Technorati Tags: 1st week of pregnancy, First Week of Pregnancy, what happens in the first week of pregnancy

Is it safe to fly during pregnancy

Many mothers-to-be will be wondering if it is safe to fly during pregnancy. The safety of their unborn child will be foremost in their minds, while they carry out their other roles as wife and employee. Sometimes, the air travel might have been pre-planned way ahead of time, even before they were not pregnant, and they had to go ahead with the plans, either for business or holiday.

Although guidelines for the airlines may vary, generally, the pregnant mother will have to get medically certified letter from her medical doctor to certify that she is in good health and fit to fly. Keep an emergency contact sheet with her at all times complete with details of emergency contact persons, pregnancy due date, and any medical problems or allergies that she may be having.

Drink plenty of water and fresh fruit juice to prevent dehydration caused by the low humidity in the cabin. The fruit juice would keep up energy and provide the antioxidants needed to keep the immune system strong. Avoid caffeine and any drinks which contains caffeine, such as Coke, tea and coffee.

For more information on Air Pregnancy Precautions, read this article.. http://www.brighthub.com/health/womens-health/articles/93926.aspx .

Buckle the in-flight safety belt below the belly and secure it on the hipbones. Do not buckle it across the belly, as in the event of a plane crash, it could cause the tearing of the placenta and place the unborn baby at risk.

Technorati Tags: air travel during pregnancy, can i fly during pregnancy, can you fly during pregnancy, is it safe to fly during pregnancy, pregnancy air travel

Febrile fits, also known as febrile convulsions or febrile seizures frequently occur in young children. This condition is triggered by high fever, and the bodies of the toddlers which have not fully developed, are unable to handle the rising body temperatures.

When such incidences happen, it is important to take precautions so that the child is not hurt in the event, and ensure that the child is taken to a doctor for medical attention immediately after. Do not try to drag the child out the front door and into the car while he or she is having a fit, as that action itself might cause more harm to the child. Though the seizure itself may be harmless, but ensure that there are no sharp objects surrounding the child, as the child shakes uncontrollably.

Read the full article on Febrile Fits – Medical Treatment, Prevention and Precaution here:   http://www.brighthub.com/health/conditions-treatments/articles/82263.aspx

This information is crucial for parents of young children, babysitters and caretakers of childcare centers and kindergartens to understand the symptoms of febrile fits and to carry out the basic first aid measures when needed to ensure the safety of the child.

Technorati Tags: febrile convulsions children, febrile fits, febrile fits children, febrile seizures

Febrile convulsions or febrile fits in young children are common occurrences triggered by fever. Usually, toddlers between the ages of one and four are susceptible to febrile fits. Such febrile fits  may happen in young children if the fever gets too high, as the bodies of the children are unable to bear it.

It can be a very frightening experience for the parents and caretakers of the children, if they are not fully informed about febrile seizures when such occurrences happen. It is not helpful for the adults around the child to panic in the emergency, instead of remaining calm and ensuring that the child in a fit does not hurt himself or herself during the fits.

For more information about febrile fits, the causes and how to deal with when it happens, and how to keep the child safe during such fits, read the article below.

Read full article on Febrile Fits in Young Children here: http://www.brighthub.com/health/conditions-treatments/articles/81920.aspx

This information is crucial for parents of young children, babysitters and caretakers of childcare centers and kindergartens to understand the symptoms of febrile fits and to carry out the basic first aid measures when needed to ensure the safety of the child.

Technorati Tags: febrile convulsions children, febrile fits kids, febrile seizures infants

Many people develop occupation asthma due to their workplace environment without even knowing it. They may wonder why they start feeling so sickly ever since they started their new job, or for some workers who have been there for years, may simply put it down to their own weak immune system, or even due to the work stress, as the asthma might just go away when they are on vacation, and start again, when they return to work in the office or workplace.

Work related asthma is common in industries setting. Existing hypersensitive airway in employees should be noted prior to employment. A very crucial and interesting occupational disease that draws lots of attention among employers and staff. Health education is targeting at prevention and early detection of the disease. Target audience for such topic would be occupational safety officers, HR managers in various industries.

