Productive and Healthy Life

Systemic Viral Illness

2011-12-04T03:57:00.000-08:00

What is Systemic Viral Illness?

Fever that is caused by a virus is commonly termed Systemic Viral Illness or Influenza or Flu. Most commonly these viruses are Influenza A or Influenza B. The infection spreads fast via airborne droplets by coughing or sneezing and by direct contact. This disease is usually not serious among young and healthy adults, who normally recover from it even without treatment, but it can be fatal among the elderly and those with heart or lung ailments.

Symptoms

Fever
Chills
Body aches (joints and muscles)
Red watery eyes
Cough
Congested or runny nose
sore throat
Headache
Tiredness
Weakness
Loss of appetite
Diarrhea

Instructions

Take a complete rest in a well-ventilated room until the disease clears up.
Drink plenty of fluids but do not take alcohol
Take antifever medicine but avoid aspirin
Take a cough medicine if needed
Take a cough suppressant for dry cough and an expectorant for productive cough
Consult your doctor

Mumps

2011-10-28T05:49:00.000-07:00

What is Mumps?

Mumps is a viral infection that affects the salivary glands just in front of the ears. This is generally a mild illness, but highly contagious; contact with others must be restricted until all symptoms of mumps are gone, about a week after onset. Mumps usually lasts about one week. Complications from mumps are more common in adults than children. These complications include deafness, viral brain infection, pancreatitis, and involvement of the testicles or ovaries.

Symptoms:

mild fever
headache
earache

General Measures:

It is best treated with bed rest and mild pain medicine.
Encourage lots of fluid intake.
Avoid sour food, citrus fruits and juices.
Patients should be isolated until the swelling subsides.

Prevention:

Mumps vaccine is safe and is recommended for children.

Reproductive Health Bill Poster

2011-10-26T05:57:00.000-07:00

From Likhaan Organization

KIDS - Tuberculous Meningitis Township Project

2011-07-07T08:39:00.000-07:00

In South Africa, lots of children suffer from tuberculosis. When tubercolosis is not treated, it can lead to the deathly tuberculous meningitis. The KIDS Tuberculous Meningitis Township project in Cape Town, South Africa, helps in the treatment of this children.

Dehydration Due To Diarrhea

2010-11-05T09:14:00.000-07:00

What is Dehydration?

Dehydration is a condition when a person lose too much water and salt from his/her body. Vomiting and diarrhea are common causes of dehydration.

Signs and Symptoms

thirst
less frequent urination than usual
dark-colored urine
light-headedness
fatigue
no tears when crying
dry skin
dry mouth
dry tongue
sunken eyes and cheeks
irritability
weakness
dizziness

Aftercare Instructions

Drink plenty of fluids, about 8 to 16 glasses of water per day in small frequent sips.
Take frequent small sips of water or Hydrite Solution
Eat Pretzels, crackers, bananas and apples
Avoid the following:

a. fatty and highly seasoned foods
b. dairy foods
c. foods high in sugar
d. caffeine
e. softdrinks
f. alcohol

Gastritis

2010-03-01T00:48:00.001-08:00

What Is Gastritis?

Gastritis is an irritation of the lining of stomach often caused by medications, alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, spicy or acidic food, skipping of meals and emotional stress. It can occur suddenly (acute) or gradually (chronic).

People with chronic gastritis have been shown to be infected with bacteria (Helicobacter pylori) and require special tests and possibly antibiotic treatment to cure their condition.

Signs And Symptoms

stomach pain concentrated at the upper portion of the abdomen
crampy, spastic and burning sensation in the stomach
abdominal bloating
indigestion
hiccups
loss of appetite
nausea
vomiting
black, tarry stools

Diagnosis

upper gastrointestinal endoscopy
biopsy of the stomach lining
blood test
stool test

Medications

Antacids (Kremil S, Maalox)
Acid blocking medicines (Axid, Prevacid, Losec, Nexium, Zantac)
Medicines that control vomiting
Stay away from spicy food, alcohol, acidic fruit juices, softdrinks, chocolates, coffee, tea, milk and milk products.
Avoid aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and mefenamic acid.
Don't skip meals.
Manage stress appropriately.

Bad Effects Of Drinking Too Much Softdrinks

2009-09-16T10:30:00.000-07:00

Getting hooked on the habit of drinking softdrinks could be really dangerous to our health. According to researchers, softdrinks contain harmful chemicals that could cause or lead to serious health problems.

The following are the harmful effects of drinking too much softdrinks:

1. Soft drinks are high in phosphorous and phosphoric acid which can:

disrupt the alkaline-acid balance of the kidneys
increase the incidence of hypertension
increase the risk of colon-rectal cancer
disturb the digestive system
cause calcium loss which increases the risk of osteoporosis.

3. They contain sugar that can:

cause tooth decay and gingivitis
harden the veins

4. Some softdrinks contain methyl or wood alcohol which can affect fetal brain development.

5. Consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks is associated with obesity in children.

6. Some soft drinks have caffeine which results in:

bad sleep
depression
more sensitivity

7. Lastly, a person who drinks too much softdrinks has a possibility to become addicted to it.

Drinking softdrinks has some advantages but anything you eat or drink in excess is harmful to your body. Moderate consumption of softdrinks is safe.

