Health Check issue 4

ISSUE 4 P U B L I C A T I O N

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY CONTRIBUTES TO THE CONTROL OF THE CORONA VIRUS QATARI- DUTCH RESEARCH MANAGED TO ISOLATE THE VIRUS, MAKING IT POSSIBLE FOR SCIENTISTS TO STUDY ITS PROPERTIES

EDUCATIONAL HEALTH SUPPLEMENT SPONSORED BY

NEW DRUG COULD BOOST DIABETICS’ INSULIN LEVELS NATURALLY

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ype 2 diabetes, the most common kind, results from too little insulin in the bloodstream, leading to high blood sugar levels and a host of other health problems. The disease is growing in prevalence and is intensive to manage—many diabetics do daily insulin injections and blood sugar testing—with fatal consequences if it’s left out of control.

Now scientists have opened the doorway to a new approach to diabetes treatment—rather than boosting insulin supply, instead slowing its disappearance—with the discovery of a molecule that inhibits insulin’s degradation. The discovery could bring new therapeutic treatments for diabetics.

Controlling Sugars

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s a part of Qatar’s efforts to combat Corona, a Qatari- Dutch research team had announced some time ago, that they were able to isolate and grow the virus “ Corona “ that causes Middle East Respiratory Syndrome , stressing that this is a scientific discovery which has been achieved in collaboration with the World Health Organisation. This will further contribute to the knowledge of the properties of the virus, enable scientists to promote measures for the prevention and control of the disease; in addition to the development of diagnostic tools and production of vaccines and treatment for the virus.

Based on the recommendations of the World Health Organisation, there will be at the end of this month, for the first time in the world “national studies and surveys” conducted to know the risk factors of infection by this disease and to identify the source of the virus. The surveys will include animals and those working with them. The results of these surveys will be announced as soon as they are done.

The Supreme Council of Health said that the cooperation with the Dutch reference laboratories yielded in matching laboratory results and virus detection with the techniques of Polymerisation Chain Reaction ( PCR), which makes the laboratory one of the first laboratories in the Middle East to diagnose the virus, “ Corona “ in the animal. The Supreme Council of Health cautioned persons who suffer from risk factors , diseases such as chronic or immune deficiencies , from dealing or mixing with animals, when visiting farms or barns, which information indicates the possibility of circulating the virus in, and to adhere to measures of hygiene and care to wash hands regularly before and after touching animals, to avoid friction with diseased animals and to follow food safety practices .

In the recent study scientists focused on the behaviour of insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE), which, as its name implies, breaks down insulin. Because in type 2 diabetes insulin levels are too low, blocking IDE has been a therapeutic approach of interest in treating the disease.

Researchers sifted through more than 13,000 potential candidate molecules to find one, called 6bK, that bound to mouse IDE in a test tube. They then put 6bK to the test in live mice, some obese and some lean. The mice were given injections of the enzyme inhibitor and then an oral dose of glucose, simulating the sugar spike experienced after eating a meal.

The mice treated with 6bK showed increased insulin levels and improved glucose clearance, both of which are problems for diabetics.

Future Treatments The findings, researchers say, firmly establish IDE as a target of exploration among diabetes therapies. Researchers speculate that pre-meal medications that block IDE, rather than chronic treatments, could be developed based on the evidence presented in their study.

With a target firmly planted on the infamous enzyme, future studies can take aim at finding new ways to help a large percentage of the population living with diabetes.

CORONA VIRUS THAT CAUSES MIDDLE EAST RESPIRATORY SYNDROME - MERS-COV

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HE SHEIKH DR. MOHAMMED BIN HAMAD AL THANI

is Excellency Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani, Director of Public Health Department at the Supreme Council of Health, said that the Council is closely following developments in Corona virus after it moved to several neighbouring countries, stressing that the health status is safe and reassuring, and the State of Qatar has a very high readiness to deal with any suspected case or infection.

The Director of the Public Health Department at the Supreme Council of Health, assured the citizens that there is no reason to their apprehensions so far, pointing out that the Supreme Council of Health is in touch with brothers in neighbouring countries to stand on all the devel-

opments and the developments of the infections, to take the necessary precautions about them.

The Supreme Council of Health has confirmed that it is following through field visits the preventive measures and precautions in hospitals and health centres, pointing out that it is intensifying its activities to raise awareness among all members of the Qatari community and inform them of the developments related to Corona viruses and methods of prevention , as the Council implements an intensive awareness campaign, which includes various media and social networking sites, in addition to awareness publications in several languages about Corona viruses.

(Continued on page 3)

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Wednesday, May 28, 2014

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Wednesday, May 28, 2014

... REPORT ...

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CORONA VIRUS THAT CAUSES MIDDLE EAST RESPIRATORY SYNDROME - MERS-COV SUPREME COUNCIL OF HEALTH FOLLOWING THE DEVELOPMENTS CLOSELY

“THE SITUATION IS SAFE AND REASSURING AND QATAR HAS A HIGH READINESS TO DEAL WITH ANY SUSPECTED CASE OR INFECTION�, SAYS HE SHEIKH DR. MOHAMMED BIN HAMAD AL THANI. (Continued from page 1)

National Survey of Corona Virus The Supreme Council of Health noted that it continues to implement the national survey to determine risk factors for infection by Corona virus that causes the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, and to identify the source of the virus; in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, the World Health Organisation, the American Center for Disease Control and the Dutch Institute of Public Health, in a series of joint research, stressing that the Council has taken several measures and health precautions that contributed to the containment of the virus and there have not been any new cases confirmed in the State of Qatar since November 2013 .

