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71

Headache / 7 common causes of early morning headache

« Last post by Shahjalal Prodhania on December 14, 2020, 02:58:14 PM »

7 common causes of early morning headache

Many people wake up in the morning with a headache. There are various reasons for this, and treatment will depend on the cause and the type of headache.

Some headache types are more common in the morning, such as migraine headaches.

One rare type, called the hypnic headache, tends to wake people between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. The pain usually lasts 30–60 minutes, and then the person can go back to sleep.

Often, treating the underlying cause will help prevent an early morning headache.

In this article, learn about seven common causes of early morning headaches, how to manage them, and when to seek help.

1. Sleep apnea

People with sleep apnea often experience morning headaches.

With sleep apnea, a person’s breathing can pause or become shallow while they are asleep.

They may also:

• snore loudly
• make snorting or gasping sounds while sleeping
• wake frequently
• feel sleepy in the daytime
• experience mood changes

Treatment

Many people with sleep apnea do not need treatment. If the symptoms are severe, however, a doctor may recommend continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).

The person will wear a mask that is attached to a pumping device while they sleep. The machine pumps air into the mask, and this helps keep the airways open.

A 2009 study found that 90% of people with sleep apnea stopped having morning headaches when they used nasal CPAP.

Sleep apnea can sometimes be a symptom of another condition, such as heart disease or high blood pressure. If a person sees a doctor about sleep apnea, the doctor may also test for these and other conditions.

2. Sleep disturbances

According to the American Migraine Foundation, sleeping too much or too little can contribute to morning headaches.

Sleep problems and headaches have an interdependent relationship. Poor sleep can lead to morning headaches, while conditions such as migraine, hypnic headaches, and cluster headaches can cause sleep disturbances.

Experts recommend that adults get 7–9 hours of sleep each night.

Tips for better sleep

Here are some tips for improving sleep:

• Establish a regular sleep routine, which involves going to bed and getting up at the same time every day, even on days off.
• Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol close to bedtime, as these can interrupt regular sleep.
• Avoid screen time and other activities that stimulate the brain before bedtime.
• Practice calming activities, such as meditation, before going to bed.
• Keep a record of activities that help promote sleep and those that make falling asleep harder.
• Create a dark, quiet, and comfortable space for sleeping.
• Take a relaxing bath to wind down before bedtime.
• Follow a regular exercise routine.
• Avoid large meals close to bedtime.

3. Depression and anxiety
Insomnia is a common symptom of depression and anxiety. Both of these increase the risk of experiencing early morning headaches.

In 2004, scientists surveyed nearly 19,000 people to learn more about chronic morning headaches. They found a strong link between morning headaches and anxiety and depression.

Mood disorders and chronic headaches can affect a person’s quality of life and overall well-being. Seeking medical help for anxiety, depression, and headaches may help resolve this problem.

Treatment

Treatment is available for people who have anxiety and depression, difficulty sleeping, and frequent early morning headaches.

A doctor may prescribe antidepressant medication.

Some other options include:

• seeing a sleep specialist
• attending cognitive behavior therapy sessions
• learning relaxation techniques
• getting regular exercise

4. Alcohol and drugs
The same 2004 study also identified a link between headaches and the use of alcohol and drugs.

People who consumed more than 6 servings of alcohol per day had more frequent early morning headaches than those who drank 1–2 servings of alcohol per day.

People who took certain drugs for depression, anxiety, or insomnia — such as Xanax, Valium, or Zyprexa — reported a 7.6% to 17.5% higher rate of early morning headaches.


5. Bruxism

Bruxism is a tension-related disorder that can cause a person to grind or clench their teeth, either in their sleep or while they are awake. They may not realize that they are doing it.

Sleep bruxism is a specific type of sleep-related movement disorder. People who grind their teeth in their sleep may also snore and have a higher risk of sleep apnea.

Alongside teeth grinding, there may also be:

• unexplained flattened, chipped, or fractured teeth
• tenderness or pain in the jaw or face
• fatigued jaw muscles
• difficulty opening and closing the jaw completely
• unexplained ear pain
• tooth sensitivity and pain
• unexplained damage to the inside of the cheek
• a dull headache coming from around the temple area
• sleep pattern disruption
• frequent early morning headaches

Treatment options for bruxism include:

• using a mouthguard at night
• seeking treatment for anxiety and stress
• establishing good sleeping habits
• limiting or avoiding the use of tobacco, alcohol, and recreational drugs

Some researchers have looked at drug treatments and botulinum toxin (Botox) injections for bruxism, but there is not enough evidence yet to prove that these work.

If bruxism stems from a neurological condition, a doctor may offer bruxism treatment that is specific to the condition.

6. Migraine
Migraine is a common cause of early morning headaches. If a person wakes up with a pulsating or throbbing headache and nausea or vomiting, this may indicate a migraine episode.

One 2008 study looked at the link between sleep problems and headaches in 1,800 young people, aged 12–19.

The group with migraine woke up more often during the night than those with tension-type headaches or no headache. Only 32% said that they felt well rested after sleeping.

According to the American Migraine Foundation, people with migraine are between two and eight times more likely to experience sleep problems than those without. Sleep problems also contribute to morning headaches.

7. Brain tumor and other health problems
Other health conditions may exert pressure on pain-sensitive nerve endings, resulting in a secondary headache.

Conditions that can trigger secondary headaches include:

• brain tumor
• trauma
• high blood pressure
• stroke
• cerebral venous thrombosis

Anyone who experiences a new, severe, persistent, or worsening headache should see a doctor. They may wish to rule out a serious condition.

Learn about the early symptoms of a brain tumor here.

When to see a doctor
Not everyone with early morning headaches will need to see a doctor, but it may be a good idea to do so if:

• two or more headaches occur in a week
• there are new, recurring headaches, particularly in those over age 50
• there is a sudden or severe headache accompanied by a stiff neck
• a headache occurs after a head injury
• there is a headache accompanied by fever, nausea, or vomiting that is not explained by another disorder
• there is a headache with confusion, weakness, double vision, or loss of consciousness
• a headache suddenly changes in pattern or severity
• there are chronic headaches in children
• there is a headache accompanying weakness or loss of sensation in any body part
• there is a headache with seizures or shortness of breath
• there are frequent headaches in someone with a history of HIV or cancer

Summary
Morning headaches are common, and there are several possible causes. These include sleep issues, anxiety, and migraine.

Anyone who experiences frequent or severe morning headaches should consider speaking to a doctor. Treating the underlying cause may help prevent the headaches.

source: Medical News Today

72

Rheumatology / Vitamin D Deficiency

« Last post by rezoun on December 10, 2020, 03:55:49 PM »

If you shun the sun, suffer from milk allergies, or adhere to a strict vegan diet, you may be at risk for vitamin D deficiency. Known as the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D is produced by the body in response to skin being exposed to sunlight. It is also occurs naturally in a few foods -- including some fish, fish liver oils, and egg yolks -- and in fortified dairy and grain products.

