Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Fainiting: Causes and Prevention



Fainting is defined as a brief loss of consciousness. This occurs due to a severe drop in blood flow to the brain. A person losses consciousness for only a couple of minutes and recovers quickly. In medical profession, fainting is called as syncope. In this post, I am going to discuss the various causes of fainting, home care and when to contact a doctor.

Causes of fainting

·         A sudden drop in blood pressure
·         Dehydration
·         Low blood sugar due to diabetes
·         Emotional trauma
·         Fear
·         Severe pain

Home Care

When a person faints, the first thing one needs to do is check his or her airways and breathing. If the person is wearing tight clothing around the neck, then immediately loosen tight clothing. Raise the person’s leg to a height of about 12 inches. Allow the person to lie down for at least 15-20 minutes in a cool and quite environment.

When to see a doctor?

It is always advised to see a doctor even after the person gets back his or her consciousness. The doctor may ask several questions such as whether you felt something like seizure or heart rhythm disturbance during fainting. Some of the questions that a doctor often asks include – is this the first time you fainted, did fainting occur during physical exercise, did you experience chest pain, etc.

Some of the common tests that a health professional often recommends are as follows:

·         Blood tests for anemia
·         ECG
·         EEG
·         Cardia rhythm monitoring
·         X-ray of the chest

Friday, August 22, 2014

Alzheimer’s disease and its treatment



Healthcare improvements have contributed immensely to people living longer and healthier lives. However, there are certain noncommunicable diseases that have affected people in one way or the other. One such disease is Alzheimer -- a brain disorder that causes dementia; and characterized by a gradual decline in cognitive function. People living with Alzheimer’s disease, suffer from memory loss, thinking and behavioral problems.

Factors Responsible for the disease

Scientists have found that the main cause of Alzheimer’s disease is the complex series of events that take place inside the brain. The factors involved in causing the disease include genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors. Since people living in different areas differ in their genetic make-up and lifestyle, any of these factors may increase or decrease the risk of developing the disease.

Causes of the disease

One of the mysteries associated with Alzheimer’s disease is that it affects older adults. Age-related changes cause changes in the brain cells and may eventually harm neurons to cause the disease. Age-related changes may involve shrinking of some parts of the brain, called atrophy, production of free radicals and mitochondrial dysfunction, to name a few.

Symptoms of the disease

According to WHO (World Health Organization), people with dementia syndrome can be grouped into three different groups: Early stage, Middle Stage and Late stage. These stages have been categorized depending upon the symptoms of the disease.
Early Stage: This stage is often overlooked – family members and close relatives consider it as an old age problem. However, when this stage begins, a person becomes forgetful, lose track of the time, have difficulty making decisions; may show mood changes such as depression or anxiety.
Middle Stage: Once the disease progresses, symptoms become more clearer. For instance, a person with Alzheimer’s disease fails to remember recent events, have difficulty in communication, needs personal care, etc.

Late Stage: During this stage, a person becomes totally dependent on others. One fails to understand what is happening around, unable to recognize friends and familiar objects, behavior may escalate such as aggression towards carer, etc.

Treatment of Alzheimer’s disease

There is no cure for Alzheimer at this point of time. However, the treatment and research give emphasis on several other aspects such as helping people in maintaining mental function, delaying the symptoms of the disease or managing behavioral symptoms. One of the main aspects of treatment is the support of family members. People suffering from the disease need more care and affection for their family members, friends and close relatives.

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Enjoy the Best Food Options at the Tom Bradley International Terminal, LAX Airport



The Tom Bradley International Terminal has been the most amazing public works project ever in the history of the City of L.A. The International terminal at LAX is considered as the first and last impression of L.A. for over millions of travelers from across the globe. The terminal offers high-end safety and security for passengers and of course the first-class airport experience. Besides, high-class retail offers, and much-enhanced food and beverages are some amazing features of the TBIT terminal.

The Tom Bradley International Terminal, LAX Airport with over 31 dining choices, including the best L.A. foods offers a ton of impressive food options for all. The mouth-watering Mexican cuisine of the top chef masters Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger is complemented by a full bar and a grab-and-go menu. For those who love Asian cuisines – Lucky fish by Sushi, fine sake and Japanese favorites from innovative dining groups are irresistible.

While traveling in foreign countries, it often becomes hard to find healthy and tasty food options, especially in airports. Besides, traveling can mean long hours of wait and lots of sitting. Well, there is nothing to worry about when a traveler is at the Tom Bradley International Terminal. There are innumerable options available in order to stay on track with health goals. Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX brings incredible dining options including Ink.Sack sandwiches by the top chef Michael Voltaggio – get a sandwich and savor the taste while sitting in the world-class LAX airport terminal.

The huge 150,000 square-foot Antonio Villaraigosa Pavilion situated in the terminal’s heart houses 60 food and beverage units and stores, including a mezzanine lounge with sweeping views and dining terrace. Passengers can enjoy the taste of Umami burger, Suzanne Goin, LA Mill coffee, 800 degrees pizza, Patrossian Caviar and Champagne bar. The list also comprises of short cake bakery, vanilla bake shop, Vino Volo wines, to name only a few.

The numerous famous restaurants, coffee shops, wine bars, and bakeries draw millions of passengers’ attention who travels through LAX airport. The sparkly wing of LAX is the gem of the airport in every aspect. The terminal offers massive duty-free shopping areas, huge multimedia displays, and home to the best food options. It is safe to say whatever you look for can be found here, as there’s something for everyone.

Besides obvious food options from McDonald's and Starbucks, passengers can also find a Gordon Biersch Brewery and a California Pizza Kitchen for best options. One of the terminal’s Lemonade is all time favorite for foodies. There are plenty of options for those looking for health-conscious food such as chicken breast sandwiches, salads, egg white, etc. In addition, one can also find quick delight for the taste buds.

