious • Risk of rabies with non-immunized pets / stray / wild animals • Skin break • Bruise / puncture • Cuts • Bleeding • Swelling and redness of the area • Oozing of fluid

Treatment

For minor wounds: If the bite barely breaks the skin and there's no danger of rabies, treat it as a minor wound. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water. Apply an antibiotic cream to prevent infection and cover the bite with a clean bandage For deep wounds: If the animal bite creates a deep puncture of the skin or the skin is badly torn and bleeding, apply pressure with a clean, dry cloth to stop the bleeding and see your doctor For infection: If you notice signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, increased pain or oozing, see your doctor immediately For suspected rabies: If you suspect the bite was caused by an animal that might carry rabies — including any wild or domestic animal of unknown immunization status, see your doctor immediately

Prevention

•Avoid keeping wild animals as pets •Choose a pet that is friendly to children •Train the pet to obey commands •Vaccinate your pet •When children are around, pets supervision is required •Avoid leaving infants alone with pets

Foreign object in the eye Overview

•Any object that lodges itself in the eye •Small objects will be washed out by tears / blinking •Others need medical attention

Causes •Dust

FIRST AID

•Debris •Sand •Contact lens •Eye lash •Make up •Flying objects like glass

Symptoms

•Itching •Irritation •Pain •Sensitivity to bright light •Blurry vision

Treatment

•Wash hands before helping the victim •Seat the person in a well lit area •Gently examine the eye •Pull lower eyelid downward •Ask the person to look upward •Then hold upper eyelid while person looks down •If object is floating try flushing it out •Otherwise, touch the object with wet cotton bud •Object should cling to the cotton bud •If object is removed, flush eyes with saline/ warm water •If object cannot be removed, see a doctor •If object is embedded, do not touch •Cover the eyes with paper cups and tape it •Consult doctor immediately

Steps to Avoid

•Avoid rubbing eyes •Do not remove an embedded object •Do not try to remove a large object

Consult a doctor

•When the object cannot be removed •When object is embedded •When the person's vision is affected •When the scratching sensation persists •When pain persists even after removing object

Prevention

•Wear protective eye gear at work, if necessary •Wear protective gears while playing sports

Burns What are burns?

•Burns are injuries due to heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation

The Medical Supplement 2014

•Common heat injuries are due to fire, hot liquids, or steam •Burns due to heat / chemicals - through skin contact •Severe burns may affect muscles, fat and bones •Older people and children are particularly vulnerable

Categories of burns

To distinguish a minor burn from a serious burn, the first step is to determine the extent of damage to body tissues. The three burn classifications of first-degree burn, seconddegree burn and third-degree burn will help you determine emergency care.

1st-degree burn

The least serious burns are those in which only the outer layer of skin is burned, but not all the way through. •The skin is usually red •Often there is swelling •Pain sometimes is present Treat a first-degree burn as a minor burn unless it involves substantial portions of the hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or a major joint, which requires emergency medical attention.

2nd-degree burn

When the first layer of skin has been burned through and the second layer of skin (dermis) also is burned, the injury is called a seconddegree burn. •Blisters develop •Skin takes on an intensely reddened, splotchy appearance •There is severe pain and swelling. If the second-degree burn is no larger than 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) in diameter, treat it as a minor burn. If the burned area is larger or if the burn is on the hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or over a major joint, treat it as a major burn and get medical help immediately.

may get lint in the wound. Wrap the gauze loosely to avoid putting pressure on burned skin. Bandaging keeps air off the burn, reduces pain and protects blistered skin. •Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. These include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, others), or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). Use caution when giving aspirin to children or teenagers. Though aspirin is approved for use in children older than age 2, children and teenagers recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should never take aspirin. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns. Minor burns usually heal without further treatment. They may heal with pigment changes, meaning the healed area may be a different color from the surrounding skin. Watch for signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, fever, swelling or oozing. If infection develops, seek medical help. Avoid re-injuring or tanning if the burns are less than a year old — doing so may cause more extensive pigmentation changes. Use sunscreen on the area for at least a year.

Caution

•Don't use ice. Putting ice directly on a burn can cause a person's body to become too cold and cause further damage to the wound. •Don't apply egg whites, butter or ointments to the burn. This could cause infection. •Don't break blisters. Broken blisters are more vulnerable to infection.

3rd-degree burn

The most serious burns involve all layers of the skin and cause permanent tissue damage. Fat, muscle and even bone may be affected. Areas may be charred black or appear dry and white. Difficulty inhaling and exhaling, carbon monoxide poisoning, or other toxic effects may occur if smoke inhalation accompanies the burn.

Treatment

For major burns: it requires immediate medical assistance, while at home follow these steps: 1.Don't remove burned clothing. However, do make sure the victim is no longer in contact Treatment with smoldering materials or exposed to For minor burns: including first-degree burns smoke or heat. and second-degree burns limited to an area 2.Don't immerse large severe burns in cold no larger than 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) in water. Doing so could cause a drop in body diameter, take the following action: temperature (hypothermia) and deterioration •Cool the burn. Hold the burned area under of blood pressure and circulation (shock). cool (not cold) running water for 10 or 15 3.Check for signs of circulation (breathing, minutes or until the pain subsides. If this is impractical, immerse the burn in cool water or coughing or movement). If there is no cool it with cold compresses. Cooling the burn breathing or other sign of circulation, begin reduces swelling by conducting heat away from CPR. 4. Elevate the burned body part or parts. the skin. Don't put ice on the burn. •Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage. Raise above heart level, when possible. Don't use fluffy cotton, or other material that 5.Cover the area of the burn. Use a cool,

FIRST AID

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moist, sterile bandage; clean, moist cloth; or moist cloth towels. 6.Get a tetanus shot. Burns are susceptible to tetanus. Doctors recommend you get a tetanus shot every 10 years. If your last shot was more than five years ago, your doctor may recommend a tetanus shot booster.

Prevention

•Install smoke alarm in your home •Employ 'children friendly' safety measures at home •Avoid synthetic clothing while cooking •Carry out fire drills at home and work place

Head Trauma Overview

•Head trauma is an injury that affects the brain / skull •Injuries range from minor to serious •Head injury may be 'closed' or 'penetrating' • 'Closed'- when head hits against a blunt object, these injuries lead to concussion •'Penetrating' - an object penetrates skull and enters brain

Causes

•Road traffic accidents •Accidents at home / work •Assault •Fall •Sports

Symptoms

•Loss of consciousness - for short or long duration •Bleeding •Vomiting •Fluid discharge from nose •Loss of hearing, vision, taste, smell •Speech-related problems •Irregular heart beat •Seizures •Paralysis •Coma •Change in personality •Mental health-related problems

Treatment

For mild injury: •Apply ice to injured area to minimize swelling •The size of the bump is not related to the severity of injury •Observe the patient carefully for signs of

bleeding For moderate to severe injury: •Check the patient's breathing pattern •If necessary do Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) •In case of bleeding, press area with a clean cloth •If the cloth soaks, place a fresh cloth over the first one •Do not remove debris from the wound •If person is vomiting turn on the side and lower the head •To minimize spine injury - hold head, neck and body in one line •Immobilize the patient •If unconscious, treat it like a spinal injury •Keep the head in alignment with spine •Get immediate medical help

Consult a Doctor

Adults •Severe head or facial bleeding •Bleeding or fluid leakage from the nose or ears •Severe headache •Change in level of consciousness for more than a few seconds •Black-and-blue discoloration below the eyes or behind the ears •Cessation of breathing •Confusion •Loss of balance •Weakness or an inability to use an arm or leg •Unequal pupil size •Slurred speech •Seizures Children •Any of the signs or symptoms for adults •Persistent crying •Refusal to eat •Bulging in the soft spot on the front of the head (infants) •Repeated vomiting Steps to Avoid •Avoid shaking or moving a person who has head injuries •Avoid washing the wound or removing debris •Do not remove helmet in case of head injury •Do not pick up a fallen child with head injury

Heat stroke Overview

•Heat stroke is the most severe of all heatrelated illness •Heat stroke could be life-threatening

Causes

•Cooling mechanism of the body fails due to a. Excessive humidity b. Extreme heat c. Activity in the hot sun •Internal body temperature rises, leading to stroke

Risk Factors

•Dehydration •Infants & older people •People who work outdoor for long hours •Obesity •Impairment in sweat gland function •Cardiovascular disorder •Medications

Symptoms

The main sign of heat stroke is highly raised body temperature, greater than 1040F •Head ache •Dizziness •Confusion •Disorientation •Fatigue •Hot dry skin •Skin is moist, if stroke is due to exertion •Rapid / shallow breathing •Rapid heartbeat •Absence of sweating •Fluctuating blood pressure •Irritability •Confusion •Lack of consciousness / coma

Treatment

•Remove the person to a shady place •Cool the person by sponging with wet towel •Apply ice packs in armpits and groin •Water with electrolyte, fruit / vegetable juice should be given •Victim must be rested •Seek medical assistance if necessary

Prevention

•Avoid outdoor activity during excessive heat •Drink plenty of fluids when working outdoors •During outdoor activity, splash your body

FIRST AID

The Medical Supplement 2014

area for 20 minutes frequently with water •Wear light weight, light- colored, •Apply aloe-based solution loose-fitting clothes •Avoid using oils, bath salts, perfumed lotions •Protect yourself from the sun by etc wearing sun glasses and hat. •Avoid scrubbing/shaving •Use a gentle towel •Stay out of the sun while sun burnt

Sunburn

Overview

•Sunburn is a burn of the skin results from overexposure to the sun •Normal exposure results in the production of Vitamin D •Most of us become sun burnt at some time in life •Sunburn causes a lot of discomfort •It can cause premature ageing/cancer •Common in children/young adults

Causes

•Ultraviolet rays from sun during outdoor activities •Tanning beds •Traveling to places at high altitude

Risk factors

•Light-skinned people •Recent exposure to sun •Prior skin injury •Infections like Herpes, Porphyria •Certain Medications like antibiotics, antipsoriatic drugs

Symptoms

The skin injury begins within 30 minutes of exposure to the sun •Redness of the skin •Irritation •Blisters •Pain •Skin burning •Skin loss •Dehydration •Flu-like symptoms •Infection •Fever •If very severe, shock leading to death may occur

Treatment

Self-Help •Get out of the sun •Cover the exposed area •Take a cool bath •Use a cool compress and apply to sun burnt

Consult a Doctor

In case of: •Pain •Headache/confusion •Blisters •Nausea/vomiting •Loss of consciousness •Sunburn being present along with other medical condition

Prevention

•Wear hats, long-sleeved dress, long pants while out in the sun •Try to avoid exposure to sun especially during 10 am to 4 pm when UV rays are the strongest •Use sun-block creams during exposure to sun •Select a suitable SPF number for the sun block cream •Sun Blocks should be reapplied every 2-3 hours •Avoid tanning beds

Cuts What is a Cut?

•An injury due to opening in the skin

Minor Cuts / Scrapings

•No treatment is required •Care required to prevent infection Treatment for Minor Cuts •Clean wound with water •Avoid soap •Remove dirt/debris in the wound •Apply antibiotic ointment •Dress/ bandage the wound •Change dressing daily •Minor cuts bleeding stops in10 min •Apply gentle pressure if bleeding persists

Deep cuts

•May bleed heavily •May expose underlying tissues Treatment for Deep Cuts •May require stitching Requires Tetanus Toxoid shot (TT) if:

a. Cut is dirty or has debris b. TT taken 5 years ago Consult a doctor in case of: a. Delayed wound- healing b. Pus Discharge c. Fever

Points to note

•Do not try to clean a major wound •Do not remove deeply- lodged debris •Do not breathe on an open wound •Do not push back exposed body parts

Gastroenteritis Overview

•Gastroenteritis is inflammation of stomach and intestines •Can affect any one, any age, any time •Symptoms prominent in children •Depending on cause, it may last for a day or a week

Causes

•Bacteria contaminated food / water •Viral infection •Stress •Irregular/ improper diet •Tobacco or substance abuse •Reaction to a new food •Reaction to medication

Symptoms

•Vomiting •Nausea •Diarrhea •Cramps/Abdominal pain •Dehydration •Weakness •Low grade Fever/Chills, sometimes

Treatment

•Adequate rest is advised •Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration •Gradually eat easy -to-digest food •Avoid dairy products •Avoid eating if nauseated •Do not give water to a child with gastroenteritis either give other prescribed rehydration liquids or give a mixture of salt and glucose in water •Consider nursing the baby •Consider acetaminophen for relief of discomfort but avoid acetaminophen in case of liver disease

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•Avoid aspirin

Consult a doctor If

•Vomiting persists for more than two days •Diarrhea persists more than several days •Diarrhea turns bloody •Fever is 1010F (38.30C) or higher •Lightheadedness or fainting occurs with standing •Confusion develops •Worrisome abdominal pain develop

Fainting Overview

•Fainting occurs when the blood supply to your brain is momentarily inadequate, causing you to lose consciousness. •A fainting spell is usually very brief •Fainting can have no medical significance, or the cause can be a serious disorder. Therefore, treat loss of consciousness as a medical emergency until the signs and symptoms are relieved and the cause is known.

Common Causes

•Anxiety •Emotional upset •Stress •Severe pain •Skipping meals •Standing up too fast •Standing for a long time in a crowd •Some medications •Diabetes •Blood Pressure

Symptoms

Before fainting, a person may experience the following: •Nausea •Giddiness •Excessive sweating •Dim vision •Rapid heart beat or palpitations

Treatment

If you feel faint: •Lie down or sit down. To reduce the chance of fainting again, don't get up too quickly. •Place your head between your knees if you sit down. If someone else faints: •Position the person on his or her back. If the person is breathing, restore blood flow to the brain by raising the person's legs

above heart level — about 12 inches (30 centimeters) — if possible. Loosen belts, collars or other constrictive clothing. To reduce the chance of fainting again, don't get the person up too quickly. If the person doesn't regain consciousness within one minute, seek immediate medical assistance. •Check the person's airway to be sure it's clear. Watch for vomiting. •Check for signs of circulation (breathing, coughing or movement). If absent, begin CPR and seek immediate medical assistance. Continue CPR until help arrives or the person responds and begins to breathe. If the person was injured in a fall associated with a faint, treat any bumps, bruises or cuts appropriately. Control bleeding with direct pressure.

or weeks in advance.

Treatment

If you or someone else may be having a heart attack: •Seek immediate medical assistance. Don't tough out the symptoms of a heart attack for more than five minutes. If you don't have access to emergency medical services, have a neighbor or a friend drive you to the nearest hospital. Drive yourself only as a last resort, if there are absolutely no other options, and realize that it places you and others at risk when you drive under these circumstances. While waiting for medical assistance you can do the following: •Try to relax •Loosen tight clothes •Take medicines: If you think you're having a heart attack and your doctor has previously prescribed nitroglycerin for you, take it as directed. Do not take anyone else's nitroglycerin, because that could put you in more danger. Pain subsides within 3 min of medicine intake. •Begin CPR if the person is unconscious. If you're with a person who might be having a Symptoms heart attack and he or she is unconscious, Someone having a heart attack may seek medical help such as calling 112. You experience any or all of the following: may be advised to begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). If you haven't received •Uncomfortable pressure, fullness or CPR training, doctors recommend skipping squeezing pain in the center of the chest mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing and •Prolonged pain in the upper abdomen performing only chest compressions (about •Discomfort or pain spreading beyond the 100 per minute). The dispatcher can chest to the shoulders, neck, jaw, teeth, or one instruct you in the proper procedures or both arms until help arrives. •Shortness of breath Prevention •Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting •Routine health check-up •Sweating •Avoid stress •Nausea •Quit smoking A heart attack generally causes chest pain for •Eat sensibly more than 15 minutes, but it can also have no •Control blood pressure / diabetes symptoms at all. Many people who experience a heart attack have warning signs hours, days •Control weight

Heart Attack

DIABETES MELLITUS

The Medical Supplement 2014

Diabetes Mellitus Basics, Myths & Facts

Diabetes is a disease in which your blood glucose, or sugar levels are too high. Glucose comes from the foods you eat. Insulin is a hormone that helps the glucose to get into your cells to give them energy. With type 1 diabetes, your body does not make insulin occurs at a younger age or childhood. With type 2 diabetes, the more common type, your body does not make or use insulin well. Without enough insulin, the glucose stays in your blood. Obesity or being overweight predisposes to type 2 Diabetes. Over time, having too much glucose in your blood can cause serious problems. It can damage your eyes, kidneys, and nerves. Diabetes can also cause heart disease, stroke and even the need to remove a limb. Pregnant women can also get diabetes, called gestational Diabetes. A blood test can show if you have Diabetes. Exercise, weight control and sticking to your meal plan can help control your diabetes. You should also monitor your glucose level and take medicine if prescribed.

