Barotitis Media

Barotitis media, also known as ear squeeze or airplane ear is an inflammation or injury on your eardrum or other tissues of the middle ear. It usually results from an imbalance of the normal air pressure in the ear and the air pressure of the atmosphere that is brought about by many factors such as changes in the altitude, in diving and in hyperbaric chambers.

Barotitis media occurs due to a blockage in the Eustachian tube. Such blockage traps air moving in and out of the ear. Thus, increasing the air pressure that results to swelling of the tissues and blood vessels that line the middle ear. Usually self-care techniques such as yawning, swallowing or chewing gum� can prevent or correct the differences in air pressure and improve symptoms.

Symptoms of barotitis media usually goes away on its own and requires no medical treatment. However, some cases may become so severe that it requires prompt medical attention.

Causes

Barotitis�media happens when you go through things that cause sudden changes in altitude (height). Any of the following may cause barotitis media:

• Being in an airplane that lands too fast
• Scuba diving
• Falling fast while skydiving
• Hyperbaric chambers
• Sudden nearby explosions

Signs and symptoms

Barotitis�media can occur in either one or both ears. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Symptoms can cause discomforts for a few hours or may last longer. The symptoms of barotitis media include:

• Ear pain
• Fullness or stuffiness in the ear
• Muffled hearing or slight to moderate hearing loss

Severe symptoms can occur that tend to last longer than expected. These symptoms include:

• Severe pain
• Feeling of pressure in your ear similar to being underwater
• Moderate to severe hearing loss
• Ringing in your ear (tinnitus)
• Spinning sensation (vertigo)
• Vomiting resulting from vertigo
• Bleeding from your ear

Test and Diagnosis

The doctor will likely ask about your recent activity such as air travel or scuba diving. It is also important to inform your doctor about the medications that you have been taking. An otoscope�will also be used to look at the eardrum and middle ear. Barotitis media usually presents a slight outward or inward bulging of the eardrum. In severe cases, pooling of blood or other fluids may be seen behind the eardrum.

Treatment

Barotitis media usually heals on its own without the need for treatment. When the symptoms persist, treatment is required and is aimed at equalizing the pressure inside the ear to relieve pressure.

Medications

• Inflammation is usually managed with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen
• Pain relievers are also prescribed such as acetaminophen
• Decongestant nasal sprays to keep the Eustachian tube to function well and ease discomforts

Although rare, surgical management called myringotomy can be done by making incision in the air drum to equalize pressure.

Self-care Therapy

The doctor will also instruct you to perform Valsalva maneuver to help your ears to open up and release the pressure. It is done by pinching your nose, closing your mouth and gently pushing the air out as if blowing your nose.

Prevention

To prevent airplane ear, try the following techniques:

• Yawn or swallow during the ascent or descent of the plane
• Avoid sleeping during takeoff and landing
• Try the Valsalva method by blowing through your nose while pinching your nostrils and your mouth closes �during the ascent and descent
• Take OTC decongestant nasal spray
• In case of an allergy, take medication one hour before the flight
• Use earplugs

References

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/airplane-ear

https://www.healthcommunities.com/ear-infections/what-is-airplane-ears.shtml

Shaken Baby Syndrome

Shaken baby syndrome refers to a serious damage to the brain that comes about because of forceful shaking of a newborn, thereby destroying the child's brain cells by preventing it from getting oxygen. This form of child abuse may result in unending brain harm or even death.

Shaken baby syndrome is also known as shaken impact syndrome, whiplash shake syndrome or abusive head trauma. This is, however, a preventable condition as parents ought to educate caregivers on the dangers of whiplash shake syndrome.

Symptoms

Shaken baby syndrome as a form of infant abuse manifests itself through various noticeable symptoms such as trouble staying awake, the baby finding it difficult during breathing, poor eating, severe irritability, tremors, regular seizures, vomiting, paralysis and even coma.� However, injuries that cannot be seen include damage to the spinal cord and neck, bleeding in the eye and brain, fractures to the rib, skull and bones. At times, and mostly in mild cases, a baby may look normal after being shaken but he or she may develop learning problems, behavior and health complications over time.

