Risks associated with the use of contact lenses

What are contact lenses?

Contact lenses are worn directly on the corneal of the eye to correct vision. Contact lenses work on the same principle as a spectacle. They refract the light and direct it onto the retina to improve vision quality. There are different types of contact lenses that suit your lifestyle. Your eye care professional can help you to find the right contact lens for you.

Today, most people wear soft contact lenses made of a water-containing material called hydrogel. Contact lenses made from Hydrogel are breathable. 

How to Care of Your Contact Lenses?

Contact lenses are medical devices that are authorized and regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration.

Wearing time:

Contact lenses are made from different materials. Since every material behaves differently. Manufacturers recommend for each contact lens a certain period of wear. So, do not exceed the period of wear the contact lens.

Proceed carefully with your Lenses:

Soft disposable contact lenses can tear. Keep your fingernails away from the lenses. Fingernails are not only sharp; they are also a great home for all kinds of bacteria.

Never share your lenses with others:

Sharing contact lenses with others leads to a transfer of bacteria. So, do not share your lenses with others.

Cleaning and Disinfection of Lenses:

Cleaning and disinfection is important to kill bacteria and other microorganisms. These microorganisms may lead to eye infections. Keep care of cleaning and disinfection of lenses.

Storage of Lenses:

Contact lenses must be stored in designated contact lens containers and in a special contact lens solution.

Moisten your Eyes:

If you feel dryness, please use specially provided drops for the wetting of contact lenses.

Use a contact lens case:

The contact lens cases are a common source of contamination by bacteria and other microorganisms. 

Follow the instructions for cleaning and storing the contact lens container in the package leaflet. 

• Replace the tank after every 3 months.

• Manual cleaning: Enter a few drops of cleaning solution on the lens. Rub gently with your little finger over the surface. After about twenty seconds, you can rinse the lens with a rinsing solution.

Who Should NOT Wear Contact Lenses?

Some people should not wear contact lenses:

• Those who have frequent eye infections.
• Those suffer from acute allergies.
• Those who suffer from dry eyes.
• People should not wear contact lenses whose work environment is dusty, gravelly, sandy and dirty.
• If a person is unable to handle lenses and properly keep of cleaning, removing and care of contact lenses, he should not wear them.

Risks associated with the use of contact lenses:

For those who cannot bear to wear glasses for any reason, contact lenses are a blessing. If the contacts are worn as directed, contact lens wearers may symptom-free as long as they have eye exams regularly. Following are some risks which are associated with the use of contact lenses.

 Infections:

People wearing contact lenses are at risk for eye infections. There may be swelling, pain and blurred vision. Excessive tearing may also occur. Consult your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of these symptoms.

Corneal ulcers:

Damage to the cornea by the virus, bacteria fungi, or a parasite is called a corneal ulcer.  The corneal ulcer is a dangerous eye disease that left untreated can lead to blindness.

Sometimes contact lenses may be responsible for corneal ulcer or corneal injury. This occurs when the contact lenses, especially soft contacts are left in overnight, may cause a corneal ulcer.

Pink Eye:

Pink eye can sometimes result from wearing contact lenses. Since pink eye is caused by viral and bacterial infections and is highly contagious. However, it is not a serious health problem, if you get the right treatment. When you wear contact lenses for a long time, your eyes become red and irritated.

Vision changes:

Visual disturbances may be caused by a variety of underlying diseases or disorders. Some vision problems arise in the eye itself. While other causes of diseases that affect the brain, the central nervous system or other parts of the body. Although many of the diseases that cause vision changes are not serious, and they are easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses.

Read More

Natural Home Remedies for Sore Throat

Natural Ways to Soothe the Sore Throat

A sore throat is a pain or irritation of throat. Infection from bacteria and virus are the main cause of sore throat. Sore throat can be annoying and painful. Common physical symptoms of sore throat may include a dry throat, white patches on the tonsils, swollen glands in the neck, and hoarseness.
Below are simple home remedies for sore throat that will benefit you get started on naturally soothing sore throat, providing the relief you crave.

