Helpful Things you can do for a HIV patient

Posted by on June 11, 2013 1 comment
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Even after a few decades since HIV and AIDS became prevalent all over the world, scientists have been unable to find a cure for these illnesses. However, most of the time, patients do not need to be in a hospital. In fact, one of the best places for these patients to be cared for; is their home. With the right care and support from the family, these patients can live a quality life for years to come. Here are some tips for the family members of HIV patients, about what best they can do for their loved one:

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  • A patient with AIDS is susceptible to depression; given the lethal nature of the illness and the social stigma attached to it. Hence, it is important to boost the confidence of patients and maintain their dignity. This can be achieved by giving them as much control as possible. For example: you can knock before entering their room, and let them do their own tasks. This will prevent a feeling of dependency in them.
  • Simple gestures can make a lot of difference. Touch them, pat them, hold their hands and hug them to show that you care. Touch is a powerful way of showing your love. Have frequent outings together. Go to social events or for shopping. Walk around the block or just into a park and breathe fresh air.
  • Ensure that they are taking their medications without fail. They may be prescribed drugs like Viracept (an antiretroviral containing Nelfinavir) that helps in controlling the spread of the HIV virus in the body. Doctors usually advise patients to take Viracept tablets 2-3 times a day. You can consult a doctor to learn about the exact dosage and ensure that the patient takes it exactly as recommended.

    Some more tips to help the patient feel comfortable:

    • Respect their privacy
    • Include them in decision making for household matters
    • Spend time with them
    • Keep the home clean and looking cheerful and bright
    • Let the patient stay in a room closer to a bathroom
    • Prevent infections by maintaining good hygienic surroundings
    • Encourage them to eat a healthy, nutritious dietProviding right support and regular treatment with Viracept can help most people with HIV/AIDS lead an active life for a long time to come.

5 Common Causes of Muscle and Joint Pain

Posted by on June 4, 2013 2 comments
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Joint and muscle pains can be symptoms of various health disorders. Occasional pain is common and should not be misinterpreted as chronic. For instance, an individual playing sports or working out regularly in the gym may experience such problems occasionally. The soreness is likely to last only for a day or two and is not a cause for concern. But chronic pain is! Let’s take a look at some of the common causes for this condition.

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Common Causes for Aching Joints and Muscles:

Some of the most common causes of joint aches and muscle spasms include sprains, viral flu, injuries and reaction to certain medications. Other causes include:

  • Arthritis: Arthritis is amongst the most common causes for chronic ache in the joints and muscles. People suffering from arthritis may experience severe pain in the joints because the joints tend to swell and turn tender. This could also cause severe muscle inflammation.
  • Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is considered to be a neuropsychiatric condition or musculoskeletal disorder. It causes muscle tenderness and extensive aches in the joints and muscles. Some of the significant symptoms include sleeping problems, fatigue, headaches, and numbness and tingling in the arms and legs.
  • Systematic Lupus Erythematosus: Commonly called lupus, systematic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system does not function properly and generates antibodies that attack healthy tissues, thereby causing soreness in various parts of the body. Joint aches and muscle cramps are one of the main symptoms of this disorder. Some of the other symptoms include mild fever, skin rashes, mouth ulcers, and abnormal blood count.
  • Hyperthyroidism: Hyperthyroidism affects the muscles connected to the bones. People suffering from this condition experience stiffness, muscle weakness, muscle cramps, and joint ache.
  • Inflammation: Muscle and joint inflammation is also known to cause severe pain. Myositis or muscle inflammation causes soreness, swelling and tenderness of the muscles. Joint inflammation is normally caused due to infections or autoimmune diseases like arthritis, and results in severe joint ache.

Someone experiencing chronic and severe pain for a very long time should never ignore it and consult a physician for proper diagnosis and treatment. There are many effective drugs available for chronic pain relief. Doctors often prescribe drugs like Cymbalta to relieve chronic muscle and joint pain. This medicine works by affecting the chemicals in the brain that become unbalanced and cause pain. However, patients should use Cymbalta or any other drug only when prescribed by a doctor.

