Silver Years- Physical/Mental/Emotional Well Being

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), if proper health care measures are taken after 65 years of age ,one can live for an another 19.3 years.

According to Jeanne Wei, MD, PhD, executive director of the Reynolds Institute on Aging at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, people who adopt healthy lifestyle choices, like quitting smoking and losing weight, can help you avoid age related health risks.

Here is a list of some diseases associated with old age:

1. Arthritis

According to CDC 49.7 percent of elderly suffer from arthritis. Elderly mostly suffer from painful condition called osteoarthritis, which is painful and limits mobility in elderly.

2. Heart Disease

Elderly with risk factors, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, that increase the chances of have a high tendency of developing cardiovascular diseases like stroke. Eating well balanced and frequent meals along with exercise can prevent elderly from the heart related disorders.

3. Cancer

As per the CDC reports, 28 percent of men and 21 percent of women over age 65 are living with cancer. Hence regular checkups like mammograms, colonoscopies, and skin checks can prevent different type of cancers.

4. Respiratory Diseases

CDC has reported that chronic lower respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are the third most common cause of death among people 65 and older. Elderly suffer from chronic respiratory infections such as asthma, chronic bronchitis or emphysema. These problems can make elderly to easily fall for conditions like pneumonia. Early checks can prevent the pneumonia in elderly.

5. Alzheimer’s Disease

As per the Alzheimer’s Association, one in nine people age 65 and older, which is about 11 percent, have Alzheimer’s disease, but because diagnosis is challenging, it’s difficult to know exactly how many people are living with this chronic condition. Diagnosing this disease at an early stage can help to deal with it an early stage.

6. Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is also an age-related problem in elderly, especially in women. Osteoporosis can contribute towards less mobility and a deranged stature in elderly.

7. Diabetes

According to CDC 25 percent of people ages 65 and older are living with diabetes. It is necessary to check for pre diabetes conditions and monitoring blood sugar levels can help to control the disease.

8. Influenza and Pneumonia

According to the CDC ,flu and pneumonia infections are among the top eight causes of death in people over age 65. Seniors are more vulnerable to these diseases and less able to fight them off. Vaccination can prevent elderly to fall for these infections .

9. Falls

As per the CDC repots, 2.5 million people ages 65 and older are treated in emergency departments because of falls. Elderly should walk carefully and should refrain from using slippery bath rooms.

10. Obesity

Obesity is an important senior health risk factor for heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. It also decreases the motility in elderly leading to various complications such as high blood pressure and atherosclerosis.

11. Depression

According to CDC many elderly suffer from depression. Support from friends and family and increased social interaction can prevent depression in elderly.

12. Oral Health

Oral health becomes compromised in elderly due to functional and physiological changes. Elderly are advised to visit dentist after every 6 months for a regular assessment. Dentures and oral rehabilitation measures are taken by the dentists to restore the dental health in elderly.

13. Shingles

According to the National Institutes of Health, one out of three people over 60 will get shingles. People who suffer from chicken pox in childhood uaually encounter shingles as they grow with age. A good immune system and good health status helps elderly to recover from shingles at a faster pace.

Sources:

https://www.britannica.com/science/old-age

https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/older-people%E2%80%99s-health-issues/the-aging-body/disorders-in-older-people

http://alz-aging-research.org/diseases.html

https://www.verywellhealth.com/age-related-diseases-2223996

OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)

What are the signs and symptoms of OCD?

People with OCD can have the symptoms of either obsessions or compulsions, or both. These symptoms can affect the aspects of life, such as work, school, and personal relationships.

Obsessions are repeated thoughts, needs, or certain mental images that cause anxiety.