Causes

Forceful shaking of an infant causes the fragile brain to move back and forth inside the skull leading to bruising, hemorrhage and inflammation of the baby. This occurs because babies have feeble neck muscles evidenced by their inability to support their head. Shaken baby syndrome is commonly caused when a parent or a caregiver ruthlessly shakes a toddler as a result of rage perhaps due to the child's reluctance to stop crying. However, abusive head trauma does not come about as a result of minor falls or rough play.

Risk factors

Both parents and caregivers are likely to inflicting shaken baby syndrome to toddlers because of factors such as depression, nervous tension, marital violence, single parenthood, unstable family situations, excessive alcohol intake or abuse of other substances, a history of abuse as a young person and impractical prospect of babies. Notably though, men stand a higher chance of inflicting shaken baby syndrome as compared to women.

Complications

Irreversible brain injury may result from a simple shaking of a toddler. Besides, almost half of babies affected by this condition normally succumb to the syndrome. Survivors may nonetheless require constant medical care to prevent eventual complications such as psychological retardation, cerebral palsy, seizure disorders, and loss of hearing, blindness whether partial or complete and learning difficulties.

Treatment

A child who has been shaken and has thus, contracted this disorder requires emergency treatment which may include breathing support and surgical procedure. These life-sustaining actions taken by qualified general practitioners are meant to stop the blood loss in the brain of the baby and save life since shaken baby syndrome in babies may lead to their death.

Prevention

If a child is under the care of other people other than the real parent for instance, a sibling, grandparent or a caregiver, one ought to make sure that they are made aware of the dangers of whiplash shake syndrome and hold the toddler with extreme care at all time. In addition, when a crying baby cannot be calmed, one should treat the child gently and try to find something to get his or her tears to end. This is because it only takes a few seconds of shaking for an infant's brain to be permanently and irreversibly damaged. A general practitioner may assist one in finding solutions to his or her emotional problems.

Therefore, shaken baby syndrome being a serious brain damage resulting from forceful shaking of babies, may lead to death of infants and thus should be prevented by ensuring good care of toddlers as their neck muscles are weak. Shaking may lead to irreversible complications.

References

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&sqi=2&ved=0CC4QFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mayoclinic.org%2Fdiseases-conditions%2Fshaken-baby-syndrome%2Fbasics%2Fdefinition%2Fcon-20034461&ei=9cZDU6PcNdGrhQe0jYC4BA&usg=AFQjCNG42ICCu_TFzbtGjH1YnhDS-hpSXw&bvm=bv.64367178,d.ZWU

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCUQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nytimes.com%2Fhealth%2Fguides%2Finjury%2Fshaken-baby-syndrome%2Foverview.html&ei=fMdDU6b0FIHE7AbmrYHQDQ&usg=AFQjCNE10LwfzhIl_86Pzdbf7Um_IleAfw&bvm=bv.64367178,d.ZWU

Acute Sinusitis

Acute sinusitis (acute rhinosinusitis) is a symptomatic inflammation of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses that typically lasts less than four weeks. This inflammation blocks nasal passages and causes mucus to build up resulting in nasal congestion, throbbing facial pain and headache.

Acute Sinusitis is usually of viral origin associated with common colds. In some cases, it may be caused by allergies or bacterial and fungal infections. The goals of treatment vary, depending on whether it is of viral or bacterial origin. Other risk factors include hay fever, certain allergies, nasal passage abnormality, immunological conditions or frequent exposure to pollutants.

A mild bout of acute sinusitis is usually common. However, persistence of the condition should prompt doctor's assistance to avoid untoward complications. Sinusitis that lasts more than eight weeks is called chronic sinusitis.

Signs and Symptoms

• Facial pain/pressure
• Nasal stuffiness
• Nasal discharge
• Loss of smell
• Cough/congestion

Complications

The most common complication of acute sinusitis is its development into chronic sinusitis. It actually has similar signs and symptoms but lasts longer than 12 weeks. In rare cases, acute sinusitis can also lead to serious complications if left untreated.

