ISSUE 1
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
EDUCATIONAL HEALTH SUPPLEMENT SPONSORED BY
THE SUPREME COUNCIL OF HEALTH APPROVES A NEW VACCINE FOR PILGRIMS OF THIS YEAR The Advisory Committee at the Supreme Council of Health (SCH) approved recently the introduction of a meningitis vaccine which will be supplied to the pilgrims of the State of Qatar this year. It is the latest of vaccines in the world and provides the body with immunity against meningitis for up to five years. The SCH revealed that immunisation services are provided in all primary health centres for all members of the Qatari Society enrolled in the health centres and Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC). Vaccination is also conducted at some licensed private health facilities for those who have health insurance cover and enrolled in such private health facilities.
SLEEP APNOEA MAY WORSEN DIABETES Sleep apnoea can worsen blood sugar control in people with Type 2 diabetes by disrupting the deepest stage of sleep, a new study suggests. The findings provide another good reason for people with sleep apnoea to wear a CPAP mask that helps assure uninterrupted breathing, the standard treatment for the condition, throughout the night. It is well known that sleep apnoea, which causes breathing pauses and dangerous drops in oxygen during sleep, sharply raises the risk of Type 2 diabetes. More severe cases of sleep apnoea are generally associated with poorer blood sugar control in diabetics. While breathing pauses can occur throughout the night in apnoea patients, the new study, published in Diabetes Care, found that episodes that occurred during the rapid eye movement, or REM, phase of sleep which occurs in the early morning hours before waking. This had the most detrimental effects on long-term blood sugar control.
(Continued on page 3)
DEHYDRATION
D
ehydration is a condition that occurs when the loss of body fluids, mostly water, exceeds the amount that is taken in. With dehydration, more water is moving out of our cells and bodies than what we take in through drinking. Mild to moderate dehydration is likely to cause: • Dry, sticky mouth • Sleepiness or tiredness — children are likely to be less active than usual • Thirst • Decreased urine output • No wet diapers for three hours for infants • Few or no tears when crying • Dry skin • Headache • Constipation • Dizziness or lightheadedness Severe dehydration, a medical emergency, can cause: • Extreme thirst • Extreme fussiness or sleepiness in infants and children; irritability and confusion in adults • Very dry mouth, skin and mucous membranes • Little or no urination — any urine that is produced will be darker than normal • Sunken eyes
• Shriveled and dry skin that lacks elasticity and doesn’t “bounce back” when pinched into a fold • In infants, sunken fontanels — the soft spots on the top of a baby’s head • Low blood pressure • Rapid heartbeat • Rapid breathing • No tears when crying • Fever • In the most serious cases, delirium or unconsciousness Unfortunately, thirst isn’t always a reliable gauge of the body’s need for water, especially in children and older adults. A better indicator is the color of your urine: Clear or light-colored urine means you’re well hydrated, whereas a dark yellow or amber color usually signals dehydration. When to see a doctor If you’re a healthy adult, you can usually treat mild to moderate dehydration by drinking more fluids, such as water or a sports drink. Get immediate medical care if you develop severe signs and symptoms such as extreme thirst, a lack of urination, shriveled skin, dizziness and confusion. Treat children and older adults with greater caution. Call your family doctor right away if your loved one: • Develops severe diarrhea, with or without vomiting or fever
• Has bloody or black stool • Has had moderate diarrhea for 24 hours or more • Can’t keep down fluids • Is irritable or disoriented and much sleepier or less active than usual • Has any of the signs or symptoms of mild or moderate dehydration Go to the nearest hospital emergency room or call 911 or your emergency medical number if you think a child
or older adult is severely dehydrated. You can help prevent dehydration from becoming severe by carefully monitoring someone who is sick and giving fluids, such as an oral rehydration solution (CeraLyte, Pedialyte, others), at the first sign of diarrhea, vomiting or fever and by encouraging children to drink plenty of water before, during and after exercise.
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Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Sponsored by
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
... REPORT ...
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Participants At The Launch Of National Mental Health Strategy
FEATURES OF MENTAL HEALTH ACT (To Be Issued By The Council Of Ministers Shortly) Mechanisms to impose treatment on patients and criminal responsibility The Supreme Council of Health (SCH) has disclosed that the Mental Health Act, which will be issued shortly from the Council of Ministers, includes legislations that pinpoint the person’s responsibility for his/her doings, the Doctor’s responsibilities and duties, the duties of the hospital and the patient’s relatives, the patients’ rights, depending on whether they are aware or unaware of what they do from both criminal and medical aspects, and whether medical treatment can be imposed on people who are aware of what they do or don’t. Further, whether it is permissible or not permissible to impose treatment on a person whose treatment may have good effect on the progress, but he/she refuses treatment. Moreover, numerous details are included in the law, which are idle currently and will be activated in order to offer top level services especially for mental health.