Healthy Chicken Salad For Dinner

2009-08-28T12:31:00.000-07:00

People who are looking for ways to reduce the amount of fat in their meals, can try eating more chicken. Chicken is a very good source of protein and adding apple and walnuts to this recipe make for a really tasty, satisfying dinner meal.

What you need:

1 1/2 mayonnaise
1 pack macaroni (200 g)
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 cups cooked chicken breast, cut up
5 pcs apples medium size, cored and chopped
1/2 cup celery, thinly sliced
1/2 cup walnuts or kasuy, toasted and chopped
1/2 tsp salt
3 tsp sugar

Procedure:

In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise and lemon juice.
Add remaining ingredients; toss well.
Season, if desired with pepper.
Chill.

Influenza A (H1N1)

2009-08-07T13:55:00.000-07:00

As the cases of Influenza A (H1N1) continue to rise worldwide, health educators are initiating a strong information campaign on how to prevent if not detect the presence of the virus causing the illness.

What is Influenza A (H1N1)?

Influenza A (H1N1), a new virus detected in 2009, is a subtype of influenza virus A and the most common cause of flu in humans. This virus is caused by a novel virus that resulted from the reassortment of 4 viruses from pigs, human and birds. Since there is no vaccine yet, this can be fatal to humans due to severe respiratory distress.

Signs and Symptoms:

The symptoms of Influenza A (H1N1) is similar to the symptoms of regular seasonal flu.

fever
headache
fatigue
cough
sore throat
sneezing
runny nose
chills
muscle or joint pains
lack of appetite
diarrhea
nausea

Mode of Transmission

It is not transmitted by eating thoroughly cooked pork.
Exposure to droplets from the cough and sneeze of the infected person.
Touching things with the virus on it.
Touching the mouth or nose of an infected person.

Prevention:

A. Observe personal hygiene practices:

Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
Regularly wash your hands with soap and water.
Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
Avoid spitting in public places.
Avoid close contact with sick people.
Take vitamins.
Increase your body's resistance by having adequate rest.
Drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.
Be physically active.
Have at least 6 hours of sleep.
Manage your stress.

B. In the event that you become ill or manifest symptoms of any kind of flu, you are advised to take precautionary measure to prevent the spread of the disease.

Stay at home and keep away from people.
Use a face mask.
Take adequate rest and plenty of fluids.
Seek medical consultation.

Life Is Sweet And Sour Like Cranberry Juice

2009-07-29T15:34:00.000-07:00

Cranberry juice is not only a delicious fruit drink that people enjoy but also it contains vitamins and minerals that are good for our health. The following are the health benefits of cranberry juice:

It has proanthocyanidins which is effective in the prevention of urinary tract, kidney and bladder infections.
It has high amount of Vitamin C which can help break down and prevent the formation of kidney stones.
It can fight ulcer-causing bacteria.
It has flavonoid compounds and ursolic acid that can fight the development of cancer.
It has antioxidants which protect you from neurological damages and common conditions related to aging.
It contains phenolic acids and anthocyanins which can counteract the effects of bacteria that cause dental plaque and tooth decay.
It inhibits low density lipoprotein oxidation, a process that can cause heart disease.
It cures sore throat and colds.
It can lessen total cholesterol levels in your body.
It contains phytonutrient which is effective in fighting the herpes simples virus that causes genital herpes.

To get maximum health benefit, your cranberry juice should be consumed unsweetened. It should be 100% juice with no preservatives and artificial flavours. It may taste sour or bitter but it is good for your health.

Cheers to your health!

Your Health Is Important

2009-07-26T12:05:00.000-07:00

Five reasons you should not take your health for granted:

If you are healthy, you are able to perform your daily activities. You can perform your job well and as a result, you will earn a lot of money which enables you to support your family.
If you are healthy, you would have a strong and good body that would make you look more attractive than someone who is malnourished.
If you are healthy, you are able to think well. If you can think well then you can solve your problems easily. Having a healthy mind affects your emotional aspect that is why you can cope with life circumstances.
If you are healthy, you are not easily irritated by other people because you have a good emotional condition. Health determines your relationship with other people.
If you are healthy then you have a better chance of having a longer life which means that you have a better chance of seeing your great grandchildren growing.

Your health shows how you value and love yourself. Being holistically healthy and having a healthy lifestyle lead to happiness and life satisfaction. You should not take it for granted because it is a prerequisite of a rich full life.

Health As Fundamental Right Of Man

2009-07-23T11:43:00.000-07:00

Man has the right to preserve his life and enjoy it. If a person is not healthy then his life is in danger. It is the responsibility of social institutions to provide services to preserve, protect and promote health. People pay taxes to the government and it is their right to get something in turn by having the opportunity to be informed and be served when they need help regarding their wellness. However, health is not only a right of man but it is also a responsibility. It is our responsibility to make wise decisions regarding our health. We should take care of ourselves and we should avoid doing things like smoking, taking drugs, drinking too much alcohol because these things can harm us and make us unhealthy. We should be responsible to have a productive and healthy life.