The TBIT marks an important milestone in giving LAX airport its rightful status as a world-class airport. In addition, the food at the Tom Bradley International Terminal, LAX Airport is incredible. Now passengers can definitely find different food options and tastes at the terminal. It is the only airport terminal where different varieties of cuisines are available for passengers traveling from across the globe.

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

The Most Effective Hair Transplant for Women

Hair fall is a natural phenomenon -- hair falls and grow again. On the other hand, hair loss is permanent and some of the most common factors affecting hair loss include burns, trauma, and depression, besides others. Hair transplant for women is a reconstructive treatment procedure through which hair can be transplanted surgically in the form of a tiny skin graft.

One of the most common types of hair loss in women is androgenic alopecia, which is commonly called as baldness. Hair thinning starts predominantly over the top and the sides of the head. Women can experience hair loss at any age, but this situation is most commonly found after menopause when some of the reproductive hormones cease to secrete permanently. Fortunately, with hair transplant, lost hair can be replaced again.

Hair transplant procedure is performed after the patient is given a local anesthesia. The scalp is first cleaned up and then a local anesthesia is given to numb the area where a strip of scalp will be removed for grafting. The strip is then divided into tiny units, each containing 1 to 3 hairs. Small slits are made in the bald region and each of the grafts is carefully placed into the slits. It takes about 3 to 4 months grow the transplanted hair. However, there are some risks involved with hair transplant including bleeding, and infection. To minimize the risks of infections, it is always advised to look for an experience surgeon for the same.

The transplant surgery cost largely depends on the amount of hair to be transplanted. However, the most common range is between $3,000 to $10,000 dollars. Female hair transplant is very successful and it can surely improve one’s appearance and self confidence. Contact a hair transplant surgeon and get rid of hair loss and hair thinning problem forever.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Menopause: What is it and what you should know about it?


Menopause is a term, which is used to indicate the time when a woman’s monthly cycle stops permanently. It is a natural process that occurs due to the depletion of ovarian oocytes from aging. Menopause usually occurs between the ages of 48 and 51; however, premature menopause may occur in some women due to the failure of ovaries before the age of 40.

Symptoms of Menopause 

Menopause occurs due to the cessation of menstrual cycle, which is associated with depletion in level of reproductive hormones, especially estrogen. Low estrogen level may cause hot flushes and night sweats, psychological changes such as mood swings, depression and insomnia. In addition, genital tract atrophy such as vaginal dryness, urinary incontinence and painful intercourse may be experienced. It is always advised to consult a doctor for any abnormal vaginal bleeding because it may be linked to a precancerous or cancerous condition of the uterus.

Diagnosis of Menopause

Though diagnosis can be made based on the patient’s history, laboratory testing confirms the diagnosis of menopause. Menopause is associated with elevated follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and low level of estrogen. Other tests may be done to confirm the diagnosis of menopause. It is important for women to know when they have menopause because it brings many changes in the body and therefore proper treatment and lifestyle changes can help women cope-up with this midlife crisis.

Treatment for menopause

Menopause is not a disease rather it is a natural process that is associated with aging. However, this process brings several changes in the physiological and psychological changes in a woman. Low level of reproductive hormone increases the risk of osteoporosis, bone fracture and heart-related problems such as myocardial infarction and stroke, besides others.  A healthy lifestyle therefore is crucial to avoid the risks of diseases that women get vulnerable to after menopause. A healthy lifestyle includes balance diet, supplementation of vitamins and micronutrients, physical exercise and getting rid of cigarettes and alcohol. Besides, general health checkups need to be done at regular intervals.
                                                                            

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

14th NOVEMBER: WORLD DIABETES DAY


Type 2 diabetes
It is one of the bitter truths of a sweet life. Diabetes is one of most prevalent diseases in today’s time. It is now crucial to act than to think. There is great hope and with lifestyle modifications we can stall the onset of Type 2 diabetes.

We can blame partly on the environment we live in, and largely on our emerging unhealthy lifestyle. It is no wonder to call diabetes a ‘lifestyle’ disease. In today’s stressed life, we are so obsessed to achieving everything in a short span of time. And, that is one of the reasons why we always feel stressed. Besides, consumption of unhealthy food that contains high amount of fat and less fiber has made things worse to a greater extent.

Type 2 diabetes and its occurrence

Type 2 diabetes can occur at any age. This type of diabetes occurs when there is excess of sugar and cholesterol in the body. This type of diabetes is strongly associated with high B.P, high cholesterol and an apple body shape which is characterized by the accumulation of excessive weight around the waist.                                 
                                                  This is the most common form of diabetes across the world. Though type 2 diabetes usually affects adult people, many new cases have been found where younger people are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Young people who are overweight or obese are more vulnerable to such type of disease.  

Physical exercise and balanced diet – the most effective solutions

With our hectic life schedule, we want to eat just anything to satisfy our appetite. Well, this habit is not just unhealthy it leads to several problems including diabetes. If we really want to avoid this disease then we will have to stick to a balanced diet. Even though we are so busy in our lives, we can manage our time. Say not to junk food and never skip your breakfast. Eat more green veggies, fiber rich foods including seasonal fruits, dry fruits, etc. Exercise can effectively improve insulin efficiency, and thus control blood sugar levels. In addition, exercise provides inner strength to the body and muscles.

Prevention is better than cure

Even though a person is diagnosed with borderline or pre-diabetes, he or she can prevent diabetes with lifestyle changes. Lifestyle changes mean, we have to change our bad habits such as late night sleep, smoking, drinking excess alcohols and sedentary lifestyle. If we control on each of the things mentioned, we can sure prevent diabetes. In addition, physical exercise is the most important aspect.