Fainting occurs when your brain temporarily doesn’t receive enough blood supply, causing you to lose consciousness. This loss of consciousness is usually brief.
If you feel faint
Lie down or sit down:-To reduce the chance of fainting again, don’t get up too quickly.
Place your head between your knees if you sit down.
If someone else faints
Position the person on his or her back. If there are no injuries and the person is breathing, raise the person’s legs above heart level — about 12 inches (30 centimeters) — if possible. Loosen belts, collars or other constrictive clothing.
To reduce the chance of fainting again, don’t get the person up too quickly. If the person doesn’t regain consciousness within one minute, call 108 or your local emergency number.
Check for pulse. Check for carotid pulse in neck for less than 10 second and at the same time watch for chest movements for breathing .In case of feeble pulse or no pulse , begin CPR. Call 108 or your local emergency number. Continue CPR until help arrives or the person begins to breathe.
If the person was injured in a fall associated with a faint, treat bumps, bruises or cuts appropriately. Control bleeding with direct pressure.
If Pulse is there check the blood glucose with a glucometer. If sugar is less immediately give sugar with water to drink (anything sugary is fine)
**** ONLY FOR AN CONSCIOUS PERSON ,IF UNCONSCIOUS TAKE THE VICTIM TO HOSPITAL.
To read more on First Aid, click on the link below.
Burns are damage to skin and deeper tissue caused by contact with fire, heat, electricity, radiation, or caustic chemicals.
Burns are classified according to the depth and extent of the skin damage, in the following way.
First-degree burns: the skin is red, painful and very sensitive to touch. The damaged skin may be slightly moist from leakage of the fluid in the deeper layers of the skin.
Second-degree burns: the damage is deeper and blisters usually appear on the skin. The skin is still painful and sensitive.
Third-degree burns: the tissues in all layers of the skin are dead. Usually there are no blisters. The burned surface can appear normal, white, black (charred), or bright red from blood in the bottom of the wound. Damage to the sensory nerves in the skin can mean that third-degree burns may be quite painless as the burned skin lacks sensation to touch. A skin graft is usually necessary for significant areas of third-degree burns.
First aid for burns
The first thing to do is to limit the extent of the damage, and prevent the burn from becoming worse.
Taking care that you do not put yourself at risk from the cause of the burns, move the person away from the danger area. Smother flames with a blanket or douse the person with water but beware of electricity or caustic chemicals.
Remove clothing or jewellery from the burned area but don’t try to peel back any clothing that is stuck to the skin.
The burnt area must be cooled by being placed under tepid running water. The water should not be unpleasantly cold.
Keep the damaged area under running water for at least one hour, or longer if the pain has not stopped. Up to four hours of this treatment can be beneficial. However, in severe burns it is more important to get the person to hospital for treatment, so don’t let this delay calling the ambulance.
Meanwhile keep the person warm a lot of heat can be lost from large burns so put a blanket or clothing around the non-injured areas.
First-degree burns, eg mild sunburn, may not require this treatment although it may help to soothe discomfort.
Put cling film or a plastic bag over the burn before moving the person to hospital, but don’t wrap the cling film tightly round a limb.
Do not put any creams on the burn at this stage, but you can give the person simple pain relief such as paracetamol.
What complications can occur?
When skin is burned, it loses its ability to protect, which increases the risk of infection. So it is important that the damaged area be thoroughly cleansed within the first six hours and that the area is kept clean while it is healing.
If, after a few days, there are signs of an infection – ie the skin is becoming increasingly red, hot, and swollen, and the victim experiences a throbbing pain or feels generally unwell or has a fever – contact a doctor or your practice nurse.
Severe burns can cause scarring.
In cases of extensive severe burns, the body may lose large quantities of fluid. This can disturb the blood circulation and cause problems with the body’s salt balance. As a result the person may go into ‘shock’ with a low blood pressure and rapid pulse. Such injuries should be assessed at your local Accidentand Emergencydepartment.
