Web Space Dedicated to my Odisha and Odia Language.
Welcome
This is Prabhat Nath from Odisha. Currently I live in Hyderabad (India) and work as a Software Developer. If you are not big enough to lose, you are not big enough to win.
There is a lot we can do to keep our brains healthy and potentially prevent or lessen the cognitive decline that often comes with aging. We must encourage our self to take steps to improve our brain health as part of overall fitness regimen.
The Alliance for Aging Research recommends these 10 steps for improving brain health.
Eat a Brain-Healthy Diet. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids (commonly found in fish), protein, antioxidants, fruits and vegetables and vitamin B; low in trans fats; and with an appropriate level of carbohydrates will help keep your brain healthy.
Stay Mentally Active. Activities such as learning a new skill or language, working on crossword puzzles, taking classes, and learning how to dance can help challenge and maintain your mental functioning.
Exercise Regularly. Exercising often can increase circulation, improve coordination, and help prevent conditions that increase the risk of dementia such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
Stay Social. Spending time with friends, volunteering, and traveling can keep your mind active and healthy.
Get Plenty of Sleep. Not getting enough sleep can have a negative impact on brain health.
Manage Stress. Participating in yoga, spending time with friends, or doing other stress-relieving activities can help preserve your ability to remember and learn.
Prevent Brain Injury. Wearing protective helmet and seat belts can help you avoid head injury, which has been associated with an increased risk of dementia.
Control Other Health Conditions. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, eating a well-balanced and nutritious diet, and controlling stress can help reduce your risk of diseases that affect your brain, including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and hypertension.
Avoid Unhealthy Habits. Smoking, heavy drinking and use of recreational drugs can increase the risk of dementia and cognitive decline.
Consider Your Genes. If your family history puts you at risk for developing dementia, work with your doctor to find ways to maintain your brain health to help avoid or slow the progression of cognitive decline.
World AIDS Day, observed December 1 each year, is dedicated to raising awareness of the global AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. AIDS has killed more than 25 million people, making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history.
World AIDS Day was originally organised by UNAIDS, who chose the theme after consultation with other organisations. However, in 2005 UNAIDS handed over responsibility for World AIDS Day to an independent organisation known as The World AIDS Campaign (WAC). The WAC’s slogan for their work is "Stop AIDS: Keep the Promise".
According to UNAIDS estimates, there are now 39.5 million people living with HIV, including 2.3 million children, and during 2006 some 4.3 million people became newly infected with the virus. Around half of all people who become infected with HIV do so before they are 25 and are killed by AIDS before they are 35.
When Mr. Bill Gates recently came to India, and announced a gift of US $100 million for the control of HIV/AIDS in India. Quoting a World Bank study, he mentioned that by the year 2010 there would be 25 million infected persons in India. So friends, is not it alarming situation for all of us?
The Red Ribbon
The red ribbon is an international symbol of AIDS awareness that is worn by people all year round and particularly around World AIDS Day to demonstrate care and concern about HIV and AIDS, and to remind others of the need for their support and commitment.
The red ribbon started as a "grass roots" effort, and as a result there is no one official red ribbon manufacturer, and many people make their own. It's easily done - just use some ordinary red ribbon and a safety pin!
What can we do to support World AIDS Day?
There are many ways in which we can support World AIDS Day. For example: * Raise awareness of HIV and AIDS in your area * Wear a red ribbon and ask others to do the same * Protect yourself and your partners - this is the first and best way to stop the spread of HIV * If you are worried - get tested.
Friends hope this article provides us some useful information. Read on my next article on HIV and AIDS.
I have seen many people and my friends who are having very little or negligible knowledge about AIDS. Hope this article will provide us with some basic and useful information about AIDS.
What is AIDS?
The HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that ultimately causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). Soon after first getting the HIV infection the person has a short, self limiting flue-like disease. This only lasts a few days and is so mild that many persons do not even know it. The virus slowly destroys the ability of the body to resist common communicable diseases. When the resistance of the body is so reduced that infections can no longer be resisted, the person is said to have AIDS.
AIDS is a serious illness caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV breaks down the body's immune system, so the person with AIDS can no longer fight off disease successfully. As a result, secondary infections, cancers can more easily take root in the body.
It takes from 6 weeks to several months for the body to form sufficient antibodies (proteins produced in response to infection to show a positive test). When these antibodies can be detected in the blood, the patient is said to be HIV-positive. AIDS is a much later stage when the ability to fight off serious infections is lost.
How does it spread
HIV is spread by unprotected penetrative sexual contact with an infected person. It can also be acquired when infected blood enters the persons’ blood by sharing needles or the transfusion of infected blood and organ transplants. Infection can also be transmitted from an infected mother to her child in the uterus, during delivery or while breastfeeding.
The virus is also found in smaller amounts in tears, saliva, brain, spinal fluid and urine although contact with these bodily fluids is not likely to transmit the virus. Casual contact such as by shaking hands, social kisses, touching an infected person, touching something that the person has handled, using public toilets or telephones, or using swimming pools does NOT spread HIV. The available information also bears out that HIV is not spread by mosquito or other insect bites.