How to make your own list of ‘Safe’ and ‘Avoid’ foods for GERD

Posted by on May 20, 2013 2 comments
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I am sure that those among you who have been living with GERD know exactly what this disease is. But, for those, who are new to this condition and are experiencing some possible symptoms of it, a brief explanation may help in having a better understanding of the problem.

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GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux disease is a fairly common gastrointestinal disorder caused by the flow of the stomach acid back into the esophagus. This may result in nausea, heartburn, sour eructations and vomiting.

This disease basically occurs when the “one way valve” located between the stomach and esophagus, which is meant for allowing food to enter into the stomach and for preventing it from getting back into the esophagus, becomes lax or weak.

Although the symptoms of this disease can be severe, most patients can control them with simple diet changes. Here’s a list of ‘Safe’ and ‘Avoid’ foods for you to begin with. Consider this as a broad guideline to arrive at your own lists after some trial and error.

Safe foods to add to your GERD diet:

Pineapple and Papaya:

Papaya contains Papain and pineapple contains Bromelain. Both these substances help enhance the breakdown of proteins in the stomach and provide relief from the symptoms of the disease.

Vegetables:

Baked potato, broccoli, carrots, cabbage, peas, lettuce and beans are safe vegetables that can be consumed in plenty by patients with GERD.

Meat products:

If you love meats, you can indulge in extra lean ground beef, white turkey meat and skinless chicken breast.

Beverages:

Drink plenty of water. This will help neutralize acid in the stomach and prevent heartburn. If you like fruit juices, opt for non-citrus ones.

Foods to Avoid:

  • Spicy food
  • Hot food
  • Citrus fruits
  • Mint and chocolates
  • Peppers and raw onions
  • Alcohol
  • Whole milk
  • Caffeinated and carbonated drinks
  • Fried meats

It may take time for you to learn exactly which foods among these can worsen or relieve your symptoms. Till then, you can start using drugs that reduce acid production. Most doctors advise patients to use Aciphex for this purpose. This drug contains Rabeprazole and is usually taken in a dose of 20 mg once a day. However, consulting your physician will let you know more about the exact dosage of Aciphex required for you.

Do you have difficulty in passing urine?

Posted by on May 17, 2013 2 comments
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Nothing could bother Sam even when he crossed 60. He was really optimistic about everything in life. That is why he did not pay much attention when he started having problems in passing urine. He had mild pain while urinating, was unable to hold the urine for a long time, and even had some difficulty in starting the urine flow. He just ignored it. Little did he know that he suffered from a serious problem in his prostate gland! He woke up only when one day his urine flow was completely obstructed and he had to be rushed to a hospital. Such stories are not limited to Sam. Many people do ignore these symptoms not knowing they are signs of a disease called benign hyperplasia of the prostate or BHP.

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If you are also above 60 or nearing 60 and having such urinary complaints, wake up and pay attention to what this could mean!

BHP is caused by an enlargement of the prostate gland resulting in pressure on the urethra, causing difficulty in urination.

The herbs given below are highly beneficial for controlling the progress of this disease:

  • African plum: this herb has been traditionally used for urinary troubles. It helps in relieving several BHP symptoms including increased urination at night and improves urine flow.
  • Saw palmetto: this herb helps in controlling the progress of this disease by preventing a male hormone, testosterone, from being converted into dihydrotestosterone, which is responsible for the enlargement of the prostate.
  • Grass pollen: studies have proved that grass pollen relieves frequent night-time urination and helps in emptying the bladder completely.

Which medicines can help?

Most men with BHP are advised to use Avodart. It contains dutasteride which works by blocking the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone that is involved in the enlargement of the prostate.

The usual recommended dose of Avodart is 0.5 mg once daily. Men should discuss their symptoms with a physician and confirm the right dose for them, before they start using this drug.

Sam felt relieved only after his doctor passed a catheter for overcoming the obstruction to the urine flow. This was not easy because the gland was enlarged, and too big to pass the catheter smoothly. He was put on Avodart after discharge. Hopefully, you have realized the mistakes Sam did and will not follow his example.

Menopause, Fractures and Osteoporosis

Posted by on May 7, 2013 3 comments
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Our bones are alive and grow constantly; they are not static. They undergo change continually throughout our life, with some bone cells getting dissolved and new bone cells growing back. This process is called remodeling. But, as one’s age advances, the growth of new bone cells reduces, gradually leading to thinning of the bones and resulting in a condition called osteoporosis. This process occurs faster and more commonly in women after menopause. That is why postmenopausal osteoporosis needs a special mention.

