YELLOW FEVER

DEFINITION

Yellow fever is a viral infection spread by a particular type of mosquito (Aedes spp). The infection is most common in areas of Africa and South America, affecting travelers to and residents of those areas.

In mild cases, yellow fever causes fever, headache, nausea and vomiting. But yellow fever can become more serious, causing heart, liver and kidney problems along with bleeding (hemorrhaging). Up to 50 percent of people with the more severe form of yellow fever die of the disease.

There's no specific treatment for yellow fever. But getting a yellow fever vaccine before traveling to an area in which the virus is known to exist can protect you from the disease.

SYMPTOMS

During the first three to six days after you've contracted yellow fever — the incubation period — you won't experience any signs or symptoms. After this, the infection enters an acute phase and then, in some cases, a toxic phase that can be life-threatening.

Acute phase

Once the infection enters the acute phase, you may experience signs and symptoms including:

Fever, Headache, Muscle aches, particularly in your back and kneesSensitivity to light, Nausea, vomiting or both Loss of appetite, Dizziness, Red eyes, face or tongue. These signs and symptoms usually improve and are gone within several days.

Toxic phase

Although signs and symptoms may disappear for a day or two following the acute phase, some people with acute yellow fever then enter a toxic phase. During the toxic phase, acute signs and symptoms return and more-severe and life-threatening ones also appear. These can include:

Yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice), Abdominal pain and vomiting, sometimes of blood, Decreased urination, Bleeding from your nose, mouth and eyes, Slow heart rate (bradycardia), Liver and kidney failure, Brain dysfunction, including delirium, seizures and coma. The toxic phase of yellow fever can be fatal.

When to see a doctor

Before travel

Four weeks or more before your trip, make an appointment to see your doctor if you're traveling to an area in which yellow fever is known to occur so that you discuss whether you need the yellow fever vaccine.If you have less than four weeks to prepare, call your doctor anyway. Ideally, you'll be able to be vaccinated at least three to four weeks before traveling to an area where yellow fever occurs to give the vaccine time to work. Your doctor will help you determine whether you need vaccinations and can provide general guidance on protecting your health while abroad.

After travel

Seek emergency medical care if you've recently traveled to a region where yellow fever is known to occur and you develop signs or symptoms of the toxic phase of the disease.Call your doctor if you develop mild symptoms, after traveling to a region where yellow feveroccurs.

CAUSES

Yellow fever is caused by a virus that is spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. These mosquitoes thrive in and near human habitations where they breed in even the cleanest water. Most cases of yellow fever occur in sub-Saharan Africa including Nigeria and tropical South America.

Humans and monkeys are most commonly infected with the yellow fever virus. Mosquitoes transmit the virus back and forth between monkeys, humans or both.

When a mosquito bites a human or a monkey infected with yellow fever, the virus enters the mosquito's bloodstream and circulates before settling in the salivary glands. When the infected mosquito bites another monkey or human, the virus then enters the host's bloodstream, where it may cause illness.

Aedes aegypti

RISK FACTORS

You may be at risk of the disease if you travel to an area where mosquitoes continue to carry the yellow fever virus. These areas include sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America.

Even if there aren't current reports of infected humans in these areas, it doesn't mean you're risk-free. It's possible that local populations have been vaccinated and are protected from the disease, or that cases of yellow fever just haven't been detected and officially reported.

If you're planning on traveling to these areas, you can protect yourself by getting a yellow fevervaccine at least several weeks before traveling.

Anyone can be infected with the yellow fever virus, but older adults are at greater risk of getting seriously ill.

COMPLICATIONS

Yellow fever results in death for 20 to 50 percent of those who develop severe disease. Complications during the toxic phase of a yellow fever infection include kidney and liver failure, jaundice, delirium, and coma.

People who survive the infection recover gradually over a period of several weeks to months, usually without significant organ damage. During this time a person may experience fatigue and jaundice. Other complications include secondary bacterial infections, such as pneumonia or blood infections.

PREPARING FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT

Call your doctor if you've recently returned from travel abroad and develop mild symptoms similar to those that occur with yellow fever. If your symptoms are severe, go to an emergency room or call 911 or your local emergency number.

Here's some information to help you get ready, and know what to expect from your doctor.

