FLU

Each year 5 to 15% of adults and 15 to 42% of children will catch flu despite the fact that there is an efficient way to prevent it : VACCINATION

What Is Flu?

Influenza or flu, is a contagious disease caused by the influenza virus. Flu is often called a respiratory disease, but it affects the whole body.

The Infection:

• begins suddenly
  


• may lead to symptoms that last for more than 2 weeks
  


• may keep you in bed for 5 to 10 days
  


• can disrupt your work life or holiday plans
  


• can result in serious complications in high risk individuals

If Flu The Same As Cold ?

Flu and cold are two different disease. It is quite easy to differentiate the two. Unlike a cold, flu causes severe illness and life-threatening complications in many people.

How Can I Catch Flu ?

Flu is very contagious. You can catch it from someone who is sneezing or coughing; from close contact with someone who has flu or from touching contaminated objects and transferring virus to the respiratory system.

Who Is At Risk ?

Anyone can catch flu. Being fit and healthy does not stop you from getting it. You can also unknowingly infect others, as it takes 1 - 4 days for symptoms to appear.

Some people are at an increased risk of developing life-threatening complications if they contract flu, for example the elderly, adults and children who have asthma, lung disease, diabetes, heart problems etc.

Is Flu Dangerous Among The Elderly People ?

Yes. If an elderly person is infected with the flu virus, the chances of suffering from chest complications are high. As many as 73% of people over 70 years of age, and 36% of elderly between 60-69 years of age will suffer from chest complications if infected with the flu virus.

Is It Possible To Prevent Flu ?

Yes, it is possible to prevent flu through vaccination. The efficacy of flu vaccines has been clinically proven. 7 out of 10 people who take the vaccines are protected. For the other three, they do get flu and the symptoms will be mild. Many countries all over the world recommend flu vaccination during the flu season.

Can Children Be Vaccinated Against Flu ?

Yes, The vaccines can be given to children as young as 6 months.

If Flu Vaccine Safe ?

The vaccine will not give you flu. It contains noninfectious parts of killed viruses, that merely alerts the body to the threat of the virus. Flu vaccines are well tolerated and safe. The most frequently associated reaction is mild soreness at the injection site that may last for 24 to 48 hours. If you have allergy to eggs, you cannot take the flu vaccine.

Why Should I Get A Flu Shot Every Year ?

The flu viruses are constantly changing. Generally, new influenza virus strains circulate every flu season, so each year, before flu season, the most active viruses are identified by WHO. The identified are then included in a new vaccine formula in order to offer the strains best protection.

When Is The Best Time To Get A Flu Vaccination ?

Anytime is the best time to vaccinate although it is highly recommended to vaccinate before the peak flu activities. It usually takes 10 - 15 days for a person to obtain adequate immunity after the flu vaccination. Ask your doctor today for the most updated flu vaccine available and get yourself vaccinated in order to protect yourself against the latest flu virus circulating.

What Will Flu Vaccination Do For Me ?

• Life-saving for those with severe lung problem, severe asthma and diabetes problems (especially if you are an elderly at the age of 65 years and above, with one of these diseases)
  


• Avoidance of illness and hospitalization
  


• Avoidance of absenteeism from work or spoiling holidays
  Reduction of the risk of spreading flu to your loved ones, family members, friends, or co-workers.

Vaccination is your best defence against flu. Ask your doctor for more information about flu vaccination and the preservative (mercury) free flu vaccine.

Hepatitis A & Typhoid Fever

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the Hepatitis A virus. Hepatitis A causes inflammation that affect your liver's ability to function. In most cases of Hepatitis A, the liver heals completely in a few months. In rare cases, fulminant hepatitis (a life threatening condition that causes liver failure) may develop.

Typhoid fever is caused by bacteria called Salmonella Typhi. If Typhoid is not treated, it can kill up to 30% of people who get it. Some people who get Typhoid become carriers, and they can spread the disease to others.

Generally, people get Hepatitis A & Typhoid from contaminated food or water.

How is Hepatitis A & Typhoid Spread?

