Kodungallur Co-operative Hospital

The uterus is a muscular structure held in place inside your pelvis with the help of muscles, ligaments, and tissues. These muscles weaken in women due to pregnancy, childbirth or delivery complications and can lead to severe complications. One such complication is a uterine prolapse. Uterine prolapse occurs when the uterus sags or slips from its normal position into the vaginal canal.

The causes of uterine prolapse are varied and include:

- Delivering a large baby
- Pregnancy
- Difficulty in labor and delivery
- Reduction in estrogen levels post menopause
- Traumatic childbirth
- Loss or weakening of the pelvic muscle
- Conditions which lead to increased pressure in the abdominal area such as a chronic cough, straining, pelvic tumors or accumulation of fluid in the abdomen
- Loss of external support due to major surgery in pelvic area

Uterine prolapse can be complete or incomplete depending on how far the uterus sags into the vagina. Women who have minor uterine prolapse may not have any visible symptoms. However, if the condition worsens, it manifests itself in visible signs.

Symptoms of moderate or severe prolapse are:

1. A feeling of fullness or pressure in your pelvis when you sit
2. Seeing the uterus or cervix coming out of the vagina
3. Vaginal bleeding or increased discharge
4. Painful sexual intercourse
5. Recurrent bladder infections
6. Continuing back pain with difficulty in walking, urinating and moving your bowels

Without proper attention, the condition can cause impairments in the bowel, and can also affect bladder and sexual function. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Gynaecologist.

COPD, short for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is an inflammatory disease of the lungs. The disease obstructs the flow of air in the lungs and subsequently causes difficulty in breathing. Prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke, gases or particulate matter can lead to this condition. The condition transcends all age brackets meaning it can affect anyone from young teenagers to aged adults. People who contract this disease are at an increased likelihood of developing cardiovascular conditions and lung diseases, in addition to a horde of other conditions.

Causes of COPD
1. The chief cause of COPD is smoking tobacco and being subjected to fumes from cooking and heating. A study estimated that in and around 25% of long-standing smokers develop symptoms of this condition. Yet, statistics show that COPD is often misdiagnosed until an elaborate evaluation is diagnosed.
2. Conditions like Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are also known to cause the disease. Your lungs depend on the intrinsic elasticity of the air sacs and bronchial tubes that help facilitate the passage of air through the lungs. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease causes these passages to lose their elasticity thus rendering them partially ineffective.

Symptoms of COPD 
The symptoms of COPD do not appear until the lungs are significantly damaged and the condition tends to deteriorate if smoking persists. Apart from coughing and production of sputum, other apparent symptoms include:

1. Difficulty in breathing
2. Stiffness and tightness of chest
3. A persistent cough
4. Fatigue and weakness
5. Weight loss
6. Frequent allergic reactions of the respiratory glands

Along with the aforementioned symptoms, patients who are diagnosed with COPD are likely to experience bouts of exacerbation, during which their symptoms heighten and tend to grow worse for several days.
Although anyone can contract the condition, certain people are at an increased risk of condition. Such risk factors include:

• Chronic smoking
• A medical history of asthma
• Exposure to chemicals and dusts
• Weakening of the immune system with increasing age
• Heredity

If you experience or entertain symptoms or suspicions of this disease, consulting a pulmonologist is duly advised.

डेंगू वायरसजनित बीमारी है। ये बीमारी मच्छर से फैलती है और इसका सबसे पहला लक्षण तेज बुखार है। इस बीमारी के दौरान शरीर की प्लेटलेट्स कम हो जाती हैं। डेंगू एडीज नाम के मच्छर से फैलता है। हर साल बरसात के महीने में ये बीमारी फैलती है, जिसमें हजारों लोगों की जान चली जाती है। 
डॉक्टर बताते हैं किम शरीर में 1 मिली खून में 30-40 हजार प्लेटलेट्स होती हैं। ये प्लेटलेट्स रोज नष्ट होती हैं और रोज बनती रहती हैं। डेंगू होने पर शरीर के काम करने की गतिे धीमी पड़ जाती है, जिससे प्लेटलेट्स बनने की गतिी भी धीमी हो जाती है। ऐसे में शरीर की प्रतिरोधक क्षमता भी गिरने लगती है। डेंगू का मच्छर ज्यादातर दिन में काटता है और ये साफ पानी में फैलता है। मादा एडीज कूलर, ड्रम, टंकी और गमलों में इकट्ठे पानी में अंडे देती है, यहीं से डेंगू फैलता है।

डेंगू के लक्षण 
एडीज मच्छर के काटने के बाद डेंगू का वायरस शरीर में पहुंच जाता है। इस बीमारी का मुख्य लक्षण तेज बुखार होता है। इसके बाद सिर दर्द, जोड़ों और मांसपेशियों मे भी दर्द होता है। शरीर पर लाल चकत्ते भी दिखाई पड़ते हैं। इसके अलावा उल्टी, दस्त, पेट में दर्द, कमजोरी और भूख न लगना भी डेंगू के लक्षण हैं।

डेंगू का इलाज 
1. डेंगू में नीम, तुलसी, गिलोय, पिप्पली, पपीते की ताजी पत्तियों का रस, गेंहू की बालि यों का रस, आंवला और एलोविरा का रस पीने से फायदा मिलता है। रस से शरीर की प्रतिरोधक क्षमता बढ़ती है और प्लेटलेट्स के निर्माण में तेजी आती है।

2. पपीते की पत्ती: 
डेंगू में प्लेटलेट्स की रिकवरी के लिए पपीते की ताजी पत्तियों के रस को बहुत उपयोगी माना जाता है। इस रस को बनाने के लिए कुछ पत्तों को पानी से अच्छी तरह धोकर पीस लें। ध्यान रखें, पत्तिीयां नई उगी हुई ताजी हों। इन पत्तियों के अर्क को दिन में दो-तीन चम्मच डेंगू के मरीज को पिलाएं। ये शरीर से टॉक्सिन बाहर निकालता है साथ ही प्लेटलेट्स की मात्री तेजी से बढ़ती है।