Click here to read the Full Report on Work Related Asthma or Occupational Asthma:
http://www.brighthub.com/health/conditions-treatments/articles/78496.aspx

It is very important for you to recognize whether your asthmatic condition is due to your workplace environment, so that reports can be made to the management and measures taken to improve the health quality of yourself and of your colleagues.

Technorati Tags: occupational asthma, work related asthma, workplace asthma

Have you ever experienced symptoms such as sensory irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, neurotoxic or general health problems, skin irritation, nonspecific hypersensitivity reactions, odor and taste sensations while working in your work place? Subconsciously, you feel more relieved upon leaving that particular room or working zone? Chances are, you may be a victim of SBS or what is termed as “Sick Building Syndrome”.

It is quite a common occurrence for a dozen sick occupants to report a surprising variety of individual symptoms which may be dismissed as unconnected. However, the increased incidence of illnesses in general within a relatively short period of time, usually with the onset of the cases within a period of a few weeks of each other, should raise the suspicions of the company doctor.

There may also be lingering effects of various neurotoxins, which may not have cleared up when the occupant leaves the building. However, the long term health effects of the people cannot be overlooked, especially in particularly weakened or sensitive individuals.

The contributing factors to the Sick Building Syndrome often relate to the design of the building and may include a combination of some or all of the following, such as poor indoor air quality, toxic mold, artificial fragrance (for example, emitted from dryer sheets), absence or limited natural sunlight in the building, poor heating or ventilation, microbial or mite contamination of HVAC systems, bad acoustics or infrasound, poorly designed furnishings, furniture and equipment (for example, computer monitors, photocopiers, etc.), poor ergonomics, chemical contamination and biological contamination.

Sick Building Syndrome may cause high levels of employee sickness or absenteeism, lower productivity, low job satisfaction and high employee turnover, leading to higher costs and losses for the corporation.

Therefore, it is in the best interest of the companies as well, to ensure a clean, healthy and safe environment for its employees.

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Dr. Sloan, MD., is a qualified practicing medical doctor with a passion for the promotion of a healthy lifestyle and the prevention of illnesses and diseases. Subscribe for his newsletter containing solid information and advice at http://www.drsloanmd.com.
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Technorati Tags: indoor air pollution, indoor air quality, sick building syndrome

Indoor air quality is something within our control. The place where we stay and work is certainly much more manageable than the outdoor environment. It is a relief to know that many diseases caused by indoor air pollution can be eliminated with just three simple basic strategies.

Firstly, we have to identify and control the source. We have to identify and eliminate the individual sources of pollution, or to reduce their emissions. Some sources of emissions are those like gas stoves, which emit poisonous gaseous into the air in the kitchen. It can be adjusted to decrease the amount of emissions, and checks can be carried out on a periodic basis for leakage. Some sources, like those containing asbestos, such as heat-resistant insulators, hot pipe coverings and inert filler medium, can be sealed up or enclosed.

The second strategy is to improve the ventilation. In addition to the source control, another method to lower the concentrations of indoor air pollutants in your home is to increase the amount of outdoor air coming indoors. Open your windows and doors to let the air flow circulate in and out throughout your home or office on a daily basis for a period of time, either every morning or evening, or whenever the weather permits. Local bathroom or kitchen fans that exhaust the indoor air outwards can help to increase the outdoor air ventilation rate. This step is particularly important, if you are engaged in any sort of activities which generate high levels of pollutants, such as painting the walls, cooking, or maintenance activities such as soldering, welding or sanding.

Last but not least, the most simple and effective strategy is to install an indoor air purifier. There are many types and sizes of air purifier on the market, ranging from relatively inexpensive table-top models to sophisticated and expensive whole-house systems.

Although some air cleaners may be able to remove air particles rather effectively, but not many are known to remove airborne contaminants effectively and also the bad odor at the same time.

A good air purifier must be able to remove allergen, bacteria, fungal spores, virus including the Virus Influenza A which causes H1N1 pandemic, pollen, chemical like ozone, radon as well as mineral like asbestos which is known to be a carcinogenic- cancer causing agent. For energy saving, look for ENERGY STAR (which pass the guidelines set by the US EPA and US DOE) whenever you purchase an air purifier.

