The difficult part of parenthood is making your baby sleep at the night. Believeit is not difficult. It requires a perfect understanding of your baby. We are discussing a few ideas that can help your baby sleep better at the night. Why My Baby Wakes Up During The Night? Sleep is a very essential part of a baby’s development. Babies keep changing their sleep patterns during every stage of their development. Also, growth spurts, teething, and illnesses can affect your baby’s sleep. Your baby may wake up at the night for the following reasons. As babies have a small tummy, they may wake up for a feed. They may want your comfort and reassurance during the night. When your baby is ill or having a growth spurt, she may not be able to sleep well. Teething symptoms can cause sleep disturbances If your baby’s room is too hot, he may find it difficult to sleep. Keep your baby’s room at about 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheitand dress him properly. If your baby is learning a new skill like rolling over, crawling, and sitting up, he may have harm time sleeping at the night. Ways to Make Your Baby Sleep Babies do not have regular sleep cycles until six months of age. Always understand your baby’s needs and act accordingly. Remember each baby is unique and one rule will not fit all. Here are a few ways that help your baby sleep. Be quiet Differentiate day and night Soothing Stick to a schedule Use a pacifier Be Quiet If you want to feed or change a diaper during the night time, try not to stimulate or wake your baby. Maintain a soft voice and keep your movements calm. Differentiate Day And Night A baby playing with mother, Credits: pixabay As babies are unaware of day and night times, help them learn the differences. During day time, open the curtains, play games, and make lots of noise. Duringthe night, dim the lights and keep things quiet. This will help her to set her body clock and differentiate day and night. Soothing A baby sleeping, Credits: pixabay One way to help make your baby sleep is via soothing techniques. Making children sleepy requires their levels of cortisol to be low. So to decrease cortisol, try soothing techniques. The best and easy way of calming techniques is rocking your baby and singing a lullaby. The other ways to soothe a baby include swaddling, massage, and playing soft music. Swaddling gives a sense of comfort as if they are in the womb. Stick to A Schedule Though making your babies sticking to a particular sleep schedule is difficult in the initial few months, you can try to keep the day time naps short and make them sleep longer during the nights. Remember that the bedtime schedule you try to establish should be simple and sustainable. Gradually babies may respond to consistency and structure. If there are fewer disruptions to their schedule, the more likely they will sleep better. Use aPacifier A baby sleeping with a pacifier, Credits: pixabay If your baby finds difficulty in sleeping, you can try using a pacifier. The use of a pacifier also has been shown to reduce the risks of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Things Not To Do A baby’s crib, Credits: pixabay Here a few things you must not do when trying to make your baby sleep. Some children fall asleep when they are in a car ride. This is not a healthy practice. Babies should be made to sleep in a flat surface. Do not place stuffed animals on the crib. Make the place as pleasant as possible. Making babies eat cereal before bedtime is also not the right practice. This causes restlessness and gas pain in babies. Breast milk and formula are the ideal choices. Take-Home Message Though babies may not sleep through the night during the initial months, gradually they will have a healthy nighttime sleep.

What are Quail Eggs? Quail eggs are considered an alternative to chicken eggs. They are one-third of the size of a chicken egg. They have cream-colored shells with brown splotches and deep-yellow yolks. They are enriched with vitamins and minerals. Though quail eggs are smaller than chicken eggs they contain more fat, protein, iron, riboflavin, and vitamin B12. They are expensive and hard to find than chicken eggs. Nutritional Aspects of Quail Eggs Vitamins, Credits: pixabay A single quail egg is sufficient enough to meet your daily requirements of vitamin B12, selenium, riboflavin, choline, and iron. Below is the nutritional aspect of quail eggs.One quail egg (9 grams) contains Calories: 14 Protein: 1 gram Fat: 1 gram Carbohydrates: 0 grams Fiber: 0 grams Choline: 4% of the Daily Value (DV) Riboflavin: 6% of the DV Folate: 2% of the DV Pantothenic acid: 3% of the DV Vitamin A: 2% of the DV Vitamin B12: 6% of the DV Iron: 2% of the DV Phosphorus: 2% of the DV Selenium: 5% of the DV How to Use Quail Eggs? Boiled eggs, Credits: pixabay Three to five quail eggs can be consumed per day. Quail eggs can substitute regular eggs and can be used in salads and appetizers. These eggs can be boiled, fried, baked, grilled, and pickled. Quail eggs can be used as home remedies to promote skin and hair health. They can be used as a hair conditioner and as a skin-tightening face mask. Ten Benefits of Raw Quail Eggs Quail eggs hold lots of health benefits. Here we have listed 10 health benefits of it. May Help Treat Allergy May Treat Salmonella Infection To Manage Diabetes May Reduce Anemia Manage Blood Pressure Aid in Detoxification To Treat Stomach Ulcers Immunity Booster Improve Hair and Skin Health May Relieve Depression May Help Treat Allergy A woman sneezing, Credits: pickpik Quail eggs can help treat allergy symptoms. A small study involving 77 people with allergic rhinitis identified that symptoms like sneezing, congestion, and