DIABETES MELLITUS

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Myths about Diabetes:

•regular soda •fruit drinks

There are many myths about diabetes that make it difficult for people to believe some of the hard facts.These myths can create a picture of diabetes that is not accurate and full of stereotypes and stigma. Get the facts about diabetes and learn how you can stop diabetes myths and misconceptions. Myth 1: Diabetes is not that serious of a disease. Fact: If you manage your diabetes properly, you can prevent or delay diabetes complications. However, diabetes causes more deaths a year than breast cancer and AIDS combined. Two out of three people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke. Myth 2: If you are overweight or obese, you will eventually develop type 2 diabetes. Fact: Being overweight is a risk factor for developing this disease, but other risk factors such as family history, ethnicity and age also play a role. Unfortunately, too many people disregard the other risk factors for diabetes and think that weight is the only risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Most overweight people never develop type 2 diabetes, and many people with type 2 diabetes are at a normal weight or only moderately overweight. Myth 3: Eating too much sugar causes diabetes. Fact: The answer is not so simple. Type 1diabetes is caused by genetics and unknown factors that trigger the onset of the disease; type 2 diabetes is caused by genetics and lifestyle factors. Being overweight does increase your risk for developing type 2 diabetes, and a diet high in calories from any source contributes to weight gain. Research has shown that drinking sugary drinks is linked to type 2 diabetes. It is recommended that people should limit their intake of sugar-sweetened beverages to help prevent diabetes. Sugar-sweetened beverages include beverages like:

•energy drinks •sports drinks •sweet tea These will raise blood glucose and can provide several hundred calories in just one serving! •Just one 12-ounce can of regular soda has about 150 calories and 40 grams of carbohydrate. This is the same amount of carbohydrate in 10 teaspoons of sugar! Myth 4: People with diabetes should eat special diabetic foods. Fact: A healthy meal plan for people with diabetes is generally the same as a healthy diet for anyone – low in fat (especially saturated and trans fat), moderate in salt and sugar, with meals based on whole grain foods, vegetables and fruit. Diabetic and "dietetic" foods generally offer no special benefit. Most of them still raise blood glucose levels, are usually more expensive and can also have a laxative effect if they contain sugar alcohols. Myth 5: If you have diabetes, you should eat only small amounts of starchy foods, such as bread, potatoes and pasta. Fact: Starchy foods can be part of a healthy meal plan, but portion size is key. Whole grain breads, cereals, pasta, rice and starchy vegetables like potatoes, yams, peas and corn can be included in your meals and snacks. Wondering how much carbohydrate you can have? A place to start is about 45-60 grams of carbohydrate per meal, or 3-4 servings of carbohydratecontaining foods. However, you may need more or less carbohydrate at meals depending on how you manage your diabetes. You and your health care team can figure out the right amount for you. Once you know how much carbs to eat at a meal, choose your food and the portion size to match. Myth 6: People with diabetes can't eat sweets or chocolate. Fact: If eaten as part of a healthy meal plan, or combined with exercise, sweets and desserts can be eaten by people with

diabetes. They are no more "off limits" to people with diabetes than they are to people without diabetes. The key to sweets is to have a very small portion and save them for special occasions so you focus your meal on more healthful foods. Myth 7: You can catch diabetes from someone else. Fact: No. Although we don’t know exactly why some people develop diabetes, we know diabetes is not contagious. It can't be caught like a cold or flu. There seems to be some genetic link in diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle factors also play a part. Myth 8: People with diabetes are more likely to get colds and other illnesses. Fact: You are no more likely to get a cold or another illness if you have diabetes. However, people with diabetes are advised to get flu shots. This is because any illness can make diabetes more difficult to control, and people with diabetes who do get the flu are more likely than others to go on to develop serious complications. Myth 9: If you have type 2 diabetes and your doctor says you need to start using insulin, it means you're failing to take care of your diabetes properly. Fact: For most people, type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease. When first diagnosed, many people with type 2 diabetes can keep their blood glucose at a healthy level with oral medications. But over time, the body gradually produces less and less of its own insulin and eventually oral medications may not be enough to keep blood glucose levels normal. Using insulin to get blood glucose levels to a healthy level is a good thing, not a bad one. Myth 10: Fruit is a healthy food. Therefore, it is ok to eat as much of it as you wish. Fact: Fruit is a healthy food. It contains fiber and lots of vitamins and minerals. Because fruits contain carbohydrates, they need to be included in your meal plan. Talk to your dietitian about the amount, frequency and types of fruits you should eat.

VITAMINS

The Medical Supplement 2014

Know Your Vitamins What is a vitamin?

A vitamin is an essential substance needed for growth and development. Our body either cannot produce enough of it on its own or not at all, so it has to get it (tiny amounts) from food. Here we will discuss some important vitamins and their role in our body.

VITAMINS

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Vitamin

Vitamin A (Beta Carotene)

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

What the Vitamin does

Effects of Vitamin deficiency

Food sources

Vitamin A does much more than help you see in the dark. It stimulates the production and activity of white blood cells, takes part in remodeling bone, helps maintain the health of endothelial cells (those lining the body’s interior surfaces), and regulates cell growth and division.

Night blindness, dry skin, poor bone and teeth growth and development.

Liver, milk, butter, cheese, egg yolk, fish liver oils, carrots, dark green leafy vegetables, red palm oil, some yellow and red fruits like apricots, melon, and pumpkin.

Used by the body to help convert carbohydrates into energy. Helps to keep the normal function of the nervous system, muscles heart and digestion.

Less concentration, loss of appetite, weakness, exhaustion and fatigue. Its deficiency results in ‘Beri Beri’ symptoms include swelling, tingling, or burning sensation in the hands and feet, confusion, trouble breathing because of fluid in the lungs, and uncontrolled eye movements called nystagmus.

Wheat germ, wholemeal, wheat flour and bread, yeast, legumes, nuts, duck, oatmeal, fortified breakfast cereals, white bread if flour enriched, and other meats.

In addition to producing energy for the body, riboflavin also works as an antioxidant by fighting damaging particles in the body known as free radicals. Free radicals can damage cells and DNA, and may contribute to the aging process, as well as the development of a number of health conditions, such as heart disease and cancer. Riboflavin is also needed to help the body change vitamin B6 and folate into forms it can use. It is also important for body growth and red blood cell production.

Fatigue, slowed growth, digestive problems, cracks and sores around the corners of the mouth, swollen magentacolored tongue, eye fatigue, swelling and soreness of the throat, and sensitivity to light.

Liver, kidney, milk, yoghurt, cheese, wheat germ, meats, mushroom, broccoli, avocado, fortified white flour and breakfast cereals.

Helps to release energy from carbohydrates. needed for healthy skin, hair, eyes, and liver. They also help the nervous system function properly.

Symptoms of mild deficiency include indigestion, fatigue, canker sores, vomiting, and depression. Severe deficiency can cause a condition known as pellagra. Pellagra is characterized by cracked, scaly skin, dementia, and diarrhea. Niacin deficiency also causes burning in the mouth and a swollen, bright red tongue.

Liver, kidney, meat, fish, peanuts, bran, legumes, wholemeal wheat, and coffee.

In addition to release energy from carbohydrates it helps the body make several neurotransmitters, chemicals that carry signals from one nerve cell to another. It is needed for normal brain development and function, and helps the body make the hormones serotonin and norepinephrine, which influence mood, and melatonin, which helps regulate the body clock.

Symptoms of serious deficiency include muscle weakness, nervousness, irritability, depression, difficulty concentrating, and short-term memory loss

Chicken, turkey, tuna, salmon, shrimp, beef liver, milk, cheese, lentils, beans, spinach, carrots, brown rice, bran, sunflower seeds, wheat germ, and wholegrain flour.

VITAMINS

The Medical Supplement 2014

Know Your Vitamins Vitamin

What the Vitamin does

Effects of Vitamin deficiency

Food sources

It is crucial for proper brain function and plays an important role in mental and emotional health. It aids in the production of DNA and RNA, the body's genetic material, and is especially important when cells and tissues are growing rapidly, such as in infancy, adolescence, and pregnancy. Folic acid also works closely with vitamin B12 to help make red blood cells and help iron work properly in the body.

Anemia, poor growth, tongue inflammation, gingivitis, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, diarrhea, irritability, forgetfulness, and mental sluggishness.

Brussels sprouts, fortified breakfast cereals, spinach, asparagus, beetroot, orange, avocado, melon, potato, cauliflower, peas, wholemeal bread, parsnip, dried beans, and kidney.

Important for metabolism. It helps in the formation of red blood cells and in the maintenance of the central nervous system.

Anemia, loss of balance, numbness or tingling in the arms and legs, weakness

Dairy products, eggs, cereals, soy based products, liver,beef, and clams.

Important in the production of collagen in the body - helps the connective tissues and organs. Can act as an anti oxidant to help protect the body from free radical.

Scurvy (though rarely seen today) which causes bleeding and inflamed gums, loose teeth and poor wound healing.

Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes), berries, melons, tomatoes, potatoes, green peppers, and leafy green vegetables.

Helps to promote the absorption of calcium and phosphorus levels in the body. Helps to maintain and form strong and healthy bones.

Rickets and osteomalacia. Rickets results in soft bones and skeletal deformities.

Cod liver oil (best source), liver, high-fat fish, egg yolk, fortified cereals, fortified milk, and sunlight.

Vitamin E

An antioxidant that protects your cells against the effects of free radicals, which are potentially damaging by-products of energy metabolism. Vitamin E is also important in helping your body make red blood cells, and it helps the body to use vitamin K.

Intestinal disorders - cystic fibrosis, pancreatitis, and cholestasis. Prevent the absorption of dietary fats and fat-soluble nutrients.

Margarine, nuts and seeds, peanuts and peanut butter, vegetable oils, wheat germ, wholegrain and fortified cereals.

Vitamin K

Helps to control blood clotting in the body and is essential for synthesizing the liver protein that controls the clotting.

A shortage of this vitamin may result in nosebleeds, internal hemorrhaging.

Broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, leafy green vegetables, mayonnaise, soybean, canola, and olive oils.

Vitamin B9 (Folate/Folic acid)

Vitamin B12

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Vitamin D

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BREAST CANCER

The Medical Supplement 2014

What's Your Breast Cancer IQ? Knowing a few simple facts about breast cancer can boost your chances of finding it and treating it early. Put your breast cancer readiness to the test by answering these key questions—and well bring you upto-date about the best ways to lower your risk. 1.Aside from being a woman, which of the following most increases your risk of getting breast cancer? • Family history • Age • High-fat diet • Smoking The correct answer: Age. Approximately 70% of women who get breast cancer have no identifiable risk factors. But aside from being a woman, age is the No. 1 factor: Your risk goes up as you get older, rising to 1 in 8 by the time you’re 85. And 5% to 10% of breast cancers can be traced to family history. Smoking poses a variety of health risks to everyone, but studies have not shown a conclusive link between smoking and increased risk of breast cancer. Likewise, although research shows that being overweight or obese (especially if you're past menopause) increases your risk of breast cancer, studies have not conclusively shown a link between consumption of a high-fat diet and an increased risk of breast cancer.

undergoes a biopsy has a: • 5% chance that it's cancerous • 20% chance that it's cancerous • 80% chance that it's cancerous The correct answer: 20% chance that it’s cancerous.

keep your heart rate above its baseline level for a minimum of 20 continuous minutes. Research also shows that being overweight or obese (especially if you're past menopause) increases your risk for breast cancer, in particular if you put on the weight as an adult.

4.What is the average woman's chance of getting breast cancer? • 1 in 233 • 1 in 69 • 1 in 8 • Your risk increases as you get older The correct answer: Your risk increases as you get older. A woman’s risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer starts at about 1 in 233 before age 40 and rises to 1 in 8 by the time she’s 85.

7.True or false: There are times when chemotherapy may not be required as part of a treatment regimen for breast cancer. • True • False The correct answer: True. Indeed, there may be cases of earlystage breast cancer where either no therapy is necessary or where radiation and hormone therapy may be indicated without the need for chemotherapy.

5.Catching certain kinds of breast cancer before they spread to lymph nodes puts a woman's five-year relative survival rate at: • 25% 2.True or false: Women with lumpy • 75% breasts (also known as fibrocystic breast changes) are more likely to get • More than 95% The correct answer: More than 95%. breast cancer. • True 6.True or false: You can reduce your • False breast cancer risk by exercising and The correct answer: False. losing weight if you’re obese. In the past, women with lumpy, dense, or fibrocystic breasts were believed to • True have a higher risk of cancer, but there • False doesn’t appear to be any connection The correct answer: True. after all. Sometimes the condition can There is a growing evidence that make breast cancer harder to find and physical activity reduces breast cancer may require a mammogram. risk; shoot for exercising at least three times a week (more often is better), 3.A woman with a breast lump who and when you do exercise, work to

8.Women with "triple negative" breast cancer: •Always require three times the amount and duration of therapy to treat the cancer • Have tumors with three characteristics that make them untreatable with certain therapies • Need to have three times as much breast tissue removed as other women undergoing the same procedure The correct answer: Have tumors with three characteristics that make them untreatable with certain therapies. Triple-negative tumor cells test negative for estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2). This puts Herceptin and hormone therapies, such as tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors, out of reach as

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Women have only about a 13% lifetime risk of getting breast cancer, while that lifetime risk is 39% for heart disease, 50% for osteoporosis, and 17% for Alzheimer's disease. It's also worth noting that while it's absolutely necessary to take breast cancer seriously, the disease accounts for fewer deaths each year in women than 9.True or false: If you don't have heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and breast cancer, having both breasts chronic lower respiratory disease. removed eliminates your risk. • True • False The correct answer: False. After prophylactic mastectomy, a woman's overall risk for developing breast cancer is reduced by an average of about 90%. treatment options. Some combination of genetics and environmental factors are believed to contribute to triplenegative disease. African American women are roughly twice as likely as white women to have this form of the disease.

10.Which health problem carries a higher lifetime risk for women than breast cancer? • Heart disease • Osteoporosis • Alzheimer's disease • All of the above The correct answer: All of the above.