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Dr. Sloan, MD., is a qualified practicing medical doctor with a passion for the promotion of a healthy lifestyle and the prevention of illnesses and diseases. Subscribe for his newsletter containing solid information and advice at http://www.drsloanmd.com.
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Technorati Tags: air purifier, atmosphere air purifier, good air purifier, indoor air purifier, indoor air quality

Influenza viruses (commonly known as the flu viruses) are divided into three broad categories, which are influenza A, B or C. Influenza A is the most common type. The new virus that is causing the H1N1 flu (or commonly known as the swine flu), is a variation of influenza A.

Influenza AH1N1 is reportedly a deadly variety from the mutated virus strains of the deadly avian flu (or bird flu) and the equally deadly swine flu. These viruses are airborne, and spread across borders, first infecting animals, then humans.

The World Health Organization (WHO) phase 6 pandemic indicates that AH1N1 influenza is occurring all around the world due to the H1N1 flu virus and that human infection is widespread. It continues to issue warnings, advice and caution about the next wave of influenza when people have forgotten, gotten lax and taken things for granted.

Although the specific adverse effects of H1N1 flu on pregnancy are unknown, anyone at high risk of complications from seasonal flu is thought to be at high risk of complications from H1N1 flu, especially pregnant mothers.

Pregnancy puts extra stress on the heart and lungs besides affecting the immune system. These factors increase the risk of developing serious complications of the flu, such as pneumonia and respiratory distress, which may lead to miscarriage, premature labor or other pregnancy problems.

Additionally, our natural immunity against the H1N1 swine influenza virus is limited, as it is a new strain of influenza virus, and our immune system has not developed immunity against it yet.

Pregnant women are particularly susceptible, especially during the annual winter flu season. It is crucial for people to be constantly concerned about influenza and stay informed.

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Dr. Sloan, MD., is a qualified practicing medical doctor with a passion for the promotion of a healthy lifestyle and the prevention of illnesses and diseases. Subscribe for his newsletter containing solid information and advice at http://www.drsloanmd.com.
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Technorati Tags: h1n1 swine influenza, pregnancy problems, swine flu, swine influenza, swine influenza virus

With the rapid spread of swine flu (also known as A H1N1)which has entered the stage 6, the highest level of pandemic which indicates the risk of widespread and human to human transmission. It is a dangerous and contagious disease which could lead to the deaths of many people. Special care should be taken for the patients, as well as urgent stringent measures should be enforced globally to curb the spread.

Although medical history has clearly pointed out that the seasonal flu has claimed more lives than this A(H1N1), people from all walks of life continue to press the panic button following increased number of A(H1N1) related deaths. The spread of the virus is alarming and that itself has caused much worry and drastically altered the lives of many people.

Now there is no more question of if the human to human transmission has taken place as it is already in the stage 6-the worst stage of pandemic despite all the early measures to control suspected cases from entering certain countries.

It is very obvious how this swine flu pandemic has affected us. Many staff and workers would be advised to stay at home for quarantine if respiratory symptoms persists. Attendance to classes and colleges would also be greatly affected. Productivity of factories reduced while clinics and hospitals have become a popular place among people to seek medical advice and treatment.

WHO also reported research conducted in the USA and published 29 July in The Lancet has drawn attention to the increased risk of pregnant women infected with the swine flu virus which could result in severe or even fatal illness.

In addition to that, several other countries experiencing widespread transmission of the pandemic virus have similarly reported an increased risk in pregnant women, particularly during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, which could result in spontaneous abortions or risk of fetal death.

