Health Check issue 3 by Ravi Nair

P U B L I C A T I O N

ISSUE 3

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SECOND PHASE OF “SEHA”, TODAY

(INCLUDES ALL QATARI CITIZENS)

Services include eyes, laboratories, dispensing of medicines, emergency, physiotherapy, speech and radiography

EDUCATIONAL HEALTH SUPPLEMENT SPONSORED BY

DRY EYE

diagnosis of dry eyes means that your eyes are no longer able to produce enough tears to stay moisturised or are producing poor quality tears. Almost everyone suffers from dry eyes at one point or another, but frequent instances of dry eye can be a sign of a more permanent condition called dry eye syndrome. According to the American Association of Ophthalmology, approximately 3.2 million women and 1.7 million men over the age of 50 suffer from chronic dry eyes. There are many symptoms and causes of dry eye. The good news is that there are also many ways to treat it.

Common Causes of Dry Eye:

he second phase of implementation of social health insurance to citizens, which includes under its umbrella all Qatari citizens, both men and women will start today in accordance with the timetable for implementation of the system announced by the National Health Insurance, in which health care providers agreed with them by the National Health Insurance Company will begin the reception of cases and patients under the umbrella of insurance. Officials in charge of implementing the system declared that the second stage includes the provision of the various health services , especially the treatment services inside and outside of hospitals , Preventive Care , Emergency , Physiotherapy , Occupational Therapy , Speech Therapy , Long-term Care , Radiographic , Durable Medical Equipment , Dispensing , Laboratories and Eyes, and within the provider’s network of health services from government and private sector hospitals.

“Seha”... a new identity for the health insurance system Dr. Faleh Mohamed Hussein - Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Affairs at the Supreme Council of Health , Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Company emphasised in his explanation on the details of the phase , the new identity for the social health insurance system under the name of “Seha” , which aims to deliver a message to the community stating that health services will be provided on an ongoing basis through a system of social health insurance in accordance with the highest international standards . He explained that he was relying on the curves in the new logo without sharp angles to suggest renewal to the user, in addition to a seamless use of the system without hindrance, through the facilitation of access to the service through a broad spectrum of service providers based only on the personal card. Furthermore, Dr. Hussein announced launching of pages for “Seha” on the social networking sites Facebook and Twitter. (Continued on page 3)

• Aging – especially in post-menopausal women due to hormonal changes • Medications like antihistamines, birth control pills, antidepressants, some blood pressure medications and diuretics • Central heating/air or other environmental factors such as allergies • Long-term contact use • Computer Vision Syndrome or temporary overexposure to a computer or TV screen

Symptoms of Dry Eye: • A burning, stinging or grainy sensation • Persistent discharge • Excessive tearing • Irritation related to contact-lens use

How to Treat Dry Eye: • Eliminate as many household allergens as you can. • Turn off ceiling fans when possible. • Run a humidifier to put moisture back into the air. • Lay a warm, damp washcloth across your eyelids for a

couple minutes. • Add more omega-3 fatty acids or fish oil supplements to your diet. • Use lubricating or rewetting eye drops. • Ask your doctor about punctal plugs, which block tears from draining from the eye. Without proper treatment, chronic dry eye could lead to infection or vision loss, so visit your eye doctor to find the best way to treat your specific situation.

HELPING YOUR CHILD MANAGE THEIR TREATMENT What are the main ways you can help your child? There are a number of ways in which you can help your child if they are having health care treatment. • talk to your child about what is happening • be involved in all the decisions made about your child’s health care This will help all the family to cope with

the situation more effectively.

What can you do before the treatment or procedure? Before your child has any treatment, it is important for you to know as much as possible about: • Why your child is unwell • What procedures are necessary • What choices are available This will help you to

feel less anxious and in turn, will help you support your child to manage any fear and anxieties they may feel as a result of a medical procedure or treatment.

What is your role? You are an important member of the health care team. Your knowledge of what helps your child, and what may make them more anxious or distressed, is very useful information.

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Wednesday, April 30, 2014

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Wednesday, April 30, 2014

... REPORT ...

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SECOND PHASE OF “SEHA”, TODAY (INCLUDES ALL QATARI CITIZENS)

(Continued from page 1) He also professed the opening of National Health Insurance Centre for customers’ service, which provides members of health insurance another level of support in addition to the services provided by the current call centre, indicating that the staff of the new Customers’ Service Centre are ready to provide assistance to members by responding to all inquiries whether general information about the program, or the application of the system of health coverage, the rights of members and network service providers.

Results of the first phase reflect public satisfaction Dr. Hussein stated that the results of the survey conducted by the Bureau of Statistics showed a high level of satisfaction of the system users , pointing out that the system is considered a part of the Qatar National Vision 2030, and it is also a tool to measure the quality of health services provided to the community, explaining that the system is in its first phase has achieved the expectations of 84% of the beneficiaries , and that 90 % of those who used the system in its first stage had found that the services provided for women are of high level , 84% found that it contributed to the promotion of freedom of choice between service providers , and nearly 90% evaluated their experience in the hospital in a positive way . Further, the survey conduct-

ed by the Bureau of Statistics showed that 90 % of patients were satisfied fully during their communication with “Seha” call centre, and that 87% were satisfied during their communication with the “Seha” special points of presentation which are found in hospitals affiliated under the system. He said that the network providers of health services of the health insurance system currently includes Women’s Hospital, Al Emadi Hospital, Al-Ahli Hospital, Doha Clinic Hospital, Al Wakra Hospital, Al Khor Hospital, the Cuban Hospital and Hayat Medical Center, referring to the provision of a list of service providers before the new launch system is actually in its second phase, explaining the presence of 30 health institutions have already approached the National Health Insurance Company to join the system and deciding on their request will take place soon. He further specified that the second phase of the health insurance will continue for a full year during which the stage would be studied and evaluated continuously to promote all the positive aspects and avoid the negatives , pointing out that the implementation of the system in phases aims to develop the system on an ongoing basis; adding that the second phase will see the provision of all health services provided by the system , and the fact that the state will bear all citizens’ insurance premiums , the company will mean a national health insurance in the next phase expansion of the network service providers.