3. गिलोय का काढ़ा:
25 ग्राम ताजी गिलोय का तना लेकर कूट लें, 5-6 तुलसी के पत्ते और 3-4 काली मिर्च पीसकर 1 लीटर पानी में उबालें। पानी को तब तक उबालें जब तक ये 250 मिली न रह जाए। इसे तीन हिस्सों में बांट लें। डेंगू फैलने पर ये काढ़ा पि्एं इसे वायरल इन्फेक्शन के बचाव के लिसए इस्तेमाल किया जाता है।

4. तुलसी: 
तुलसी की पत्तियां हर तरह के वायरल में लाभकारी होती हैं। इसकी पत्तियों को चाय में डालकर रोजाना पीने से वायरल से बचाव होता है। डेंगू के मरीज को पानी में तुलसी की पत्ती उबालकर दें, इससे शरीर को रोग से लड़ने की ताकत मिलती है।अनार और चुकंदर का जूस- डेंगू के मरीज के लिीए अनार और चुकंदर का जूस लाभकारी होता है। अनार खून की कमी को दूर करता है।

5. एलोविरा: 
एलोविरा का जूस प्रतिरोधक शक्ति बढ़ाता है और पाचन शक्ति ठीक रखता है। डेंगू होने पर मरीज को एलोविरा का जूस या नेक्टर (मकरंद) दें, ये शरीर को शक्तिे प्रदान करता है।

6. आंवला: 
आंवले में विटामिन सी होता है, ये शरीर की प्रतिरोधक क्षमता बढ़ाता है। वहीं शरीर में पहुंचकर लौह तत्व का ज्यादा अवशोषण करता है, जिससे खून बढ़ता है।
ये सारे उपाय डेंगू के लक्षणों को कंट्रोल करने के लि।ए हैं, आराम न मिलने की स्थिपतिा में डॉक्टर का परामर्श जरूर लें।

डेंगू से बचाव 

डेंगू से मुकाबला करना मुश्किल है और इसके वायरस के संक्रमण के बाद तेजी से प्लेटलेट्स गिरती हैं।  इस स्थि ति् में संभलने का वक्त नहीं मिलता। इसलिबए इससे बचाव रखना भी बेहद जरूरी है।
1. ध्यान रखें कि घर में कहीं भी पानी इकट्ठा न हो। सफाई का खास खयाल रखें। 
2. कूलर वगैरह का पानी वक्त पर बदलते रहें और कूलर साफ करें। जहां भी पानी इकट्ठा हो रहा हो उसमें मिट्टी का तेल  डाल दें ताकि अंडे विकसित न हो सकें।
3. गमलों में भी पानी इकट्ठा न होने दें। मिट्टी नम रखें बाकी पानी गिरा दें।
4. बर्तन धोने वाली जगह पर भी पानी न इकट्ठा होने दें। हो सके तो बर्तनों को उलटा करके रखें।
5. घर में मच्छर मारने के उपाय करें। नीम की पत्तियां जलाएं, मॉसक्वीटो रिपेलेंट लगाएं और मच्छरदानी लगाकर सोएं। बच्चों को भी पूरे कपड़े पहनाकर सुलाएं और दिन के वक्त खासकर मच्छर भगाने के इंतजाम रखें।
6. कपूर के धुएं से भी मच्छर भागते हैं, कपूर को दिये में रखकर जलाएं और हर कमरें धुआं करें। अगर घर में किसी को डेंगू हो गया हो तो विशेष ध्यान रखें।

वैसे तो एनीमिया कोई बहुत बड़ी बीमारी नहीं है, मगर ये कई बड़ी और जानलेवा बीमारियों की वजह से जरूर हो सकती है। यह बीमारी पुरुषों की अपेक्षा महिलाओं में ज्यादा देखी जाती है। हमारे देश की लगभग 90 प्रतिशत महिलाएं एनीमिया से पीड़ित हैं। एनीमिया को लोग सामान्य मानकर अनदेखा कर देते हैं, जबकिम इस स्थिसतिब से जान तक जा सकती है। सामान्य भाषा में बात करे तो खून में आयरन की कमी से हीमोग्लोबिन की कमी हो जाती है, जिसे हम एनीमिया के नाम से जानते हैं।  

आयरन की कमी है मुख्य वजह 
विज्ञान की भाषा में इसे ऐसे समझा जा सकता है किम हमारा शरीर तीन तरह की ब्लड सेल्स बनाता है- आरबीसी यानी श्वेत रुधि र कणिका, डब्ल्यूबीसी या श्वेत रुधिर कणिका और प्लेटलेट्स। डब्ल्यूबीसी शरीर को बाहरी संक्रमण से बचाती हैं। प्लेटलेट्स रक्त का थक्का जमाने में मदद करती हैं और आरबीसी का काम आपके पूरे शरीर को ऑक्सीजन पहुंचाना है। हमारे शरीर की कोशिकाओं को एक्टिव रहने के लिए ऑक्सीजन की जरूरत होती है। ये ऑक्सीजन शरीर के अलग-अलग भागों में आरबीसी में मौजूद हीमोग्लोबिरन की मदद से पहुंचता है। आयरन हमारे शरीर में आरबीसी का निर्माण करता है। आयरन की कमी से आरबीसी और हीमोग्लोबिलन बनने की क्रिया प्रभावित होती है। इसके प्रभावति होने से कोशिकाओं तक ऑक्सीजन नहीं पहुंच पाता। हम खाने के रूप में जो कार्बोहाइड्रेट और वसा लेते हैं, ऑक्सीजन उसे जलाकर ऊर्जा पैदा करता है। ये ऊर्जा हमारे जीवन के लिंए जरूरी है। जब शरीर में आयरन की इतनी कमी हो जाए कि शरीर और दिमाग की काम करने की क्षमता प्रभावित होने लगे, तो इस स्थितिल को एनीमिया या रक्तअल्पता कहते हैं।