Information to gather in advance

Symptoms history; Write down any symptoms you've been experiencing and for how long. Recent exposure to possible sources of infection. Be sure to describe international trips in detail, including the countries you visited and the dates, as well as any contact you may have had with mosquitoes.

medical histtory; Make a list of your key medical information, including other conditions for which you're being treated and any medications, vitamins or supplements you're taking. Your doctor will also need to know your vaccination history.

Questions to ask your doctor; Write down your questions in advance so that you can make the most of your time with your doctor.

The list below suggests questions to raise with your doctor about yellow fever. Don't hesitate to ask more questions during your appointment.

What's the most likely cause of my symptoms? Are there any other possible causes for my symptoms? What kinds of tests do I need? Are treatments available to help me recover? How long do you expect a full recovery will take? When can I return to work or school? Am I at risk of any long-term complications from yellow fever?

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer them may reserve time to go over any points you want to talk about in-depth. Your doctor may ask:

What are your symptoms? When did you first begin experiencing symptoms? Have your symptoms seemed to be getting better or worse? Did your symptoms briefly get better and then come back? Have you recently traveled abroad? Where? Were you exposed to mosquitoes while traveling? Did you update your vaccinations before traveling? Are you being treated for any other medical conditions? Are you taking any medications?

TESTS AND DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosing yellow fever based on signs and symptoms can be difficult because early in its course, the infection can be easily confused with malaria, typhoid, dengue fever and other viral hemorrhagic fevers.

To diagnose your condition, your doctor will likely:

Ask questions about your medical and travel historyCollect a blood sample for testing

If you have yellow fever, your blood may reveal the virus itself. If not, blood tests also can detect antibodies and other substances specific to the virus.

TREATMENTS AND DRUGS

No antiviral medications have proved helpful in treating yellow fever. As a result, treatment consists primarily of supportive care in a hospital. This includes providing fluids and oxygen, maintaining adequate blood pressure, replacing blood loss, providing dialysis for kidney failure, and treating any other infections that develop. Some people receive transfusions of plasma to replace blood proteins that improve clotting.

If you have yellow fever, your doctor will likely recommend that you stay inside, away from mosquitoes, to avoid transmitting the disease to others. Once you've have yellow fever, you'll be immune to the disease for the rest of your life.

LIFESTYLE AND HOME REMEDIES

A safe and highly effective vaccine prevents yellow fever. Yellow fever is known to be present in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South America. If you live in one of these areas, talk to your doctor about whether you need the yellow fever vaccine. If you plan to travel in these areas, talk with your doctor at least 10 days, but preferably three to four weeks, before your trip begins. Some countries require travelers to present a valid certificate of immunization upon entry.

A single dose of the yellow fever vaccine provides protection for at least 10 years. Side effects are usually mild, lasting five to 10 days, and may include headaches, low-grade fevers, muscle pain, fatigue and soreness at the site of injection. More-significant reactions — such as developing a syndrome similar to actual yellow fever, inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or death — can occur, most often in infants and older adults. The vaccine is considered safest for those between the ages of 9 months and 60 years.

Talk to your doctor about whether the yellow fever vaccine is appropriate if your child is younger than 9 months, if you have a weakened immune system (immunocompromised), or if you're older than 60 years.

Mosquito protection

In addition to getting the vaccine, you can help protect yourself against yellow fever by protecting yourself against mosquitoes.

To reduce your exposure to mosquitoes:

Avoid unnecessary outdoor activity when mosquitoes are most active.Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when you go into mosquito-infested areas.Stay in air-conditioned or well-screened housing.If your accommodations don't have good window screens or air-conditioning, use bed nets. Nets that have been pre-treated with insecticide offer additional protection.

To ward off mosquitoes with repellent, use both of the following:

Non-skin repellen; Apply permethrin-containing mosquito repellent to your clothing, shoes, camping gears and bed netting. You can buy some articles of clothing and gear pre-treated with permethrin. Permethrin is not intended for use on your skin.

Skin repellent; Products with the active ingredients DEET, IR3535 or picaridin provide long-lasting skin protection. Choose the concentration based on the hours of protection you need. In general, higher concentrations last longer.