BREAST CANCER

VISION

The Medical Supplement 2014

There’s More To The Eyes Than Vision Eye Opening Facts and Figures Erika Habig Erika Habig is an optometrist and contact lens specialist at International Optique. She studied at the Beuth University of Applied Sciences in Berlin, Germany and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Optometry and Dispensing Optics. For more information contact International Optique. Tel: 25714007 – 97234787, www.intoptic.com – info@intoptic.com, Instagram: @intoptique

The reading stone was the first visual aid ever invented, and was created around 1000 AD. It was a glass sphere that was laid on top of reading material and acted like a magnifying glass by enlarging the letters. The first historical reference to sunglasses can be dated back to Ancient Rome. The Emperor Nero would watch gladiator fights through polished emeralds held close to his eye. The first eyeglasses were made in Italy in the late 13th century. They were made of two framed glass or crystal stones, and were designed to be held up to the eyes with a small handle. The color of your eye is controlled by the amount of melanin in you iris. Melanin is a dark brown pigment. Therefore, brown eyes have a higher concentration of melanin then blue eyes. Heterochromia is a

rare condition where people have two differently colored eyes. When newborn babies cry, they make crying sounds but do not produce any tears. Tears first begin to flow when the babies are 4-12 weeks old. There are 107 million light sensitive cells inside our eyes. 7 million of these cells are called “cones” and allow us to see and detect colors and fine details. The other 100 million cells, called “rods,” help us see better in the dark by distinguishing the difference between dark and light. Having 6/6 (or 20/20) vision does not mean you have perfect eyesight. These figures are arbitrary and merely refer to what people should “normally” be able to see at a distance of 6 meters (or 20 feet). The average person blinks about 17 times per minute and each blink lasts between 100-150 milliseconds. It is an

automatic reflex that moistens your eyes. You blink more frequently when talking and less when reading, which is why your eyes get quickly dry and tired from reading. Your eyelashes provide a vital role in protecting your eyes from dust, moisture and other particles. An eyelash usually lasts about 5 months before falling out naturally. The lens inside our eyes works like a camera lens by focusing on objects in various distances. However, the eye’s lens is quicker than any camera lens. Take a look around a room and think about the different distances you’re focusing at. Your eye’s lens changes focus instantly with you even noticing. Compare that with a camera lens which usually takes a few seconds to focus between one distance and the next.

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PREGNANCY

The Medical Supplement 2014

Top 10 Tips For Eating Right During Pregnancy Sarah Paksima Sarah Paksima is BirthKuwait Co-Founder and President Emeritus and a Doula, Childbirth Educator. BirthKuwait is a non-profit organization operating as part of The Voluntary Health Association.For more information, visit their website: www.birthkuwait.com or Instagram: @birthkuwait

You are what you eat. Well this is true for your unborn baby. What you eat is what your baby will eat. Now more than ever it is so important to get the proper nutrition. You may want to eat for two but put the breaks on and remember you only need an extra 300-500 calories a day for your growing baby. You may want to throw caution to the wind and indulge in everything you NEVER eat but your pregnancy is NOT the time for careless eating. Poor food choices can leave you tired, uncomfortable, add unnecessary pounds, leave your baby malnourished, and slow your postnatal recovery. 1.)Don't Skip Breakfast: You've been asleep for several hours, which means you haven't given your body or your baby fuel in a lengthy period of time. Your baby needs the nutrients and so do you. Aim for a combination of whole grain carbohydrates, healthy fats and lean protein, and some vitamins. A good example would be: An Egg, a piece of whole wheat toast with a little bit of butter and a glass of milk with an orange, grapefruit, or nectarine.

2.)Eat 5-6 Small Meals A Day: As your belly grows you will get full faster from less food. So you will need to eat more often to get enough calories for you and your growing baby. Try eating 3 small meals and 2 snacks. 3.)Eat a Variety of Foods: During pregnancy you may have times where you can only stomach a few things or where you are only craving 1 type of food. This is normal and can’t really be avoided, but when you are feeling good try to eat a variety of foods-try to eat as many colors each day as you can. Whole grains, lean meats, seeds, nuts and beans; a large variety of different fruits and vegetables (such as orange pumpkin, green beans, red beets, yellow squash, etc.); plain yoghurt or milk. This will help you get ALL of the vitamins and minerals that you and the baby need.

to cut calories. Although you don't want to overindulge, restricting calories is not good either. An average weight gain should be between 25 and 35 pounds. 7.)Get Your Fiber: Eating fiber is important to "keep things moving" during pregnancy. Progesterone relaxes your stomach muscles, slowing digestion. Fiber helps to start things flowing again. Good sources of fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes.

8.)Get Your Vitamin D: Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium which is very important for women in general but even more so during pregnancy. The baby needs calcium for it's growing bones, if you're not getting enough the baby will take it from your bones. This can lead to osteoporosis 4.)Avoid The Unsafe Foods: This one for mom later on. Good sources of vitamin shouldn't be to hard as long as you know D include spinach, kale, dairy products, what the unsafe foods are. Raw fish is a prenatal vitamins and the sun. no-no, also avoid fish high in mercury like swordfish, tile-fish, and albacore tuna and any unpasteurized food. The list of foods 9.)Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Babies born to that are considered unsafe is different in each moms who ate plenty of Omega-3 Fatty country, so consult with your own doctor. Acids during their third trimester have better visual, cognitive and motor development 5.)Water, Water, Water: It’s very important compared to those born to moms who didn't to stay hydrated when you are pregnant. eat enough Omega-3s. You can get OmegaDehydration can cause preterm labor. Carry 3s from certain eggs, flaxseed, walnuts, a bottle of water with you at all times. If you supplements, and salmon. are exercising try to have 6-8oz of water for 10.)Don't Eat Empty Calories: Dessert is every 15 min of exercise that you do. Stay ok during pregnancy and of course there will away from sodas, they are filled with empty be times when you are CRAVING the junk calories, sugar, and do not hydrate your body. but remember everything in moderation. Don’t fill yourself up on empty calories 6.)Don't Diet: Weight gain during when you could be giving your baby and pregnancy is inevitable. This is not the time your body much needed nourishment.

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INTERVIEW PHARMACY

The Medical Supplement 2014

The Danger of Antibiotic Overuse

Antibiotics can be lifesavers, but misuse has increased the number of drug-resistant germs. Antibiotic resistance occurs when antibiotics no longer work against disease-causing bacteria. These infections are difficult to treat and can mean longer lasting illnesses, more doctor visits or extended hospital stays, and the need for more expensive and toxic medications. Some resistant infections can even cause death. Although experts are working to develop new antibiotics and other treatments to keep pace with antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, infectious organisms can adapt quickly. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria will continue to be a global health concern — and using antibiotics wisely is important for preventing their spread.

When is it appropriate to use antibiotics? Antibiotics are effective against bacterial infections, certain fungal infections and some kinds of parasites. Antibiotics don't work against viruses. The chart shows common illnesses and whether they're caused by bacteria or viruses. Taking an antibiotic when you have a viral infection won't make you feel better — and can contribute to antibiotic resistance.

Bacterial infections

Viral infections

• Bladder infections • Many wound and skin infections, such as staph infections • Severe sinus infections that last longer than 2 weeks • Some ear infections • Strep throat

• Bronchitis • Colds • Flu (influenza) • Most coughs • Most ear infections • Most sore throats • Stomach flu (viral gastroenteritis)

Consequences of antibiotic misuse If antibiotics are used too often for things they can't treat — like colds, flu or other viral infections — not only are they of no benefit, they become less effective against the bacteria they're intended to treat. Not taking antibiotics exactly as prescribed also leads to problems. For example, if you take an antibiotic for only a few days — instead of the full course — the antibiotic may wipe out some, but not all, of the bacteria. The surviving bacteria become more resistant and can be spread to other people. When bacteria become resistant to first line

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treatments, the risk of complications and death is increased. The failure of first line antibiotics also means that doctors have to resort to less conventional medications, many of which are more costly and associated with more-serious side effects. For instance, the drugs needed to treat drug-resistant forms of tuberculosis (TB) are much more expensive than are the drugs used to treat nonresistant TB. The course of treatment is long — up to two years — and the side effects can be severe. Other consequences are the increased costs associated with prolonged illnesses, including expenses for additional tests, treatments and hospitalization, and indirect costs, such as lost income.

What you can do to safeguard antibiotic effectiveness Repeated and improper use of antibiotics is the primary cause of the increase in the number of drug-resistant bacteria. Here's what you can do to promote proper use of antibiotics:

•Understand when antibiotics should be used. Don't

expect to take antibiotics every time you're sick. Antibiotics are effective in treating most bacterial infections, but they're not useful against viral infections, such as colds, acute bronchitis or the flu. And even some common bacterial ailments, such as mild ear infections, don't benefit much from antibiotics.

•Don't pressure your doctor for antibiotics if you have a viral illness. Instead, talk with your doctor about

ways to relieve your symptoms — for instance, a saline nasal spray to clear a stuffy nose or a mixture of warm water, lemon and honey to temporarily soothe a sore throat.

•Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed. Follow your

doctor's instructions when taking medication. Don't stop treatment a few days early because you're feeling better. Taking the full course of antibiotics is the only way to kill all of the harmful bacteria. A shortened course of antibiotics, on the other hand, often wipes out only the most vulnerable bacteria while allowing relatively resistant bacteria to survive.

•Never take antibiotics without a prescription. If

you didn't complete a full course of antibiotics, you might be tempted to use the leftover medication the next time you get sick or to pass it along to someone else. But this isn't a good idea. For one thing, the antibiotic might not be

appropriate for another illness. And even if it is, you're not likely to have enough pills to combat the germs making you sick, which can lead to more resistant bacteria.

•Prevent the spread of germs. Good hygiene goes a long way in preventing infection. Wash your hands

thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the toilet, changing a diaper, or handling raw meat or poultry. Keep food preparation areas clean. Although special antibacterial cleaners and soap are widely available, they aren't necessary. Plain soap and water work fine to kill germs in most settings.

•Get recommended vaccinations. Ask your doctor if

you have all of the vaccinations you need to protect yourself from illness. Getting vaccinated will help prevent having to take more medications.

Protect yourself and others Antibiotic resistance is a global health problem. Nearly all significant bacterial infections in the world are becoming resistant to commonly used antibiotics. When you misuse antibiotics, you help create resistant microorganisms that can cause new and hard-to-treat infections. That's why the decisions you make about using antibiotics — unlike almost any other medicine you take — have far-reaching consequences. Be responsible in how you use antibiotics to protect your health and that of your family, neighbors and community.

NATURAL MEDICINE

The Medical Supplement 2014

7 Natural Cough Remedies for Persistent & Dry Coughs It’s never a fun situation when you have a persistent cough. Coughs are just terribly uncomfortable all around, both physically and otherwise. There are two primary types of coughs, dry and productive. A productive cough is one in which you are coughing up phlegm or mucous - this is not a cough that should be suppressed, as your body needs to rid itself of the gunk that’s in your chest/lungs. While it shouldn’t be suppressed, some of these remedies will address a productive cough by including an expectorant, or something that loosens mucous and makes it easier for the body to get rid of. A dry, hacking, cough is another story. This is one we do want to stop. It can be caused by allergies, dry air, a random tickle at the back of your throat that won’t go away, the aftermath of a cold, being in a dusty environment, etc. For these we turn to demulcents, ingredients that soothe irritated mucous membranes and remove the irritant triggering the cough. Instead of turning to chemical solutions for every minor ailment, try some home remedies instead. They are not only better for you, but they taste a whole lot better than

1. A Spoonful of Honey

Studies have found that honey can work more efficiently to calm a cough than over-the-counter drugs. It is a rich demulcent, with a high viscosity and stickiness that does an incredible job of coating and soothing those irritated mucous membranes. Thanks to an enzyme added by bees when they harvest honey, it also has antibacterial properties as well, which may help

shorten how long you have the cough if it is due to bacterial illness. Note: This is an excellent alternative remedy for both kids and adults, but should never be given to children under the age of 2 years due to the risk of botulism. You will need… -1 tablespoon of organic, raw, honey Directions Take 1 tablespoon of honey 1-3 times daily as needed to control coughing. Take immediately before bed if cough is disrupting your sleep. For children, you can adjust the dosing to 1 teaspoon up to one tablespoon.

2. Licorice Root Tea

Licorice root is both an expectorant and demulcent, simultaneously soothing your airways while loosening and thinning mucous, easing congestion. It can also ease any inflammation that may be irritating your throat. Note: If you are on steroids, or have any problems with your kidneys, it is best to steer clear of licorice root. You will need… - 2 tablespoons of dried licorice root - 8 ounces of fresh water Directions Bring water to a boil and place the licorice root in a mug. Cover with water and steep for 10-15 minutes. Drink the entire cup up to 2 times daily.

3. Gargle Salt Water

Also a popular remedy for sore throats, salt water can ease the discomfort caused by a cough the same way it

helps a sore throat-through osmosis. When the concentration of salt is higher outside of the cells in your mucous membranes, water flows out of the cells to balance everything out. When water leaves the cells, swelling goes down, and discomfort is decreased. If you have a cough that happens to come along with inflamed tissue, this is a good route to take. It can also help dislodge any phlegm that’s hanging out and allow you to expel it easily. You will need… -1 teaspoon of salt - 8 ounces of warm water Directions Stir salt into water until it is thoroughly dissolved. Gargle for 15 seconds, spit, and repeat with the remaining water. Rinse with plain water afterwards.

4. Steam, Steam, Steam!

We can’t say how underrated steam is when it comes to anything dealing with a cough, cold, or congestion. Not only does the steam quite literally loosen mucous and phlegm, almost immediately, but you can add numerous essential oils that will impart wonderful healing benefits. These benefits (anti-viral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory etc.) do become airborne, so you inhale them while you breathe in the steam. For this particular blend both tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil are included in this recipe, which can help soothe and open your airways as well as help fight off bacteria or a virus. You will need… -3 drops of tea tree oil -1-2 drops of eucalyptus oil

NATURAL MEDICINE

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-A bowl of water -A soft, clean, towel Directions Bring enough water to a boil to halfway fill a medium size-heat proof bowl. Pour the water into it, let it cool slightly for 30-60 seconds, and add the essential oils, giving it a quick stir to release the vapors. Lean over the bowl and get as close as you can while still being comfortable. Remember that steam can seriously burn! Use the towel to cover your head like a tent, trapping the steam, and breathe deeply. Ideally, do this for 5-10 minutes 2-3 times a day.

5. Tea Thyme

Thyme has been used for centuries, and was even used during one of the most devastating pandemics to take place in human history. The Black Death was a plague that peaked in Europe from 1346-1353. During that time, and in other incidents of the plague thereafter, townspeople would gather to burn large bundles of thyme to ward off the disease, or carry pockets of thyme on them. Indeed, thyme does have antimicrobial properties, but we’re not warding off any plague here-just your cough. Thyme relaxes the muscles of the trachea and bronchi, and also opens up airways. The result is less coughing, and increased comfort. You will need… -a handful of fresh thyme sprigs OR 2 tablespoons dried thyme -8 ounces of fresh water -Honey or lemon (optional) Directions Lightly bruise the thyme, e.g. with a mortar and pestle, and then place in a mug. Cover with 8 ounces of boiling water, cover, and let it steep for 10-15 minutes. Add some lemon or honey to taste, and drink the whole thing. Repeat 2-3 times daily as needed. It’s absolutely delightful just before bedtime (unless you aren’t a fan of thyme. But drink some anyways).

6. Pepper & Honey

Black pepper is the world’s most traded spice, but most of its use is limited to the culinary world. What people don’t know is that it can make a great remedy for coughs that are accompanied by a lot of mucous or chest congestion. If you’ve accidently

leaned too close to black pepper while it’s being grinded, you know it can make you cough or tickle your nose. This may not be fun on a regular basis, but it’s a plus if you need to expel all the nasty stuff that’s gunking up your lungs. The honey adds its antibacterial properties, and it makes it so the pepper isn’t too irritating. You can make black pepper “syrup” with honey, or a tea, as below. If possible, use freshly ground black pepper, as the pre-ground pepper simply seems to lose some of its punch. You will need… -1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper -1 tablespoon of honey -8 ounces of fresh water Directions Place the pepper and honey in a mug and then cover with boiling water. Give it stir to disperse the pepper flakes and melt in the honey. Steep for 10 minutes, stir once more, and drink in its entirety. Repeat 1-2 times a day as needed to loosen mucous.

