People suffering from sickle cell disease (scd) usually start showing symptoms very early. They can appear to show up even during the first year of life. Symptoms of a sickle cell vary from one person to another and can be mild to serious depending on the condition.

 

Sickle cell disease is a health condition that worsens with time. Despite the absence of any full-proof solution, some treatments prevent further complications. These treatments can help patients receive aid for a lifetime. Simply said, sickle cell diseases can be managed medically.

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Treatment

Treatment in a sickle cell patient depends on the severity of the symptoms. Preventing complications and relieving pain is the primary aim of the diagnosis. They can range from medications to blood transfusions.

 

Concerns

Some of the concerns that need to be taken care of during the treatment of scd are-

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	Prevent painful scenarios
	


A painful episode or sickle cell crisis can be avoided by consuming sufficient fluids, wearing warm clothing, and staying away from sudden temperature changes.

 


	
	Avoid infections
	


Children with sickle cell anemia are made safe from infections by using penicillin. Adults with anemia might need to take penicillin all their lives. Doctors should ensure that all vaccinations in children and adults are periodically done to avoid any infections. However, during the covid-19 pandemic sickle cell patients should take extra care.

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Medications

While there can be numerous ways to manage sickle cell treatment, medications help in a significant way. Some of the prescribed medicines are-


	
	Hydroxyurea- it reduces the frequency of sickle crises. Pregnant women should stay away from this according to experts.
	
	
	Crizanlizumab- this drug injected into the patient can help reduce the sickle crises in adults and children over the age of 16.
	
	
	Voxelotor- it is an oral drug used in children over 12. It lowers the risk of anemia by improving blood flow.
	
	
	Pain-relievers- narcotics to prevent excessive pain can also be used during the treatment.
	


 

Surgical procedures


	
	Blood transfusion
	


It is used to prevent stroke and other related complications in patients. This can increase the number of red blood cells in the body that can help reduce the symptoms.

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	Stem cell transplant
	


It is also called a bone marrow transplant and is used to replace affected bone marrow with a healthy one. This procedure is carried out between matched donor and recipient. Although it is a known cure for sickle cell disease, various risks involved make it a less used practice.

 

Can Sickle Cell Be Cured?

All types of viral hepatitis diseases are contagious and they can be transmitted from one person to another easily. Although, the modes of transmission may vary.

 

Experts recommend some preventive steps for every type of infection to lower your risk of acquiring or spreading hepatitis infection.

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Here are some preventive measures that may help in preventing the infection:

 

Vaccines

Vaccines for hepatitis a and hepatitis b are the best ways to prevent these viruses. Vaccines are not for all types of hepatitis infections. However, hepatitis a vaccination can help prevent the infection caused by the hepatitis a virus. The hepatitis a vaccine is generally administered in 2 doses. Similarly, there are vaccines available for hepatitis b as well. It is administered within 6 months duration. The same vaccine is helpful to prevent hepatitis d as well. There are no vaccines for hepatitis c and hepatitis e currently.

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Reducing exposure

Hepatitis diseases can be transmitted through bodily fluids, water, and food containing the infection. One can lower the risk of contamination by minimizing contact with these agents. Practicing proper and good hygiene is a way to avoid getting hepatitis through these mediums.

 

You can decrease your risk of coming in touch with fluids containing these viruses by avoiding:

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	Sharing used needles and razors
	
	
	Using someone else s toothbrush
	
	
	Touching spilled blood
	
	
	Not using condoms and dental dams during sexual contact
	


 

Handwashing

One must trust in personal hygiene to lower the risk of spreading or acquiring the hepatitis virus. Here are some preventive steps you can follow by washing hands:

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	Washing your hands thoroughly after accessing the restroom
	
	
	When you get in touch with an infected person's blood, or stool
	
	
	After daycare routine for caretakers
	
	
	After a diaper change, and before serving food.
	


 

Avoiding contaminated consumption:

Contaminated or infected food and water may become the primary causes of hepatitis infection. One should take these precautions to avoid any contaminated consumption of food or water:

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	Avoid eating raw shellfish
	
	
	Beware of fruits that have been washed in contaminated water
	
	
	Avoiding unhygienic street vendors
	
	
	Use bottled water for brushing or oral cleaning in areas where clean water is not available
	
	
	Bringing the water to a 1-minute boil is a must in doubtful areas
	
	
	Heated food to be eaten right away
	


Hepatitis: Some Ways To Prevent Yourself

Type 1 diabetes occurs when your pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin to keep the blood sugar ;levels under control. The condition, if not managed properly, can lead to related health disorders and complications, both long-term and short-term.

Health problems arising from type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes can have severe effects on your eyes, kidney, nervous system, and heart health. The most common ailments associated with type 1 diabetes may include the following-

1. Diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a disease of the eyes, which occurs when the blood vessels in the retina (tissue present at the back of your eyes) are damaged. The walls of the retina gradually weaken from increasing blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and this leads to leakage of blood or fluid into the nearby tissues.