एनीमिया के कारण 
शरीर में जरूरी पोषक तत्वों की कमी के अलावा इसके पीछे कोई गंभीर बीमारी भी हो सकती है। एनीमिया रक्त से जुड़ी समस्या है। इसके कारण भी अलग-अलग हो सकते हैं। जैसे- रक्त में आरबीसी का कम बनना, हेमरेज या ज्यादा खून बह जाना, आयरन की कमी, विटामिन बी 12 या फोलिक एसिड की कमी। खाने में ज्यादा मात्रा में कैल्शिगयम लेना। हरी सब्जिियां कम या बिल्कुल न खाना। किसी इन्फेक्शन या लंबी बीमारी के चलते भी एनीमिया के लक्षण दिखाई दे सकते हैं।  इसके साथ ही माहवारी (पीरियड्स) के दिनों में बहुत ज्यादा स्राव भी एक वजह हो सकती है। वहीं इसके पीछे अनुवांशिक कारण भी हो सकता है। यहां देखें और वजहें.

1. गंभीर बीमारियों से हुआ एनीमिेया: 
कैंसर, एड्स, किडनी की समस्या और रुमेटाइड अर्थराइटिीस जैसी बीमारियों के जलते आरबीसी का निर्माण प्रभावित होता है।
2. ए-प्लास्टिक एनीमिया: 
इन्फेक्शन, हानिकारक पदार्थों का प्रभाव और कुछ दवाओं के प्रभाव से भी ये बीमारी हो सकती है। ए-प्लास्टििक एनीमिया बहुत कम केसों में होता है, लेकिन ये जानलेवा बीमारी है।

एनीमिया के लक्षण 
एनीमिया होने पर आपके शरीर में ऊर्जा की कमी हो जाती है। ऐसे में कमजोरी और थकान महसूस होती है। अगर लगातार एनीमिया रहे तो न्यूरोलॉजिकल गड़बड़िभयां देखने को मिलती हैं। बच्चों में पेट में कीड़े होने पर उनमें एनीमिया की शिकायत देखने को मिलती है। ऐसे में वह चिड़चिड़े हो जाते हैं और रोते रहते हैं। एनीमिया में सांस लेने में दिक्कत होती है और कमजोरी से चक्कर भी आ सकता है। लगातार एनीमिया रहने पर सिरदर्द, पैरों मे दर्द, जीभ में जलन, हल्का बुखार, गला सूकना, बाल गिरना, मुंह में छाले पड़ना, नाखून पीले पड़ जाना और सीने में दर्द जैसी शिकायतें भी मिलती हैं।

तुरंत कराएं जांच 

अगर आपको इनमें से कोई भी लक्षण दिखाई दें, तो डॉक्टर की सलाह लेकर ब्लड टेस्ट कराएं। महिलाओं में आजमाएं ये उपाय: 
खाने में ऐसी चीजें शामिल करें जिनमें आयरन प्रचुर मात्रा में पाया जाता हो। इसके लिेए चुकंदर, गाजर, टमाटर, पत्तागोभी, हरी सब्जिियां अपनी डाइट में शामिल करें।

• अगर मांसाहारी हों तो खाने में अंडा लें। मूंग की दाल और बाजरा भी काफी फायदेमंद होता है।
• ऐसा माना जाता है किल लोहे की कढ़ाई में खाना पकाकर खाने से भी शरीर को आयरन मिलता है।
• रोजाना सेव डायट में शामिल करें। दूध और केला भी पोषक तत्वों की कमी को पूरा करता है।
• ज्यादा मात्रा में कैल्शिलयम भी हानिकारक होता है। बाजार में आयरन की गोलियां मिलती हैं लेकिन अपने आप इनका इस्तेमाल न करें।

Some herbs and other natural supplements can really help keep you healthy. 

1. Aloe vera

A plant whose thick fleshy leaves conceal an emollient extract used in preparing cosmetics and skin creams. This ancient plant has been used for medicinal purpose in several cultures: greece egypt, india, japan and china.

What it does:

Aloe vera extract contains 75 potentially active ingredients that include vitamins, minirals, enzymes, sugars, fatty acids and harmones. It has antiseptic and healing properties, says astudt reported in the indian journal of dermatology.

 The study, published by researches at mumbai, s grant medical college and sir jj group of hospitals, also revealed that aloe vera gel has a protective effect against radiation damafe to the skin. People who apply the gel over a period of time also find their skin more elastic ans less wrinkled. These versatile herbs in the healing of wounds. In addition aloe vera gel, when consumed, acts as a laxative. It increases intestinal water contect. Mucus secretion and intestinal peristalsis

 Aloe vera has a concetration of amino acids ehich are the building blocks of protein. Of the 20 amino acids, 18 are presnt in this magic potion.” “it is a great detoxifier and helps eliminate waste and toxins from the body. It also has cosmetic appeazl because of its anti-fungal properties. Deu to its ability to regenaterate cells, aloe vera helps in wrinkle prevention, combats pimple and acne and removes scars amd stretch marks.”

Who should take it? 

Aloe vera can be consumed internally or applied topically, depending on the purpose. While it is safe for most people, when appiled on the face, a patch test is usually recommended especially for those who have extremely sensitive skin.”

2. Fenugreek seeds

What they are:

Fenugreek is a leguminous asin herb with aromatic seeds. Most of its medicinal properties are in the seeds. For centuries, the crushed or powdered seeds have been used externally and internally for several cures. It can be applied as a poultice for hives, boils and ulcers or consumed to increase appetite, counter appetite loss and reduce blood sugar.