Here is a list of some common obsession symptoms:

The person is extremely fearful of germs or contamination
He/she keeps on thinking about certain taboo thoughts such as sex, religion, and harm
Person becomes extremely aggressive towards others or becomes self destructive
Person becomes obsessive in keeping things symmetrical or in a perfect order

Some of the common compulsions include:

Person becomes cleaniness and/or handwashing freak
Always tries to order and arrange things in a defined or particular way
Gets the habit of checking certain things like if the door is locked or that the oven is off

It is not mandatory that a person who double checks things are suffering from OCD, but an OCD patient is unable to control his or her thoughts or behaviors, even when those thoughts or behaviors are recognized as excessive and spends least 1 hour a day on these thoughts or behaviors

Some individuals also suffer from a problem known as Tic disorder. Tics is a motor disease and is causes sudden, brief, repetitive movements, such as eye blinking and other eye movements, certain facial movements such as grimacing, shoulder shrugging, and head or shoulder jerking. Some people also suffer from vocal tics such as repetitive throat-clearing, sniffing, or grunting sounds.

What causes OCD?

OCD is thought to have a genetic predisposition. OCD is common in some families; however not all in a family suffer from OCD. OCD starts in the adolescence and affects early in boys than the girls. Research has indicated that people who have suffered physical or sexual trauma are at an increased risk for OCD.

It has been observed that children who suffer from a streptococcal infection known as the post-infectious autoimmune syndrome is called Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) are more likely to suffer from OCD and it has also been observed that such symptoms of OCD in such children get worse post infection.

How is OCD treated?

As a first step, it is necessary to consult a doctor about your symptoms. The doctor can do an examination and may refer the patient to a mental health specialist, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, or counselor for evaluation or treatment.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) medication or a combination of both can be used in treating a patient with OCD

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

CBT is a way which guides a patient in different ways of thinking, behaving, and reacting to the obsessions and compulsions.

Exposure and Response Prevention (EX/RP) is a type of CBT which has been shown to help many patients recover from OCD. EX/RP teaches gradually exposing you to your fears or obsessions and teaching you healthy ways to deal with the anxiety they cause.

Some other therapies include habit reversal training have been found in reversing the compulsions.

For children, the psychiatrist may design some methods to manage stress or may add an extra support to curb the OCD symptoms in school and home.

Medication

Certain medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and a type of serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) called clomipramine are used to treat OCD.

Although SSRIs and SRIs are commonly used to treat depression, but they are also helpful for the symptoms of OCD. These medications may also cause side effects, such as headaches, nausea, or difficulty sleeping. Clomipramine, is other substitute and is a different class of medication from the SSRIs, sometimes experience dry mouth, constipation, rapid heartbeat, and dizziness on standing. However, these side effects usually vanish as a person starts taking the treatment on a regular basis and the dose is increased slowly under the guidance of the physician.

Sources:

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-when-unwanted-thoughts-take-over/index.shtml

https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ocd/what-is-obsessive-compulsive-disorder

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd/

http://www.ocduk.org/

Tinnitus

What causes tinnitus?

Tinnitus is not a disease. It is a manifestation of problem in the auditory system, which includes the ear, the auditory nerve that connects the inner ear to the brain, and the parts of the brain that process sound. At times, a small collection of ear wax can also cause tinnitus.

Below are some health conditions which can cause tinnitus:

Noise induced hearing loss can result in tinnitus
Ear and sinus infections
Diseases of the heart or blood vessels
Ménière’s disease
Brain tumors
Hormonal changes in women
Thyroid problems
Side effect of some medicines

In older people, tinnitus is the first sign of hearing loss.

Individuals noisy who work in noisy environments such as factory or construction workers, road construction workers, or even musician can develop tinnitus over a period of time as the exposure to extreme noise damages tiny sensory hair cells in the inner ear that help transmit sound to the brain. This is known as noise-induced hearing loss.

Army officials exposed to bomb blasts can develop tinnitus due to sudden and extreme exposure to sound. In fact, tinnitus is one of the most common service-related disabilities among army officials returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

Pulsatile tinnitus is a rare type of tinnitus that sounds like a rhythmic pulsing in the ear, which is usually aligned with your heartbeat. A doctor makes a diagnosis by pressing a stethoscope against your neck or by placing a tiny microphone inside the ear canal. This kind of tinnitus is most often caused by problems with blood flow in the head or neck. Pulsatile tinnitus also may be caused by brain tumors or abnormalities in brain structure.

Other causes include fatigue, depression, anxiety, and problems with memory and concentration. Having tinnitus is a cause of stress in many of the affected individuals.