runny nose significantly diminished within one hour after consuming quail eggs. It is unclear whether the components in the egg are solely responsible for these benefits. May Treat Salmonella Infection Quail eggs contain unique anti-salmonella antibodies and can be used to treat Salmonella infection. To Manage Diabetes A person checking blood sugar levels, Credits: pickpik As quail eggs have a low glycemic index, it helps regulate blood glucose levels. Studies conducted in diabetic rats showed that quail eggs reduce blood glucose and creatinine levels. It is believed that regular consumption of quail eggs helpsmanages diabetes and kidney disorders. May Reduce Anemia Quail eggs are rich in iron and regular intake of quail eggs can improve your blood circulation and helps reduce anemia. Manage Blood Pressure A doctor checking blood pressure, Credits: pickpik Quail eggs contain five times more potassium than chicken eggs. Potassium is a natural vasodilator and helps regulate blood vessels. So quail egg consumption can help manage your blood pressure. Aid in Detoxification Quail eggs are rich in antioxidants like beta carotene and vitamins A, C, and E. Antioxidants help fight against free radicals and eliminate toxins from the body. Since quail eggs are rich in water, it helps flush out toxins from the body. ToTreat Stomach Ulcers Quail eggs are a part of home remedies to treat gastritis. The anti-oxidants and amino acids in it help restore the mucous cells of the stomach lining. Though scientific evidence are lacking, quail eggs are thought to be effective against stomach pain and stomach ulcers. Immunity Booster The nutrients in quail eggs help improve metabolism and are involved in cell growth and regulation. Quail eggs contain leucine that helps maintain a better immune system. Improve Hair and Skin Health A woman with glowing skin, Credits: pickpik The anti-oxidants in quail eggs protect the skin from skin damage and fight the signs of aging. Lysine present in quail eggs aids in the production of collagen. These eggs can control acne and improve complexion. Zinc, iron, selenium, amino acids, and vitamins present in quail eggs are beneficial for healthy hair and scalp and helps prevent hair loss. May Relieve Depression Quail eggs contain choline and vitamin D that are important for brain health. Choline is necessary for the synthesis of neurotransmitters and vitamin D can reduce the symptoms of depression. Though not scientifically validated, quail eggs can minimize the risks of postmenopausal depression. Precautions to Follow When Consuming Quail Eggs A pregnant woman, Credits: pickpik Quail eggs are not heated to kill the bacteria that may reside on the shell. It is better that pregnant women and people with a compromised immune system do not consume raw quail eggs. If you are allergic to egg, it is better to avoid quail eggs. Take-Home Message Quail eggs are packed with nutrients and help improve metabolism and manage diabetes.

The concept of a raw food diet is been here since the 1800s, but in recent years it is gaining more attention. Here we are discussing what a raw food diet is and what the health benefits of it are. What is a Raw Food Diet? The raw food diets also called raw foodyism or raw veganism. Maximilian Bircher-Benner, a doctor, found out that the concept of a raw food Diet was able to treat his jaundice by eating raw apples in 1800s. This diet is mainly composed of completely raw and unprocessed foods. A raw food is the meal never heated over 104–118 degrees F (40–48 degrees C). It is not refined, pasteurized, engineered, processed in any manner with pesticides. The raw food diet is based on plants, consisting mostly of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, similar to veganism. If you are on a raw food diet, taking supplements is discouraged. Why People Opt For Raw Food? A woman on weight loss, Credits: pixabay People who opt for raw food believe that cooking food is harmful as it destroys the natural enzymes in foods. It also reduces the nutrient content and diminishes the “life force” that they believe to exist in all raw or “living” foods. People who consume raw foods believe it has lots of advantages including weight loss, increased energy, and improved overall health. Are You Interested In A Raw Food Diet? Fresh fruits and vegetables, Credits: pixabay If you are interested in consuming a raw food diet, here are things you should know. If you wish to have a raw food diet, make sure that 75% of the food you eat is raw. A raw food diet mainly contains fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Grains and legumes should be sprouted before you eat. These are the list of raw foods to eat.Foods to Eat Foods To Avoid All raw vegetables Raw nuts and seeds Raw grains and legumes, sprouted or soaked Dried fruits and meats Coconut milk Raw nut butter Cold-pressed olive and coconut oils Fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut Seaweed Sprouts Nutritional yeast Raw eggs or dairy, if desired Raw meat or fish, if desired Other organic, natural, or unprocessed foods Purified water but not tap water Cooked fruits, vegetables, meats, and grains Baked items Roasted nuts and seeds Refined oils Table salt Refined sugars and flour Pasteurized juices and dairy Coffee and tea, and alcohol Pasta Pastries Chips Other processed foods and snacks A Simple Raw Food Recipe-Quickest Raw Pesto A man and woman cooking, Credits: pixabay A raw food diet involves preparation methods, such as juicing, blending, dehydrating, soaking, and sprouting. Ingredients 3 cups packed leafy greens, any kind 1/3 cup raw nuts or seeds 1-2 cloves garlic, minced ¼ cup cold-pressed olive oil Juice from ½ a lemon Pinch