SERVICES INCLUDE EYES, LABORATORIES, DISPENSING OF MEDICINES, EMERGENCY, PHYSIOTHERAPY, SPEECH AND RADIOGRAPHY

Requirements of service provision

Safe exit to private insurance companies

On the accession requirements for the provision of services within the system , Dr. Hussein said that the requirements have not changed since the first phase and they include : the service provider must be accredited by the Supreme Council of Health and possess the coding system of health insurance , noting that the monitoring of service providers consist of several degrees , including : supervision by the system users themselves on the service provider, then supervision by Al Khaleej Al Takaful Company on service provider , and then the last level which is represented by the National Health Insurance Company , as well as the control mechanisms for the accreditation standards , in addition to the Health Insurance Act and the articles it includes dealing with irregularities. About the dissatisfaction of a number of service providers within the health insurance with the return they get for the provision of health services, Dr. Hussein emphasised that the prices of health services within the health insurance are fair, stressing that the current prices were determined based on information provided by the service providers themselves to the Supreme Council of Health and prices were determined after agreement with all service providers. He drew the attention that the prices of health services provided within the health insurance will be reviewed on an annual basis and the right price will be determined, according to data of each stage.

On the way out for private insurance companies from the system, Dr. Hussein affirmed that the National Health Insurance Company has given a deadline for private companies to gradually get out from private health insurance to citizens, in order to avoid duplicate services because the citizen is covered fully by the state, explaining that a deadline of two years was given for those companies to implement this command. It is noteworthy that the National Health Insurance Company is an independent institution affiliated to the state and is managed and operated by the Social Health Insurance System , and supervised by a board that consist of the Minister of Public Health as Chairman of the Board of Directors along with six other members , including representatives from the Ministries of Economy and Finance , Labour and Interior and the Central Municipal Council , as well as two members of the private sector who are designated by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Qatar. The Social Health Insurance Law has entered into force on July 17, 2013, in which the various articles of the law cover the issue of the provision of the services, the responsibility for the payment of premiums, the financial management, the company’s business scope of national health insurance and fines for violating the law.

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Wednesday, April 30, 2014

... FITNESS ...

GET FIT AND IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH NUMBERS MEASURE AND KEEP TRACK OF YOUR PROGRESS TO MAINTAIN FOCUS REGARDING FITNESS GOALS.

1. On Your Mark, Get Set Go! The first step before embarking on an exercise routine is to consider your overall exercise goals, which could range from simply shedding a few pounds to running a marathon. Evaluate your current health status, focusing on your critical health numbers [blood pressure, waist size (BMI), weight, cholesterol and blood sugar], with the goal of using exercise to help keep them in a healthy normal range. It’s always a good idea to get medical clearance from your doctor.

2. Reality Check Create a realistic routine. Carve out the time to exercise in your daily routine and honour it as sacred, whether that means going to the gym religiously every morning at 5 a.m., biking to the office during rush hour, or working out with resistant bands while watching reality TV at night. If you haven’t exercised for a while, start slow rather than jumping back in full throttle. For instance, begin with a gentle routine, such as walking briskly 10 minutes a day.

3. Stretch It Out Stretching increases flexibility, improves the range of motion of your joints and increases blood flow. Basic stretching is particularly important after you workout. Contrary to popular belief, stretching to warm up can actually cause harm since your muscles are cold and stiff, so always warm up first before stretching. When stretching, focus on your calves, thighs, hips, lower back, neck and shoulders. Keep stretches gentle and don’t bounce. Hold a stretch for about 30 seconds, then switch sides and repeat.

4. Step It Up An easy way to get moving is to follow the most popular

Beyond keeping you slim and trim, a regular exercise routine can drastically improve your health numbers such as blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar. Working out also wards off myriad chronic diseases, boosts mood, increases energy, aids sleep – and the list goes on and on and on! If you’ve been meaning to get moving on a fitness plan, this simple plan will help jumpstart you into action!

mantra: ‘Get 10,000 steps a day’, which is the equivalent of 5 miles. Start by walking 30 minutes a day, which equals about 3,000 steps. Then add to that by taking more and more steps. Be creative! Take the stairs more often. Whenever possible, walk instead of driving.

5. Muscle Your Way to Better Health Strong muscles support and protect your bones joints, which wards off frailty. Aim to add 2-3 days per week of strength training to your exercise routine. Choices include weight lifting, resistance bands, or basic training exercises such as pushups and sit-ups.

6. Don’t Ignore Your Core Core exercises not only help improve posture but can also help you develop fab abs to show off in your bathing suit. Planks are some of the best core exercises around and can be done anywhere. To do a plank, get into a push-up position and put your forearms on the ground. Line your elbows directly underneath your shoulders and press your toes to the ground. Squeeze your glutes and tighten your abdominals, creating a straight, strong line from head to toes. Hold the position for as long as you can, and work your way up to a minute.

7. Get in Balance Balance is important to improving overall stability and helping prevent falls as we age.

Try a single leg balance by standing tall with your feet hip-width apart. Lift 1 leg and hold for 5-10 seconds. Repeat 5-10 repetitions on each leg. For a more challenging move, try doing biceps curls while standing on one foot, or on a balance board.

8. No Excuses Home Gym Too busy to exercise? Create a “No Excuses” home gym. Use your body as the only tool you’ll ever need to do circuits of squats, lunges, crunches, etc., (or two sets of 8-12 reps each). Small hand weights provide a good workout for the arms, and a mat can be used for stretching and ab work.