Qatar National Mental Health Strategy In the keenness framework of the Supreme Council of Health, to consolidate the health sector and develop its various services and in order to offer the most sophisticated services, the (SCH) launched this Qatar National Mental Health Strategy; an ambitious 5 year plan to build a high quality mental health system and to transform the way mental illness is perceived and treated in Qatar. According to Dr. Salih Ali Al Marri, Assistant Secretary General of Medical Affairs at the Supreme Council of Health, “Mental health is an essential compo-
nent of health and wellbeing and therefore an important part of an integrated healthcare system. The (SCH) is keen to keep close and continuous ties with the current projects in the framework of the National Health Strategy Program, and promote large scale and multi sector cooperation, to generalise mental health in all the policies of both health and social sectors.
Strong Clinical and Administrative Abilities The Assistant Secretary General for medical affairs at the (SCH) emphasised the commitment of all concerned parties for building the abilities of Qatar’s clinical and administrative leaders, in order to implement their plans for change and building a new system for mental health, during the next five years and beyond. He pointed out that in order to offer a high quality care for the individuals within the healthcare system, the (SCH) will implement a comprehensive administrative structure which comprises policies, standards of ensuring quality, researches, IT systems, criteria and directional principles. He referred that the (SCH) is supervising the legislation of the Mental Health Act for the State of Qatar, in order to protect human rights for the individuals who suffer from mental illnesses, the rights of the individuals and their families to get treatment.
Good Health Key for Happiness Dr. Al Merri said, “We at the (SCH) realise that good heath is the key for happiness. We seek diligently to improve the health of every individual through enhancing good mental health, limiting the feeling of shame and protection from
mental diseases.” He drew the attention to the fact that the initiatives of mental health protection and promotion in the strategy form an important part of the public health program. “Through educational and informational campaigns, we want to build a responsive society that understands mental health, in which individuals can have access to help and support necessary without inhibition of shame,” he added. The council is committed not only to realise but also to exceed beyond the main features of the program and performance indexes, especially offering specialised better quality services and enhancing mental health of individuals effectively.
Investment in Mental Health The (SCH) emphasised that this ambitious and comprehensive strategy is has come to establish a five- year plan aiming at building a high quality mental health system, seeking to provide individuals with the best possible services of mental health, and to change prevailing positions towards mental diseases. Dr. Al Merri pointed at the necessity on realising the importance of investing in mental health, for moving towards realisation of the |National Health Strategy in its fullest form. This strategy is an important achievement in the process of changing the heath sector, developing preventive healthcare and offering integrated health services in the State of Qatar. The (SCH) demonstrated the mental health strategy contributes in the pillar of human development in accordance with Qatar National Vision 2030, which states that a healthy mind is as important as a healthy body. Mental health is means enabling individuals to contribute positively in their societies and to adjust to normal pressures of life.
THE SUPREME COUNCIL OF HEALTH APPROVES A NEW VACCINE FOR PILGRIMS OF THIS YEAR (Continued from page 1)
Vaccination Services for The Unenrolled On the other hand, and in addition to immunisation services for the enrolled in it, the health centre of Msaimeer in Abu Hamour offers vaccination services for the children of those who are not enrolled in other centres – such new expatriates to the state, or those intending to travel and want to get some vaccinations to protect themselves against certain infective diseases which are rife in infested areas which they intend to travel to. There are two vaccines which were approved for adult travellers to infested countries. These are bilateral hepatitis (A + B) and hepatitis (A).
The Best Immunisation Program in the Region About the developments in the Expanded National Immunisation Program in Qatar, the Council noted that the program is witnessing the biggest jump in conjunction with the great development which is being witnessed in the state, at various levels, over the last decade, and which made the Expanded Immunisation Program one of the best immunisation programs in the region, in the testimony of the World Health Organisation , as it targets a wide range of 14 diseases. These are: tuberculosis , tetanus , diphtheria , whooping cough , polio, Sustainable influenza, measles , mumps , rubella , hepatitis B, hepatitis A, pneumonia , rotavirus , and chickenpox . The program also continued to achieve coverage ratios higher than 95% among the target groups in most diseases, where the World Health Organisation aims to maintain vaccination rates higher than 90 % at the national level. The State of Qatar was able during the mentioned period to achieve the global goal of polio eradication, as the State has continued to maintain being free from polio. The Public Health Department at the Supreme Council of Health also continues its tireless efforts to achieve the regional goal of eradicating measles and rubella.
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Wednesday, February 26, 2014
... COMMUNITY HEALTH ...
STEM CELLS FOR THE FUTURE TREATMENT OF SERIOUS DISEASES T he astounding stem cell breakthrough represents an exciting area in medicine because of their potential to regenerate and repair damaged tissue. They are characterised by their ability for self-renewal (i.e., maintaining their undifferentiated state during several rounds of cell division), and their potency (i.e., the ability to differentiate into specialised cell types). Some current therapies, such as bone marrow transplantation, already make use of stem cells and their potential for regeneration of damaged tissues. Other therapies are under investigation that involves transplanting stem cells into a damaged body part and directing them to grow and differentiate into healthy tissue. The two main stem cell types are embryonic stem cells (ESS) and adult stem cells (i.e., somatic stem cells). Other types, such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), are produced in the lab by reprogramming adult cells to express ES characteristics.
Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) (ES) cells are isolated from an early – stage embryo. During the early stages of embryonic development the cells remain relatively undifferentiated (immature) and appear to possess the ability to become, or differentiate, into almost any tissue within the body. For example, cells taken from one section of an embryo that might have become part of the eye can be transferred into another section of the embryo and could develop into blood, muscle, nerve, or liver cells. The directed differentiation of ES cells and avoidance of transplant rejection are just two of the hurdles that ES cell researchers still face.
Adult Stem Cells
Adult or somatic stem cells exist throughout the body after embryonic development and are found inside of different types of tissue. These stem cells have been found in tissues such as the brain, bone marrow, blood, blood vessels, skeletal muscles, skin, and the liver. They remain in a non-dividing state for years until activated by disease or tissue injury. The use of adult stem cells in research and therapy is less controversial than ES cells, because their production does not require the destruction of an embryo. Additionally, when adult stem cells are obtained from the intended recipient, there is no risk of immune rejection. Adult stem cell treatments have been successfully used for many years to treat leukaemia, related bone/blood cancers through bone marrow transplants, Hunter’s syndrome and heart disease.
Induced pluripotent stem cells A relatively recent breakthrough in stem cell research is the discovery that specialised adult cells can be ‘reprogrammed’ into an embryonic stem cell–like state, termed induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Although additional research is needed, iPSCs are already useful tools for drug development and modelling of diseases, and scientists hope to use them in transplantation medicine. For example, researchers have generated brain cells from iPSCs made from skin samples belonging to patients with neurological disorders such as Down’s syndrome or Parkinson’s disease.
PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN BY INNOVATIVE UMBILICAL CORD TRANSPLANT Cord blood stem cells can be harvested from the umbilical cord of a baby after birth. The cells can be frozen (‘cryopreserved’) in cell banks and are currently used to treat children with cancerous blood disorders such as leukaemia, as well as genetic blood diseases like Fanconi anaemia. One advantage of cord blood transplants is that they appear to be less likely than conventional bone marrow transplants to be rejected by the immune system, or to result in a reaction such as Graft versus Host Disease. Nevertheless, cord blood must still be matched to the patient to be successful. In people who suffer from type 1 diabetes, the cells of the pancreas that normally produce insulin are destroyed by the patient’s own immune system. New studies indicate that it may be possible to direct the differentiation of human embryonic stem cells in cell culture to form insulin-producing cells that eventually could be used in transplantation therapy for persons with diabetes.
STEM CELLS IN THE EYE Clinical studies in patients have shown that tissue stem cells taken from an area of the eye called the limbus can be used to repair damage to the cornea – the transparent layer at the front of the eye. If the cornea is severely damaged, for example by a chemical burn, limbal stem cells can be taken from the patient, multiplied in the lab and transplanted back onto the patient’s damaged eye(s) to restore sight. However, this can only help patients who have some undamaged limbal stem cells remaining in one of their eyes. The treatment has been shown to be safe and effective in early stage trials. Further studies with larger numbers of patients must now be carried out before this therapy can be approved by regulatory authorities for widespread use in Europe.
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Wednesday, February 26, 2014
... DOCTOR’S DESK ...
5
10 QUESTIONS
TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT CROHN’S DISEASE ASKING QUESTIONS AND PROVIDING INFORMATION TO YOUR DOCTOR AND OTHER CARE PROVIDERS CAN IMPROVE YOUR CARE. TALKING WITH YOUR DOCTOR BUILDS TRUST AND LEADS TO BETTER RESULTS, QUALITY, SAFETY, AND SATISFACTION.
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What is Crohn’s disease? It is one of two diseases of the gastrointestinal tract named Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Crohn’s disease causes inflammation of the digestive tract. In some people only the last part of the small intestine (ileum) is involved, while in others the large intestine may be affected as well. Work with your doctor to pinpoint which area is affected in your body. How did I get Crohn’s? An exact cause is not known. History of the disease does show: If you have a close family member with IBD you may be at higher risk for Crohn’s People of European and Jewish descent appear to be at a higher risk Cigarette smoking has been shown to make Crohn’s disease worse — if you have Crohn’s and you smoke find help to stop today.
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Is there medication to treat Crohn’s? Ask your doctor if medication is right for you, and which types will work with your medical history. Medications for Crohn’s include Aminosalicylates (5-ASA), Corticosteroids, Immunomodulators, antibiotics, and biologic therapies. The goal is to alter or suppress the immune system’s inflammatory response, which can relieve some or all symptoms, giving the gut a chance to heal.
Are there other treatment options? Your doctor can help recommend lifestyle and diet changes that improve symptoms for many patients. Stress doesn’t cause IBD, but it can make symptoms worse. De-stressing can be good for the gut — yoga, gentle exercise, and meditation can help.
How should I change my diet? In general, Crohn’s patients avoid greasy foods, high-fibre foods, roughage, wheat, dairy, caffeine and alcohol. Ask about the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) or GAPS diet. Your doctor may refer you to work with a nutritionist.
Are there complications I should know about? Yes, in addition to inflammation in the gut, Crohn’s, and some of the medications used to treat it, can cause complications. These include arthritis or joint pain, eczema, malabsorption, malnutrition, osteoporosis, ulcers, strictures, fistulas, fissures, and abscesses. Be sure to discuss any new symptoms or medication side effects with your doctor immediately.