You can get Hepatitis A & Typhoid if you consume:

• Unhygienic food or drinks


• Uncooked food, seafood or shellfish


• Food or drinks that have been handled by a person who is shedding the Hepatitis A & Typhoid germ
  

You may even get Hepatitis A & Typhoid when you do simple daily activities like brushing your teeth in the morning. Once the germs are eaten or drunk, they multiply and spread into the bloodstream. The body reacts with fever and other signs and symptoms.


What are the symptoms of Hepatitis A & Typhoid?

Hepatitis A Three of every four persons infected with Hepatitis A virus have symptoms. Symptoms of Hepatitis A are as such:

• Fever


• Tiredness


• Loss of appetite


• Nausea


• Abdominal pain


• Dark urine


• Yellowing of the skin and eyes
  

Adults have symptoms more often then children. A person is most infectious about one week before symptoms appear and during the first week after symptoms appear. However, an infected person who has no symptoms can still spread the virus. Hepatitis A disease is sometimes deadly.

Typhoid

Persons with Typhoid usually have a sustained fever as high as 39 to 40 C. They may also feel weak, or have stomach pains, headache or loss of appetite. In some cases, patients have a rash of flat, rose-colored spots.

Typhoid fever's danger does not end when symptoms disappear. Even if your symptoms seem to go away, you may still be carrying the bacteria. If so, the illness could return, or you could pass the disease to other people.


Who is at risk ?

Hepatitis A & Typhoid are common in most parts of the world. Therefore, if you are travelling to the developing countries, you should consider taking precautions. Over the past 10 years, travellers to Asia (especially China, India, Vietnam, Combodia, Thailand), Africa and Latin America have been especially at risk.

People who share a household with someone who has Hepatitis A or Typhoid and military personnels are also exposed to the disease.


How Can You Prevent Hepatitis A & Typhoid?

Three basic actions can protect you from Hepatitis A & Typhoid:

1. Avoid suspicious/unhygienic food and drinks

2. Practise good personal hygiene like washing your hands frequently

3. Get vaccinated against Hepatitis A & Typhoid


Watching what you eat and drink when you travel is as important as being vaccinated. Avoiding risky food will also help to protect you from other illnesses, including traverllers' diarrhoea and cholera.


Who Should Get Hepatitis A & Typhoid Vaccination?

Hepatitis A & Typhoid vaccination are recommended for:

• Travellers and students to parts of the world where Hepatitis A and Typhoid are common


• Food handlers


• People who share a household with someone who has Hepatitis A or Typhoid


• Military personnel
  

Hepatitis A vaccination is also recommended for those with chronic Hepatitis or other chronic liver diseases.

What You Need To Know About Cervical Cancer

What are cervical cancer & precancerous lesions ?

When cells in a area of the body grow abnormally, cancer can develop. Cervical cancer is abnormal cell growth in the cervix. The cervix is the part of the uterus that connects the upper part of the uterus (the womb) & the vagina.

Cervical cancer is a serious condition that can be life threatening. It begins when a woman becomes infected with certain types of Human Pappillmavirus (HPV). If the immune system does not clear the infection, normal cells can begin to grow abnormally & turn into precancerous lesions.

If not discovered early & treated, this abnormal cell growth can become cancer. Most often this can take a number of years although in rare cases it can happen within a year.


Cervical Cancer Is Caused by Certain Type of HPV

Who gets cervical cancer & precancers?

Woman who have been infected with certain types of HPV & have not been able to clear the virus can get cervical cancer & precancers.

About half of all females diagnosed with cervical cancer are between 35 & 55 year old. Many of these women were most likely exposed to cancer-causing HPV type during their teens & 20s.

Most of the women who get cervical cancer may have never had a Pap test.



What is HPV?

HPV is a common virus that affects both females & males. There are more than 100 types of the virus. Most types of HPV do not cause any symptoms, are harmless & are cleared.

About 3o types of HPV are known as genital HPV since they affect the genital area. Some types can cause cervical cancer or abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix that could turn into cancer. Other types of HPV can cause genital warts & benign (noncancerous) changes in the cervix.

HPV has also been linked to other rare diseases including vaginal & vulvar cancers, as well as RRP (recurrent respiratory papillomatosis), a disease of the throat that makes breathing difficult.