Keep in mind that chemical repellents can be toxic, and use only the amount needed for the time you'll be outdoors. Don't use DEET on the hands of young children or on infants under 2 months of age. Instead, cover your infant's stroller or playpen with mosquito netting when outside.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, oil of lemon eucalyptus, a more natural product, offers the same protection as DEET when used in similar concentrations. But these products should not be used on children younger than age 3.

Oral Thrush Or Oral Candidiasis

DEFINITION

 Oral thrush — also called oral candidiasis (kan-dih-DIE-uh-sis) — is a condition in which the fungus Candida albicans accumulates on the lining of your mouth. Candida is a normal organism in your mouth, but sometimes it can overgrow and cause symptoms. Oral thrush causes creamy white lesions, usually on your tongue or inner cheeks. Sometimes oral thrush may spread to the roof of your mouth, your gums or tonsils, or the back of your throat. Although oral thrush can affect anyone, it's more likely to occur in babies, the elderly, and in people with suppressed immune systems or certain health conditions, or those who take certain medications. Oral thrush is a minor problem if you're healthy, but if you have a weakened immune system, symptoms of oral thrush may be more severe and difficult to control.

SYMPTOMS

 Initially, you may not even notice symptoms of oral thrush. Depending on the underlying cause, signs and symptoms may develop slowly or suddenly, and they may persist for days, weeks or months. Signs and symptoms may include: Creamy white lesions on your tongue, inner cheeks, and sometimes on the roof of your mouth, gums and tonsils Slightly raised lesions with a cottage cheese-like appearance Redness or soreness that may be severe enough to cause difficulty eating or swallowing Slight bleeding if the lesions are rubbed or scraped Cracking and redness at the corners of your mouth (especially in denture wearers) A cottony feeling in your mouth Loss of taste In severe cases, the lesions may spread downward into your esophagus — the long, muscular tube stretching from the back of your mouth to your stomach (Candida esophagitis). If this occurs, you may experience difficulty swallowing or feel as if food is getting stuck in your throat. Infants and breast-feeding mothers In addition to the distinctive white mouth lesions, infants may have trouble feeding or be fussy and irritable. They can pass the infection to their mothers during breast-feeding. The infection may then pass back and forth between the mother's breasts and the baby's mouth. Women whose breasts are infected with candida may experience these signs and symptoms: Unusually red, sensitive, cracked or itchy nipples Shiny or flaky skin on the darker, circular area around the nipple (areola) Unusual pain during nursing or painful nipples between feedings Stabbing pains deep within the breast When to see a doctor If you or your child develops painful white lesions inside the mouth, see your doctor or dentist. If thrush develops in older children or teenagers, seek medical care. An underlying medical condition or certain treatments may be the cause.

 CAUSES

 Normally, your immune system works to repel harmful invading organisms, such as viruses, bacteria and fungi, while maintaining a balance between "good" and "bad" microbes that normally inhabit your body. But sometimes these protective mechanisms fail, increasing the number of candida fungi and allowing an oral thrush infection to take hold. Oral thrush and other candida infections can occur when your immune system is weakened by disease or by drugs such as prednisone, or when antibiotics disturb the natural balance of microorganisms in your body. These diseases and conditions may make you more susceptible to oral thrush infection: HIV/AIDS. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) — the virus that causes AIDS — damages or destroys cells of your immune system, making you more susceptible to opportunistic infections that your body would normally resist. Repeated bouts of oral thrush, along with other symptoms, may be early indications of an immune deficiency, such as HIV infection. Cancer. If you have cancer, your immune system is likely to be weakened from the disease and from treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. Both the disease and treatments can increase your risk of candida infections such as oral thrush. Diabetes mellitus. If you have untreated diabetes or the disease isn't well-controlled, your saliva may contain large amounts of sugar, which encourages the growth of candida. Vaginal yeast infections. Vaginal yeast infections are caused by the same fungus that causes oral thrush. Although a yeast infection isn't dangerous, if you're pregnant you can pass the fungus to your baby during delivery. As a result, your newborn may develop oral thrush.