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Technorati Tags: dangerous disease, h1n1 pandemic, h1n1 related, h1n1 related deaths, human transmission, pregnant women, swine flu

When should a diabetic patient end the fast immediately?

a) When the hypoglycemic symptoms appears. (Refer symptoms of hypoglycemia -1st page )
b) If the patient monitors the blood glucose and notice hypoglycemia ( <3.5 mmol/l )
c) If glucose reaches <3.9mmol/l in the first few hours after the start of fast especially if insulin, sulphonylurea has been taken at pre dawn.
d) If glucose > 16mmol/l ( hyperglycemia )

Advise on breaking the fast in Ramadan
Diet during Ramadan should not differ significantly from a healthy and balanced diet. Instead it should aim at maintaining a constant body mass. In most studies, 50–60% of individuals who fast maintain their body weight during the month, while 20–25% either gain or lose weight; occasionally, the weight loss may be excessive (>3 kg). It is not advisable to consume large amounts of foods rich in carbohydrate and fat, especially at the sunset meal. Predawn meal may include foods containing “complex” carbohydrate, while foods with more simple carbohydrates may be more appropriate at the sunset meal. Such allocation is made in view of the delay in digestion and absorption.

Should patients stop carrying out physical exercise during fasting month?
Excessive physical activity may lead to higher risk of hypoglycemia and should be avoided, particularly during the few hours before the sunset meal. However, normal level of physical activities may still be carried out. If Tarawaih prayer (multiple prayers after the sunset meal) is performed, then it should be considered a part of the daily exercise program. In certain patients with poorly controlled type 1 diabetes, exercise may lead to severe hyperglycemia.

Conclusion
Clearly there are many issues to be addressed to patients on the management of diabetes during Ramadan. When patients fail to adhere to the oral hypoglycemic agent or insulin regime in the past 11 months, chances are they may at risk to develop complications of diabetes if at all they choose to fast.

Diabetes is more than just high blood glucose but it is a complex metabolic disorder affecting multi organs and small vessels as well. Drugs and Insulin are just part of the management of diabetes as it requires much self discipline and lifestyle modification for the better control of blood glucose.

Patients and health care providers should look beyond the numbers appear on the gluco meter but to associate these numbers with the co-morbid conditions (like heart diseases, renal insufficiency, stroke) to stratify the risk of diabetes associated complications.

Management of diabetes also call for support from patients and family members as doctors as well as health care providers are not able to make much difference if no cooperation from all as a team. For that matter, there are many NGOs are being set up to help diabetic patients to support each other and share the knowledge on living with diabetes.

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Dr. Sloan, MD., is a qualified practicing medical doctor with a passion for the promotion of a healthy lifestyle and the prevention of illnesses and diseases. Subscribe for his newsletter containing solid information and advice at http://www.drsloanmd.com.
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Technorati Tags: break fast, Diabetes, diabetic condition, diabetic patients, diet, stop fast

All diabetic patients should know the symptoms of hypoglycemia which include :
a) Shaking, tremor
b) Sweating
c) Anxious
d) Dizziness
e) Hunger
f) Fast Heartbeat / palpitation
g) Impaired vision
h) Fatigue / Weakness
i) Headache, poor concentration
j) Irritable

There is significant increased risk associated with fasting among diabetic patients. ( Reference: DiabetesCare ,America Diabetes Association, ADA)
a) Severe Hypoglycemia :- EPIDIAR study showed that fasting during Ramadan increased the risk of severe hypoglycemia (defined as hospitalization due to hypoglycemia) as 4.7-fold from 3 to 14 events/100 people /month in type 1 diabetes while 7.5-fold in patients with type 2 diabetes from 0.4 to 3 events/100 people / month.
b) Hyperglycemia:-. The extensive EPIDIAR study showed a x5 fold increase in the incidence of severe hyperglycemia (requiring hospitalization) during Ramadan in patients with type 2 diabetes (from 1 to 5 events /100 people / month) and an approximate x3 fold increase in the incidence of severe hyperglycemia with or without ketoacidosis in patients with type 1 diabetes (from 5 to 17 events/100 people/ month) .Hyperglycemia may have been due to excessive reduction in dosages of medications to prevent hypoglycemia. Patients who reported an increase in food and/or sugar intake had significantly higher rates of severe hyperglycemia .
c) Diabetic Ketoacidosis:- Patients with diabetes, especially those with type 1 diabetes, who fast during Ramadan are at increased risk for development of diabetic ketoacidosis, particularly if they are grossly hyperglycemic before Ramadan. In addition, the risk for diabetic ketoacidosis may be further increased due to excessive reduction of insulin dosages based on the assumption that food intake is reduced during the month.
d) Dehydration and Thrombosis:- As a result of limitation of fluid intake during the fast, especially if prolonged may lead to dehydration which can be severe in hot and humid climates and electrolyte depletion. Orthostatic hypotension may develop, especially in among individuals who perform hard physical labor, all conditions that result in excessive perspiration. In addition, hyperglycemia can result in osmotic diuresis and contribute to volume patients with preexisting autonomic neuropathy. Syncope, falls, injuries, and bone fractures may result from hypovolemia and the associated hypotension. In addition, contraction of the intravascular space can contribute to a hypercoagulable state.