9. Stay Motivated If you do fall off the exercise wagon and miss a few days, don’t waste time beating yourself up. Just dive back in. To help maintain motivation, stick with exercises you like best, whether that means hiking trails, swimming or joining a bootcamp. If you do belong to a gym, classes can be a great way to stick to a motivating routine. Take a fun class like spinning or Zumba. Or consider working out regularly with a friend.

10. Keep Your Eyes on the Prize Measure and keep track of your progress to maintain focus regarding fitness goals. Consider keeping a written journal of your exercise routine and chart improvements. Savour your progress and know that by making exercise your daily medicine you’re reaping myriad rewards such as lowering blood pressure, dropping excess pounds and even preventing Alzheimer’s and cancer.

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Wednesday, April 30, 2014

... DOCTOR’S DESK ...

UNDERSTANDING RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS (RA) RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS (RA) IS A LONG-TERM DISEASE THAT LEADS TO INFLAMMATION OF THE JOINTS AND SURROUNDING TISSUES. IT CAN ALSO AFFECT OTHER ORGANS.

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?

more often in women than in men. Other risk factors include cigarette smoking and family history.

RA is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of the lining of the joints. The body tissue is mistakenly attacked by its own immune system. RA may also affect the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, blood, or nerves. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disorder, meaning that although there may be occasional symptom-free periods, the disease can worsen over time and may never go away. Early, aggressive treatment is key to slowing or stopping its progression.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Causes

RA Symptoms Joint inflammation from RA comes with pain, warmth, and swelling. The inflammation is typically symmetrical, occurring on both sides of the body at the same time (such as the wrists, knees, or hands). Other symptoms of RA include joint stiffness, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity; ongoing fatigue, and lowgrade fever. Symptoms typically develop gradually over years, but can come on rapidly for some people.

Who Gets Rheumatoid Arthritis? Affecting about 1% of the U.S. population, RA usually strikes between ages 3060, but younger and older people can also be affected. RA occurs two to three times

Immune cells normally protect the body from foreign invaders. What causes them to target healthy joints and tissue is unknown. Researchers believe some combination of genetics and environmental factors may play a role. There may be a genetic tendency in some people who, if they develop an infection with a particular bacterium or virus, go on to develop the condition. But to date, no specific infection has been identified.

RA’s Toll on the Joints Inflammation of the lining of the joints can destroy cartilage and bone, causing deformity of the joints. As the condition progresses, joints can develop considerable pain and loss of function.

RA’s Toll on the Body RA can affect organs and areas of the body other than the joints, including: • Rheumatoid nodules: firm lumps under the skin and in internal organs • Sjogren’s syndrome: inflammation and damage of the glands of the eyes and mouth; other parts of the body can also be affected • Pleuritis: inflammation of the lung lining

• Pericarditis: inflammation of lining surrounding the heart • Anaemia: reduction of red blood cells • Felty syndrome: reduction of white blood cells, associated with enlarged spleen • Vasculitis: blood vessel inflammation, which can impair blood supply to tissues

Diagnosing RA

Treating RA There is no known cure for RA. The goal of treatment is to reduce joint inflammation and pain, prevent joint damage, and maximise joint function. Aggressive treatment should be started as early as possible. Treatment includes a combination of medication and exercises to strengthen supporting muscles around the joints. Treatment may also include surgery. Treatment is tailored to the individual, taking into account their age, affected joints, and the progression of the disease.

RA Medications

a) Evaluating Symptoms

Medications used to treat RA include disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) which include biologics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroids, and pain relievers. DMARDs slow progression of disease and are usually used with NSAIDs and steroids in treatment.

Because symptoms may come and go, diagnosing RA in its early stages is challenging. If you have these symptoms, your doctor may order further tests: • Morning joint stiffness • Swelling/fluid around several joints at the same time • Swelling in the wrist, hand, or finger joints • Same joints affected on both sides of your body • Firm lumps under the skin (rheumatoid nodules)

Is Surgery an Option? After significant joint damage has occurred or when pain or disability becomes unbearable, some people choose surgery to improve function and relieve pain. Joint replacement is the most frequently performed surgery for RA patients -- with the knee and hip joints most often replaced. Other types of surgery, such as arthroscopy (inserting a tube-like instrument into the joint to see and repair abnormal tissues) and tendon reconstruction, can be performed as well.

Other Treatments for RA Some RA patients find relief in the following: moist heat, relaxation remedies, and acupuncture. Supplements that have been shown to possibly help RA are fish oil, borage seed oil, and cat’s claw. Check with your doctor before taking supplements as they can cause side effects and may interact with your medications.

b) Blood Tests If RA is suspected, your doctor may order blood tests to check for markers of inflammation in the body. Other common tests are for rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP), which is present in most people with RA.

c) Imaging Tests X-rays are helpful in diagnosing RA and to provide a baseline for comparison later as the disease progresses. An MRI or ultrasound may also be done to help detect joint damage and inflammation.

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Wednesday, April 30, 2014

... MEDICAL SCIENCE ...

GOLD NANOPARTICLES HELP TARGET, QUANTIFY BREAST CANCER SEGMENTS IN A LIVING CELL to cancer patients.”

mRNA splice variants in a cell.

The technique also could increase our understanding of cell biology and paves the way for genetic profiling and diagnosis based on a single cell, Irudayaraj said.

Light behaves differently when it shines on a single gold particle, allowing the researchers to differentiate between dimers and free-floating gold particles.

BRCA1 is a tumour suppressor gene that can transform a cell into a cancerous type under certain circumstances. Measuring the number of BRCA1 mRNA splice variants in a cell can indicate if the gene is being under-expressed, a possible sign of breast cancer.