RISK FACTORS

 Anyone can develop oral thrush, but the infection is more common in certain people. Risk factors include: Being an infant or elderly Having a weakened immune system Wearing dentures Having other health conditions, such as diabetes Taking certain medications, such as antibiotics or oral or inhaled corticosteroids Undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer Having conditions that cause dry mouth

COMPLICATIONS

 Oral thrush is seldom a problem for healthy children and adults, although the infection may return even after it's been treated. For people with lowered immunity, such as from HIV or cancer, however, thrush can be more serious. Untreated oral thrush can lead to more-serious systemic candida infections. If you have a suppressed immune system: Thrush is more likely to spread to other parts of your body, such as your digestive tract, lungs, liver and heart valves You may have especially severe symptoms in your mouth or esophagus, which can make eating painful and difficult The infection can spread to the intestines, making it difficult to receive adequate nutrition

PREPARING FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT

 You're likely to start by seeing your family doctor or pediatrician. However, if you have an underlying condition that's contributing to the problem, you may then be referred to a specialist for treatment. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment. What you can do Make a list of any symptoms, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for the appointment. Make a list of all medications, vitamins or other supplements you're taking, including the dosages. Also, let your doctor know if you've recently used antibiotics or if you take oral or inhaled corticosteroids such as those used to treat asthma. Make a list of questions to ask your doctor to help you make the most of your appointment. For oral thrush, some basic questions to ask your doctor include: What caused this condition? Do I need any additional tests? Do these tests require any preparation? What treatments are available, and which do you recommend? Do these treatments have any side effects? I have other medical problems, so how can I manage them together? Are there any dietary restrictions that I need to follow? Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing? How can I prevent this from happening again? Do I need to be tested for other diseases associated with thrush? Don't hesitate to ask any other questions that occur to you. What to expect from your doctor Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, such as: When did you begin experiencing symptoms? Have you recently taken antibiotics for an infection? Do you have asthma? If so, do you use a steroid inhaler? Do you have any chronic health conditions? Do you have any other new symptoms of illness?

TESTS AND DIAGNOSIS

 Oral thrush can usually be diagnosed simply by looking at the lesions, but sometimes a small sample is examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis. In older children or teens who have no identified risk factors, an underlying medical condition may be the cause of oral thrush. If your doctor suspects that's the case, he or she will likely perform a physical exam and recommend certain blood tests to help find the source of the problem. If thrush is in your esophagus Thrush that extends into the esophagus can be serious. To help diagnose this condition, your doctor may ask you to have one or both of these tests: Throat culture. In this procedure, the back of your throat is swabbed with sterile cotton. Then the tissue sample is cultured on a special medium to help determine which bacteria or fungi, if any, are causing your symptoms. Endoscopic exam. In this procedure, your doctor examines your esophagus, stomach and upper part of your small intestine (duodenum) using a lighted, flexible tube with a camera on the tip (endoscope).

TREATMENTS AND DRUGS

 The goal of any oral thrush treatment is to stop the rapid spread of the fungus, but the best approach may depend on your age, your overall health and the cause of the infection. Healthy adults and children. Your doctor may recommend antifungal medication. This comes in several forms, including lozenges, tablets, or a liquid that you swish in your mouth and then swallow. Infants and nursing mothers. If you're breast-feeding and your infant has oral thrush, you and your baby could pass the infection back and forth. Your doctor may prescribe a mild antifungal medication for your baby and an antifungal cream for your breasts. Ask your doctor about the best way to clean your breast nipples, bottle nipples, pacifiers and any detachable parts of a breast pump if you use one. Adults with weakened immune systems. Most often your doctor will recommend antifungal medication. But Candida albicans can become resistant to many antifungal medications, especially in people with late-stage HIV infection. So a drug called amphotericin B may be used, but only when other drugs aren't effective, as it can cause serious side effects.

LIFESTYLE AND HOME REMEDIES

 These measures may help reduce your risk of developing candida infections: Rinse your mouth. If you have to use a corticosteroid inhaler, be sure to rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth after taking your medication. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily or as often as your dentist recommends. Clean your dentures. Clean your dentures daily. Ask your dentist for the best way to clean your type of dentures. See your dentist regularly, especially if you have diabetes or wear dentures. Ask your dentist how often you need to be seen. Watch what you eat. Try limiting the amount of sugar- and yeast-containing foods you eat. These may encourage the growth of candida. Maintain good blood sugar control if you have diabetes. Well-controlled blood sugar can reduce the amount of sugar in your saliva, discouraging the growth of candida. Treat any vaginal yeast infections that develop during pregnancy as soon as possible.

SOURCES OF PARASITIC SOIL-TRANSMITTED HELMINTHS/WORMS

by Rishen Afakpo J. J.