7. Ginger Peppermint Syrup

Here you get the soothing qualities of warming ginger, all wrapped up in a delicious easy to swallow cough syrup. Spicy ginger works as an expectorant, helping loosen and expel mucous from the lungs. It can also stop the painful tickle at the back of throat that can trigger a cough if the first place, if you are experiencing a dry cough. The peppermint will also help relieve the irritating tickle of a cough. You will need… -3 tablespoons of chopped ginger -1 tablespoon of dried peppermint -4 cups of water -1 cup of honey Directions Chop the ginger and add it along with the peppermint to 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil and then lower the heat so that the liquid simmer. Simmer until the liquid has been reduced by half, than strain. Let it cool slightly,

and then stir in 1 cup of honey until it has been dissolved completely. Bottle and take 1 tablespoon every few hours as needed to ease your cough. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 weeks. Tips: It is very important to cover your tea while it steeps. Not only does it keep it piping hot, it traps all the steam and any of the volatile oils in the steam (and their benefits) in the cup for you to inhale when you uncover it.

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

The Medical Supplement 2014

Death by CHAIR The job you work to support your family could actually take you away from them sooner than you would have ever thought possible. Your job could be killing you—literally. I’m not talking about the “it’s one of those weeks that never seems to end” type of unbearable that you feel from time to time. There are physiological reasons why the ideal office job could lead to an early expiration. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) indicates that the more time one spends sitting in a day, such as at an office job, the greater the risk of dying in three to 15 years. More time at the office could mean less years of living, and is even more likely to mean less years of happy living as the years go by. It has long been known that sitting too much can lead to back problems. However, the health risks don’t end there. Those who sit for long periods of time have an increased risk of developing heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and related conditions that affect not only the amount of years you live, the but the quality of the years that you have left. The study also reveals that regular exercise doesn’t seem to affect the outcome. Regular and consistent exercise helps of course, and is better than none at all, but if you exercise in the morning and then proceed to sit for the rest of the day, you are still in the

same boat as your coworkers who slept in and went straight to work. The reality is that our bodies are not meant to be sedentary. The more time we spend sitting, the lower our metabolic rate becomes and the less calories we burn. As the metabolic rate slows, energy we consume is, more often than not, turned into fat. Sitting also results in a decrease of a blood enzyme called lipase, which breaks down fat in our bodies. Other negative consequences of the office chair are less electrical activity in leg muscles and poor circulation, in addition to the body becoming less sensitive to insulin. All of these things notably lead to the chronic health problems that are plaguing people today, such as heart disease and diabetes.

HOW TO REMEDY THE RISKS OF SITTING ON THE JOB: SIT CORRECTLY WITH FEET FLAT ON THE FLOOR AND FACE STRAIGHT AHEAD. Don’t cross your legs. Avoid positions where your neck has to strain. The lower back should be completely supported and knees should be level with hips. Get a footrest if needed. You should be able to use the keyboard with wrists and forearms straight and level with the floor.

Place computer screen at eye level and an arm’s length away to reduce neck strain. STAND UP AND WORK. Standing burns 1.5 times more calories than sitting and also stimulates better blood flow. ASK YOUR BOSS IF YOU CAN TAKE A BREAK AT LEAST ONCE A DAY, TO WALK AROUND THE OFFICE BUILDING. It is recommended to move as much as possible and exercise regularly—but this alone is not enough to cancel out negative effects of sitting. In addition to regular exercise, get up and walk around at least every 30 minutes. TAKE FITNESS BREAKS INSTEAD OF FOOD BREAKS. Walk, don’t eat. KEEP FITNESS EQUIPMENT AT WORK SUCH AS RESISTANCE BANDS OR SMALL HAND WEIGHTS. Do some exercises when you get a spare moment. WALK OR BIKE TO WORK. If you live too far away take the bus or train and get off a stop early to walk the rest of the way. TAKE STAIRS INSTEAD OF THE ELEVATOR.

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OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

HOW SITTING MIGHT KILL YOU

INTERVIEW

The Medical Supplement 2014

Ali Al Hendal Bringing fresh ideas to insurance industry

Ali Al Hendal is the Assistant General Manager for Life and Health divisions at Gulf Insurance, the leading insurance services provider in Kuwait and the Middle East. After graduating in information Technology, Ali earned a diploma in Insurance from the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) in UK. In 2007, he has been selected by GIC’s executive management to join the Management Development Program (MDP) and currently, he is in the final year of MBA. The main responsibilities of Ali, a well-trained insurance professional, is to lead the operation of Life and Health divisions and develop annual and long term plans based on the group’s strategic plans, to identify new business opportunities and take measures to give the company a competitive edge. For our special medical supplement we had the opportunity to meet Ali Al Hendal to understand more about his role at Gulf Insurance. Please tell us a little about yourself and what you do now at Gulf Insurance Company? I’m currently holding a position of the Assistant General Manager for Life and Health divisions. My main roles and responsibilities include leading the operation of both lines of business (Life and Health) and develop annual and long term plans based on our group strategic plans. Moreover, I’m responsible to identify new business potential in the market and to take all measures to give the company the competitive advantage in the local market. Tell us about your educational background: I have a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and a Diploma in Insurance from the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) in UK. In addition, I have attended many management and business training programs locally and abroad. In 2007, I have been selected by GIC’s executive management to join the Management Development Program (MDP). It was a nine months program aiming to develop the second line of the executive management. And now I’m in the final year of my MBA program. You are pursuing MBA. What made you decide to go for this degree? as International Business, Finance, Economics etc. For this reason, I decided to go for this degree since it would give me a solid base for future development. What does your work entail? Holding an executive post requires playing different roles. For example, in addition to the technical and managerial tasks, it is very crucial to maintain an open dialogue with company’s staff aiming for maintaining high level of motivation and co-operation. Moreover, it is also crucial to represent the company in seminars and other client related activities to promote company’s image. All above involve a lot of efforts and commitment to achieve goals and

objectives and make successful stories. How did you get started? I started as a programmer and system analyst in the IT department. After 2 years in the IT field, I made my decision to switch to insurance sector. What do you like about what you do? Almost everything! I like to do what I love to do and for this reason, I made an early decision to switch to insurance despite the fact my bachelor’s degree is in IT not insurance. I prefer to say that I mostly like strategy and planning. What is most challenging about what you do? Lack of people awareness is the most challenging in the insurance sector. Is fraud a threat for the insurance business? Which are its effects in this field? Definitely! Fraud is negatively affecting the insurance industry and the consumers as well since it is leading to increase the financial losses of the insurance companies and accordingly leads to higher premiums. What tools can insurers use to combat fraud? Insurance companies use variety of tools to reduce the fraudulent claims as much as possible. Such tools include but not limited to proper policy wording, loss surveys, and formal evidence/ documentations. What is Gulf Insurance doing to increase the penetration of insurance products in the Kuwait market?

INTERVIEW

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Gulf Insurance is currently developing many insurance products for the aim of penetrating the market. We are performing an intensive market studies in order to tailor made the most adequate product for the potential clients. What can be done to increase the attractiveness of the insurance sector in Kuwait? First of all, the government must give more attention to insurance industry. The industry needs to be properly regulated. Second, insurance companies must consider increasing the investment on marketing and awareness campaigns especially that insurance is a complex industry. What do you consider your greatest professional success in the last three years? Establishing a new health insurance operation in my organization. It is now successfully managing the biggest medical insurance scheme in Kuwait (KPC group medical scheme). Who was your professional role model? Every successful professional is a role model for me. What are your goals/dreams for the future? For the long-term, my goal is to make a major and tangible contribution in the insurance industry. What else would you like people to know about what you do? I would like them to know that insurance is very interesting and challenging industry. What are the first three things you do when you get into the office? Having my first and second cups of coffee and then start checking my mails ď &#x160; What advice would considering this career?

you

offer

someone

To take it as a profession rather than just a job! Your message for us at CityPages magazine: Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity. And I wish you all the best.

FRUIT FACTS

The Medical Supplement 2014

What COCONUT WATER is Really Good For THE TRUTHS AND MYTHS BEHIND ALL THE COCONUT WATER BUZZ Lately it seems that everyone is nuts for coconuts—coconut water that is. From celebrity endorsements to the “mother nature’s sports drink” nickname, coconut water is falling off the shelves around the nation. So what’s all the hype about? Coconut water is said to be low in calories, cholesterol free, bursting with potassium and incredibly hydrating. Not to mention it has also been dubbed as a fountain of youth and immune system booster. Are all these promises fact, or could there be some fiction?

LOW CALORIES: With one cup standing at 45 calories, this low-cal drink fulfills promises in this department.

THE FACTS HEALTHIER THAN THE AVERAGE SPORTS DRINK: Coconut water is the better choice when it comes to sugary sports drinks. It contains less sugar, less sodium, and more potassium when compared ounce to ounce with Gatorade. A study from the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that coconut water was just as effective for rehydration when compared with the average sports drink.

INTENSE WORKOUT HYDRATION: During intense workouts, sodium leaves the body through sweat. If you are in a highly intense workout, the low sodium of coconut water may not replenish as well as other sports drinks. Depending on your body and workout regimen, you may want to choose conventional sports drinks.

PROMOTES HEALTH: Coconut water promotes kidney health and is low glycemic. It also contains electrolytes and enzymes to benefit your body. THE FICTION

KEEPS YOU YOUNG: Cytokinins are plant hormones that slow aging in plants and fruit flies. Coconut water does contain cytokinins, but the benefits of this hormone on humans have yet to be proven. BOOSTS YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM: Coconut oil contains lauric acid which is a natural immune booster found in mother’s milk. However, coconut water has almost no lauric acid in it. With only .5 g of fat per 100g, the immune boosting are pretty much a no show in this so-called miracle water. When it all comes down to it, coconut water is a healthy choice. It keeps up its end of the deal in most areas, with a few exceptions. So if you’re looking for a new drink, try some coconut water.

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INTERVIEW

The Medical Supplement 2014

Dr. Alaa Eltabbakh Tending to all your skincare and beauty needs

Dr. Alaa Eltabbakh is a Consultant Dermatologist/Cosmetologist at Boushahri Polyclinic, a leader in individual and family health and medical care. Dr. Alaa specializes in cutting-edge treatments for skin problems. He has acquired a reputation for following evidence based practice and developing safe but effective solutions for complicated dermatological problems. He constantly strives to help his patients regain their confidence and beauty. He keeps himself updated regarding the latest and most effective treatment protocols, trends, products and procedures in fields of dermatology, cosmetology, and skin care. After graduating summa cum laude from School of Medicine, Ain Shams University he pursued his masters in Dermatology & Venereology. Recently, we sat down with Dr. Alaa Eltabbakh to know more about him and his specialty field - dermatology. Read along to know more.

Please introduce yourself to our readers: My name is Dr. Alaa Eltabbakh. I am an Egyptian and working as a Consultant Dermatologist/Cosmetologist at Boushahri Polyclinic. Where did you attend medical school? I attended medical school at Ain Shams University, School of Medicine located in Cairo/Egypt. Why did you decide to choose Dermatology as your specialization? I chose Dermatology because it is a specialty that requires significant expertise and knowledge to diagnose a case and it depends more on clinical sense than investigation. Tell us about the different position you have been appointed so far in your career? After graduating from Ain Shams University, faculty of medicine I completed my internship at Ain Shams

University Hospital. Subsequently I worked as GP in-charge at ministry of health, school health authority, Cairo. Following that I was appointed as resident dermatologist & venereologist at Ain Shams University from October 1994 to November1997. After that I worked first as assistant lecturer and then as lecturer of dermatology & venereology at faculty of medicine, Ain Shams University. And now I am working as consultant dermatologist & venereologist at Boushahri Polyclinic.

are Acne vulgaris, Topical dermatitis, and Hirsutism.

How long have you been working at Specialized Boushahri Polyclinic and how would you describe the dermatology department at the clinic? I started working at Boushahri Polyclinic in 2008. Our department specializes in its largest integrated unit of laser equipments for skin treatment in Kuwait. It provides a unique option of offering full range of dermatology and cosmetology procedures and complete laser unit at the same time.

Dermatology is a prized branch today. More and more students go for it in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s date. Because of the advancement in cosmetology, cosmetic dermatology is growing in exponential leaps and bounds and certainly the technology has changed the face of the profession. There is an advantage for medical students to be specialized in dermatology.

What aspect of your work gives you the most pleasure? I find great pleasure when a patient is satisfied with the result of any procedure performed at our clinic. Is there any career shift among students towards dermatology?

Your message for our readers: What are the most common skin problems in Kuwait? The most common skin problems in Kuwait

My message to CityPages readers is: cosmetology is a science that should be practiced by a specialized physician.

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INTERVIEW

NUTRITION

The Medical Supplement 2014

FOOD ADDICTION Ahmad Alfailakawi Ahmad Alfailakawi works as Clinic Manager at Diet Care. He holds a BSc in Food Studies and Nutrition and a Master’s degree in Food Science. He is an expert in weight loss management and sports nutrition. Ahmad has previously worked as a teacher at Kuwait College of Health Sciences.

Has anyone heard of the term food addiction before? Well, between 2000 and 2007 there were only 2 publications about food addiction. In 2012 alone, there are 34 publications. A huge interest was directed to this area due to the biobehavioral evidence that highly palatable foods rich in sugar, fat, and salt have an abuse potential similar to addictive drugs like cocaine and alcohol. This was also proven by the human brain neuro-imaging studies and behavior genetic research. There are some symptoms associated with food addiction such as spending the day for grocery shopping and eating almost half of the list at the same day. Other symptoms including the failure attempts to cut back on specific products or eating habits. Withdrawal symptoms are also accompanied with food addiction but to much less extreme than drug abuse. Those

withdrawal symptoms vary from one person to another; some people fix anxiety by eating something crunchy, like chips or crackers. Others choose eating processed snacks to correct being tired and/or depressed. Binge eating is somehow correlated with food addiction. The low end of obesity could be attributed to binge eating, the higher end could resemble a more aggressive pattern resulting in food addiction. However, studies have shown that not all people with food addiction have binge eating disorder, but most of them do. Binge eating can be defined as recurrent episodes (‘binges’) of uncontrolled, often rapid consumption of large amounts of food even in the absence of hunger and sometimes despite physical discomfort. Research has shown that any wholesome food would activate the reward system of the brain by the release of dopamine, as well as other neurotransmitters and hormones. However, highly palatable food were found to activate the signals the most. Recent findings also indicate that food deprivation and repeated consumption of highly palatable food can alter the signals in the brain which promote an increase intake. The marketing power of palatable foods is not only seen by the high

consumer demand for pizza, icecream, chocolate or chips, but by the invocation of food images to sell a host of other non-edible products such as perfumes, cologne and soaps. We can see perfumes of lemon or vanilla aroma and soaps of honey macaroon style. So is it obesity leading to food addiction? Or is it food addiction leading to obesity? It is indeed very wide and interesting field, still under research.