Early symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include-


	
	Blurred vision
	
	
	Floaters
	
	
	Difficulty perceiving colors
	


2. ;Diabetic neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy unfolds when the nerves are damaged due to type 1 diabetes. The condition mostly affects your feet and legs. Reduced blood circulation due to high blood glucose impedes normal wound healing in the extremities, hence, even a minor bruise ;can develop into a permanent injury.

Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy are-


	
	Numbness
	
	
	Reduced sensation
	
	
	Severe, debilitating pain in the extremities
	


3. Diabetic nephropathy

Also known as ;diabetic kidney disease, the condition is a slow deterioration of the kidney and its ability to function properly. In severe cases, where the levels of blood glucose are extremely high due to type 1 diabetes, diabetic nephropathy can ultimately result in kidney failure ;or end-stage renal disease (esrd).

The following are the symptoms of diabetic nephropathy-


	
	Dark urine
	
	
	Swollen ankles, feet, eyes, or hands
	
	
	Shortness of breath
	


4. Cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular diseases refer to a range of heart conditions including blood clots and diseased blood vessels. High blood glucose levels resulting from type 1 diabetes can contribute to the deposition of fat in the walls of the blood vessel. Over time, this may restrict the flow of blood and put you at risk of cardiovascular disorders such as coronary artery disease, stroke, or even ;heart attack.

Symptoms of cardiovascular diseases widely vary, ranging from palpitations ;to chest pain. Sometimes, such a condition may not exhibit any symptoms at all.

Type 1 diabetes complications are related to poor management of blood glucose. The best way to monitor the condition and control the symptoms is to get in touch with your doctor. A specialist in this field can prescribe the correct treatment and help prevent the onset the related health disorders.

Complications Associated With Type 1 Diabetes

Hepatitis is a medical condition that occurs when an infected person's liver gets inflamed. There are several reasons that can result in hepatitis, including viral infections, heavy alcohol abuse, and autoimmune conditions.

 

Mostly, hepatitis is a result of an infection caused by a virus. Such a condition is called viral hepatitis. Today, we will talk about the three most common types of viral hepatitis diseases:

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	Hepatitis a
	
	
	Hepatitis b
	
	
	Hepatitis c
	


 

Hepatitis a

Hepatitis a is a result of hepatitis a virus infection in a person and is relatively uncommon.

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Regions, where hepatitis a is more common, are:

 


	
	Africa
	
	
	Asia
	
	
	Central and south america
	
	
	Eastern europe
	


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How it is transmitted

Hepatitis a virus can be present in the fecal matter and blood of an infected person. Hence, it is transmitted via the oral route, involving ingestion of the virus into a person through the feces.

 

Different ways you can get hepatitis a infection are:

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	Having in-person contact with a hepatitis a-infected patient
	
	
	Sexual contact with a person who hosts the virus
	
	
	Consuming contaminated food or drink
	
	
	Eating undercooked shellfish
	
	
	Being near contaminated toilets and diaper changing areas
	


 

Hepatitis b

Hepatitis b is caused by the hepatitis b virus.

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Regions, where hepatitis b is more common, are:


	
	Western pacific region
	
	
	African region
	


 

How it is transmitted

You can contract hepatitis b virus through direct contact with blood or bodily fluids of hepatitis b infected person.

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Different ways you can get hepatitis b infection are:

 


	
	Sexual contact with someone with hepatitis b virus infection
	
	
	Sharing injections and other tools
	
	
	Born to hepatitis b infected parent
	
	
	Direct contact with blood of an infected individual
	
	
	Sharing personal belongings and toiletries like razors or nail clippers.
	


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Hepatitis c

Hepatitis c occurs by the infection caused by hepatitis c virus.

 

Regions, where hepatitis c is more common, are:


	
	Eastern mediterranean region
	
	
	European region
	


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How it is transmitted

Hepatitis c virus is spread through blood and other bodily fluids.

 

Different ways you can get hepatitis c infection are:

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	Sharing injections
	
	
	Born to hepatitis c mother
	
	
	Sexual contact with an infected person
	
	
	Piercing or tattooing with unsterilized equipment
	
	
	Injuries with needles pr blades
	
	
	Sharing razors, or toothbrushes
	


The A, B and C of Hepatitis

Blood is one of the most crucial elements of human existence. It works as a commute for oxygen and various nutrients in reaching the cells. These functions make blood a vital source for the body to operate. That said, india needs 38, 000 blood donations every day, which adds up to 5 crore units required in a year. However, only 2.5 crore units are available against the huge unfulfilled numbers. Hence, it is essential to recognize the importance of blood donation.

 

Why is blood donation important?