The researchers used two methods to quantify the dimers: spectroscopy, which measures the way light scatters when it encounters an object, and a colorimetric image on which dimers show as reddish dots while single gold particles appear green.

But current methods of detecting cancer rely on samples made up of hundreds or thousands of cells and cannot provide detailed information about how genes tied to cancer are being expressed in individual cells.

The technique can quantify mRNA splice variants in a single cell in about 30 minutes.

Irudayaraj and his team are the first to detect and quantify BRCA1 mRNA splice variants -- fragments of genetic material that are removed when mRNA is formed -- in a single cell. Splice variants can determine the fate of a cell and how specific proteins are expressed. Errors in the splicing process have been linked to a variety of diseases.

urdue University researchers have developed a way to detect and measure cancer levels in a living cell by using tiny gold particles with tails of synthetic DNA.

A team led by Joseph Irudayaraj, professor of agricultural and biological engineering, used gold nanoparticles to target and bind to fragments of genetic material known as BRCA1 messenger RNA splice variants, which can indicate the presence and stage of breast cancer. The number of these mRNA splice variants in a cell can be determined by examining the specific signal that light produces when it interacts with the gold nanoparticles. “This is a simple yet sophisticated technique that can be used to detect cancer in a single cell and determine how aggressive it is,” said Irudayaraj, who is also the deputy director of the Bindley Bioscience Center. “Being able to quantify these genetic molecules could ultimately help clinicians provide better and more individualised treatment

Irudayaraj is modifying the system to speed up the process so that it can be used in tissue biopsies. “If we can quantify key mRNA at single cell resolution in a tissue biopsy, that will be very powerful in terms of refining treatment protocols for key diseases,” he said.

“With this method, we are basically able to spot a needle in a haystack -- and we can determine if there are five needles in that haystack or if there are 50,” he said. Irudayaraj and his then-graduate research assistant, Kyuwan Lee, who is the first author of the study, adapted common nanotechnology methods to tackle the challenge of pinpointing mRNA splice variants in a living cell. They fabricated gold nanoparticles -- more than 1,000 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair -- and tagged them with strands of DNA complementary to BRCA1 mRNA splice variants. When injected into a cell, the nanoparticles attached to either end of mRNA splice variants, forming structures known as dimers -- each “like a couple holding hands,” Irudayaraj said. Because dimers give off a unique signal in the presence of light, the researchers could measure the number of dimers by illuminating the cell with a simple light source. The number of dimers corresponded to the number of BRCA1

10 FASCINATING FACTS WHAT DOES YOUR TONGUE PRINT LOOK LIKE? WHAT IS THE HARDEST SUBSTANCE IN THE HUMAN BODY? GET THESE - AND MANY MORE - ANSWERS RIGHT HERE.

teeth, is the hardest 10. Human fingers stretch 1. One in every 1000 babies is born with a tooth. substance in the human and bend about 25 milbody. lion times in a normal 2. A person will die from lifetime. lack of sleep sooner than 7. The female egg cell is the they will from starvation, largest cell in the human which usually takes a body. It is about 175 000 few weeks. times heavier than the smallest cell, the male 3. There are approximately sperm cell. 96,000 km of blood vessels in the human body. 8. The soles of your feet 4. If the lining of mucus contain more sweat were to disappear from glands and more presyour stomach, your sure-sensitive nerve endstomach would digest ings per square inch than itself. any other part of your body. 5. Each person sheds 22 kilograms of skin in his 9. Like fingerprints, every or her lifetime. person has a unique tongue print. 6. Enamel, found on our

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Wednesday, April 30, 2014

... NUTRITION ...

4 RULES TO EATING CLEAN PROCESSED AND CONTAMINATED FOODS COULD BE CLOGGING YOUR ARTERIES AND SATURATING YOU WITH HARMFUL HORMONES AND CHEMICALS. DITCH THESE “FRANKENFOODS” FOR WHOLE, CLEAN FOODS THAT NOURISH YOUR BODY THE WAY NATURE INTENDED. NUTRITION EXPERT TOSCA RENO, AUTHOR OF THE EAT CLEAN DIET, HAS DEVELOPED THESE FOUR RULES TO HELP YOU EAT CLEAN AND REVITALISE YOUR HEALTH.

Rule 1: No Processed Food Our bodies are designed to eat foods in their whole, natural state. Eating tons of foods that have been refined and heavily processed, often with added preservatives, colouring and other chemicals, can damage your health, zap your energy and pack on pounds. Get rid of packaged, processed foods and opt instead for whole fruits and vegetables, whole grains, unprocessed meats and dairy.

Rule 2: Know What to Buy Organic Some non-organic foods are laden with pesticides and hormones that can poison your health. However, not all non-organic foods are dangerous. For example, strawberries have essentially no protective layer and a high pest rate – so they tend to be coated in pesticides. Asparagus, in contrast, isn’t usually attacked by pests, and is a much safer bet. Generally, you can follow this simple rule: If you’re going to eat the peel, you should buy organic.

Rule 3: Make Your Water Wetter Everyone knows water is good for you (and free of calories), but boosting it with some electrolytes can keep you better hydrated. Add a pinch of sea salt and half a lemon to an 8-ounce glass of water. The minerals from the salt will help your body hold onto the water for longer, and the lemon will add a tasty zest. Drink three of these a day to stay energised all day long.

Rule 4: Eat at Home The easiest way to cut processed foods out of your diet is to eat at home. When you make your own food from whole, natural ingredients, you know exactly what’s in it and don’t have to worry that you’re ingesting a potentially toxic combination of hidden chemicals. It can be quick and simple to make meals at home that can last you all week.