What to do if one has tinnitus?

The first step is to see and visit a doctor. Doctor will examine for problems such as ear wax, examines and question about current health, medical conditions, and would try to see if any medications is causing tinnitus.

A detailed examination is done by a ENT specialist who will physically examine your head, neck, and ears and test your hearing to determine whether you have any hearing loss along with the tinnitus.

What to do if sounds in the ear do not go away?

A consultation and visit to the doctor will help you find out ways to reduce the severity of tinnitus. Your doctor may advice certain lifestyle changes, which can help you to reduce the effects of tinnitus.

Treatment for tinnitus

Tinnitus is an incurable condition, but treatment may help to minimize its severity and effects. Most doctors use combination of the treatments to treat tinnitus:

Hearing aids often are helpful for people who have hearing loss along with tinnitus. A better hearing capability reduces the symptoms of tinnitus
Counseling is important for as it help patients to understand and learn methods that how to live with tinnitus. Most counseling programs have an educational methodology to help you understand what goes on in the brain to cause tinnitus. Counseling also teaches some self measures that how to deal with tinnitus effectively
Wearable sound generators are small electronic devices that fit in the ear and use a soft, pleasant sound to help minimize the sounds of tinnitus. This device masks the sounds created by tinnitus with the help of random tones, or music.
Tabletop sound generators are the devices which are used for relaxation or sleep. Patient can place them near bed, and it plays pleasant sounds such as waves, waterfalls, rain, or the sounds of a summer night. It helps affected people to have good and sound sleep.
Acoustic neural stimulation is a relatively new technique for people whose tinnitus is very loud or won’t go away. It uses a palm-sized device and headphones to deliver a broadband acoustic signal embedded in music. The treatment modality aims to stimulate change in the neural circuits in the brain, which curbs the effects of the tinnitus.
Cochlear implants are sometimes used in people who have tinnitus along with severe hearing loss. A cochlear implant bypasses the damaged portion of the inner ear and sends electrical signals that directly stimulate the auditory nerve. The device brings in outside sounds that help mask tinnitus and stimulate change in the neural circuits.
Antidepressants and antianxiety drugs helps to reduce symptoms of tinnitus

How to prevent tinnitus?

One must refrain from loud noises, as the major cause of noise- induced tinnitus is the exposure to loud noises and sounds. Refrain from loud music of DJ and high noise areas.

Sources:

https://medlineplus.gov/tinnitus.html

https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/tinnitus

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2686891/

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/tinnitus

Building Immunity

What does research say in improving the immune function?

Research is continually being made and shown how diet, exercise, age, psychological stress, and other factors influence the immune system of the adults and the children.

Adopt healthy life style habits such as:

Good hygiene-Practice good hygiene methods such as properly wash your hands before consuming food. Maintain good sanitary hygiene methods.

Vaccination- Go for all the mandatory vaccinations required under national immunization programme.
Food Safety-Eat fresh, healthy and clean food
Clean water- Drink chlorinated and safe water.
Refrain from smoking
Consume a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables.
Exercise regularly.
Keep your weight under check
Avoid alcohol.
Take adequate sleep.
Take important steps to keep stress at bay.

Some herbs which can boost the immune system:

Research has shown that the benefits of following herbs, supplements and essential oils which have been found in building the immunity:

Echinacea

A 2012 study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that Echinacea was found beneficial in fighting against some recurrent infections, and showed a great benefit in preventing against many infections.

A 2003 study conducted at the University of Wisconsin Medical School demonstrated that Echinacea can boost the immune system. Echinacea was found beneficial in stimulating and boosting the immunity and was found beneficial in fighting against upper respiratory tract infections

Elderberry

Hippocrates, the father of medicine realized the importance of the plant elderberry considering its great health benefits, including its ability to fight colds, the flu, allergies and inflammation. Studies have indicated that elderberry has the power to boost the immune system, especially because it has proven to help treat the symptoms of the common cold and flu.

