How To Beat The Heat

 

Health Concerns: Warning Symptoms of Dengue

Health Concerns: Warning Symptoms of Dengue: Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease. It is caused by any one of the four dengue viruses that are spread by the bite of Aedes-aegypti ...

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is the infectious Coronavirus disease which is caused by a recently discovered virus, known as coronavirus. As this virus was known in 2019 hence, this condition is known as COVID-19.

Coronaviruses are viruses that may cause illness in animals or humans.  In humans, coronaviruses is known to cause respiratory infections that range from the common cold to severe respiratory diseases namely, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

This new virus and disease were not known until the outbreak in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Now, COVID-19 is considered a pandemic affecting several countries globally.

Older people and those with underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more prone to develop serious illnesses. At present, there are no specific treatments or vaccines for COVID-19. Though, there are several ongoing clinical trials evaluating potential treatment.

Health Concerns: Summer Care of Baby

Health Concerns: Summer Care of Baby: Summer can be a season which can prove tricky in keeping an infant comfortable. There are certain factors which need to be considered...

Health Concerns: Warning Symptoms of Dengue

Health Concerns: Warning Symptoms of Dengue: Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease. It is caused by any one of the four dengue viruses that are spread by the bite of Aedes-aegypti ...

Warning Symptoms of Dengue

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease. It is caused by any one of the four dengue viruses that are spread by the bite of Aedes-aegypti mosquito, which thrives in and near human lodgings. When a mosquito bites a person infected with a dengue virus, the virus enters the mosquito and when this infected mosquito bites another person then, the dengue virus enters that person's bloodstream.

When more than one type of dengue virus is circulated in a particular area then, either Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever or Dengue Shock Syndrome arises. This is a more severe form of dengue fever which can cause severe bleeding, sudden drop in blood pressure (shock) and death. Dengue fever is also known as Break bone fever, as it produces intense pain in bones and joints.

Symptoms

Some people may experience no signs or symptoms during a mild case of dengue fever. The symptoms usually commence 4 to 10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Signs and symptoms of dengue fever most commonly include:

• Sudden high fever, as high as 106 F (41 C).
• Intense headaches.
• Severe muscular, bone and joint pain.
• Pain behind the eyes.
• Widespread skin rash, which appears two to five days after the onset of fever.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Rarely, minor bleeding from gums or nose.

Most of the patients recover within a week or so but in few cases, the symptoms may worsen and can become life-threatening. Few cases may give rise to Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever where bleeding tendency may occur. Bleeding may occur under the skin, from the nose, gums or blood may be passed in stools.  In such cases, drop in the platelet (cells responsible for clotting of blood) count may occur leading to hemorrhages. With severe bleeding, shock may develop with low blood pressure, rapid or weak pulse with cold clammy skin and restlessness. Such cases with shock are labeled as Dengue Shock Syndrome.

Heat Stroke: Causes, Symptoms & Prevention

Sunstroke or Heat Stroke may occur when a person remains under the sun for a long duration of time usually in combination with dehydration which causes failure of the temperature control system of the body. The normal body temperature is 98.6°F while, in heat stroke it rises to more than 105°F with complications concerning the central nervous system.

Heat stroke if not treated promptly and properly can be fatal. Untreated sun stroke can damage heart, brain, muscles and kidneys. The longer the delay in the treatment, the intense is the damage, accelerating the risk to serious complications and death.

CAUSES

Some of the causes of heat stroke are:-

·         Prolonged exposure to the sun;

·         Excessive strenuous physical activity raising body temperature;

·         Failure of sweat to evaporate properly due to wearing excess amount of warm clothing;

·         Reduced intake of water or fluids;

·         Consumption of alcohol.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of sunstroke are:-

·         Increased body temperature;

·         Fainting;

·         Red, hot and dry skin;

·         Throbbing headache;

·         Dizziness;

·         Lack of sweating;

·         Rapid breathing & heart rate;

·         Mental confusion;

·         Disorientation;

·         Muscle cramps.

FIRST AID

First aid provided to the person before the arrival of medical aid can be of immense help. The following first aid can be offered to the patient:-

• Wet the skin of the patient with water with a sponge or cloth and fan air over the patient;
• To reduce body temperature, cool areas that is rich with blood vessels close to the skin such as neck, groin, back and armpits.
• Immerse the patient in a tub of cold water.

PREVENTION

Sunstroke can be prevented by:-

·         Consuming plenty of water;

·         Avoiding over-exertion of body during hot weather;

·         Avoiding vigorous physical activities in hot and humid weather;

·         Wearing light-colored, loose fitting and lightweight clothes;

·         Avoiding outdoor activities during the hottest time of the day, during summers;

·         Using a sunscreen with sun protection factor of more than 30;

·         Avoiding fluids containing caffeine or alcohol.