Complications of acute sinusitis include:

• Asthma flare-ups.
• Chronic Sinusitis
• Meningitis
• Vision Problems
• Ear Infection

Treatment

The primary goals of management of acute sinusitis are to eradicate the infection, decrease the severity and duration of symptoms, and prevent complications. Treatments also vary depending on its underlying cause. If it is of viral origin, people with acute sinusitis usually get better with home remedies and self-care. If it is of bacterial origin, treatment will most likely include antibiotics to eradicate infection and prevent complications.

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Medications

Analgesics.Analgesics such as nonsteroidal�anti-inflammatories and�acetaminophen�are recommended for pain relief.

Saline Nasal Spray.�This can be indicated to rinse nasal passages and reduce nasal congestion. However, it is most important to ensure that irrigants be prepared from sterile or bottled water to avoid complications from contamination.

Inhaled Steroids.�Nasal sprays such as fluticasone�(Flonase), budesonide�(Rhinocort�Aqua), and beclomethasone�(Beconase AQ) can help decrease mucosal inflammation and allows improved sinus drainage.

Decongestants. These can either be topical or oral. OTC decongestants such as Sudafed and Afrin can help facilitate nasal patency. However, these drugs should not be taken for more than three consecutive days to avoid rebound congestion.

Antibiotics.�Antibiotics are usually indicated for acute sinusitis associated with bacterial infection. These include amoxicillin, doxycycline and other combination drug such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Strict compliance with the antibiotic therapy is important. Generally, this means you’ll need to take them for 10 to 14 days � even after your symptoms get better to avoid recurring symptoms or antibiotic resistance.

In rare cases, antifungal medications can be used to treat acute sinusitis of fungal origin and immunotherapy for acute sinusitis associated with allergies.

Home Remedies

Home treatment usually begins with keeping yourself well-hydrated to help dilute mucous secretions and to promote drainage. Optimal rest is also important to speed up recovery. Other remedies include humidifiers, steam vapours and warm compresses:

• Rest sufficiently � lack of sleep can severely affect your body's immunity and its ability to speed recovery
• Sleep with your head elevated
• Drink plenty of fluids � water and vegetable or fruit juice are best options � avoid processed food and fizzy drinks
• Apply a warm damp towel to your face to relieve pain
• Moisten sinus cavities by inhaling the steam from a pot of hot water � be careful!
• Rinse out nasal passage with a special squeeze bottle for sinusitis to clean your sinuses

References

https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/232670-overview

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acute-sinusitis/basics/definition/con-20020609

Many of us believe that eating a fat-free diet would make us look skinny and smart and also healthy and fit. The common notion is that people look chubby and overweight because they consume extra calories. Those extra calories then take the shape of fats� and reside in our body making us look heavy and plump. So, people think that they should not only avoid that extra fat, but also try to avoid fatty food items too.

While this notion is true to some point, but this doesn't mean that we should avoid eating fats entirely. Read on and you'll find whether eating an entirely fat-free diet would be the wisest decision of your life or not!

Fats and Their Importance

Instead of focusing on the negative effects of a fat free� diet, let's tell you about the importance of fats, so you can know what perks of life you're missing!

Fats, together with protein and carbohydrates, is an important source of energy. You can think of fats as a reserve that your body uses when it has utilized all of its energy. Nobody can deny the fact that a human body needs Omega 6 or Omega 3, linolenic acid and other fatty acids in order to carry out their daily chores. If you're not consuming fats, you're in fact going down the road to becoming weak, instead of becoming healthy. And that's not it, here are some of the essential functions that fats carry out:

Fats keep our cell walls strong and healthy

Fats make sure that our hormones are functioning properly, especially for women

Fats keep us warm, especially at the time of winters. As the fats break down, they release heat and that is why the human body feels warmth. Eskimos are said to consume 60% of their calories from fats. And NO! They don't have heart diseases.

Fats help in absorbing and storing fat soluble vitamins, especially vitamin D. These fat soluble vitamins are very important because they absorb calcium from the intestines. That is why, women who don't consume enough fatty acids, end up with low amount of Vitamin D that further results in bone thinning.

