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?

International yoga day or international day of yoga is celebrated on 21 june annually. It took a shape in the united nations general assembly in 2014 when indian prime minister narendra modi proposed a day for yoga. The mental, physical, and spiritually enticing practice of yoga started being celebrated in 2015.

 

Yoga and its importance

The term'yoga' is derived from sanskrit which means to reunite or join. It is symbolic of the union of mind and body. Yoga originated some 5000 years ago in india. It was developed as a process to interconnect the mind, soul, and body. As it started gaining popularity in the west, it became an exercise and a method to relax. Through yoga, you can easily calm down your nerves, alleviate any physical concerns, get relieved of any chronic pain, and attain bodily well-being.

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Significance of 21 june

June 21 is also called the summer solstice. It is considered the longest day of the year when the sun is out for most parts of the day. From yoga's perspective, the summer solstice allows the transition to dakshinayana. Hence, it was chosen as an ideal day to celebrate a healthy mind and body.

 

Un declaration

After the draft resolution was presented in the un general assembly, it received support from 177 member countries. Pm modi in his statement emphasized yoga's invaluable importance. He also stressed the fact that how yoga connects us to nature.

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Benefits of yoga


	
	Yoga and fitness
	


Yoga ensures that a person is healthy in its true sense. The different postures of yoga encourage overall fitness and balance of the body. In addition, an enhanced mental strength, physical power, stamina, and detoxification of the body.


	
	Yoga and stress relief
	


Some precious moments of yoga each day is a good way to eliminate everyday stress. Be it physical or mental, certain practices like meditation and pranayama are perfect for preventing stress.


	
	Yoga and inner peace
	


There is a serious need for peace in this robust world. Yoga done regularly gives you extensive inner peace. It is vital to calm your disturbed peace. Moreover, breathing exercises in yoga are very helpful against unwanted stress. Immune system enhancement and protection from frequent diseases is another one of yoga s benefits.



 

International Yoga Day: All You Need To Know!

Atherosclerosis refers to a medical condition in which the arteries become hardened and narrowed due to the accumulation of cholesterol plaque in the walls of the artery, obstructing the flow of blood.

What are the causes?

Atherosclerosis is a slow but progressive disorder that starts with the damage of endothelium   cells lining the interior surface of lymphatic and blood vessels. This allows bad ldl cholesterol to build up in the artery walls. Over time, a plaque made of calcium, macrophages, and cholesterol grows to a certain size to clog up arteries, disrupting blood flow around the body.

Other factors leading to atherosclerosis to include  

High blood pressure

High levels of triglyceride in the blood

High cholesterol levels

Certain medical conditions   diabetes, obesity, insulin resistance

Smoking/use of tobacco

Inflammatory conditions like lupus and arthritis

Symptoms of atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis may develop in childhood or during adolescence. Mild conditions may not reveal observable symptoms unless the arteries are clogged, and blood supply to the tissues and organs are restricted.

Signs of moderate to severe atherosclerosis depend on the affected arteries   it could be the arteries leading to your brain, your heart, legs and arms, or the kidney. The symptoms of atherosclerosis include  

Weakness and fatigue

Difficulty breathing/concentrating

Headaches

Facial numbness

Paralysis

Vomiting

Chest pain

Anxiety

Loss of appetite

Swelling in the feet and hands

If any of the above symptoms seem familiar to you, consult a doctor right away for treatment.

Can atherosclerosis be prevented?

The best way to avoid cholesterol plaque from building up in the artery walls is to prevent the onset of atherosclerosis with these preventive measures.

Eat healthy   avoid eating foods that are rich in saturated fats   red meat, butter and cheese. These increase your cholesterol levels drastically. Instead, include foods that contain unsaturated fats, like avocados, olive oil, fatty fish, nuts and seeds because these help to keep ldl or bad cholesterol levels down.

Stay active   exercising and staying active can help regulate your cholesterol levels and prevent certain conditions that might put you at risk for atherosclerosis.

Quit smoking   people who smoke should quit smoking because it is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis   it increases blood pressure, which in turn, affects your cholesterol levels.