A study published in the Journal of International Medical Research found that using elderberry within the first 48 hours of onset of symptoms, the extract reduced the duration of the fly

Colloidal Silver

Silver was a popular to stop spreading the diseases since ancient times. Silver has been recognized as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent. Research published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine demonstrated that colloidal silver was able to significantly inhibit the growth of bacteria.

Taking one drop of the colloidal silver everyday and applying it on the wounds yields great benefits.

Probiotics

It has been found that an unhealthy gut is a major cause of food related infections, cause autoimmune disease and immune imbalance or a weakened immune system. Probiotics such as yogurt, curd release good bacteria which help to boost the natural immunity.

A research published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition suggests that probiotic bacteria may induce different cytokine responses. Probiotics consume at the infancy have proved to improve the immune response and builds the immunity to fight infections.

Astragalus Root

Astragalus is a plant which belongs to the bean and legumes family. Traditional Chinese Medicine has used this plant to build the natural immunity.

A recent review published in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine found that astragalus-based treatments have shown great benefits in the improvement of the toxicity induced by drugs such as immune suppressants and cancer chemotherapeutics. Researchers concluded that astragalus extract has a beneficial effect on the immune system, and it protects the body from gastrointestinal inflammation and cancers.

Ginger

Indian Ayurveda medicine has relied on ginger’s ability for how to boost your immune system before recorded history. It’s believed that ginger can remove the toxins primarily due to its warming effects. It’s also known to cleanse the lymphatic system, our network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials.

Ginger root and ginger essential oil can be used to treat infections and diseases with its immune nutrition and anti-inflammatory responses. Ginger also has antimicrobial property, which helps in treating infectious diseases.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D can modulate the innate and adaptive immune responses and a Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased autoimmunity as well as an increased susceptibility to infection. Research shows that vitamin D works to maintain tolerance and promote protective immunity. There have been multiple cross-sectional studies that associate lower levels of vitamin D with increased infection.

One study conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital included 19,000 participants, and it showed that individuals with lower vitamin D levels were more likely to report a recent upper respiratory tract infection than those with sufficient levels, even after adjusting for variables such as season, age, gender, body mass and race. Sometimes addressing a nutritional deficiency is how to boost your immune system.

Some other foods which can boost the immune system are:

Oats and Barley
Garlic
Chicken soup
Cereals
Mushrooms

How to Boost Your Immune System with Lifestyle Changes

One must perform exercises on a routine basis to strengthen your immune system. A 2018 human study published in Aging Cell revealed that high levels of physical activity and exercise improve the immune senescence (gradual decline of the immune system) in older adults aged 55 through 79, compared to those in the same age group who were physically inactive. Healthy ageing can be achieved with help of the exercise and good physical activity.Few points as a precaution:

These herbs and medicines taken to boost the immune system should be used in moderation and gap should be given in their consumption. They are highly potent in their nature so must be consumed at regular intervals

Avoid their use if you are pregnant or use them under the guidance of your doctor.

Sources:

https://draxe.com/how-to-boost-your-immune-system/

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-boost-your-immune-system

https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/healthy-eating/a20503059/power-foods-that-boost-immunity/

Health Check

A health check is a routine examination of your present state of health, often carried out by your GP. As we grow old we become prone to many infections and diseases and every stage of life demands different set of health checks.

Importance of the health checks?

The purpose of a health check is to help find and cure the illness before it appears. Based on your family history and your current health status the doctor might be able detect some problems at an early stage, which can timely cure the problems.

What can a health check consist of?

Review of your medical history and examining your health issues
To perform the routine medical tests
Follow up of any diseased condition
Doctor can provide counseling on any new diseased condition

A wide range of health checks recommended at different stages of life.

Health checks for planning pregnancy:

Health checks can be performed three months prior to the pregnancy and this is known as the preconception period.

Here is a list of some tests which one can perform before getting pregnant:

Pap test

Performed by: GP or gynecologist

Need for the test: Currently, Pap test screening is usually advised in women from age 18 or 2 years after first having sexual intercourse. This test can detect the cancer caused by the virus known as human pappiloma virus.

Dental check

Performed by: Dentist

Need for the test-Oral cavity is the gateway to our body. A poor dental hygiene can even cause heart diseases. A regular dental check up is vital to maintain a good dental health. Dentist may prescribe filling the carious tooth or may recommend a root canal procedure in case of badly carious tooth.