Vitamin D is essential for strong bones, because it helps the body use calcium from the diet. Traditionally, vitamin D deficiency has been associated with rickets, a disease in which the bone tissue doesn't properly mineralize, leading to soft bones and skeletal deformities. But increasingly, research is revealing the importance of vitamin D in protecting against a host of health problems.

Symptoms and Health Risks of Vitamin D Deficiency
Symptoms of bone pain and muscle weakness can mean you have a vitamin D deficiency. However, for many people, the symptoms are subtle. Yet, even without symptoms, too little vitamin D can pose health risks. Low blood levels of the vitamin have been associated with the following:
•   Increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease
•   Cognitive impairment in older adults
•   Severe asthma in children
•   Cancer

Research suggests that vitamin D could play a role in the prevention and treatment of a number of different conditions, including type1 and type 2 diabetes, hypertension, glucose intolerance, and multiple sclerosis.

Causes of Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency can occur for a number of reasons:

You don't consume the recommended levels of the vitamin over time. This is likely if you follow a strict vegan diet, because most of the natural sources are animal-based, including fish and fish oils, egg yolks, fortified milk, and beef liver.

Your exposure to sunlight is limited. Because the body makes vitamin D when your skin is exposed to sunlight, you may be at risk of deficiency if you are homebound, live in northern latitudes, wear long robes or head coverings for religious reasons, or have an occupation that prevents sun exposure.

You have dark skin. The pigment melanin reduces the skin's ability to make vitamin D in response to sunlight exposure. Some studies show that older adults with darker skin are at high risk of vitamin D deficiency.

Your kidneys cannot convert vitamin D to its active form. As people age, their kidneys are less able to convert vitamin D to its active form, thus increasing their risk of vitamin D deficiency.

Your digestive tract cannot adequately absorb vitamin D. Certain medical problems, including Crohn's disease, cystic fibrosis, and celiac disease, can affect your intestine's ability to absorb vitamin D from the food you eat.

You are obese. Vitamin D is extracted from the blood by fat cells, altering its release into the circulation. People with a body mass index of 30 or greater often have low blood levels of vitamin D.

Treatment for Vitamin D Deficiency
Treatment for vitamin D deficiency involves getting more vitamin D -- through diet and supplements. If you don't spend much time in the sun or always are careful to cover your skin (sunscreen inhibits vitamin D production), you should speak to your doctor about taking a vitamin D supplement, particularly if you have risk factors for vitamin D deficiency.

Source WebMD

73

Hypertension / Hypertensive Heart Disease ?

« Last post by Shahjalal Prodhania on December 10, 2020, 11:09:46 AM »

What is hypertensive heart disease?

Hypertensive heart disease refers to heart conditions caused by high blood pressure.

The heart working under increased pressure causes some different heart disorders. Hypertensive heart disease includes heart failure, thickening of the heart muscle, coronary artery disease, and other conditions.

Hypertensive heart disease can cause serious health problems. It’s the leading cause of death from high blood pressure.

Types of hypertensive heart disease

n general, the heart problems associated with high blood pressure relate to the heart’s arteries and muscles. The types of hypertensive heart disease include:

Narrowing of the arteries
Coronary arteries transport blood to your heart muscle. When high blood pressure causes the blood vessels to become narrow, blood flow to the heart can slow or stop. This condition is known as coronary heart disease (CHD), also called coronary artery disease.

CHD makes it difficult for your heart to function and supply the rest of your organs with blood. It can put you at risk for heart attack from a blood clot that gets stuck in one of the narrowed arteries and cuts off blood flow to your heart.

Thickening and enlargement of the heart

igh blood pressure makes it difficult for your heart to pump blood. Like other muscles in your body, regular hard work causes your heart muscles to thicken and grow. This alters the way the heart functions. These changes usually happen in the main pumping chamber of the heart, the left ventricle. The condition is known as left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH).

CHD can cause LVH and vice versa. When you have CHD, your heart must work harder. If LVH enlarges your heart, it can compress the coronary arteries.

Complications

Both CHD and LVH can lead to:

1. heart failure: your heart is unable to pump enough blood to the rest of your body

2. arrhythmia: your heart beats abnormally

3. ischemic heart disease: your heart doesn’t get enough oxygen

4. heart attack: blood flow to the heart is interrupted and the heart muscle dies from lack of oxygen

5. sudden cardiac arrest: your heart suddenly stops working, you stop breathing, and you lose consciousness

6. stroke and sudden death

Who is at risk for hypertensive heart disease?

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Over 610,000Trusted Source Americans die from heart disease every year.

The main risk factor for hypertensive heart disease is high blood pressure. Your risk increases if:

1. you’re overweight

2. you don’t exercise enough

3. you smoke

4. you eat food high in fat and cholesterol


You’re more prone to heart disease if it runs in your family. Men are more likely to get heart disease than women who have not gone through menopause. Men and postmenopausal women are equally at risk. Your risk for heart disease will increase as you age, regardless of your sex.

Identifying the symptoms of hypertensive heart disease

Symptoms vary depending on the severity of the condition and progression of the disease. You may experience no symptoms, or your symptoms may include:

• chest pain (angina)
• tightness or pressure in the chest
• shortness of breath
• fatigue
• pain in the neck, back, arms, or shoulders
• persistent cough
• loss of appetite
• leg or ankle swelling

You need emergency care if your heart is suddenly beating rapidly or irregularly. Seek emergency care immediately or call 911 if you faint or have severe pain in your chest.

Regular physical exams will indicate whether you suffer from high blood pressure. If you do have high blood pressure, take extra care to look out for symptoms of heart disease.

Testing and diagnosis: When to see the doctor
Your doctor will review your medical history, conduct a physical exam, and run lab tests to check your kidneys, sodium, potassium, and blood count.

One or more of the following tests may be used to help determine the cause of your symptoms:

1. Electrocardiogram monitors and records your heart’s electrical activity. Your doctor will attach patches to your chest, legs, and arms. The results will be visible on a screen, and your doctor will interpret them.

2. Echocardiogram takes a detailed picture of your heart using ultrasound.

3. Coronary angiography examines the flow of blood through your coronary arteries. A thin tube called a catheter is inserted through your groin or an artery in your arm and up into the heart.

4. Exercise stress test looks at how exercise affects your heart. You may be asked to pedal an exercise bike or walk on a treadmill.

5. Nuclear stress test examines the flow of blood into the heart. The test is usually conducted while you’re resting and exercising.

Treating hypertensive heart disease
Treatment for hypertensive heart disease depends on the seriousness of your illness, your age, and your medical history.

Medication

Medications help your heart in a variety of ways. The main goals are to prevent your blood from clotting, improve the flow of your blood, and lower your cholesterol.