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Dr. Sloan, MD., is a qualified practicing medical doctor with a passion for the promotion of a healthy lifestyle and the prevention of illnesses and diseases. Subscribe for his newsletter containing solid information and advice at http://www.drsloanmd.com.
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Technorati Tags: Diabetes, diabetes ketoacidosis, diabetic patients, fasting, hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, ramadan

“Medical advice is sometimes ignored for religious reasons. Occasionally a devoted Muslim will say, ‘Allah will protect me’. He or she may not fear death or may even want to die so as to meet the Creator. Counsel the patient by saying ‘to see the doctor and comply with treatment is Prophet Mohammad’s sunnat (precedent)’. To refuse would be a sin.” JRSM (Journal of Royal Society of Medicine)

It is important to inform the Muslim patients that it is not a sin to skip the fast if they are found to have medical problems. Most of the doctors would advise the following patients to avoid fasting:
1) Acute Peptic Ulcer
2) Pulmonary Tuberculosis
3) Bronchial Asthma
4) Cancer
5) Diabetes –Type 1 and 2
who have poor glycemic control (HbA1c >12%), non compliant with diet or drug/oral regimes, four OR more episodes of hypoglycemia AND/OR hyperglycemia during preceding month, on 2 and MORE insulin injection/day.
6) Urinary Calculi
7) Cardiovascular disease
Psychiatry
9) Liver disorder, hepatic dysfunction where the liver enzyme is >> 2 x Upper Normal Limit.
10) Pregnancy

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Dr. Sloan, MD., is a qualified practicing medical doctor with a passion for the promotion of a healthy lifestyle and the prevention of illnesses and diseases. Subscribe for his newsletter containing solid information and advice at http://www.drsloanmd.com.
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Technorati Tags: Diabetes, diabetic patients, medical contraindications, Ramadan fasting

During Ramadan month, all Muslims around the world must fast from dawn to sunset. They are only allowed to take food during night time while fast during the day. In a healthy person, fasting should not pose any problems. However, in patients with diabetes (type 1 and type 2) fasting month may risk them succumbing into complications if they do not take precautions and follow a strict medical and health management regime.

“The large proportion of both type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients who fast during Ramadan represents a challenge to physicians to provide more intensive education before fasting and emphasizes the need for closer monitoring of blood glucose during fasting.” – (EPIDIAR) study

Studies also show that there is a shift in meal time, pattern of meals, type of food eaten and total caloric intake during Ramadan month.

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Dr. Sloan, MD., is a qualified practicing medical doctor with a passion for the promotion of a healthy lifestyle and the prevention of illnesses and diseases. Subscribe for his newsletter containing solid information and advice at http://www.drsloanmd.com.
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Technorati Tags: complications of diabetes, Diabetes, diabetes and fasting, risk of diabetes

Is it safe to fly during pregnancy?

Being a medical doctor, I have been approached quite often by pregnant mothers to issue letter of fitness prior to their travel by plane.

Usually, the airline rules and regulations clearly state that pregnancy below 28 weeks would be allowed to fly after signing a “Release & Indemnity Form” to absolve the airline of any liabilities should anything unforeseen happen. Pregnancy between 28-34 weeks would require a medical certificate from the attending doctor stating the date and fitness to fly. Pregnancy at and beyond 35 weeks is not allowed to travel by air.

In addition to that, expectant mother should be informed that

1) The letter of fitness issued by the attending doctor MUST be within 1week prior to the date of departure. Thus, it is only wise to consult the doctor and get the ultrasound scan done and letter issue after the date of departure has been arranged.