Checking the immunization status:

Who performs: GP and pathology laboratory

Why: A simple blood test can reveal whether you have immunity to infections that may be harmful to a pregnancy such as rubella, varicella (chicken pox) and influenza.

General health and blood tests

Carried out by: Arranged by your GP

Why: You may need blood tests to check for thyroid function, blood glucose levels or for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). You may also need a full blood count to check your iron and folate levels. Your doctor can help you determine what checks are suitable for you.

During pregnancy

Several different health checks may be available to you during pregnancy, including abdominal palpitations, ultrasounds, maternal serum screening test (MSS) and amniocentesis just to name a few. Check with your doctor or gynecologist on which tests you might need.

Health checks for newborns and children

Baby and child health checks

Carried out by: Pediatrician performs health checks in children and infants to assess the rate of growth, height gain and if the child is infection free.

Which health checks are required in 20s and 30s?

Some tests which doctors recommend during time include:

Measuring the Blood pressure
Cholesterol and glucose levels
Pap tests and pelvic exams
Dental check and cleaning
Sexually transmitted infections (STI) screenings
Testes examination
Healthy weight assessments

Health checks required in 40s

As we reach 40s body becomes less active to fight against infections. Also, the metabolic rate declines. To ensure a healthy functioning of the body, doctor may recommend below tests:

Eye check
Breast checks.
Health assessment for people with a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes
Prostate check

Health checkups recommended after 50s and later on

As you move into your 50s, regular preventive health checks with your GP become even more important. Make sure to continue with the regular checks you were getting in previous years including eye checks, blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels.

After 50s doctors prescribe below mentioned tests:

Breast check and mammogram
Bone density scan
Faecal occult blood test (FOBT)- To test the bowel cancer
Hearing assessment

Sources:

https://medlineplus.gov/healthcheckup.html

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-health-check/

https://medlineplus.gov/healthcheckup.html

https://www.tomorrowmakers.com/articles/health-insurance/health-check-ups-at-different-stages-of-life-infographic

Palliative Care

Palliative care, also called comfort care, supportive care and symptom management can improve the quality of life of patients who have a serious or life-threatening disease. It is helpful for patients and their loved ones to make the transition from treatment meant to cure or control the disease to hospice care by preparing them for physical changes that may occur near the end of life. It also helps them cope with the different thoughts and emotional issues that arise and provide support for family members. Palliative care specialists also provide caregiver support, facilitate communication among members of the healthcare team, and help with discussions focusing on goals of care for the patient.

To read more on Cancer, click on the link below,

Cancer

Cancer Support Groups

Receiving a cancer diagnosis often triggers a strong emotional response. Some people experience shock, anger, and disbelief while others may feel intense sadness, fear and a sense of loss. Even the most supportive family members and friends cannot understand exactly how it feels to have cancer thus leading to a sense of loneliness and isolation in the patient.

Support groups decrease some level of stress as group members can share feelings and experiences that may seem too strange or too difficult to share with family and friends.
Additionally, group dynamics create a sense of belonging that helps each person feel more understood and less alone.

Support group members may also discuss practical information like what to expect during treatment, how to manage pain and other side effects of treatment, how to communicate with health care providers and family members. While many studies have shown that support groups help people with cancer feel less depressed and anxious, support groups are not the right fit for everyone. Some people may benefit from other sources of support. Internet support groups have become increasingly popular in recent years and are a good option for those in remote areas who don’t have easy access to transportation or don’t feel comfortable sharing their experiences in person. They also allow people with rare types of cancer to communicate with others who have the same type of cancer through discussion groups, message boards, or bulletin boards that allow people to post a message and others can reply to it by typing messages back and forth.

To read more on Cancer, click on the link below,

Cancer

AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)

AIDS is an aggressive form of HIV. HIV is an infection caused by HIV virus which affects the immune system to an extent that the affected person may become susceptible to minute infections. A person can live with HIV infection if he/she takes appropriate treatment therapy and takes appropriate care. But if proper care and treatment is not given the infection may spread and an exaggerated form of HIV infection results in AIDS.