Soil-transmitted helminths infections are among the most common infections worldwide and affect the poorest and most deprived communities. And they are also considered as Negleted Tropical Diseases, NTDs. This include; Roundworms (Ascaris lumbricoides), Whipworm (Trichuris trichiura), Hookworm (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale) and Strongyloides stercoralis. They are transmitted by eggs that are passed in the faeces of infected people. Adult worm live in the intestine where the produce thousands of eggs each day. In areas that lack adequate sanitation, these eggs contaminate the soil. This can happen in several ways;

1.     If infected person defecate outside (near bushes, in a garden or field) or if faeces of an infected person are used as fertilizer, eggs are deposited on soil.

2.     Eggs that are attached to vegetables or fruits are ingested when the vegetables or fruits are not carefully cooked or peeled.

3.     Eggs are ingested from contaminated water sources. This can happen through surface run-off rain water that washed the eggs in the soil and deposited in the water sources eg open well-water, lakes, sea, rivers, streams, ponds etc

4.     Eggs are ingested by children who plays in the contaminated soil and then put their hands in their mouth without washing them.

5.     And through long fingernails that are not properly taking care of.

                          Ascaris lumbricoides removed from African child intestine

No direct person-to-person infection transmission or infection from fresh faeces, because eggs passed in faeces need almost three(3) weeks to mature in the soil before they become infective.

Hookworms and Strongyloides stercoralis eggs hatch in the soil releasing larvae that mature into a form that can easily penetrates the skin. People become infected with hookworms and Strongyloides stercoralis primarily by walking barefoot on the contaminated soil or beaches.

Whipworm (Trichuris trichiura)

More than 1.5 billion people or 24% of the world population are infected with soil-transmitted helminths infections worldwide. Infections are widely distributed in tropical and subtropical areas, with the greatest number occurring in sub-saharan Africas, the Americas, China and Asia. Over 270 million pre-school age children and over 600 million school age children lives in areas where these parasites are intensively transmitted and are in need of treatment and preventive intervention. WHO, 2017.

According to Centre for Disease Control and prevention, CDC report 2017; approximately 807-1,121 million people are infected with Ascariasis, approximately 604-795 million of people are infected with Trichuriasis, approximately 576-740 million of people are infected with Hookworms and Strongyloidiasis worldwide.

Hookworms

                                          NUTRITIONAL EFFECTS

Soil-transmitted helminths impair the nutritional status of the people the infect in multiple ways;

1.     The worms feed on host tissues, including blood, which leads to a loss of iron and protein, which eventually causes Anaemia.

2.     The worms increases malabsorption of micronutrients needed by the body. In addition, Roundworms may possibly compete for vitamin A in the intestine of its host.

3.     Some soil-transmitted helminths also cause loss of appetite and therefore, a reduction of nutritional intakes and physical fitness. In particular, T. trichiura can cause diarrhea and dysentery.

4.     Their infection can also lead to complications including ileus, that require surgical intervention.

                                 Strongyloides stercoralis

CONTROL AND PREVENTION

a.     Avoiding any and all contact with earth contaminated with human waste, especially faeces.

b.     Thoroughly washing hands with soap before handling food, especially when you come in contact with contaminated soil.

c.      Communicating to children the importance of washing hands as a means to prevent infection.

d.     Health and hygiene education in our primary and secondary schools.

e.     Washing, peeling and/or cooking all vegetables and fruits before consumption, especially in a case where they vegetables or fruits was grown in soil fertilized with manure.

f.       No defecating outdoors; using toilets connected to effective sewage disposal systems.

g.     Where possible,it is recommended that people in at-risk communities refrain from walking barefoot in areas where hookworms and Strongyloidiasis is prevalent and by all means avoid ingestion and playing in a dirt beaches soil.

h.     Provision of adequate sanitation is also important, but not always possible in resource-poor settings.

i.        Water supply sources should be well-protected from surface run-off water during rainfall.

j.       Cutting down-low your fingernails if you cant take good care of it.

k.     Periodic deworming with effective medicine; consult your doctor for advice on effective Anthelminthiasis medicines.

Causes of High Blood Pressure/Hypertension

By Rishen Afakpo J. J.