Awareness workshops and training courses The Supreme Council of Health explained that it had issued in collaboration with Hamad Medical Corporation and the Foundation of Primary

Health Care, a guide , which was circulated by the World Health Organisation to adopt in all government and private hospitals and health centres, to monitor and examine suspected cases, with tighter precautions and infection control measures and isolation of suspected cases and educating and training health workers on the application of these procedures and the use of personal protection from the risk of infectious diseases , where the Council organised a number of workshops and training courses to raise the abilities of health workers and the development of national abilities, and raise the efficiency of the team investigating the field to deal with transitional diseases including emerging Corona virus that causes Middle East Respiratory Syndrome.

Cooperation between public and private sectors The Council noted that it unceasingly cooperates with hospitals and health centres in the public and private sectors, through reporting to the Department of Health Protection and Transitional Disease Control, at the Supreme Council of Health of any

suspected case of being experiencing severe respiratory symptoms with high temperature and shortness of breath to be surveyed on expeditiously through the field epidemiological investigation team.

Mechanism for checking suspected cases All suspected cases are checked by taking swabs from the mucous membranes of the nose and throat with blood samples to be examined by the Laboratory of Viruses at Hamad Medical Corporation, which has been outfitted with the latest equipment and provides means of screening and diagnosis supported by specialised technical and medical cadres.

The Council also stressed that it will continue to cooperate with the Ministry of Environment through periodic meetings and training courses for employees in order to learn about the latest developments related to the virus. Furthermore, the livestock laboratories have been equipped with the adopted detection means to examine samples of animals suspected of being infected with Corona virus.

Are health care workers at risk from MERS-CoV? Yes. Transmission has occurred in health-care facilities in several countries, including from patients to health-care providers. It is not always possible to identify patients with MERS-CoV early or without testing because symptoms and other clinical features may be non-specific. For this reason, it is important that health-care workers apply standard precautions consistently with all patients. Droplet precautions should be added to standard precautions when providing care to all patients with symptoms of acute respiratory infection. Contact precautions and eye protection should be added when caring for suspected or confirmed cases of MERS-CoV infection.

Airborne precautions should be applied when performing aerosol-generating procedures.

Recommendation for health-care workers: Infection prevention and control measures are critical to prevent the possible spread of MERS-CoV in health-care facilities. Health-care facilities that provide care for patients suspected or confirmed to be infected with MERS-CoV infection should take appropriate measure to decrease the risk of transmission of the virus from an infected patient to other patients, health-care workers, and visitors. Health-care workers should be educated, trained, and refreshed with skills on infection prevention and control.

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Wednesday, May 28, 2014

... DOCTOR’S DESK ...

• Keep performing the other hygienic habits such as balanced diet, and physical activity, and sleep well.

• Maintain hygiene.

• Avoid contact with infected people as much as possible.

• Cook meat thoroughly and pasteurisation or boiling milk and milk products.

Signs and Symptoms :

Corona Viruses

Fever, cough, sore throat , shortness of breath and in some cases diarrhoea and vomiting.

Some cases with low immunity, may develop renal or respiratory failure and even death.

Can a person be infected with the MERS virus and not be ill?

Yes. In some people, infection has not appeared to have caused symptoms. Such persons have been found because they were tested for MERS-CoV during follow-up studies of contacts of people with MERS infection.

are a large family of viruses that MERSCoV belong to and may cause a range of illnesses in humans and animals , from the common cold to severe acute respiratory infection.

Know About Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) Source of the virus The full picture on the source is not yet clear.

Strains of MERS-CoV that match human strains have been isolated from camels in Egypt, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. These and other studies have found MERS-CoV antibodies in camels across Africa and the Middle East. Human and camel genetic sequence data demonstrate a close link between the virus found in camels and that found in people. It is possible that other reservoirs exist. However, other animals, including goats, cows, sheep, water buffalo, swine, and wild birds, have been tested for antibodies to MERS-CoV, but so far none have been found in these animals. These studies combined support the premise that camels are a likely source of infection in humans.

Preventive measures when dealing with camels : 1. People at high risk of severe disease (with diabetes, renal failure, chronic lung disease and immunocompromised persons) should avoid contact with camels.

2. Camel farm and slaughter house workers should practice good personal hygiene with facial protection and frequent hand washing after touching animals.

Route of transmission : Is not yet fully understood but some evidence indicate the following:• Droplets from the patient during sneezing or coughing.

• Touching the patient’s stuff or surfaces and objects contaminated with the virus.

• Direct contact with the infected person.

• The possibility of transmission from infected animals.

Treatment and availability of vaccine: • There is no specific treatment for MERS CoV but patients are provided with the supportive treatment based on the patient’s clinical cond ition. Supportive treatments might include antipyretics, fluids, oxygen, antibiotics and others.