Fat Free Diet and Weight Loss

For those people who think that cutting fats down would help them lose weight are in for a big surprise! Fat free diet does exactly the opposite. You don't believe us? We have some compelling evidence that would make you believe us.

When we eat food that has a fat component in it, we get a feeling of having eaten enough. This is the feeling that stops us from eating more. Now, imagine what would happen if you don't include fats in your diet? You would keep on eating more and more to the point that you would be truly stuffed. In this way, you would consume A LOT MORE calories than what is required by your body. So, all your efforts of losing weight would simply go down the drain.

Some examples of foods rich in good fats that curb your cravings and stabilize your blood sugar levels include, fatty fish such as salmon, tuna and mackerel, fish oils, olive oil, flaxseed oil, canola oil, avocado, eggs and nuts and seeds.

Always remember, that eliminating one major food group will only lead to short-term weight loss. Eventually, you will gain the weight back because your diet was not sustainable enough. If you want to make your diet a lifestyle choice, have healthy portions of all food groups, whether they are carbs or fats because consumption of all types of foods prevent cravings for food that may be more harmful than the healthier counterpart.

References

https://www.helpguide.org/life/healthy_diet_fats.htm

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/fats-and-cholesterol/

Every woman wants a flat, sexy stomach. We dream about having abs, however, sometimes not everything we desire comes true. We waste tons of money on buying exercise machines, lotions, meds and God knows what. And in the end, we're still left with that unwanted piece of extra fat.

If all the above mentioned stuff is right and you can relate to it, then Voila Sister! You have come to the right place. We researched and found out about some awesome flat belly exercises that would definitely help you lose that fat and get nothing but a really sexy flat stomach. Read on to find out more!

The Waist Whittler

You would require a ball for this exercise. First of all, you would have to sit on the ball. Once you have done that, then you need to walk your feet out so that now, only your upper back and shoulders are on the ball. The rest of the body should be in a bridge like position.

After this, you need to extend your arms until they are above your head. Now, clasp them together really tightly. Rotate your arms to the left and breathe out while doing so. Make sure that your hips are kept up. Now, rotate back to the center and breathe in while doing so. Now, repeat to your right.

The Muffin top Buster

It's a simple exercise that doesn't require anything other than yourself. All you have to do is to lie on one side, propped on your elbow. Your legs and hips should be resting on the floor. Now, you need to lift your hips off the floor, breathing out, while resting your entire weight on your forearm. Make sure you keep your lower back down and your tummy muscles engaged.

Repeat this exercise as many times as you can because this exercise will help you a lot. Once you're done, you can change sides and repeat all this on the opposite side.

Plank

Take a mat and lay on it on all fours. Then rise up with your hands directly under your shoulders, such that you are laying in a plank� position. Your upper half should be in the air and the lower half should be stretched out on the mat. Make sure you are completely stretched out and your hips are not swaying sideways or positioned too high. When you are completely in the position, then you need to draw your lower-ab muscles inward. Apply pressure on your palms and press your hands strongly into the mat. Press strongly back with the help of your heels as well. Be in the position for at least two to three minutes. Repeat this three times.

Scale Pose

For this exercise, you need to sit in a cross-legged position. Your hands should be on the mat, next to your hips. With the help of your hands, lift your entire lower body off the mat. Now, once you're done with that, you need to hold for three breaths, then try to lower back down. Some people might find it a little difficult to lift their entire lower half, so for those people, they can keep their feet on the floor and just lift their butt. Repeat it three times.

If you want to achieve flat abs, chances are that you want to melt some fat too. So try to incorporate some cardio into your workouts to zap all the fat and make sure you perform strengthening exercises too for core strength and muscle definition. Follow these exercises regularly and patiently, and see a difference yourself.