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke can also occur if the body temperature rises too high (for example, after excessive exposure to hot sun, often with sunburn). Watch out for extreme tiredness, rapid pulse, headache, and confusion. Help the person to cool down in the shade, with tepid water to drink and get urgent medical help if you are worried.
What can be done to prevent burns?
Be fire-conscious in the home. The kitchen is the most dangerous room in the house, and the most likely place for burns and scalds to occur. If you have small children in the house, fit a safety gate to keep them out of the kitchen.
When cooking, keep small children away from hot drinks, pans and kettles, barbecues and other open flames. Always put pans to the back of the hob if possible and turn handles to the back away from where small hands might reach.
Never throw water over oil fires, such as in a chip pan, because this will cause a fire explosion that can have severe consequences. Instead the fire should be smothered by covering the pan with a damp cloth.
Buy a proper fire-smothering blanket and keep it somewhere in the kitchen where it is easily accessible.
Hot water in the bathroom is another risk – so when there are small children in the house, fill baths by running the cold tap first. Fit a mixer to the taps and never leave a child alone in or near the bath.
Always used a fixed guard around open fires in the house.
Bonfires and camp fires are another cause of serious burns.
Never light them by throwing petrol and a lighted match at them. Behave responsibly around them and keep young children well away.
It’s become a popular game among young people at music festivals to throw gas cyclinders from barbeques into the camp fires.
This is extremely dangerous and has resulted in some very serious burn injuries, sometimes among innocent bystanders.
Festival goers should be warned against this behaviour.
Take standard advice to protect yourself from sunburn – Slip, Slop, Slap!
Slip on baggy clothing such as an oversized T shirt, slop on suncream and slap on a hat.
Keep children in the shade especially in intense sun in the middle of the day, and frequently reapply high sun protection factor (SPF) suncream especially if they are in and out of the swimming pool
To read more on First Aid, click on the link below.
The sudden death of brain cells due to lack of oxygen, caused by blockage of blood flow or rupture of an artery to the brain. Sudden loss of speech, weakness, or paralysis of one side of the body can be symptoms.
Stroke may cause loss of balance or unconsciousness, which may result in a fall. If you think you or someone around you may be having a stroke.
How to recognize stroke.
The most commonly used technique to identify the sign of stroke is FAST.
Face:Is the face numb or does it droop on one side?
Arms:Is one arm numb or weaker than the other? Does one arm stay lower than the other when trying to raise both arms?
Speech: Is speech slurred or garbled?
Time:If you answered yes to any of the above, call emergency services immediately.
First aid for Stroke.
Call emergency services. If you’re having stroke symptoms, have someone else call for you. Stay as calm as possible while waiting for emergency help.
If you’re caring for someone else having a stroke, make sure they’re in a safe, comfortable position. Preferably, this should be lying on one side with their head slightly raised and supported in case they vomit.
Check to see if they’re breathing. If they’re not breathing at all, perform CPR. If they’re having difficulty breathing, loosen any constrictive clothing, such as a tie or scarf.
Talk in a calm, reassuring manner.
Cover them with a blanket to keep them warm.
Do not give them anything to eat or drink.
If the person is showing any weakness in a limb, avoid moving them.
Observe the person carefully for any change in condition, and be prepared to tell the emergency operator about their symptoms and when they started. Be sure to mention if the person fell or hit their head.
To read more on First Aid, click on the link below.
Medical Helpline in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Assam, Meghalaya, M.P And U.P
108
Railway Accident Emergency Service
1072
Road Accident Emergency Service
1073
Road Accident Emergency Service On National Highway For Private Operators
1033
Relief Commissioner For Natural Calamities
1070
During an emergency, it is all too easy to become overwhelmed, or even confused and disoriented. With a little bit of preparation, you can ensure you go through any emergencies (or even minor scares) in the best way possible.
One of the best ways is to have all the information you might need during an emergency ready at hand.