Keep your Nasal Passage Clear

 

There are many reasons of sore throat, but one common reason relates to post nasal drip. To rid your sore throat that is related to post-nasal drip, you will need to determine why you have post-nasal drip. There are many reasons why someone might have post nasal drip such as illness and allergies.
Once you have determined the cause of drip, then you can easily understand which type of treatment will work for you. Some of the general treatment options include:

• Antibiotics
• Nasal sprays
• Throat lozenges
• Decongestants
• Surgery for severe cases
• Cough syrup

Traditional Saltwater Gargle

When our throats hurt, the cell of mucus membrane has become inflamed and swollen. Gargling with salt water may reduce the swelling. Saltwater shrinks the swallows cells and facilitate the pain. 

• 1 cup of warm water
• ½ teaspoon of salt

Heat water until it is warm. Add salt in warm water and mix. Gargle after every three hours in a day.
Raspberry Tea to Cure an Itching. From raspberry leaf tea you can make a great gargle. To make a mixture, add 1 cup boiling water over 2 teaspoons raspberry tea leaves and stand for 10 minutes. Then strain and gargle with liquid several times a day. Do not drink any fluid you have used as a gargle.

Sage Tea to Cure Sore Throat

Sage tea may also use as a throat gargle.

• 1 cup of boiling water
• 2 teaspoons sage leaves
• 1/4 ounce salt

Pour boil water over sage leaves and keep it for 15 minutes. Then strain, add salt and gargle with liquid as needed.

Gargle with Turmeric

• 1 cup hot water
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Add turmeric and salt in hot water and mix well. Gargle with this liquid twice a day.

Drink Apple Cider Vinegar

Cider vinegar is very useful to treat sore throat. The acidity property of cider vinegar can kill bacteria quite efficiently, and when it mixed with honey, it can soothe the soreness of throat as well. Some doctors still swear that it is surprisingly working wonders.

Method 1:

• 1 tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1 cup of very warm water

Mix the apple cider vinegar and honey in warm water. Drink it while it is still warm.

Method 2:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup warm water

Add salt in the cider vinegar, then mix in 1 cup warm water. Gargle after every 15 minutes as necessary.

Make a Horseradish Cocktail

 

This is one of the oldest fashion Russian sore throat remedy. Following is the simple method to prepare horseradish cocktail to treat your sore throat infection.

• 1 tablespoon pure horseradish (grated) or horseradish root
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves

Add horseradish, honey and cloves in one cup warm water. Stir all the ingredients in water and drink slowly.

Use Citrus to Cure Sore Throat

Lemon Juice for Sore Throat:

• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey

Add lemon juice and honey in one cup warm water. Mix them well and sip slowly.

Lime Juice and Sore Throat:

• 1 tablespoon Lime juice
• 1 tablespoon honey

Add lime juice and honey in one cup warm water. Mix and drink.

Keep the Throat Hydrated with Hot Liquids

Especially if you are not good at gargling, keep your throat with hot fluids, such as water, coffee, tea or hot lemonade. Hot liquids lubricate the throat and prevent it from drying out. Hot water is more effective as it coats the tissue in your throat. Warm liquid delivers a benefit similar to applying hot packs to infected skin.

Take Steam to Fight Infection

Steam inhalation is one of old-fashioned remedy for a cold or sore throat. Facial steamers which are easily accessible from the market are appropriate ways to inhale steam. Several scientific studies claimed that steaming can shorten the duration of throat infection. You can also use a traditional method of steaming. Cover your head with a towel and sit over a bowl of steaming water. Steam is also useful to clear the nasal passage.

Drink Cinnamon Tea to Cure Sore Throat

Any type of hot tea can soothe the sore throat, but cinnamon tea can benefit your cold symptoms and it can treat sore throat fast. Boil 2 cup of water and then add 1 inch cinnamon stick. Now strain the mixture and add 1 teaspoon honey and mix well. Drink this liquid several times a day for fast results.