2) Generally, it is wise to avoid travel by plane during the first trimester (0-12 weeks pregnancy) as miscarriages takes place at the period. This is more so if the pregnant mother has history of recurring pregnancy losses.

3) Relatively speaking, it is better to travel by air in the second trimester (13-27 weeks pregnancy) also known as honeymoon period because many of the unpleasant effects of early pregnancy have ended. During this period, the pregnancy is more established and more stable.

4) Pregnancy itself is a risk factor to develop DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) and coupled with the long distance air travel, the risk is higher.
DVT : A condition where a clot is formed in the veins of the leg and may lead to serious consequences to health.

5) Always inform the airline and check the airline policy in carrying the pregnant passengers.

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Dr. Sloan, MD., is a qualified practicing medical doctor with a passion for the promotion of a healthy lifestyle and the prevention of illnesses and diseases. Subscribe for his newsletter containing solid information and advice at http://www.drsloanmd.com.
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Technorati Tags: air travel during pregnancy, air travel pregnant, pregnancy air travel, pregnancy and air travel, travel and pregnancy, travel during pregnancy, travel while pregnant, travelling while pregnant

Fibre intake is essential for the long term nourishment of individuals, especially the elderly. Some individuals may be at risk of not consuming sufficient intake of fibre due to various conditions, for example, difficulty in chewing, poor appetite. discomfort and swallowing problems or having medical conditions like stroke, neurological conditions, etc. Those on long-term medications will benefit from the different types of fibre including FOS which help to increase intestinal bifidobacteria and help to maintain good intestinal environment.

Malaysian Dietary Guidelines recommend a daily intake of 20-30g. The Malaysia Noncommunicable Disease (NCD) Surveillance shows that 72.8% of those who took part in the survey were not meeting the dietary guideline for vegetables and fruit intake. It was estimated that about 8.7million or most adults aged 25-64 years did not meet the recommended guidelines.

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Technorati Tags: dietary guideline, intestinal environment, malaysian dietary guidelines, noncommunicable disease, poor appetite

Fibre can only be found in foods of plant origin. it is the edible but indigestible matter found in leaves, stems, fruits, seeds and roots.

Soluble fibres include inner pea fibre, pectin, guar gum, inulin and resistant starch. They are fermented in the colon by colonic bacteria.

Insoluble fibres include outer pea fibre, cellulose and corn fibre. They are generally poorly fermented and are excreted, to a large extent, intact.

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are found in many edible fruits and vegetables, such as onion, garlic, asparagus, wheat, banana, etc. FOS are expecially helpful in increasing intestinal bifidobacteria thus helping to maintain a good intestinal environment.

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Technorati Tags: Dietary Fibre, fructooligosaccharides fos, insoluble fibre, pea fibre, soluble fibre

G6PD deficiency is due to a problem with an enzyme (chemical) called G6PD found in the red blood cells of the blood. It is more common in males but females could be a carrier and remain asymptomatic- no symptoms at all.

This deficiency can cause hemolytic anemia-breaking up of the RBC , usually after exposure to certain medications, foods, or even infections.Most people with G6PD deficiency don’t have any symptoms, while others develop symptoms of anemia only after RBCs have been destroyed, a condition called hemolysis. In these cases, the symptoms disappear once the cause, or trigger, is removed.

A normal life is certainly possible, if the child is aware that the condition is lifelong and must be cautious of certain medicine and chemical exposure. Keeping the list of medicine, chemical and food to be avoided is always a wise thing to do. Always present the list to the medical doctor when seeking treatment.

Some children with G6PD must not take asprin. Check with your specialist or paediatrician first.

In conclusion, patients must always be informed this is not a life threatening disease and one can live a normal life provided he is not exposed to the triggering factors.

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Technorati Tags: G6PD Deficiency, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, Jaundice Due to G6PD Deficiency, jaundice in babies, Jaundice in newborns, neonatal icterus, Neonatal Jaundice

These are signs of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.

Be alert if the child presents with the following symptoms, including jaundice, pale skin/pallor (RBCs destroyed), persistent/severe tiredness (due to low oxygen carrying capacity as a result of low RBC after being destroyed) and dark urine.