See also:�https://www.doctortipster.com/6120-incontinence-and-kegel-exercises.html

References

https://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/standing-flat-abs-workout

https://www.webmd.com/men/ss/slideshow-flat-abs-for-men

Overexposure to carbon monoxide, say from a fire, can result in carbon monoxide poisoning – a condition that needs to be treated immediately to prevent death. The gas weakens�one's ability to absorb the necessary oxygen hence, serious damage to the tissues can result and eventually death. The signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may seem faint, but it is a hazardous medical emergency that if left unattended immediately, one might succumb to the condition. Therefore, appliances and other devices that produce burning fumes should not be contained in a properly ventilated space.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include but are not limited to dizziness, a feeling of weakness, confusion, loss of consciousness, nausea, dull headache, shortness of breath, vomiting and a blurred vision. Individuals sleeping or intoxicated may die due to carbon monoxide poisoning as it is a dangerous condition. Therefore, upon realization that one has been exposed to carbon monoxide, he or she should be immediately get into fresh air and emergency medical care should be sought. This can be done by dialing 911.

Causes

Carbon monoxide poisoning comes as result of inhalation of combustion fumes like those produced by burning fuel where the body replaces the oxygen present in an individual's hemoglobin of the red blood cells with carbon monoxide. Vital oxygen is thus prevented from reaching the tissues and organs. Appliances that produce carbon monoxide include furnaces, car and truck engines, portable generators, wood burning stoves, charcoal grills and fuel burning space heaters among many others. These appliances, when used in a closed door or partly closed positions may make carbon monoxide build to dangerous levels leading to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Risk factors

Exposure to this odorless and colorless gas carbon monoxide may be mainly hazardous for the elderly people over the age of 60 years leading to brain damage. In addition, unborn babies are at high risk of this kind of poisoning where fetal blood cells takes up the gas more easily than adult blood cells increasing their vulnerability; and in young children because they breathe more frequently than adults.

Complications

Complications of carbon monoxide poisoning include death of the victims exposed to carbon monoxide gas for a long time, permanent brain damage or even damage to the heart which has resultant effects like the life threatening cardiac problems�in the victim's life. Most victims of carbon monoxide poisoning usually suffer long-term complications in case they survive such poisoning.

Treatment

A person who has experienced carbon monoxide poisoning should be rushed to the fresh air immediately since he or he shall exhibit signs and symptoms such as chest pains, confusion, dizziness, nausea and headache. If not treated urgently, such victims might die. Immediately after taking the patient to a place with fresh air, call emergency help for further assistance.

Prevention

There is always a need to keep gas appliances and fireplace vented by cleaning the chimney and flue regularly. In addition, adhering to the recommended use of gas or stove is a key factor in preventing carbon monoxide poisoning. For instance, avoid running a generator in an enclosed space or burning fuel when windows are closed where there is no room for fresh air.

Other simple precautions in prevention include investing in carbon monoxide detectors and installing them next to a person's sleeping areas in a house in order to keep safe, ensuring that you open the door to the garage before starting a car. Whenever there is an occurrence of a carbon monoxide poisoning in a home, critically finding its source to avoid the recurrence.

References

https://www.google.co.ke/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=10&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CFkQFjAJ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mayoclinic.org%2Fdiseases-conditions%2Fcarbon-monoxide%2Fbasics%2Fdefinition%2Fcon-20025444&ei=QopGU_HuK47jO_T-gPgG&usg=AFQjCNGpDh1aJqfKKfplSS8dPFvmSTCpIg&bvm=bv.64507335,d.d2k

https://books.google.com/books?id=p7UqAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA5&dq=carbon+monoxide+poisoning&hl=en&sa=X&ei=mIpGU7u0IcGvO6flgagG&ved=0CDkQ6AEwAw

Best natural testosterone boosters

As men get older, their bodies start to slow down the amount of testosterone that it produces. Many men will start to notice that they have a decreased sex drive, they might have problems with erectile dysfunction, or they may have other health issues that are directly tied to low testosterone level. In most cases, low testosterone levels can be improved with these lifestyle changes.

Exercise for Low T

A wonderful way to pick up any day and to boost your testosterone levels�is�exercise as it has �many remarkable benefits. There have been several studies that have been done to see how testosterone is affected by exercise. Researchers found that there is an increase in the testosterone in men that have worked out. This rise in the levels are even greater when you do resistance training. Exercise is shown to improve your mood, boosts your energy, and stimulates your brain which all help raise your testosterone levels.