While blood donations are essential to help people with surgeries, they are equally vital during cancer treatments, chronic diseases, and gruesome injuries. Moreover, they also benefit the donors in a significant way.

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Types of blood donations

Blood donations are of several types through which a single donor has the potential to help nearly three people.

 

Whole blood donation

It is the most common process of donating blood. One pint of blood collected supports numerous patients in the process. It is, then, divided into different components that aid the donation.

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Plasma donation

The process of plasma collection is carried out through a method called apheresis. It divides plasma from other blood components. Its blood clotting abilities help trauma patients and people undergoing cancer treatment.

 

Platelet donation

The collection of platelets is also done using apheresis. Once identified in the donor s blood, the rbcs and the donor gets other fluids back. Cancer patients are the chief beneficiaries of platelets as they play a prominent role during cancer treatments.

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Double red cell donation

Red blood cells are also collected through the apheresis process. It helps donors to donate twice the dose of a whole blood donation. One can help a patient suffering from blood loss using this method.

 

Advantages of blood donation

Blood donations have several advantages that people should know. They help fight many severe health conditions in the human body. Some of them include-


	
	Loss of blood due to internal or external injuries caused by accidents
	
	
	Sickle cell disease or other abnormalities that affect the blood
	
	
	In the treatment of cancer
	
	
	Cardiovascular or orthopedic surgeries
	
	
	Blood disorders
	
	
	Transplant processes
	
	
	Treatments involving plasma
	


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Covid-19

According to food and drug administration (fda) reports, patients who have recovered from covid-19 can help others by donating blood plasma. They contain antibodies that fight the infection, helping their body fight the virus.

 

Benefits for the donor

Even the donors receive many health and social benefits because of blood donation. Where donated blood saves lives, experts suggest that donors can also benefit from the same. Some of these advantages include:

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	Boosting cardiovascular health
	
	
	Maintaining blood pressure
	
	
	Contributing to the community
	
	
	Reducing the iron levels
	
	
	Improving overall health
	



 

Why Blood Donation Is Important?

Air pollution affects the overall health of a human being. Whether it comes out of exhaust fumes from cars and factories or smoke from burning stubble air pollution, it is a cause of major concern. The effects of this can be seen in the growing number of asthma and other respiratory diseases. These diseases affect adults and children alike, however, it is the younger generation and elderly people who are more susceptible. Hence, it is extremely important to care about the quality of the air you breathe in. 


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What is the significance of the air quality index (aqi)?

The air quality index is a visual representation of pollutant levels in the air around you. A quick glance at this colour coded map can tell you if the air outside your home is likely to harm you or not. The code is broken down into 6 levels ranging from green which signifies minimal impact to red which marks pollution levels that can harm a healthy person and seriously impact those who are already ill. The higher the aqi, the higher the level of air pollution.

 

What are the steps to reduce air pollution?

Simply talking about how there need to be stricter laws about car emissions and the burning of waste will not help you. Here are a few things you can do to protect yourself and your family from the ill-effects of air pollution.


	
	Carpool: exhausts from cars and other vehicles are one of the biggest causes of air pollution. Do your part to reduce air pollution by restricting the amount you use your car. Try taking public transport to work or carpooling with colleagues. Similarly, avoid making individual trips every time you need something from the market. Make a list and when it s long enough, then step out.
	
	
	Limit indoor pollution: do not smoke indoors. When cooking, keep the exhaust fan on so that the smoke produced does not collect indoors. Avoid spraying air fresheners etc. While they may temporarily make the air smell fresh, in the long run, they contribute to air pollution.
	
	
	Use public transport try to use public transport and avoid the use of personal vehicles.
	


How to protect yourself from air pollution


	
	Refrain from morning walks routines to later hours.
	
	
	Use n95/99 face masks whenever you step out.
	
	
	Use air-purifying plants to purify the air around your surroundings.
	
	
	Ventilate your kitchen, and bathroom to keep yourself away from air pollution.
	
	
	Restrict outdoor activities for kids if there is a high level of air pollution
	
	
	Use air-purifiers in your surroundings.
	
	
	Try to take steam with a few drops of eucalyptus oil every day.
	
	
	Keep your car s environment fresh.
	
	
	Ventilate your home, open your windows and doors and allow the air to circulate during mid hours.
	
	
	Eat jaggery (aka gurr) to flush out pollutants from your lungs.
	
	
	Consume a diet rich in vitamin c, omega fatty acids
	


Hence, the other way to cut down this pollution is by bringing significant lifestyle changes in our daily living. Cutting down the number of diesel and petrol vehicles can also prove helpful. People should shift to cng and electric vehicles for daily commuting. These efforts, if practiced on a regular basis, can bring a huge decrease in pollution.

Air purifiers can also be a healthy option for indoor purposes.

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Why Should You Care About Air Quality?

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