Turmeric to Treat Sore Throat

Turmeric is an herb that keeps incredible medicinal properties. Turmeric acts as a natural anti-inflammatory agent and it reduces the swelling caused by sore throat infection. Turmeric when mixed with milk it turns into magically soothing drink to cure throat infection.

• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• ½ teaspoon ground pepper
• A glass of milk

Add turmeric powder and pepper in a glass of hot milk and mix well.

Analgesic for Sore Throat

 

If you are suffering from sore throat pain then acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen can have wonderful effects of throat pain. However, aspirin should not give to the children under the age of 19. Pregnant women should not take the aspirin without their doctor’s advice.

Consume Wheatgrass Juice for Sore Throat

 

Wheatgrass is used to treat the sore throat. Wheatgrass Juice is the best source of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is an antibacterial agent and it uses outside and inside body as a healer. Add freshly prepared wheatgrass juice to warm water and use this liquid for gargling.

Garlic for Sore Throat

Garlic owns the natural properties such as anti-inflammatory anti-bacterial properties. Therefore, it is beneficial in fighting with the bacteria which are responsible for strep throat, throat pain and inflammation. Add a few crushed garlic cloves in warm water and gargle with it.
Consuming garlic tea or raw garlic may help to prevent the attack of the bacterial infection.

Baking Soda to Cure Sore Throat

Calm your sore throat with baking soda. Baking soda is often used as an effective home remedy to calm the sore throats.  Baking soda possesses antibacterial property. It also has an Alkaline PH- which soothes skin irritations such as rashes and bug bites; similarly it will act on the swollen tissues in strep throat.

• 1 cup of very warm water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 teaspoon baking soda

Take 1 cup warm water, add salt and baking soda, and stir the mixture. Use this liquid for gargling twice time in a day.

Drink Licorice Root Tea

With licorice root tea you can naturally get some relief for strep throat infection. Licorice Root has anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties which can relieve you from swelling and irritation, and soothe the mucus membranes of the throat.

• 1 cup chopped dry licorice root
• 1/2 cup cinnamon chips
• 2 tablespoons whole cloves
• 1/2 cup chamomile flowers

Add all ingredients in a bowl. Store in a glass jar and keep it away from light. for tea, add 3 tablespoons of the tea mixture and 2 ½  cups of water in a saucepan. At medium heat, boil this mixture, then reduce heat from medium to low, and after 10 minutes pour into a large mug through strainer.

You may also like:

• What is Sore Throat - Causes and Symptoms of Sore Throat

Read More

Sore Throat: Get the Facts on Causes and Symptoms

What is Sore Throat?

A sore throat signifies to itchiness, pain, or irritation of the throat. You may feel difficulty in swallowing food and liquids. Throat pain is primary symptoms of the sore throat. But other symptoms are swollen glands in the neck, dry throat, and white patches on the tonsils.

It is one of the common health issues, particularly in winter seasons, when respiratory infections are at the high peak. It can affect the people of all ages, but the risk of sore throat is higher in children, allergy suffers, and smokers.

Causes of Sore Throat

Viral Infection:

Viral infection is one of the common causes of the sore throat. There are several viruses which can lead to cold and upper respiratory infection.  Other types of virus illness include:

• Common cold
• Mononucleosis (mono)
• Flu (influenza)
• Chicken pox
• Measles
• Croup — a common childhood illness

Bacterial infection:

The sore throat also triggers by bacterial infections. Bacterial infections, which cause sore throat include:

• Whooping Cough: disease of the respiratory tract infection of  mucous membrane
• Diphtheria: Infectious disease which causes throat inflammation
• Strep Throat: Swelling of the throat caused by the Streptococcal bacteria

GERD:

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive tract disease which is characterized by the backflow of the stomach acid into the food pipe (esophagus).  GERD may also cause sore throat.