Reduce the Sugar

Studies show that sugar can lower your testosterone levels by twenty-five percent in the blood. This was regardless of what their diabetes status. Take a break from the sugar and watch your levels rise.

Zinc

Men that have low testosterone will often have a deficiency in zinc. There have been several studies that suggest that zinc plays a very important role in regulating the testosterone levels of the body. The Office of Dietary Supplements state that a man needs to get about eleven milligrams per day. Women need to get about eight each day to maintain a healthy balance in their bodies. There are plenty of foods that you can add to your diet to ensure that you maintain healthy levels of zinc.

Lose Weight

Men tend to gain a few around the middle when they reach middle age. This is especially the case in men with pre-diabetes. Extra weight can lower testosterone levels which is why when men lost weight, their levels were raised by almost fifty percent. Most of these men raised their levels by changing their diet and committing to a regular exercise plan.

Get a Good Night's Sleep

Getting a good night's sleep is beneficial for anyone but for those that are noticing a drop in their testosterone levels, a good night sleep is just what the doctor ordered. Lack of sleep has been linked to low testosterone levels. Many men will notice that their mood and overall sense of wellness drops during this time. This is because the testosterone levels in the blood are known to drop between two in the afternoon and ten at night the next day.

This is why it is so important to get enough sleep. A drop in testosterone could be that lag that many people feel. This could be due to the fact that we are not getting enough sleep to properly recharge their testosterone levels for the day. The exact amount of sleep will be very different from person to person but, your body will feel well rested if you have slept long enough.

See Also:�https://www.doctortipster.com/11761-researchers-suggest-that-testosterone-promotes-honesty-in-men.html

References

https://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/267/1446/883.short

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s002650050006#page-1

When a fever�occurs, it is normally a sign that something out of the ordinary is happening in the body. Fever is usually not dangerous unless it reaches 103F or higher in adults but in children, a somewhat high temperature may mean the presence of a serious infection which may require immediate medical attention. The intensity of fever does not point to the gravity of the underlying condition as a minor disease might cause high fevers whereas a more serious disease may cause a low fever in patients.

fever

Symptoms

The presence of fever is a result of the rise of temperature beyond the normal range of 98.6F. Depending on the cause of the fever, other signs and symptoms may include general weakness, severe headache, dehydration and appetite loss in the body, muscle aches, shivering and too much sweating. Other symptoms that may be experienced due to high fevers of over 103F include hallucinations, irritability, convulsions and confusion. Often, a fever would go within days, thus a general practitioner would prescribe a range of medications to lower it.

Causes

A fever may be caused either by a viral infection, bacterial infection, heat exhaustion; a body's menstrual cycle in females and the involvement in heavy exercise. Further to this, extreme sunburn, medications such as antibiotics and drugs used in treating high blood pressure; other inflammatory conditions and a malignant tumor. It is noted that sometimes identifying the cause of fever may not be easy even after medical evaluation is carried out.

Complications

Complications that come about as a result of fever include hallucinations, seizures due to fever in children under the age of 5 years and severe dehydration. The seizure � febrile seizures- is normally accompanied by loss of consciousness and shaking of limbs in both sides of the body. In case a child develops complications, seek the attention of a general practitioner as soon as possible to determine the cause of such fever. Most fevers more often stop on their own. However, in situation where a seizure lasts for more than 10 minutes, call emergency help immediately.

Treatment

Most general practitioners do not always recommend attempts to lower the temperature of the body as doing so may lengthen the disease making it difficult to determine the cause of the illness. In addition, forceful treatment of fever hinders the immune reaction of a person's body. Viruses causing respiratory infections live well at the normal body temperature so; producing a low grade fever an individual's body is more likely to get rid of such virus.

Home remedies and lifestyle changes

To be more comfortable during fever, one should take plenty of fluids since fever can cause loss of body fluids and dehydration. Furthermore, enough rest is essential for a patient's recovery, in situations of high temperatures, soak in lukewarm water. If the soak leads to trembling to the person, bring to an end the bath and dry off. Dress in clothes that are light keeping the room temperature cool.