Below you can find printable sheets with important emergency phone numbers and information customized to your area.
Print the emergency numbers and post them on the fridge and next to every phone in the house. Carry a copy with you, and have one in your car.
Fill out the extra information clearly, in large print using a dark pen. It should be easy to read by kids, or during emergencies when the lights may be very low.
Review the page every few months to make sure all the details are still up-to-date.
If you have a home alarm, make sure you and others in the home know how to use it to activate local emergency services (ambulance, police, fire station)
Choose the Right Bandage
Anyone who deals with patients with wounds will agree that selecting the right wound dressings and bandages is crucial to wound healing. It may also be the most challenging part of wound management! With so many choices in wounddressings and bandages.
Is the wound wet or dry? If the wound in question is dry, you might choose a dressing that will donate moisture, such as a hydrogel dressing. If the wound bed is too moist or the wound is highly exudative, you will want to choose a dressing that will absorb excess moisture, such as an alginate dressing.
Is there slough or necrotic tissue present? If the wound bed is granulating and there is no slough, eschar or necrotic tissue present, all that is needed is to protect the fragile wound bed and maintain a moist, normothermic environment. A transparent film dressing or a simple gauze dressing may suffice. However, if the wound has necrotic tissue present, you may need to choose a dressing that encourages autolytic debridement, such as a semipermeable foam dressing, a hydrocolloid or an alginate dressing, depending on the amount of wound drainage.
Are there signs or symptoms of infection? If the wound is infected, you might choose a dressing that has been impregnated with silver or iodine to decrease the wound’s bioburden. These dressings vary greatly in their ability to absorb wound exudate, so amount of wound drainage is another factor that you will need to take into consideration.
Is odor a major concern? When odor is a major concern for the patient, such as in wounds resulting from a fungating cancer or an infected pressure ulcer, you may consider using a charcoal dressing. These dressings work by absorbing the odor-producing gases that are emitted by bacteria.
These are just a few of the considerations that must take into account when choosing a dressing. Cost, ease of use and level of comfort must also be considered and may influence choice of wound dressings and bandages.
How to put on a bandage:
Use a bandage to hold a dressing in place, to control bleeding, to support a limb and stop it moving, and to raise an injured limb to reduce swelling.
There are two main types of bandage:
Roller bandages: use these to hold dressings in place and to support injured limbs, particularly for ankles, knees, wrists or elbows.
Triangular bandages: use these as large dressings, as slings to support a wrist, arm or shoulder injury, or folded as a broad-fold bandage to stop a limb from moving.
If you can’t find a bandage, then you can always improvise by using a piece of clothing or material. For example, you could fold a headscarf diagonally in half to make a triangular bandage for a sling.
How to put on a bandage:
If someone’s hurt themselves and you need to apply a bandage, below are the key things to remember.
Reassure them and explain what you’re going to do before you start.
Make them comfortable by helping them sit or lie down in a comfortable position.
Support the injury by holding the limb carefully, or ask them or someone else to help.
Start bandaging from the front and from the side of the body or limb that’s injured.
Apply bandages firmly but not so tightly that it restricts their circulation.
Generally, wrap the bandage using spiral turns working from the inside to the outside of the limb
For joint injuries, make diagonal turns in a figure-of-eight above and below the joint. See below for specific techniques.
To immobilise a limb, make a broad-fold bandage: lay a triangular bandage flat on a clean surface, fold it in half horizontally so the point touches the base, and then fold it in half again.
Leave fingers and toes peeking out, if possible, so you can press them to check circulation afterwards.
Use pins or tape to fasten roller bandages, otherwise, tuck the bandage in as securely as you can.
Use reef knots to tie triangular bandages: right over left and under, then left over right and under.
Check their circulation: Once you’ve finished, check for circulation, by pressing one of their finger or toe nails for five seconds until it goes pale. If the colour doesn’t come back within two seconds, the bandage is too tight so you’ll need to loosen it and do it again. Check their circulation every ten minute.