‫‪The Medical Supplement 2014‬‬

‫ﻧﻬﺘﻢ ﺑﺎﻟﺘﻔﺎﺻﻴﻞ ‪.‬‬ ‫ﻗﺴﻢ ﺟﺮاﺣﺔ اﻟﻔﻢ وا�ﺳﻨﺎن‬ ‫اﻟﺨﺪﻣﺎت اﻟﺸﺎﻣﻠﺔ اﻟﺘﻲ ﺗﻘﺪﻣﻬﺎ أﻗﺴﺎﻣﻨﺎ ﻻ ﺗﻌﻜﺲ ﺳﻮى إﻫﺘﻤﺎﻣﻨﺎ‬ ‫ﺑﺘﻔﺎﺻﻴﻞ رﻋﺎﻳﺘﻜﻢ‪.‬‬ ‫زراﻋﺔ ا�ﺳﻨﺎن وﻋﻼج اﻟﺠﺬور‪.‬‬ ‫ﺣﺸﻮات ا�ﺳﻨﺎن اﻟﺘﺠﻤﻴﻠﻴﺔ‪.‬‬ ‫ﺗﺮﻛﻴﺒﺎت ﺛﺎﺑﺘﺔ وﻣﺘﺤﺮﻛﺔ‪.‬‬ ‫ﺟﺮاﺣﺎت وﻋﻼج اﻟﻔﻢ واﻟﻠﺜﺔ‪.‬‬ ‫ﺗﻘﻮﻳﻢ ا�ﺳﻨﺎن ﻟ�ﻃﻔﺎل واﻟﻜﺒﺎر‪.‬‬ ‫ﻋﻼج أﺳﻨﺎن ا�ﻃﻔﺎل واﻟﻮﻗﺎﻳﺔ ﻣﻦ اﻟﺘﺴﻮس‪.‬‬ ‫ﻣﻌﺎﻟﺠﺔ ﺗﻘﻮﻳﻤﻴﺔ ﻣﺴﺎﻋﺪة ﻟﻠﺘﻌﻮﻳﻀﺎت اﻟﺴﻨﻴﺔ‪.‬‬ ‫ﻣﻌﺎﻟﺠﺔ ﺗﻘﻮﻳﻤﻴﺔ وﻗﺎﺋﻴﺔ ﻟﻤﻨﻊ ﻧﺸﻮء ﺣﺎﻻت ﺳﻮء ا�ﻃﺒﺎق ﻟﺪى ا�ﻃﻔﺎل‪.‬‬ ‫ﻋﻼج ا�ﺳﻨﺎن ﺗﺤﺖ اﻟﺘﺨﺪﻳﺮ اﻟﻌﺎم‪.‬‬ ‫ﺗﺒﻴﻴﺾ ا�ﺳﻨﺎن ‪.ZOOM‬‬ ‫ﻣﺴﺎﻋـﺪة ا�ﻃﻔـﺎل ﻟﻠﺘﺨﻠـﺺ ﻣـﻦ اﻟﻌـﺎدات اﻟﺴﻴﺌــﺔ )ﻣﺺ ا�ﺻﺎﺑﻊ ‪ -‬دﻓﻊ اﻟﻠﺴﺎن(‪.‬‬ ‫ﻗﺸﺮة اﻟﺒﻮرﺳﻠﻴﻦ اﻟﺘﺠﻤﻴﻠﻴﺔ ) إﺑﺘﺴﺎﻣﺔ ﻫﻮﻟﻴﻮود (‬

‫‪INTERVIEW‬‬

‫‪42‬‬

ORAL HEALTH

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5 Ways to Improve Your Smile When you’re happy, you want to smile, and studies have revealed that smiling has many benefits beyond just letting others know that you are excited. Smiling can help build trust when you meet new people, reduce stress in difficult situations, make you feel better when you are down, and even help you make more money and live longer. But what if you’re not very confident about your smile because you’re worried about oral hygiene or crooked teeth? For many people that is enough to make them not want to smile, and it can make life a lot more difficult. A 2012 study published in the Deseret News highlighted some of the social stigma that comes with crooked or missing teeth. Studies show that bad teeth prevent people from getting jobs, promotions, and higher pay, and may impact overall health as well. Here are five ways that you can improve your smile so you will want to show off those pearly whites whenever you feel happy.

One of the best ways to maintain a healthy smile is by regularly brushing and flossing teeth. Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, and floss at least once a day to keep teeth and gums healthy, remove plaque, and eliminate bad breath.

1. SEE A DENTIST REGULARLY

If you have crooked, dirty, or decaying teeth, consider the benefits of a cosmetic procedure, such as a crown, bridge, implant, or even teeth whitening. Studies show that these small adjustments can make a big difference

Dental care is one of the most critical components for healthy mouth and teeth. Most people should see a dentist twice a year (every six months) for a cleaning and checkup. If you have pain, swelling, infection, or other problems in your mouth, don’t go to the emergency room—go see a dentist immediately. Often they will be able to treat the problem and prevent future complications with immediate care, rather than waiting until a small problem becomes more expensive and more detrimental to your health. Unfortunately many people in the U.S. don’t go and see a dentist regularly because they don’t have dental insurance and can’t afford the high cost to pay for it out of pocket. If you don’t have a dentist and haven’t been to a dental office because you have difficulty affording it, The Dental Clinic at Roseman University (www. rosemandental.com) offers care with discounts as much as 50 to 70 percent off what you would pay at a traditional dental office so you can get high quality care at an affordable price.

2.BRUSH AND FLOSS YOUR TEETH

3.AVOID SUGARY FOOD AND DRINKS

Sugar breaks down quickly and feeds the harmful bacteria in your mouth, so the more sugar you consume, the more bad bacteria grow. This leads to tooth decay, sensitivity, gum disease, and other problems in your mouth. Your teeth can also turn sugar into a glue-like substance that attracts bacteria to your teeth (in the form of plaque), making it harder to wash away naturally with your saliva. If you do eat sugar, follow up by brushing your teeth or chewing sugarfree gum, and make sure to drink plenty of water to boost saliva that will wash the sugar off your teeth.

4.CONSIDER COSMETIC PROCEDURES

in the first impression you create with your smile. These procedures are also good for more than just cosmetic reasons—having healthy, strong teeth allows you to breathe, swallow, chew and speak properly, contributing to better nutrition and making you more comfortable at job interviews or in social situations.

5.DON’T SMOKE OR CHEW TOBACCO Quitting smoking and chewing tobacco is good for many reasons, one of which is to improve the health of your teeth and gums. Tobacco and cigarettes cause tooth decay, receding gums, and gum disease, and are the main contributing factors to mouth and throat cancers. They can also make it difficult to heal following dental or orthodontic work, negating the money and time you spend trying to fix your smile. The best thing you can do to improve your oral health and your smile is to quit smoking or using tobacco. The ability to smile is an important part of your life—to be happy, you need to be able to smile and laugh as much as possible. Don’t let poor oral health keep you from enjoying all the benefits that smiling can offer.

BLOOD DISORDERS

The Medical Supplement 2014

THALASSEMIA

Are you familiar with the term? Thalassemia (Mediterranean anemia) is one of the most prevalent genetic blood diseases in Kuwait. It is an inherited blood disorder characterized by less hemoglobin and fewer red blood cells in your body than normal. Several types of thalassemia exist, including alpha-thalassemia, beta-thalassemia intermedia, Cooley's anemia and Mediterranean anemia. Hemoglobin is the substance in your red blood cells that allows them to carry oxygen. The low hemoglobin and fewer red blood cells of thalassemia may cause anemia, leaving you fatigued. If you have mild thalassemia, you may not need treatment. But, if you have a more severe form of thalassemia, you may need regular blood transfusions. You can also take steps on your own to cope with fatigue, such as choosing a healthy diet and exercising regularly.

SYMPTOMS

The signs and symptoms you experience depend on the type and severity of thalassemia you have. Thalassemia symptoms include: • Fatigue • Weakness • Pale appearance •Yellow discoloration of skin (jaundice). • Facial bone deformities • Slow growth • Abdominal swelling • Dark urine

TREATMENT

Treatment for thalassemia depends on which type you have and how severe it is. Treatments for mild thalassemia Signs and symptoms are usually mild with thalassemia minor and little, if any, treatment is needed. Occasionally, you may need a blood transfusion, particularly after surgery, after having a baby or to help manage thalassemia complications. Some people with beta-thalassemia intermedia may need treatment for iron overload. Although most people with this condition don't need the blood transfusions that often cause iron overload, people with betathalassemia intermedia may have increased digestive absorption of iron,

leading to an excess of iron. An oral medication called deferasirox (Exjade) can help remove the excess iron. Treatments for moderate to severe thalassemia Treatments for moderate to severe thalassemia may include: •Frequent blood transfusions. Moresevere forms of thalassemia often require frequent blood transfusions, possibly every few weeks. Over time, blood transfusions cause a buildup of iron in your blood, which can damage your heart, liver and other organs. To help your body get rid of the extra iron, you may need to take medications that rid your body of extra iron. •Stem cell transplant. Also called a bone marrow transplant, a stem cell transplant may be used to treat severe thalassemia in select cases. Prior to a stem cell transplant, you receive very high doses of drugs or radiation to destroy your diseased bone marrow. Then you receive infusions of stem cells from a compatible donor. However, because these procedures have serious risks, including death, they're generally reserved for people with the most severe disease who have a well-matched donor available — usually a sibling.

LIFESTYLE REMEDIES

AND

HOME

If you have thalassemia, be sure to: • Avoid excess iron. Unless your doctor recommends it, don't take vitamins or

other supplements that contain iron. • Eat a healthy diet. Eating a balanced diet that contains plenty of nutritious foods can help you feel better and boost your energy. Your doctor also may recommend you take a folic acid supplement to help your body make new red blood cells. Also, to keep your bones healthy, make sure your diet contains adequate calcium and vitamin D. Ask your doctor what the right amounts are for you and whether you need to take a supplement. •Avoid infections. Protect yourself from infections with frequent handwashing and by avoiding sick people. This is especially important if you've had to have your spleen removed. You'll also need an annual flu shot, as well as the meningitis, pneumococcal and hepatitis B vaccines to prevent infections. If you develop a fever or other signs and symptoms of an infection, see your doctor for treatment.

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ORTHOPAEDICS

The Medical Supplement 2014

OSTEOPOROSIS

According to a recent research report, the lack of sufficient vitamin D intake is becoming a growing problem in Kuwait and entire Gulf region and due to lack of exposure to sunlight there is an increased risk of the debilitating bone disease osteoporosis and associated bone fractures. Unfortunately, the Gulf is synonymous now with bad lifestyle choices which increase the risk of contracting osteoporosis, such as lack of physical activity, bad diet, and reduced sun exposure due to the extremely hot summers. So I thought it is necessary to discuss this increasingly growing health problem in a little more detail. Osteoporosis, means "porous bone", is a disease in which the bones gradually become weak and brittle. So brittle that a fall or even mild stresses like bending over can cause fracture. Osteoporosis-related fractures most commonly occur in the hip, wrist or spine.

ORTHOPAEDICS

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Causes:

draw from as they age.

Your bones are in a constant state of renewal â&#x20AC;&#x201D; new bone is made and old bone is broken down. When you're young, your body makes new bone faster than it breaks down old bone and your bone mass increases. Most people reach their peak bone mass by their early 20s. As people age, bone mass is lost faster than it's created.

Hormone levels: Osteoporosis is more common in people who have too much or too little of certain hormones in their bodies. Examples include:

How likely you are to develop osteoporosis depends partly on how much bone mass you attained in your youth. The higher your peak bone mass, the more bone you have "in the bank" and the less likely you are to develop osteoporosis as you age.

Risk Factors There are a variety of factors that can put you at risk for developing osteoporosis. These include both controllable and uncontrollable factors. It is important to discuss your risk factors with your healthcare provider. Together, you can develop a plan to protect your bones

Uncontrollable Risk Factors:

Sex hormones: The reduction of estrogen levels at menopause is one of the strongest risk factors for developing osteoporosis. Women may also experience a drop in estrogen during certain cancer treatments. Men experience a gradual reduction in testosterone levels as they age. Some treatments for prostate cancer reduce testosterone levels in men. Lowered sex hormone levels tend to weaken bones. Thyroid problems: Too much thyroid hormone can cause bone loss. This can occur if your thyroid is overactive or if you take too much thyroid hormone medication to treat an underactive thyroid.

a lot of time sitting have a higher risk of osteoporosis than do their more-active counterparts. Any weight-bearing exercise is beneficial for your bones, but walking, running, jumping, dancing and weightlifting seem particularly helpful for creating healthy bones. Tobacco use: The exact role tobacco plays in osteoporosis isn't clearly understood, but researchers do know that tobacco use contributes to weak bones. Weight-loss surgery: A reduction in the size of your stomach or a bypass of part of the intestine limits surface area available to absorb nutrients, including calcium.

Test And Diagnosis

The most common test to measure bone density is dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). This procedure is quick, simple and gives accurate results. It painlessly measures the density of bones in your spine, Other glands: Osteoporosis has also been hip and wrist â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the areas most likely to be associated with overactive parathyroid and affected by osteoporosis. adrenal glands.

Controllable Risk Factors:

Some risk factors for osteoporosis are out of Low calcium intake: A lifelong lack your control, including: of calcium plays a major role in the Gender: Women are much more likely to development of osteoporosis. Low calcium intake contributes to diminished bone develop osteoporosis than men. density, early bone loss and an increased Age: The older you get, the greater your risk of fractures. risk of osteoporosis. Steroids and other medications: LongFamily history: Having a parent or sibling term use of corticosteroid medications, such with osteoporosis puts you at greater risk, as prednisone and cortisone, interfere with especially if you also have a family history the bone-rebuilding process. Osteoporosis of fractures. has also been associated with medications used to combat or prevent: Seizures, Frame size: Men and women who have Depression, Cancer, Gastric reflux, etc. small body frames tend to have a higher risk because they may have less bone mass to Sedentary lifestyle: People who spend

Treatment

Treating osteoporosis involves reducing bone resorption using bisphosphonate drugs, which are either taken orally weekly or monthly. However, a new medication, which is given via an infusion, only needs to be administered once a year, so helping to improve medication compliance.

Prevention Spending 10 minutes per day, exposing 40 percent of the body area such as the back, arms and legs to the sun as well as eating sufficient foods containing vitamin D, are both recommended actions for helping to maintain vitamin D levels within the normal range that prevents osteoporosis.

VACCINATION

The Medical Supplement 2014

ESSENTIAL VACCINATION

Vaccination help protect you and your child from getting an infectious disease. When you get your child vaccinated, you help protect others as well. Vaccines are very safe. It is much safer to get the vaccine than an infectious disease. It's important to keep your child's vaccinations on schedule and up to date, but if your child misses a scheduled dose he or she can "catch up" later. The complete updated schedule of vaccinations for pregnant women and children recommended by ministry of health Kuwait is as follows:

Age

SCHEDULE OF ESSENTIAL VACCINATION – STATE OF KUWAIT Vaccine Type Route of Administration

Pregnant mother

First day of child birth

End of the second month

End of the third month End of the fourth month

End of the sixth month

• Two doses of Tetanus Toxoid vaccine in the fifth and the seventh months of the first pregnancy • One dose of Tetanus Toxoid vaccine in the seventh month for each following pregnancy next to the previous vaccination

• IM injection in deltoid muscle

• First dose of OPV vaccine (Types 1, 2 and 3)

• Two drops oral Sabin

• First dose of Viral Hepatitis B vaccine • First dose is given at hospitals and maternity centers • Second dose of OPV vaccine (Types 1, 2 and 3) • Second dose of Viral Hepatitis B vaccine • First dose of Triple (DPT) vaccine (Diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus) • First dose of Haemophilus Influenzae B vaccine • Tuberculosis vaccine (BCG)

• IM injection in the anterolateral thigh

• Third dose of OPV vaccine (Types 1, 2 and 3) • Second dose of Triple (DPT) vaccine (Diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus) • Second dose of Haemophilus Influenzae B vaccine • Fourth dose of OPV vaccine (Types 1, 2 and 3) • Third dose of Triple (DPT) vaccine (Diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus) • Third dose of Haemophilus Influenzae B vaccine • Third dose of Viral Hepatitis B vaccine

• • • •

Two drops oral Sabin IM injection in the anterolateral thigh IM injection in the anterolateral thigh IM injection in the anterolateral thigh

• Intradermal injection in the upper lateral part of the left arm • Two drops oral Sabin • IM injection in the anterolateral thigh • IM injection in the anterolateral thigh

• • • •

Two drops oral Sabin IM injection in the anterolateral thigh IM injection in the anterolateral thigh IM injection in the anterolateral thigh

VACCINATION

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One year old The Eighteenth Month

• First dose of MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) • Booster dose of OPV vaccine • Booster dose of Triple (DPT) vaccine (Diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus) • Booster dose of Haemophilus Influenzae B vaccine

• SC injection in the outer aspect of the upper arm • Two drops oral Sabin • IM injection in the anterolateral thigh • IM injection in the anterolateral thigh

Two years old

• Meningococcal Meningitis vaccine (four types) • SC injection in the outer aspect of the

Two years and half Three years and half

• Booster dose of OPV vaccine

• Two drops oral Sabin

• Booster dose of OPV vaccine • Booster dose of Triple (DPT) vaccine (Diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus) • Booster dose of OPV vaccine • Tuberculosis vaccine (BCG) • Second dose of MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) • Td vaccine (Tetanus and Diphtheria)

• Two drops oral Sabin • IM injection in the anterolateral thigh

• Mumps vaccine

• SC injection

• Booster dose of Td vaccine (Tetanus and Diphtheria)

• IM injection in deltoid muscle

Four years and half (at the age of school admission)

Ten Years Twelve years old (second year preparatory female students) Eighteen years old (fourth year secondary students)

upper arm

• Two drops oral Sabin • SC injection in the outer aspect of the upper arm • SC injection in the upper arm • IM injection in deltoid muscle

UROLOGY

The Medical Supplement 2014

What Your PEE is Telling You THE COLOR OF YOUR URINE CAN TELL YOU A LOT ABOUT YOUR HEALTH

YOU KNOW WHEN THE DOCTOR ASKS YOU TO PEE IN A CUP AND YOU FEEL SLIGHTLY UNCOMFORTABLE? WELL, DON’T FEEL EMBARRASSED. YOUR URINE CAN TELL YOU A LOT ABOUT YOUR HEALTH. URINE COLOR IS ONE OF THE WAYS OUR BODIES SPEAK TO US. USUALLY RANGING FROM A DARK HONEY COLOR TO A LIGHT GOLD, YOUR PEE COLOR IS YOUR GUIDE TO HEALTH. LET’S GO THROUGH THE COLORS SO YOU CAN SEE WHAT YOUR URINE IS TELLING YOU: CLEAR, LUCID, AND NO COLOR: You are drinking a ton of water. You might not even need as much as you are drinking. FAINT GOLDEN COLOR: Your body is in balance. You are hydrated, and healthy, as far your urine can indicate. TRANSPARENT YELLOW: Your body and health is normal. DARK YELLOW: Your body is normal and you are healthy, but the dark yellow tells us you need a little hydration. You want to drink some water soon.