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Fractures:

The effects of this condition vary between women, but the commonest effect is fractures due to a relatively minor trauma. They are common in the hip bone, the back and the wrist.

Loss of Mobility:

Even though the bones heal in around 4-6 months after a fracture, there is a considerable loss of mobility of the joints for which women need help from a physiotherapist to help regain mobility.

Spinal Curvature:

Even before a fracture occurs, women may develop some other complications like weakening of the vertebrae, due to which they brush on each other and later fuse together. As this happens, the spine becomes curved, resulting in height loss, inability to bend forward and back pain.

Since the outward signs of osteoporosis are not evident before the disease reaches its advanced stages, it’s important to take the following steps to prevent this problem.

  • Have adequate calcium in your diet
  • Take calcium supplements when required
  • Ensure you get adequate vitamin D
  • Exercise regularly

Besides this, women should undergo bone density scans regularly, especially after menopause, as this can help alert them about the first signs of the disease.

Osteoporosis medicines for postmenopausal women:

Postmenopausal women are usually advised by their doctors to start using Evista for ensuring that their bones do not become porous and prone to fractures. This medicine contains Raloxifene, which increases the bone density and helps women to achieve healthy and strong bones.

The commonly prescribed dosage of Evista is 60 mg, once everyday. However, it is best to ask a doctor about the dosage before women start using it.

If you are approaching menopause or have already crossed it, osteoporosis may be waiting to fracture your bones. The best way to get rid of this unwelcome change is to use Evista.

4 Fun Activities to Help Dementia Patients

Posted by on April 27, 2013 3 comments
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Dementia is a mental disorder that causes a decline in functioning of the brain and makes it difficult for an individual to comprehend, learn, remember and communicate. It affects the centers of a patient’s brain that deal with memory, attention, language and problem solving abilities. The diminishing abilities of the brain leave an individual helpless and unable to take care of him/her self.

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Activities That Can Help:

The first thing one should realize while dealing with dementia patients is that they are not disabled. They may be mentally slow, but they are not ill and they understand many things around them, and possibly much more than is realized. Hence, they need to be treated with a lot of love, respect and compassion. This is the first step towards helping them in the true sense.

Some of the activities that can help them recover are as follows:

  • Reminiscence: Allow them to flip through old family photographs and ask them about their experiences and what they remember doing in the photographs. But, don’t force them. If they feel like discussing it they will, or else just let them sit in silence while they absorb the memories from the photos from their past.
  • Help Them Enjoy What they Like: Almost all patients enjoy doing activities similar or related to what they have always enjoyed doing. For instance, if someone has always enjoyed cooking, it’s best to let them help you do odd jobs in the kitchen. This will actually thrill them and make them feel like they are being helpful and contributing to something.
  • Music Therapy: Whenever patients are feeling low, play their favorite music; as soothing music has proved helpful in calming down aggressive traits amongst patients with this disorder. It also helps lessen their fear of being abandoned or harmed. In case it is a peppy track and they enjoyed dancing, encourage them to dance.
  • Memory Games: Encourage them to play simple kiddy games like Carom, Crazy Eights, Monopoly, Chutes & Ladders, etc. Patients seem to be quite interested and interactive while playing these types of games.

Dealing with dementia patients takes a bit of effort and lots of patience to help them regain control over their lives. Doctors usually prescribe drugs like Namenda to treat this disorder. The combination of medicines like Namenda and proper care and stimulation will definitely help patients recover from this condition. Providing proper care for these individuals is very important as they need your help and are unable to express it.

8 Effective Tips for Dealing with Ulcerative Colitis

Posted by on April 17, 2013 3 comments
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Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disorder that affects the digestive tract. It is causes inflammation, redness and ulcers (sores) in the inner walls of the intestine, colon and rectum. The exact cause for this condition is not known yet. It was widely believed that excessive stress and wrong dietary habits were the causes, but this is not true. Researchers state that it is an autoimmune disease, caused due to a weak immune system.