What Causes High Blood Pressure/Hypertension

Blood pressure is the measure of the forces of blood pushing against blood vessels wall. The heart pumps blood into the arteries (blood vessels), which carry the blood throughout the body. High blood pressure also known as “Hypertension” is dangerous because it makes the heart work harder to pump blood out to the body and contributes to hardening of the arteries, or Arteriosclerosis, to stroke, kidney disease, and to the development of heart failure.

What is normal blood pressure?

A blood pressure reading has a top number(systolic) and bottom number(diastolic). The range are;

Ø Normal; less than 120/80 mmhg

Ø Prehypertension; 120 - 139/80 – 89 mmhg

Ø Stage 1 high BP; 140 -159/90 – 99 mmhg

Ø Stage 2 high BP; 160>/100>

Ø High blood pressure in people over age 60 years 150>/90> mmhg.

A consultant cardiologist and the chief Medical Director of Lagos Executive Cardiovascular clinic, Dr. Folasade Olaitan Alli has on 29^th June 2017 raised the alarm over increased death rate among Nigeria youths due to heart-related problems. She said while many Nigerians do not check there blood pressure to know there numbers, the attitude was more common among youths, leading to increased number of the age group being hypertensive.

People whose blood pressure is above the normal range should consult their doctors about steps to take to lower it.

What causes High Blood Pressure/Hypertension

This include the following; Smoking, being overweighted or obese, lack of physical activities, too much salt in your diet, too much alcohol consumption(more than 1 to 2 drinks per day), stress, older age, genetics family history of the high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, adrenal and thyroid disorders, sleep apnea, diabetes, insufficient intake of Potassium, calcium and magnessium.

Essential Hypertension

In this type of hypertension, the underlying causes cannot be determined. These remain mysterious, it has been linked to certain risk factors. It tend to run in families and is more likely to affect men than women, age and race also play a role here. Its also influence by diet and lifestyle; people who consume more salt per capita than anyone else in the world have high incidence of essential hypertension e.g Northern Island of Japan, as contrasted with people who consume less or added no salt in there diets.

Secondary Hypertension

When the direct causes for hypertension can be identified, the condition is describe as “Secondary Hypertension”. This can be triggered by tumors or other abnormalities that causes the adrenal glands(small glands that sit atop of kidneys) to secrete excess amounts of the hormones that elevates blood pressure. Birth control pills specifically those containing estrogen and pregnancy can boost blood pressure, as can medications that constrict blood vessels(vasoconstriction medicaments). Among the known causes of secondary hypertension, kidney disease rank the highest.

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure/Hypertension

One of the most dangerous aspects of hypertension is that you may not know that you have it. In fact, nearly one-third of people who have high blood pressure don’t know it. The only way to know if your blood pressure is high is through regular checkups. And this is important if you have a close relative who has high blood pressure.

If your blood pressure is extremely high, there may be certain symptoms to look out for, includes; Severe headache, fatigue or confusion, vision problem, chest pains, difficulties in breathing, irregular heartbeats(pulse rate is high), blood in urine, pounding in your chest, neck or ears. If you have any of this symptoms, see your doctor immediately.

Complication of High Blood Pressure/Hypertension

Hypertension if left untreated results to several health problems which includes;

·        Arterosclerosis contribute to coronary artery diseases

·        People with untreated hypertension are four to six times likely to develop stroke; which occurs when blood flow on area in the brain is cut off.

·        May cause heart diseases.

·        May cause heart disease, kidney disease and kidney failure.

·        Can affect your eyesight, causing damage to the blood vessels in the retina known as “Hypertensive Retinopathy.

·        It worsening development of diabetes complication

·        It can be a sign of Preeclampsia, a pregnancy-related problem that can be fatal.

·        It can lead to erectile dysfunction. But some drugs for treating high blood pressure can actually be the cause as well.

Fresh Fruit Associated With Lower Risk Of Heart Attack And Stroke

Study of 500,000 Chinese adults confirms benefits of eating fruit;

People who eat fresh fruit on most days are at lower risk of heart attack and stroke than people who rarely eat fresh fruit, according to new research published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The findings come from a 7-year study of half a million adults in China, where fresh fruit consumption is much lower than in countries like the UK or US.