of salt and pepper Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender. Blend until it turns smooth, add water if the mixture is too dry. Add salt, lemon juice, and oil to taste. You can serve this with veggies, or use as a spread on raw crackers. What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Raw Foods? Advantages Though both raw and cooked foods hold health benefits, people who consume raw foods believe that the enzymes present in raw foods help in digestion and health. Raw foods mainly contain vegetables and fruits that are rich in nutrients and fibers. As raw foods do not contain any processed foods, they contribute to better health. Raw foods are low in calories, hence weight loss is possible. Cooking can decrease the nutrients in foods like vitamins B and C. But in raw foods, the nutrients remain as such. The advantages of consuming cooked foods are it increases the availability of nutrients and antioxidants like lycopene and beta carotene. Also, cooking helps deactivate the harmful substances in the food. Disadvantages Tooth erosion, Credits: pixabay A raw food diet is low in calories and certain nutrients. Studies identified that a raw food diet lowered blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. However, it also lowered “healthy” HDL cholesterol levels and led to a vitamin-B12 deficiency. People who follow a raw diet over periods had an increased risk of tooth erosion. Some women who followed a raw food diet experienced irregularities in their menstrual cycle. Due to a low calorie and low protein intake, people on a raw vegan diet had low bone mass. What Are The Risks Of Having Raw Foods? According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), uncooked animal products are most likely to cause food poisoning. This includes raw and undercooked meat, including chicken, raw or lightly cooked eggs, raw (unpasteurized) milk, and raw shellfish. Sometimes raw vegetables and fruits can also cause food poisoning. Conclusion Fresh fruits and vegetables are good for health. But a raw diet consumed over a long period may lead to nutritional deficiencies and low bone mass. So a combination of raw and cooked diet is always the best.

Radiology is an important branch of medicine that helps in accurate diagnosis of a disease so that better treatment can be initiated. Here we are discussing why a second opinion in radiology matters. What are the Different Branches of Radiology? Mammography, Credits: pixabay Just like general medicine, there are general radiologists. A sub-specialization may help a physician to understand one particular thing deeper and better. So radiologists can be musculoskeletal radiologists, neuro radiologists, and pediatric radiologists, and so on.BranchesPurposePediatric radiologyA child’s body is physiologically different from adults.Pediatric radiologists understand the unique anatomy of infants, children, and adolescents.NeuroradiologyNeuroradiologistsare experts in diagnosing disorders of the brain, sinuses, neck, spine and spinal cord, and the central nervous system.Breast RadiologyThese radiologists are highly skilled in mammography, 3D tomosynthesis, breast MRI, breast ultrasound, and other diagnostic breast procedures.Nuclear medicine and PET scansThis specialty of medicine helps diagnose disease, tumors, infection, and other disorders by evaluating organ function.Cardiac RadiologySpecial techniques such as Coronary Calcium scoring, Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography,and Cardiac MRI are used in the assessment of heart function and disease. Why a Second Opinion? Getting a second opinion helps ensure accuracy and diagnosis. A second opinion in radiology is necessary for the following Ensure Accuracy Better Diagnosis Avoid additional visits Cost Satisfaction Ensure Accuracy The Human body is a complex system and radiology examinations are in general difficult to read and interpret. As new technologies coming up, a single physician may not be an expert to deal with all the imaging techniques. So he may refer for a second opinion to a subspecialty radiologist to reduce medical errors and make accurate interpretations. Better Diagnosis A physician diagnosing, Credits: pixabay A highly skilled radiologist will be able to interpret the radiological findings better and lower the percentage of false-positive examinations. A perfect interpretation helps in diagnosing the disease better and also aids in the initiation of better treatment strategies. Avoid Additional Visits If the second opinion is clear, unnecessary visits to the doctor can be avoided, and a clear and timely diagnosis can be made. These days it is easier to get a second opinion as there are online records, digital images, and new advances are made in patient data archiving. Cost The cost involved in a second opinion is also kept to a minimum so that a patient will be able to afford it. Unnecessary appointments, lengthy procedures, and additional tests to diagnose a disease can also be avoided. Satisfaction Satisfaction, Credits: pixabay If you get expert opinions from two different perspectives, you can ensure the interpretations are precise and you will get proper treatment for your disease. A patient’s satisfaction is the foremost thing. Cost Involved in the Second Opinion in Radiology Dollar, Credits: pixabay Type of examinationCostEchocardiogram$200Magnetic Resonance Imaging$200Computed Tomography$200Ultrasound$200X-rays$100PET/CT scan$250Breast MRI Second opinion$299Ultrasound Second opinion$149 Source: https://www.secondopinions.com/medical-specialty/Radiology.html Take-Home Message A second opinion in radiology helps reduce medical errors, ensure correct diagnosis and treatment.