Examples of common heart disease medications include:

1. water pills to help lower blood pressure

2. nitrates to treat chest pain

3. statins to treat high cholesterol

4. calcium channel blockers and ACE inhibitors to help lower blood pressure

5. aspirin to prevent blood clots

It’s important to always take all medications exactly as prescribed.

Surgeries and devices
In more extreme cases, you may need surgery to increase blood flow to your heart. If you need help regulating your heart’s rate or rhythm, your doctor may surgically implant a battery-operated device called a pacemaker in your chest. A pacemaker produces electrical stimulation that causes cardiac muscle to contract. Implantation of a pacemaker is important and beneficial when cardiac muscle electrical activity is too slow or absent.

Cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are implantable devices that can be used to treat serious, life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.

Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) treats blocked coronary arteries. This is only done in severe CHD. A heart transplant or other heart-assisting devices may be necessary if your condition is especially severe.

Long-term outlook
Recovering from hypertensive heart disease depends on the exact condition and its intensity. Lifestyle changes can help keep the condition from getting worse in some cases. In severe cases, medications and surgery may not be effective in controlling the disease.

Preventing hypertensive heart disease
Monitoring and preventing your blood pressure from getting too high is one of the most important ways to prevent hypertensive heart disease. Lowering your blood pressure and cholesterol by eating a healthy diet and monitoring stress levels are possibly the best ways to prevent heart problems.

Maintaining a healthy weight, getting adequate sleep, and exercising regularly are common lifestyle recommendations. Talk to your doctor about ways to improve your overall health.

Source: Healthline

74

Natural Medicine / ফিটকিরির এত উপকারিতা!

« Last post by abeerhr on December 10, 2020, 11:00:02 AM »

ফিটকিরির এত উপকারিতা!

পানি পরিশ্রুত করার জন্য ব্যবহার করা হয় ফিটকিরি। তবে কেবল এই কাজ নয়, ত্বকের নানা সমস্যার সমাধানও রয়েছে এতে। নিয়মিত ফিটকিরি ব্যবহারের মাধ্যমে আপনি পেতে পারেন ব্রণমুক্ত লাবণ্যময় চেহারা। কীভাবে? চলুন জেনে নেওয়া যাক-

ব্রণ সমস্যার সমাধান-
মুখে ব্রণের সমস্যায় কত কী না করেছেন? কিন্তু মুক্তি আর মিলছেই না। এবার থেকে নিয়মিত ব্রণের ওপর খানিকটা ভেজা ফিটকিরি ঘষে নিন। ব্রণের কারণে হওয়া ব্যথা তো কমবেই, ব্রণও পালাবে চটজলদি।

দূর হবে ট্যান-
মুখের ট্যান বা রোদে পোড়া ভাব দূর করতে প্রতি মাসে পার্লারে যাচ্ছেন? বাড়িতে ফিটকিরি থাকতে বাড়তি খরচ কেন করছেন? এক চামচ মুলতানি মাটি, দু’চামচ ডিমের সাদা অংশ আর এক চামচ ফিটকিরি গুঁড়ো মিশিয়ে প্যাক তৈরি করুন। এবার এই প্যাকটি মুখে লাগিয়ে ১৫ মিনিট অপেক্ষা করুন। এরপর ভালো করে ধুয়ে ফেলুন। সপ্তাহে তিনদিন এই প্যাক মুখে লাগালে ট্যান আর থাকবে না।

আর রবে না মুখের দুর্গন্ধ-
কথা বলতে গেলে যদি মুখ থেকে দুর্গন্ধ বের হয়, তবে কতই না বিব্রতকর পরিস্থিতিতে পড়তে হয়। মূলত, দাঁতের ফাঁকে ব্যাকটেরিয়া জমার কারণেই এই দুর্গন্ধের সৃষ্টি হয়। এক্ষেত্রে ফিটকিরি হতে পারে আপনার উপকারী বন্ধু। এক গ্লাস হালকা গরম পানিতে লবণ আর ফিটকিরি মেশান। এবার এই পানি দিয়ে প্রতিদিন সকালে আর ঘুমাতে যাওয়ার আগে কুলকুচি করুন। দুর্গন্ধ দূর হবে।

মুখের ঘা সারাতে-
ভিটামিন সি এর অভাবে মুখের ভেতর ঘা হয়। বিশেষ করে শীতকালে এ ঘায়ের পরিমাণ বেড়ে যায়। এক্ষেত্রে ঘা হওয়া স্থানে ফিটকিরি লাগান। একটু জ্বালা করলেও এতে ঘা তাড়াতাড়ি শুকিয়ে যাবে। তবে ফিটকিরি লাগিয়ে মুখের লালা গিলে ফেলবেন না যেন।

বলিরেখা কুপোকাত-
বয়স বাড়ছে। ত্বকের বলিরেখাগুলো তেমন কিছুরই জানান দিচ্ছে। মুখে ভেজা ফিটকিরি ঘষে ঠান্ডা পানি দিয়ে ধুয়ে ফেলুন। এরপর লাগিয়ে নিন ময়েশ্চারাইজার। বলিরেখা আর থাকবে না।

দেখলেন তো কত উপকারী এই ফিটকারি। তবে আর দেরি কেন? ফিটকিরি হাতে নেমে পড়ুন রূপচর্চায়।

75

Headache / 10 Causes of Headache and Fever and What to Do?

« Last post by Shahjalal Prodhania on December 09, 2020, 05:20:24 PM »

10 Causes of Headache and Fever and What to Do?

Headache and fever are common symptoms of several kinds of illnesses. Mild types like the seasonal flu virus and allergies can cause these symptoms. Sometimes getting a fever can give you a headache.

Headache pain and fever are common in both adults and children. In some cases, they may signal that your body is fighting a more serious infection or illness. Read on for the different causes of a headache and fever.

Fever and headache pain

A fever is a rise in your body temperature. This can happen when your body is fighting an infection. Viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites can cause infections.

Other illnesses and inflammation can also trigger a fever. You might have a fever if your body temperature is higher than 98.6°F (37°C). A fever can lead to changes in your body that may lead to a headache.

Causes

1. Allergies
If you’re allergic to pollen, dust, animal dander or other triggers, you may get a headache. Two kinds of headache pain are linked to allergies: migraine attacks and sinus headaches.

Allergies may cause headaches due to nasal or sinus congestion. This happens when an allergic reaction makes the passageways inside and around your nose and mouth inflamed and swollen.

Allergy headache symptoms may include:

• pain and pressure around your sinuses and eyes
• throbbing pain on one side of your head

Allergies don’t typically cause a fever. However, they can make you more likely to get a viral or bacterial infection. This can lead to a fever and more headache pain.

2. Colds and flu
Colds and the flu are caused by viruses. A viral infection may give you a fever and cause headaches. Getting the flu or catching a cold can also make migraine attacks and cluster headaches worse.