DARK HONEY COLOR: Your body is in desperate need for water. Drink water as soon as possible. BROWN SUGAR OR SYRUP COLOR: Your body is severely dehydrated. This lack of liquids can be dangerous to your body and can even lead to liver disease. Drink water immediately and if the color continues see a doctor. PINK OR RED: This discoloring of your urine could be harmless. If you have eaten things like beets or berries, it may be that. However, pink or red urine can also be extremely dangerous. It could be that blood is in your pee, a sign of urinary tract infections, kidney disease, tumors, or other issues. No matter the case, see a doctor to get the situation figured and to make sure nothing serious is going on.

ORANGE: Various things may cause your pee to look orange. You might be dehydrated, have a liver or bile duct condition, or it could be food dye. Either or, contact your doctor to get your urine back to normal. GREENISH BLUE: You may think this is a joke, but there is a rare genetic disease that can cause urine to look blue and green. Other causes could be food dye, medication, or bacteria, talk to your doctor if this is the case. RAINBOW: Wouldn’t that be cool? Don’t worry, rainbow urine is impossible. Don’t be scared to check the color of your pee. As urine comes directly from your body, it is a perfect source to find out what is happening inside. It is important to talk to your doctor if you see any abnormalities as these could be signs of serious problems.

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INTERVIEW

PSYCHOLOGY

The Medical Supplement 2014

Why Crying Is Good for You Physiologically, tears work as an immune booster. Tears contain lysozyme, one of the most powerful antibacterial and antiviral agents ever discovered. It has the ability to destroy 90-95 percent of all bacteria that comes in contact with the eyes within 10 minutes. Without this germ fighter, simple eye infections would likely cause us to go blind.

Crying is also beneficial because it gaps the mental and physical world.

If you’ve ever had a “good cry” and felt better afterwards, you have experienced another miraculous phenomenon of tears.

The solution to a problem or a needed feeling of peace may just require a few teardrops to help clear the mind and restore the body.

Biochemist and “tear expert” Dr. William Frey discovered that tears shed in response to emotion as opposed to tears from irritation (like those shed while cutting an onion) contain more toxic byproducts. During times of stress, our tears help rid our bodies of stress hormones and toxins that have built up. Emotional tears also have up to 24 percent more albumin content, which is a transporter protein. So don’t feel embarrassed about those tears streaming down. They are literally washing much of the sorrow away. Let that be a warning, then, that those who suppress tears have been found to have higher levels of stress hormones in the body, which can contribute to diseases such as high blood pressure, heart disease and ulcers.

“Crying is the transformation of distress into something tangible, and that process itself helps to reduce the feeling of trauma,” says Roger Baker, clinical psychologist and visiting professor at Bournemouth University.

“What soap is for the body, tears are for the soul,” says an old Jewish proverb. We are only fighting fire with fire when we worry ourselves with the avoidance of crying as we also try to manage the underlying reason for the desire to cry. Rather than hide our feelings and suppress the desire to cry, we would do ourselves a great favor by identifying the emotion, allowing our body the response it needs to deal with it, and then addressing the real cause of the emotion. No matter how often it happens, we all know that a good cry makes us feel better. The next time you feel a surge of tears welling in your eyes, allow yourself the opportunity to release some stress, calm the body and clear the mind. You will find that even if your circumstances have not changed, your outlook will improve.

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PSYCHOLOGY

“We need never be ashamed of our tears.” -Charles Dickens HUMANS ARE THE ONLY BEINGS WITH THE AMAZING GIFT TO EMOTIONALLY CRY. ALL ANIMALS THAT LIVE IN AIR PRODUCE TEARS FOR LUBRICATION, BUT ONLY HUMANS CAN PRODUCE TEARS IN RESPONSE TO EMOTIONS. CRYING IS OFTEN SEEN AS A SIGN OF WEAKNESS IN OUR SOCIETY, BUT THE WIDELY UNKNOWN POWERS OF TEARS CHALLENGE THAT STIGMA AND SHOULD REVERSE IT. OUR TEARS HAVE BEEN SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN TO MAKE US FEEL BETTER.

LIFESTYLE

The Medical Supplement 2014

The Healthy Home with MEDISANA Cleans the air that we breathe from particulate matter, fine dust, bacteria, pollen & odours. Live healthier from now on. TO LIVE HEALTHILY has become more important in recent years. Naturalness, tolerability & sustainability are the new maxims of our thinking, acting & buying. In particular, life with children makes people more aware of the pollution of our environment. In addition it is very easy to live more healthily starting the next day with the air cleaning & air humidification of MEDISANA. AIR POLLUTION is tricky, because it is 99% invisible, but it is omnipresent. Hardly anyone lives & works do isolated that all pollution can be excluded. Indoor air is still subject to further pollutants. House dust, air conditioning moulds & mildew, dust mite faces, the exhaust of printers & poorly filtered vacuum cleaners, carpet wear & cigarette smoke are just a few examples. MEDISANA has many years of experience in the field of inhalation, humidification & aroma diffusion. While its original focus was to improve the living conditions of people suffering from allergies & respiratory diseases, MEDISANA aims to provide solutions for the creation of healthier breathing air for all people with the products of its new range “Healthy Home” featuring its air humidifiers. Through humidification & highly efficient filtering, the indoor air quality is improved noticeably. Those prone to allergies especially suffer from the effects of dry heated air. With the MEDISANA humidifier, the saturation of the air with water can be regulated smoothly & thus naturally. The result: mucous membranes are protected from drying out, the eyes & respiratory tract are less irritated & breathing is easier.

INTENSIVE HUMIDIFIER ULTRA BREEZE

• Air humidifier with ultrasound technology to improve the breathing air quality. • 2 intensity levels to choose from. • Pre-heating to kill germs & bacteria. • Low noise & energy-saving. • For rooms up to 8m2.

LIFESTYLE

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AIR HUMIDIFIER

• Air humidifier with ultrasound technology to improve the breathing air quality. • Adjustable misting levels. • For rooms up to 30 m2.

Wellness oasis at home – subtle aroma diffusion plus soft spa light Aromatherapy is a natural subtle treatment of the whole person. It stimulates different body systems & affects moods. Common reactions are pain relief, anxiety reduction, improved energy sufficiency, increased short-term memory, higher stress resistance & relaxation. Frequently physical symptoms are also cleared up as a result, such as people with allergies or skin diseases.

AROMA DIFFUSOR MEDIBREEZE AROMA • Aroma diffuser for fragrant oils. • Using ultrasound technology, creates a fine mist of fragrance that spreads throughout your entire room. • Wellness light with colour-changing in 6 colours. • Low-noise & energy-saving. • Automatic shut-off when the tank is empty.

MEDISANA appliances can be found at EUREKA, CARREFOUR, GEANT, SULTAN CENTRE & selected PHARMACIES.

GADGETS

The Medical Supplement 2014

HELPFUL GADGETS Nowadays, there's an app for almost everything and health is no exception. New breakthrough in medicine continue to be reported almost daily. Scientists are exploring a pill which will monitor the body's change and can email results to your doctor, all from inside your intestine! And news recently emerged of a non-invasive technique which could replace painful chemotherapy treatments for cancer. While you may have to wait a few years before these technologies become available, here are a few useful gadgets you can purchase to help monitor yourhealth.

FITBIT® CHARGE ACTIVITY + SLEEP WRISTBAND Fitibit’s Charge Activity + Sleep Wristband is available in four colors and tracks your steps, distance, calories, floors climbed, and active minutes. It will even monitor your sleep, notify you of incoming calls, and easily sync to a smartphone and your MyFitnessPal account.

RUNTASTIC LIBRA SCALE

This “one-stop” scale automatically recognizes the user and measures weight, body fat and water percentages, muscle and bone mass, BMI, BMR, and AMR (calories burned). Get a consistent measurement that’s easy to read on the digital display… instantly.

SPORTLINE HYDRACOACH INTELLIGENT WATER BOTTLE MISFIT FLASH FITNESS + SLEEP MONITOR

This sporty tracker that can be worn anywhere—even 30 meters underwater! Available in numerous colors, it monitors calories burned, distance, steps, and sleep quality while running, walking, swimming, cycling, and more.

The Sportline HydraCoach Intelligent Water Bottle is an interactive water bottle that tracks how much water you drink and need to meet your ultimate hydration needs. It’s easy to carry and a fun way to get your recommended H2O!

GADGETS

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FOR YOUR HEALTH

Precision LED Pain Reliever The Precision LED Pain Reliever is based on NASA technology. The device has 60 LEDs that penetrate safe, infrared heat into body tissue to help stimulate blood circulation, relieve swelling, and loosen muscles. It’s lightweight and even comes with a travel bag.

Vessyl

The Vessyl tracks exactly what you are drinking including: liquid calories, caffeine and sugar consumption, recovery beverages, and more. It also helps you learn how much water you need to stay hydrated and when to time your beverage intake to get the best sleep.

Camry® Digital Kitchen Scale & Measuring Cup This scale and measuring cup will make it easy for anyone to create healthier dishes. It allows you to measure volume and weight at the same time including water, milk, oil, flour, and sugar. With a colorful design, the scale is easy to clean with a detachable, dishwasher-safe cup.

Garmin vívofit® The Garmin vívofit® is the only activity tracker with a personalized daily-goal that tracks your progress, monitors your sleep, and reminds you when it’s time to move. This water-resistant band is always on and won’t need a battery change for more than a year.

KIDS HEALTH

The Medical Supplement 2014

Kids Health Guide for Parents You've heard the expression "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." That certainly has some truth in it as you will find out later. Of course it is very important to see a doctor, but the point of this article is to give you tips for preventative health care as you know prevention is better than cure. These preventative health care tips for kids will be useful, beneficial, and most importantly give you and your children peace of mind.

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Proper hygiene for kids - Make bath time fun for infants and toddlers by adding toys and games. When they are over the age 3 a kid-safe shower head, with a gentler spray and adjusted for their height, makes the older kids feel more grown-up. An absolute must, all kids need to wash their hands after they've been outside, before every meal, and when they've played around with pets. Hand washing helps prevent the spread of germs and illness. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and grains - Drink natural fruit

juices, milk, and water. Also include meat, fish, beans, and nuts for wellrounded nutrition at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

A good night's sleep - Kids between the ages of 5 to 12 need 10 to 11 hours of sleep each night. This helps them pay better attention in school, be in a better mood, and to fight off sickness in order to stay healthy. Practice Dental Prevention - By

regularly brushing your teeth in the morning and before bedtime you can prevent cavities and reduce plaque build-up on your teeth. With flossing, your gums will stay healthy.

Exercise regularly - Instead of kids sitting in front of the computer or the TV all day begin with daily physical activities such as household chores, walking the dog, wash the car, or even yard work. These are things that must be done on a daily basis and getting the kids involved makes them more productive. Eliminate snacks as much as possible - Candies, cakes, fast food,

sodas, and junk food are a growing concern due to the epidemic of obesity in children. Over the decades many were raised on a steady diet of fast foods, carbonated drinks, and junk food such as potato chips, donuts, and other high calorie foods.

Protection from the summer sun - Children always need sunscreen

lotion while outdoors during the hot summer months. It is also important to protect them from the sun at its peak between the hours of 10:00am till 4 :00pm. Take frequent breaks indoors

or in the shade.

Child-proof the home - Protect

children from getting into prescription medications, household cleaning supplies, power shed tools, kitchen knives, or anything else that could be a danger to children. Have them learn the correct procedures to call 112 for emergencies.

Swimming in the pool - Strict adult supervision at all times when children are playing or swimming in the pool, either in their own home or at a friend's. Get a pool safety fence and cover when the pool is not in use. Have your children take swimming lessons at an early age. Vision and Hearing Tests - It is still

important to go for vision exams and hearing tests so that any interventions can begin early if necessary.

Yearly physical examinations Besides going to the doctor every year for a physical, be sure to have your doctor check for the kids' BMI (Body Mass Index) to help prevent getting their young bodies with having too much fat. Go to the Dentist for Check-ups twice a year - This is for an overall

examination of your teeth and gums by a professional, in addition to a thorough teeth cleaning and x-rays. If cavities are found on dental x-rays then a filling is necessary at a later visit.

Get vaccinated - Keep current with

all vaccinations to ensure protection from serious diseases.

Children going Green - Learn the benefits of a clean environment, which is the land, the water, and the air we breathe. The word "Green" comes from the color of the plants that provide the earth's nourishment. Learn to reduce, recycle, reuse, and enjoy the earth for you and your kids

KIDS HEALTH

Managing Fever Although it can be frightening when a child’s temperature rises, fever itself causes no harm and can actually be a good thing – it’s often the body’s way of fighting infections. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS A child may have a fever if he or she is: •Fussy •Uncomfortable •Warm to the touch •Flushed •Sweaty WHAT TO DO It’s best to keep a child with a fever home from school or child care. If your child is uncomfortable due to fever, here are some ways to relieve symptoms: •Give the child a sponge bath in lukewarm water to help bring the fever down •Offer plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration •Ask your doctor about fever-reducing medicines •Never use rubbing alcohol to bring the fever down •Do not give aspirin to an infant or child Seek Medical Care Right Away if: •An infant is younger than 3 months and has a temperature of 100.40F (380C) or higher Call the doctor if an older child has a fever and also: •Appears sick •Has a skin rash •Has persistent diarrhea or repeated vomiting •Has signs of dehydration (urinating less than usual, not having tears when crying, less alert and less active than usual) •Has recurring fever for 5 days •Has a chronic medical problem like sickle cell disease, heart problems, cancer, or lupus Think Prevention! Fevers are virtually unavoidable. The key is to make the child as comfortable as possible until the fever passes and seek medical treatment when necessary.