Anti retroviral therapy is the treatment choice for HIV infection; which in combination with other medicines can prolong the life span of a person infected with the infection.

According to World Health Organization (WHO) person living with HIV can resume a high quality of life with treatment

What is a HIV infection?

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks immune cells called CD4 cells, which are a type of T cell. These cells are white blood cells which protect the body against infections. When HIV targets and infiltrates these cells, it reduces the body’s ability to combat other diseases. When HIV infection occurs, the risk of many infection increases and this can even lead to death of the affected person.

What is AIDS infection?

AIDS is an exaggerated form of HIV infection. In case infected person does not take treatment for HIV infection is likely to develop into AIDS as the immune system gradually weakens. However, if HIV infection if flares leads to the AIDS infection.

What causes HIV infection?

Risk of HIV infection occurs through

Infected blood
Infected semen
Infected vaginal secretions
Infected anal fluids
Infected breast milk

HIV infection also happens due to sexual intercourse with an infected person. Sharing infected needles, syringes, HIV infection can also transfer from infected mother to child

Factors on which HIV infection spreads to AIDS

The risk of HIV progressing to AIDS varies widely between individuals and depends on many factors, including:

Age
Body’s internal immune system
Health care and proper ART therapy
Transmission of other infections

Symptoms

For the most part, infections by other bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites cause the more severe symptoms of HIV.
These conditions tend to progress further in people who live with HIV than in individuals with healthy immune systems. Normally, if internal immune system is strong it fights infections, and HIV disrupts this process. To be precise HIV virus attacks our immune system

Prevention

Preventing is the only way to prevent transmission and getting the chances of having a HIV infection. Aside from managing HIV viral load with medications, a person who lives with the disease must take precautions, including the following steps:

Do protected sex, wear condoms to prevent other STIs.
If one is HIV infected stay protected from infections talk to your doctor and take appropriate ART therapy
Avoid foods that are at risk of contamination, such as undercooked eggs, unpasteurized dairy and fruit juice, or raw seed sprouts.
Drink safe and clean water. This minimizes the chances of gastric infections
Antibiotic, antifungal, or antiparasitic infections can be prevented with appropriate treatment therapy

Sources:

https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/overview/about-hiv-and-aids/what-are-hiv-and-aids

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hiv-aids/symptoms-causes/syc-20373524

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hiv-aids/expert-answers/early-hiv-symptoms/faq-20058415

https://medlineplus.gov/hivaids.html

Hypochondriasis

It is natural for people to worry about their health. But hypochondriacs get extremely worried about their health and feel that they are seriously ill, or are about to suffer from a seriously illness. Such people do not have any symptoms or experience very less symptoms. Even minimal symptoms become a cause of concern for them.

Some people with hypochondria suffer from a medical condition which is usually not that serious, but they fear that they are suffering from a major disease. Other people with hypochondria are healthy, but have an overwhelming fear about their health in the future. For example, they might think: “What if I get cancer?”

Hypochondriacs are affected with a low quality of life and this condition affects their day to day activities.

κάντε κλικ σε αυτό το σύνδεσμο

Causes of hypochondria?

The clear cause why people have hypochondria is unknown, but it is more common in people who:

Had stress, illness or a death in the family
Had a neglected or abused childhood
Suffer from serious physical illness
Suffer from serious mental health issue such as anxiety, depression, a compulsive disorder or a psychotic illness
People who have a negative outlook towards life

There are some activities which can make a person more prone towards hypochondria:

Studying about diseases on the Internet
Watching too much TV for diseases
If that person knows a person who is suffering from a serious medical condition

What are the symptoms of hypochondria?

Some common symptoms of hypochondria are:

Affected person continuously thinks about suffering from a serious illness
Affected person keeps on seeing a doctor, in spite of doctor’s continuous reassurances
Keeps on undergoing medical tests
Always keep on talking about health with friends and family
Spends a lot of time on the internet studying symptoms
Disturbed sleep
Suffers from with poor relationship with family, at work and society because of concerns about their health.