Cold and flu viruses may cause inflammation, swelling, and liquid to build up in your nose and sinuses. This leads to headache pain. You may also have other cold and flu symptoms, such as:

• runny nose
• sore throat
• chills
• fatigue
• nausea
• vomiting
• loss of appetite
• sore eyes
• sensitivity to sound or light

3. Bacterial infections
Some kinds of bacteria can cause infections in your lungs, airways, sinuses around your nose, kidneys, urinary tract and other areas.

Bacterial infections can also happen through a wound or a cavity in your tooth. Some bacterial infections can spread throughout the body. This may be life-threatening and requires urgent treatment.

Symptoms of a bacterial infection depend on what area of the body it’s in. Common symptoms include fever and headaches. Symptoms of a bacterial infection in the lungs also include:

• coughing
• phlegm production
• shortness of breath
• chills and shaking
• chest pain
• fatigue
• sweating
• muscle pain

4. Ear infection
Ear infections may be caused by a bacterial or viral infection. They’re more common in children than in teens and adults.

They can cause a buildup of liquid inside the middle ear. This causes pressure and pain in and around the ear.

Ear infections can cause headaches and fever. See your doctor if you or your child has an ear infection. Some cases can cause lasting damage to the ears. Symptoms include:

• ear pain
• fever of 100°F (37.8°C) or higher
• loss of appetite
• irritability
• loss of balance
• difficulty sleeping

5. Meningitis
Fever and headache pain are among the first symptoms of meningitis. This serious illness happens when an infection attacks the lining around the brain and spinal cord. A meningitis infection is usually caused by a virus, though bacterial and fungal infections can also be the cause.

Meningitis can happen to both children and adults. It can be life-threatening and requires urgent medical treatment. Look for these symptoms of meningitis:

• high fever
• severe headache
• stiff neck
• nausea
• vomiting
• sleepiness
• sensitivity to light
• listlessness
• difficulty waking up
• lack of appetite and thirst
• skin rash
• seizure

6. Heatstroke
Heatstroke is also called sunstroke. Heatstroke happens when your body overheats. This can happen if you’re in a very warm place for too long. Exercising too much at a time in hot weather can also cause lead to heatstroke.

A heatstroke is an emergency condition. If not treated, it can lead to damage of the:

• brain
• heart
• kidney
• muscle

A fever of 104°F (40°C) or higher is the main symptom of heatstroke. You may also have a throbbing headache. Other symptoms of heatstroke include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• flushed skin
• hot, dry or moist skin
• rapid, shallow breathing
• racing heart rate
• confusion
• slurred speech
• delirium
• seizures
• fainting

7. Rheumatoid arthritis


Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other kinds of inflammatory conditions may trigger fevers and headache pain. This kind of arthritis happens when your body mistakenly attacks your joints and other tissues.

About 40 percent of people with RA also have pain and other symptoms in areas such as the:

• eyes
• lungs
• heart
• kidneys
• nerves
• blood vessels

If you have RA, you may have a higher risk of infections. Some medications to treat RA and other autoimmune diseases can also raise your risk. This is because they work by slowing down immune system activity.

Infections, medications, and stress due to RA may indirectly cause fever and headaches. Other symptoms of RA include:

• stiffness
• pain
• joint swelling
• warm, tender joints
• fatigue
• loss of appetite

8. Medications

Certain medications can cause fever and headache pain. These include:

• antibiotics
• blood pressure–reducing drugs
• seizure medications

Taking too much pain-relieving medication, or taking it too often, can also cause headaches and other symptoms. These include migraine medications, opioids, and over-the-counter pain relief medications.

If you have a headache from medication overuse, you may also have:

• nausea
• restlessness
• irritability
• difficulty concentrating
• memory problems

9. Vaccinations

Fever and headache pain may happen after getting a vaccine. Most vaccines may cause a slight fever within 24 hours, and last one to two days. Some immunizations can cause a delayed reaction.

The MMR and chickenpox vaccines can cause a fever one to four weeks after getting it. You may get a fever and headache because your body is reacting to the vaccine as it builds immunity against disease. Other symptoms include:

• rash
• fatigue
• nausea
• vomiting
• loss of appetite

10. Cancer
Cancer and other serious illnesses can cause fever and headache pain. The American Cancer Society notes that it’s common for people with any type of cancer to have fevers. This is sometimes a sign that you also have an infection.

In other cases, changes in the body due to illness or a tumor can trigger a fever. Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy can also cause fever and headaches.

Other side effects include nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. This can cause dehydration and involve eating too little. These effects may also trigger fever and headache pain.

Treatment
Treatment for headaches and fever depends on the cause. Bacterial infections may require antibiotics. Colds and flu viruses usually don’t require treatment and go away on their own.

Your doctor may recommend rest and over-the-counter medications for symptoms of colds, flu, other infections, and allergies. These include:

• pain relievers
• cough suppressants
• decongestants
• antihistamines
• saline or corticosteroid nasal sprays

In some cases, your doctor may prescribe:

• allergy shots
• antifungal medications
• antiviral medications
• migraine medication

Home remedies
At-home treatments may help relieve cold, flu, and allergy symptoms. These can help soothe headaches and reduce fevers.

• get plenty of rest
• drink warm drinks and plenty of fluids to thin mucus
• apply a cool, damp cloth to your eyes, face, and neck
• steam inhalation
• sit in a warm bath
• have a cool sponge bath
• drink warm broth or chicken soup
• eat frozen yogurt or a popsicle
• essential oils like eucalyptus and tea tree oil
• apply peppermint oil to your temples

Considerations for kids

Check with your child’s pediatrician before using essential oils. Some essential oils aren’t safe for children. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, also check with your doctor before trying essential oils and other natural remedies.

Prevention
Help prevent infections and allergies to reduce headaches and fevers. Some tips for yourself and your child include:

• avoiding allergens that trigger allergic reactions
• lining your nostrils with a very thin layer of petroleum jelly to help block allergens
• washing your face several times a day
• rinsing your mouth and nostrils
• applying a warm or cool, damp washcloth to your face several times a day
• teaching your child to avoid sharing bottles and drinks with other children
• teaching children how to correctly wash their hands
• washing toys and other items with warm soapy water, especially if your child has been ill
• getting a flu shot

]


When to see a doctor

In some cases, you may need treatment if you have a fever, headaches, or other symptoms. Get medical attention if you have:

• a temperature of 103°F (39.4°C) or higher
• a severe headache
• skin rash
• stiff neck or neck pain
• difficulty breathing
• abdominal pain
• pain when urinating
• mental fogginess or confusion
• frequent vomiting
• seizures or fainting

If your child has a fever and headache pain after receiving vaccinations, the Seattle Children’s Hospital advises that you should get urgent medical help if they:

• are less than 12 weeks old
• have a stiff neck
• aren’t moving their neck normally
• are crying for more than three hours
• have high-pitched crying for more than one hour
• aren’t crying or responding to you

Take your child to their pediatrician if:

• a fever lasts for more than three days
• redness around an immunization injection site is larger than three inches
• redness or red streaks on the skin happen more than two days after getting an immunization
• they’re touching or pulling at their ear
• they get blisters or lumps anywhere

The bottom line
Headaches and fever are caused by a range of illnesses. These include common and mild infections. Most of these illnesses get better on their own. Viral infections like a cold or flu can’t be cured with antibiotics.