What they do: 

A clinicalstudy by gandhi medical colege, hyderabad, published in the indian journal of pharmacogy shows that fenugreek seed have lipid-lowering efect on people with high blood cholesterol. Those with high lipid levels risk cardiovascular disease including deadly strokes and heart attacks. The study found that cholesterol levels were lowered in patients given 25 grams of powdered fenugreel seed twice before meals.

Who should take them?

“while fenugreek is recommended for people with diabetes, hypertension and cholesterol, it is also good for people who don’t suffer from these conditions,” advise Dr. Ashok jhingan, seior consultant diabetotogist and chairman, delhi diabetes research center. He prescribes 10gms of the seeds, soaked overnight, to be taken on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. “many people also eat the seeds mixed with curd.”

3. Garlic

From the onion family, it’s been a medicinal herb for millennia, even as for back as ancient egypt.

What is does:

Studies show that is cultures where people eat lots of garlic, there are fewer cases of gastric cancer, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

 Research from the central food technological research tnstitute (cftri), mysore, report that garlic and onion increased the activity of two key enzymes involved in cholesterol metabolism.

 Another study conducted by tagore medical college garlic consumption helped heart patients. In their three year study of 432 heart patients, only half of them were given garlic. Those not eating garlic saw no real cardiovascular changes. But the garlic eaters experienced a significant drop in blood pressure, blood cholesterol and mortality rates.

They also experienced less angina, the chest pain heart patient often feel.

 Deodorized garlic tables seem to work as wellas the raw herb in reducting cholesterol.

Who should take it?

Unless you’re allergic to it (very rare), you almost can’t go wrong by adding garlic to your diet. If you dislike the taste, garlic capsules will provede most of the health benefits without the flavour or odor.

4. Turmeric

The spice is made by grinding the roots of the perennial herb curcuma longa. The boiled dried and powdered underground stem of the plant is used as a flavouring and colouring agent and as a stimulant.

What it does: 

The herb has a mild protective effect against colds and flu; in those who get sick, it appears to limit the duration and severity of symptoms. A study by jamia hamdard university, new delhi, reveals that curcumin, found in turmeric, has antiinflammatory and antispasmodic properties and is useful in the treatment of arthritis.

Who should take it? 

This staple herb works for almost everyone and is effective if taken even as you feel a cold or flu coming on. According to the study, the most interesting feature of curcumin is the lack of gastrointestinal effectsdespite is being an anti-inflammatory agent.

 Try this time-testes recipe from Dr. Vivek nangia, head of respiratory disease, fortis hospital, new delhi: add a teaspoon of turmeric powder in a cup of milk and boil for a few minitues, drink the hot brew twice a day. “the herb’s antioxidant and anti-infective properties help build your immunity against colds.’

5. Tulsi

This sacred plant with the fragrant leaves needs no introduction. No plant is more auspicious as tulsi, or holy basil, at your doorstep.

What it does:

According to a study published in indian journal of pharmaclogy, the consumption of 100mg per kilo body weight of tulsi extract helped reduce acid secretion and protect the mucous membrane of thestomach: it can heal ulcers.

Tulsi contains benificial compounds called phyto-chemicals that possess antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial and immunity-enhancing properties that supports the body’s defence against disease and promote wellness.

Who shohld take it?

According to Dr. Issac mathai of soukya, a holistic healing center in bangalore, “tulsi is a good hurb for people suffering from colds and coughs. Many ayurvedic cough syrups contain tulsi, because the herb help mobilize mucus in bronchitis and relieves symptoms of asthma.

 “boil tulsi leaves in water and drink the decoction to ease a sore throat. This water is also good for gargling” adds mathai.

Tulsi capsules are available in the market. Dr. Mathai, who practises ayurveda, says that capsules manufatured by reputed companies may be taken as a substitute for the fresh herb.

You wouldn't think there'd be a lot to learn about underwear — wear it, change it, wash it, repeat — but there's actually more than most men think. And whether guys choose boxers, briefs, or live to go commando, chances are, underwear rarely gets a second thought. “Underwear most importantly needs to be changed frequently and always remain clean, and I need to tell you, be discarded when they are thread-bare or stained,” he stresses. “If you work out or sweat excessively, it may be a good idea to change midday to remain fresh.”

For thousands of years, people have been using essential oils for poison ivy, due to their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Poison ivy is a plant that grows in many parts of the united states, typically either as a shrub or a trailing vine, depending on your region. Scientifically known as toxicodendron radicans, this plant causes serious allergic reactions in more than 80% of the people who come in contact with it, and can cause severe reactions in a smaller segment of the population. If eaten or smoked, this plant can be fatal. The most identifying characteristic of this unassuming plant is the three-pointed leaf clusters, which tend to have a glossy surface. The sap of these leaves is extremely high in an irritating chemical named urushiol, which is what causes the reactions on the skin.

The symptoms of poison ivy can develop if you physically touch the plant or if the sap has been brushed on any other object, ranging from your pant leg or shoe to your pet or lawn furniture. The mostnotable symptom is extreme itchiness, along with redness or swelling of the skin in a spreading rash. In severe reactions, blisters or hives may also appear. Simple solutions like washing or taking anti-inflammatory medication may help some of the symptoms, but the use of essential oils for poison ivy is an even more effective solution. While there are some risks to treating poison ivy in this way, moderate and responsible use can quickly treat this painful and irritating condition.

List of best essential oils for poison ivy:

If you choose to use essential oils for poison ivy, some of the best options are myrrh, cypress, lavender, tea tree, peppermint, eucalyptus, geranium, helichrysum and rose oils.

1. Eucalyptus oil

This essential oil boasts a number of powerful active ingredients including menthol, which can remove the heat and pain from your poison ivy rash. It will quicklysoothe inflammationand promote faster recovery of the damaged skin.

How to use – in most cases, you don’t need to dilute this oil on your skin, as it is not known for being toxic and will absorb almost fully into the skin. Simply apply 4-5 drops of the oil to the inflamed areas 1-2 times per day until the symptoms subside.