Prevention

Reducing the exposure to infectious diseases is the best preventive measure for fevers; regular hand washing is the simplest and effective way. Children should be taught to wash their hands quite often specifically before any meal, after toilet use or after attending to a patient or petting animals. However, in a case where there is no access to water and soap, use of sanitizer is recommended. Teach your children not to touch their eyes, noses and mouths with dirty hands as this is the main means of transmitting viral infections; turn away from others and cover their mouths and noses while coughing and sneezing respectively.

References

https://www.google.co.ke/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCcQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FFever&ei=l4lGU5SZA8Gv7Qao8oCACA&usg=AFQjCNEr5DD8QzjxRfS16B65gIqYTq1zcg&bvm=bv.64507335,d.d2k

https://www.google.co.ke/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=13&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CH0QFjAM&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mayoclinic.org%2Fdiseases-conditions%2Ffever%2Fbasics%2Fdefinition%2Fcon-20019229&ei=l4lGU5SZA8Gv7Qao8oCACA&usg=AFQjCNE8GuczpemWTM2pZR4rnnkLLcLEaA&bvm=bv.64507335,d.d2k

Dehydration is a condition not to be taken lightly.� Depending on a person’s age and his body weight, dehydration can cause complication and death in a matter of minutes particularly among young children and the elderly.�� Therefore knowing what causes dehydration and how to prevent and relieve the symptoms is very important especially if you are expecting hot summer seasons.

What Causes Dehydration?

*Vomiting and Diarrhea.� These two are the most common causes for dehydration especially among children.� Whatever the cause for vomiting and diarrhea it is, you lose a lot of water quickly and if you lose water continuously without rapid replacement, it could cause serious complications.

*Sweat and Heat.� Other than eliminating waste, sweat is also for cooling the body.� But with scenarios such as increased temperature or fever, you may end up losing sweat (and water) more rapidly.

*Insufficient Fluid Intake.� This is commonly seen in the elderly because they don’t get thirsty as much or as easily even when they’re already near dehydrated.

*Injuries.�� Burns and bleeding can also cause dehydration because continuous bleeding forces fluid out while burnt skin can’t keep fluid in and causes the fluid-electrolyte balance to go haywire.

Symptoms of Dehydration

*The thirst mechanism is your body’s first attempt to let you know that you need fluids.� A dry mouth, parched throat and sometimes even pangs of hunger are common manifestations of this.� Water is usually enough to relieve these symptoms.

*If there is a prolonged lack of fluid intake, the symptoms then begin to progress.� You may begin to experience headache, nausea and vomiting, decreased sweating, muscle cramps, increased heart rate and decreased urine output as the body tries to compensate for lost fluid.� This coping mechanism for dehydration however won’t hold out for very long however.

*Further prolonged period of fluid imbalance will result in severe weakness and mental disturbances that can lead to coma and even death if left unresolved.

Treatment for Dehydration

At the heart of managing dehydration is replenishing lost fluids.� Depending on the severity of the symptoms, you can help alleviate or even treat dehydration with ample amount of water, electrolyte drinks such as Gatorade, liquid based foods such as soup or jelly and fluid replacement therapies initiated by qualified professionals.

Another important part in the management of dehydration is to determine and relieve its root cause.� If a person is overheated (as in heat stroke), moving the person to a cooler room or a shaded area can help.� If the person has a fever, infection or an undelrying medical condition, treating the cause and taking appropriate medication should be done.� The person should also be closely monitored for changes, especially the urine output.� An increase of this is a good indicator of the body’s improving hydration status.

Tips to Prevent Dehydration

*Always have a ready fluid source available at your person especially if you are always on the go.

*If it’s possible, stay inside a cool place during hot or dry seasons.� If you need to do heavy activities, try scheduling them during cooler hours of the day.

*Always make sure you drink plenty of water an hour before exercise to prevent dehydration. Take small sips of water during your water but do not drink an entire bottle right before or during exercise.