• No vaccine is currently available

Spread of the Virus The following countries have reported cases of MERS: Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen (Middle East); France, Germany, Greece, Italy, and the United Kingdom (UK) (Europe); Tunisia and Egypt (Africa); Malaysia and the Philippines (Asia); and the United States of America (Americas).

The virus appears to be circulating widely throughout the Arabian Peninsula. All recent cases that have been reported outside the Middle East first developed infection in the Middle East; then the cases were exported outside the region. These travel related cases do not appear to have infected others in their countries.

In 2013 cases exported to France and the UK led to limited human to human transmission.

Preventive measures : • Wash your hands well and continual ly with water and soap or with other disinfectants especially after coughing, sneezing and using toilets.

• Use handkerchief when coughing or sneezing and cover your mouth and nose with it, then get rid of the handkerchief in a waste basket.

• Try as much as possible to avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth.

• Put on face-masks only if you are sick or visiting sick patients and during Hajj or Umrah.

When to consult a medical doctor?

Elderly, patients with chronic diseases or those who are in close contact with camels are urged to visit the nearest health centre immediately if they develop symptoms of acute respiratory infection.

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Wednesday, May 28, 2014

... MEDICAL SCIENCE ...

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PEOPLE TEND TO CHOOSE PARTNERS WITH SIMILAR DNA, STUDY SUGGESTS WHAT ATTRACTS YOU TO A PARTNER? NICE EYES? A GOOD SENSE OF HUMOUR? ACCORDING TO A NEW STUDY BY RESEARCHERS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO BOULDER, MOST OF US ARE LIKELY TO CHOOSE A PARTNER WHO HAS SIMILAR DNA TO OUR OWN.

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he research team, led by Benjamin Domingue, a research associate of the Institute of Behavioural Science at the university, notes that past research has already determined that people tend to be attracted to others who have similar characteristics, including similar income, race, age and body type.

But in this new study, recently published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), the team assessed similarities between partners across the entire genome - something they say has never been done before.

“It’s well known that people mar-

ry folks who there’s been whether we with respect Domingue.

are like them. But a question about mate at random to genetics,” says

Married couples ‘have fewer differences in DNA’ To try and answer this question, the team analysed the genomes of 825 non-Hispanic American married couples who were a part of the University of Michigan Health and Retirement Study - a longitudinal study that surveys over 26,000 people aged 50 and over every 2 years.

During their analysis, they focused exclusively on couples’ single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). These are areas of DNA that commonly differ among each individual. They compared 1.7 million SNPs among married couples with that of non-coupled pairs in the general population.

tative mating.”

The researchers found that, overall, married couples had fewer differences in their DNA, compared with non-coupled pairs.

Commenting on the study results, the researchers say:

However, the team notes their findings could be of significance to scientists who use statistical models to determine differences between human populations, since these models tend to assume that people choose partners at random.

“We provide evidence for genetic assortative mating in this population but the strength of this association is substantially smaller than the strength of educational assortative mating in the same sample. Furthermore, genetic similarity explains at most 10%

In addition, the researchers say their findings pave the way for future research looking at whether married people of other races have genetic similarities, or whether people choose friends that are genetically similar.

They then compared the degree of genetic similarity between married couples with that of married couples with similar education - a widely studied theory referred to as “educational assor-

But the team found that preference for a partner with similar DNA - which the researchers refer to as “genetic assortative mating” - is approximately a third of the strength of educational assortative mating.

of the assortative mating by education levels.”

BODY CLOCK AND ITS BIOLOGICAL IMPACT: FRUIT FLY RESEARCH TO PROVIDE NEW INSIGHT

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ew research at the University of Southampton into how animals keep time through their internal circadian rhythms could help us understand why we sleep and how we cope with jet lag.

Biological scientist Dr Herman Wijnen uses the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster as an experimental model as the molecular and cellular ‘clock’ mechanisms of insects closely resemble those of mammals, including humans.

As these biological clock systems not only control sleep, but also influence functions such as blood pressure and

metabolic rate, they could give us greater insight into many medical conditions.

Dr Wijnen, who has just been awarded two new grants collectively worth around £500,000 to support his research, says: “This project has the potential of discovering new aspects of the timing of sleep/wake rhythms in both animals and humans.”

The €100,000 European Union Marie Curie Career Integration Grant will allow a new PhD researcher to follow up on studies of sleep/wake behaviour by current Southampton postgraduate re-

searcher, Karolina Mirowska.

Together with other members of Dr Wijnen’s laboratory, Karolina discovered a developmental role in flies for one of the molecular clock components that is also found in humans.

The availability of powerful assays and convenient culture conditions make the fruit fly system ideally suited for the planned laboratory research.

In addition, Dr Wijnen has been awarded approximately £431,000 from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)

to study the way that fruit flies synchronise their rhythms to daily environmental temperature cycles. He explains that “This research could provide valuable insights in the way that the behaviour and life cycle of harmful insects, such as agricultural pests and disease vectors, is governed by temperature. What’s more, the clocks of flies and humans are connected to temperature response mechanisms by the same regulatory component. So we may even learn something about the way that our own body temperature rhythms are used as daily time cues.”

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Wednesday, May 28, 2014

... NUTRITION ...