A new mother receives tons of advicedaily. Probably many of them are myths. One such thing is “Never wake a sleeping baby”. Of course, nobody likes waking a sleep baby. It is only when your baby sleeps; you can have a good sleep, rest better, and get active to take care of your baby. And no one wishes to miss that wonderful time. But you can wake your baby for the following reasons. There is no harm in it. 4 Reasons to Wake a Sleeping Baby There is nothing cuter than seeing your little one sleeping peacefully. But wake her for feeding, to reduce the daytime naps, and to change the day/night confusion. The following are the reasons to wake a sleeping baby. Feeding Comfort First Change the day-night confusion When Naps Interfere with the Bedtime Feeding A newborn feeding, Credits: pixabay If you have a very little one and feel that she is sleeping for a long time and wants to wake her up for feeding. You can! Newborns need to eat every two to three hours to gain weight. If you feel that your breastfeeding baby is eating 8 to 12 times a day and a bottle-feeding baby is eating 5 to 8 times a day, then there is no need to wake her up to feed. Comfort First If you feel that your newborn is sleeping in an uncomfortable position, in a sleeper, you must wake him. The wake and sleep method is a step to help your little one self-soothe and help him wake up in the middle of the night if he has a hiccup. Change the Day-Night Confusion Newborns have day/night confusion. If you have a baby who has crossed three months, it is better to limit daytime nap. Probably by this time they have developed a circadian rhythm and start producing sleep hormone called melatonin. You can keep them active in the day with bright lights switched on and creating background noise. Make the night times dark, dull, and quiet. When Naps Interfere With the Bedtime A little boy sleeping, Credits: pxfuel When your child naps all day and does not sleep during the night, it is difficult to manage. If your child is post five months, it is good to limit the nap time to not more than two hours and aim to have about 4 hours or less in total naps throughout the day. If you plan this way, she can sleep for 10-12 hours during the night. You can follow this sleep schedule chart. AgeThe Average total amount of sleepAverage numbers of daytime naps The Average amount of daytime sleep 0-2 months15-16+ hours3-5 naps7-8 hours 3-5 months14-16 hours3-4 naps4-6 hours6-8 months14 hours2-3 naps 3-4 hours9-12 months14 hours2 naps 3-4 hours Note: A healthy baby should be placed to sleep on the back. This prevents the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). How to Wake a Newborn? Mother trying to wake a sleeping baby, Credits: pxfuel The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests the followingmethods to wake a newborn. Talking, singing, and gentle stimulation Dressing down Going through the motions of diapering Bathing Some of the other ways to gently wake a sleeping baby includes Gently massage your baby’s back Turn on music through your monitor or white noise machine Gently speak through the monitor

Now the most common day to day word that everyone utters is “Coronavirus”. During December 2019 in the Wuhan District of China, doctors reported that few people had pneumonia-like symptoms, and the disease was later named as “Covid-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019)”. Coronavirus is group of viruses known to cause respiratory illness. Here are the top five countries affected by Covid-19:CountryCasesDeathRegionUnited States6,787,587200,171North AmericaIndia5,018,03482,091AsiaBrazil4,384,299133,207South AmericaRussia1,073,84918,785EuropePeru738,02030,927South America Source: worldometers.info/coronavirus/countries-where-coronavirus-has-spread/, accessed on 16/09/2020 The population of India is 1,380,004,385. So 0.36% of the Indian population is affected by Covid-19 and the reported death rate is 2%. The severity of the disease is also less among Indians as evidenced by the rate of ICU admissions. So the question that arises is “Are Indians more immune to coronavirus than the rest?” Are Indians More Immune To Coronavirus than the Rest? Though nothing can be concluded that Indians have better immunity against coronavirus, a few things can be hypothesized that are likely to be the governing factors in providing immunity to Covid-19 in Indians. The following are the factors that may contribute to immunity against Covid-19. Indian SARS-Cov-2 Strains Differ From The Rest? Host Factors Food Genetic Diversity BCG Vaccines Indian SARS-Cov-2 Strains Differ From The Rest? Coronavirus, Credits: pixabay Six genera of coronavirus are known to cause disease in humans and two (SARS-CoV and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus [MERS CoV]) are associated with severe outbreaks. The Indian SARS-CoV-2 strains, unlike the strains elsewhere, are more closely related to bat-CoV RaTG13 (93% homology) than pangolin CoV (83.5% homology). Phylogenetic analysis also reveals that there are two major lineages of SARS-CoV-2 genomes. The L lineage is supposed to be aggressive and contagious than S lineage. In India, the L lineage is more prevalent (95.7%) than S lineage (4.3%). L lineage is dominant in Gujarat, where surprisingly the fatality rate is also high. So to conclude, strain difference has some impact on virulence and pathogenesis. Host Factors T helper cells, Credits: pixabay The human immune system is very much molded by the environment and the diversity