PROFILE

The Medical Supplement 2014

Story of Success and Promising Growth….. Gulf Insurance (gig) was established in 1962. It is a public shareholding company listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange and a consistent market leader in Kuwait in terms of premiums written. Gulf insurance is currently the largest insurance company in Kuwait in terms of written and retained premiums with operations in both life and non-life insurance segments and its activities are further supported by first class reinsurance security. The company for the Second consecutive year has maintained its S&P (Standard & Poor’s) Financial Strength Ratings and Issuer Credit Rating to 'A-' with a stable outlook. A.M. Best Europe - Rating Services Limited has also affirmed its financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) and issuer credit rating of "a-" to Gulf Insurance Group with a positive outlook.. The ratings reflect its good regional business profile, good level of overall profitability and supportive level of risk –adjusted capitalization. Through customer-centric approach, GIG offers range of products and services involving various classes of insurance: Motor, Marine & Aviation, Property & Casualty, Engineering and Life & Health in conventional and takaful (Islamic insurance based on Shariah principles) basis. Our products and services are designed and developed in collaboration with leading international insurance and reinsurance companies to meet individuals’ and corporate customers’ insurance requirements. Gulf Insurance has become one of the largest insurance networks in the Middle East and North Africa with companies in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Iraq, Bahrain, Emirates and Kuwait by lending utmost professional and personalized attention to the current and future needs of our valued customers.

Professional Excellence By cultivating a team of over 300 life and non-life insurance consultants trained to offer clients the most practical advice and dedicated attention and with a growing network of over 13 branches accessible throughout Kuwait, and over 1000 insurance experts having more than 50 branches across MENA region, the group has always been recognized for its professional excellency. gig has created a competitive edge in its markets through the implementation of a comprehensive approach involving use of Information Technology, Product Innovation; Customer Relations Management, Enterprise Risk Management and prudent underwriting practices. Over the years, Gulf Insurance has grown from being a leading personal and commercial insurer in Kuwait into a regional insurance solutions provider in Middle East and North Africa. Subsidiaries

Country of Incorporation

GI & RI: Gulf Insurance & Reinsurance Company

Kuwait

AMIG: Arab Misr Insurance Group

Egypt

Ticker (Stock Exchange)

AOIC: Arab orient Insurance Company

Jordan

AOIC (ASE)

BKIC: Bahrain Kuwait Insurance Company

Bahrain

BKIC (BSE) BKIKWT (KSE)

DAIC: Dar Al Salam Insurance Company

Iraq

NDSA (ISX)

ELTC: Egyptian Life Takaful Company

Egypt

FAG: Fajr Al Gulf Insurance & Reinsurance Company

Lebanon

GlobeMed Kuwait

Kuwait

SKIC: Syrian Kuwaiti Insurance Company

Syria

SPI: Saudi Pearl Insurance Company

SKIC (XDSE)

Bahrain

Affiliates BURUJ: Buruj Cooperative Insurance Company

KSA

BURUJ (SSE)

ALLIANCE: Alliance Insurance Company PSC

UAE

ALLIANCE (DFM)

AL ARGAN: Al Argan International Real Estate Company

Kuwait

ALLIANCE (KSE)

EGTAK: Egyptian Takaful Property & Liability Company

Egypt

UN: United Networks

Kuwait

Technology edge GIG’s capitalization and usage of the latest technologies has immensely contributed to the company’s operational efficiency, customer service satisfaction, and company profitability .GIG’s state-of-the art web based information technology applications link of all its operations and that of subsidiaries in one unified universe. . A comprehensive database of clients has been built over the years allowing improved customer relationship management, customer service and support, and cross selling all of which are crucial steps in customer retention. As part of our continued efforts to promote customer convenience, GIG was the first insurance company in Kuwait to launch online sales of insurance products over the internet (www.Clickgic.com). Applying the latest technologies with better, safer and easier access to various customer insurance product round the clock, this application was deployed in 2008. The application allows customers to issue and renew Motor and Boat TPL insurance, renew Motor comprehensive insurance, and issue Travel Assist insurance and many other services on the move. The services can be obtained locally and abroad via K-NET or credit cards and customers can collect their policy from any of our branches or can utilize the GIG delivery service, guaranteeing delivery within 48 hours.

PROFILE

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In our continued efforts to introduce innovative technology solutions geared toward servicing our customers, GIG was also the first insurance company in Kuwait and the region to introduce the sale and renewal of insurance product over smart phones. The iPhone application was launched in 2012 and most recently Android application in 2014 offering online sale of Motor, Marine, Travel and Domestic Helper policies. GIG was also the first company in Kuwait to introduce the first online medical adjudication application in 2010 . Serving more than 54,000 customers over 200 medical providers with over 1000 users connected online, the state of the art application has revolutionized the medical process shifting from the traditional paper based claims to fully electronic claims. The application allows medical providers to inquire about customer medical policy details, create new medical claims, obtain necessary approvals, and process treatments electronically with any use of paper. The application is connected online with a 24/7 call center to provide any assistance to customers and medical providers. GIG’s technology mission is to be the insurance leader in using innovative solutions to better serve our customer.

Gulf Insurance’s Awards and Certifications Gulf Insurance was the first insurance company in Kuwait and the region awarded the ISO 27001 Certification in Information Security Management Systems by the British Standards Institution (BSI). Gulf Insurance was awarded as the “Insurance Company for the year 2008 Middle East” by World Finance, London. It also won the “International Quality Crown” award from Business Initiative Directions, Spain. “Arabian Business Award 2011” was also handed to Gulf Insurance as Kuwait’s Insurance Market Leader.

2012 1.Gulf Insurance was awarded with “The Best Insurance Provider Middle East 2012” as per the rating from Global Banking and Finance Review. 2.It has also won "INSURANCE COMPANY OF THE YEAR 2012 KUWAIT AWARD" by World Finance.

2013

structure committed to Go Green and to lead the way in such concept.

From Origin to Excellence For 52 years Gulf Insurance Group has been part of Kuwait & its peoples lives’. We have witnessed the good times & bad times of our nation however throughout our history & future to come we always believed that relationships are one of the most valuable things in life. In 2012, the decision was taken to unite our group under one flag, one name and one brand The Gulf Insurance Group (gig). In pursuance for our plans our ultimate objective was to be recognized as a regional Arabian Insurance group from this region, for this region; with world-class offerings & standards. We believed that the real value is knowing that what you have is precious - whilst it is in your hands.

The journey ahead gig intends to implement many ambitious and futuristic projects in order to meet the ever-changing customer needs and exceed their expectations. Its dynamic leadership continuously strives to train and support human resources in order to develop the technical and administrative capabilities within its group of companies. Apart from being committed to the advancement of insurance industry both in Kuwait and in the Middle East region, gig plans to continue the regional expansion strategy towards establishing itself as a major player in the regional insurance markets and increasing its business portfolio. In this concern, gig intends to strengthen its presence in the regional markets, emerge as a consolidator of businesses and develop a unified branding strategy.

Vision “To be the most admired insurance brand, in the MENA region”.

Mission Will achieve our vision by investing in the best fit people, practices, processes and technology in ways that will add value to our clients.

Gulf Insurance’s Main Shareholders:

2014

•Kuwait Projects Co.(KIPCO) is one of the biggest holding companies in the Middle East and North Africa, with consolidated assets of US$ 32.3 billion as at 30 June, 2014. The Group has significant ownership interests in over 60 companies operating across 24 countries. The group’s main business sectors are financial services, media, real estate and manufacturing. Through its core companies, subsidiaries and affiliates, KIPCO also has interests in the education and medical sectors. The Group’s core operating companies include Burgan Bank, United Gulf Bank and Gulf Insurance Company. In the media sector, the Group has a presence through the Orbit Showtime Network, the leading pay-tv operator in the region.

1.Gulf Insurance won “The Best Insurance Provider Middle East - 2014” from Global Banking and Finance Review. This is our third consecutive award in a row. 2.Gulf Insurance won “The Best Insurance Brand, Kuwait – 2014” awarded by Global Brands Magazine headquartered in United Kingdom. 3.Most recently, Gulf Insurance won “The Best Non-Life Insurance Co. and The Best Life Insurance Co. in Kuwait – 2014” from World Finance London Gulf Insurance is the first insurance company to partner with Metal & Recycling Co. (MRC) on a waste management program called "Newair" by recycling paper and plastic bottles by promoting environmental awareness within the company as an initiative in Corporate Social Responsibility "CSR". GIG built a recycling

•Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited is a financial services holding company which through its subsidiaries, is engaged in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance and investment management. Fairfax subsidiaries provide a full range of property and casualty products, maintaining a diversified portfolio of risks across all classes of business, geographic regions, and types of insured. Fairfax’s corporate objective is to achieve a high rate of return on invested capital and build long term shareholder value. The company has been under present management since 1985 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Its common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol FFH and in U.S dollars under the symbol FFH.U.

1.Gulf Insurance won “The Best Insurance Provider Middle East 2013” from Global Banking and Finance Review. This is our second consecutive award in a row. 2.For the Third year in 2013, Gulf Insurance obtained the leading Brand in Kuwait Super Brands 2013 Certificate after it passed the selection criteria developed by the Council of brands, and announced by Super Brands Organization. 3.We also won “The Best Non-Life Insurance Co., Kuwait – 2013” from World Finance, London.

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The body-mind connection The Medical Supplement 2014

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‫‪PROFILE‬‬

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‫عندما جتتمع اخلدمات الطبيه و الفن في األداء هذا (( إحنا ))‬ ‫مستوصف بوشهري التخصصي‬ ‫نشعر بحرارة املنافسه فنتسابق و هدفنا إرضاء املراجع و املريض و السمعة الطيبه ‪.‬‬ ‫خدماتنا طبية مميزه ‪ ،‬أطباء نخبه بتخصصات متعددة وطاقم متريض و فنني و سكرتاريه‬ ‫و إداره بطابع عائلي ‪.‬‬ ‫حياكم اهلل هدفنا إرضائكم‬ ‫املدير العام‬ ‫زينب بوشهري‬ ‫‪Baghdad Street – Building 38 same as Boushahri Seema Pharmacy,‬‬ ‫‪Opposite Suleiman Al-Luhaib Mosque - Tel : 1888877‬‬ ‫‪Boushahri_clinic‬‬ ‫‪www.boushahricp.com‬‬

LAB REPORT

The Medical Supplement 2014

Understanding Your Laboratory Report If you’ve had laboratory tests performed, you may have been given a copy of the report by the laboratory or your health care provider. Once you get your report, however, it may not be easy for you to read or understand, leaving you with more questions than answers. This article points out some of the different sections that may be found on a typical lab report and explains some of the information that may be found in those sections. Abnormal test results are fairly common, especially among older adults. Fiftyplus folks tend to take more medications, and that can throw off test results. For example, diuretics can alter sodium and potassium levels; heparin can decrease your platelet count. (These are real abnormalities that may need further treatment.) Plus, many older adults have chronic conditions that require more frequent testing — and the more you’re tested, the greater the likelihood of error. Finally, normal ranges are based on population averages, so normal for you might be slightly out of that range and of no significance. For instance, if you have Gilbert’s syndrome, a common, mild liver condition, you’d show elevated Bilirubin, which could otherwise signal a serious liver dysfunction. If you have known abnormalities, be sure to remind your doctor each time you get tested.

LAB REPORT

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Complete Blood Count (CBC) What it does: Measures essential components of the blood WHITE BLOOD CELL COUNT (WBC)

HEMOGLOBIN

PLATELET COUNT WHAT IT IS

Measures number of plateletsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; colorless blood cells integral to clotting

NORMAL RESULTS

150 - 400 Thous/mcL

WHAT A LOW NUMBER MAY MEAN

Viral infections, lupus, leukemia, chemotherapy, pernicious anemia (due to vitamin B12 deficiency)

WHAT A HIGH NUMBER MAY MEAN

Leukemia, myeloproliferative disorders (which cause blood cells to grow abnormally in bone marrow), inflammatory conditions

WHAT IT IS

White blood cells defend the body against infection

WHAT IT IS

Oxyrgen-carrying pigment in red blood cells

NORMAL RESULTS

4,500 - 10,000 cells/mcL

NORMAL RESULTS

WHAT A LOW NUMBER MAY MEAN

Autoimmune illness, bone marrow failure, chemotherapy, viral infections

Male: 13.8 - 17.2 g/dL Female: 12.1 - 15.1 g/dL

WHAT A LOW NUMBER MAY MEAN

Iron, vitamin B12, or folate deficiency; bone marrow damage

MEAN CORPUSCULAR VOLUME (MCV) WHAT IT IS

Average size of red blood cells

WHAT A HIGH NUMBER MAY MEAN

Infection, inflammation, cancer, leukemia, intense exercise, stress, corticosteroids

WHAT A HIGH NUMBER MAY MEAN

Dehydration, renal problems, pulmonary or congenital heart disease

NORMAL RESULTS

80 - 95 fL

WHAT A LOW NUMBER MAY MEAN

Iron deficiency

WHAT A HIGH NUMBER MAY MEAN

Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency

RED BLOOD CELL COUNT (RBC) WHAT IT IS

Red blood cells pick up oxygen from the blood and deliver it to tissues throughout the body

NORMAL RESULTS

Male: 4.32 - 5.72mill cells/mcL Female: 33.90 - 5.03mill cells/mcL

WHAT A LOW NUMBER MAY MEAN

Iron, vitamin B12, or folate deficiency; bone marrow damage

WHAT A HIGH NUMBER MAY MEAN

Dehydration, renal problems, pulmonary or congenital heart disease

HEMATOCRIT WHAT IT IS

The percentage of red blood cells in the blood

NORMAL RESULTS

Male: 40.7% - 50.3% Female: 36.1% - 44.3%

WHAT IT IS

The amount of hemoglobin in red blood cells

WHAT A LOW NUMBER MAY MEAN

Iron, vitamin B12, or folate deficiency; bone marrow damage

NORMAL RESULTS

27 - 31 pg

WHAT A LOW NUMBER MAY MEAN

Iron deficiency

WHAT A HIGH NUMBER MAY MEAN

Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency

WHAT A HIGH NUMBER MAY MEAN

Dehydration, renal problems, pulmonary or congenital heart disease

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel

What it does: Measures kidney and liver function, electrolyte levels GLUCOSE (FASTING)

POTASSIUM

MEAN CORPUSCULAR HEMOGLOBIN(MCH)

CHLORIDE WHAT IT IS

An electrolyte

NORMAL RESULTS

96 - 106 mmol/L

WHAT A LOW NUMBER MAY MEAN

Emphysema, chronic lung diseases

WHAT A HIGH NUMBER MAY MEAN

Dehydration, Cushing's syndrome, kidney disease

WHAT IT IS

Sugar in the blood

WHAT IT IS

An electrolyte and mineral

CARBON DIOXIDE

NORMAL RESULTS

70 - 99 mg/dL

NORMAL RESULTS

3.7 - 5.2 mEq/L

WHAT IT IS

WHAT A LOW NUMBER MAY MEAN

Hypoglycemia, liver disease, adrenal insufficiency, excess insulin

WHAT A LOW NUMBER MAY MEAN

Chronic diarrhea, vomiting, use of diuretics or corticosteroids (such as prednisone or cortisone)

Gaseous waste product from metabolism

NORMAL RESULTS

20 - 29 mmol/L

WHAT A HIGH NUMBER MAY MEAN

Hyperglycemia, certain types of diabetes, prediabetes, pancreatitis, hyperthyroidism

WHAT A HIGH NUMBER MAY MEAN

Acute or chronic kidney failure, Addison's disease, diabetes, dehydration

WHAT A LOW NUMBER MAY MEAN

Kidney disease, certain toxic exposures, severe infection

WHAT A HIGH NUMBER MAY MEAN

Lung diseases, including COPD

BUN: BLOOD UREA NITROGEN

SODIUM WHAT IT IS

An electrolyte, which keeps your body in balance

NORMAL RESULTS

136 - 144 mEq/L

WHAT A LOW NUMBER MAY MEAN

Dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, use of diuretics, adrenal insufficiency

