Making time for your health

When was the last time you checked in on yourself? The fact is many women just don’t know the true state of their health. Even a pressing pain or niggle is easy to ignore and it can be tempting to put off more serious issues to deal with them another day.

Clinical specialist and lead physiotherapist for women’s heath, Rachel Bromley, says spending time and getting to know your body can help you get the most out of life. Here, Rachel outlines the issues she sees many women living with, and gives advice on reducing risk to your health.

Stress

Everyone experiences and deals with stress in different ways. It can affect our physical health and sleep patterns, leaving us potentially more vulnerable to developing illness. Make sure you make time for relaxation and spend time away from the things that stress you out. If you feel you’re not coping, see your GP.

Diabetes

Over half a million people in the UK have diabetes without knowing it. With a simple blood test and urine analysis, you can diagnose diabetes. This will help you manage your glucose levels through exercise, nutrition and other lifestyle changes.

Heart Disease

Knowing your blood pressure and cholesterol can establish any heart disease risk you may have. Make sure you know your numbers and have these tests annually.

Anaemia

Anaemia occurs when a person has a decrease in amount of red blood cells or haemoglobin in the blood. This lowers the ability of the blood to carry oxygen. The main symptom is tiredness which can be a problem for all of us who lead busy lives. A simple blood test will check for anaemia and the ability to fight infection, so you know you have the energy to live life to the full.

Breast Cancer

There is growing scientific evidence supporting screening for breast cancer, the most common non-skin cancer and second deadliest cancer in women. Screening on the NHS starts at 50. We believe certain women would benefit from a start at 40. Women should self-check regularly and know how to look for the signs.

Colorectal cancer

Risk of colorectal cancer increases with age, so be aware of any changes in bowel motions, any blood in the stool, weight loss and abdominal pains.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease in the world. It causes your bones to gradually lose density and the risk increases with age. You can help reduce risk by keeping active, having a diet rich in calcium and Vitamin D, not smoking and reducing alcohol and caffeine intake.

Urinary incontinence

Leaking urine is a very common condition affecting women of all ages. It’s estimated that 1 in 3 women experience urinary incontinence during their lives, causing leaking of urine when coughing, laughing or running, or when rushing to the toilet. Although it is a common problem it should never be classed as being ‘normal’ and there are many treatments, including physiotherapy, that can improve or cure urinary incontinence and other intimate problems such as vaginal prolapse or painful sex.

Uterine and Ovarian cancers

These account for 7% and 5% respectively of cancers affecting women aged 50-74. Uterine cancer usually presents with postmenopausal bleeding. You should report any bleeding, however small, or any unusual discharge or pelvic pain to your GP. Ovarian cancer has many symptoms but they are often dismissed as not significant – if you are suffering from constant bloating, abdominal pain, eating less or feeling full, or are feeling unusually tired don’t keep these symptoms to yourself.

Lack of Exercise

Regular exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. It can help improve both physical and mental health. Ideally, aim for 30 minutes a day. Regular exercise substantially helps to reduce cardiovascular disease, colorectal cancer and breast cancer risk. It is effective in lifting mood and helping us deal with stress.

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Understanding Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD)

One of the most common disorders observed in children is ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), which can continue from adolescence through to adulthood. Some symptoms are: difficulty in staying focused, difficulty controlling behavior, difficulty in paying attention and over activity (hyperactivity).

3-5% of school aged ADHD children are diagnosed every year and Attention deficit Hyperactive Disorder is diagnosed more often in boys than in girls. Studies suggest that the brains of children with ADHD are unique from other children. This shows that even though the cause of ADHD isn’t clearly defined as yet, it sets into motion early on in the child’s life. A combination of factors like brain injury, genetics, social environment and nutrition might contribute to children with ADHD. Although lack of sleep, tic disorders, learning disabilities, and depression and behavior problems may appear with ADHD, do not confuse it solely with ADHD.

Diagnosing ADHD

Diagnosing ADHD is often hard, as factors such as the child’s maturity, personality, temperament and energy level often vary and those sometimes these normal factors may be mistaken for ADHD. ADHD symptoms usually appear early on in life, between the ages of 3-6. A single test cannot determine if you have children with adhd, instead a thorough study of the child, its behavior and the environment it takes place in must be studied. The specialist will also closely monitor the child’s behavior in different situations and may subject the child to a series of highly structured and not so structured situations, to test their behavior. The child may also be tested on intellectual ability and its behavior in social situations will be assessed, along with tests on the child’s intellectual ability.