Symptoms
The symptoms of AIDS are the symptoms of the diseases that attack the body because of a weakened immune system. One should never, therefore, attempt to diagnose HIV infection on the basis of symptom or signs only. Patients with HIV/AIDS may present with a variety of manifestations which includes: * Fever, sweats, chills * Fatigue * Loss of appetite, weight loss * Nausea, vomiting * Sore throat * Diarrhoea * Cough * Shortness of breath * Body rash * Skin problems
It is important to always keep in mind that all the above symptoms are non-specific and commonly occur in a variety of conditions. To establish a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS a blood test that has been confirmed is essential. A physical examination and other tests are necessary to rule out other illnesses.
HIV Infection Test
The commonest test used is the ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay) test. The result of a single ELISA (or Rapid / Spot tests) should never be taken to indicate infection but merely as an indication for repeated tests to confirm the result. Most of the blood tests used to detect HIV infection work by detecting the presence of HIV antibodies. It may take up to 3 to even 6 months for someone to develop adequate antibodies after exposure to the virus. Keep in mind that early in infection there may not be sufficient antibodies present in the blood to give a positive reaction even though the person has HIV infection. This period is known as the “Window Period” and is dangerous as though the person has a negative test, infection can be spread through sex or blood. A confirmed positive test indicates that the person has been exposed to the virus and has developed antibodies but may not necessarily progress to full-blown AIDS.
Who is at high Risk
* Men and women with more than one partner who have oral, anal, or vaginal sex without a condom * Sexual partners of people who are infected * People who receive regular blood transfusions * Babies born to infected mothers * People who share needles (for IV drugs or tattooing etc) and their sexual partners * People who receive injections with recycled disposable syringes or needles * Prostitutes and their sex partners How to avoid HIV Infection
The best way of self-protection is to learn as much as possible about HIV infection. Risk can be substantially reduced by the followings: * Use latex condoms correctly and consistently. Keep in mind that condoms offer protection but risk is not totally eliminated by using condoms * Do not share needles and syringes for injecting drugs, preferably avoid intravenous drug abuse * Ensure the use of single use disposable needles and syringes for injection * Insist on sterile disposable syringes and needles for injections * Never use a paid blood donor * Get all sexually transmitted infections treated by a qualified doctor as soon as possible, also get your partner checked/treated * Do not visit prostitutes
At this time, there is no cure or vaccination that will prevent HIV infection, though a lot of research is being done for a vaccine. Anyone engaging in high-risk behaviour should contact a physician to arrange for a complete physical examination and blood tests.
Also friends in my view if we explain the details and awareness of AIDS to at least one of our family members and one of our friends we can help avoid the infection.
Health insurance insures us and our family against sudden medical expenses. A health insurance policy is a contract between an insurer and an individual or a group, in which the insurer agrees to provide specified health insurance at an agreed-upon price the premium. Depending on the policy, the premium may be payable either in a lump sum or in instalments. Health insurance usually provides either direct payment or reimbursements for expenses associated with illnesses and injuries.
Why do we need Health Insurance
Health insurance has become a necessity in today’s life considering the rise in the cost of medical care and treatment. The increase cost of medical treatment today is beyond the reach of the common man. Even if an individual is healthy and has never had any major problem, it is not possible to predict what may happen in the future. In case of a medical emergency, cost of hospital room, doctor’s fees, medicines and related health services all add up to a huge sum. In such times, health insurance provides the much needed financial relief.
Who can avail this facility
Health insurance can be availed by people aged between 5 to 75 (may vary depending on the policy). The health insurance scheme could either be a personal scheme or family protection scheme or may be a group scheme sponsored by our employer.
Even if we covered under any health insurance plan of your employer still we need to check out whether our dependents are included under the cover or not? If not, then we need to find a solution for our dependents. Even if we are cover by our employer it has its own flip side.
The flip side (If covered by the employer) - We are covered only for the period we are employed. - If we change job or retire, we and our family will be left behind in case of medical contingency. - Our employer may not cover our entire family.
Indian companies offering Mediclaim Health Insurance policies - Oriental Insurance Corporation - National Insurance Corporation - United India Insurance Corporation - National India Assurance Corporation - ICICI Lombard - Bajaj Allianz - Royal Sundaram
What we need to know
We should understand the policy, and become familiar with common health insurance provisions, including limitations, exclusions, and riders. It is very important to know what your policy covers and what you have to pay yourself. Health Insurance policies generally cover boarding, nursing and diagnostic expenses, which include room rent charged at the hospital or nursing home, fees of the surgeon, doctor, etc. It also covers pre and post hospitalization expenses. Some policies even offer fixed cash amount for each day we stay at any hospital for treatment.
Note (very important): We also need to know the list of Network Hospitals, in our area, that the insurance company covers. Because more the number of hospitals in network it is better for us. We can also go for other hospitals that are not in the list of insurer, but in this case we have to go for reimbursement option. But in case of Network hospitals the treatment will be cash-less.