4 HEALTHY WAYS TO SATISFY YOUR HUNGER

Recipes for Weight Loss Cabbage Turkey Soup

HELP YOUR BODY PERFORM AT ITS BEST BY HONOURING YOUR HUNGER! BY IGNORING YOUR APPETITE, YOU CAN BECOME MOODY AND STRESSED, WHICH MAY BE SABOTAGING YOUR HEALTH. NEVER GO HUNGRY EVER AGAIN BY LEARNING WAYS TO SATISFY AND CONTROL YOUR APPETITE.

1

Stop Hunger with Protein

If you tend to rush in the mornings, you might be tempted to skip breakfast and just grab a coffee. However, coffee alone doesn’t contain all the nutrients you need to help get your day going.

Pay attention to when your hunger calls in the morning, and start your day with a protein-filled breakfast. Protein, in the morning, helps control your appetite by keeping you full throughout the day.

2

Eat Often

Skipping meals and eating irregularly can seriously slow down your metabolism. The key to boosting your metabolism and maintaining your weight is to actually eat more often! Research has shown that people who eat regularly eat throughout the day have less body fat. You can keep your metabolism moving by either eating five mini meals throughout the day or by eating three big meals with two snacks throughout the day.

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Focus on What You Eat

It’s time to break the habit of eating while watching TV. If you eat in front of the TV, you are more likely to be distracted and end up consuming more food than you had intended to eat. When dinner time comes around, try to eat at the table and focus on the food in front of you. By just increasing your attention toward your plate, you will be able to better gauge how much you eat.

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Make Yourself a Proper Plate

While eating food out of the container may be convenient, it may also be causing you to overeat. In order to avoid this, make yourself a proper plate by taking the food out of its serving tray.

This way you can monitor how much food you are consuming and eat up to 20% less.

• 2 tsp caraway seeds • 15 oz. stewed tomatoes • 4 cup chicken broth • 1 chopped medium cabbage Directions

This super soup is full of vitamins, fibre and protein, while also being low in calories and fat. Enjoy this flavourful dish that will keep you full and keep the pounds off.

Ingredients • 1 tbsp. grape seed oil • 3/4 lb ground turkey • 1 tbsp. chopped garlic • 2 cup chopped celery • 1 sliced onion This refreshing beverage is perfect for a warm day. With natural fat burners like cinnamon and lime, this drink will get you ready for summer while being a treat for your taste buds.

Ingredients • 1 litre water • 1 cup strawberries • 1/2 tbsp. cinnamon • Juice from 1 lime

FAST-FOOD SALAD GUIDELINES You may think that you’re cutting calories and opting for the healthier option when you order a salad at a fast-food restaurant. But shockingly, many fast-food salads may be packed with fat and can contain even more calories than a cheeseburger and fries! Know to avoid the sneaky calorie traps hiding in your favourite salads with these easy fast-food salad guidelines.

ad in dressing, dip your fork in a little bit of dressing before each bite and then dive into your salad.

Rule 4: Pick the best lettuce Always go for a dark green lettuce like spinach, kale, arugula or romaine. These have more vitamins and minerals than iceberg lettuce.

Rule 1: Downsize

Rule 5: Choose bright veggies

Many fast-food restaurants offer half-size salad portions that are still plenty big enough for one meal. If you’re looking to halve your calories, just ask!

The more colourful your salad, the more nutrients it likely has. Choose at least three brightly-coloured veggies. Cucumbers, tomatoes and carrots are great picks to help you feel full.

Rule 2: Swap your meats Fried meats nearly always have way more calories and fat than grilled meat. Ask if you can swap out your fried chicken topping for a grilled chicken option.

Rule 3: Use the fork method Dressing is often the major source of fat and calories in salads. To make sure you’re not overdoing the dressing, try the fork method. Instead of drenching your sal-

Rule 6: Mix up your toppings Toppings can really get you when it comes to calories – but they can also make or break a salad. Choose two toppings: one crunchy and one soft. Good soft choices are avocado, cheese or one whole egg.

Nuts or seeds make a healthy crunchy choice.

• Heat the grape seed oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the turkey and garlic, stirring occasionally, until turkey is cooked. Stir in the celery, onion, caraway seeds and tomatoes. Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring soup to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce to low heat and then add the cabbage. Stir until the cabbage is tender and all the ingredients have been married.

Swimsuit Water

Directions • Blend all ingredients together and enjoy.

MAKE SURE YOUR FAST-FOOD SALADS ARE AS HEALTHY AS YOU THINK THEY ARE WITH THESE SIMPLE SALAD GUIDELINES.

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... HEALTH QUIZ ...

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HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW PROBIOTICS? YOU MAY HAVE SEEN THE WORD “PROBIOTIC” IN YOUR GROCERY OR HEALTH STORE LATELY – OFTEN ON THE LABELS FOR CHEESE OR YOGURT – AND WONDERED WHAT IT MEANT. PROBIOTICS ARE MICROORGANISMS THAT HAVE BEEN SHOWN TO ADDRESS A HOST OF HEALTH ISSUES. THEY CAN BE FOUND NATURALLY IN A WIDE VARIETY OF FOODS, AS WELL IN SUPPLEMENT FORM. BUT JUST WHICH HEALTH PROBLEMS DO THEY ADDRESS, HOW DO THEY WORK, AND WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO GO ABOUT SHOPPING FOR, WELL, MICROORGANISMS? OUR QUIZ TESTS YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF PROBIOTICS AND EXPLAINS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS HEALTH-BOOSTING SUBSTANCE.