2. Lavender oil

One of the best things about this oil is its restorative and healing properties. When you use lavender oil on poison ivy symptoms, you can significantly speed up the healing process and soothe inflammation.

How to use – there is no need to dilute this oil, unless you have sensitive skin. Simply apply 4-5 drops of the oil on the site of the rash or inflamed skin, and regularly re-apply until the symptoms have faded.

3. Cypress oil

There is always the danger of secondary infections with poison ivy, as people are prone to scratch those areas of skin. Cypress oil has strong antiseptic qualities, meaning that it can protect the rash as it heals, while also soothing inflammation and pain.

How to use – mix this oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or aloe vera gel, and then directly apply it to the site of the inflammation 1-2 times per day.

4. Geranium oil

The anti-allergenic qualities of geranium oil can help quickly soothe the rash or itching that is caused by contact. By preventingadditional histamines from being released and returning the immune system to normal, geranium oil is a quick and effective solution for poison ivy.

How to use – do not use this oil in an undiluted form; instead, mix 5 drops of this oil with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and then gently massage the mixture into the affected areas on the skin.

5. Rose oil

This lesser known oil isn’t always considered for therapeutic purposes, but it can help to control the immune system and reduce the symptoms ofallergic reactions, which is precisely what a poison ivy flare-up is. This oil will also promote healing and soothe pain, when used in moderate amounts.

How to use – blend 4-5 drops of rose oil with lavender or peppermint oil and apply the mixture to the inflamed, itchy or swollen areas. Re-apply 1-2 times per day until the symptoms and redness disappear.

6. Myrrh oil

By increasing the hydration of the skin and soothing thepain of the rash, myrrh oil can help to speed the healing process following exposure to poison ivy.

How to use – many people choose to add 10 drops of myrrh oil to a bath and then take a long soak in the tub to properly soothe and stimulate healing on the painful areas of the body.

7. Tea tree oil

Widely considered one of the best essential oils for poison ivy, tea tree oil is able to reduce inflammation, prevent secondary infections, eliminate pain and promote a faster healing process when you’ve brushed up against some poison ivy.

How to use – you should always blend tea tree oil with other carrier oils, as it can worsen inflammation in some cases. After mixing 5 drops of tea tree oil with 1 tablespoon of olive or jojoba oil, gently massage the oils on the inflamed skin.

8. Peppermint oil

If you want to relieve inflammation and soothe a burning and itching sensation on the skin, few things are better than peppermint oil. Packed with antioxidants and active ingredients such as menthol, it is able to cool and soothe inflammation, while also protecting against secondary infections and reducing your urge to itch.

How to use – you can use undiluted peppermint oil directly on the site of a poison ivy rash, but if you tend to have sensitive skin, you may want to dilute the oil slightly with olive or coconut oil.

9. Helichrysum oil

There are rejuvenating and anti-inflammatory compounds found in helichrysum oil that can quickly eliminate pain and speed the healing process, while also modulating thebody’s immune response to lessen the severity of the allergic reaction.

How to use – blend 5 drops of helichrysum oil with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and then gently massage it onto the affected area. Repeat this process 1-2 times per day until the redness and irritation are gone.

A word of warning

Choosing to use essential oils for poison ivy is an effective remedy, but there are a few potential risks of which you should be aware. The concentrated chemicals in essential oils can make skin inflammation even worse, particularly in people with sensitive skin, and some people are also allergic to the base plant/herb of certain essential oils. While all poison ivy reactions may seem serious, it is critical to seek medical attention if the rash spreads to a large part of your body, the pain isn’t alleviated by at-home remedies, or if you experience any respiratory symptoms, such as shortness of breath. If you have been exposed to poison ivy, it is usually best to speak with a doctor before going for any alternative remedy such as using essential oils, to determine your individual risks.
 

Menopause marks the time in a woman's life when her menstruation stops, and she is no longer fertile (able to become pregnant).

• The menopause is a normal part of life; it is not a disease or a condition.
• Even though it is the time of the woman's last period, symptoms may begin many years earlier. Also, some women may experience symptoms for months or years afterward.
• In the united states, the average age for the menopause is 51.
• Perimenopause is the 3-5-year period before the menopause when a woman's estrogen levels begin to drop.

What You Need to Know About Clubfoot?

• Clubfoot most often presents at birth.

• Clubfoot is caused by a shortened Achilles tendon, which causes the foot to turn in and under.

• Clubfoot is twice as common in boys.

• Treatment is necessary to correct clubfoot and is usually done in two phases — casting and bracing.

• Children with clubfoot should be able to take part in regular daily activities once the condition is treated.

What is clubfoot?

Clubfoot is a foot deformity classified into three different types: idiopathic (unknown cause), neurogenic (caused by condition of the nervous system) and syndromic (related to an underlying syndrome).

Idiopathic Clubfoot

Also known as talipes equinovarus, idiopathic clubfoot is the most common type of clubfoot and is present at birth. This congenital anomaly is seen in one out of every 1,000 babies, with half of the cases of club foot involving only one foot. There is currently no known cause of idiopathic clubfoot, but baby boys are twice as likely to have clubfoot compared to baby girls.

Neurogenic Clubfoot

Neurogenic clubfoot is caused by an underlying neurologic condition. For instance, a child born with spina bifida A clubfoot may also develop later in childhood due to cerebral palsy or a spinal cord compression.

Syndromic Clubfoot

Syndromic clubfoot is found along with a number of other clinical conditions, which relate to an underlying syndrome. Examples of syndromes where a clubfoot can occur include arthrogryposis, constriction band syndrome, tibial hemimelia and diastrophic dwarfism.

What are the signs and symptoms of clubfoot?

In a clubfoot, the Achilles tendon is too short, causing the foot to stay pointed — also known as “fixing the foot in equinus.” The foot is also turned in and under. The bones of the foot and ankle are all present but are misaligned due to differences in the muscles and tendons acting on the foot.