Author, Dr. Varsha Sharma Kapila is a Consultant Homoeopath, practising since last 19yrs. She offers Online Homeopathic treatment; Dietetic counseling; martial counseling and addiction counseling. She can be reached on her email – drvarshas@gmail.com

Dr. Sharma is an Associate Professor in a Homoeopathic Medical College. She has got vast experience in treating several ailments ranging from hair fall, psoriasis, acne, skin complaints, recurrent respiratory complaints, bronchitis, asthma, allergic coryza, migraine, sinusitis, nasal polyps, kidney complaints, female disorders, respiratory diseases, digestive disorders, arthritis, pains and aches, erectile dysfunction, impotence, kidney stones, depression, psychiatric disorders, recurrent attacks of cold, pediatric complaints, old age diseases, etc. 

How to Keep Your Baby Warm in Winter?

As winter approaches, parents have already laid their hands on woolens mittens, socks, caps, sweaters and wrappers to protect their child from the harsh winter. But every parent is in a dilemma regarding the quantity of clothing required to protect their child from winter cold. A question arises in their minds, whether their child is under-clad or over-clad or is the clothing appropriate. As over-cladding and under-cladding both can make a child catch cold. Hence, dressing the child with adequate clothing is essential.

Below are mentioned a few guidelines which shall help the parent judge the right winter clothing required by their child.

• Use cotton over woolens – As wool may cause irritation and itching. Also, as some babies at times suck on any piece of cloth which they can get into their mouths hence, the fibers of wool may be ingested by the baby.
• Use layers of cotton – Using several layers of cotton shall help create an insulation which shall trap the warmth of the body preventing it from escape.
• Cotton closest to the skin – The first layer of clothing closest to the skin should be pure cotton as it saves the child from skin allergies that may arise from woollens.
• One more layer than you need – It is a golden rule to protect your baby with one more layer than you require. If the mother feels warm with two layers of clothing than three layers should be sufficient to protect the child.

• Cover the extremes – Body loses a large amount of heat from the extremes such as hands, feet and head hence, they should be covered to prevent the loss of body heat.
• Keep the chest warm – Keep the heart region warm so that the body can be kept warm.
• Bath time – To keep the baby warm, it is essential to dry the baby immediately after bathing; to prevent loss of heat through evaporation.

In order to determine the actual body temperature of the baby, you should feel the tummy; back; neck or underarm region.  Hands and feet are not good indicators of judging the body temperature. Follow these guidelines and protect your child effectively against cold…..

 Author, Dr. Varsha Sharma Kapila is a Consultant Homoeopath, practising since last 19yrs. She offers Online Homeopathic treatment; Dietetic counseling; martial counseling and addiction counseling. She can be reached on her email –drvarshas@gmail.com

Dr. Sharma is an Associate Professor in a Homoeopathic Medical College. She has got vast experience in treating several ailments ranging from hair fall, psoriasis, acne, skin complaints, recurrent respiratory complaints, bronchitis, asthma, allergic coryza, migraine, sinusitis, nasal polyps, kidney complaints, female disorders, respiratory diseases, digestive disorders, arthritis, pains and aches, erectile dysfunction, impotence, kidney stones, depression, psychiatric disorders, recurrent attacks of cold, pediatric complaints, old age diseases, etc. 

Natural Skin Care during Winters

Winter is the season when you need to take additional care of your skin. This season produces adverse effects on the skin. Winter stripes the moisture away from our skin producing dry, red, cracked or even peeling of skin. To avoid such unfavorable effects and serious skin conditions; it is essential to maintain the skin health by taking proper care of your skin duringthe winters.

Skin care tips which can help you preserve skin health during winters:-

·         Use of Moisturizer - Winter reduces the moisture from your skin resulting in dryness, itching, wrinkling and scaling. Therefore, to prevent dryness and itching the skin should be lubricated.

Lubricate your skin with the help of moisturizer. Moisturizer should be applied minimum 2 – 3 times each day or as the need arises.  Moisturizer works best when applied on damp skin as it locks moisture inside.

·    Use of Humidifier – Indoor heating leads to dry air in the surroundings. Humidifier can be used to increase the moisture in the air thus, preventing scaling and dryness of skin.