1

Probiotics are similar to beneficial natural microorganisms found in what area of the human body?

a. b. c. d.

the brain the mouth the feet the gut

2

Probiotics have been shown to support which of the following?

a. b. c. d.

lessen abdominal discomfort lessen bloating helps relieve occasional diarrhoea helps support overall digestive health e. all of the above

3

Which of these is NOT a bacteria?

a. b. c. d.

lactobacillus rhamnosus microbacillus intestinalis lactobacillus gasseri bifidobacterium infantis

4

True or false: Probiotics don’t need to be “live” in order to benefit the body: Choose one a. True b. False

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True or false: Probiotics can only be found in dairy products.

Choose one a. True b. False

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What are “prebiotics”?

a. probiotics that are still “live” or “active” b. probiotics that are no longer “live” or “active” c. foods to which probiotics have not yet been added d. foods that aid in the digestion of probiotics

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Prebiotics can be found in:

a. b. c. d.

bananas garlic whole grains all of the above

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When buying probiotic supplements, you should make sure the label includes which of the following?

a. a description of the species of bacteria used b. specifications for serving size c. all of the above

Quiz Answers Question 1 = d) the gut Question 2 = e) all of the above Question 3 = b) microbacillus intestinalis Question 4 = b) False. (Because some of the best probiotic strains, such as those found in supplements, can survive without refrigeration.)

Question 5 = b) False. (Because Probiotics can be found in a variety of non-dairy products as well, including some types of rice-based yogurt, coconut milk, soy milk, miso, sauerkraut, and Brewer’s yeast and probiotic supplements.)

Question 6 = d) foods that aid in the digestion of probiotics Question 7 = d) all of the above Question 8 = c) all of the above

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Wednesday, May 28, 2014

... PAEDIATRICS & CHILD HEALTH ...

DISABILITY WARNING SIGNS FIND OUT WHAT SIGNS TO WATCH OUT FOR IN DETECTING A DISABILITY IN YOUR CHILD

Autism Autism is a neurological disorder that makes it difficult for children to interact socially or communicate.

People with autism have trouble understanding and relating to others and may overreact — or underreact — to sensory stimulation.

Watch for these early signs of autism if your child: • Arches back to avoid to u ch

Cerebral Palsy Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that affects muscle control. The severity of the motor impairment varies from clumsiness or a mild limp to immobility requiring use of wheelchair.

Some early warning signs of cerebral palsy include: • Delayed attainment of motor milestones, including rolling over, sitting, crawling, or walking • Muscles that are excessively flaccid and relaxed (decreased muscle tone) or excessively stiff and rigid (increased muscle tone) • Poorly coordinated movements • Persistence of infantile reflexes

Hearing Impairment

Bottle Tips:

Thirty out of 1,000 school children have some type of hearing loss. Early detection is critical.

You should be concerned about hearing loss if your child: • Doesn’t react to sudden loud noises • Doesn’t turn his head toward you when you speak • Doesn’t coo or babble by 6 months of age • Is slow to develop language

Vision Impairment

The degree of impairment can range from partially sighted (any vision loss requiring special training) to totally blind.

Experts recommend that all children have an eye exam shortly after birth, at 6 months of age, before entering school, and throughout the school years.

Here are some indications that your child may have a vision problem: • A change in the usual appearance of the eye(s) • Constantly crosses eyes (Note: Most babies occasionally cross their eyes

• Don’t purchase polycarbonate plastic bottles. Purchase those made from glass or, if you’re worried the glass might chip or break, go with a safer plastic such as polyethylene, polypropylene or polyamide.

• Don’t heat plastics! When you heat plastics, chemicals leach out of the bottle. Keep them out of the dishwasher and microwave.

• Avoid all plastic products marked with recycling code 7, which includes polycarbonate (abbreviated, PC). This number is found on the bottom of the container or toy.

• • • •

• Rocks or bangs head • Doesn’t babble by 1 year of age or has no single words by 16 months • Fails to point or look when others point out an object • Can’t maintain good eye contact • Makes little attempt to communicate • Develops language and then stops talking • Doesn’t exhibit pretend play by 18 months

HELPING YOUR BABY BECOME MORE ALERT

in the first 6 months) Squints or closes one eye Blinks or rubs eyes frequently One eye drifts in a different direction Poor hand-eye coordination

What to Do

If your child exhibits behaviours that you suspect may indicate a disability, tell your paediatrician or family doctor.

You should also consider sources closer to home. Have your child’s caregivers, relatives, or friends expressed any concern about your child’s development?

However, remember to trust your instincts. Parents often know intuitively when something is not quite right with their child’s development.

Your paediatrician or family doctor may refer you to a local developmental assessment program, in which a team of professionals will evaluate your child’s social, motor, and cognitive skills.

IF YOUR BABY IS AWAKE BUT NOT PAYING MUCH ATTENTION TO YOU, YOU CAN HELP HIM BECOME MORE ALERT. To help your baby become more alert, try these three techniques: Option A: • -If your baby is wrapped in a blanket, unwrap him. (If it’s chilly unwrap just his arms.)