Atherosclerosis can lead to complications. With precautionary measures and proper treatment, the condition can be avoided.

Know All About Atherosclerosis Here

Urinary tract infections (uti) can occur anywhere in the urinary system   the bladder, kidneys, urethra, and ureter. Most of these infections affect the lower part of the urinary system   urethra and the bladder.

An infection ;confined to the bladder can be frustrating and painful. You may experience pain during urination, and pus or blood in the urine. However, the condition becomes worse if the infection spreads to the upper part of the urinary system, particularly to the kidneys, triggering nausea, ;vomiting, and severe pain in the back.

If uti is left untreated, it can potentially lead to kidney damage   a condition known as pyelonephritis.

How does untreated uti affect the kidneys?

Untreated urinary tract infections can cause the kidneys to swell up and damage them permanently. The infections initially begin in the lower tract of your urinary system. Then the bacteria slowly enter your body through the urethra and begin multiplying and spreading up to the bladder. The bacteria eventually travel to your kidneys through the ureters.

Some people are at higher risk for kidney damage due to urinary tract infections. This includes  


	
	Pregnant women
	
	
	Elderly people
	
	
	People with kidney problems
	
	
	Someone with a weak immune system
	


Signs to watch out for

An untreated infection in the bladder that has spread to the kidneys is associated with symptoms, such as the following  


	
	Chills and ;fever
	
	
	Vomiting and nausea
	
	
	Pain in either side of your lower back
	


You should visit a doctor right away if you notice the above uti symptoms. The condition requires immediate medical intervention in order to prevent damage to your kidneys.

Symptoms of painful utis can be managed by combining medications and lifestyle remedies. Consult a specialist to diagnose the condition early and seek appropriate treatment to avoid complications.

Untreated Urinary Tract Infections And Kidney Damage: Know The Connection

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

The most common forms of diabetes ;are type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In type 1, your immune system damages the cells inside the pancreas that produce insulin. Therefore, the pancreas are unable to produce an adequate amount of insulin.

In type 2 diabetes, your body does not respond properly to the insulin produced by the pancreas. As a result, your body will have a difficult time removing sugar ;from the blood. The cells may stop insulin production over time that may lead to insulin deficiency. However, there are other forms of diabetes that are lesser-known but can affect you just as bad.

Types of diabetes beyond type 1 and type 2

Gestational diabetes

In gestation diabetes, a condition that affects pregnant women, the blood sugar levels increase to an extent that may hamper the health of the mother and the child.

Symptoms

Usually, there are no symptoms as such. If diabetes worsens, women may observe symptoms such as -


	
	A need to pee more frequently
	
	
	Excessive thirst and hunger
	
	
	Dryness in the mouth
	


Lada (latent autoimmune diabetes in adults)

It is sometimes referred to as type 1.5 diabetes. Here, your immune system kills the insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. As this condition takes a longer period to develop, you may not need insulin for many months after you have been diagnosed.

Symptoms

You may observe the following symptoms  


	
	Dryness and itchiness
	
	
	Tingling sensation in feet or hands
	
	
	Blurry vision
	
	
	Frequent urination
	


Mody (maturity-onset diabetes of the young)

This condition is observed during adolescence. Here, genetic mutations limit the pancreas from making insulin. So, due to insufficient insulin, your blood sugar level goes up. If any of your parents have mody, you are likely to have the condition.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include  


	
	Yeast and ;skin infections
	
	
	Frequent urination
	
	
	An urge to pee more often
	


Treatment

Primary care for these other forms of diabetes follows the usual course of treatment as with type 1 and type 2.


	
	Diabetic medications
	
	
	Insulin shots or injections
	
	
	Dietary changes
	


The doctor may instruct you to monitor your blood sugar levels frequently to keep it under control. This will be accompanied by a diet ;consisting of adequate calories, but avoid fatty foods, excess sugar and carbohydrates. Mild exercise is also recommended.

The best way to prevent these conditions is to visit your doctor frequently and follow the treatment plan. Do not keep your diabetes untreated.

A Sneak Peek Beyond Type 1 And Type 2 Diabetes

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