Because people who have HPV may not show any signs or symptoms, they can transmit the virus without even knowing it. Anyone who has sexual activity involving genital contact could get genital HPV, even if there is no sexual intercourse.


How do I know if I have HPV?

Because HPV usually has no signs of symptoms, most people infected with HPV don't know they have it. Most HPV infections are first discovered as a result of abnormal Pap tests. A Pap test is part of a gynecological exam & helps detect abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix before they have the chance to become precancers or cervial cancer.

Many cervical precancers (changes that could lead to cancer) are related to HPV & can be treated successfully if detected early. That's why early detection is so important.


How is HPV treated ?

Currently there is no proven treatment for HPV. For the majority of people who have HPV, the body's defenses are enough to clear the virus. It is possible to treat some of the possible consequences of HPV infection, including abnormal cervical cells, cervical cancer, & genital warts.


What are genital warts ?

Genital warts are flesh-colored growths that are most often caused by certain types of HPV. Genital warts most often appear on the external genitals or near the anus of females & males. Less commonly, genital warts can appear inside the vaginal & on the cervix.

It is estimated that approximately 10% of men & women will have genital warts in their lifetime.


How do I know if I have genital warts ?

Genital warts often do not cause symptoms. In some cases, however, they may cause burning, itching or pain. A healthcare professional can usually recognize genital warts just by seeing them. Sometimes they are discovered in follow-up visits after an abnormal Pap test.


How are genital warts treated ?

Genital warts sometimes disappear on their own without treatment. However, there is no way to tell if they will disappear or grow larger.

A healthcare professional may choose to apply a special cream of solution to the warts. Alternatively, some genital warts can be removed by freezing, burning or using a laser treatment. If these treatments don't work, they may be removed by surgery.

There is a chance that genital warts can reappear after treatment, since the HPV that caused them may still be present.


Options to help prevent cervical cancer and/or HPV infection

What are the options ?

• Regular Pap test
  
• Abstinence from all sexual activity
• Maintain monogamous relationship with someone who has had no other or few sex partners
• Limit the number of partners you have & choose your partners carefully. The fewer partners your partner has had, the less likely he or she is to have HPV
• Condoms may help reduce but is not fully protective against infection
• Vaccination with HPV vaccine
  
  

Pap test

The Pap test looks for cell changes causes by genital HPV. It find cell changes early - so the cells can be treated before they turn into cancer. This test can also find cancer in its early stages so it can be treated before it becomes life threatening.


Vaccination

Currently vaccination is available to prevent HPV infection & may reduce the risk of cervical cancer & HPV related diseases caused by certain type of HPV.

Ideally females should get the vaccine before they are sexually active. This is because the vaccine is most effective in women / girls who have not yet acquired any of the HPV types covered by the vaccine.

Gout

Gout is a form of arthritis. It can cause an attack of sudden burning pain, stiffness and swelling in your joints, usually toes. These attacks can happen over and over unless gout is treated. Over time, gout can harm your joints, tendons and other tissues. Gout is more common in men.









What causes Gout?

Gout is caused by too much uric acid in your blood. Most of the time, having too much uric acid is not harmful. Many people with high levels in their blood never get gout. But when uric acid
levels in your blood are too high, the uric acid may form hard crystals in your joints.

Your chances of getting gout are higher if you are overweight, drink too much alcohol or eat too much meat and fish that are high in chemicals called purines.


What are the symptoms?

The most common sign of gout is a nighttime attack of swelling, tenderness, redness and sharp pain in your toes. You can also get gout attacks in your foot, ankle or knees. The attacks can last a few days or many weeks before the pain goes away. Another attack may not happen for months or years.


How is Gout treated?

The goals of treatment for gout are rapid pain relief and prevention of future gout attacks and long-term complications such as joints destruction and kidney damage. To reduce the pain, swelling, redness, and warmth of the affected joint(s) in an acute gout attack:

• Rest the affected joint(s).
  
  
• Take pain relievers such as Tylenol or other more potent analgesics to manage the pain.
  
  
• Take one or more of the following medications at the first sign of a gout attack as prescribed by your family doctor. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen or indomethacin can be prescribed to decrease joint inflammation. Avoid aspirin because it may abruptly change uric acid levels in the blood and may make worsen the symptoms.