Toxins/Irritants:

Many substances such air pollution, cigarette smoke, and noxious airborne chemicals may also cause sore throat. Medical conditions such as allergies, gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), cough, and postnasal drip can cause a sore throat. The intentional or unintentional absorption of certain elements, for example, bleach can cause a sore throat.

Medical Treatment:

Certain medical treatment can such as tonsillectomy, airway management during operation, chemotherapy, antibiotics, or other immune-compromising medications cause a sore throat.

HIV Infection:

A person HIV –positive may have a frequent or chronic sore throat due to secondary infection.
Common problems include oral thrush which is also called fungal infection and cytomegalovirus infection, which is a common viral infection.

Tumors:

Tumors of the tongue, throat or voice box (larynx) can cause a sore throat. Other signs may include difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, noisy breathing, a lump in the neck, blood in the saliva and a lump in the neck.

Symptom of Sore Throat

The Sore throat is a pain in the throat. Symptoms associated with common infectious conditions are included:

• A high temperature (fever)
• Tiredness
• Headache
• aching muscles
• Lack of appetite
• Sneezing
• Chills
• Coughing
• Redness and/or swelling of the back of the throat and tonsils
• White patchy areas on the tonsils
• Swollen / tender lymph nodes in the neck
• Runny nose
• Feeling of unwell

In Young Children:

• Refusing to feed
• High temperature
• Cough
• Difficulty sleeping
• Irritability
• Frequent crying
• Sneezing
• Diarrhea
• Runny nose
• Tiredness

How to Prevent a Sore Throat?

Following steps you can help you prevent the sore threat.

• Do not share drinking glasses with infected individual.
• Try to avoid close contact with the persons who are infected with the viral infection.
• People who are taking antibiotic for bacterial infections should finish their course of antibiotic to completely reduce the infection and decrease disease.
• Avoid cigarettes smoke, pollution and pollen.
• Stay indoors in high pollen days.
• Use sanitizing cleanser to clean the telephone, television, TV remotes, and computer keyboards.
• Use alcohol based hand sanitizers while soap and water are not accessible.

Related Article:

• Natural Ways to Cure Sore Throat

Read More

Diarrhea, Causes and Symptoms

What is Diarrhea?

Diarrhea represents a condition of bowel movement (stools) that are watery and loose. This condition lasts for a day for many for a few days, which can result dehydration due to fluid loss from the body.  Diarrhea is also associated with a bacterial or viral infection.

Causes of Diarrhea

• Many people have difficulty in digesting of lactose and after using dairy products they experience diarrhea. Lactose is a sugar which is found in milk and other dairy products.
• Fructose is a sugar which is naturally found in many fruits and honey; it is also used in some beverages. Many people have difficulty in the digestion of fructose may experience diarrhea after eating products which have fructose.
• Artificial sweeteners, which are found in chewing gum and some other sugar free products may also cause diarrhea in some people.
• Bacterial or viral infections:

• A virus, such as Norwalk agent, enterovirus, rotavirus, or a hepatitis virus.
• A bacterium, such as Clostridum, E. coli, Shigella, Vibrio cholerae.
• A parasite, such as those that cause mebiasis  and giardiasis.
  

• Alcohol consumption
• Cancer and treatment of cancer: Radiation therapy which is used in treatment of cancer or cancers in the abdomen which can damage the intestine and also cause diarrhea.
• Food allergies.
• Some medication may also cause diarrhea and most common are antibiotics.
• digestive tract surgery, also cause diarrhea.
• Diseases which are related to intestine, e.g. ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
• Malabsorption is a condition where the body is unable to absorb certain nutrients from the food across the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
• Food poisoning and consumption of polluted water. People who are traveled to foreign countries may suffer from diarrhea after drinking contaminated water.
• Other causes of diarrhea are:

• Diabetes
• Hyperthyroidism
• Competitive running
• Emotional stress

Symptoms of Diarrhea

• Watery stool
• Vomiting and Nausea
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Undigested food in stool
• Blood in the stool
• Abdominal pain
• Abdominal cramps
• Bloating, gas
• Rectal pain
• Increased frequency of bowel movements

Chronic diarrhea is a symbol of more serious conditions of inflammatory bowel illness. If you are experiencing such a serious condition of diarrhea then you will be at risk. If this may be the case tell your doctor.