What are the risk factors of clubfoot?

• Having a parent or sibling with clubfoot

• Maternal smoking during pregnancy

• Male

Clubfoot Diagnosis

Foot imbalance due to clubfoot may be noticed during a fetal screening ultrasound as early as 12 weeks gestation, but the diagnosis of clubfoot is confirmed by physical exam at birth.

Clubfoot Treatment

The treatment for clubfoot consists of two phases: Ponseti serial casting and bracing. Treatment is always necessary, because the condition does not get better with growth.

Ponseti Serial Casting

The Ponseti technique of serial casting is a treatment method that involves careful stretching and manipulation of the foot and holding with a cast. The first cast is applied one to two weeks after the baby is born. The cast is then changed in the office every seven to 10 days. With the fourth or fifth cast, a small in-office procedure is also needed to lengthen the Achilles tendon. This is done using a local numbing medicine and small blade. Afterward, the baby is placed into one last cast, which remains on for two to three weeks.

Bracing for Clubfoot

While the casting corrects the foot deformity, bracing maintains the correction. Without bracing, the clubfoot would redevelop. The day the last cast is removed, the baby is fit in a supramalleolar orthosis with a bar. These braces are worn 23 hours a day for two months, then 12 hours a day (naps plus nighttime) until kindergarten age.

Life after Treatment of Clubfoot

A well-corrected clubfoot looks no different than a normal foot. Sports, dance and normal daytime footwear are the expectations for a child born with a clubfoot. This condition will not hold a child back from normal activities. 

Vaginal delivery is the birth of offspring (babies in humans) in mammals through the vagina. It is the natural method of birth for all mammals except monotremes, which lay eggs into the external environment. The average length of a hospital stay for a normal vaginal delivery is 36–48 hours or with an episiotomy (a surgical cut to widen the vaginal canal) 48–60 hours, whereas a c-section is 72–108 hours.[citation needed]different types of vaginal deliveries have different terms:

A spontaneous vaginal delivery (svd) occurs when a pregnant female goes into labor without the use of drugs or techniques to induce labor, and delivers her baby in the normal manner, without forceps, vacuum extraction, or a cesarean section. An assisted vaginal delivery (avd) occurs when a pregnant female goes into labor (with or without the use of drugs or techniques to induce labor), and requires the use of special instruments such as forceps or a vacuum extractor to deliver her baby vaginally. An instrumental vaginal delivery (ivd) is another term for an assisted vaginal delivery. An induced vaginal delivery(also ivd) is a term for a delivery involving labor induction, where drugs or manual techniques are used to initiate the process of labor. Use of the term" ivd" in this context is less common than for instrumental vaginal delivery. A normal vaginal delivery (nvd) is a term for a vaginal delivery, whether or not assisted or induced, usually used in statistics or studies to contrast with a delivery by cesarean section.

Grief is a normal part of coping with loss. It could be the loss of a job, a pet, a loved one or even a romantic relationship. All of these bring about a sense of loss which needs to be dealt with. It is completely normal to feel bitter, numb, detached and distant from people and places. But when is it too much? When one starts having suicidal thoughts, prolonged depression and loss of interest in daily tasks among other things. This may be signs of a grief management problem.

Here are some ways you can manage your grief:

1. Express yourself:

Don’t be afraid to talk about your emotions. Talk to family and friends about how you feel. Verbalizing how you feel will help you better deal with your emotions. This can help you begin the healing process.

2. Allow yourself to feel sad:

It’s okay to feel sad after a loss. Allowing yourself to feel sad is a healthy step in the grieving process. Letting yourself feel sad gives you the time needed to come to terms with the loss.

3. Keep your routine:

Keeping your routine helps to transition back to how life was before the loss. It can be as simple as going for a walk in the morning or waking up at your usual time.

4. Sleep:

Emotional strain can drain your body. It is important to sleep and wake up at regular hours as too much or too little sleep can be a sign of a grief management problem.

5. Avoid things which “numb” the pain:

Things like as alcohol, nicotine and other controlled substances should be avoided during this time. This is because while the effects of these substances wear off, your pain will come back worse than before. Prolonged use of these substances can also lead to other health issues.

6. Seek professional help:

It is okay to seek professional help if it feels right for you. Counsellors can help by equipping you with various tools and techniques to help deal with your loss.

Prenatal care, also known as antenatal care is a type of preventive healthcare, with the goal of providing regular check-ups that allow doctors or midwives to treat and prevent potential health problems throughout the course of the pregnancy while promoting healthy lifestyles that benefit both mother and child. During check-ups, pregnant women will receive medical information over maternal physiological changes in pregnancy, biological changes, and prenatal nutrition including prenatal vitamins. Recommendations on management and healthy lifestyle changes are also made during regular check-ups. The availability of routine prenatal care, including prenatal screening and diagnosis, has played a part in reducing maternal death rates and miscarriages as well as birth defects, low birth weight, neonatal infections and other preventable health problems.

The world health organization (who) reported that in 2015 around 830 women died every day from problems in pregnancy and childbirth. only 5 of the women who died lived in high income countries, the rest of the women lived in low income countries.

The who recommends that pregnant women should all receive four antenatal visits to spot and treat problems and give immunizations. Although antenatal care is important for improving the health of the mother and baby, many women do not receive four visits.

There are many ways of changing health systems to help women access antenatal care such as new health policies, educating health workers and health service re-organisation3. Community interventions to help people change their behavior can also play a part. Examples of these interventions are: media campaigns reaching many people, enabling communities to take control of their own health, informative-education-communication interventions or financial incentives. A review looking at these interventions found that one intervention helps improve the number of women receiving antenatal care. However interventions used together may reduce baby deaths in pregnancy and early life, lower numbers of low birth weight babies born and improve numbers of women receiving antenatal care.

