LATEST MEDICAL BREAKTHROUGHS

1. Pills that zap fat

Last Spring, the FDA approved the use of Orlistat, a lipase inhibitor, for weight-loss management. The 120-mg. capsule works by blocking the body's absorption of dietary fats. For example, if you down a bag of greasy potato chips followed by an Orlistat pill, the body will absorb only some of the fat that it normally would, therefore saving calories and fat. If you take the pill within an hour after eating a fatty meal, you are going to prevent the body from packing on the pounds.At first, this sounded like the magic pill for which we'd all been waiting. Wow! Eat what you want but gulp down three pills a day and don't gain a pound. What a way to lose those unwanted 10 or 20 pounds, especially now in the New Millennium. Then we discovered the real truth. While this pill is definitely a breakthrough in the weight-loss field, it is recommended for morbidly obese people. It can be obtained only by prescription. Doctors prescribe it primarily for people who have health problems related to their obesity and cannot function normally. For instance, a 300-pound man who can't walk up a set of steps without getting winded; a 250-pound woman who cannot reach down to tie her shoes or hug her child; a person whose high-blood pressure cannot be controlled by other medication and those with family histories of heart disease and stroke who cannot otherwise lose weight. Maybe you could talk your doctor into it for losing those 20 or 30 pounds if your health-related reasons are justified. You still must exercise and follow a low-fat, low calorie diet while taking the medication. The possible side effects are: diarrhea, oily bowel movements, gas, discharge, urgency and increased number of bowel movements. Orlistat is not recommended for people with food-absorption problems, diabetes or for pregnant or lactating women and for use with certain other medications.

2. Laser surgery for distance vision

Laser surgery to correct nearsightedness is the latest high tech eye surgery. It has evolved into Lasik, an incisional surgery in the cornea done by a micro-keratone cutter that lifts up an ultra-thin flap of cornea. The laser is then applied to the intact eye beneath the lifted corneal flap. Nearsighted people are treated with Lasik as an office procedure that takes about 10 minutes. Recovery of vision is instantaneous. Possible side effects: two out of a hundred patients may develop minor complications such as inflammation or infection. This procedure replaces the old laser treatment applied to the front surface of the cornea, a sometimes-painful procedure requiring more time to recuperate. The cost for Lasik, the most advanced surgery to correct distance vision, ranges from $1,500 to $4,000. Insurance does not cover it. Due to hormonal changes lasik is not recommended for pregnant women or women who are planning to get pregnant.

3. Cheek implants

Dubbed the "face lift of the 90's," cheek implants have caught on and undoubtedly are here to stay right on through the new millennium. Said to restore the youthful lift to the face, the procedure is a favorite of patients but not necessarily of plastic surgeons. Because the surgeon goes in through the mouth in order to place the implants properly, the risk of infection is higher. The mouth houses more bacteria than almost any other part of the body. Another potential complication is post-surgical movement of the implants causing a lop-sided look

4. Teeth bleaching

Safe ways to whiten the teeth are now available in most dentists' offices. We hear from Dr. Donald Carmona, DDS, past President of Florida Dental Society, that it usually requires just one initial visit to check teeth discoloration and make molds of the teeth and one follow-up visit in about four to six weeks. During that time, the patient applies the whitening paste to the plastic mold that fits around the teeth and keeps it in for 30 minutes each morning and each evening. It's painless and easy. Yellowed teeth get better results than teeth stained by medication. Costs vary but range between $500 and $1500.

5. Prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment

All men should have an annual digital rectal exam beginning around age 40. Another screening technique is a 'prostate-specific antigen' blood test which checks for a special chemical associated with prostate cancer. The test costs about $35 and should be done annually. The newest treatment for prostate cancer and an alternative to surgery, cryosurgery or radiation beams is the implantation of tiny radioactive seeds into the prostate.Lycopene, a nutrient contained in tomatoes and tomato products such as tomato sauce, tomato paste and ketchup, is an effective prostate cancer deterrent. Studies show that men who eat these foods have less risk of prostate cancer. Also, studies show that lycopene fights cancer in men who already have the disease. Prostate tumors are smaller and less aggressive in men who are given lycopene.