Home remedies and lifestyle

Mostly diarrhea cases clear up within a few days. You can try the following tips until the diarrhea goes away:

• Drink plenty of clean liquids, including boiling water, juices and broth.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
• Avoid dairy products, high fiber food, fatty food and high seasoned food for a few days.
• Add low fiber and semisolid food in your meals until your bowel movement return to normal.

Some Home remedies to cure diarrhea

Following are some home remedies to cure diarrhea:

ORS

• 1 Litter Water
• 6 Teaspoons Sugar
• ½ Teaspoon Salt

Add Sugar and Salt in water and stir mixture until sugar dissolved.

Cumin

Add one teaspoon cumin in 1 cup water and boil them. After that add coriander juice and pinch of salt. Take this mixture daily after every meal.

Curry Leaves

Juice of curry leaves with buttermilk is beneficial for diarrhea   

How to Prevent Diarrhea

• Drink bottled water, juices, beverages and soda in original container.
• Beverages from boiled water, such as tea and coffee are safe.
• Avoid raw vegetables and fruits.
• Eating food from street merchants
• Avoid raw meat and under cook meats and dairy foods.
• Avoid tap water and ice cubes.
• Wash your hands and food preparation place several times during cooking.
• Wash your hands after and before cooking the food. In additional, also wash after using the toilet, sneezing, changing diapers and blowing your nose.

Read More

Blood Cholesterol and Types of Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fat that our body needs to work properly. Too much bad cholesterol may increase the risk of heart diseases, stroke and other problems.

Types of Cholesterol:

• Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL): LDL cholesterol is build up in the walls of arteries, making them hard and thicker. LDL is also called “bad” Cholesterol.
  

• Very-Low-Density Lipoprotein (VLDL): This type of lipoprotein contains the highest amount of triglyceride. It is a type of fat which is attached to the proteins of the blood. VLDL cholesterol makes LDL Cholesterol larger in size, causing the blood vessels to narrow. A normal VLDL cholesterol level is between 5 and 30 milligrams per deciliter.

• High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL):  HDL, “good” cholesterol transport excess cholesterol from your tissues (including the walls of arteries) to your liver for disposal. HDL prevents excess cholesterol building up in blood vessels, so a high HDL level is linked to a lower risk of heart disease.

What is High Blood Cholesterol?

High blood cholesterol is a condition in which you have high level of cholesterol in your

blood. Many people do not know that their cholesterol level is too high. People with high blood cholesterol have a high risk of coronary heart disease, which is also called Coronary Artery Disease.
Coronary heart disease is a condition in which plaque builds up inside the wall of coronary arteries. Plaque is made of fat, calcium, cholesterol and other substances. When excess plaques build up in the arteries this condition is called atherosclerosis.
When enough plaque builds up it start narrowing the arteries. This occurs slowly and over many years. This limit the flow of oxygen rich blood to the heart and throughout the body. Atherosclerosis can cause arteries to narrow or gradually it blocked the arteries and limit the flow of blood to vital organs, especially the brain and heart.

• Atherosclerosis when affects the heart is called Coronary Artery Disease and it can cause a Heart Attack.

• When atherosclerosis blocks arteries and limit the supply of blood to the brain, it can cause a Stroke.

Related Link:

• What is Hight Colesterol?

Read More

5-Unhygienic Habits

The unhygienic habits that people have and often overlook are few but they are common among the majority of the people.

• Tie Hair And Trim Nails While Cooking

When the ladies cook food they should make sure that they tie their hair up and trim their nails? Most of women are not bothered about it. Their ignorance may be because they are unaware of the consequences of the unhygienic habit. What can happen if their child or an adult in the house swallow a hair. On the other hand they wouldn’t know how many germs they cook when they use their hands which have long scary nails.