of microbes that an individual encounters in their lifetime. Indians are exposed to huge microbial load early in life that confers broad-based immunity to the population. Since birth, Indians are exposed to a variety of pathogens like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. This exposure leads to the induction of immune responses. Rathore et al., carried a comparative analysis to find whether there are any differences in immune phenotypes between Indians and Americans. The study revealed that Indian infants had a higher proportion of dendritic cells, monocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, memory CD4 + T cells, and naïve B cells, compared to American infants. Also, India has an overwhelming burden of tuberculosis, malaria, and HIV, much higher than the developed countries. Due to such endemic disease, we are constantly subjected to pathogen-assault, invoking a more proactive-cell mediated immune response, than the Western population. Though the role of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine in the treatment of Covid-19 remains unclear, there is a possibility that frequent use of these drugs for the treatment of malaria in our country can confer protection against Covid-19. Food Herbs and spices like turmeric, cloves, ginger, mustard, saffron, cardamom, and garlic are indispensable ingredients of Indian cuisine. These spices contain bioactive compounds and phytochemicals that offer medicinal properties. Turmeric contains a bioactive component called curcumin that has anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. Curcumin is proven to act against several viruses like Influenza Virus (H1N1, PR8, and H8N1), Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) 1 and 2, Hepatitis B and C viruses, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18. Similarly ginger is effective against the human respiratory syncytial virus. Garlic possesses antiviral activity against HSV-1 and -2, Parainfluenza Virus type 3, and Human Rhinovirus type 2. Though this evidences might be insufficient, these Indian spices may have some role in defense against SARS-CoV-2. Genetic Diversity DNA,, Credits: pixabay Indian population has a great genetic diversity in the immune response genes called the Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex than the Caucasians. The HLA complex serves to induce and regulate immune responses. Several novel HLA alleles and haplotypes have been reported in the Indian population which may play a role in conferring immunity against SARS-CoV-2. Also, Indians have more KIR genes than Chinese and Caucasians. BCG vaccines A boy given a vaccine, Credits: pixabay The BCG vaccine, given universally to Indian babies at birth for protection against tuberculosis, might confer some protection against SARS-CoV-2, probably through activation of T-cell mediated immune response. Take-Home Message Epigenetic factors play a crucial role in shaping the immunity of an individual.

Post-traumatic knee arthritis is a form of osteoarthritis that happens as a result of physical injury to the joints. What Is Post-Traumatic Arthritis? Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints caused by the wearing of cartilage between the bones. Arthritis is more common in the knees and is considered to be debilitating, characterized by inflammation of the joints, pain, and limited range of movements in the knee. There is a separate form of knee osteoarthritis called post-traumatic knee osteoarthritis that has the characteristic symptoms of osteoarthritis like damage to the knee’s cartilage and is often followed by a trauma injury like fracture or tear. Post-traumatic arthritis (PTA) can occur at any age and in any joints. Repeated injuries and excess body weight can increase the risk of post-traumatic arthritis. Is Post Traumatic Knee Arthritis Common? Post-traumatic arthritis accounts for about 12% of knee osteoarthritis. PTA affects about 5.6 million people in the United States What Are The Causes Of Post Traumatic Knee Arthritis? A sportsman injured, Credits: pixabay The following are the causes of Post Traumatic Knee Arthritis Motor vehicle accidents Sports injuries Falls A military injury Other forms of physical trauma, such as knee surgery Ligament injury Knee fracture The trauma injuries can cause significant damage to the cartilage of the knees and knee bones, ligaments, which change the mechanics of the joint. Gradually, cartilage and bone will wear differently and quickly than it was before the injury. The other causative factors for post-traumatic knee arthritis are overweight, repeated injuries to the knee, and lack of exercise. Symptoms of Post Traumatic Arthritis PTA causes knee pain, Credits: pixabay The risk of knee osteoarthritis was higher in patients who had a knee injury compared with those who did not. The following are the symptoms of post-traumatic knee arthritis. Joint swelling and tenderness Joint redness Fluid accumulation in the joint Warmth in the knee Knee pain Limited range of motion A “crunching” sensation when moving the knee joint Weakness or clasping in the knee Increase in pain with movement and activity Intolerance to weight-bearing activities How to Diagnose Post Traumatic Arthritis? CT Scan, Credits: pixabay A doctor performs a physical examination to know how well the knee can move and function. A doctor will enquire when the joint pain bothers most and when it becomes worse. To view the knee cartilage and bones and to find the extent of