In some cases, a headache and fever may be a sign of more serious illness. See your doctor if your headaches are more severe or feel different than they normally do. Also get medical help if your fever is higher than 103°F (39.4°C) or doesn’t improve with medication therapy.

Look for signs of serious infections like meningitis in children. Bacterial infections may need antibiotic treatment. Leaving them untreated can lead to life-threatening complications.

Source:Healthline

76

Food & Nutrition / 8 High Protein Nuts to Add to Your Diet

« Last post by rezoun on December 09, 2020, 05:00:30 PM »

Source: Healthline

Nuts make a delicious, protein-rich snack or addition to meals.  They’re versatile, easy to eat on the go, and a good source of plant-based protein, especially for those who eat few or no animal products. Eating nuts can help you meet your needs for protein, which is necessary for building bones, muscles, and skin. Protein also increases feelings of fullness, helping you stay satisfied and energized. While all nuts contain protein, some provide more than others. This article reviews 8 nuts that are high in protein.

1. Almonds
Protein: 7 grams per 1/4-cup (35-gram) serving of almonds
Almonds are actually a seed. However, people often group them with nuts and consider them to be a high protein option.  In addition to being high in protein, almonds are loaded with antioxidants. These plant compounds protect the body from free-radical-induced oxidative stress, which can lead to aging, heart disease, and some cancers. The brown layer of skin surrounding almonds contains the highest concentration of antioxidants, so it’s best to eat almonds with the skin for the most benefits. To make a balanced snack with almonds, pair them with a piece of fruit. Almonds provide 7 grams of protein per 1/4-cup (35-gram) serving. They’re also packed with antioxidant compounds that can help protect your cells from damage.

2. Walnuts
Protein: 4.5 grams per 1/4-cup (29-gram) serving of chopped walnuts
Eating walnuts is a delicious way to boost your protein intake. Walnuts are also a source of heart-healthy fats. Specifically, they contain more omega-3 fatty acids, in the form of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), than any other nut. Some observational studies have linked ALA intake to a lower risk of heart disease. With their fatty texture and mouthfeel, walnuts are a good addition to ground meats and can further increase the protein content of meat-based dishes. Walnuts contain 4.5 grams of protein per 1/4 cup (29 grams). Adding walnuts to your diet is a good way to boost your intake of protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

3. Pistachios
Protein: 6 grams per 1/4-cup (30-gram) serving of pistachios
A serving of pistachios provides as much protein as one egg. These nuts have a higher ratio of essential amino acids relative to their protein content, compared with most other nuts.Essential amino acids are those that need to be obtained through the diet so that the body can use them to build proteins that are necessary for important functions. For a fun way to eat pistachios, try blending them into a nut butter to eat on toast, apples, or crackers. With 6 grams of protein per 1/4 cup (30 grams), pistachios contain as much protein as an egg per serving, plus a high amount of essential amino acids.

4. Cashews
Protein: 5 grams per 1/4 cup (32 grams) of cashews
Cashews are technically seeds. They’re not only high in protein but also contain several important vitamins and minerals. A 1/4-cup (32-gram) serving provides about 80% of the Daily Value (DV) for copper. Copper is a mineral that supports immunity and aids the creation of red blood cells and connective tissue. Studies have also found a link between low copper intake and an increased risk of osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weak and brittle bones.  Thus, getting more copper in your diet by eating cashews may be one way to help protect against this condition. To enjoy more cashews in your diet, eat them as part of a balanced snack on top of plain yogurt with fruit. Cashews contain 5 grams of protein per 1/4-cup (32-gram) serving. Along with protein, cashews contain essential micronutrients like copper.

5. Pine nuts
Protein: 4.5 grams per 1/4 cup (34 grams) of pine nuts
Pine nuts are the seeds of certain varieties of pine cones. They’re prized for their mild, sweet taste and buttery texture, which comes from their high fat content. In addition to providing 4 grams of protein, a 1/4-cup (34-gram) serving of pine nuts has 23 grams of fat.  The fat in pine nuts mostly comes from unsaturated fats, which may help reduce risk factors for heart disease. One of the fatty acids in pine nuts may also exhibit anti-inflammatory effects and help prevent cancer from spreading. Toasted pine nuts are a delicious way to add some extra protein to salads, grain bowls, or vegetables. To toast pine nuts at home, cook them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant.  Sweet, buttery pine nuts have more than just a delicious taste. They also provide 4.5 grams of protein per 1/4-cup (34-gram) serving, as well as healthy fats.

6. Brazil nuts
Protein: 4.75 grams per 1/4 cup (33 grams) serving
Brazil nuts come from the seeds of a rainforest tree and are easy to spot in a bag of mixed nuts, as they’re usually the biggest ones.  Along with protein, they provide healthy fats, fiber, and an assortment of micronutrients. What’s more, Brazil nuts are one of the best food sources of selenium, an essential mineral that supports thyroid health and protects the body from infection. Just one Brazil nut (5 grams) has almost 175% of the DV for selenium. Try mixing Brazil nuts with other nuts and seeds, dried mango, and dark chocolate chunks for a protein-rich trail mix. Brazil nuts contain 4.75 grams of protein per 1/4-cup (33-gram) serving. Eating Brazil nuts is an excellent way to add more protein to your diet and meet your daily needs for selenium.

7. Peanuts
Protein: 9.5 grams per 1/4-cup (37-gram) serving
Peanuts are a legume but considered a nut from a nutritional and culinary standpoint.  Like most legumes, they provide a lot of plant-based protein. In fact, peanuts have the highest protein content out of all commonly consumed nuts. Peanuts are also one of the best food sources of biotin, a vitamin that helps convert food into usable energy in the body. For a balanced snack that provides protein, fats, and carbs, combine peanut butter and bananas on their own, or assemble them on top of toast. With 9.5 grams of protein per 1/4 cup (37 grams), peanuts beat out all other nuts on the list in terms of protein content. They likewise provide a healthy dose of biotin and other nutrients.

8. Hazelnuts
Protein: 5 grams per 1/4-cup (34-gram) serving
Hazelnuts have a slightly sweet, buttery, and toasted flavor, making them a particularly delicious source of protein. Studies have also found that adding hazelnuts to your diet may help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol and increase HDL (good) cholesterol, thereby lowering the risk of heart disease. For a high protein snack, make some homemade “Nutella” spread. Blend 1 cup (135 grams) of hazelnuts with 2 scoops (60 grams) of chocolate protein powder, 1 tablespoon (6 grams) of cocoa powder, and two tablespoons (30 mL) of maple syrup. Hazelnuts contain 5 grams of protein per 1/4-cup (34-gram) serving. In addition to boosting protein intake, consuming more hazelnuts may help improve heart health and lower the risk of heart disease.