6. Fruit juice for aging skin

Ever since Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) have been found to reduce tiny facial lines and fade age spots on the skin, beauty products worldwide are including them in skin creams in the highest concentration the FDA will allow. AHA is made from the juices of citric acid fruits. Higher and more effective dosages are used by Dermatologists and other medical professionals for out-patient skin treatments. AHA reverses sun damage and imparts a more youthful glow to the skin but it cannot get rid of deep lines or sags.

HEALTHY DIET

What is Diet?

A diet is what we eat and drink. We need to eat a varied diet which includes a range of different foods to keep our body healthy.

HEALTHY DIET :-

The two keys to a healthy diet are eating the right amount of food for how active you are and eating a range of foods to make sure you are getting a balance diet.

A healthy diet contains a variety of types of food, including lots of fruits, vegetables and starchy food such as wholemeal bread and wholegrain cereals. Some protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, eggs and lentils and some dairy foods.

1. BASE YOUR MEALS ON STARCHY FOODS :-

Starchy food such as bread, cereals, rice, pasta and potatoes are a really important part of a healthy diet. Starchy foods are a good source of energy and the main source of a range of nutrients in our diet. As well as starch, these food contain fibre, calcium, iron and B vitamins.

2. EAT LOTS OF FRUIT AND VEGETABLES :-

Most people know we should be eating more fruit and vegetables. But most of us still are not eating enough. Try to eat at least 5 five portions of a variety of fruit and vegetable every day. For example. You could have …
· A glass of juice and a sliced banana with your cereal at breakfast
· A side salad with lunch.
· A pear as an afternoon snack.
· A portion of peas or other vegetables with your evening meal.

You can choose from fresh, frozen, tinned, dried or juiced, but remember potatoes count as a starchy food, not as portions of fruit and vegetable.

3. EAT MORE FISH :-

Most of us should be eating more fish including a portion of oily fish each week (Oily fish are rich in fat called Omega 3 fatty acids which keeps hearts healthy) each week. Its an excellent source of protein and contains many vitamins and minerals. You can choose fresh, frozen or canned, but remember that canned and smoked fish can be high in salt.

4. CUT DOWN ON SATURATED FAT AND SUGAR :-
FATS :-

To stay healthy we need some fat in our diets. There are two main types of fat.

a) SATURATED FAT :-

Having too much can increase the amount of cholesterol in the blood, which increases the chance of developing heart disease. It is found in Meat pies, sausages, meat with visible white fat, cheese, butter, pastry, cakes, biscuits, cream, coconut and palm oil etc.

b) UNSATURATED FAT :-

Having unsaturated fat instead of saturated fat lowers blood cholesterol.

SUGAR :-

We should all be trying to eat fewer foods containing added sugar, such as sweets, cakes and biscuits and drinking fewer sugary soft and fizzy drinks.
Having sugary foods and drinks too often can cause tooth decay, especially if you have them between meals. Many foods that contain added sugar can also be high in calories so cutting down could help you control your weight.

5. TRY TO EAT LESS SALT – NO MORE THAN 6G A DAY :-

Lots of people think they donot eat much salt, especially if they don’t add it to their food. But don’t be so sure. Three quarter (75%) of the salt we eat is already in the food we buy, such as breakfast cereals, soups, sauces and ready meals. So you could easily be eating too much salt without realizing it.
Eating too much salt can raise your blood pressure. And people with high blood pressure are three times more likely to develop heart disease or have a stroke than people with normal blood pressure.

6. GET ACTIVE AND TRY TO BE HEALTHY WEIGHT :-

Its not a good idea to be either underweight or overweight.
Being overweight can lead to health conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetics. Being underweight could also affect your health.
It’s also important to eat a variety of types of food so you get all the nutrients your body needs.
Physical activity is a good way of using up extra calories, and helps control our weight. But this doesn’t mean you need to join a gym.
Just try to get active everyday and built up the amount you do.
For example :- you could try to fit in as much walking as you can into your daily routine. Try to walk at a good pace.
Whenever we eat more than our body needs, we put on weight. This is because we store any energy we don’t use up- usually as fat. Even small amounts of extra energy each day can lead to weight gain.

7. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER :-

We should be drinking about 6 to 8 glasses (1.2 litres) of water, or other fluids, everyday to stop us getting dehydrated.

WATER :-
Water is the best choice for quenching your thirst between meals. It is totally calorie free and contains no sugars that damage teeth.
If you don’t like the taste of plain water, you could try sparkling water, or add a slice of lemon or lime, you could also try adding some squash or fruit juice for flavour.

MILK :-
Milk contains vitamins and minerals such as calcium and it doesn’t cause tooth decay. For a healthy choice, choose semi-skimmed or skimmed milk, watch out for flavoured milk, milkshakes, condensed milk and milk based energy, because these tend to contain added sugar, which is bad for teeth.
Milk and dairy products such as cheese, yoghurt are great sources of protein and vitamins A, B12 and D.
They are also an important source of calcium, which helps to keep our bones strong. The calcium in dairy foods are easy for the body to absorb.

FRUIT JUICES :-

Fruit juices contains lots of vitamins that are, good for our health, especially vitamin C.
A glass (150ml) of fruit juice counts as one of the five (5) fruit and vegetable portions we should be having each day.
The best drinks to give children are water, milk and milkshakes without added sugar.

TEA AND COFFEE :-

Tea and coffee contain compounds called polyphenols, which bind with iron making it harder for our bodies to absorb it.
So avoid drinking tea and coffee with meals or within 30 minutes after a meal.
Tea, coffee and cola is not suitable drinks for children.

8. DON’T SKIP BREAKFAST :-

Breakfast can help give us the energy we need to face the day, as well as some of vitamins and minerals we need for good health.
Research shows that eating breakfast can actually help people control their weight.
This is probably because when we don’t have breakfast we are more likely to get hungry before lunch and snack on foods that are high in fat and sugar such as biscuits, doughnuts or pastries.

I hope all students will keep these information in your mind and try to implement it in your daily life.
An Arabian proverb quote “ He who has health has hope and who has hope has everything.
Now I am going to tell you some daily health task list:-
Just like brushing your teeth, healthy habits should be cultivated on a daily basis. The following is a guide to daily tasks.

1. Activity should be a daily occurrence. Walk, run or jump for a minimum total of 20 minutes a day.

2. Protect your skin. Sun block should be applied on face, neck, arms and hands even in the dead of winter. It protects against climatic toxins too. Moisturize skin daily.

3. Eat fruits, vegetables, grains, low fat dairy products and small amounts of protein. Avoid sweets and other processed foods.

4. Meditate or spend a minimum of 5 five minutes daily in quite time.

5. Find your spiritual self. Discover what inspires you, raises your level of consciousness motivates you and satisfies your soul.

6. Exercise your brain. Read, study, solve problems and learn new skills. As does the body the brain atrophies (wasting away) with lack of use.

7. Hug your love ones i.e your parents because it conveys and express your emotions. It also increases your energy level. It’s a bet.

TUBERCULOSIS

TUBERCULOSIS (T.B)

D.O.T.S (Short CourseDirectly Observed Treatment )

INTRODUCTION

• T.B control program was started in 1965.
• D.O.T.S (Directly Observed Treatment Short Course) was introduced in 1995.
• In 2001 TB disease was declared as national emergency.

TUBERCULOSIS (T.B) KEY FACTS

• TB is a curable disease.
• TB is the leading infectious killer for all age groups.
• TB kills two or three millions people every year.
• In Pakistan, over 2,60,000 people develop TB each year.
• One TB patient can infect 15 to 20 people in one year.

What is Tuberculosis ?

Tuberculosis or TB is an infection caused by a germ called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB is one of the oldest disease known to mankind. TB most commonly damages the lungs but can also affect other part of body including the spine, kidneys, joints, intestine, brain, lymph nodes and spine.

SYMPTOMS OF TB

• Cough (three or more than three weeks)
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Chest pain
• Night sweats
• Fever
• Cough with or without bloody sputum
  

How does TB spread ?