How can you prevent Gout from happening?

Below are some sensible steps that can be taken to prevent Gout from happening. Likewise these steps can also help to lessen the frequency and severity of Gout attacks.

• Limit foods that are high in purines, especially meat, seafood, and beer to help reduce uric acid levels in the blood. Since purines are converted by the body into uric acid, purine rich foods should be avoided.
  
  
• Drink plenty of water and other fluids. This can help your body get rid of uric acid. Adequate fluid intake also decreases the risk of kidney stone formation in patients with gout. Alcohol is known to have diuretic effects which can contribute to dehydration and
  precipitate acute gout attacks.
  
  
• Eat a healthy diet that provides the nutrients you need and helps you control your weight. Weight reduction can be helpful in lowering the risk of recurrent attacks of gout. This is best accomplished by reducing dietary fat and calorie intake combined with a regular aerobic exercise program.

Chives

A part of the same botanical family as onions, scallions and garlic, chives grow from small bulbs and have a long history of culinary and medicinal uses. In the Middle Ages, chives were promoted as a cure for melancholy and believed to drive away evil spirits. Today, we know that chives and chive flowers are high in vitamin C, folid acid and potassium. Therefore, they should be routinelyaded to recipes to help restore vital nutrients lost in cooking. This herb's tangy, aromatic taste comes from its high concentration of sulfur compounds and other essential oils, which are also partly responsible for its healing properties. Chives ease stomach distress, protect against heart disease and stroke and may help the body fight bacteria that can cause disease. In addition, the herb may increase the body's ability to digest fat.


Therapeutic Effect: The medicinal properties of chives are as varied as their uses in the kitchen. Chives stimulate the appetite and promote good digestion. They can be used to ease stomach upset, clear a stuffy nose, reduce flatulence and prevent bad breath. Combined with a low-salt diet, they help lower high blood pressure. Plus, they have a mild diuretic effect, as well as some antibacterial properties.


Components Chives are valued for their many essential minerals, including cardial-friendly potassium, bone-strenghthening calcium and blood building iron. And unlike most other members of the onion family, chives are high in folic acid (a B vitamin), vitamin A and vitamin C. In fact, just 3 1/2 oz. of chives supplies enough vitamin C to meet your daily requirement of 60 mg. Scientific research shows that chives stimulate the body's digestion of fat. Eaten reqularly, chives may help lower blood cholesterol levels. The high vitamin C content in chives can help prevent colds. They also speed recovery if a cold develops by helping the body to expel mucus; the sulfurous compounds in chives are natural expectorants.


Kitchen Hints

• Cut chives just before you are ready to use them to preserve their vitamins, aroma and flavour. Chives are delicate; to prevent the loss of essential oils, snip them with kitchen shears rather than chopping or grinding them.
  
  
• Don't heat chives or they will lose their valuable vitamin C as well as their digestive properties.
  
  
• Grow chives at home in a pot on the windowsill. Wait until the plant reaches about 6 inches in height before cutting. Harvest the chive leaves frequently to prevent blooming unless you specifically want to use the flower. Once the plant blooms, the leaves become much less flavourfull.
  
  
• Freeze chives for future use. Frozen chives tend to retain more flavour than dried chives. Snip fresh chives into small pieces, then place them in an ice-cube tray and fill it with water. To thaw, put a chive cube in a strainer.

Olive Oil

Although the olive tree originated in Asia, it has been cultivated for over 3,000 years in Mediterranean countries, where much of the olive crop is used to make olive oil. In this process, olives are pitted and ground to a thick pulp. The pulp is then pressed to remove the juices, which are placed in a centrifuge to separate the water from the oil. Nutritionally, olive oil contains 120 calories and 14 grams of fat per tablespoon; however, the fat is mostly monounsaturated, which has a beneficial effect on blood cholesterol levels and is easily digested. In countries where olive oil plays an important role in diets, such as Greece, Italy and Spain, there is a low incidence of cardiovascular disease. The mild vegetable mucilage in olive oil also protects the body's digestive tract. Ancient civilizations used olive oil, as well to help heal wounds. Today olive oil is prized as a moisturizer and skin remedy.