The bottom line
Nuts are a healthy source of plant-based protein. They make a convenient snack, and you can add them to many dishes to boost their protein content. The nuts on this list are all good sources of protein, with peanuts providing the most protein per serving.  If you cannot eat peanuts or want to try some different protein-rich nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, and Brazil nuts are a few interesting options.

Source : www.healthline.com

77

Respiratory Medicine / Flu in Older Adults: Symptoms, Complications

« Last post by rezoun on December 07, 2020, 01:15:20 PM »

Flu in Older Adults: Symptoms, Complications

The flu (influenza) is a seasonal virus that causes mild to severe symptoms. Some people recover in about a week, while others can be at risk of serious, life threatening complications. The risk of complications increases if you’re over the age of 65. Older adults tend to have a weaker immune system, which naturally occurs as we age. And when your immune system isn’t strong, it becomes harder for the body to fight off a virus. When a flu infection worsens, it can progress to pneumonia and lead to hospitalization, and sometimes death. If you’re over the age of 65, here’s what you need to know about the flu, including symptoms, complications, and prevention.

What are the symptoms of the flu?
The onset of flu symptoms can happen quickly, with some people developing symptoms 1 to 4 days after exposure to the virus.  If you become sick, it’s important that you know how to differentiate flu symptoms from common cold symptoms. Flu and cold symptoms can be similar, but cold symptoms are usually milder. In addition, cold symptoms come on gradually.  It’s different with the flu. Not only is the onset of symptoms abrupt, but the flu also causes symptoms that might not occur with the common cold. Symptoms of the flu and common cold include:
•   runny nose
•   congestion
•   sore throat
•   coughing
If you have the flu, additional symptoms may include:
•   fever
•   body aches
•   chills
•   fatigue
•   weakness
•   chest discomfort
•   headache

If you’re over the age of 65 and develop any of these flu symptoms, see a doctor right away to reduce the risk of complications.  If you see a doctor within the first 48 hours of your first symptom, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication. When taken early, this medication can reduce the duration and severity of your illness.

What are flu complications?
Flu complications aren’t as common in younger people and those with a healthy immune system. But up to about 85 percent  of seasonal flu-related deaths occur in people who are 65 years or older. Additionally, up to about 70 percent  of flu-related hospitalizations occur in the same age group. Some flu-related complications aren’t as severe and may include a sinus or an ear infection. More serious complications can include bronchitis and pneumonia, which affect the lungs. Bronchitis occurs when inflammation develops in the lining of the bronchial tubes. These are the tubes that carry air to the lungs.
Symptoms of bronchitis can include:
•   coughing up yellow, gray, or green mucus
•   fatigue
•   shortness of breath
•   fever
•   chest pains

Bronchitis can lead to pneumonia, an infection that causes inflammation in the air sacs in one or both lungs. Pneumonia can cause chest pains, shortness of breath, and a severe cough. In older adults, pneumonia can also cause a lower than normal body temperature, confusion, and nausea and vomiting. Pneumonia is a serious complication. If left untreated, bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause organ failure. This lung infection can lead to fluid accumulation in the lungs or a lung abscess. Other complications that may occur with the flu include inflammation of the heart, brain, and muscles. It can also lead to multi-organ failure. If you live with asthma or heart disease, the flu virus can worsen these chronic conditions.

Don’t ignore severe symptoms that develop while battling the flu. See a doctor immediately if you have shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, vomiting, or mental confusion.

Source: www.healthline.com

78

General Discussion / আসুন মানুষের মস্তিষ্ক সম্পর্কে বিস্ময়কর কিছু বৈজ্ঞানিক তথ্য জানি ?

« Last post by Rasel Ali on December 06, 2020, 11:50:05 PM »

🎯পুরুষদের মস্তিষ্ক নারীদের মস্তিষ্কের তুলনায় 10% বড়।

🎯ব্রেইন স্ক্যান দ্বারা দেখা গেছে কোনও ব্যক্তি প্রেমে পড়লে তার মস্তিষ্কের বিশেষ কিছু অংশ উদ্দীপিত হয়।[

🎯জ্ঞান হল হৃদযন্ত্র ও মন উভয়েরই একটি বিষয়। একটি নতুন গবেষণা অনুযায়ী, আপনার হার্টবিট এর ওঠানামা আপনার জ্ঞানকে প্রভাবিত করতে পারে।

🎯মানুষের আসলে দ্বিতীয় একটি মস্তিষ্ক আছে। অন্ত্রীয় স্নায়ুতন্ত্র দ্বিতীয় মস্তিষ্ক বা অন্ত্রের মস্তিষ্ক হিসাবে পরিচিত। কারণ এটি মস্তিষ্ক এবং কেন্দ্রীয় স্নায়ুতন্ত্র থেকে স্বাধীনভাবে পরিচালিত হতে পারে। এই দ্বিতীয় মস্তিষ্কের কারণেই আপনার অন্ত্রের অনুভূতি আসে।[3]

🎯মস্তিষ্কে উপস্থিত সমস্ত রক্তনালীর দৈর্ঘ্য একসাথে 161,000 কিলোমিটার। যা পৃথিবীকে প্রায় ৪ বার পরিবেষ্টন করতে পারে।

🎯প্রাপ্তবয়স্ক মস্তিষ্কের কোষগুলি আহত হলে তারা ভ্রূণ অবস্থায় ফিরে আসে। তাদের সদ্য গৃহীত অপরিপক্ক অবস্থা কোষের সংযোগগুলিকে পুনরায় বাড়িয়ে তুলতে সক্ষম হয়। যা সঠিক অবস্থায় এসে হারানো অংশগুলি পুনরুদ্ধারে সহায়তা করে।

🎯এটি একা 20-25% শরীরের রক্ত এবং অক্সিজেন গ্রহণ করে। যদিও ওজনে শরীরের মাত্র 2%।

🎯আপনি যত বেশি কঠিন চিন্তা করেন তত বেশি পরিমাণে আপনার মস্তিষ্ক শক্তি এবং অক্সিজেন ব্যবহার করে, যা শরীরের 50% পর্যন্ত হতে পারে।

🎯নিউরন হল দেহের দীর্ঘতম এবং সবচাইতে দীর্ঘজীবী কোষ। এদের কিছু পুরো জীবনকাল বেঁচে থাকতে পারে।

🎯প্রাপ্তবয়স্ক মস্তিষ্কে প্রায় 86 বিলিয়ন নিউরন থাকে। প্রতিটি নিউরন আরও 10,000 টি নিউরনের সাথে সংযোগ স্থাপন করে।[5]

🎯মানব মস্তিষ্ক একটি সুপার কম্পিউটারের চাইতেও বেশি জটিল।

🎯মানব মস্তিষ্কের প্রায় 60% হল চর্বি, এটি মানবদেহের সবচেয়ে ফ্যাটযুক্ত অঙ্গ হিসাবে পরিচিত।

🎯জাগ্রত অবস্থায় মস্তিষ্ক 20 ওয়াট পর্যন্ত শক্তি উৎপন্ন করে, যা একটি ছোট বাল্ব জ্বালানোর পক্ষে যথেষ্ট।

🎯মানুষের conscious mind ঘুমালেও subconscious mind কখনও ঘুমায় না। ঘুমানোর সময় এই subconscious mind এর কার্যকলাপের কারণেই আপনি স্বপ্ন দেখেন।

🎯মানব মস্তিষ্ক 1000TB (1TB= 1024GB) পর্যন্ত ডাটা ধারণ করতে পারে!