• -Hold your baby in an upright position on your lap or shoulder.

• -Talk to your baby. Change how fast you talk and the pitch of your voice. (Babies usually like high-pitched voices.)

Option B: • -Hold your baby about 8 to 10 inches from your face.

• -Talk to your baby.

Option C: • -Hold your hand above your baby’s eyes.

• -Shade your baby’s eyes from the lights.

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Wednesday, May 28, 2014

... WOMEN’S HEALTH ...

FEELING HORRIBLE? FORGET YOUR DEADLINES AND STAY HOME FROM WORK. RESEARCH HAS FOUND THAT WORKERS ARE LESS PRODUCTIVE WHEN THEY ARE SICK, TAKE LONGER TO GET BETTER AND OFTEN INFECT THEIR COLLEAGUES. USE THIS CHART OF SYMPTOMS TO DETERMINE WHETHER YOU SHOULD SCHLEP INTO THE OFFICE OR STAY IN BED.

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WHAT TO DO ON A

SICK DAY

Get Under The Covers

Don’t Waste A Sick Day

These symptoms mean you’re sick – and contagious. Stay home and call your doctor.

1. Your temperature is higher than 38 degrees Might Mean the flu or another viral or bacterial infection like bronchitis 2. Your eye is red with a creamy discharge, or it’s matted shut Might Mean conjunctivitis (pink-eye) 3. Your throat is sore and has white patches Might Mean strep throat (tonsillitis) 4. You’re coughing up green phlegm, are short of breath, or feel tightness in the chest Might Mean pneumonia or bronchitis 5. You have nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea Might Mean gastroenteritis (stomach bug)

These symptoms mean you’re suffering from allergies or the tail end of a cold or virus. Go to work and bag that sick day for when you really need it.

1. You’re clogged up and sneezing Might Mean Allergies or the start of a cold 2. You have a dry cough Might Mean Your heater is drying you out 3. You have postnasal drip Might Mean Your cold is still lingering or you have allergic sinusitis.

4. Your throat is itchy but not sore Might Mean You have allergies, especially if your eyes and nose are itchy too.

Q: WHY DO I NEED A PAP TEST AND AN HPV TEST?

THE LINK BETWEEN PREECLAMPSIA AND HEART DISEASE

Y A

: The Pap test checks for abnormal cell changes of your cervix caused by HPV. The HPV test looks for the DNA or RNA from high-risk types of HPV that can cause abnormal changes of cervical cells. Most women will be infected by HPV and will clear their infections within two years. A prolonged HPV infection can be the most significant risk factor for cervical cancer, especially infection with HPV 16 or 18—the two highest-risk strains of the virus.

For women age 30 and older, the combination of a Pap test and the HPV test— called co-testing—is less likely to miss an abnormality than the Pap test alone. The HPV test is used in screening women 30 and older because if the virus is found, it may be an infection that has been there for a long time. If you have HPV, you will be evaluated closely, even if your Pap test is normal. This means that disease may be found that was missed by the Pap test. If you have a high-risk strain of HPV, you will be followed closely, as long as the virus remains in your cells.

ou may think of preeclampsia as high blood pressure that occurs during or immediately after pregnancy. That’s simply not the case. Preeclampsia can occur up to six weeks postpartum.

And that’s not all: Research is finding that preeclampsia appears to be a significant warning sign for heart disease after pregnancy. In fact, the American Heart Association’s guidelines on cardiovascular disease in women consider preeclampsia as strong a risk factor for heart disease as a failed stress test—a test commonly used to identify existing heart disease.

Recognising this important risk factor is vital to women’s heart health.

Medical researchers do not yet know exactly how or why preeclampsia and future heart disease are linked, but they do know: 1. A history of preeclampsia doubles the risk of heart attack, stroke and blood

clots within 5 to 15 years after pregnancy.

2. Women who have repeat or severe preeclampsia or preeclampsia accompanied by stillbirth are at greater risk of heart disease than women who have high blood pressure only or preeclampsia during a single pregnancy.

3. Many women may not be aware that preeclampsia and other pregnancy complications can signal heart disease risk. A study found that 13 percent of women screened for heart disease risk factors during an OB/GYN visit had three or more cardiovascular disease risk factors they were not aware of.

If you have ever had preeclampsia, it is vital your primary care doctor is aware of your heart disease risk factor. Your health care professional can help you determine next steps for your heart health.

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Wednesday, May 28, 2014

... MEN’S HEALTH ...

I

f you’re carrying a few extra pounds, you’re not alone. But this is one case where following the crowd isn’t a good idea. Carrying extra weight — especially belly fat — can be risky.

Here are the answers to some common questions about belly fat in men.

Why is belly fat a concern for men?

The trouble with belly fat is that it’s not limited to the extra layer of padding located just below the skin (subcutaneous fat). It also includes visceral fat — which lies deep inside your abdomen, surrounding your internal organs.

Regardless of your overall weight, having a large amount of belly fat increases your risk of: • Cardiovascular disease • Type 2 diabetes • Colorectal cancer • Sleep apnoea

Does age or genetics play a role in gaining belly fat?