What is the treatment of hypochondria?

Doctor will look out for physical problems with which a hypochondriac person usually suffers:

Gives the affected person advice and teaches self-help techniques
Cognitive behavioral therapy is done on such patients
Refers the person to a counselor or psychiatrist
Antidepressants are prescribed to reduce anxiety.
Exercise, good diet and family support helps to reduce the symptoms of hypochondria

What are the complications that can happen, if hypochondriasis is left untreated?

Person with hypochondria can have below mentioned possible complications

Affected person usually suffers from an affected relationship as the near and dear ones are continuously frustrated with the patient’s talk
Affected person in unable to perform well in work place
Person is unable to concentrate on daily life activities; hence it can even lead to disability in performing simple tasks
Frequent doctor visits and health checkups can cause financial crisis
Eventually person suffers from somatic symptom disorder, other anxiety disorders, depression or a personality disorder

How can hypochondria be prevented?

There are some suggestions from doctors which can prevent hypochondria

If anyone is suffering from anxiety, it is advisable to seek professional help soon to prevent further complications.
Try to manage stress in your Life-Seek help, meditation and exercise can help you relieve from stress.
Seek doctor’s advice on a regular basis and stick to your treatment plan to prevent the relapse of hypochondria, in case you are diagnosed with the same

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/illness-anxiety-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20373782

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9886-illness-anxiety-disorder-beyond-hypochondriasis

http://beyondocd.org/expert-perspectives/articles/hypochondriasis-what-is-it-and-how-do-you-treat-it

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC181122/

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hypochondria

Safe Drinking Water

How much water does a person need?

The United Nations estimates that every person needs 20 to 50 liters of clean water every day for drinking, food preparation and personal hygiene.

Some of the common causes which can cause water contamination are as follows:

Sewage and Waste Water: Sewage, garbage and liquid waste of households, agricultural lands and factories are dumped into water bodies. These wastes contain harmful chemicals and toxins , which is a major cause of water pollution.

Dumping: Dumping of solid wastes and litters in water bodies is other major cause. Litters contain glass, plastic, aluminum, styrofoam etc.
Industrial Waste: Industrial waste contains pollutants like asbestos, lead, mercury and petrochemicals which contaminate the water.
Acid Rain: Rain water gets polluted when acids gets mixed from the air

How is water made safe for drinking?

Water contains many impurities. These might include particulate matter, germs like bacteria, and poisonous chemicals like lead. To make water safe for consumption, it undergoes various types of treatments, like sedimentation, filtration and sedimentation.
To make drinking water safe, it has to clear physical, chemical and microbiological tests. Physical tests include testing for some poisonous chemicals and also the clarity of the water. Microbiology testing checks for the presence of bacteria like coliform bacteria.
Though the water in kitchen taps is considered safe for drinking, some people use home water purifiers for added protection.
These might be with carbon filters to remove odor causing chemicals and also some toxic chemicals.
Other types are the ion exchange units which are effective for hard water and remove minerals like calcium and magnesium.
Reverse osmosis units remove harmful nitrates and also pesticides.
Distillation units boil the water and the steam is condensed to give clean water.
Before deciding on the purification system for your home, it’s a good idea to get your water quality tested to know which system would be best suited to your needs.

Why is safe drinking water necessary for good health?

Contaminated water is a major cause of infections and even deaths. It can cause many diseases like

Diarrhea
Worm infestation
Cholera
Fluorosis
Typhoid

Water safety during travel

To stay safe during travel, it’s important to follow some safe water practices

It is best to use bottled water while travelling.
In addition to drinking, it’s a good idea to use the same water for brushing teeth, especially for children.
Make sure the glasses used for drinking are properly washed, or use disposable glasses.
Stay adequately hydrated, especially in hot weather conditions.
Avoid washed fruits.
Avoid ice cubes as these might have contaminated water.
Store water in food grade bottles only. Ensure these are washed at regular intervals.

Safe drinking water plays a very important role in maintaining good health.

Source:

http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/diseases-risks/diseases

https://www.commonfloor.com/guide/what-are-the-major-causes-of-water-pollution-in-india-27741.html

Tag: health