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What do these Crohn’s terms mean? Bring a list of all the terms you don’t understand—strictures, fistulas, fissures, abscesses— and have your doctor clearly define them for
Will I need surgery? Possibly. According to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA), about twothirds of people with Crohn’s will require surgery at some point during their lives. This becomes necessary when medications and diet no longer control symptoms. It can also become necessary when fistulas, fissures, or obstructions are present and other treatments have been unsuccessful. Discuss your options with your doctor and prepare for the future.
When should I meet with a doctor? Discuss this with your doctor. Every doctor is different. Some doctors will want to see you periodically until you are in remission. Some physicians have a dedicated nurse who can answer some of your questions and pass along others to the doctor. This is an important time to set the basis and expectations of your doctor-patient relationship.
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Can I travel, work, or exercise? It can take time to get your symptoms under control, but you should be able to participate in most of the activities of your everyday life. This may be more difficult when you are in a flare-up, but there are many ways to cope. Ask your doctors for suggestions and if they have information about a local support group.
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Wednesday, February 26, 2014
... FITNESS ...
EXERCISE FOR BEGINNERS
- SETTING UP A COMPLETE PROGRAM FITNESS DOESN’T HAVE TO BE DRUDGERY. THESE CAN HELP YOU ADD FOCUS AND FUN TO YOUR ROUTINE.
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well-rounded program includes cardio, weight training and flexibility. Knowing how to put these together in a week of workouts can be confusing. Should you do cardio and strength training on the same day? Which one should you do first? This will depend on your goals, schedule and fitness level, which means there are endless ways to set up your workout program. For Beginners: You should start slowly with a basic cardio program and a full body resistance training routine. You’ll want to have recovery days to allow your body to rest and your muscles to heal from your new routine. A typical beginner program will include about 3 days of cardio and 2 days of strength training. Here is a sample schedule just to give you an idea of a typical week of workouts:
TIPS
SAMPLE ROUTINE FOR BEGINNING EXERCISERS Saturday: Cardio 20-30 minutes. You can choose from one of the following Sample Cardio Workouts: • Beginner Stationary Bike • Beginner Walking Workout • Beginner Elliptical Workout
Sunday: Total Body Strength and core training. You can choose from one of the following Sample Strength Workouts: • Beginner Total Body Strength • Beginner Total Body Strength - Level 2 • Beginner Total Body Strength - Level 3
FOR STAYING MOTIVATED
Have you ever started a fitness program and then quit? If you answered yes, you’re not alone. Many people start fitness programs but stop when they get bored or results come too slowly. Here are seven tips to help you stay motivated. 1. Set goals Start with simple goals and then progress to longer range goals. Remember to make your goals realistic and achievable. It’s easy to get frustrated and give up if your goals are too ambitious. 2. Make it fun Find sports or activities that you enjoy, then vary the routine to keep you on your toes. If you’re not enjoying your workouts, try something different. Join a volley-
ball or softball league. Take a ballroom dancing class. 3. Make physical activity part of your daily routine If it’s hard to find time for exercise, don’t fall back on excuses. Schedule workouts as you would any other important activity. You can also slip in physical activity throughout the day. For e.g., take the stairs instead of the elevator. 4. Put it on paper Are you hoping to lose weight? Boost your energy? Sleep better? Manage a chronic condition? Write it down. Seeing the benefits of regular exercise on paper may help you stay motivated. 5. Join forces with friends, neighbours or others You’re not in this alone. In-
vite friends or co-workers to join you when you exercise. Work out with your partner or other loved ones. Play soccer with your kids. Organise a group of neighbours to take fitness classes at a local health club.
Monday: Rest or gentle yoga/stretching Tuesday: Cardio-20-30 minutes. You can choose from one of the following Sample Cardio Workouts: • Beginner Stationary Bike • Beginner Walking Workout • Beginner Elliptical Workout
Wednesday: Total Body Strength and core training. You can choose from one of the following Sample Strength Workouts: • Beginner Total Body Strength • Beginner Total Body Strength - Level 2 • Beginner Total Body Strength - Level 3 Thursday: Cardio-20-30 minutes. You can choose from one of the following Sample Cardio Workouts: • Beginner Stationary Bike • Beginner Walking Workout • Beginner Elliptical Workout
BUY SHOES THAT FIT
6. Reward yourself After each exercise session, take a few minutes to savour the good feelings that exercise gives you. This type of internal reward can help you make a long-term commitment to regular exercise. 7. Be flexible If you’re too busy to work out or simply don’t feel up to it, take a day or two off. Be gentle with yourself if you need a break. The important thing is to get back on track as soon as you can.
Shop for workout shoes late in the day. That’s when your feet are the largest. Make sure there’s a half inch of space in front of your longest toe, and that you can easily wiggle your toes. Then slip off the shoes and compare them with your bare feet. If each shoe isn’t obviously wider and longer than your foot, go half a size bigger!
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Wednesday, February 26, 2014
... NUTRITION ...
6 FAT-BURNING SNACKS
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Healthy Recipes
NOT ALL SNACKS ARE CREATED EQUAL. YOU CAN START MELTING FAT TODAY. START SWAPPING OUT YOUR REGULAR SNACKS FOR THESE OZ-APPROVED FOODS. THEY’RE HEALTHY AND THEY CAN HELP YOU START LOSING WEIGHT.