TB germs spread through breathing. When people suffering from TB of the lung cough, sneeze, talk or spit then TB germs is spread through the air (droplet infection). Then the person in close contact with patient can inhale these germs and can develop TB. TB of the lungs patient can infect at least 10 people in one year. Poor ventilation, poor hygiene and over crowding aid the spread of Tuberculosis.

How is TB diagnosed ?

Sputum should be tested for the presence of TB germ under a microscope.
Chest X-ray will show abnormalities in case of pulmonary TB.
Biopsy of the affected organ may be required occasionally to confirm the diagnosis such as liver, bone or lymph node.

Who is at Risk ?

• The risk of infection is high in close contact with a person with sputum positive pulmonary TB.
• People with HIV infection, malnutrition and with uncontrolled diabetic patients are at high risk due to weakened immunity.
  

TB TREATMENT

• TB is treated with medicines.
• No need of hospitalization.
• Take medicine regularly and upto the desire period.
• The total duration of TB treatment ranges approximately eight months.
• During treatment sputum should be tested after two, five and eight months because it is very necessary.
  

PREVENTATION OF TB TRANSMISSION

• Cover your face when coughing, sneezing or laughing.
• Do not go to work for a few weeks.
• Minimise close contact (particularly with children) during the first two to four weeks.
• Don’t spit.
• Keep rooms well-ventillated.
• Make sure there is adequate sunlight.
• Take medicines regularly for the full prescribed course.
• Wash your bedsheets, hankerchief or pillow with warm water and dry it in sunlight.
• Quick treatment of Disease is the best way of stopping TB transmission.
  

What happens if TB is untreated ?

• TB patients could die within a few years.
• Untreated patient is a major risk to other people.
• Untreated patient of lung TB infects 15 to 20 people in one year.

Why it is necessary to take all medicines ?

• If TB patient takes prescribed medicines patient have 95% chance of being cured.
• It is important that the full course is followed by the patient. After few weeks patient feels better but DONOT STOP taking your medicines because TB germs may still be alive and hiding in remote parts of lungs and they can multiply rapidly and cause much more problems.
  

Is TB medicines harmful during Pregnancy ?

• TB is harmful for pregnancy but TB medicines are not.
• TB affected pregnant lady is allowed to take prescribed TB medicines excluding injections.

TB affected mother can feed milk to her child during treatment ?

Yes she can feed her child but she must cover her face and turns her face in other direction.

What to do If TB affected woman gives birth to a child ?

Get her child caccinated with BCG within 1st week of birth.

Which type of meal TB patient should take?

During treatment patient should take balanced diet. Spices and Oil are allowed according to taste.

What to do? If patient can’t able to purchase TB medicines ?

TB medicines are free of cost and available at every centre of TB Control Program. So visit your most near centre to get free of cost medicines.

Do anti TB drugs have any side effects?

• A few side effects are serious but rare, like yellow eyes or skin (jaundice) or change in vision.
• Occasional itching and joint pains may also be experienced.
• Nausea and vomiting is common side effects but usually settle after few days of taking medicine.
• Pregnant and lactating women can take these TB medicines without any fear.
• TB medicines changes urine color to orange which is harmless.
  In such cases, a doctor should be visited as early as possible.
  

NOTE

In general anti-TB drugs are safe and do not cause major side effects. One should not stop taking anti-TB drugs because of these minor side effects.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

If you have cough (three or more than three weeks)

In such case, doctor should be visited as soon as possible.

If you are TB patient

In such case take TB treatment D.O.T.S. under observation of any responsible person. Course ranges upto 8 (eight) months.

If you are doctor

Make it sure that your patient will be cured after treatment and adopt D.O.T.S program.

If you are Social worker

Give information about TB to TB patient s and help them by giving medicines regularly and follow full prescription.

If you are teacher

Give basic information about TB to your students.

If you are Politician

Provide facilities regarding D.O.T.S. program at each Health Centres.

If you are Religious Scholar

Give awareness to public/people about TB and that TB is a curable disease.

If you are affiliated with any newspaper or magazine

Publish articles regarding TB diagnosis, TB treatment or TB preventation.