• Picking Up A Dirty Spoon

Children should not pick up a dirty spoon and have food with it. The floor of house has all kinds of germs that come from our shoes into the house from everywhere when we step outside the house.

• Washing Hands Before Eating

Would you want to gather all the germs from your child’s school and the play ground to be mixed with the child’s food and go into his stomach? Of course not, so make sure that your child washes his hands when he has to eat something. Children should be taught to make it a habit to wash hands every time before eating

• Picking Nose

Most of the little children pick their nose and then they don’t wash their nose. So all the mothers need to start cleaning their child’s nose and making sure that they leave the habit of picking the nose.

• Brushing Teeth

Mothers should also make sure that apart from all the healthy habits; a child should be taught to have proper meals after washing hands, taking a bath every day and brushing the teeth twice a day.

Read More

Dehydration - What are the Causes and Symptoms of Dehydration?

What is Dehydration?

 

Dehydration is the loss of water and salt from the body. Dehydration occurs when a person’s body loses more water than the required quantity of water take in. Our body needs water to maintain volume of blood and ensure that other fluids in the body function properly.

Dehydration is always dangerous for human body. After all up to 60% of body weight of a person comprises of water.  This is why drinking of 6-8 glasses of water helps our body function efficiently. Water is vital to both organ function and digestion. It also controls the blood pressure and carries the nutrition and oxygen throughout the body .Without enough water your skin can become dry and wrinkled.

Causes of Dehydration

The immediate causes of dehydration include not enough water take in and too much water loss from the body. Sometimes it is not possible us to consumes enough fluids because we are too busy or in an area without potable water. Additional causes of dehydration are under:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Sweating
• Frequent urination
• Diabetes
• Burns

What are the Symptoms of Dehydration?

The common symptoms of dehydration are thirst, darker colour of urine and decrease urine production.  But urine colour is one of the best indicators of a person’s hydration level, clear urine mean your body is well hydrated and darker urine means you are dehydrated.

There are following few symptoms of mild to moderate dehydration and severe dehydration:

Causes of mild to moderate dehydration:

• Thirst
• Dry, sticky mouth
• Sleepiness or tiredness
• Few or no tears when crying
• Decreased urine output
• Headache
• Dry skin
• Dizziness
• Constipation

Causes of Severe dehydration:

• Extreme thirst
• Sunken eyes
• Little or no urination — any urine that is produced will be darker than normal
• Rapid breathing
• Very dry mouth, skin and mucous membranes
• Sleepiness or extreme fussiness in infants and children; irritability and confusion in adults
• Lack of Sweating
• Dry skin that lacks elasticity and doesn't "bounce back" when pinched into a fold
• In infants, sunken fontanels — the soft spots on the top of a baby's head
• Low blood pressure
• Increased heartbeat
• No tears when crying
• Fever
• Delirium or unconsciousness

How can dehydration be prevented? 

 

1. Drink plenty of fluids, especially when working or playing in the sun.
2. Make sure you are taking in more fluid than you are losing.
3. Try to schedule physical outdoor activities for the cooler parts of the day.
4. Drink appropriate sports drinks to help maintain electrolyte balance.
5. For infants and young children, solutions like Pedialyte will help maintain electrolyte balance during illness or heat exposure.

 

Read More

High Cholesterol, Cause and Symptoms of Cholesterol

What is High Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a type of fat which is called lipid which human body needs to work properly. Cholesterol is naturally present in the cells of the body including brain, nerves, muscles, intestine, skin, liver and heart.The body use cholesterol to produce vitamin D, hormones and bile acids that help to digest the fat. our body makes all the cholesterol it needs. However, cholesterol also is found in certain foods e.g. egg yolk, lamb kidney, clarified butter, lobster, and cheese cream. Cholesterol is traveled in human body through blood stream in form of small packages called Lipoproteins. These packages made of fat (lipid) on the inside and protein on the outside.