Energising Breakfast Recipes Mini Egg Tins This breakfast has the vitamin-packed ingredients you’ll need to get you through the day. Eggs promote thyroid function and spinach contains iron, which helps boost energy. Ingredients • 2 to 5 eggs • 1 cup chopped veggies • Greased muffin tin Directions • Preheat the oven to 375°F. • Beat desired amount of eggs in a bowl. • Combine chopped veggies and eggs and mix.

• Pour mixture into greased muffin tin. • Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the egg mixture puffs and sets.

Power Parfait The name says it all! Enjoy this sweet and salty breakfast treat that includes healthy fats and simple sugars to keep your appetite satisfied and your metabolism raised all day. Ingredients • 1 cup Greek yogurt • 1 tbsp. honey • 1 tbsp. almond butter • 1 sliced banana Directions • Combine or layer ingredients in bowl and enjoy!

SUPERCHARGED INFUSED WATERS DRINKING WATER IS ONE OF THE BEST THINGS YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR BODY. IT HELPS REGULATE BODY TEMPERATURE, PROTECT VITAL ORGANS AND EVEN IMPROVE THE WAY YOU LOOK. BUT SIPPING ON THE SAME OLD THING ALL THE TIME CAN GET BORING. IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A MORE FLAVOURFUL WAY TO GET YOUR H2O, TRY INFUSED WATERS! LOADED WITH FRUITS, VEGGIES AND HERBS, THESE SUPERCHARGED WATERS WILL HELP YOU STAY HYDRATED WHILE RELIEVING SOME OF YOUR BIGGEST HEALTH COMPLAINTS.

1. Bloating: Citrus Sensation

3. Anti-Aging: Berry Blast

Many women suffer from uncomfortable bloating. Whether caused by eating too much salt or a hormonal fluctuation like menstruation, water-rich foods such as lemon and cucumber can bust bloat.

This flavour-filled water will keep you looking young! Dark berries and pomegranate seeds are rich in the antioxidants you need to help protect against aging. Skip sodas and sugary drinks and opt instead for this naturally sweet longevity-booster.

2. Relaxation: Pineapple - Strawberry Cooler Need a spa day? This fruity infused water is more than just refreshing – it can help you relax. Sage has been used in aromatherapy for relaxation for years. This drink is the perfect way to unwind at the end of a long day.

4. Metabolism Boost: Tangerine Weight-Orade This drink is packed with metabolism boosters that will help you lose weight fast! Just one cup of green tea is enough to jump-start your metabolism, while tangerines stimulate the genes that help burn fat and mint adds calorie-free flavours. Delicious and fat-burning, this drink is the best of both worlds.

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Wednesday, April 30, 2014

... HEALTH QUIZ ...

HEALTH IQ: SWEET DRINKS Quiz Answers Question 1 = d

Soft drinks make it easy to stack on weight; their high sugar content makes them high in kilojoules and our bodies don’t seem to “register” kilojoules in liquid form as well as those in food. This means we don’t eat less of anything else in exchange for the extra kilojoules we drink, increasing the odds of gaining kilos. It’s estimated drinking one can of soft drink a day for a year could lead to a weight gain of as much as 6.75 kilograms.

Question 2 = a

SWEET DRINKS INCLUDING SOFT DRINKS, SPORTS DRINKS, AND FRUIT DRINKS, ARE MORE POPULAR THAN EVER BUT THEIR HEALTH IMPACTS HAVE EXPERTS WORRIED. WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE SWEET LIQUIDS THAT PASS YOUR LIPS?

Drink one can of soft drink a day for a year, and you are at risk of gaining how much weight?

a. b. c. d.

Nearly 2 kilos 2.5 kilos 4 kilos Nearly 7 kilos

Are diet soft drinks a healthy alternative to regular soft drinks?

a. No, they are still unhealthy for a number of reasons. b. No, they are still unhealthy solely because they are bad for your teeth. c. Yes, diet soft drinks have no kilojoules so they’re fine. d. Yes, diet soft drinks can actually help you lose weight.

Are sports drinks better than water when you’re exercising?

a. Yes, the extra energy source they provide boosts performance at all levels b. Yes, they perform a vital job of replacing electrolytes lost in sweat

c. Sometimes. The extra energy and electrolytes is important in some situations d. No. Sports drinks have been found to offer no benefits over water

Nutritionists suggest limiting the amount of fruit juice you drink each day to: a. One small glass, drunk only occasionally b. Two glasses a day c. There is no need to limit juice as it is high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants d. There is no need to limit juice as long as it doesn’t have added sugar

Is fruit juice worse for your teeth than soft drink?

a. Yes, fruit juice is always worse than soft drink b. Sometimes. Some fruit juices are worse than some soft drinks c. No, soft drink is always worse but both can be harmful d. No, fruit juice is not bad for your teeth

It’s the kilojoules in regular soft drink that promote weight gain and therefore increase your risk of diabetes type 2, cardiovascular disease and some cancers. Diet soft drinks contain artificial sweeteners rather than sugar, slashing the kilojoule load (often to zero). So you might think this would side-step any health issues. But that doesn’t seem to be the case. For starters, research has not shown regularly drinking artificially sweetened drinks helps prevent weight gain. What’s more, both regular and diet soft drink are acidic and damage tooth enamel, leading to increased decay. They also contain preservatives, colourings, flavourings and “other things you basically don’t need”.

Question 3 = c

Sports drinks typically contain a mixture of carbohydrates such as sugars for energy, as well as water and electrolytes to replace substances we lose when we sweat. But the expert consensus is that many of us overestimate our need for sports drinks when we exercise. Unless you’re exercising intensely for 90 minutes or more, you’re unlikely to need to extra carbs or electrolytes to keep going and plain water will be fine to rehydrate you. So you’re simply loading yourself up with unnecessary extra kilojoules.