Traditional prenatal care in high income countries generally consists of:

Monthly visits during the first two trimesters (from week 1–28) fortnightly visits from 28th week to 36th week of pregnancy weekly visits after 36th week until delivery (delivery at week 38–42) assessment of parental needs and family dynamic.

Congratulations! you're pregnant almost all women long to hear these words and nothing should come in the way, even diabetes. So, if you are a type 1 or type 2 diabetic, here are a few things you should keep in mind to have a healthy baby.

Your blood sugar must be monitored regularly
The most important thing you can do to have a healthy baby is to keep your blood sugar as close to normal before and during your pregnancy. Testing is recommended a minimum of four times a day. Glucose passes through the mother's blood to the fetus and hence if your blood sugar fluctuates, so will your baby's. High blood sugar levels are especially harmful during the first 8 weeks of pregnancy when the baby's brain, heart, kidneys and lungs are formed.

Your pregnancy is considered high risk
High blood sugar levels can increase the risk of a miscarriage as well as the risks of your baby being born with birth defects. Diabetes can also increase the risk of developing preeclampsia during the second half of your pregnancy. This could result in a c section or premature birth. Thus, maintain regular checkups and keep your doctor in the loop of all your activities.

You should watch out for signs of ketosis
When you have low blood sugar, the body produces ketones that can be passed on from you to your baby. This production of ketones is a result of the body's burning of fat instead of glucose to provide energy and can develop a condition called ketosis. Symptoms you should watch out for are stomach aches, nausea, fatigue, muscle stiffness, frequent urination and fruity breath.

You need vitamins and supplements
Most women require vitamin and mineral supplements at the time of pregnancy. Of these, folic acid, iron, calcium and vitamin d are the most important. These supplements help in the healthy growth of the baby.

You should exercise regularly
Maintaining a regular physical activity routine is very important for diabetics who are expecting a baby. This will help you regularize your blood sugar, relieve& stress and strengthen your heart. Avoid activities that increase your risk of falling and aim for at least thirty minutes of daily exercise such as walking, swimming or yoga.

Check your medication
Some medication can be detrimental during pregnancy such as cholesterol and blood pressure medication. Consult your doctor to find a suitable alternative, if needed. You may also need to change the kind of insulin you take and its frequency and amount. As you get closer to the delivery date, your insulin requirement may even double or triple.

The key to preventing complications during pregnancy is controlling your diabetes. So take your insulin regularly, maintain regular checkups and eat healthy. You need to be seen by your obstetrician more frequently. Your pregnancy will be monitored closely by more frequent ultrasounds and nst. If your sugar level remains under control and pregnancy is advancing well, a natural onset of pains is aimed for and a normal delivery is expected.

Your child needs complete care whether it is emotional, psychological or physical. A thorough evaluation of your child’s body and mind is vital at nascent stages. Especially if you observed any complaints by your little one that may require medical help, such as:

1. Frequent headaches
Much like adults, children too can experience headaches that last from 30 minutes to 3 hours. A range of primary or secondary headaches like, migraine, meningitis, sinusitis or tension may affect children due to neurological issues.

2. Blurry vision
If you observe either a vision developmental delay or near-sightedness and farsightedness in your child, it might be related to neurological issues.

3. Slurred Speech
If your child is 7-8 months and is not responding to sounds or cannot babble non-sense words, it calls for a neurological check-up.

4. Motor and Co-ordination Delay
Sometimes babies are unable to perform motor skill activities like crawling, walking or using fingers to grip or hold, such delay requires attention of the parent.

5. Fatigue
Check if your kid has become lazy and decreased his physical activities due to fatigue and tiredness suddenly of late.

6. Abnormal Movements
Common involuntary movements or tics like eye blinking, twitching of nose, grimacing or making sounds is in some cases overlooked. Tourette syndrome is an example of such a tic, which has been evaluated as a neurological issue.

7. Tremors or Seizures
Children are prone to febrile seizures (fits) or tremors along with fever that occur between 6 months and 5 years. These are signs of neurological issues that require an immediate check-up.

8. Numbness in Limbs
Neurological complications in your child’s infancy may also cause joint pain and numbness of arms and legs.

9. Behavioural disorders
A change in behaviour or attitude in your child is noticed if he/she is suffering from attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, school problems, sleep issues, intellectual disability or other neural conditions.

10. Weakness
This symptom is tricky in children, as it may be confused with general tiredness by your human eye. It may be unheard of but many children face trouble in performing easy tasks. A neurological exam may identify the source for treatments.

An underlying problem to the nervous system can cause harm or impairment in the normal growth and development of your kid. Early diagnosis helps in correct care, recovery and prevention of long-term problems. You can opt for a routine neurological examination if you find such symptoms in your child. These exams check the functioning of your child’s brain, spinal cord, nerves that come from the brain and spinal cord and offers accurate diagnosis.
 

Sexual disorders come in different forms and variety; in short they are like people who come in all shapes and sizes. If you have a sexual disorder it does not mean that something is wrong with you. It only conveys that certain issues can affect anyone at any point of time and maybe for a reason or no reason. While some sexual problems have been tracked with their diagnosis and treatment, there are many which are not yet understood well.

The best part of all this is that if you are affected with a sexual disorder something like erectile dysfunction then there is no need to worry as there is a wide range of treatment. The treatment can range from some specific form to psychotherapy. This can virtually help anyone with the sexual disorder despite the concern. 

The only concern associated with sexual disorder is that how is it affecting the person. Is it causing distress in their lives or their behavior is changing and would they k=like to change their behavior or the problem.
 