joint damage, an X-ray examination is done. If necessary, a CT or MRI scans are performed to evaluate the knees more in detail. How Post Traumatic Knee Arthritis Is Treated? A physiotherapist treating, Credits: pixabay Treatment depends on the patient’s needs and the severity of the condition. The treatment aims to prevent further joint damages. Some of the conservative treatment options include Weight loss Rest Abstaining from activities that cause significant stress on the knees Physical therapy Low impact exercise and strengthening of the muscles surrounding the joint Cortisoneinjections Medication like NSAIDs These conservative treatments aim to make the joints functional and more comfortable. However, they do not cure arthritis. When these conservation treatments do not work, surgical options are tried. Surgical treatment includes debriding (“cleaning out”), reconstructing, or replacing the worn-out joint surfaces. Post-traumatic arthritis progresses as time goes on. The joint surface wears out further with more use over the years. What Are The Side Effects Of Treatment? The long term use of NSAIDs can cause stomach irritation, kidney, liver, or other problems. Cortisone injections are not recommended often as they can increase the blood pressure and levels of blood sugar. Surgical treatments carry risks of infection, damage to surrounding structures, and wearing out or loosening of implants. Very rarely, complications like blood clots, heart attack, and stroke can occur. Take-Home Message Post Traumatic knee arthritis is a form of osteoarthritis that is due to physical injuries to the joints.

Osgood-Schlatter Disease (OSD) is a common cause of knee pain in adults. Continue reading to know the causes, symptoms, and treatment of this disease. What is Osgood-Schlatter Disease (OSD)? A boy playing football, Credits: pixabay OSD is an inflammation of the area just below the knee where the tendon from the kneecap (patellar tendon) attaches to the shinbone (tibia). This disease is more common during growth spurtswhen bones, muscles, and tendons are changing rapidly. Children who are active in athletics like running and jumping sports, soccer, basketball, figure skating, and ballet are at risk of developing this disease. OSD is sometimes referred to as “Jumper’s knee”. OSD is common in boys during the ages of 12 and 14 and girls fromages 10 to 13. Though this condition is rare in adults, children who have OSD can continue to develop this condition when they turn into adults. The ICD code for the disease is 51. (https://www.icd10data.com/ICD10CM/Codes/M00-M99/M91-M94/M92-/M92.51) Simple stretching exercises, over-the-counter medicines, and rest can help relieve the disease. What are the Symptoms of OSD? OSD causes knee pain, Credits: pixabay The main symptoms of OSD are knee pain, tenderness,and swelling just below the kneecap. Pain may worsen during activities like running, kneeling, and jumping. The condition is usually seen in one knee, but can sometimes affect both the knees. If you feel that the knee pain interferes with your child’s daily activities, and if the knee is swollen and red, seek medical attention. What Are The Causes of OSD? During activities like running, jumping, and bending, your child’s thigh muscles (quadriceps) pull on the tendon that connects the kneecap to the growth plate at the top part of the shinbone. This repeated stress can cause the tendon to pull on the growth plate where the tendon inserts into the shinbone, resulting in the pain and swelling associated with Osgood-Schlatter disease. Some children’s bodies try to close that gap with new bone growth, which can result in a bony lump at that spot. How OSD is Diagnosed? Knee X-Rays, Credits: pixabay Your doctor will perform a thorough physical examination and determine the cause of the pain. A child with OSD may have pain and tenderness in the tibial tubercle. To confirm the diagnosis, and rule out other problems, an X-ray investigation is done. What are the Treatment Options for OSD? A woman doing stretching exercise, Credits: pixabay The treatment aims to reduce pain and swelling. Stretching Exercises Avoid activities that involve jumping, running, and bending. To help relieve pain and prevent disease, stretches for the front and back of the thigh (quadriceps and hamstring muscles) should be practiced. A physical therapist can help your child teach the stretching exercises. Medications Drugs like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen can reduce pain and swelling. Ice The inflamed area can be treated with ice to reduce the pain and swelling.  Use cold packs for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. You must not apply ice directly to the skin. Surgery If the pain is very debilitating and does not subside after the growth spurt, surgery might be done to remove the bony overgrowth. What are the Precautions? While there are no ways to prevents OSD, the following precautions can be practiced, when your child involves in sports activities. Make your child wear shock-absorbent insoles in sport’s shoes. A protective pad to shield the top of your shinbone Encourage him to perform exercises to strengthen quadriceps muscles. Until the symptoms subside, you can involve your child in other activities. What are the Complications of OSD? This disease does not cause long term complications. Some children may experience chronic pain and swelling. Most of the symptoms of OSD disappear when a child completes the adolescent growth spurt.