Your weight is largely determined by how you balance the calories you eat with the energy you burn. If you eat too much and exercise too little, you’re likely to pack on excess pounds — including belly fat.

However, aging plays a role. As you age, you lose muscle — especially if you’re not physically active. Loss of muscle mass decreases the rate at which your body uses calories, which can make it more challenging to maintain a healthy weight. In addition, in some men fat cells in the arms and legs lose the ability to store fat, which causes any excess fat to go to the abdomen.

Your genes also can affect your chances of being overweight or obese, as well as play a role in where you store fat.

BELLY FAT IS NOTHING TO JOKE ABOUT. FIND OUT WHAT CAUSES BELLY FAT, THE HEALTH RISKS IT POSES FOR MEN, AND WHAT YOU CAN DO TO LOSE THE EXTRA POUNDS.

BELLY FAT IN MEN: WHY WEIGHT LOSS MATTERS BELLY FAT IS NOTHING TO JOKE ABOUT. FIND OUT WHAT CAUSES BELLY FAT, THE HEALTH RISKS IT POSES FOR MEN, AND WHAT YOU CAN DO TO LOSE THE EXTRA POUNDS.

How can you tell if you have too much belly fat?

So how do you know if you have too much belly fat? Simply measure your waist: • Stand and place a tape measure around your bare stomach, just above your hipbone. If your belly droops, lie down to take the measurement.

• Pull the tape measure until it fits snugly around you, but doesn’t push into your skin.

• Make sure the tape measure is level all the way around.

• Relax, exhale and measure your waist, resisting the urge to suck in your stomach.

For men, a waist measurement of more than 40 inches (102 centimetres) indicates an unhealthy concentration of belly fat and a greater risk of health problems.

How do you get rid of belly fat?

You can tone abdominal muscles with crunches or other targeted abdominal exercises, but just doing these exercises won’t get rid of belly fat. However, visceral fat does respond to the same diet and exercise strategies that can help you shed excess pounds and lower your total body fat. To battle the bulge: • Eat a healthy diet. Emphasise plant-based foods, such as fruits,

5 MOST IMPORTANT MEN’S

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HEALTH SUPPLEMENTS

hoosing which supplements to take can be tricky because there’s an almost inexhaustible array for men to choose from.

So how do you determine just which supplements really make a difference in men’s health?

First, research the supplements’ actual health benefits, as well as

their relevance to the most common health problems men encounter, such as heart disease, prostate cancer and diabetes. It’s always important to discuss any supplements with a physician familiar with your health history and specific health needs.

To help you get started, here’s a

list of five of the most important supplements for improving your overall health.

• Fish Oil (Omega-3 Fatty Acids) • Vitamin D • Plant Sterols and Stanols • Chromium • Garlic

vegetables and whole grains, and choose lean sources of protein and low-fat dairy products. Limit saturated fat, found in meat and high-fat dairy products, such as cheese and butter. Choose moderate amounts of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats — found in fish, nuts and certain vegetable oils — instead.

• Keep portion sizes in check.

Even when you’re making healthy choices, calories add up. At home, slim down your portion sizes. In restaurants, share meals — or eat half your meal and take the rest home for another day.

• Include physical activity in your daily routine. For most healthy adults, moderate aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, for at least 150 minutes a week or vigorous aerobic activity, such as jogging, for at least 75 minutes a week is recommended. In addition, strength training exercises are recommended at least twice a week.

If you want to lose weight or meet specific fitness goals, you might need to exercise more.

To lose excess fat and keep it from coming back, aim for slow and steady weight loss — up to 2 pounds (1 kilogram) a week. Consult your doctor for help getting started and staying on track.

Remember, you can lose belly fat — it just takes effort and patience.

In fact, shedding even a few extra pounds can help you feel better and lower your risk of health problems.

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Wednesday, May 28, 2014

... FITNESS ...

11

3 TIPS TO SAVE YOUR SPINE INCREASE LOWER BACK STRENGTH TO PREVENT A BACK INJURY

One of the most common questions in regards to weightlifting is how to strengthen the lower back. A combination of several preventative measures, such as maintaining good posture and stretching, receiving proper pain relief treatment, and correct strength training exercises can result in a stronger and more stabilised back. Here, we’ve provided you with these tips to ensure that you’re taking the right steps to avoid any lower back problems. Follow these essential pointers and you’ll feel the difference in flexibility and strength while preserving your spine so you can train hard for years.

3. Stretch Your Hips

1. Don’t Deadlift In The Morning A busy work schedule may make evening workouts a non-option, so if you choose to train in the early a.m., keep your session light and avoid spine-compressing exercises like the deadlift. A study in the Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation found that subjects who avoided activities during which they had to bend over in the early morning significantly reduced the number of days they complained of back pain (as recorded in their journals). Spend at least three hours awake and moving around before doing exercises that have you picking things up from the floor.

2. Watch Your Supersets Pairing up exercises and performing them backto-back (a superset) helps save time in a workout, but not just any two exercises will work together.

Lifts that compress the spine shouldn’t be superset because they place too much strain on the spinal disks. For instance, squats and overhead presses both squeeze the vertebrae together. Without time in between them, the back never gets a chance to recover. A better option is to pair a compressive movement with one that unloads the spine. For example, hanging leg raises, lat pull-downs, dips, and chin-ups all allow gravity to perform traction on the spine.