Causes of High Cholesterol:

There are many factors which determine the high cholesterol level in your body. You can control some factors but not others.

• Age - cholesterol levels in the body increase with age. Normally cholesterol starts to rise after the age of 20.
• Food you eat - Cholesterol is found in food that come from animal sources e.g. meat, egg yolk and dairy products. Taking diet of high saturated fat increased the level of cholesterol in blood.
• Physical activity - Lack of physical activity which may increase LDL and decrease HDL and it increase the total level of cholesterol.
• Overweight - Being overweight may increase the LDL (bad) and lower the HDL (good).
• Family History- High cholesterol is an inherited genetic condition, which is called Familial hypercholesterolemia. This condition may increase the chance of heart disease at early age.
• Alcohol consumption - Drinking too much alcohol may damage the liver and heart muscles and lead to high blood pressure and increase the cholesterol levels. Because of the risks alcohol beverages should not be used to avoid the heart disease.
• Mental Stress - Mental stress may also increase the cholesterol level. Stress may do this from disturbing your habits, for example, when some people are under stress, they console themselves by eating more fatty foods.
• Health Condition - Some health conditions can also lead to abnormal cholesterol, few of them are:

• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Poly-cystic ovary syndrome
• Pregnancy and some other conditions which may increase levels of female hormones.
• Under-active thyroid gland.

Symptoms of Cholesterol:

High cholesterol has no symptoms and only a blood test is the way to detect high cholesterol.
If you are 20 or older, you should have to blood cholesterol level measured at least once every 5 years.

How to Prevent High Cholesterol?

• Adoption of a healthy lifestyle changes, including aerobic exercise and a low-fat diet should reduce the prevalence of obesity and high cholesterol.
• Knowing your cholesterol number level is the first step in controlling your cholesterol.
• Reduce your extra weight and maintain a healthy life.
• Quit smoking.
• Eat a low-fat and low-salt diet that includes many fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
• Exercise at least four days of the week for 30 minutes.
• Some people may not be able to prevent high cholesterol with lifestyle changes because family history and certain conditions that cause the body to make too much cholesterol. In these cases, medicine can help.
• In your daily meals include a variety of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
• Improve your level of physical activity. 

Related Post:

• High Blood Cholesterol and its Types

Read More

Health Tips for Rainy Season

Health Tips for Rainy Season

When rainy season starts we notice sudden changes in the weather conditions the temperature is suddenly cooled and humidity rises which spreads many micro-organisms along with the humid air.
Many people become sick during the this season as the humid and filthy conditions provide the insects and micro-organisms a good scope to grow and spread diseases like malaria, dengue, viral fever, typhoid, common cold and flu, pneumonia and gastrointestinal disturbances like diarrhea.
Rainy season is an important time period to take a special care of your health; we need to restrict certain food and other habits.

Body and Health condition during rainy season: 

• Low digestion power
• Low immunity and
• Low body strength

Food to avoid during rainy season:

Food items those are heavy to digest.

• Frozen food stuff, ice creams.
• Oily food stuff
• Corn and corn products
• Beverages combine with milk and fruits
• Curds and excess use of salt

Health tips for rainy season:

• In rainy days the outdoor activities is not possible, so you need to take extra care to have indoor physical activities. Do not let laziness develop on you.
• Avoid drinking of cold beverage, juices and ice water.
• Use only boiled water for drinking.
• You should wear rain-coat and umbrella while going out.
• Never drench in the rainwater, even do not make for a joy, it will lead influenza and flue.
• In rainy season avoid eating watering foods e.g. rice and watermelon. These foods may create swallowing in the body.
• Foot care for diabetics – Because the feet tend to get wet all the time, it is very important for everybody and especially diabetics to take a special foot care. As and when feet get wet, make sure to dry them immediately.
• Keep your nails clean and short, because moisture between the nails may cause skin infections.
  