To read more on First Aid, click on the link below.
Berries, especially raspberries and strawberries, contain ellagic acid, another phytochemical that may help protect against cancer-causing agents in the diet and the environment. Red berries are easily available in market and can be included in the daily fruit intake during when they are seasonally in.
Nuts are one of the most balanced foods on the planet. They offer a good dose of “healthy” fats along with a smaller amount of protein and carbohydrate. Each type of nut offers a unique profile of minerals and phytochemicals.
Grapes, especially dark-colored ones, are loaded with phytochemicals, antioxidants that may help protect against cancer and heart disease. Two of those phytochemicals, anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin, may be especially good for your immune system.
Pineapple is a nutrition superstar. One cup (237 ml) of pineapple provides 131% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) for vitamin C and 76% of the RDI for manganese. Pineapple also contains bromelain, a mixture of enzymes known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to digest protein.
Dark chocolate- Dark chocolates are rich in flavanols and polyphenols. A popular study conducted by Harvard experts and published in the online Journal Heart suggests that is actually good for your heart especially, the one with 70% cocoa.
Does Your Daily Diet Contain These 5 Essential Micronutrients?
1. Folate
Folate is one of the eight types of B vitamins, and it helps with the formation of red blood cells. It is water-soluble, and also called vitamin B9. The best way to get your B9 is through fruits and vegetables. Legumes like lentils and beans, spinach and asparagus are all great, folate-rich options.
2. Iron
Iron is used to create hemoglobin, which is the substance in red blood cells that carries and delivers oxygen around the body. There are two types of iron: heme, which comes from an animal source, and non-heme, which is obtained through a plant. Non-heme sources are beans, chickpeas, lentils, tofu, broccoli and spinach.
3. Magnesium
Did you know that consuming sodas, sugar and caffeine actually causes your body to lose magnesium? Good sources of magnesium are dark leafy vegetables like spinach. Nuts and seeds, such as almonds, cashews, sesame and pumpkin seeds; and whole, unrefined grains like brown rice are storehouse of magnesium.
4. Vitamin A
Essential for maintaining vision, vitamin A describes a group of fat-soluble retinoids, like retinol. Retinol is created from carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, which is often associated with foods of an orange hue such as carrots. Other sources come from animals, and can be found in foods like liver, grass-fed dairy products and egg yolks.
5. Vitamin D
The deficiency of this vitamin is linked to rising levels of depression and autoimmune disorders, laying the foundation for many chronic illnesses. Natural sources are fatty fish and fish oils, canned tuna, egg yolks, mushrooms, and tofu.
INTERESTING FACTS
Food is an essential part of our daily existence. Food not only is a source of energy but a yummy and healthy food can swirl a bad mood to good one. Here, we bring you the best yet interesting food facts which will not only enhance your knowledge but will also break many myths and facts about food.
Calcium Rich foods and their Role Most cheeses are excellent...
Comforting a Crying Baby
Comforting a Crying Baby by Famhealth
Babies have crying bouts throughout the first year as this is their only means of communicating for food and comfort.
When your baby cries, your first instinct will be to pick them up. While there have been conflicting views on this topic, let your instinct guide you and do not be afraid of spoiling the baby.
Your baby is new to the world and needs to know that you are reliable and always available. However, if you feel that your baby is crying a lot and that it is making you lose patience or get over tired, get in touch with other mothers, self help and support groups or voluntary organizations which can help you find ways to cope. Let’s explore reasons why the baby may cry and what solutions are available to you.
Why Your Baby May Be Crying
If the crying sounds pitiful or different from normal, the baby may be unwell or a blocked nose could be the cause of the problem. Other possible reasons may be:
Nappy rash or sore bottom
Colic
Being too hot or too cold
During the process of bathing or dressing etc
Your own bad mood may cause your baby to react with crying bouts.