*Watch out for high risk dehydration patients such as young children and the elderly.� Encourage the elderly to stick to a fluid intake regimen a day even if they don’t feel thirsty.� Presenting other forms of fluids such as broth or juice can help.

*Keep yourself healthy by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and observing safety practices to protect against conditions that can induce dehydration.

References

https://www.medicinenet.com/dehydration/article.htm

https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000982.htm

Getting a quick weight loss fix is a temptation that some find hard to resist.� Given the reality of the uphill challenge to shed those pounds, it’s no wonder over the counter promises of rapid, safe and permanent weight loss attract buyers aplenty.� However, as with all things, if it’s too good to be true, chances are it really is.

What are weight loss supplements?

As the name implies these pills, capsules or whatever form they come as claim to help you lose weight in varying ways: Caffeine, for example, can increase your metabolism rate, others such as orlistat�decrease or block fat absorption and lastly, some extracts including green tea are thought to act as appetite suppressants.

Some weight loss supplements are available as prescription drugs but majority of them can be bought over the counter, making them easy to acquire but dangerous to regulate. A good number of them are also considered ineffective and some are even banned by the FDA.

Why (or Why Shouldn’t I) Take Them?

The truth is that there is no quick and easy way out of being overweight–one that isn’t so risky and dangerous�anyway.� Over the years, studies on weight loss supplement effectiveness are generally inconclusive and most have been associated with negative effects.� For instance, some supplements–notably those associated with increasing metabolism–are observed to cause spikes in heart rate and blood pressure that increases risk for heart attack and stroke.� Other supplements have also been associated with headaches, abdominal cramps, loose bowel movements and liver damage.� Also, studies have shown that metabolism boosting supplements aren’t any much help in burning fat if you’re not exercising.

Another danger is the ease of production and distribution of weight loss supplements.� Production of weight loss supplements aren’t as strictly monitored as most drugs.� So while the FDA can begin monitoring a supplement once it’s released to the market and ban it once proven dangerous, it can’t stop manufacturers until then.� So it is advisable for your safety that if you’re planning to try out a weight loss supplement, you have to understand how it works and whether it is safe to take.

Are There Weight Loss Supplements that Can Be Considered?

If you’re considering taking one, you should consult your doctor first, especially if you have high blood pressure or are under medication. Researching about a chosen supplement can also help you understand more about its claimed action and the associated side effects.� Below are the most common and safe supplements available in the market.

• Green Tea Extract: One of the perceived effects of green tea is to boost metabolism, curb blood sugar levels and suppress appetite.� However, there isn’t enough evidence to support its efficacy as a dietary supplement.� Try drinking the real thing to get more health benefits instead.

• Ephedra: A stimulant that, when combined with caffeine, has been associated with substantially fast weight loss.� The problem is that it was also associated with increased heart rate and skyrocketed risks of stroke and heart disease.� FDA has banned use of this ingredient in weight loss pills though other available herbal supplements such as country mallow, guarna and the hyped raspberry ketones can mimic ephedra’s dangerous effects.

• Garcina�Cambogia: Another highly popularized weight loss supplement, Garcian�Cambogia�has been shown to reduce fat production and suppress appetite.� Yet studies have also shown that it’s not as effective on the majority as it claims, with several subjects not losing weight at all.� At least there’s the fact that reputable Garcina�Cambogia supplements are safe to try.

• Orlistat�(Xenical/Alli): Orlistat�is available as a prescribed drug (Xenical) or as an over the counter supplement (Alli).� While it is proven to be effective as a fat eliminator�(you literally defecate fatty stools), there’s a reason why Orlistat�usage is monitored.� Orlistat causes uncontrollable bowel movement, oil spotting and rare cases of liver damage.

• Guar Gum: Said to block fat absorption and can induce the feeling of fullness to decrease appetite but again there isn’t enough evidence to prove its effectiveness.� It can also cause bloating and abdominal pain in some users.� Other drugs having the same effect are psyllium�and glucomannan.

References

https://health.howstuffworks.com/medicine/medication/diet-pill3.htm

https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/lose-weight-dangers

https://www.myfooddiary.com/blog/7-dangers-of-diet-pills