Environmental factors play a quintessential role in affecting our health. Fresh air, fresh food and fresh water, not only strengthen our body and mind but also make our life worth living. Contrary to this bad environment hampers the quality of life. This is the main reason why people from hill stations or the countryside seem to be healthier than those living in polluted urban cities. Following are the environmental factors that affect your health:

Polluted air

The health effects of polluted air are several. Not many people know that one-third of the deaths are caused because of strokes, lung cancer and heart failure. Air pollution is the chief reason behind these chronic ailments. The other life-threatening diseases caused by polluted air is- asthma or bronchitis. Smoke from machines, vehicles outside, and stoves, the burning of fuels inside can cause breathing problems and wheezing. 

Dirty environment

A dirty environment often leads to the breeding of insects and bacteria that become carriers of life-threatening diseases such as dengue, typhoid, diphtheria, malaria, and so on. Most of the diseases mentioned here are caused by mosquitoes that thrive on stagnant water.

Toxic food ;

The environmental quality of a region has a direct impact on the food produced in that area. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food faces the danger of becoming toxic if the environment it is being grown in is polluted. For eg- chemical wastes that are often dumped in water bodies cause the seafood in that area to become highly toxic.

Chemical pollutants

Cancer nowadays is becoming a household disease. The major reason behind this is that technological development has brought new categories of pollutants. Many of these contain chemicals and compounds that are carcinogenic in nature. This ultimately leads to the development of cancer in most people. 

Climate change and natural calamities

Change in climate disrupts the functioning of nature in many ways that further impact the health of humans. These changes include- the natural temperature of the planet, heavy rainfalls and sandstorms. The numerous impacts of climate may result in a high risk of nervous and respiratory diseases. ;

Hence protecting the environment is extremely important for the life of a human being. The change will come after taking small steps. Numerous small steps can really make a difference. 

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Environmental Factors That Affect Health

Cervical cancer is a ;cancer that affects the cells of the cervix in women. The cancer is believed to be caused by exposure to human papilloma virus (hpv). Also, there are certain factors that are linked to an increased risk of acquiring hpv and developing cervical cancer.

What Are The Major Risk Factors Of Cervical Cancer?

Preeclampsia is a condition that affects women during pregnancy. It is characterized by increased blood pressure and high levels of protein in the urine. Women with preeclampsia also experience swelling in the feet, legs, and arms.

Researchers suspect that excessive body fat or poor nutrition are the primary contributors to preeclampsia and eclampsia.

If left undetected, preeclampsia can lead to a more severe complication, known as eclampsia. Eclampsia can put you and your baby at risk, and can even lead to death (in rare cases).

How do preeclampsia and eclampsia affect the mother?

Preeclampsia and eclampsia can cause a host of complications for the mother, such as the following  

Hellp syndrome   hellp syndrome refers to three different conditions   low platelet count, elevated liver enzymes, and haemolysis. This generally occurs late in pregnancy and affects the processing of rbc, functioning of the liver, and blood clotting.

Seizures

Heart and renal failure

Water in the lungs

Bleeding from the liver

Reversible blindness

Effects of preeclampsia and eclampsia on the baby

Preeclampsia can lead to problems with the placenta in the initial stage of pregnancy. This may pose risks, including the following to the baby  

Lack of nutrients and oxygen, which may prevent the foetus to grow properly

Preterm birth

Stillbirth   this happens when the placenta is separated from the uterine wall

Infant death

Stillbirths are more common when the mother has suffered from a severe form of preeclampsia, like hellp syndrome.

Preeclampsia and eclampsia are linked to a myriad of health issues and life-long challenges for prematurely born babies. These may include cerebral palsy, learning disorders, epilepsy, deafness and blindness.

There is no particular cure for preeclampsia and eclampsia. Treatment, however, depends on how close you are to your due date, and how much the foetus has developed. In the case of mild preeclampsia, your doctor may recommend resting, healthy eating   that limits salt intake   and regular prenatal checkups.

Effects Of Preeclampsia And Eclampsia On You And The Baby

World sickle cell day is observed annually on the 19th of june to raise awareness of sickle cell-related diseases. It is observed to increase people's knowledge and the understanding required to face the challenges posed by the disease.


 

What is sickle cell disorder (scd)?

Sickle cell disorders or sickle cell diseases are genetic blood disorders that cause an abnormality in the red blood cells. The rbcs turn into sickle-shaped cells that stick together and block the blood flow in the body.


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Types

There are four major classifications of sickle cell diseases-


	
	Hemoglobin ss disease
	
	
	Hemoglobin sc disease
	
	
	Hemoglobin sb+ thalassemia
	
	
	Hemoglobin sb 0 thalassemia
	



 

Symptoms

One can start noticing symptoms of sickle cell in a patient at around 6 years of age. However, they can differ from person to person. Some of the most typical symptoms are-

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	Anemia
	


A shortage of red blood cells occurs due to the excessive early dying in 10-20 days. It leads to an oxygen shortage in the body.


