Health Wikipedia

The novel H1N1 influenza A virus spreads four times faster than other viruses and creates much panic all over the world. The rising number of cases every day and increase in death rate in some countries made it a serious concern. But experts in influenza and infectious disease are still saying the exact level of danger from the virus is still far from certain.

In most cases, the disease manifestation is just regular influenza. It is something that happens every year. It is self limiting and most people recover soon without any medication. H1N1 is a major concern for people with chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer and also for children and extreme aged.

The scientists who study outbreaks say that A(H1N1) is not the deadliest strain out there. The case-fatality (the percentage of people who got the disease and did not survive) is still very low. While case fatality for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) reached more than 15 percent, bird flu reached higher to 60 percent, but it is only about 1 percent worldwide with a maximum fatality in Mexico is about 10 percent.

Moreover, we have drugs (Oseltamivir and Zanamivir) in our hand now to fight in the initial phase that we did not have in the previous large flu outbreaks.

Although there are positive reasons not to panic, we should be concern deeply with the risk and potential danger of H1N1 that may occur in near future. If we track back to Spanish influenza, we see that it began as a mild strain, and then turned horrifically virulent, killing 20 million to 100 million people in 1918-19.

The risk could be reduced or eliminated by exercising personal control like hygiene practice. It is worth remembering that worry itself is a risk, a stress that can undermine health and happiness. We need not to be panicked but always have to take these things seriously.

Swine flu, also called hog flu/pig flu is the scary names now a days. The recent outbreaks of swine flu or swine influenza A (H1N1) virus has created much panic in Bangladesh. It is heartrending but we have to be alert to contain the spread of the virus.

Simple influenza-like illness (fever, cough, sore throat) has been reported in many cases, mild respiratory illness (nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, shortness of breath) without fever and occasional severe disease also has been reported. Other symptoms reported with swine influenza A virus infection include vomiting, diarrhoea, myalgia (muscle ache), headache, chills, fatigue and shortness of breath. Conjunctivitis is rare, but has been reported. Severe disease (pneumonia, respiratory failure) and fatal outcomes have been reported with swine influenza A virus infection.

The potential for exacerbation of underlying chronic medical conditions or invasive bacterial infection with swine flu virus should be considered. To confirm a positive case, a simple throat or nasal swab is examined in laboratory. Follow the dos and don’ts to reduce the risk of catching or spreading.

* Stay home and limit contact with others as much as possible
* Cover your cough/ sneeze
* Rest and eat nutritious food and take plenty of liquids
* Get plenty of sleep and rest
* Seek medical advice if you have the symptoms
* It is better to cover mouth and nose. When coughing and sneezing, using a tissue and do not forget to throw the tissue away quickly and carefull

* Wash your hands regularly with soap and water
* Hands/Fingers are very important — even some people prefer to use gloves and stop doing hand shakes
* Clean hard surfaces (like door handles and remote controls) frequently with a normal cleaning product

Don’t forget to use tissue paper when sneezing and coughing and wash your hands regularly. Do not forget to carry tissue paper; catching the germs in a tissue paper could help limit the spread of the virus.

If you do have swine flu, you should contact a qualified doctor who is aware of its management rather than visiting a practitioner and ignorant about this disease. Recently several medical college hospitals in Bangladesh has opened special ward to treat swine flu cases.

Swine flu can be treated by the drugs — Oseltamivir and Zanamivir, according to WHO guideline. In some cases, antiviral medicine may cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach ache, headache. Even if you do feel these symptoms it is important that those prescribed antiviral medicine complete the course, even if symptoms of swine flu clear and you start to feel better quickly.

Like Islam, many of the world’s religions and spiritual practices include element of fasting as a way to boost their spiritual development. Alongside with the spiritual significance, fasting has certain physical, psychological and social benefits. By maintaining proper norms of Ramadan, we can get these benefits and move a significant step towards better health.

Increasingly, scientists are starting to recognise the benefits of fasting that reduces energy intake. Research on animals shows a restricted-calorie diet increases life span. There seem to be two mechanisms by which it amplifies life span.

First, it reduces free radical production, or the production of highly toxic forms of oxygen that damages cell and the second is that calorie restriction increases the resistance of cells to stress. Both of these are important in protecting against a number of different diseases that have a negative impact on life span. It helps in reducing cholesterol levels and improves blood glucose levels and provides protection of certain emerging diseases like cardiovascular problems, diabetes, cancer etc.

Research by Zafar Nomani, Professor Emeritus of Human Nutrition and Foods, West Virginia University has shown that the basal metabolism of fasting individuals slows down during Ramadan. A person can stay healthy and active during Ramadan consuming a diet that is less than that of the normal intake but balanced in nutrients.

Some studies suggest that many people are consuming too many calories that are not nutritious and not consuming enough of the right kinds of calories. Cutting calories excessively and not paying attention to the quality of food may result in severe health consequences. This practice can affect our immune system, concentration and ability to focus.

Some people overeat during Ramadan and especially bulge their bellies with fried and fatty food. Studies indicate that health problems can emerge as a result of eating too much or eating a diet that is not balanced. The body has regulatory mechanisms that activate during fasting and we do not need to overeat to get the essential nutrients.