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Symptoms:

  • Persistent diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Blood in feces
  • Recurring fever
  • Fatigue

Tips to Deal with the Condition:

  • Drink plenty of water and fluids as this helps prevent dehydration and proves beneficial in the smooth functioning of the digestive system.
  • Consume food rich in soluble fiber as it is easy to digest. Consume lean meat, fish, cereals, fresh fruits and vegetables that are peeled, oat bran, soy, eggs, etc.
  • Avoid raw carrots, onions, asparagus, zucchini, broccoli, cabbage, corn, mushrooms, dried fruits, high fat meat, fruits with seeds, beans, caffeine and carbonated beverages, and products containing sorbitol.
  • Avoiding or restricting the intake of sugar is considered very helpful. Many doctors advise patients to eliminate soft drinks, processed foods with high sugar content, desserts, chocolates, ice cream, etc. from their diet.
  • Instead of eating 2 0r 3 large meals a day, it is better to opt for smaller and more frequent meals.
  • Maintain a food diary to keep a record of foods that can spell trouble. Once identified, it becomes easier to know what to avoid. It’s best to consult a doctor for a list of safe foods, and foods that should be avoided.
  • Taking calcium, vitamin D, folic acid and essential omega-3 fatty acid supplements can prove beneficial. However, the actual usage recommendation must come from the physician. Never take any medicine or supplements without consulting the doctor.
  • Perhaps the most important point when dealing with any health disorder is taking your prescribed medication on time. Physicians often prescribe drugs like Asacol to treat ulcerative colitis. It is important to take your scheduled dosage of Asacol or any other medication on time to recover quickly.

A better understanding of ulcerative colitis, and the tips given above, will prove helpful in dealing with the disorder. Making these dietary changes, along with the treatment prescribed by the medical practitioner, will help you treat this disorder and live a happy and healthy life.

What is the Difference between Asthma and COPD?

Posted by on April 12, 2013 3 comments
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COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a lung disorder caused due to obstruction of the air passages. It does not refer to a single condition, but includes a group of lung diseases like emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Asthma is also a chronic respiratory disease and is characterized by difficulty in breathing. Since both of these are chronic disorders, the treatment aims at controlling the symptoms and reducing further damage.

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COPD Causes:

This condition is mainly caused due to long-term smoking, genetic factors and exposure to environmental irritants such as dust, pollen, chemicals, etc. Speaking of smoking, the chemicals in tobacco damage the lining of the airways in the lungs, thereby causing inflammation. People who are exposed to passive smoking are also equally vulnerable to developing this disorder.

Symptoms:

The symptoms of this condition worsen gradually and remain hidden until the lungs are damaged significantly. The occurrence of any symptoms indicates that the disease has already reached an advanced stage. The symptoms which do occur include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Cough
  • Chest Infection
  • Tightness in the chest

ASTHMA Causes:

Unlike COPD, the actual cause for asthma is not known yet. Doctor aren’t sure yet, but they assume that environmental factors and genetics have a major role in developing this disorder. Some factors that considered as triggers include:

  • Allergens like dust, pollen, mold, dust mites, etc.
  • Common colds and other respiratory infections.
  • Breathing in extremely cold air.
  • A family history.

Symptoms:

The symptoms of asthma may vary. Some patients may experience mild symptoms while other suffer with severe problems. The common symptoms may include:

  • Breathing difficulty
  • Wheezing
  • Cough
  • Chest tightness

Treatment:

One of the main challenges in treating both these respiratory disorders is diagnosing them at an early stage. There’s no cure for these conditions, but there are several effective drugs to help control the symptoms and prevent further damage. Since shortness of breath is the most common problem in both conditions, physicians usually prescribe the use of inhaler devices like Symbicort to help ease the breathing. Inhalers like Symbicort work by relaxing the muscles in the airways and help to ease breathing.

The main difference between both these disorders lies in the causes and the triggers for the conditions. Identifying the cause makes it easier to prevent and control the symptoms of these conditions. Hope this brief info has helped you understand both these conditions.

How to Stay Active Even with Osteoarthritis?