🎯বেশিরভাগ মানুষ জাগার পর তাদের স্বপ্নের 5% প্রথম 5 মিনিটে এবং 90% স্বপ্ন 10 মিনিটের মধ্যে ভুলে যায়।
প্রায় 12% মানুষের স্বপ্নগুলি সাদা-কালো হয়।

🎯একজন মানুষের দিনে 70,000 টা চিন্তা থাকতে পারে! এই 70,000 এর মধ্যে অনেক চিন্তাভাবনা প্রকৃতপক্ষে বারবার লুপ করছে।

মস্তিষ্ক মানব দেহের সবচেয়ে জটিল এবং রহস্যময় অঙ্গ।

Collected: Salahuddin khan

79

Technology / 6 Tech Innovations That Will Shape Healthcare in 2018

« Last post by Shahjalal Prodhania on December 02, 2020, 01:59:49 PM »

Precision medicines, blood-restricting bands, teletherapy — ground-breaking technologies like these will shape the medical world in the coming year.

Healthcare is a constantly changing environment.

As new technologies and capabilities boost abilities for doctors and researchers, patients benefit with new treatments, monitors, and medicines.

Here, a glimpse of what you can expect to see in new technology in the medical field in 2018.

Smart inhalers
Inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators are the cornerstone treatments for asthma.

The first medication helps control inflammation while the second provides immediate relief when symptoms flair.

Inhalers are efficient when they’re used correctly, but up to 94 percentTrusted Source of people who use them don’t do so in the proper manner.

“Standard of care works for approximately 90 percent of all patients when taken correctly and as prescribed,” Tonya A. Winders, president and chief executive officer of the Allergy & Asthma Network, told Healthline.

“On the other hand, studies show about 50 percent of patients with asthma are not well controlled, which leads us to believe more can be done to increase adherence.”

Enter Bluetooth-enabled smart inhalers.

These devices are designed to detect inhaler use, remind patients to use their medication, encourage proper use of the device, and gather data about a patient’s inhaler use that can help guide care.

Each time the inhaler is used, it records the date, time, place, and whether the dose was correctly administered.

“This will provide valuable insight to determine how adherent patients are to their controller medications, as well as help us understand the patterns of when a patient experiences a flare,” Winders said.

Add-on devices, which clip to existing inhalers and send data to a smartphone app, are available now.

In a clinical trial for Propeller’s add-on smart inhaler device, researchers found that participants used less reliever medication, had more reliever-free days, and improved overall asthma control over the 12 months of the study.

The first fully integrated smart inhalers should be available to consumers by the middle of the year, Winders said.

Blood flow restriction training
The biggest innovation in fitness for 2018 promises big muscle growth results while using as little as 10 to 20 percent of the weight you’d typically use.

How’s this possible?

Restricting your blood flow.

Blood flow restriction (BFR) training uses specialized blood pressure cuffs or bands to stop the flow of oxygen-deprived blood out of your limbs.

Once your blood pressure reaches optimal levels, you perform traditional muscle-building maneuvers, but you use smaller weights.

A study in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that BFR training increases muscles while using loads as light as 20 percent of your one-rep max.

Research suggests restricting the blood flow reduces the oxygen your muscles can access during the exercise.

Without oxygen, your muscles go into metabolic stress.

You don’t need heavy weights to shock them into growth when they’re in this low-oxygen phase.

Before you head to the gym with a band or strap, Dr. William P. Kelley, DPT, ATC, CSCS, with USA Sports Therapy, advises that you consult someone trained to properly perform BFR.

“You should absolutely only do BFR training with someone who is a certified BFR clinician,” Kelley told Healthline.

What could happen if you try do-it-yourself BFR?

It “can cause nerve or vascular damage if done incorrectly or without proper training and supervision and with subpar equipment,” Kelley said.

Teletherapy
Smartphone apps and chatbots are making waves in the therapy scene, but it’s another technology that might actually bring mental health treatment back to a human-to-human interaction.

“Teletherapy, or delivering sessions by a video-enabled interface, is probably the most important tech development for mental health,” said Dr. Ken Duckworth, medical director for the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Duckworth told Healthline that as society becomes more evolved about the role of mental healthcare in overall care, the greater the demand will be on therapists and psychiatrists.

However, the number of these providers isn’t growing to meet the demand of patients.

“The core problem with mental health is that the demand exceeds the supply. So the question is, how does technology work to deliver people those same services?” Duckworth said.

In almost every way, teletherapy is the same as traditional therapy.

You still sit face-to-face with a practitioner, and the two of you talk.

But instead of a couch and chair, you’re using Skype and FaceTime or another videoconferencing service.

The benefit of this web-based experience is that no one has to travel anywhere, and you can have a session from wherever you are, whenever you’re able.

“The no-show rates are lower. You might be able to have people on the East Coast seeing people on the West Coast at different times of the day,” Duckworth said. “You’re providing the same service, in a more efficient way.”

However, Duckworth said, the uptake for teletherapy is slow right now, but he believes it will quickly speed up as people become more familiar with the benefits, and as insurance companies begin paying for it.

“I think this is a cultural evolution and I think it’s going to take some time,” he said.

Precision meds for cancer treatment
In 2018, more than 1.6 millionTrusted Source people will be diagnosed with cancer.

Each of those people has more and better tools to fight the cancerous cells than ever before.

One such tool is precision medicine, according to Dr. Otis Brawley, MACP, chief medical director and scientific officer of the American Cancer Society.

Precision medicine is an approach to cancer treatment that allows doctors to select medicines based on an individual cancer’s genetic makeup.

In other words, a doctor won’t just treat lung cancer. They’ll treat the type of lung cancer you have, down to the specific abnormal genes and proteins.

“Over the years, we’ve gained a greater understanding of what’s going on inside a cell as it becomes cancerous and once it is cancerous. Inside the cell, there’s certain molecular mechanisms, certain genetic mutations, that make it vulnerable for treatment,” Brawley told Healthline.