Changing the food habit is particularly important in Ramadan to get health benefits. Slow-digesting foods that contain grains and seeds like wheat, oats, beans, lentils and unpolished rice. These foods can last for up to eight hours, making them more suitable for fasting.

Dates and juices are good sources of sugars that can bring low blood glucose level to normal level rapidly. Indeed, breaking the fast with several dates is considered “sunnah” in Islam that was practiced by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Muslims are advised to refrain from not only food and water, but also from other bad habits like smoking, foul talk and harm to others. The restrictions — both caloric and behavioral — can be good for us holistically for sustaining good practice in time after Ramadan.

In order to protect the crops from the insects, pests etc, chemical pesticide are used. But many producers as well as consumers are not fully aware of the ill effects of the pesticides.

Pesticide has the ability to kill living cell. As it kills the pest, it can kill the human cells as well. Many germs have developed defense or resistance against the pesticides. Some new types of disease have emerged those are very difficult to treat. Peoples are facing uncommon physical disorders as well as mental problems.

Vegetables and fruits sold in the market seems to be very attractive and fresh. People often become biased to purchase theses so called disease free foods. But they do not know that behind the freshness there are potential health consequences.

Due to the consumption of this sorts of food, the chance of developing several disease like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, hair fall, skin disease etc. increased. Some pesticide has a long residual effect. In many places in Bangladesh, farmers use pesticide indiscriminately during growing stage of crops. This cause much harm in the long run.

We are very much concerned about our health but we are not properly aware of what are eating and feeding. So we have to have alert about our food and create awareness among the people. We observe that some law enforcers have become active to ensure formalin free fish, stop adulteration of restaurants food, melamine free powder milk etc. But pesticide used during growing vegetables and others agricultural products are under focused.

Instead of chemical pesticide, farmers can grow crops with the help of other methods like pheromone trap, light trap, manually control of pest etc. Government should take initiative to implement other methods to produce pesticides free agricultural commodities that are not harmful to human health.

A huge number of people develop foot pain in their 60s. Usually they think that foot pain is a part of the aging process and accept it walking with pain. But it can start as early as the 20s and 30s as well. With simple measures like proper footwear and regular exercise can play an important role in preventing foot problems.

On an average, healthy people walk the equivalent of three times around the Earth in their lifetime. That is a matter of enormous wear and tear on the 26 bones, 33 joints and more than 100 tendons, ligaments and muscles that make up the foot.

Excessive weight, diabetes and circulation problems can contribute to foot pain. The most common foot conditions that occur with age are arthritic joints, thinning of the fat pads cushioning the soles, plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the fibrous tissue along the sole), bunions (enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe), poor circulation and fungal nails. The following questions will help you assess whether you should take more preventive action as you age.

Are you overweight? The force on your feet is about 120 percent of your weight. It can lead to plantar fasciitis and heel pain and can worsen hammertoes and bunions. It is also a risk factor for diabetes, leading to the next question.

Are you diabetic? Being farthest from the heart, the feet can be the first part of the body to manifest complications like poor circulation and loss of feeling, both of which can lead to poor wound healing and amputation. Diabetics should have their feet examined annually by a doctor and avoid shoes that cause abrasions and pressure.

Do you have poor circulation? If you suffer from peripheral artery disease — a narrowing of veins in the legs — your feet are more susceptible to problems. Smoking also contributes to poor circulation.

Do your parents complain about their feet? Family history is probably your biggest clue to potential problems.

Do your shoes fit? Feet flatten and lengthen with age, so if you are clinging to the shoe size you wore at age 21, get your feet measured (especially mothers — pregnancy expands feet).

Do your feet ever see the light of day? Fungus thrives in a warm, moist environment. Choose moisture-wicking socks (not cotton), use antifungal powders and air out your toes at home.

Do you walk? Putting more mileage on your feet is the best way to exercise the muscles and keep them healthy.

– Dr Md Rajib Hossain –

Knowing the symptoms of a heart attack can save your life, the life of a loved one, or even the life of a complete stranger. When it comes to a heart attack, time is everything. The sooner you get medical treatment, the better your chances of surviving a heart attack.

According to the American Heart Association, the classic warning signs are:

* An uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes, then disappears and returns.

* Pain that radiates to the shoulders, stomach, back, arms, neck, or jaw.

* Chest discomfort with dizziness, fainting, nausea, sweating, fluttering heartbeat, or shortness of breath

Women may also have these warning signs, which are less common:

* Unusual chest pain, stomach, or abdominal pain, which may feel like indigestion or the need to belch.

* Difficulty breathing and shortness of breath.

* Unexplained weakness, fatigue, or anxiety.

* Palpitations (an irregular heart beat), rapid heart beat, paleness, or breaking into a cold sweat.

* Pain in the jaw or back.

If you or anyone you know is having these symptoms, get to a hospital immediately. Not all the symptoms show up in every attack. Do not wait, because the heart muscle starts to die during an attack and every minute counts. It is always better to be safe than sorry.