Note: Expenses on hospitalization, incurred in the first 30 days after taking a policy are also not entitled, except in case of an injury from accident.
Note: Treatment of certain diseases is not covered during the first year of your policy.
Note: If you have a persistent health problem and then decide to take insurance, it might not be covered.
Points to Ponder
Ensure that you renew your policy continuously since it will cover you for medical conditions that may be diagnosed over the years. Make sure that you renew your policy without a break as the renewed policy after a lapse is a fresh proposal and has its own limitations.
Dengue fever is an acute infectious viral disease, caused by all four types of dengue virus 1, 2, 3 and 4. It is transmitted by the bite of mosquitoes, most commonly Aedes aegypti found in tropical and subtropical regions.
What are its symptoms
- Fever, with a sudden onset, often rising to 40-40.5 degrees centigrade. - Rash, which shows up 3-4 days after the start of the symptoms, starting from the trunk region and spreading to the face, arms and legs. - Muscle aches. - Joint aches. - Headache.
How is it diagnosed
- Total white blood cells count: In case of dengue, this test will reveal less than normal number of leukocytes (4000-10,000/cm) or white blood cells in the blood. - Thrombocytopoenia: Total platelets count in the blood may be very low in dengue fever. - Serum tests measure the antibody produced against dengue virus.
Who are at risk
Dengue has become the most notable mosquito-borne disease of the 1990s. Each year tens of millions of people are affected by the disease. About 2.5 billion people live in areas that are at risk of an epidemic transmission.
The highest incidence of dengue is in Southeast Asia, India and the American tropics where Aedes aegypti can be found. Outbreaks are more common in tropical countries.
What is the treatment
Treatment is only supportive in case of dengue fever, which means rest, plenty of fluids and acetaminophen to keep the temperature down. Hospitalisation may be required in severe cases to monitor the platelet count. If platelet count falls below a critical level (40,000/cm), it may be necessary to transfuse fresh blood or platelet rich plasma (PRP).
How can dengue be prevented
Personal protection against mosquito bites should be done by using mosquito repellents, netting and wearing clothes that cover the body while going out. Care should be taken to see that there are no stagnating water bodies around the living areas and the surroundings are kept clean.
Chikungunya is a relatively rare form of viral fever caused by an alphavirus that is spread by mosquito bites from the Aedes aegypti mosquito. The name is derived from the African word meaning “that which bends up” in reference to the stooped posture developed as a result of the arthritic symptoms of the disease. Chikungunya is not considered to be fatal. Chikungunya virus is highly infective and disabling but is not transmissible between people.
In 2006, there was a big outbreak in the Andhra Pradesh state in India. Nearly 200,000 people were affected by this disease in the districts of Praksham and Nellore in the state. A separate outbreak of chikungunya fever was reported from Malegaon town in Nasik district, Maharashtra state resulting in over 2000 cases. In Orissa state, amost 5000 cases of fever with muscle aches and headache were reported. In Bangalore, there was an outbreak of Chikungunya with arthralgia/arthritis, rashes. So also in the neighbouring state of Andhra Pradesh. The latest outbreak in Tamilnadu, India, 20,000 cases were reported.
How do humans infected
The chikungunya virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on a person infected with the chikungunya virus. Monkeys, and possibly other wild animals, may also serve as reservoirs of the virus. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to other humans when they bite.
Aedes aegypti (the yellow fever mosquito), a household container breeder and aggressive daytime biter which is attracted to humans, is the primary vector of chikungunya virus to humans. Aedes albopictus (the Asian tiger mosquito) may also play a role in human transmission is Asia.
What are the symptoms
After an incubation period of 3-12 days there is a sudden onset of flu-like symptoms including a severe headache, chills, fever (>40°C, 104°F), joint pain, nausea, vomiting and a rash involving the limbs and trunk. The joints of the extremities in particular become swollen and painful to the touch. Some can suffer for joint pain for months. Children may display neurological symptoms.
How is it diagnosed
Sudden severe headache, chills, fever, joint and muscle pain are the commonest symptoms.
How is it treated
While supportive or palliative medical care with anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics is available, there is no specific treatment for chikungunya. The illness is usually self-limiting and resolves with time. There is no vaccine currently available.
How to prevent Chikungunya
Prevention is possible by controlling proliferation of mosquitoes in stagnant water. Water collection should be avoided by: - Eliminating any still water found on roofs - Seeing to it that water pipes are not clogged - Properly covering all water tanks so that mosquitoes cannot get in - Getting rid of any container capable of retaining water in the outdoor surroundings (like used tyres, food cans, garbage, saucers under flower pots, etc) - Renew water in flower vases at least once a week
Other precautions:
- Wear clothes that suitably cover arms and legs - Use mosquito nets and mosquito repellent products (coils, sprays, topical lotions and creams) - Have secure screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out. - A person with chikungunya fever should limit their exposure to mosquito bites in order to avoid further spreading the infection, and should stay indoors or under a mosquito net.
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