Symptoms of Sexual Disorders
- Dyspareunia: Constant and repetitive pain experienced during sexual intercourse in men and women
- Erectile Disorder (ED): Inability to maintain erection in men
- Exhibitionistic Disorder: Intense sexual urges and fantasies for over 6 months
- Female and Male Orgasmic Disorders: Repetitive and constant delay or absence of orgasm post sexual stimulation
- Female Sexual Arousal Disorder: Constant and repetitive inability of, or maintaining arousal until the sexual activity 
- Fetishistic Disorder: Also known as Fetishism, this involves eroticization of nonliving objects or body parts for sexual gratification.
- Frotteuristic Disorder: Fantasies and sexual urges that have lasted for more than 6 months
- Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: Low sexual desire in men
- Premature (Early) Ejaculation: Early ejaculation, much before the person wishes for
- Sexual Masochism and Sadism: Fantasies and sexual urges that have lasted for more than 6 months
- Vaginismus: Spasm of the muscles which cause hindrance in sexual activity
- Sex Addiction (not a recognized diagnostic category at this time)

Treatments of Sexual Disorders
The most common sexual disorder, erectile dysfunction is readily treated with medication. The drugs prescribed for this are Cialis, Levitra, and Viagra. These medicines are only available if the doctor writes a prescription. They work by increasing the blood flow to the penis and in turn an easy erection in men when sexual stimulation is given. Viagra and Levita, both are effective in 30 minutes but Levita works a little longer than Viagra. The effect of both can last up to 4-5 hours. Cialis is believed to work faster that is within 15 minutes and lasts up to 36 hours.

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian medicine system, which believes that an individual’s overall health and well-being is a mix of physical and emotional health, achieved through a balance between the three doshas, vaata, pitta, and kapha. An imbalance between these three doshas results in diseases. Different diseases have predominance of one of these doshas. So prevention and cure of disease should be aimed at restoring the balance between the three doshas. Ayurvedic approaches, therefore, are very comprehensive, not just aimed at curing the presenting symptom, but also in restoring balance of the mind, body, and the environment.

The treatment approach goes back to basics, taking into account natural ways of living, which helps in rejuvenation, detoxification, bio-purification, and improved immunity. This is achieved by a combination of healthy eating, yoga, meditation, herbal oils and mixtures, Panchakarma massages, etc.

1. Ayurveda believes in eating healthy. The various meals in a day should not be based on cravings, but on what the body requires and can digest. While the morning meal should be heavy, the dinner should be light and at least a couple of hours before sleep.
2. Eat intelligent by including a lot of seasonal stuff, nuts, spices, seeds, leafy greens, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid canned, processed, and packaged food. Also there are specific food items aimed at restoring balance of vaata, pitta, or kapha, as the case maybe.
3. Maintain a regular sleep pattern, which allows the body to align with the circadian rhythm and clear itself of impurities.
4. Using common spices like turmeric, ginger, garlic, cloves, etc. to restore balances is also popular in Ayurveda. Various herbs are used either as churnas, powders, or oils to cure different conditions. These help in restoring the balance between the three doshas and prevent further disease. Oils used in Panchakarma and other therapies are also useful in detox and bio-purification. The mixtures are known as Rasayanas and are highly beneficial in detoxification and improving immunity.
5. Avoid habits like smoking and drinking and drug abuse. These cause excessive toxins and stress and impair overall health in multiple ways.
6. Ayurveda also believes in yoga (Surya Namaskar, Pranayama, etc.) and meditation to calm the mind and manage stress, which can help avoid a lot of lifestyle diseases, be it heart disease, diabetes or insomnia.

Ayurveda, as mentioned above, does not address the presenting symptom alone, but looks at an individual holistically and treats the person as a whole. The result is slowing of ageing process, feeling of rejuvenation, longer life, improved quality of living, and slowing onset of diseases. With lifestyle disorders on the rise, adapting an Ayurvedic lifestyle will help in prevention of disorders and an overall well-being.

The age old Ayurveda has answers to most problems regarding physical as well as mental health. Ayurveda states the presence of certain bodily energies throughout the body and mind which help in governing all the physical and mental processes. These energies are called doshas and Ayurveda classifies these doshas into three different parts, the Vata dosha, composed of space and air; the pitta dosha, composed of fire and water; the kapha dosha, composed of Earth and water.

The pitta dosha
As already discussed, the pitta is derived from the elements of fire and water and this is that energy which is in charge of all the heat, transformations and metabolism in human bodies. The pitta governs the digestion of food, metabolism of sensory perceptions, discrimination between right and wrong. So basically, pitta controls the fire in the body and is liquid in nature. The pitta carries out its functions through carrier substances like bile, enzymes, hormones and organic acid.

Qualities of pitta dosha
The various qualities exuded by pitta dosha include oily, hot, moving, sharp, liquid, acidic, and light and a pitta person will reflect these qualities in both the balanced as well as imbalanced states.

Location and task of pitta dosha
Pitta is mainly located in the small intestine, stomach, liver, pancreas, spleen, eyes, blood, and sweat. Pitta basically provides the body heat by breaking down the food molecules into absorbable units. Mentally, the pitta controls the inner joy, will power, courage, anger, mental perception, jealousy.

It can be comfortably said that the reason behind an individual’s anger, rage and jealousy is because of an unbalanced increase in pitta. Also pitta individuals tend to have oily skin. However, a balanced pitta individual usually has a very sharp intellect, a happy disposition towards life, enormous courage and drive to achieve. Imbalanced pitta can also cause inflammations, rashes, ulcers, fever, heat burns, and infections. So, it is very important to have a balanced pitta.

Here are some ways to balance pitta dosha

1. Eating is peace
2. Eating a balanced pitta diet
3. Engaging in activities to calm the body and mind
4. Meditating on a daily basis
5. Spending time in nature
6. Performing yoga and other calming exercises

Eating while angry, eating pitta increasing food, drinking coffee, tea, alcohol, smoking cigarettes; working more than necessary, and unnecessary competition are certain reasons for imbalance in the pitta dosha. Hence, controlling the inner fire and taming it, is mostly in the hands of the individuals themselves. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult an Ayurveda.