Ernest Beutler, M.D. (a leading expert in this field) has to say about neonatal icterus (jaundice), “Icterus neonatorum with no evidence of immunologic incompatibility occurs in some infants with G6PD deficiency. The jaundice may be quite severe and, if untreated, may result in kernicterus. Thus G6PD deficiency is a preventable cause of mental retardation, and this aspect of the disorder has considerable public health significance.”

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Technorati Tags: G6PD Deficiency, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, Jaundice Due to G6PD Deficiency, jaundice in babies, Jaundice in newborns, neonatal icterus, Neonatal Jaundice

Jaundice in newborns is one of the most common conditions affecting newborn babies that causes concern to their mothers. New mothers are frequently caused worry by the yellowish discoloration of the skin and sclera (the whites of the eyes) in their babies.

Jaundice is caused by the accumulation of unconjugated (before conjugation process takes place in liver) bilirubin due to the immature development of the baby’s liver. This condition is deemed as a normal transitional condition in the 1st week of life and is known as Physiological jaundice.

However, if the serum bilirubin levels rise too excessively, it may be because for due concern. Unconjugated bilirubin can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and is neurotoxic (toxic to the brain-neuro). It can cause death in newborns. Infants who survive would have lifelong neurologic sequelae. Increased levels of unconjugated-indirect bilirubin which is free (not bound to albumin) may cause kernicterus damage to the brain centers of those infants.

Such conditions frequently warrants diagnostic evaluation to ensure that the neonatal jaundice does not turn fatal.

Be alert if the child presents with the following symptoms, including jaundice, pale skin/pallor (RBCs destroyed), persistent/severe tiredness (due to low oxygen carrying capacity as a result of low RBC after being destroyed) and dark urine.

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Technorati Tags: jaundice in babies, Jaundice in newborns, Neonatal Jaundice

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Tips for a Gout Diet (Low Purine Diet):

* Alcohol, especially beer, should be avoided. Limit alcohol consumption to 1 drink 3 times a week.

* Drink 2 to 3 L of fluid daily. Adequate fluid intake helps dilute urinary uric acid.

* Consume a moderate amount of protein. Limit meat, fish and poultry to 4 – 6 oz per day. Try other low-purine good protein foods such as low fat dairy products, tofu and eggs.

* Limit fat intake by choosing leaner meats, foods prepared with less oils and lower fat dairy products.
Aside from avoiding high purine foods, maintaining a healthy body weight is important for gout patients as well. Obesity can result in increased uric acid production by the body. Follow a well-balanced diet to lose excess body weight. Do not follow a high-protein low-carb diet as this can worsen gout conditions.
It is interesting to know some complementary and alternative treatments have been studied to combat the pain arising from acute gout attack. However, it is difficult to assess whether these modalities are helpful.
(source : mayo clinic )

# COFFEE :- Studies have found an association between coffee drinking — both regular and decaffeinated — and lower uric acid levels, though no study has proved how or why coffee may have an influence on uric acid in your body. The available evidence isn’t enough to encourage non-coffee drinkers to start, but it may give researchers clues to new ways of treating gout in the future.

# VITAMIN C :- Supplements containing vitamin C may reduce the levels of uric acid in your blood. However, vitamin C hasn’t been studied as a treatment for gout. Don’t assume that if a little vitamin C is good for you, then lots is better. Megadoses of vitamin C may increase your body’s uric acid levels. Talk to your doctor about what a reasonable dose of vitamin C may be. And don’t forget that you can increase your vitamin C intake by eating more fruits and vegetables.

# CHERRIES :- Cherries have been associated with lower levels of uric acid in studies, but it isn’t clear if they have any effect on gout signs and symptoms. Adding cherries and other dark-colored fruits, such as blackberries, blueberries, purple grapes and raspberries, to your diet may be a safe way to supplement your gout treatment, but discuss it with your doctor first.

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Technorati Tags: foods high purine, Gout, gout diet, gouty arthritis, high purine foods, low purine diet, metabolic arthritis, tips for gout diet, uric acid

A person who suffers from gout (metabolic arthritis) should avoid high purine foods.