• During rainy season use warm or hot water instead of cold water for bath.
• During rainy season it is healthier to wear foot wear inside home.
• Drink herbal tea in rainy season, as herbal tea contains anti-bacterial property.
• Avoid sleeveless dresses and keep your body fully covered.
• Dry your hair and feet as soon as possible whenever they get wet.
• Use warm water instead of cold water to drink.
• Avoid street foods and juices, because in rainy season polluted water and raw vegetables are very common.
• Minimize your alcohol consumption as it weakens our immune system.
• Don’t allow children to play nearby stagnant water.
  
   

Read More

Heat Stroke - Cause, Symptoms and Treatment

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat illness and is a life-threatening emergency. Heat stroke is a form of hyperthermia in which the body temperature is elevated dramatically. Heatstroke is caused by extreme exposure to high temperatures or by doing physical activity in hot weather.

Causes of Heat Stroke:

Heatstroke occurs when the body is no longer able to cool itself and starts to overheat. Normal skin temperature is 32-34°C (89.6-93.2°F). If the outside temperature is higher than your skin temperature, your body will produce sweat, which reduce the temperature of the body.
However, in certain conditions, such as extreme heat, high humidity or vigorous activity in the hot sun, this cooling system may begin to fail, allowing heat to build up to dangerous levels.
If an individual becomes dehydrated and cannot sweat enough to cool their body, their internal temperature may rise to dangerously high levels, causing heat stroke.
Some other causes of heat stroke are as:

• Wearing extra clothing that prevents your sweat from evaporating easily and cooling your body
• Drinking alcohol, which can affect your body's ability to regulate your temperature
• Becoming dehydrated, whenever you are not drinking enough water to replenish fluids you lose through perspiration.

Symptoms of Heat Stroke:

The symptoms of heat stroke can develop quickly, which include:

• Headache.
• Dizziness.
• Dry and warm skin that is flushed but not sweaty.
• High body temperature. Body temperature of 104 F (40 C) or more is the sign of heat stroke.
• High heart rate.
  
• Sluggishness or fatigue.
• Agitation, confusion, or disorientation.
• Seeing or hearing things that aren't real ( Hallucinations).
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Loss of consciousness.
• Muscle cramps or weakness.
• Lack of sweating despite the heat.

How can Heat Stroke be Prevented?

• Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated will keep your body temperature normal.
• Wear lightweight, loose fitting clothing in light colours. Wearing excess clothing and clothing which are tight fitted would not allow your body to cool.
• Wear light-colored clothing if you are in the sun because dark clothing absorbs heat. On the other hand light-colored clothing may help you to keep cool by reflecting the sun's rays.
• Eat regular, light meal. 
• Stay cool and letting air circulating around your body.
  
• Remain away of the sunlight during the hottest parts of the day, particularly 11am-3pm.
• Never leave children or anyone else in a parked car. This is one of a common cause of heat-related deaths in children. When you parked car in the sun, the temperature in your car can rise 20 degrees F (more than 6.7 C) in just 10 minutes. It is not safe to leave a person inside a parked car in hot weather for any period of time. 
• Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler) and sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels). 
• Cut down on exercise, and drink two to four glasses of cool and nonalcoholic fluids our.  Sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat.
• On very hot and humid day, try to spend much time indoors.
• Schedule your activity and sports for cooler times of the day.

How is Heat Stroke Treated?

• Heat Stroke need to be treated quickly.
  
• Get the heat stroke victim in a cool place.
• Remove excess clothing of victim and wet his or her skin with water or wrap in wet cloths.
• Fan air over the victim while wetting his or her skin with water from a sponge or garden hose.
• If the effected person is able to drink liquids, have them drink cool water or other cool beverages that do not contain alcohol or caffeine.
• Apply ice packs to the victim's armpits, neck, groin, and back.
• Monitor victim's body temperature where possible and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops below 101 to 102 °F or 38°C.
• Dial Emergency number to request an ambulance if the person doesn't respond to the above treatment within 30 minutes.

Read More