Any Treatment?

ADHD is most commonly treated with a “stimulant”, which may seem like it has an oxymoron, but it instead it has a calming effect on ADHD children. These medicines reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity while improving the child’s ability to focus, learn and work on tasks, as well as improving physical co-ordination. It must be noted that one approach does not work for all children and patients must be monitored carefully and closely in order to be safe from side-effects. Such as decrease in appetite, sleep problems, change in personality and tic disorders.

Psychotherapy is also used to cure ADHD children. Behavioral therapy though teaching the child how to monitor his or her behavior and learning how to give oneself rewards for acting in a desired manner is another goal achieved through behavioral therapy. Social skills, such as asking for help, sharing toys, being polite are taught by the therapists.

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What should you expect when you visit the ENT?

ENT doctors, or otolaryngologists, are trained in the medical and surgical treatment of patients with diseases and disorders of the ears, nose, throat (ENT), and head and neck.

But for whatever reason you may have to see an ENT doctor, having organized a consultation, it can be quite daunting thinking about what may take place at this appointment.

So what can you expect to happen when you’re there?

Ears:

The physician will use an otoscope to examine the ears and the ear drum. There is a light source, with a small magnification as an attachment that allows the surgeon to identify pathology. This is a fairly no invasive diagnostic procedure that can be used for patients in all age groups. Sometimes, tuning forks are used to measure hearing. This along with a microscopic study of the ear and ear drum can be considered as a full examination.

Nose:

To diagnose the nose the doctor only needs a simple speculum again with a light source attached to it. This helps in understanding the anatomy and possible pathology.

In case you have undergone nasal surgery, a flexible endoscope is typically used to inspect the nose.

Throat :

A typical examination begins with an external check of the neck area, feeling for any swollen glands. Next, the oral cavity will be examined used a tongue depressor and light to illuminate the tongue and tonsillar areas of the mouth. Using a flexible nasolaryngoscope to examine the larynx and the nasal cavity, is not an uncommon practice anymore.

This nasolaryngoscope is a fiber optic cable that gets inserted through the nose. As discomforting as it sounds, it is really the best way for the surgeon to examine areas that are harder to see. The entire procedure gets over in minutes and is usally a part of a typical ENT examination.

What About It?

It is easy to understand, the trauma associated with this type of examination as it involves various non invasive and invasive techniques of diagnosis. But without these measured steps, it would never be a thorough examination and that means missing out on a problem that may need fixing. We know that is not acceptable in today’s society. So now you have an idea of what to expect at an ENT consultation. If you feel the need to get examined, go ahead. Don’t let a little bit of discomfort come in the way of your good health.

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The Wonders Of Magnetic Therapy

Magnetic therapy is a method of medicinal therapy that involves placing magnets of different sizes and strengths on the human body, with the purpose of relieving pain and treating various diseases. Although there are anecdotal reports of healing with magnetic therapy, available scientific evidence does not support these claims. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers magnets harmless and of no use for medical purposes.

Magnet therapy involves using magnets to cure illnesses, by attaching thin metal magnets to the body (either alone or in groups). They are sometimes used in magnetic therapy necklaces or magnetic therapy bracelets, or are attached to sticky patches that hold them in place. There are even magnetic shoe soles, blankets and slumber pads. Magnetic jewelry is also gaining popularity as a healing method.

This use of magnets to cure diseases is a lot older than one would imagine. A physician in the 16thcentury named Paracelsus started this, because he thought that magnets would attract and eliminate various diseases from the body due to their magnetic properties. Although this is a little far-fetched, modern doctors have noticed that positive and negative magnetic charges had different effects on human biological systems.

Magnetic therapy has been tested scientifically, but sporadically. To test the claim of improved blood flow, one study compared magnets and otherwise identical nonmagnetic disks on the arms of healthy volunteers. The researchers measured blood flow and found no difference between the real and fake magnets.

Magnetic therapy is generally considered safe. However, implanted medical devices like pacemakers or pumps can be affected by magnets. This means that a thorough medical examination should be conducted before magnetic therapy is undertaken to cure an illness.

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Dont Let Joint Pains Make You Feel Disjointed

We don’t need to tell you that irrespective of the degree of pain and the location, any joint pain is very cumbersome and annoying. That annoying lower back pain, knee joint pain, shoulder joint pain is more than that, it could be a symptom of arthritis and you must tread cautiously. 