1. Figs
3. Licorice
5. Pistachios
This exotic fruit is an excellent source of fibre, which helps keep you full longer. Snacking on figs will help you eat less and burn fat faster. Plus they’re a great option when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want a snack with added sugar. Skip the cookies and opt for fresh or dried figs to get the most health benefits.
2. Beans
Fat-Burning Chickpea Muffins Skip the candy aisle and get the real deal from your local health food store. Licorice root blocks an enzyme that plays a role in fat accumulation and helps control cravings.
Pistachios are packed with plenty of health benefits. Full of fibre, protein and healthy fats, they can help you stay full and stop overeating. Enjoy a small handful when you’re on the go!
4. Watermelon
6. Pine Nuts
Is stubborn belly fat one of your most bothersome body problems? You can beat the bulge in just 7 days by adding one cup of beans to every meal! Beans, like chickpeas, contain soluble fibre, which works to lower the inflammation that causes belly fat. Start your day off right with this belly fat-blasting breakfast muffin. Ingredients • 1 can or 2 cups boiled chickpeas • 2 grated carrots • 2 tsp nutritional yeast • 2 tsp poppy seeds • 1 tsp olive oil • Salt and pepper to taste Directions
Loaded with soluble fibre, beans help promote good bacteria in the gut and lower fattening inflammation. If you’re bored of beans as a side dish, get your daily dose with these baked goods:
This summertime favourite increases amino acids and helps support metabolism! Plus, since it’s water-based, it’s also very hydrating. One cup a day is all you need to start burning fat. Eat it plain or throw it into a blender and sip away at one of these fat-burning smoothies:
High in polyunsaturated fats, pine nuts may help you burn calories at a higher rate even when you’re not very being active. Try to eat two tablespoons three times a week. (Courtesy: doctoroz.com)
In a large bowl, mix all of the ingredients, except the poppy seeds, until you get a doughy consistency. Evenly drop spoonfuls of dough into muffin pan. Top with poppy seeds and bake for 30 minutes at 350°F.
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Wednesday, February 26, 2014
... HEALTH QUIZ ...
MEDICAL KNOWLEDGE QUIZ: BACK PAIN TEST YOURSELF ON SOME LESS COMMON KNOWN FACTS, AND MAYBE GAIN SOME HELPFUL MEDICAL KNOWLEDGE TO LEAD A HEALTHIER LIFE, OR JUST SOME COOL NEW CONVERSATION STARTERS!
Q1
: Nearly everyone has low back pain at some time during their life.
Q4
• True
A. Bone B. Arthritis C. Growth D. Stretching
• False
Q2
: The only neurological ailment more common than back pain is …………..
: Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of ……………… of the spine.
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C. Knee pain
: ……………… describes a condition involving painful pressure on a specific nerve in the back.
D. Eye pain
A. Spasms
Q3
B. Spinal tap
A. Neck pain B. Headache
: Which condition literally translates to “horse’s tail?”
A. Sciatica B. Spinal stenosis C. Ankylosing spondylitis D. Cauda equina
ANSWERS
C. Sciatica D. Spinal degeneration
Q6
: Widespread musculoskeletal pain that can involve the spine is called
…………………… A. Fibromyalgia B. Stiffness C. Shock D. All of the above :__________ is the medical term for a spinal curvature disorder that may cause pain.
Q7
A. Scoliosis B. Kyphosis C. Lordosis (Swayback) D. All of the above : You should see a doctor for back pain if you experience _________________.
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A. Numbness or tingling B. Severe pain despite rest C. Pain after a fall or injury D. Any of the above
Ans 1: The correct answer is: • True
Ans 4: The correct answer is: B Arthritis
Nearly everyone has low back pain at some time during their life. Men and women are equally affected. Low back pain occurs most often between 30 and 50 years of age. This is due in part to the aging process but also as a result of sedentary lifestyles with too little (sometimes punctuated by too much) exercise.
Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of inflammatory arthritis of the spine. It causes swelling between the vertebrae, which are the bony building blocks that make up the spine. The disease is more common and more severe in men and often runs in families. Over time, chronic inflammation of the spine (spondylitis) can lead to a complete cementing together (fusion) of the vertebrae, a process referred to as ankylosis which results in loss of mobility of the spine.
Ans 2: The correct answer is: B. Headache Back pain is the second most common neurological ailment in the United States, only headache is more common. Fortunately, most occurrences of low back pain resolve within a few days. Ans 3: The correct answer is: D. Cauda equina The term “cauda equina” literally means horse’s tail and refers to the normal anatomy of the end of the spinal cord in the low back where it divides into many bundles of nerve tracts resembling a horse’s tail. Compression of the spinal cord at this level can lead to a number of typical symptoms of the cauda equina syndrome, including low back pain, sciatica, saddle sensory changes, and bladder and bowel incontinence.