Question 4 = a

While fruit is healthy, it does contain sugar and when it’s turned into juice, it’s easy to

over-consume. That’s because juicing removes some or all of the fibre, the fruit’s natural “appetite brake”, which normally makes us feel full. A glass of apple juice has the same kilojoules as a glass of soft drink – even if you make it yourself from fresh apples and don’t add any extra sugar. It’s true there’s more vitamins, minerals and antioxidants in the juice than in soft drink, but we should think of the juice as more as a ‘mini-meal’ than something to quench our thirst.

Question 5 = b

While soft drinks have rightly earned a bad reputation for damaging teeth, fruit juice can actually be just as bad – or in some cases, worse. And it’s not just because there is sugar in both types of drink. Juices and soft drinks also contain acids that can dissolve the hard structures of your teeth (the enamel and any exposed roots), leaving the inner parts of teeth exposed – causing sensitivity. Dark cola drinks are the worst offenders for this, but some highly acidic juices – such as lemon, lime or orange juice – can do more damage to your teeth than other soft drinks.

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Wednesday, April 30, 2014

... PAEDIATRICS & CHILD HEALTH ...

BABY SKIN CARE: SIMPLE TIPS TO KEEP BABY’S SKIN HEALTHY

BABY’S SKIN IS DELICATE - AND SO IS THE BABY’S IMMUNE SYSTEM. LEARN HOW TO KEEP YOUR BABY’S SKIN SMOOTH AND HEALTHY.

Anticipate Rashes, Bumps, and Spots Babies develop a myriad of skin conditions during the first few months of life. These include cradle cap, diaper rash, toxic erythema, milia, infantile acne, and others. Some are caused by normal hormonal changes or immature pores, while others are caused by inflammation or, rarely, an infection.

Newborns Get Rashes Easily Because most newborn’s rashes are “normal”, there is generally no treatment needed except for patience. It’s important to ask the doctor for some guidance about what to expect when it comes to rashes and which require some additional treatment.

How to Avoid Diaper Rash

(oestrogens) are involved in causing acne in adolescents. The big difference is that this will resolve on its own within a couple of weeks, and no treatment is needed.

Erythema Toxicum Neonatorum Erythema toxicum neonatorum is the most common pustular (fluid-filled) eruption in newborns. Generally, the rash appears on the face or extremities and initially as a red raised eruption. Then they develop into a pustule with a “blotchy” appearance. The cause is unknown, however the lesions fade after a week, and there is no treatment needed. But, if there is fever associated with the eruption, further evaluation is needed.

Eczema or Atopic Dermatitis Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a pruritic (itchy) rash that occurs in response to a specific exposure or allergy. It is generally seen in children over 3 months of age and appears most commonly on the scalp, face, trunk, extremities (elbows and knees), and even in the diaper area. Treatment is focused on avoiding the trigger and then allowing the skin to “heal.” This may include using moisturisers and even topical steroids.

Newborn’s Dry Skin Newborns often have very dry peeling skin in the initial period after birth. This is due to the fact that the infant has existed in a fluid environment for several months, and after birth, the skin cells start to regenerate, which results in the peeling of the old skin cells. There is no need to do anything since this will resolve on its own.

Cradle Cap Diaper rash is often caused by irritation to the skin due to contact with urine, stool, and detergent. Sometimes it can be caused by yeast infections, bacterial infections, or even due to an allergy to diaper material. In general, most diaper rashes can be prevented by changing diapers when they are wet or soiled and allowing the diaper area to dry between changes. Using a topical barrier cream or ointment such as zinc oxide or A&D ointment can help.

Baby Acne Acne neonatorum also called neonatal or baby acne is caused by maternal hormones. The same hormones

Cradle cap, also called seborrheic dermatitis, is a very common rash seen in newborns. The rash, usually seen in the first month of life, starts on the scalp and has a red, waxy, and scaly appearance. Sometimes the rash can extend to the face and neck. It is not generally itchy, and although it will resolve on its own, the treatment may include a special shampoo, petroleum jelly, and even a topical steroid.

Prickly Heat Skin Irritation Prickly heat is also known as miliaria rubra. It is due to a sweat gland dysfunction. The rash appears on the neck, diaper area, armpits, and any skinfolds most likely to be prone to increased sweating. The rash may

itch as well. Keep the infant cool (in the summer and winter) and it’s likely the baby will avoid this reaction. In most cases, prickly heat resolves within a couple of days, but speak to a paediatrician about other options if it persists.

White Bumps (Milia) Milia occur in 50% of newborns. These appear as small white papules and are caused by poorly functioning newborn skin. Milia are generally seen on the forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin, but they can be seen elsewhere. Leave them alone, as they will disappear on their own within a month without any treatment.

Baby Yeast Infections Oral thrush is caused by a yeast infection in the mouth. It appears on the tongue and gums and is bright red with white plaques. It is a common infection in infancy and may be brought on by poor oral hygiene, antibiotic usage, or other immune problems. In babies, it is most often associated with either antibiotic usage or poor oral hygiene. The doctor may need to prescribe an antifungal medication such as nystatin (Mycostatin, Nilstat, Nystex).

Yellow Skin May Be a Sign of Jaundice Jaundice, also called hyperbilirubinemia, is commonly seen within a few days of birth. It appears as a yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and eyes. Most commonly the condition resolves on its own, but occasionally when the jaundice is severe, treatment may be required. Always speak to the paediatrician about any concerns.

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Wednesday, April 30, 2014

... WOMEN’S HEALTH ...

10 WEIRD THINGS THAT DESTROY YOUR IMMUNITY NIX THESE BAD HABITS, AND THE COLD AND FLU WILL BE NO MATCH AGAINST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

The Air Around You Is Polluted

All that smog isn’t doing your lungs—or immunity—any favours. Research has found that dirty air suppresses T cells, which are essential to your immune system, and causes excess inflammation in the body.