	
	Excessive pain
	


Blockage of blood flow due to the change in shape leads to periodic cycles of pain in the body.


	
	Swelling in the body
	


As the blood circulation becomes irregular, swelling becomes a regular phenomenon.


	
	Infections
	


Sickle cell can be damaging to the spleen. It increases the risk of ailments in the body that can be prevented only by antibiotics.


	
	Delayed puberty
	


Oxygen and nutrients carried by the blood are required for growth. As a reason, irregular blood flow can lead to slow growth or delay in puberty.


	
	Vision issues
	


Infected blood vessels carrying blood to the eyes can cause damage to the retina. It can lead to visual problems.


 

Traits and treatment

As sickle cell is genetic, it is suggested to take a test that can detect any trait of the disease. It can prevent any life-threatening risks to the newborn. However, we don't have a complete cure for sickle cell disorders. There are preventive measures that reduce the adversity of the disease to an extent. Procedures like blood transfusions help greatly in minimizing the effects of the disorder.

World Sickle Cell Day: Know All About Sickle Cell Disease

The world celebrates world blood donor day on the 14th of june to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products and to thank voluntary and unpaid blood donors for their life-saving gift of blood. 

Importance of blood donation

The importance of donating blood is not only to save the lives of thousands of people who are deprived of life but also to save the lives of many more who are affected by the various diseases. ;

 

It has also been seen that when people; e have donated their blood, they have gained many health benefits as it helps in weight loss, helps maintain healthy liver and iron levels, it helps reduce the risk of heart attack and cancer. ;

 

A blood donation can save a life of- ;


	
	Victims of natural disasters, including earthquakes
	
	
	Patients with hemophilia, sickle cell disease, or cancer
	
	
	People who suffer traumatic injuries from being in a car accident
	
	
	Surgery patients
	
	
	Shooting or stabbing victims
	
	
	Women who suffer complications during childbirth
	


 

Blood types that are needed most

It s good to donate if you re healthy. However, there s always a need for specific blood and plasma which are universal and can be used when a patient blood type is unknown. For newborn infants or if a patient's particular blood type is unavailable.

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	Type o negative blood is always needed because it can be used in patients regardless of their blood type.
	
	
	Type ab positive plasma can also be transfused to patients with other blood types. 
	


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Donations are constantly needed

Because of their short shelf life of 5 days after being collected, platelet donations are constantly by the blood blank. Red blood cells also have a short shelf life and needed to be used within 42 days after the collection. Cryoprecipitate and plasma can be frozen and stored for up to a year after donation.


 

Some misconceptions about blood donations


	
	The donor will not experience any kind of pain while donating. ;
	
	
	There will be no scarcity of blood in the body after donating the blood as even after the donation the body will have a surplus quantity of blood. 
	
	
	The common misconception everyone has is that they will faint after donating their blood. ;
	
	
	You will be able to resume your everyday activity immediately after donating the blood. 
	
	
	You will not get infected with aids if you donate your blood. ;
	


 

Donating blood is a great way to give back to your community and potentially save a life by only giving up an hour of your time.

World Blood Donor Day: How Can We Save Life By Donating Blood?

To save life and the planet, it is important to follow an eco-friendly lifestyle. This will not only elongate your life span but also helps in sustainable development. Breathing in better air, living in a cleaner atmosphere, eating better food, drinking purer water - all ensure a healthier body. Moreover, the improved aesthetics of a clean environment has positive psychological effects on your brain! protecting your environment is of utmost importance in ensuring your good health. Following are the key health benefits of having an eco-friendly lifestyle,


	
	An eco-friendly human would automatically engage in more physical activity, as they d attempt to choose walking or cycling over driving or using public transports whenever possible. Increased physical activity is directly correlated to one s health and fitness.
	
	
	An eco-friendly lifestyle entails the consumption of more organic food which allows more nutrition and fewer pesticides or chemicals to enter your body. Hence, one becomes less exposed to carcinogenic compounds and other diseases causing or immunity hampering chemicals. Moreover, when one is producing their own vegetables, they end up consuming more seasonal items, which ensures a better diet.
	
	
	City air has multiple pollutants even in the absence of smog that can cause diseases. Fresh or pure air not only contains more oxygen but also lacks harmful pollutants and microparticles that adversely affect one s health. Hence, an environment-friendly lifestyle allows one to improve the quality of the air they breathe and thus, avoid life-threatening diseases. We can do this by replacing our regular vehicles with eco-friendly ones. Also, try carpooling to reduce the emission of pollutants.
	
	
	Cholera, diarrhea, typhoid are just a few waterborne diseases that are transmitted via unclean drinking water. Hence, an improved environment ensures the supply of cleaner water, allowing one to consume its minerals while avoiding its pollutants.
	


Protecting the environment by adopting eco-friendly habits not only improves our own health but also helps us ensure the healthy life for our future generation!

 

Ways To Make Your Lifestyle Eco-friendly

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