High purine foods in a diet can increase uric acid levels in the body and subsequently can cause gout, or worsen the condition. However, the high level of uric acid may not necessary mean a gout. Diagnosis of gout is essentially by clinical findings.

Therefore, the gout diet usually limits food with high purine. Diet control is as important as taking the anti-gout medicines.

It is wise to note those foods which is high in purines:

Avoid High-Purine foods
* Sweetbreads
* Anchovies
* Sardines
* Liver
* Beef kidneys
* Brains
* Meat extracts (e.g Oxo, Bovril)
* Herring
* Mackerel
* Scallops
* Game meats
* Gravy

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Technorati Tags: foods high purine, Gout, gout diet, gouty arthritis, high purine foods, low purine diet, metabolic arthritis, uric acid

Vitamin C protects the mitochondria of the cells in our body.

Free radicals can attack the mitochondria – the energy factories of cells. Mitochondria have defenses against oxidation, but preventing these attacks is vital to maintaining mitochondria health. This is where Vitamin C becomes very important. Vitamin C floats freely in the liquid of the cell, neutralizing free radicals before they can reach mitochondria. This frees up energy from the defenses and prolongs the life of the cell. By freeing up that energy and prolonging the life of a cell, Vitamin C helps win the fight against oxidation.

Unfortunately, our bodies cannot produce Vitamin C. Since Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, there is no threat to overdose – your body will remove high doses through the urinary system.

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Vitamin C boosts the levels of Vitamin E in our body.

Vitamin C is a great team player, boosting the work of other antioxidants, especially Vitamin E. Vitamin C acts to regenerate these and other nutrients after they neutralize free radicals. When Vitamin E reacts with free radicals, it becomes a radical itself. Step in Vitamin C and Vitamin E is restored to its original state, and it can be used again. If you maintain levels of water-soluble antioxidants, like Vitamin C, and fat-soluble antioxidants like Vitamin E, then regeneration will continue. The two minerals work will work together to produce a synergistic partnership creating greater results than either can do by themselves.

A study at Tufts University showed that taking just 220 miligrams of Vitamin C boosts the levels of Vitamin E by 18% and raises the levels of beta-carotene by 13%.

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Vitamin C is the most common suggested treatment for a cold, along with chicken soup. A cold’s severity and duration are lessened.

Other than just the cold, Vitamin C is the humble supplement with miraculous aid in health, preventing many diseases, and promoting healing and overall health and general well-being.

Some benefits of vitamin c as as follows:

It also blocks the activation of viral agents and aids in wound healing. Vitamin C also plays a role in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. It has been linked with lowered cholesterol levels and blood pressure. It promotes more of the good HDL cholesterol, inhibiting platelet aggregation and strengthening blood vessels. Along with Vitamin E, Vitamin C blocks free radicals in the blood before they can get to LDL molecules.

But the list doesn’t stop there. Vitamin C helps form the fibrous connective tissue collagen – the cement that holds the body together. Vitamin C can also act as a natural antihistamine, reducing the symptoms of allergies and asthma.

It has been shown that smokers who have diets poor in vitamin C are at a higher risk of lung-borne diseases than those smokers who have higher concentrations of Vitamin C in the blood.

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Symptoms of Gout (Metabolic Arthritis)

HAVE you experienced waking up in the middle of the night, and your big toe feels as if it’s on fire. It’s hot, swollen and so painful that even the weight of a sheet on it seems intolerable? These problems could indicate that you have an acute attack of gout — or gouty arthritis — a form of arthritis that’s characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness and tenderness in joints.

Gout (Metabolic Arthritis )is a complex disorder that can affect anyone. Men are more likely to get gout than women are, but women become increasingly susceptible to gout after menopause.

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Vitamin C is a requisite part of any antioxidant program. If you don’t get any vitamin C, you’ll come down with scurvy, which causes weakness, anemia, spongy gums and bleeding from the mucous membranes, formation of liver spots on the skin, which are most abundant on the thighs and legs, and a person with the ailment looks pale, feels depressed and is partially immobilized. In advanced scurvy, there are open suppurating wounds, loss of teeth and eventually, death. The human body can store only a certain amount of Vitamin C, and so the body soon depletes itself if fresh supplies are not consumed.

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