If you want further information regarding TB control program. You can also contact :

DR. S. GHULAM ABBAS NAQVI

M.B.B.S. DTCD

Chest specialist
Medical Officer and Zonal T.B Co-ordinator
T.B Control Program
Karachi.
Phone Office : 021 - 5400527
Mobile Number : 0300 - 9237020

EMAIL ADDRESSES : ganaqvi1@hotmail.com

ganaqvi1@yahoo.com

ganaqvi1@gmail.com

SPECIAL THANKS
I feel much more pleasure to be a part of this program.
I want to convey special thanks to DR. S.GHULAM ABBAS NAQVI who provides me each and every information and facts regarding TB disease treatment, preventation diagnosis etc and make me eligible to compose these information in one place for helping every body for the sake of humanity.

Composed by Fehmida Ishtiaq

MIRACLES OF WATER

Source :The Pakistan Accountant July - August 2005 Health News

Medical experiment miracles with Water.

Sickness Association has published the following experiment with WATER. They claim 100% success for curing old and new diseases, as follows:

1. Headache, Blood Pressure, Anaemia, Arthrosis Paralysis, Palpitation, Epilepsy and Obesity.


2. Cough, Bronchitis, asthma and tuberculosis.


3. Meningitis and any other diseases connected with Urine and Liver.


4. Hyper-acidity,gastritis,dysentery,constipation,piles and diabetes.


5. Any other disease connected with eye, nose and throat.

METHOD OF TREATMENT

1. Wake up early morning and drink 4 glasses of water (160 ml. Each) in any empty stomach. Thereafter, no solids or liquids should be taken upto 45 minutes.


2. Normal breakfast can be taken after the 45 minutes elapsed.
   
3. Nothing either liquid or solid should be taken for 2 hours after breakfast, the same as within lunch and dinner.
   
4. After dinner, nothing should be taken before bedtime or sleep.
   

Sick and old people will find it difficult to drink 4 glasses of water at an instant, in the beginning but can increase gradually to the following diseases have been cured on treatment of water for the period shown below:-

A) Hypertension -- 30 days

B) Gastric Problems -- 10 days

C) Diabetes -- 30 days

D) Constipation -- 10 days

E) Cancer -- 06 months

F) Tuberculosis -- 03 months


Those who are suffering from arthritis should try this experiment three (3) times a day for one (1) week and there after reduce to once in the morning, for the first few days you may experience to pass urine more than the normal but no side effects.

BE AWARE OF DENGUE FEVER

BE AWARE OF DENGUE FEVER

This fever is caused due to the bite of a specific kind of female mosquito, which has white and black stripes on its body. This is neither hereditary nor epidemic disease.

IDENTIFICATION OF THE DISEASE :

The presence of virus disease in the body can only be ascertained through blood test in the laboratory.

INDICATIONS :

The specific indications of this disease include high fever with :

• Nausea / Vomiting.
  
• Pain in back, body and joints.
  
• Presence of red spots on the upper part of the body.
  
• Pain in eyeballs.
  
• Shortage of white cells in the blood.
  
• Severe headache, cold and flu.
  

In case of serious illness, blood may be emitted from different parts of the body like mouth and the nose.

TREATMENT :

This disease neither has a specific cure nor a vaccine available. Therefore, as soon as there are any such indications, give the patient as much liquid as possible and contact the nearest health center.

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES :

• Keep your homes and office protected against mosquitoes.
• Keep homes and office airy, bright and safe from moisture.
• Fix nets on doors and windows.
• Wear full sleeves clothes.
• Use mosquito nets while sleeping.
• Don’t leave overhead tanks open.
• Don’t keep water in containers for more than a week. Instead, empty them every week, let them dry and then fill again.
• Don’t let the water accumulate in any case both inside and outside the home.
• Don’t let the water falling from the overhead tanks accumulate permanently, dry it instead.
• Be mindful of your home and mohallah’s cleanliness.
• Keep the fence and hedge boundaries duly cut both inside and outside the home, and spray over them with insecticides, particularly in the evening.
• Don’t let the water stay all the time in the flowerpots, gamlas of plants. Instead water them only in morning every alternate day.
  