Fix it: Make sure the grains you’re eating are primarily whole grains, which have lots of immune-fortifying fibre.

You Give in to Junk Food

You Don’t Prioritise Sleep

You’re Sitting Most of the Day

Fix it: Every hour and a half, step outside for five minutes. These little movements will activate your muscles and fire up your metabolism.

You Choose the Wrong Beauty Products Foundation, concealer, lipstick, and other cosmetics don’t just sit atop your skin—your body absorbs them throughout the day. Some contain artificial (and possibly toxic) ingredients like sodium lauryl. And since your immune system isn’t used to breaking down these components, the bad stuff in them can slip past your internal defences. Fix it: Go all-natural if you can. Generally speaking, the fewer ingredients a beauty product lists, the safer it is for your immune system.

You Thrive on Stress

That batch of homemade cookies smell ah-mazing—but the white flour in some baked goods impairs the T cells and B cells in your body, which are vital illness-fighters.

Fix it: Invest in an air purifier for your home. While you can’t control the air quality outside, at least you’ll be able to breathe easy indoors.

If you have a desk job, your butt likely spends the majority of the time planted on a chair. This can slow your metabolic rate, which in turn causes your body to absorb immunity-boosting nutrients much slower than normal.

Fix it: Schedule some quality time with anybody—friends, co-workers, or even neighbours. People with more relationships have a greater resistance to infections.

You might think you work well under pressure, but chronic stress increases cortisol levels, which reduces levels of hormones like testosterone and oestrogen. And when hormone levels are imbalanced, your immune system can’t respond to threats as quickly. Fix it: If you’re constantly on edge, it’s time you learned how to stress less.

Your Diet Doesn’t Include Enough Good Fat

If your body doesn’t produce enough melatonin while you sleep, your immune system can’t make enough white blood cells to fend off bacteria and repair your body. Fix it: Aim to clock seven to eight hours of sleep every night.

Your Diet Contains Too Much Protein

Excessive protein— especially from animals—causes the body to produce more of the IGF1 hormone, which is known to speed aging and hamper your immune system. Fix it: No more than 10 percent of your daily calorie intake should come from animal sources (like meat and dairy). If that doesn’t seem to help, cut animal protein consumption even further and make it about 5 percent of your daily calorie intake.

Most of Your Day is Spent Alone

Lonely people tend to be less resilient in the face of stress, so their immune systems suffer.

Yes, you should avoid trans fats and saturated fats. But healthy fats— from fish, avocados, and nuts—have anti-inflammatory properties that help regulate your immune system. Fix it: Avoid processed foods, and limit your intake of animal meats. Meanwhile, you’ll want to add foods like salmon, sardines, almonds, and kale to your diet since they’re all packed with healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fats.

Yoga Isn’t Part of Your Workout Regimen

Any exercise is better than none, but yoga seems to have the most impact on your immunity. Yoga stimulates the body’s circulatory, digestive, nervous, and endocrine systems, which all work to strengthen the immune system. Fix it: Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned yogi, there are tons of

yoga tips available online to help you master any pose.

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Wednesday, April 30, 2014

... MEN’S HEALTH ...

3 HEALTH TESTS EVERY MAN NEEDS IT CAN BE EASY TO GET OVERWHELMED BY HEALTH CONCERNS – ESPECIALLY FOR MEN WHO HATE GOING TO THE DOCTOR. DR. OZ BREAKS DOWN THE THREE HEALTH TESTS THAT EVERY MAN NEEDS.

HELP FIGHT THREE OF THE MOST DEADLY DISEASES THAT AFFECT MEN BY GETTING THESE SIMPLE, LIFESAVING TESTS.

from surprising sources – the CDC’s newest findings reveal bread as the #1 source of salt in our diets! In addition to bread, be mindful of these seven words on food labels that reveal hidden sources of salt:

into the rectum about 1-2 inches to feel for the prostate. It should feel smooth and symmetrical if it’s healthy. A prostate that feels irregular could indicate an issue that requires further testing.

Blood Pressure Reading

1. Soy sauce 2. Mustard 3. Msg (monosodium glutamate) 4. Smoked 5. Barbecued 6. Pickled 7. Baking soda You should never consume more than 2300 mg of salt a day. Dr. Oz recommends staying under 1500 mg, especially if you’re older than 50.

Blood Glucose Test

High blood pressure is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death among men in the US. Ideally, blood pressure should be under 115/75. For every increase of 20 points in the top number or 10 points in that bottom number, you’re twice as likely to have a heart attack or stroke. New science indicates that checking both arms gives a more accurate blood pressure reading. Men whose top number varies by 15 points between both arms are at a greater risk for vascular disease than those who have similar readings from each arm. Diets high in salt are linked to higher blood pressure. To keep your blood pressure under control, eliminate hidden salt traps from your diet. Excess sodium can often come

Prostate Exam

After lung cancer, prostate cancer is the deadliest cancer in men. Men over the age of 50 should have a prostate exam each year, but you should start sooner if you have a family history. During the exam, a health-care provider inserts a finger

While death rates for cardiovascular disease and prostate cancer have been declining, deaths from Alzheimer’s disease are on the rise. Diets high in sugar have been linked to an increased diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. Your blood delivers all kinds of rich nutrients to the brain. But if you have a lot of sugar in your blood, it can cause inflammation. This allows plaque to collect on your neurons, which are where you store your memories. The plaque makes it harder for neurons to fire off signals and causes them to freeze up. Eventually, they are prevented from talking to each other; the information those neurons carry can’t be transmitted or retrieved. When these synapses begin to fail, we begin to see the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. A fasting blood sugar greater than 100 puts you at a greater risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