Too much fussing may be upsetting the baby
Ways to Pacify a Crying Baby
If you fear your baby may be ill, do not hesitate to call a doctor as he may prescribe some remedies such nasal drops to help the baby breathe better and thus calm down
If the baby has a sore bottom, take the nappy off and clean the bottom thoroughly. You may leave off the nappy for the rest of the day.
If your baby is suffering from colic, try not to resort to medications at first and soothe the baby by rocking or take the baby out for a walk around the block.
Avoid over heating or over chilling the baby’s room. The ideal room temperature for the baby is what is comfortable for lightly clothed adults.
The baby may be hungry or thirsty so offer a feed or water
The baby may need attention through a cuddle or may have gas that is relieved by rocking rhythmically in your arms or in a rocking chair
Wrap the baby firmly in a shawl, tucking the ends to make a bundle. This process called a ‘swaddle’ makes a baby feel safe and secure.
Another way to calm the baby is by gently patting the tummy or back to calm them or to relieve gas in the tummy.
A pacifier or something to suck ,which is sterilized properly is another common remedy
Babies love bright colorful things so distracting them with a picture book, a mirror or a new toy may also work.
Crying is a normal process, which all babies show. However, ask your health care provider if your child is showing continuous bouts of crying in spite of all your efforts. Doctor can perform an examination which can depict some medical condition which you might not be able to figure it out.
To read more on Pregnancy, click on the link below,
A Cancer diagnosis is dreaded and feared yet rarely understood. Even as cancer cases in India and across the world are poised to grow, there continues to be a sense of mystery around it with very little understanding of the causes and cures for an ailment commonly referred to as the Big ‘C.’ A cancer diagnosis is typically followed by intense periods of anxiety, stress, and fear for the patient as well as a caregiver. Cancer fighters recall feelings of shock followed by anger and denial when their cancer is first discovered mostly because of the myths surrounding it. The questions abound and range from “How can this happen to me?” to “I don’t have any bad habits so why me?” and is inevitably followed by that looming unspoken query, “Can I survive this?” While these questions besiege patients and caregiver, Doctors, Oncologists and Cancer support groups reassure us that a cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence. Given the right circumstances, one can control and even conquer Cancer. Accurate information and a better understanding about Cancer will certainly help reduce negativity around it so that it can be treated like other health conditions. ‘Cancer fighters’ and ‘Cancer thrivers’ have shared their journey with us in the course of this research and echoed the importance of the right information and a stress-free frame of mind to get through the long drawn treatment and overcome the Big ‘C’.
Did You Know?
The Greek word ‘Oncos’ and ‘Carcinos’ are attributed to Hippocrates and refer to a ‘benign swelling’ and a ‘malignant swelling’ respectively.
What is Cancer?
Cancer, a word surrounded by much fear and plenty of uncertainty, refers to an uncontrolled growth of cells that invade and damage normal tissue. These cells may form a mass called ‘tumor’ which could be malignant or benign. A malignant tumor grows and spreads to other parts of the body while a benign tumor could grow but won’t spread.
Signs and Symptoms
Cancer typically distorts normal organs, nerves and blood vessels causing symptoms related to that specific body part. One of the first places that cancer spreads is the lymph nodes – those bean-shaped organs located in clusters in the neck, groin and under the arms.
Though generalized symptoms like fever, fatigue and weight loss are common in cancers that have spread beyond their site of origin it is the size and aggressiveness of cancer that determines its symptoms.
Types of Cancer
Carcinomas – These are the most common type of cancer and begin in the skin or the tissue that covers the surface of internal organs and glands. Carcinomas usually form solid tumors.
Sarcomas – These begin in the tissues that support and connect the body. A sarcoma can develop in fat, muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, blood vessels, lymph vessels, cartilage, or bone.
Leukemia – These are cancer of the blood and begin when healthy blood cells change and grow uncontrollably.
Lymphomas – This is cancer that begins in the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and glands that help fight infection.
Risk Factors
Even though over 75 percent of cancer cases are diagnosed in people aged 55 or older, increased age alone is not a risk factor for cancer. Statistics show that 5 to 10 percent of cancers are genetically inherited and those cancers tend to occur earlier in life.