Ans 5: The correct answer is: C. Sciatica Sciatica is a condition in which a herniated or ruptured disc presses on the sciatic nerve, the large nerve that extends down the spinal column to its exit point in the pelvis and carries nerve fibres to the leg. This compression causes shock-like or burning low back pain combined with pain through the buttocks and down one leg, occasionally reaching the foot. Ans 6: The correct answer is: A. Fibromyalgia Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and multiple “tender points,”
particularly in the neck, spine, shoulders, and hips. Additional symptoms may include sleep disturbances, morning stiffness, and anxiety. Ans 7: The correct answer is: D. All of the above There are a few spinal conditions that involve curvatures and possible spinal pain. - Kyphosis literally means “humpback” and describes a condition in which the spine is bent forward. - Lordosis (swayback) refers to a backward curving of the spine. - Scoliosis literally means crookedness and is used to describe a bending of the spine to the side. Ans 8: The correct answer is: D. Any of the above You should see a doctor for back pain if you have numbness or tingling, severe pain that does not improve with rest, pain after a fall or an injury, or pain plus any of these problems: - Fever - Weakness - Trouble urinating - Numbness in your legs - Weight loss when not on a diet
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Wednesday, February 26, 2014
... KIDS HEALTH ...
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Child Dental Health
HIGH FAMILY STRESS CAN IMPACT A CHILD’S IMMUNE SYSTEM THE RESEARCH STUDY SHOWS THAT CHILDREN IN HIGHLY-STRESSED FAMILIES HAD A HIGH LEVEL OF CORTISOL, WHICH IS A BIOLOGICAL MARKER OF STRESS
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igh family stress can lead to the child’s immune system being affected, as a research group at the School of Health Sciences at Jönköping University and the Faculty of Health Sciences at Linköping University in Sweden shows in a study being published in the renowned American periodical Journal of Immunology. Our immune system has the task of protecting us against bacteria and viruses. Our bodies are also equipped to handle everyday stress - that is, stress that lasts only briefly. On the other hand, a difficult, stressful situation or long-term increase in stress can negatively affect the immune system. This kind of long-term stress can develop when a close family member dies or when adults are caught in tough, unmanageable situations. The research study shows that children in highly-stressed families had a high level of cortisol, which is a biological marker of stress. This supports the idea that the children were stressed. The research study also points towards the fact that a high level of stress negatively affects the immune system - that is, it is not as resistant when the body is exposed to a high level of stress. Instead, the immune system reacts to substances in the body that should be
left alone, which perhaps is linked to an autoimmune reaction. The study included families with five-year-old children (derived from the ABIS [All Children in Southeast Sweden] study). The parents answered questions regarding stress and prospective difficulties that had impacted the family, such as divorce or unemployment. The answers led the researchers to identify a group of children who probably experienced high levels of stress in their families, and a group of children who presumably had grown up with normal stress levels. The research group at the School of Health Sciences in Jönköping will work further on the project to understand more about how a high level of stress can affect the body. This time, the researchers will turn to young people in the 18-22 age group. “These young people can themselves report negative experiences in their daily lives and also negative experiences during their childhood” says Maria Faresjö, professor at the School of Health Sciences, who will also lead the continued research project.
Healthy teeth are important to your child’s overall health. From the time your child is born, there are things you can do to promote healthy teeth and prevent cavities. For babies, you should clean teeth with a soft, clean cloth or baby’s toothbrush. Avoid putting the baby to bed with a bottle and check teeth regularly for spots or stains.
For all children, you should • Start using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste when they are two years old. You might start sooner, if a dentist or doctor suggests it. • Provide healthy foods and limit sweet snacks and drinks • Schedule regular dental check-ups • Forming good habits at a young age can help your child have healthy teeth for life.
Clinical Pearls in Paediatrics • Having 2 or more siblings with autism spectrum disorder doubles the risk of ASD in younger children • Children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia are more susceptible to dental caries due to reduced salivary flow rate • Boys, but not girls, who are born post-term are at greater risk of adolescent obesity due to accelerated weight gain during childhood
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Wednesday, February 26, 2014
... WOMEN’S HEALTH ...
What Are the Symptoms of Breast Cancer? IN ITS EARLY STAGES, BREAST CANCER USUALLY HAS NO SYMPTOMS. AS A TUMOUR DEVELOPS, YOU MAY NOTE THE FOLLOWING SIGNS: • A lump in the breast or underarm that persists after your menstrual cycle. This is often the first apparent symptom of breast cancer. Lumps associated with breast cancer are usually painless, although some may cause a prickly sensation. Lumps are usually visible on a mammogram long before they can be seen or felt. • Swelling in the armpit. • Pain or tenderness in the breast. Although lumps are usually painless, pain or tenderness can be a sign of breast cancer. • A noticeable flattening or indentation on the breast, which may indicate a tumour that cannot be seen or felt. • Any change in the size, contour, texture, or temperature of the breast. A reddish, pitted surface like the skin of an orange could be a sign of advanced breast cancer. • A change in the nipple, such as a nipple retraction, dimpling, itching, a burning sensation, or ulceration. A scaly rash of the nipple is symptomatic of Paget’s disease, which may be associated with an underlying breast cancer. • Unusual discharge from the nipple that may be clear, bloody, or another colour. It’s usually caused by benign conditions but could be due to cancer in some cases. • A marble-like area under the skin. • An area that is distinctly different from any other area on either breast.