Therapeutic Effect
Taken internally, olive oil stimulates metabolism, promotes digestion and lubricates mucous membranes. It can also be applied externally to treat dry skin.

Components
Olive oil contains 77% monounsaturated fatty acids, 14% saturated fatty acids and 9% polyunsaturated fatty acids, plus vegetable mucilage and Vitamin E.

Help For The Digestive Tract
Take 1 tbsp, of olive oil on an empty stomach to stimulate digestion and relieve upset stomach, flatulence and heartburn.

Olive Oil For Constipation
In the morning, take 1 tsp of olive oil mixed with lemon juice on an empty stomach. Or try an enema made from 5 oz. of olive oil in 20 oz. of boiling water, cooled to lukewarm.

The Antioxidant Benefit
The Vitamin E in olive oil is an antioxidant. In addition, monounsaturated fatty acids are less easily damaged by oxygen than other types of fat. They are therefore less likely to produce free radicals, which damage cell membranes and contributes to several diseases.


APPLICATIONS

To Lower Blood Cholester
The monounsaturated fatty acids in olive oil help lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels without affecting HDL ("good") cholesterol or triglyceride levels. To lower cholesterol at least 15% of your daily calories should come from monounsaturated fatty acids. Whenever possible, use olive oil in place of butter or other vegetable oils in cooking, in preparing dressings for salads or vegetables and in making sandwiches.

To Treat Ear Complaints
To clear stopped-up ears, put a few drops of lukewarm olive oil in the affected ear. Lie for 5 mins on the opposite side, then turn over, so that the olive oil can flow out again. (Caution: Do not put any liquid in your ear if you think you may have a perforated eardrum!) For minor earaches, soak a cotton pad in olive oil. Place it loosely in your outer ear until the pain abates.

To Prevent Hair Loss
Massage your scalp with olive oil every evening for eight days. Let the treatment work overnight; wash out in the morning.

To Moisturize Skin
Apply daily to dry spots or stretch marks.

Honey

The name of this familiar and time-tested household remedy comes from ancient Hebrew and means "enchant." Long, used as a culinary sweetener, honey is valued for its many healing properties as well. Treatment with honey is referred to as apitherapy and includes replenishing energy, enhancing physical stamina and strengthening those weakened by illness or stress.

Honey can also help calm the mind and promote rejuvenating sleep. In addition, honey relieves indigestion and is used to treat cardiovascular disease and respiratory complaints. A thin coat of honey can be applied to the skin to disinfect and heal minor skin wounds and chapped lips. In addition, honey contains a germ-killing substance called inhibine, which helps prevent infections. Spread the honey directly on the wound and cover with a sterile bandage.

Honey is an outstanding household remedy that can be used in combination with various medicinal herbs. For relief of coughs and wheezing associated with bronchitis, whooping cough or other minor respiratory ailments, mix 1 tsp. of finely chopped fresh thyme in a little honey. Take the mixture orally as needed to soothe inflammed lungs and airways.

Honey contains grains of pollen that, over time, may have a desensitizing effect, making it useful for the relief of allergies. Hay fever sufferers are advised to eat honey that has been harvested locally.


Therapeutic Effect
Honey helps restore energy, has a general calming effect and helps to dissolve mucus. Applied externally to the skin, it disinfects and heals minor wounds.

Components
The principle constituents of honey are the simple sugars fructose and glucose. Other ingredients include water, pollen, organic acids, enymes and various proteins.

Honey and Fitness
Honey provides a healthful pick-me-up. The glucose and fructose in honey have been predigested by the bees that produced it. These simple sugars are quickly and easily absorbed in the human digestive tract, and they have an overall soothing effect. Honey may be a healthy treat, but take care when using it as sweetener; Just 1 tbsp. of honey has 64 calories, compared to 46 calories in 1 tbsp. of granulated sugar.

Shopping Tip
Many kinds of honey are available. The consistency, fragrance and taste depend on the types of flowers from which bees collect nectar. Look for honey that has been produced by beekeepers who do not feed their bees refined sugars or use harmful pesticides.