Break Out of Your Work Funk THE FIRST STEP HAPPENS OUTSIDE THE OFFICE Feeling unproductive at work? Generate genius off the clock. Doing creative things outside the office can boost your job performance, finds a new study from San Francisco State University. The reason: “Creative activities may provide employees a greater confidence to succeed and a sense of self-

worth,” says study author Kevin Eschleman, Ph.D. “These resources, in turn, can transfer over to the job.” The key is to make sure what you’re doing is intrinsically rewarding and lends itself to discovery and self-learning, says Eschleman. In the market for a new hobby? Try these three brainpower-boosting activities: Cooking: Experimenting with recipes and improvising in the kitchen can spark the creative process, a study in

the Journal of Consumer Culture suggests. Cycling: Dutch researchers found riding your bike could help hone your problem-solving skills. Hiking: In a study at the University of Utah, participants who spent 4 days trekking in nature without electronic devices scored 50 percent higher on a creativity test than those who took the test before unplugging and heading into the woods.

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Wednesday, April 30, 2014

... MENTAL HEALTH ...

ANXIETY DISORDERS WE ALL EXPERIENCE SOME DEGREE OF ANXIETY. BUT WHEN IT BECOMES PERSISTENT, POWERFUL AND INTERFERES WITH DAILY LIFE, IT’S CALLED AN ANXIETY DISORDER.

What is anxiety disorder? We all know what it’s like to feel anxious; that feeling of dread or apprehension accompanied by tightness in the chest, and physical symptoms like sweating, trembling and rapid heartbeat. These feelings of anxiety are normal when people are threatened, and for most of us these feelings fade once the event that caused them passes or the problem is solved. But for some of us, anxiety is ongoing and continues for no particular reason making daily activities difficult or impossible. These people are said to have an anxiety disorder.

What causes anxiety disorders? There is no single cause of anxiety disorders, but researchers have identified a number of risk factors that seem to predispose some of us towards anxiety: Family history. Anxiety disorders tend to run in families, suggesting there’s a genetic factor involved in the cause. Studies show that if one identical twin has an anxiety disorder, the second twin is more likely to have an anxiety disorder than if they were unrelated. Personal characteristics. Researchers believe people who are introverted, perfectionists, have low self-esteem and poor coping skills may be prone to anxiety disorders. Biochemistry. Some people who are prone to anxiety may have too many or too few neurotransmitters in the brain, causing the normal anxiety-producing pathways to overreact. Serotonin and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) are two of the neurotransmitters that may be involved, although their exact role is poorly understood. Physical illness. Certain ongoing health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and hormonal problems have been linked to anxiety. Substance use. Alcohol and drugs – such as cannabis or amphetamines – can

cause people to develop anxiety. Even caffeine can worsen anxiety symptoms. Stressful events. Stressful life events – e.g. relationship breakdown; job stress; moving house; sexual, physical or emotional abuse; or death of a loved one – can trigger anxiety in some people.

Symptoms The most common features of anxiety disorders include: • a feeling of being on edge and nervous, or having high levels of anxiety • persistent and irrational fears or excessive worry • difficulty concentrating and remembering things • irritability • trouble sleeping • avoidance of situations, places, people, activities, thoughts or feelings that trigger anxiety. The physical symptoms of anxiety include: • a pounding heart • shortness of breath or difficulty breathing • tightness in chest • sweating, trembling, tingling or numbness • dry mouth. People who experience anxiety over long periods of time can also develop muscle tension and headaches.

Types of anxiety disorders Anxiety disorders come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, depending on what triggers the anxiety and how it manifests: • Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) • Panic Disorder (PD) • Agoraphobia • Specific Phobia • Social Phobia • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) • Illness Anxiety Disorder (Severe Health Anxiety or Hypochondriasis)

Diagnosis and treatment If you are experiencing anxiety, your GP is the best place to start looking for treatment. They can assess you and make a GP Mental Health Care Plan. They will either start appropriate treatment or refer you on. For many people with anxiety disorders, psychological techniques, which are sometimes called ‘talk therapy’, can help enormously. There are a range of psychological therapies available for anxiety, but cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has been found to provide the most consistent and lasting positive results. CBT is a form of structured therapy, which aims to change the way a person thinks and behaves in certain situations by teaching them techniques to manage their anxiety, such as slow-breathing and changing the focus of their attention away from worries and anxiety. It can also help change an unhelpful thinking style to one that is more rational, using a technique called thought challenging. CBT also teaches people to confront their feared situations using graded exposure, a technique which involves gradually and repeatedly exposing a person to situations or things that trigger their fear. As CBT requires special training, it’s usually done by a psychologist or psychiatrist, and typically requires 10 to 12 sessions to be effective. Online CBT can be as effective as seeing a clinician for treatment. You can do online therapies on their own or in conjunction with support from a therapist.

ANXIETY DISORDERS

Medications Medication can help people deal with the more debilitating symptoms of anxiety disorders. While medications do not necessarily address the underlying causes of anxiety and are not a longterm solution, they can be very beneficial – especially when the anxiety is severe, or psychological therapies have not helped. Medications used in the treatment of anxiety disorders include: • Anti-depressants including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine, citalopram, escitalopram, and sertraline. Antidepressants can take up to six weeks to take effect and have a variety of side effects. as • Benzodiazepines, such temazapam, alprazolam, diazepam and clonazepam, are sedatives that can help with short-term relief of symptoms in anxiety disorders but should not be used for treatment because of side effects such as drowsiness, addiction and withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepines may also interfere with new learning, which means they may stop you from benefiting from learning new skills from CBT.

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TASNIM AHMED TAHER ABU ZAID ............................................ DESIGNER RAVINDRANATH KOONATH ............................................ PUBLISHED BY