IS WEIGHT-LOSS SURGERY RIGHT FOR YOU? NOT EVERY OBESE PERSON IS QUALIFIED FOR WEIGHT-LOSS SURGERY. IN GENERAL, CANDIDATES INCLUDE SEVERELY OBESE PEOPLE WHO HAVE OTHER MEDICAL ISSUES.
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ariatric surgery can help people lose weight and reduce the risk of health conditions that are associated with obesity, like type 2 diabetes. It works by restricting the amount of food you can eat and perhaps changing the way your body digests foods so you don’t absorb a lot of calories. However, weight-loss surgeries (WLS) are not for everybody, and your medical team will need to carefully evaluate your situation before determining if you are a candidate for bariatric surgery.
one or more of the following applies to you:
Bariatric Surgery: Adult and Teen Candidates
As for adolescents, some weight-loss surgeries have been approved for extremely obese teens — that is, those with a BMI above 40. An example would be a young person who is 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs over 240
Weight-loss surgeries are not the solution for most adults who want, or need, to lose weight. But bariatric surgery may be an option for you if
• You are severely or morbidly obese - usually defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher. • You have not been able to lose weight with traditional lifestyle changes for weight loss; these include regularly exercising and eating a more healthful diet. • You have health problems associated with your weight.
pounds. But since the long-term effects of bariatric surgery in adolescents is not yet clear, adolescents under the age of 18 are generally only considered potential bariatric surgery candidates if they: • Have reached their full adult height, usually around the ages of 13 through 15. • Have serious health problems related to their obesity, such as diabetes, sleep apnoea, heart problems, and psychological problems. • Along with their parents, are prepared for the lifestyle changes that must be made after bariatric surgery.
Facial Yoga = Youthful Appearance Facial yoga is a better, more permanent and far less expensive way to look younger year after year… and it’s been around for thousands of years. Here are top 5 lasting benefits of facial yoga. The forehead: Erase frown lines and release your worries.
This leads to a more relaxed body. The eyes: Improve your vision, relax the muscles that allow you to move your eyes around. Dry eyes, blurry vision and headaches can be eased away. The cheeks and mouth: As you age, muscle tone begins
to decrease, making the face appear as if it is melting, facial yoga sets this right. The chin: Get rid of the double chin and get a sharper jaw line. The neck and shoulder: Prevent a drooped posture and wrinkles on the neck.
The main benefit of yoga is that it works on your mind as much as your muscles and all organs, putting right imbalances and helping your body work with peak efficiency. No botox, no surgery, no pills and no creams!
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Wednesday, February 26, 2014
... MEN’S HEALTH ...
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MEN AND ANGER MANAGEMENT ANGER CAN BE AN UNDERLYING CAUSE OF MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES. IT IS A VERY POWERFUL EMOTION THAT CAN STEM FROM FEELINGS OF FRUSTRATION, HURT, ANNOYANCE, OR DISAPPOINTMENT AND CAN RANGE FROM SLIGHT IRRITATION TO STRONG RAGE.
Here are few steps toward managing anger. • When you start feeling angry, try deep breathing, positive self-talk, or stopping your angry thoughts. Breathe deeply from your diaphragm. Slowly repeat a calm word or phrase such as “relax” or “take it easy.” Repeat it to yourself while breathing deeply until the anger subsides. • Although expressing anger is better than keeping it in, anger should be expressed in an appropriate way. Frequent outbursts of anger are often counter-productive and cause problems in relationships with oth-
ers. Anger outbursts are also stressful to your nervous and cardiovascular systems and can make health problems worse. Learning how to use assertiveness is the healthy way to express your feelings, needs, and preferences. Being assertive can be used in place of using anger in these situations.
• Learn how to laugh at yourself and see humour in situations.
• Seek out the support of others. Talk through your feelings and try to work on changing your behaviours.
• Learn to assert yourself, expressing your feelings calmly and directly without becoming defensive, hostile, or emotionally charged. Consult selfhelp books on assertiveness or seek help from a professional therapist to learn how to use assertiveness and anger management skills.
• If you have trouble realising when you are having angry thoughts, keep a log of when you feel angry. • Try to gain a different perspective by putting yourself in another’s place.
• Practice good listening skills. Listening can help improve communication and can facilitate trusting feelings between people. This trust can help you deal with potentially hostile emotions.
Cancer kills 30% more British men than women • When it comes to opening jars and evicting spiders, men generally have the upper hand. But arachnid dominance doesn’t make up for the fact that British women expire three years after us, on average, and that according to new figures published by charity Cancer Research UK, we’re 1.3 times more likely to die from cancer. Ladies one, gents nil.