Posted by on April 12, 2013 3 comments
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There are some diseases that come suddenly, stay with you for a short period and then disappear putting your life back on a normal track…. and there are some that creep into your life slowly without making much noise and stick to you forever. Osteoarthritis falls in the latter category. But, there are some ways by which you can slow down the progress of this disease as given below:

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Osteoarthritis: An Overview

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disorder that occurs due to the breakdown of the cartilage because of biochemical alterations and mechanical stress that cause the underlying bone to fail.

Best Tips for Osteoarthritis:

  • Weight Loss and Exercise:

The higher the body weight, the more is the stress on the knee joints and the hips. That is why weight loss forms the prime measure for managing this disorder. Exercises can also be beneficial as they help improve muscle strength, decrease joint pains and thereby reduce the chance of disability.

  • Heat and Cold:

Using hot packs and taking a warm showers are great ways to reduce pain and stiffness. But, do not forget to use a protective barrier, such as a towel, between the skin and the pack.

  • Heat helps to:
    • Relieve pain
    • Relieve muscle tightness
    • Enhance range of motion

Using a homemade cold pack (from ice cubes or crushed ice) can also be helpful.

  • Cold helps to:
    • Reduce swelling
    • Reduce pain
    • Reduce inflammation in the joint by constricting blood vessels
  • Protecting your joints:
    • Pacing by alternating heavy tasks with lighter ones
    • Positioning the joints to promote proper alignment
    • Using a reacher to pick up items from the ground
    • Taking the help of assistive devices, such as a walking cane or braces
  • Medicines that Can Help:

Celebrex has been found to be highly effective for reducing pain associated with this disease. This medicine contains Celecoxib. It reduces the production of prostaglandins in the body, thereby relieving the pain.

Patients are usually advised to use Celebrex in a dose of 100-200 mg once or twice daily. Before you start using this drug, ask your doctor about the dose suitable for you.

There is no proven treatment that can reverse joint damage caused by OA. But, with proper joint care and drugs like Celebrex, patients can live with comfort.

9 Simple Tips to Prevent Bacterial Stomach Infections

Posted by on March 23, 2013 3 comments
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Infection of the stomach and intestines is called gastroenteritis. Mostly caused by viruses and bacteria, such infections infect the lining in the stomach and/or intestines. The most common bacteria that are responsible for causing such infections include Campylobacter jejuni, Salmonella, E. Coli and Helicobacter pylori, which are present in contaminated water and food.

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Symptoms:

  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Mucus or blood in stools
  • Loss of appetite
  • Mild fever

Prevention Measures:

  • Ensure that you wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, particularly before eating.
  • Avoid consuming undercooked meat or seafood. Meat should be washed thoroughly before cooking and then cooked well to avoid the risk of infection after consumption.
  • Avoid eating food that has been prepared in unhygienic conditions or has been sitting out in the open for a long time.
  • Thoroughly wash fruits, vegetables and sprouts which have been kept in the open for a while.
  • Keep your cutting board clean, and keep separate cutting boards for chopping meat and vegetables to prevent cross-contamination.
  • Drink plenty of water each day to stay well hydrated. However, ensure that the water is clean and filtered.
  • Avoid consuming food that is spicy and rich in sugar and saturated fats, as this can aggravate diarrhea.
  • Instead try having bland food for a while.
  • Avoid milk and other dairy products, tea, coffee, sodas and other aerated drinks as they could aggravate the condition.
  • Consult a physician right away, if you notice any symptoms.

Treatment:

Most symptoms of stomach infections usually resolve on their own, within a couple of days. However, it is best to see a physician as soon as you notice the symptoms to avoid further complications. The diarrhea and vomiting caused by the condition leads to fluid loss and this in turn leads to dehydration. Doctors recommend drinking lots of water and also prescribe oral rehydration medication to replenish the lost fluids.

For severe infections, doctors may prescribe the use of antibiotic drugs like Avelox to fight the infection-causing bacteria in the body. This is an effective drug which belongs to the group of medicines called fluoroquinolones and is used for treating a variety of bacterial infections. However, Avelox is a prescription drug and should only be used after consulting a physician.

Although bacterial infections are common, they can be treated and prevented easily. When used in combination with the treatment prescribed by a doctor, these self-care measures will prove helpful in treating stomach infections and preventing them from recurring. Prevention is always better than cure, and helps one lead a healthy and happy life.

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