Experts claim that the usual aches and pains aren’t a right of passage into aging, but joint pain can be curtailed with the help of regular exercise, taking the right supplements and joint replacement surgery. Joint pain can be caused by any of the following causes, measles, fractures, exertion, sprain of the muscle, osteoarthritis, etc.

If you’ve taken loads of rest, applied all the topical Ointments you can legally lay your hands on, Over the counter pills and none of which have helped and you are in joint pain for a prolonged period of time, then you musn’t take your joint pain for granted and must immediately call your doctor if any of the following symptoms take place: 

• You suddenly feel an onset of stiffness & pain. The onslaught is quick and you must get this checked as it may be one of the initial symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. 

• You’ve got a fever along with the pain 

• Along with your pain you have a stiffness in your limbs, or back in short periods of time . Be wary for you might be developing osteoarthritis or another one of he arthritic conditions. 

• The pain develops rapidly and the joint is extremely tender and red. 

If you have developed arthritis symptoms, you can opt for a range of alternative treatments, physiotherapy, you could even try the arthritis diets and supplements which are flooding the market. Just make sure you take your doctor’s advice before indulging in anything.

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Simple Understandings: Alzhemier’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia, most commonly seen in people over the age of 65. It is a very disabling condition that prevents a person from leading a normal life. So…..

What is Dementia?

Dementia can be defined as a group of symptoms that are caused by various diseases. It is not a disease in itself. The most common form of dementia amongst older people is Alzheimer’s disease. Approximately 4.5 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. Symptoms of early onset Alzheimer’s includes:

- Loss of memory

- Basic judgment is impaired

- Loss of basic thinking

This makes it very hard for a person suffering from Alzheimer’s to work or involve themselves in day- to- day activity. Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, there are drugs available on the market that can relieve the symptoms.

Disease Progression:

First sign of the mental symptoms of Alzheimer’s shows up as memory loss. Sonn after that, inhibitions and emotions are affected. Amyloid plaques and tangles (brain lesions) accumulate in the brain, further declining the ability to function in daily life.

Causes:

The cause of Alzhemier’s disease has been linked to two possibilities; Genetic & Aluminum (from cooking utensils and other such sources)

Who’s at risk?

- People suffering from down’s syndrome

- Genetic inheritance

- Obesity

- Apo E gene (increased risk)

Disease Prevention:

It’s not foolproof, but overall general upkeep of a healthy life style is one way to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. Apart from that, you could indulge in activities like playing an instrument, board games, dancing, reading that exercise different parts of your brain.

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What To Do With My Kidney Cyst??

Kidney cysts are round pouches of fluid that form in the kidneys. Kidney cysts can be associated with serious disorders that may impair kidney function. But more commonly, kidney cysts are a type called simple kidney cysts — non-cancerous cysts that rarely cause complications.

A Cyst in my Kidney!

It's not clear what causes simple kidney cysts. Typically, only one cyst occurs on the surface of a kidney, but multiple cysts can affect one or both kidneys. However, simple kidney cysts aren't the same as the cysts that form with polycystic kidney disease (PKD).

Simple kidney cysts are often detected during an imaging test being done for another condition. Simple kidney cysts that don't cause signs or symptoms usually don't require treatment.

Poly-cystic kidney disease (PKD)

What are simple kidney cysts?

Simple kidney cysts are abnormal, fluid-filled sacs that form in the kidneys. They are usually small oval or round thin-walled sacs with watery fluid in them. Simple kidney cysts are different from the cysts that develop when a person has PKD, which is a genetic disorder. Kidney cysts are almost always benign (not cancerous). Usually, the cysts don't cause any problems. it do not enlarge the kidneys, replace their normal structure, or cause reduced kidney function like cysts do in people with PKD. This disease can cause symptoms such as high blood pressure, pain in the back and side, blood in the urine or frequent kidney infections. Not all people who have PKD will have these symptoms.

Simple kidney cysts are more common as people age. An estimated 25 percent of people 40 years of age and 50 percent of people 50 years of age have simple kidney cysts.

What causes simple kidney cysts?

The cause of simple kidney cysts is not fully understood. Obstruction of tubules—tiny structures within the kidneys that collect urine—or deficiency of blood supply to the kidneys may play a role. Diverticula—sacs that form on the tubules—may detach and become simple kidney cysts. The role of genetic factors in the development of simple kidney cysts has not been studied.