What Are Blood borne Pathogens? Blood borne pathogens are microbes present in human blood that can infect and cause disease who are exposed to blood containing pathogens. Hepatitis virus and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are the two most common and prevalent blood borne pathogens that cause diseases. Who Are At Risk Of Infection? Nurses in a hospital, Credits: pixabay It is estimated by in the Centers of Control and Prevention of Diseases (CDC) that over 5.6 million health professionals in the healthcare profession are subjected to bloodborne pathogens. Health care personnel include people involved in medical, surgical, dental, emergency response, and public safety. If an individual is exposed to a specific exposure, the risk of infection may vary, depending upon the: Pathogen involved Type of exposure Amount of blood involved in the exposure Amount of virus in the patient’s blood at the time of exposure How Serious Are The Blood borne Pathogens? HIV HIV is common in the United States and over 1.2 million individuals in the United States live with HIV. The white blood cells are attacked and the immune system is disrupted by HIV. Anywhere between 2 and 10 years, HIV infection can evolve into AIDS. Sexual contact is the usual way of transmission. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) 3D view of the Hepatitis B virus, Credits: pixabay The most prevalent form of hepatitis is the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and there are approximately 18,800 new cases each year. HBV causes inflammation of the liver. The bad part is 80% of people who are infected are not aware that they carry the infection. This virus may survive and remain potentially infectious for up to a week or longer on contaminated surfaces. Some of the symptoms of HBV include fatigue, weight loss, fever, or diarrhea. Blood, saliva, and other body fluids may be infected. The virus can be spread to family members, unborn infants, and sexual partners. Luckily, there is a vaccine for HBV. How Blood borne Pathogens Enter The Body? A sharp knife, Credits: pixabay Blood borne pathogens enter the body through open cuts, abrasions on the skin, dermatitis, acne, and the mucous membranes of your mouth, eyes, or nose. Sometimes the infection is also possible by cutting yourself with a contaminated sharp object such as broken glass, sharp metal, needles, knives, and exposed ends of orthodontic wires. The blood borne pathogens are usually not transmitted through casual contact but an intimate contact. What Is OSHA? Because of the increasing spread of blood borne diseases, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) passed the Blood borne Pathogens regulation. These guidelines help the employees to follow certain standard operating procedures while handling the blood samples and helps prevent the risk of acquiring a bloodborne disease. Every organization must develop its exposure control plan. This plan should outline the precautions to be followed in the workspace, Engineering Controls, Safe Work Practices, Personal Protective Equipment, and Good Housekeeping Practices. Though not every employee is occupationally exposed to blood borne pathogens, every employee must understand the risks of infection and safe practices to minimize that risk. What are the Precautions to Follow? All blood samples should be handled with care as if they contain bloodborne pathogens. The following steps should be followed. Hand Hygiene Gloves Masks and Gowns Disposal of Infectious Waste Discarding Body Waste Vaccination Hand Hygiene A woman washing hands, Credits: pixabay You must follow hand hygiene measures after contact with patients, patient samples like blood or body fluids, equipment like stethoscope, and emesis basin. You must wash your hands with soap under steam of running water for 15 seconds. Rinse your hands well with running water and dry with paper towels. Turn off the faucet with a dry paper towel. Gloves When you expect direct contact with body fluids, you should wear gloves. Gloves should not be reused. You should not wear or wear very minimum jewelry when handling blood samples. Remove your gloves properly and dispose of it in a lined waste container. After removal of the gloves, hands should be washed by following the above procedure. Masks and Gowns A workerwearing gloves, mask, and protective wear, Credits: pixabay When you feel that there is a risk of a splash, spatter, or spray or blood or other infectious materials, you must wear masks, eye shields, and protective eyewear. If necessary, wear gowns with long sleeves to protect clothing from splash. Disposal of Infectious Waste Biohazard symbol, Credits: pixabay All used contaminated supplies like gloves and other barriers, sanitary napkins,band-aids should be disposed of in plastic bags with biohazard labels visible. Needles, syringes, and other sharp objects should be placed immediately after use in a metal or other puncture-proof container that is leak-proof on the bottom and sides. Broken glass should never be picked up by hand and should be disposed of in a metal or other puncture-proof container. For example, after a needle stick or sharps exposure to HCV-positive blood, the risk of HCV infection is approximately 1.8 percent. Discarding Body Waste Bleach, Credits: pixabay Body waste (urine, vomitus, and feces) should be disposed of in the toilet. If body fluids are accidentally spilled, they should be covered with an absorbent sanitary material, gently swept up, and discarded in