• Increase Water Intake – Water helps in keeping the skin hydrated then, it is recommended to drink abundant quantity of water throughout the day. Drinking more water keeps the skin moist and smooth.
• Bathing Restrictions – Avoid long duration in hot shower as it strips off the natural skin oils of the skin. Restrict bathing to only once a day and to a short duration of approximately 15 minutes.
• Use of Soaps - Use gentle soaps or skin cleansers with added moisturizers.  Soaps free of harsh chemicals should be used.

·     Limit Face Washing – Restrict face washing to prevent drying of skin. Wash your face once in the morning and once in the night or after sweating.

To keep your skin soft and supple, adapt these winter skin care tips and enjoy winter......

 Author, Dr. Varsha Sharma Kapila is a Consultant Homoeopath, practising since last 19yrs. She offers Online Homeopathic treatment; Dietetic counseling; martial counseling and addiction counseling. She can be reached on her email –drvarshas@gmail.com

Dr. Sharma is an Associate Professor in a Homoeopathic Medical College. She has got vast experience in treating several ailments ranging from hair fall, psoriasis, acne, skin complaints, recurrent respiratory complaints, bronchitis, asthma, allergic coryza, migraine, sinusitis, nasal polyps, kidney complaints, female disorders, respiratory diseases, digestive disorders, arthritis, pains and aches, erectile dysfunction, impotence, kidney stones, depression, psychiatric disorders, recurrent attacks of cold, pediatric complaints, old age diseases, etc. 

Homoeopathy: A Boon for Infertile Couples

Infertility or Sterility is the incapacity to conceive after one year of frequent unprotected intercourse. The cause of infertility can be either due to the male partner or the female partner. Hence, examination of both the partners is essential.

Female Infertility

When the cause of infertility is due to the female partner then, it is known as female infertility. In case, a woman has repeated miscarriages (loss of a baby before 24 weeks of pregnancy) then too, it is known as infertility.

Too long or too short, irregular or absent menstrual cycle can be an indication of lack of ovulation (process of release of a mature egg from the ovary), which can be linked with female infertility. There shall be no other apparent signs or symptoms.

Male Infertility

Incapability of a male to cause pregnancy in a fertile female is termed as male infertility. There are a number of causes leading to infertility in men. Some of the infertility causes in males are defect in quality and quantity of the semen; abnormal sperm function; chronic health problems; etc. 

Treatment

Infertility treatment in men and women is dependent on the cause of infertility. 

Aim of treatment shall be to restore fertility either by means of –

·         Medication;

·         Surgery or

·         Assist in reproduction through techniques.

Infertility and Homeopathy

Homoeopathy plays an effective role in the treatment of Infertility. It is considered to be the best and the safest mode of treatment for male or female infertility. 

Homoeopathic medicines act on the hormones and are capable of bringing back the hormonal deviations back to normalcy. These medicines act by stimulating the glands to generate the required amount of hormones thus, restoring the normal functioning. 

This mode of therapeutics further helps in rectifying sperm abnormalities and also increases sperm motility, sperm count and semen quality and quantity.

The various causes leading to infertility can be well treated by homeopathy thus, resulting in fertility.

Opt for Homeopathic treatment to eliminate Infertility…….

Author, Dr. Varsha Sharma is a Consultant Homoeopath, practising since last 19yrs. She offers Online Homeopathic treatment; Dietetic counseling; martial counseling and addiction counseling. She can be reached on her email –drvarshas@gmail.com

Dr. Sharma is an Associate Professor in a Homoeopathic Medical College. She has got vast experience in treating several ailments ranging from hair fall, psoriasis, acne, skin complaints, recurrent respiratory complaints, bronchitis, asthma, allergic coryza, migraine, sinusitis, nasal polyps, kidney complaints, female disorders, respiratory diseases, digestive disorders, arthritis, pains and aches, erectile dysfunction, impotence, kidney stones, depression, psychiatric disorders, recurrent attacks of cold, pediatric complaints, old age diseases, etc. 

Importance of Vegetarian Foods Rich In Proteins

Daily consumption of proteins in our diet is very essential as it plays several key roles in the functioning of our human body. Proteins are known as the building blocks of our life. Every cell in our body contains proteins in the form of amino acids, which promotes cell growth and repair. Proteins are vital for human development and growth during childhood, adolescence and pregnancy. Our hair, fingernails, muscles, etc are mostly composed of proteins. Lack of protein in the diet may lead to weakness, fatigue and increased susceptibility to flu's and infections.

It is a common belief that it is tough for the vegetarians to obtain proteins from the vegetarian food, as non-vegetarian foods have high content of proteins. You need not worry regarding your sources of protein even if you are a vegetarian. There are numerous vegetarian foods other than the animal foods that are rich in protein. Appropriate quantities of these vegan food substances rich in proteins can help you fulfill your protein requirements.