Risk factors could include genetics (the BRCA genes, for example) lifestyle (such as smoking, diet, and sun-tanning), environmental exposures or the presence of harmful substances. Viral and bacterial infections also lead to certain cancers, such as the hepatitis virus in liver cancer, Helicobacter pylori in stomach cancer and the HPV virus in cervical cancer.
Stages of Cancer
Stage 0: Cancers at this stage are identified according to the location where they initially emerged and multiplied with the resulting tumor not have spread to nearby tissues. The prognosis for Stage 0 cancer is very good and boosting the immune system may reverse cancer.
Stage 1: Small cancerous tumors may have spread to nearby tissue but not beyond, such as the bloodstream or lymph system. “Early stage” cancer prognosis is also quite good with healthy changes preventing its return.
Stage 2 and 3: “Regional spread” indicates that cancer has expanded and embedded into the surrounding tissue. Even though this stage may cause concern, cancer has not spread to other organs in the body.
Stage 4: When cancer spreads from the initial site to other organs or areas of the body, it is referred to as “distant spread” cancer, advanced cancer, or metastatic cancer. Metastasis refers to the spread of cancer cells from the place where they first formed to another part of the body.
Did You Know? While there is so much fear associated with Cancer, the statistics are not completely hopeless. 1. Nearly 70% of people diagnosed with cancer all over the world live for more than five years. 2. Over 85% of cases of childhood cancer are curable. 3. Even the most resistant cancers, like melanoma, respond to immune-modulating treatments.
Cancerism
Cancer survivors often battle stigma that can be removed through awareness. Noted oncologist Dr Amish Vora of HOPE Oncology clinic in New Delhi cautions against ‘Cancerism’ which is worse than racism and sexism as it is tough to pinpoint. “Cancer is not infectious yet people avoid those who are diagnosed with it and patients often find it difficult to socialize. They may be discriminated against during job interviews or even in relationships,” explains Vora.
Fact Sheet
According to the World Health Organization, the most common types of cancer that kill men in order of frequency are lung cancer, stomach cancer, liver cancer, colorectal cancer and oesophageal cancer. WHO statistics say that the five most common cancers that kill women in order of frequency are breast cancer, lung cancer, stomach cancer, colorectal cancer, and cervical cancer. According to Specialist Oncologist Dr (Col.) R Ranga Rao, 17 lakh new patients are being diagnosed with cancer every year in India which ranks 3rd in cancer cases after China and the US. The data from National Institute of Cancer Prevention Research (NICPR) reports that for every two women newly diagnosed with breast cancer, one woman dies of it in the country, and almost half million deaths happen due to ignorance about the disease. One woman dies of cervical cancer every 8 minutes in India. Nearly one-third of cancers are caused due to tobacco use while alcohol and tobacco together pose higher risks of developing oral and other cancers.
Globocan’s worldwide data states says that there were 14.1 million new cancer cases, 8.2 million cancer deaths, and 32.6 million people living with cancer within 5 years of diagnosis in 2012. 57% (8 million) of those new cancer cases, 65% (5.3 million) of the cancer deaths, and 48% (15.6 million) of the 5-year prevalent cancer cases occurred in the less developed regions. The overall age-standardized cancer incidence rate is almost 25% higher in men than in women with rates of 205 and 165 cases per 100 000 person-years, respectively.
Anti Cancer Diet
Food has an important link to diseases and the focus on building immunity to prevent or to fight cancer (during Chemotherapy) has resulted in research into plant-based diets that seem to help prevent cancer. Some plant chemicals fight cancer cells directly, while others promote a healthy immune system to reduce cancer risk. Fruits, vegetables, chocolate, tea, and wine are considered beneficial as they contain polyphenols. Spices and herbs rich with flavonoids and carotenoids also reduce oxidation and inflammation thus providing multiple benefits.