Researchers from the University of Oxford and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences conducted a large, nationwide study of 500,000 adults from 10 urban and rural localities across China, tracking health for 7 years through death records and electronic hospital records of illness. The present study was among people who did not have a history of cardiovascular diseases or anti-hypertensive treatments when first joined the study.

Fruit is a rich source of potassium, dietary fiber, antioxidants, and various other potentially active compounds, and contains little sodium or fat and relatively few calories. The study found that fruit consumption (which was mainly apples or oranges) was strongly associated with many other factors, such as education, lower blood pressure, lower blood glucose, and not smoking. But, after allowing for what was known of these and other factors, a 100g portion of fruit per day was associated with about one-third less cardiovascular mortality and the association was similar across different study areas and in both men and women.

Study author Dr Huaidong Du, University of Oxford, UK, said "The association between fruit consumption and cardiovascular risk seems to be stronger in China, where many still eat little fruit, than in high-income countries where daily consumption of fruit is more common." Also, fruit in China is almost exclusively consumed raw, whereas much of the fruit in high-income countries is processed, and many previous studies combined fresh and processed fruit.

Co-author Professor Liming Li, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, said "A recent Global Burden of Disease report put low fruit consumption as one of the leading causes of premature death in China. However, this was based on little evidence from China itself."

The senior author, Professor Zhengming Chen, University of Oxford, UK, said "It's difficult to know whether the lower risk in people who eat more fresh fruit is because of a real protective effect. If it is, then widespread consumption of fresh fruit in China could prevent about half a million cardiovascular deaths a year, including 200,000 before age 70, and even larger numbers of non-fatal strokes and heart attacks."

Difference Between HIV and AIDS

After know clean definition and explanation of HIV and AIDS, as well as the relationship between these two here, it’s also important to know how they are different because some of you might still be confused about it.

 

What’s the Difference Between HIV and AIDS?

 Generally speaking, HIV is a virus while AIDS is a sexual disease caused by this virus, although it does not mean that anyone who has HIV in body will develop AIDS. Here is a summary of the differences between HIV and AIDS:



 How to Know If You Are HIV-Positive? 

The only way to determine for sure whether you are infected with HIV or not is to take a test. HIV tests are widely available and you can get one from your doctor, community or veterans’ health center, Title X family planning clinic, or other healthcare provider. If you prefer, you can use an approved home test kit.

How to Know If You Have AIDS–Symptoms of AIDS

 The list of difference between HIV and AIDS is not complete without knowing the symptoms in different stages.

 Stage One occurs 2-6 weeks after HIV exposure. Symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, muscle aches, sore throat, fever, and red non-itchy rash, last 1-2 weeks, and are due to the immune system’s initial defense against HIV.

 Stage Two begins after the first symptoms have disappeared and the immune system stops fighting the infection. This phase can last over a decade and not produce any symptoms. However, the HIV is gradually destroying CD4+ T-cells, increasing the risk of other infections.

 Stage Three or AIDS is diagnosed if there are under 200 CD4+ cells/mm3 of blood, or if the patient has an “AIDS-defining illness”, e.g. Pneumocystis pneumonia or Kaposi’s sarcoma. Other AIDS symptoms include night sweats, long-term fever, breathlessness, chronic diarrhea, lymph node swelling, weight loss, purple skin patches, bleeding, bruising, and yeast infections.

How Is HIV/ AIDS Transmitted? 

Another difference between hiv and aids is their transmission mode. It’s not the AIDS that is transmitted, rather the HIV infection, which can then progress to AIDS. You can catch HIV infection from any other person who has the infection, even if they haven’t tested positive for the virus yet and appear healthy. HIV is transmitted through bodily fluids, including the blood, semen, vaginal fluid, and breast milk, all of which contain enough virus particles to allow another person to become infected. 

The most common ways of acquiring HIV are through:

•  Sexual intercourse (either vaginal or anal) with an HIV-positive person
•  Needle-sharing (for intravenous drugs) with infected individuals
•  Transmission from mother to baby in pregnancy or labor, or when breastfeeding 

A few years ago, blood transfusion was a common way of contracting HIV infection, but nowadays, donated blood is very thoroughly screened for infections, so the HIV risk from transfusion is minuscule. No cases of HIV transmission through saliva or tears have been documented. However, you may become infected through oral sex or, very rarely, by deep kissing, particularly if your gums are bleeding or you have open mouth sores.