  

HEPATITIS

HEPATITIS

Hepatitis C is a virus that infects the liver and can cause liver disease. Hepatistis C is serious for some persons. but not for others. Most persons who get Hepatitis C carry the virus for the rest of their lives (chronic infection). Most of these persons have some liver damage, but many do not feel sick from the disease. Some persons with liver damage de to Hepatitis C may develop cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver and liver failure, which may take many years to develop. Others have no long-term effects.
You need a healthy liver. The liver does man things to keep you alive. The liver fights infections and stops bleeding. It removes drugs and other poisons from your blood. The liver also stores energy and other essential nutrients for when you need them.

HOW DOES HEPATITIS C SPREAD ?

Hepatitis C is spread by contact with an infected person's blood.
You could get Hepatitis C by :

• Transfusion of unscreened blood for Hepatitis C virus.
• Accidental inoculation with a needle that has infected blood on it (hospital workers can get Hepatitis C this way.
• Having relation with infected person .
• Being born to a mother with Hepatitis C.
• Getting a tattoo or body piercing with non sterilized or dirty tools.
  

HEPATITIS C DOES NOT SPREAD BY :

• Shaking hands with an infected person
• Hugging, coughing or sneezing
• Kissing an infected person
• Casual contact or sitting next to an infected person
• Breast feeding
• Food or water

WHAT DAMAGE CAN HEPATITIS C DO ?

Chronic Hepatitis C virus infection causes ongoing inflammation in the liver, which gradually damages the liver. However, this is a very slow process and severe liver damage develops only if the infection continues for more than 20 years. Nearl 40 percent patients may eventually develop liver cirrhosis if the infection persists for such a long time. and some of these patients may also develop liver cancer.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CHRONIC HEPATITIS C ?

Most patients with chronic Hepatitis C do not have symptoms in the initial stages of the infection, and therefore, the disease is difficult to diagnose early.
However, some people with Hepatitis C feel like they have the flu. Therefore, you might experience the following symptoms.

• Feel tired
• Feel sick in your stomach
• Have a fever
• Not want to eat

ADDITINALLY, MAY ALSO EXPERIENCE THE FOLLOWINGS :

• Dark yellow urine
• Light-coloured stools
• Yellowish eyes and skin
• If you have symptoms or think you might have Hepatitis C, consult a doctor , immediately.

WHAT ARE THE TESTS FOR HEPATITIS C?

There are many tests which assist doctors in diagnosing Hepatitis C virus infection and in assessing liver damage. Some of the important tests are as follows:

• Liver function tests : Blood tests which give and estimate.
• Hepatitis C virus antibody.
• Hepatitis C virus PCR.
• Hepatitis C virus Genotype.
• Ultrasound scan of the liver.

THE DOCTOR MAY ALSO DO A LIVER BIOPSY :

A biopsy is a simple test. The doctor removes a tiny piece of your liver through a needle. The doctor checks the piece of liver for signs of Hepatitis C and liver damage.

IS THERE ANY TREATMENT FOR HEPATITIS C ?

Hepatitis C is treated with a drug called interferon, usually in combination with ribavirin capsules. Interferon is given by an injection uner the skin, either once or three times a week. Ribavirin capsules are taken in two or three doses daily.
Normally treatment lasts for a period of six months and is effective in nearly 75 percent of patients. If the treatment is effective, the liver tests become normal and the virus disappears from the blood i.e. the PCR test becomes negative. Some patients may show relapse of the infection after successful treatment because the virus may not have totally eliminated from the body. Such patients may require to be treated again.

HOW CAN WE STOP THE SPREAD OF HEPATITIS C?

Please take the following precautionary measures to protect yourself and others from getting infected with hepatitis C virus:

• Make sure your doctor or nurse uses a sterlized disposable (single use) needle for administering injectionss.
• Do not share drug needles with anyone.
• Wear gloves if you have to touch anyone's blood.
• Have safe relationship and restrict yourself to your life partner.
• Don not use an infected person's toothbrush, razor or anything else that could have blood on it (this includes razors used at barber's shop).
• If you get a tattoo ot body piercing, make sure it is done with clean tools.
• If you have Hepatitis C, don not donate your blood or plasma. The person who receives it could become infected with the virus.
  

HEPATITIS C VACCINE :

There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C.