The protein requirement per day on average for women is 46g and 56g for men. Pregnant or lactating women require increased amounts of protein intake.

To acquire adequate amount of proteins in a vegetarian diet, it is advisable to eat multiple servings of legumes, amaranth, pistachios, pumpkin seeds every day. 

Few other vegetarian foods rich in proteins are Soy, Milk, Soy Milk, Rice, Beans, Hummus, Pita, Peanut Butter, Green peas, tofu, Cottage Cheese, Almonds, Sunflower Seeds, Spinach, Flaxseeds, Sesame seeds, Chickpeas, Orange, Papaya, Apple, Grapes, Banana, Pineapple, Peach, Pears, Peanuts, etc.

Consuming excess amount of animal proteins leads to the formation of kidney stones and cancer or liver and colon. Hence, animal protein should be substituted by vegetable proteins. Therefore, vegetarian foods rich in proteins are considered to be safe and can be consumed in excess. Proteins It is vital to take recommended amounts of protein in your diet daily to achieve optimum internal and external health.

Author, Dr. Varsha Sharma is a Consultant Homoeopath, practising since last 18yrs. She is an Associate Professor in a Homoeopathic Medical College. She has got vast experience in treating several ailments ranging from hair fall, psoriasis, acne, skin complaints, recurrent respiratory complaints, bronchitis, asthma, allergic coryza, migraine, sinusitis, nasal polyps, kidney complaints, female disorders, respiratory diseases, digestive disorders, arthritis, pains and aches, erectile dysfunction, impotence, kidney stones, depression, psychiatric disorders, recurrent attacks of cold, paediatric complaints, old age diseases, etc. She further offers Online Homeopathic treatment; Dietetic counselling; martial counselling and addiction counselling. She can be reached on her email –drvarshas@gmail.com

What is Glucometer?

 Glucometer is a portable device with which one can measure and monitor blood sugar levels/ concentration of glucose in blood. Glucometer is of great use to diabetic patients as they can keep a record of their blood sugar levels from the comfort of their home. This device is easy to use. It helps in providing instant results regarding the blood sugar levels hence enabling the patient to decide when he needs to meet his doctor.

Regular monitoring of blood glucose is important as it can prevent or delay complications of diabetes. Monitoring of blood sugar level further helps in comprehending the effects of various food substances and activities on blood glucose levels in your body.

There are different types of glucometers available in the market but they all perform the same function. Commonly used glucometer kit includes lancets (needles used to prick the skin); test strips (used to test and measure blood glucose levels). Each strip is to be used once and then discarded. Before testing ensure that the test strips have not expired.

LCD display on the glucometer displays the blood sugar readings and towards the bottom, there is a slot to fit the test strip. The device has an in-built memory to store the glucose readings. Some models of glucometer can be connected to a personal computer and the test results can be stored.

Working

Lancet is used to prick the skin and a small sample of blood is placed on a test strip which is then placed in the device slot. The sensor underneath this slot transmits the reading for the blood sample. Test strips are coated with chemicals which react with glucose present in blood. Glucometer measures the amount of glucose present. Glucose level displayed is measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or millimol per liter (mmol/L).

Volume of blood sample required for testing varies from model to model, from 0.3 to 1 μl. Time taken to read the test strip may vary from 3 to 60 seconds for different models.

Accuracy
Glucometers must meet the accuracy standards set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). There are several factors that affect the accuracy of a test, such as calibration of meter, amount and quality of blood sample, cleanliness of meter, humidity, aging of test strips, etc. Good machines too, have a margin of error of minimum 10%. Laboratory testing for blood sugar is advisable once in 6 months.

Glucometers are easily available online (www.flipkart.com) and in medical stores without a prescription. This device is a must-have device for people suffering with diabetes. 

Author, Dr. Varsha Sharma is a Consultant Homoeopath, practising since last 17yrs. She is an Associate Professor in a Homoeopathic Medical College. She has got vast experience in treating several ailments ranging from high blood sugar, low blood sugar, hair fall, psoriasis, acne, skin complaints, recurrent respiratory complaints, bronchitis, asthma, allergic coryza, migraine, sinusitis, nasal polyps, kidney complaints, female disorders, respiratory diseases, digestive disorders, arthritis, pains and aches, erectile dysfunction, impotence, kidney stones, depression, psychiatric disorders, recurrent attacks of cold, paediatric complaints, old age diseases, etc. She further offers Online Homeopathic treatment; Dietetic counselling; martial counselling and addiction counselling. She can be reached on her email – drvarshas@gmail.com