WHAT A HIGH NUMBER MAY MEAN

Kidney dysfunction, dehydration, Cushing's syndrome

WHAT IT IS

A waste product formed in liver and carried to kidneys, filtered out of blood, excreted through urine

CREATININE WHAT IT IS

A chemical waste produced by muscle metabolism

7 - 29 mg/dL

NORMAL RESULTS

0.8 - 1.4 mg/dL

WHAT A LOW NUMBER MAY MEAN

Malnutrition

WHAT A LOW NUMBER MAY MEAN

Low muscle mass, malnutrition

WHAT A HIGH NUMBER MAY MEAN

Liver or kidney disease, heart failure

WHAT A HIGH NUMBER MAY MEAN

Chronic or temporary decrease in kidney function

NORMAL RESULTS

LAB REPORT

The Medical Supplement 2014

BILIRUBIN

PROTEIN

WHAT IT IS

A pigment in the bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver

WHAT IT IS

Chains of amino acids essential for the growth and repair of cells

WHAT IT IS

Enzyme found in the liver and bones

NORMAL RESULTS

0.2 - 1.9 mg/dL

NORMAL RESULTS

6.3 - 7.9 g/dL

NORMAL RESULTS

44 - 147 IU/L

WHAT A LOW NUMBER MAY MEAN

Generally not a concern

WHAT A LOW NUMBER MAY MEAN

Malnutrition, liver or kidney disease

WHAT A LOW NUMBER MAY MEAN

Malnutrition

WHAT A HIGH NUMBER MAY MEAN

Liver disease, bile duct disorder or red cell destruction

WHAT A HIGH NUMBER MAY MEAN

Liver or kidney disease, dehydration, multiple myeloma

WHAT A HIGH NUMBER MAY MEAN

Paget's disease or certain cancers that spread to bone, bile duct obstruction, liver disease

BUN/CREATININE RATIO WHAT IT IS

Its a ratio

NORMAL RESULTS

10:1 to 20:1

WHAT A LOW NUMBER MAY MEAN

Malnutrition

WHAT A HIGH NUMBER MAY MEAN

Blood in bowels, kidney obstruction, dehydration

CALCIUM

ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE (ALP)

ALBUMIN WHAT IT IS

Protein that keeps fluid from leaking out of blood vessels and that nourishes tissues and transports nutrients through the body

NORMAL RESULTS

3.9 - 5.0 g/dL

WHAT A LOW NUMBER MAY MEAN

Liver or kidney disease, malnutrition

WHAT A HIGH NUMBER MAY MEAN

Dehydration

ALANINE AMINOTRANSFERASE (ALT) WHAT IT IS

Enzyme found mostly in the liver

NORMAL RESULTS

8 - 37 IU/L

WHAT A LOW NUMBER MAY MEAN

Generally not a concern

WHAT A HIGH NUMBER MAY MEAN

Certain toxins such as excess acetaminophen or alcohol, hepatitis, and liver disease

WHAT IT IS

A mineral stored in the hard part of bones

NORMAL RESULTS

8.5 - 10.9 mg/dL

WHAT IT IS

WHAT A LOW NUMBER MAY MEAN

Calcium, magnesium, or Vitamin D deficiency, malnutrition, pancreatitis, neurological disorders

Enzyme found in liver, muscle, and other tissues

NORMAL RESULTS

10 - 34 IU/L

WHAT A LOW NUMBER MAY MEAN

Generally not a concern

WHAT A HIGH NUMBER MAY MEAN

Excess acetaminophen, hepatitis, muscle injury

WHAT A HIGH NUMBER MAY MEAN

ASPARTATE AMINOTRANSFERASE (AST)

Kidney disease, hyperparathyroidism, cancer, excess vitamin D intake

DESIRED LEVELS

Lipid Panel

What it does: Measures coronary artery disease risk

Urine Analysis PH

TOTAL CHOLESTEROL

less than 200 mg/dL (lower numbers are desired)

HDL

greater than 40 - 60 mg/dL (higher numbers are desired)

LDL

lower than 130 mg/dL (lower numbers are desired)

TRIGLYCERIDES

10 - 150 mg/dL (lower numbers are desired)

VLDL

2 - 30 mg/dL

Urine tests are typically evaluated with a reagent strip that is briefly dipped into your urine sample. The technician reads the colors of each test and compares them with a reference chart. These tests are semi-quantitative; there can be some variation from one sample to another on how the tests are scored.

SPECIFIC GRAVITY (SG)

WHAT IT IS

This is a measure of acidity for your urine.

WHAT IT IS

This measures how dilute your urine is. Water would have a SG of 1.000. Most urine is around 1.010, but it can vary greatly depending on when you drank fluids last, or if you are dehydrated.

NORMAL RESULTS

4.6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8

NORMAL RESULTS

1.0 - 1.030

WHAT A LOW NUMBER MAY MEAN

Diabetic ketoacidosis, diarrhea, starvation

WHAT A LOW NUMBER MAY MEAN

Excessive fluid intake, diabetes insipidus, kidney failure, renal tubular necrosis, severe kidney infection (pyelonephritis), aldosteronism (very rare)

WHAT A HIGH NUMBER MAY MEAN

Gastric suction, kidney failure, kidney tubular acidosis, urinary tract infection, vomiting

WHAT A HIGH NUMBER MAY MEAN

Dehydration, Diarrhea that causes dehydration, Glucosuria, Heart failure (related to decreased blood flow to the kidneys), Renal arterial stenosis, Shock, Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH), Addison's disease (rare)

LAB REPORT

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GLUCOSE

PROTEIN

WHAT IT IS

The glucose urine test measures the amount of sugar (glucose) in a urine sample. The presence of glucose in the urine is called glycosuria or glucosuria.

WHAT IT IS

It measures the amount of proteins, such as albumin, found in a urine sample. Normally there is no protein detectable on a urinalysis strip. Protein can indicate kidney damage, blood in the urine, or an infection. Up to 10% of children can have protein in their urine. Certain diseases require the use of a special, more sensitive (and more expensive) test for protein called a microalbumin test. A microalbumin test is very useful in screening for early damage to the kidneys from diabetes, for instance.

NORMAL RESULTS

0 - 0.8 mmol/l (0 - 15 mg/dL)

NORMAL RESULTS

For a random urine sample, the normal values are approximately 0 to 8 mg/dL. For a 24-hour urine collection, the normal value is less than 80 mg per 24 hours.

WHAT A LOW NUMBER MAY MEAN

Glucose is not usually found in urine. If it is, further testing is needed.

WHAT A LOW NUMBER MAY MEAN

WHAT A HIGH NUMBER MAY MEAN

Diabetes, renal glycosuria, gestational diabetes

WHAT A HIGH NUMBER MAY MEAN

Small increases in urine protein levels are usually not a cause for concern. However, larger amounts of protein in the urine may be due to: Amyloidosis, bladder tumor, congestive heart failure, dehydration, diabetic nephropathy, glomerulonephritis, goodpasture syndrome, heavy metal poisoning, kidney-damaging drugs (nephrotoxic drugs), polycystic kidney disease, preeclampsia, systemic lupus erythematosus, urinary tract infection.

BLOOD WHAT IT IS

Normally there is no blood in the urine. Blood can indicate an infection, kidney stones, trauma, or bleeding from a bladder or kidney tumor. The technician may indicate whether it is hemolyzed (dissolved blood) or non-hemolyzed (intact red blood cells). Rarely, muscle injury can cause myoglobin to appear in the urine which also causes the reagent pad to falsely indicate blood.

BILIRUBIN WHAT IT IS

Normally there is no bilirubin or urobilinogen in the urine. These are pigments that are cleared by the liver. In liver or gallbladder disease they may appear in the urine as well.

NITRATE WHAT IT IS

Normally negative, this usually indicates a urinary tract infection.

LEUKOCYTE ESTERASE WHAT IT IS

Normally negative. Leukocytes are the white blood cells (or pus cells). White blood cells in the urine suggest a urinary tract infection. SEDIMENT WHAT IT IS

Here the lab tech looks under a microscope at a portion of your urine that has been spun in a centrifuge. Items such as mucous and squamous cells are commonly seen. Abnormal findings would include more than 0-2 red blood cells, more than 0-2 white blood cells, crystals, casts, renal tubular cells, yeast or bacteria. (Bacteria can be present if there was contamination at the time of collection). Squamous cells may indicate contamination by skin cells if the specimen was not collected carefully.

AGING

The Medical Supplement 2014

5 Common Myths About Aging Think you know the facts about growing older? Think again.

1.Myth: Dementia is an inevitable part of aging. Fact: Dementia should be seen as a modifiable health condition and, if it occurs, should be followed as a medical condition, not a normal part of aging. In other words, if you or your loved one becomes forgetful, it could be related to medication, nutrition or modifiable medical issues. Don't assume Alzheimer's! Just consider that when doctors examined the brain of a 115-year-old woman who, when she died, was the world's oldest woman, they found essentially normal brain tissue, with no evidence of Alzheimer's or other dementia-causing conditions. Testing in the years before she died showed no loss in brain function. Not only is dementia not inevitable with age, but you actually have some control over whether or not you develop it. Studies find that many of the same risk factors that contribute to heart disease - high blood, high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity - may also contribute to Alzheimer's and other dementias. For instance, studies on the brains of elderly people with and without dementia find significant blood vessel damage in those with hypertension. Such damage shrinks the amount of healthy brain tissue you have in reserve, reducing the amount available if a disease like Alzheimer's hits. One way to dodge the dementia bullet: Exercise your body and your brain. Physical activity plays a role in reducing the risk of diseases that cause

Alzheimer's. It also builds up that brain reserve. One study found just six months of regular physical activity increased brain volume in 59 healthy but couch-potato individuals ages 60 to 79. Other research finds people who exercised twice a week over an average of 21 years slashed their risk of Alzheimer's in half. Then there's intellectual exercise. It doesn't matter what kind just that you break out of your comfort zone. Even writing letters twice a week instead of sending e-mail can have brainstrengthening benefits. That's because such novel activities stimulate more regions of the brain, increasing blood flow and helping to not only build brain connections, but improve the health of existing tissue.

2. Myth: If you didn't exercise in your 20s, 30s and 40s, it's too late to start in your 50s, 60s or 70s. Fact: It's never too late! In an oftcited study, 50 men and women with an average age of 87 worked out with weights for 10 weeks and increased their muscle strength 113 percent. Even more important, they also increased their walking speed, a marker of overall physical health in the elderly.

3.Myth: Getting older is depressing so expect to be depressed. Fact: Again, no way! Depression is highly treatable. If older people could just admit to it and get help, they could probably live a much more active and healthy life. That's because studies find that older people who are depressed are more likely to develop

memory and learning problems, while other research links depression to an increased risk of death from numerous age-related diseases, including Parkinson's disease, stroke and pneumonia.

4.Myth: Women fear aging. Fact: Not so! A survey conducted found that women tend to have a positive outlook on aging and to be inspired by others who also have positive attitudes and who stay active as they grow older. Women surveyed were most likely to view aging as "an adventure and opportunity" and less likely to view it as depressing or a struggle.

5.Myth: The pain and disability caused by arthritis is inevitable as you get older. Fact: While arthritis is more common as you age, thanks to the impact of time on the cushiony cartilage that prevents joints and bone from rubbing against one another, age itself doesn't cause arthritis. There are steps you can take in your youth to prevent it, such as losing weight, wearing comfortable, supportive shoes (as opposed to three-inch spikes), and taking it easy with joint-debilitating exercise like running and basketball. One study found women who exercised at least once every two weeks for at least 20 minutes were much less likely to develop arthritis of the knee (the most common location for the disease) than women who exercised less.

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INTERVIEW

DIRECTORY 70

INTERVIEW

The Medical Supplement 2014

HOSPITALS

CLINICS

Sabah Hospital

24812000

Salmiya

25746401

Amiri Hospital

22450005

Jabriya

25316254

Maternity Hospital

24843100

Maidan Hawally

25623444

Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital

25312700

Bayan

25388462

Chest Hospital

24849400

Mishref

25381200

Farwaniya Hospital

24892010

W Hawally

22630786

Adan Hospital

23940620

Jahra

24770319

Ibn Sina Hospital

24840300

New Jahra

24575755

Al-Razi Hospital

24846000

West Jahra

24772608

24874330/9

South Jahra

24775066

North Jahra

24775992

North Jleeb

24311795

Ardhiya

24884079

Firdous

24892674

Omariya

24719048

North Khaitan

24710044

Fintas

23900322

Physiotherapy Hospital

PHARMACIES Sama Safwan

23915883

Danat Al-Sultan

23726558

Ahlam

22436184

New Shifa

24734000

Ikhlas

22625999

Ghadeer

25340559

Ibn Al-Nafis

25721264

Tariq

25726265

CLINICS

PRIVATE Asnan Tower (Dental Center)

25736666 25625030

Rawda

22517733

Dr. Adel Quttainah Clinic (Cosmetic Surgery Clinic)

Adaliya

22517144

Noor Clinic

Khaldiya

24848075

Kaifan

24849807

Shamiya

24848913

Shuwaikh

24814507

Boushahri Specialized Polyclinic

1888877

Abdullah Salem

22549134

Taiba Hospital

1808088

Nuzha

22526804

Diet Center

Industrial Shuwaikh

24814764

Images Diagnostic Center

22269300

Qadsiya

22515088

Al Seef Hospital

1881122

Dasmah

22532265

Beverly Hills Medical Center

22289999

Bneid Al-Gar

22531908

Dar Al Shifa Hospital

1802555

Shaab

22518752

New Mowasat Hospital

25726666

Qibla

22459381

Al Omooma Hospital

24997000

Yiaco Apollo Medical Center

23845951/ 2 / 3 / 4/5 22275916 / 22275910

24918901 - 02

Emergency Phone Number of Police, Ambulance and Fire Services 112

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INTERVIEW

www.boushahricp.com

Baghdad Street â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Building 38 same as Boushahri Seema Pharmacy, Opposite Suleiman Al-Luhaib Mosque - Tel : 1888877

Boushahri_clinic

‫ﻧﻔﺘﺨﺮ‬ ‫ﺑﺄﻧﻨﺎ أول ﻣﻦ ﺣﺼﻞ ﻋﻠﻰ إﻋﺘﻤﺎد اﻟﻜﻠﻴﺔ‬ ‫ا‪ ‬ﻣﺮﻳﻜﻴﺔ ﻟﻠﺘﺼﻮﻳﺮ اﻟﺸﻌﺎﻋﻲ )‪ (ACR‬ﻓﻲ‬ ‫ﻣﻨﻄﻘﺔ اﻟﺨﻠﻴﺞ ﻣﻨﺬ ‪ 2011‬و اﻟﺘﻲ ﺗﻀﻤﻦ‬ ‫أﻋﻠﻰ ﻣﻌﺎﻳﻴﺮ اﻟﺠﻮدة اﻟﺨﺎﺻﺔ‬ ‫ﺑﺎﻟﺘﺼﻮﻳﺮ ﺑﺎﻟﺮﻧﻴﻦ اﻟﻤﻐﻨﺎﻃﻴﺴﻲ‪.‬‬

‫اﻟﺠﺎﺑــﺮﻳﺔ ‪ -‬اﻟﺪاﺋـــﺮي اﻟﺮاﺑﻊ‪ ،‬ﺑــﺮج ﻣــﺰاﻳــﺎ‬

‫‪Jabriya - 4th Ring Road, Mazaya Tower‬‬ ‫ﻓﺎﻛﺲ‪ ، Fax: 222 69301 :‬ﻫﺎﺗﻒ‪Tel.: 222 69300 :‬‬

‫‪www.imagesradiology.com‬‬

Baghdad Street â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Building 38 same as Boushahri Seema Pharmacy, Opposite Suleiman Al-Luhaib Mosque - Tel : 1888877

www.boushahricp.com

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