Recomended Hours Of Sleep According To The National Sleep Foundation

As you probably already know, rest and sleep are crucial for the overall health and development and in order to maintain the energy and mental clarity throughout the whole day, you need to know how much sleep you need, that is, how many hours per day you should sleep.

For that purpose, Charles Czeisler, a Harvard professor, together with other experts, conducted a research to determine the amount of sleep a person needs according to their age. There were several studies done between the period of 2004 and 2014. The end results helped create the following list:

Newborn babies from 0 to 3 months need 14 to 17 hours

Babies from 4 to 11 months need 12 to 15 hours

Children from 1 to 2 years need 11 to 14 hours

Preschoolers from 3 to 5 years need 10 to 13 hours

Primary and secondary school children from 6 to 13 years need 9 to 11 hours

Teens from 14 to 17 years need 8 to 10 hours

Youth from 18 to 25 years need 7 t o 9 hours

Adults from 26 to 64 years need 7 to 9 hours

Seniors over the age of 65 need 7 to 8 hours

It’s important to note that these hourly rates are approximate and that the amount of needed rest depends on the person in question. However, if the sleeping hours are too low, this could cause serious health problems. Namely, when a person is deprived of sleep and rest, they won’t only be physically tired, but they will also have a problem focusing, making decisions, thinking clearly, and their appetite will lower.

Unfortunately, when a person sleeps less than 5 hours per night they’re at a higher risk of cardiovascular problems, whereas less than 7 hours can lead to weight gain, obesity, and diabetes. The contributing factors to lack of sleep can be stress and technology.

That is, stress is known to release too much cortisol, known as the stress hormone, and when its levels are too high, it causes sleeplessness. Additionally, when we use gadgets like tablets and smartphones prior to sleep, the light which they emit prevents the brain from releasing enough melatonin which controls the sleep and wake cycles.

HOW MUCH SLEEP DO WE REALLY NEED?

Sleep is a vital indicator of overall health and well-being. We spend up to one-third of our lives asleep, and the overall state of our “sleep health” remains an essential question throughout our lifespan.

Most of us know that getting a good night’s sleep is important, but too few of us actually make those eight or so hours between the sheets a priority. For many of us with sleep debt, we’ve forgotten what “being really, truly rested” feels like.

To further complicate matters, stimulants like coffee and energy drinks, alarm clocks, and external lights—including those from electronic devices—interferes with our “circadian rhythm” or natural sleep/wake cycle.

Sleep needs vary across ages and are especially impacted by lifestyle and health. To determine how much sleep you need, it’s important to assess not only where you fall on the “sleep needs spectrum,” but also to examine what lifestyle factors are affecting the quality and quantity of your sleep such as work schedules and stress.

Improve Your Sleep Today: Make Sleep a Priority

To begin a new path towards healthier sleep and a healthier lifestyle, begin by assessing your own individual needs and habits. See how you respond to different amounts of sleep.

Pay careful attention to your mood, energy and health after a poor night’s sleep versus a good one. Ask yourself, “How often do I get a good night’s sleep?” Like good diet and exercise, sleep is a critical component to overall health.

To pave the way for better sleep, follow these simple yet effective healthy sleep tips, including:

• Stick to asleep schedule, even on weekends.
• Practice a relaxing bedtime ritual.
• Exercise
• Evaluate your bedroom to ensure ideal temperature, sound and light.
• Sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillows.
• Beware of hidden sleep stealers, like alcohol and caffeine.
• Turn off electronics before bed.

If you or a family member are experiencing symptoms such as sleepiness during the day or when you expect to be awake and alert, snoring, leg cramps or tingling, gasping or difficulty breathing during sleep, prolonged insomnia or another symptom that is preventing you from sleeping well, you should consult your primary care physician or  find a sleep professional to determine the underlying cause.

You may also try using the National Sleep Foundation Sleep Diary to track your sleep habits over a one- or two-week period and bring the results to your physician.

Most importantly, make sleep a priority. You must schedule sleep like any other daily activity, so put it on your “to-do list” and cross it off every night. But don’t make it the thing you do only after everything else is done – stop doing other things so you get the sleep you need.

Source>>http://www.medicalonline1.com/2017/03/26/recommended-hours-of-sleep-according-to-the-national-sleep-foundation/