FIGURES PUBLISHED BY CANCER RESEARCH UK SHOW THAT GLOBALLY MEN ARE 50% MORE LIKELY TO DIE FROM CANCER
• Around 4.6m men die from cancer every year globally, with 126.05 deaths per 100,000 men in the UK. According to the charity’s head of statistics, Nick Ormiston-Smith, the deadly discrepancy is due to more men being diagnosed with harder to treat cancers, like those of the lungs,
bladder, oesophagus and liver. • Preventable cancers are especially problematic. With 22% of British men sparking up compared to 19% of women, it’s no wonder we’re facing a worse prognosis. “Smoking is by far the most important preventable cause of cancer in the world,” says Ormiston-Smith. Get help stubbing out the fags to seriously boost your chances of racking up a century. • To cut your cancer risk further, make sure you’re not accidentally exposing yourself to these seven surprising carcinogens, and if your body fat is inching upwards start taking steps to bring it down; obesity is linked to bowel, oesophageal and even brain cancer. Compared to all that, no wonder spiders don’t seem so scary.
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Wednesday, February 26, 2014
... MENTAL HEALTH ...
SCHIZOPHRENIA OR SPLIT PERSONALITY?!!! CONTRARY TO POPULAR BELIEF, SCHIZOPHRENIA IS NOT A SPLIT PERSONALITY. SCHIZOPHRENIA IS A PSYCHOSIS, A TYPE OF MENTAL ILLNESS IN WHICH A PERSON CANNOT TELL WHAT IS REAL FROM WHAT IS IMAGINED. AND THE SUDDEN CHANGE IN PERSONALITY AND BEHAVIOUR, WHICH OCCURS WHEN SCHIZOPHRENIA SUFFERERS LOSE TOUCH WITH REALITY, IS CALLED A PSYCHOTIC EPISODE.
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hroughout recorded history, schizophrenia has been a source of bewilderment. Those suffering from the illness once were thought to be possessed by demons and were feared, tormented, exiled or locked up forever.
Schizophrenia is an extremely complex mental disorder; in fact it is probably many illnesses masquerading as one. People often imagine a person with schizophrenia as being more violent or out-ofcontrol than a person who has another kind of serious mental illness. But these kinds of prejudices and misperceptions are totally incorrect.
A schizophrenia diagnosis is carried out by observing the actions of the patient. Schizophrenic behaviour most often includes hallucinations and/or delusions, which reflect distortions in the perception and interpretation of reality. The patient has false beliefs of persecution or guilt of grandeur. He/she may feel things are being controlled from outside. They may think they have extraordinary powers and gifts. Some patients with schizophrenia may hide in order to protect themselves from an imagined persecution. Individuals with schizophrenia may hear voices that are not there. Some may be convinced that others are reading their minds, controlling how they think, or plotting against them.
Others may find it hard to make sense of what a person with schizophrenia is talking about. In some cases, the individual may spend hours completely still, without talking. On other occasions he or she may seem fine, until they start explaining what
they are truly thinking. For instance, someone with schizophrenia may act in an extremely paranoid manner -- purchasing multiple locks for their doors, always checking behind them as they walk in public, refusing to talk on the phone. Loved ones and friends may spot early warning signs long before the primary symptoms of schizophrenia occur. During this initial pre-onset phase, a person may seem without goals in their life, becoming increasingly eccentric and unmotivated. They may stop engaging in other activities that they also used to enjoy, such as hobbies or volunteering.
Warning signs that may indicate someone is heading toward an episode of schizophrenia include: Social isolation and withdrawal; irrational, bizarre or odd statements or beliefs; increased paranoia or questioning others’ motivations; becoming more emotionless; hostility or suspiciousness; increasing reliance on drugs or alcohol (in an attempt to self-medicate); lack of motivation; speaking in a strange manner unlike themselves; inappropriate laughter; insomnia or over-
sleeping; and deterioration in their personal appearance and hygiene.
As with many mental disorders, the causes of schizophrenia are poorly understood. Nobody has been able to pinpoint one single cause. Experts believe several factors are generally involved in contributing to the onset of schizophrenia. Recent research reveals that schizophrenia may be a result of faulty neuronal development in the foetal brain, which develops into full-blown illness in late adolescence or early adulthood. Evidence indicates that the diagnosis of schizophrenia has an inherited element, but it is also significantly influenced by environmental triggers. In other words, imagine your body is full of buttons, and some of those buttons result in schizophrenia if somebody comes and presses them enough times and in the right
sequences. The buttons would be your genetic susceptibility, while the person pressing them would be the environmental factors. Use of street drugs (including LSD, methamphetamine, and marijuana/hash/cannabis) and alcohol have been linked with significantly increased probability of developing psychosis and schizophrenia. For people with a predisposition to a psychotic illness such as schizophrenia, usage of cannabis may trigger the first episode in what can be a disabling condition that lasts for the rest of their lives. Experts estimate that between 8% and 13% of all schizophrenia cases are linked to marijuana / cannabis use during teen years.
Psychiatrists say the most effective treatment for schizophrenia patients is usually a combination of medication, psychological counselling, and self-help resources. The primary schizophrenia treatment is medication. The majority of patients go off their medication within the first year of treatment. In order to address this, successful schizophrenia treatment needs to consist of a life-long regimen of both drug and psychosocial, support therapies. The medication can help control the patient’s hallucinations and delusions, but it cannot help them learn to communicate with others, get a job, and thrive in society.
EDITORIAL TEAM TASNIM AHMED RANIA ELWI TAHER ABU ZAID ............................................ DESIGNER RAVINDRANATH KOONATH ............................................ PUBLISHED BY
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