Simple Kidney Cyst

Simple kidney cysts typically don't cause signs or symptoms. If a simple kidney cyst grows large enough, symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Dull pain in your back or side
• Upper abdominal pain

What are the symptoms of simple kidney cysts?

Simple kidney cysts usually do not cause symptoms or harm the kidneys. In some cases, however, pain can occur between the ribs and hips when cysts enlarge and press on other organs. Sometimes cysts become infected, causing fever, pain, and tenderness. Simple kidney cysts are not thought to affect kidney function, but one study found an association between the presence of cysts and reduced kidney function in hospitalized people younger than 60 years of age.1 Some studies have found a relationship between simple kidney cysts and high blood pressure. For example, high blood pressure has improved in some people after a large cyst was drained. However, this relationship is not well understood 

When to see a doctor 

Make an appointment with your doctor if you have signs or symptoms of a kidney cyst. One theory suggests that kidney cysts develop when the surface layer of the kidney weakens and forms a pouch (diverticulum). The pouch then fills with fluid, detaches and develops into a cyst. 

Consult your doctor

Kidney cysts can occasionally cause complications, including: 

• An infected cyst. A kidney cyst may become infected, causing fever and pain. 
• A burst cyst. A kidney cyst that bursts causes severe pain in your back or side. 
• Urine obstruction. A kidney cyst that obstructs the normal flow of urine may lead to swelling of the kidney (hydronephrosis). 

How are simple kidney cysts diagnosed? 

Most simple kidney cysts are found during imaging tests done for other reasons. When a cyst is found, the following imaging tests can be used to determine whether it is a simple kidney cyst or another, more serious condition. These imaging tests are performed at an outpatient center or hospital by a specially trained technician, and the images are interpreted by a radiologist—a doctor who specializes in medical imaging. Ultrasound may also be performed in a health care provider’s office. Anesthesia is not needed though light sedation may be used for people with a fear of confined spaces who undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). 

Ultrasound. 

Ultrasound uses a device, called a transducer, that bounces safe, painless sound waves off organs to create an image of their structure. An abdominal ultrasound can create images of the entire urinary tract. The images can be used to distinguish harmless cysts from other problems. 

Simple Cyst found using Ultrasound

Computerized tomography (CT) scan. 

CT scans use a combination of x rays and computer technology to create three-dimensional (3-D) images. A CT scan may include the injection of a special dye, called contrast medium. CT scans require the person to lie on a table that slides into a tunnel-shaped device where the x rays are taken. CT scans can show cysts and tumors in the kidneys. 

MRI and CT Scan

Magnetic Resonance IMaging (MRI). 

MRI is a non-invasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. It uses a powerful magnetic field, radio frequency pulses and a computer to produce detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone and virtually all other internal body structures without using x rays. An MRI may include the injection of contrast medium. With most MRI machines, the person lies on a table that slides into a tunnel-shaped device that may be open ended or closed at one end; some newer machines are designed to allow the person to lie in a more open space. Like CT scans, MRIs can show cysts and tumours. 

Result of a CT

Treatments for simple kidney cysts?

If your cyst does not cause symptoms or complications, you do not need treatment. Your doctor may simply monitor with periodic ultrasounds to make sure they don't cause any problems. However, in the rare case that you have symptoms, you may need treatment. 

Simple kidney cysts that are causing symptoms or blocking the flow of blood or urine through the kidney may need to be treated using a procedure called sclerotherapy. In sclerotherapy, the doctor punctures the cyst using a long needle inserted through the skin. Ultrasound is used to guide the needle to the cyst. The cyst is drained and then filled with a solution containing alcohol to make the kidney tissue harder. The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis with a local anesthetic. 

Sclerotherapy

In some cases, a cyst will return and refill with fluid. Your doctor may recommend surgery that entails general anesthesia and a large incision. During the procedure, the surgeon would insert a thin, lighted viewing tube called a laparoscope and other instruments to drain the fluid from the cyst and remove or burn its outer wall to keep it from reforming.

If the cyst is large, surgery may be needed. Most surgeries can be performed using a laparoscope—a special tool with a small, lighted video camera. The procedure is usually done under general anesthesia in a hospital. The surgeon drains the cyst and then removes or burns away its outer tissue. This type of surgery allows for a smaller incision and quicker recovery. You may need to stay in the hospital for one or two days following the surgery.

You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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