“Instead of a particular organ system cancer, we’ll be looking at the cancer and then what is the molecular thing that we can exploit in that cancer.”

However, as advanced as precisions medicines are, they aren’t cures. But scientists and doctors like Brawley see great hope in one day being able to tailor treatment to each cancer’s genetic traits and changes.

The hope, or the promissory note as Brawley calls it, is that precision medicines will become better and doctors will use them where they make sense.

“If we can get better at utilizing these precisions medicines, we’ll actually be able to cure some metastatic solid tumors,” he said.

Artificial pancreas
Each year, medical technology companies are working to make diabetes more hands-off, end the never-ending cycle of checking and monitoring, and streamline the glucose-delivery process.

They’re closer than ever with artificial pancreases, also known as automated insulin delivery systems.

These systems, which are worn like traditional insulin pumps, are designed to automate blood-sugar management by monitoring glucose levels continuously and providing insulin that can stabilize blood sugar levels as they’re needed.

All of this is managed by an algorithm, or computer model, that connects your insulin pump — the artificial pancreas — to a smartphone.

“It can detect what your glucose level is, and it has an insulin delivery device that can deliver subcutaneous insulin instantly,” Dr. Robert Courgi, an endocrinologist and hospitalist with Northwell Health in New York, told Healthline. “That smart technology, it can change and vary as needed, instead of giving you that one fixed dose constantly.”

The first “closed-loop” system of this kind was approvedTrusted Source by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2016.

It’s been available for more than a year, but newer versions are anticipated in the coming months and years.

These newer versions, said Dr. Mark D. DeBoer, associate professor of pediatrics in the pediatric endocrinology division at the University of Virginia, will hopefully deliver greater ease of use and satisfaction.

“What most children and adolescents are seeking in an artificial pancreas system is one that overall decreases the work that they put into their diabetes. The ideal system for patients with diabetes is to ‘set and forget,’ and we are not there yet,” DeBoer told Healthline.

“Patients still need to be aware of what their blood sugars are and what the system is doing, but we are hoping that more work and research in the field will keep moving toward wider use.”

It’s a marvel of medical science that took decades because of the complexities of how glucose delivery and monitoring work, added Dr. Gerald Bernstein, an endocrinologist and coordinator of the Friedman Diabetes Institute at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.

But even these advances have a long way to go before they truly replicate a human pancreas, he said.

“We got to the moon and have rocket ships that can go back and forth, all before we were able to create anything close to an artificial pancreas because of the complexity,” Bernstein told Healthline. “Now we have to see if the algorithm will hold up over time.”

Precision meds for rheumatoid arthritis
In 2018, treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) will be more personalized.

RA is a common autoimmune disease. It destroys the cartilage in joints, can cause joint destruction, and may lead to disability.

Extreme cases of RA can damage internal organs and lead to vascular inflammation. This can result in premature death.

In 2016, Yale researchers identified a genetic mechanism that may increase an individual’s risk for rheumatoid arthritis. In their study, they wrote that the use of precision medicine could help target that gene and suppress it.

RA researchers have been investigating gene variants or mutations that cause some people to develop the disease.

Like precision medication for cancer, precision medicines for RA are designed to attack vulnerable genes or areas of the cell.

That can weaken the disease, improve symptoms, and possibly help reduce joint damage.

“Any time a medication can use targeted therapy or genetic profiles to make treatment more specific to the unique patient, I would think the greater chances of success,” said Ashley Boynes-Shuck, author, blogger at ArthritisAshley.com, and health advocate who was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis at age 10.

Thanks to breakthroughs in precision medicine in all areas, not just RA, doctors and researchers are finding ways to create novel therapies and approaches that are designed around individual people, not diseases.

“No two RA patients’ medical journeys — or bodies — are the same. Despite having the same diagnosis (rheumatoid arthritis) and possibly the same set of symptoms, every patient is nonetheless bio-individually unique,” Boynes-Shuck told Healthline.

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Weight Loss / Age is no barrier to successful weight loss

« Last post by rezoun on December 01, 2020, 05:16:43 PM »

Obese patients over the age of 60 can lose an equivalent amount of weight as younger people using only lifestyle changes, according to a new study from the University of Warwick and University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust that demonstrates that age is no barrier to losing weight. The researchers hope that their findings will help to correct prevailing societal misconceptions about the effectiveness of weight loss programmes in older people, as well dispel myths about the potential benefits of older people trying to reduce their weight. The findings are based on analysis of patient records from a hospital-based obesity service and are reported in the journal Clinical Endocrinology.

This retrospective study was conducted at the Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM) at UHCW. The researchers randomly selected 242 patients who attended the WISDEM-based obesity service between 2005 and 2016, and compared two groups (those aged under 60 years and those aged between 60 and 78 years) for the weight loss that they achieved during their time within the service. All patients had their body weight measured both before and after lifestyle interventions administered and coordinated within the WISDEM-based obesity service, and the percentage reduction in body weight calculated across both groups. When compared, the two groups were equivalent statistically, with those aged 60 years and over on average reducing their body weight by 7.3% compared with a body weight reduction of 6.9% in those aged under 60 years. Both groups spent a similar amount of time within the obesity service, on average 33.6 months for those 60 years and over, and 41.5 months for those younger than 60 years.

The hospital-based programme used only lifestyle-based changes tailored to each individual patient, focusing on dietary changes, psychological support and encouragement of physical activity. Most of the patients referred to the obesity service were morbidly obese with BMIs typically over 40Kgm-2. There are more than fifty co-morbidities of obesity that can be lessened as we lose weight, including diabetes, psychiatric conditions such as depression and anxiety, osteoarthritis and other mechanical problems. Obesity is also linked to increased mortality and poor well-being. Lead author Dr Thomas Barber of Warwick Medical School at the University of Warwick said: "Weight loss is important at any age, but as we get older we're more likely to develop the weight-related co-morbidities of obesity. Many of these are similar to the effects of aging, so you could argue that the relevance of weight loss becomes heightened as we get older, and this is something that we should embrace.

"There are a number of reasons why people may discount weight loss in older people. These include an 'ageist' perspective that weight-loss is not relevant to older people and misconceptions of reduced ability of older people to lose weight through dietary modification and increased exercise. Older people may feel that hospital-based obesity services are not for them. Service providers and policymakers should appreciate the importance of weight loss in older people with obesity, for the maintenance of health and well-being, and the facilitation of healthy ageing. Furthermore, age per se should not contribute towards clinical decisions regarding the implementation of lifestyle management of older people.

"Age should be no barrier to lifestyle management of obesity. Rather than putting up barriers to older people accessing weight loss programmes, we should be proactively facilitating that process. To do otherwise would risk further and unnecessary neglect of older people through societal ageist misconceptions."

Story Source: University of Warwick.