7 EXERCISE SWAPS FOR TOTAL-BODY BALANCE THE BEST MOVES TO SWITCH IN AND OUT FOR ELIMINATING MUSCULAR IMBALANCES.

We know you hate stretching. Suck it up.

There’s no better way to prevent back pain. Here’s why: The hip flexors are muscles on the front of your hips that raise your legs; sitting at a desk for long periods makes them tighten up and lose range of motion.

Since the hip flexors run from the top of the thigh bone back to the bottom of your spine, their tightening pulls on the spine, increasing the arch in your lower back and putting pressure on it. To stretch your hips, get into a lunge position on the floor and tuck your tailbone. Squeeze the glute on your rear leg and push your hips forward until you feel a stretch on the front of your hip on the trailing leg. Hold for at least 30 seconds, switch sides, and repeat for three sets each side.

Although barbell exercises are usually the best way to increase strength and muscle fast, they often disguise muscular imbalances, which can and often do hinder growth. It’s important to work unilaterally (one side at a time) as well bilaterally (both sides at a time).

Here are seven barbell exercises, and counterparts, that can be used to eliminate muscular imbalances that may be holding you back.

Directions: Once per week, swap one of these exercises in for the exercise named after it. Follow the same set and rep structure the original workout calls for.

1. Squat: Split Squat, Bulgarian Split Squat, Step-up 2. Deadlift: Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift 3. Power Clean: Single-Arm Snatches and Cleans 4. Barbell Overhead Press: Alternating Dumbbell Shoulder Press, seated or standing 5. Bench Press: Alternating Dumbbell Bench Press, Floor Press 6. Bentover Row: Single-arm Barbell Rows 7. EZ-bar Skull Crusher: Alternating Dumbbell Skull Crushers

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Wednesday, May 28, 2014

... MENTAL HEALTH ...

COPING WITH DEPRESSION Depressive disorders make one feel exhausted, worthless, helpless, and hopeless. Such negative thoughts and feelings make some people feel like giving up.

It is important to realise that these negative views are part of the depression and typically do not accurately reflect the actual circumstances. Negative thinking fades as treatment begins to take effect.

In the meantime: • Set realistic goals in light of the depression and assume a reasonable amount of responsibility.

• Break large tasks into small ones, set some priorities, and do what you can as you can.

• Try to be with other people and to confide in someone; it is usually better than being alone and secretive.

• Participate in activities that may make you feel better.

• Mild exercise, going to a mov-

• •

• •

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ie, a ballgame, or participating in religious, social, or other activities may help.

Expect your mood to improve gradually, not immediately.

Feeling better takes time.

It is advisable to postpone important decisions until the depression has lifted. Before deciding to make a significant transition-change job, get married or divorced-discuss it with others who know you well and have a more objective view of your situation.

People rarely “snap out of” a depression. But they can feel a little better day-by-day.

Remember, positive thinking will replace the negative thinking that is part of the depression and will disappear as your depression responds to treatment.

Let your family and friends help you.

How Family and Friends Can Help the Depressed Person The most important thing anyone can do for the depressed person is to help him or her get an appropriate diagnosis and treatment. This may involve encouraging the individual to stay with treatment until symptoms begin to abate (several weeks), or to seek different treatment if no improvement occurs.

On occasion, it may require making an appointment and accompanying the depressed person to the doctor. It may also mean monitoring whether the depressed person is taking medication. The depressed person should be encouraged to obey the doctor’s orders about the use of alcoholic products while on medication. The second most important thing is to offer emotional support.

This involves understanding, patience, affection, and encouragement. Engage the depressed person in conversation and listen carefully. Do not disparage feelings expressed, but point out realities and offer hope. Do not ignore remarks about suicide. Report them to the depressed person’s therapist.

Invite the depressed person for walks, outings, to the movies, and other activities. Be gently insistent if your invitation is refused. Encourage participation in some activities that once gave pleasure, such as hobbies, sports, religious or cultural activities, but do not push the depressed person to undertake too much too soon. The depressed person needs diversion and company, but too many demands can increase feelings of failure.

Do not accuse the depressed person of faking illness or of laziness, or expect him or her “to snap out of it.” Eventually, with treatment, most people do get better. Keep that in mind, and keep reassuring the depressed person that, with time and help, he or she will feel better.

The Common Symptoms Of Depression

If you talk with others about depression, you’ll find that its symptoms vary for different people. For some, depression is mild but constant. For others, depressed moods may be more severe but come and go. Some people suffer only one period of depression in their lifetime. Others may have many episodes.

While symptoms may vary in different types of depression, mental health experts say these core symptoms are common: • feelings of sadness, despair, emptiness • inability to feel pleasure • low self-esteem • loss of motivation and withdrawal from others • feeling very sensitive emotionally • pessimism, negativity • feelings of irritability • sleeping problems • appetite problems • decreased energy • difficulty paying attention or making decisions • thoughts about suicide and death

EDITORIAL TEAM

TASNIM AHMED TAHER ABU ZAID ............................................

DESIGNER RAVINDRANATH KOONATH ............................................

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