plastic bags. Spills of blood and body fluids should be cleaned up immediately with an approved disinfectant cleaner. A 1:10 solution of household bleach and water is effective against HIV. Accidental exposure to blood and body fluids also poses a significant risk of infection. The risk depends on the type of body fluid and the type of infection. Whatever the case maybe, wash the contaminated area immediately with water. Vaccination Administration of vaccine, Credits: pixabay Healthcare workers should be vaccinated for hepatitis B virus, within 10 days of assignment to a job that involves the chances of occupational risk of bloodborne pathogens. In cases, if the person feels that he is exposed to bloodborne pathogens, he has to be administered an HBV vaccine within 24 hours of the time of exposure. The vaccine is found to be effective for up to 72 hours post-exposure as it is when given prophylactically before exposure. Since there are no vaccines for HIV, an anti-retroviral drug therapymust be initiated within 72 hours of possible exposure. Take-Home Message Proper precautions should be followed to avoid the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

Most women experience sleep disturbances during pregnancy. Insomnia is you find difficulty in falling asleep or staying asleep. Learn the causes of insomnia during pregnancy and ways to handle it. What is Insomnia? Women may experience insomnia during all stages of pregnancy, but they are more common in the first and third trimesters of pregnancy. Insomnia is seen in 75 percent of expectant moms. Insomnia can be trouble falling asleep when you try to go to bed or wake up in the middle of the night and have trouble going back to sleep. Sleep disturbances are due to the changes in the hormones, heartburn, leg cramps, your needs to go to the bathroom, and congestion. You may be physically and mentally tired due to insomnia, but the good news is it does not affect your baby. Causes of Insomnia A woman with abdominal discomfort, Credits: pixabay The main causes of insomnia are hormonal changes. During the first trimester, a rise in progesterone levels can cause day time sleepiness, decreased muscle tone, and increased risk of sleep disorders like sleep apnea. The other causes of insomnia include Nausea and vomiting Pregnancy Heartburn Leg cramps Need to urinate frequently Back pain Breast tenderness Congestion Frequent and Vivid dreams Abdominal discomfort Physical discomfort Restless leg syndrome Feeling anxious about labor and delivery How Can I Get Relief from Insomnia? You can try the following to combat insomnia during pregnancy. Establish a bedtime Routine Water Dinner Exercises Sleep on the Side Be comfortable No to Supplements Divert Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) Restless leg syndrome Establish aBedtime Routine Try to establish a bedtime routine. Avoid the use of smartphones and computers at least two hours before your bedtime as the blue light can interfere with sleep hormones. Instead, read a book. Take a warm bath and avoid hot tubs. Water A woman drinking water, Credits: pixabay Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water to avoid leg cramps. Limit the intake of caffeine as it can disturb your sleep. Dinner Cashews, Credits: pixabay Have a healthy and early dinner to avoid heartburns. You can plan for light and protein snacks late in the evening. A warm glass of milk also helps in better sleep. Other foods that help you have good sleep include Almonds or cashews contain magnesium that helps relax you into sleep. Bananas containpotassium and melatonin which can induce drowsiness. Cheese contains tryptophan that boosts the production of melatonin. Tart cherries are rich in anthocyanin that help ease aches and pains and help relieve insomnia. Exercises A woman doing yoga, Credits: pixabay Exercises, meditation, and relaxation techniques can help you sleep better. You can try prenatal hatha yoga. Exercises not only help acquire good sleep but decreased the risk of gestational diabetes and improve heart health. Sleep on the Side Develop the habit of sleeping on the left side. This is known to improve your blood circulation, and most importantly your baby can get an ample amount of oxygen and nutrients. Be comfortable Ambient place, Credits: pixabay Create your bedroom with a very ambient place to sleep. Make your room cool, dark, and quiet. No to Supplements Without a doctor’s consultation, do not take any herbal supplements or pills that help you fall asleep. If necessary, your doctor may prescribe a sedative that is safe during pregnancy. Divert If you could not sleep, come out of the bed and do simple tasks like reading a book or hearing soothing music. Go back when you feel sleep. Do not count the hours in the bed. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) If stress and anxiety are causing insomnia, you can undergo a CBT. This can help understand insomnia and make healthful changes to reduce insomnia. Restless Leg Syndrome If the cause of insomnia is restless leg syndrome, your physician may evaluate for folate and iron deficiency and prescribe supplements. Take-Home Message Insomnia is common during pregnancy and simple lifestyle modifications can help combat the issue.

You may think that before the arrival of your little one, you must eat healthily and sleep better. But the latter may not happen all the time. Sleep disturbances are common during pregnancy and here are 5 simple ways that help you sleep better during your pregnancy. Why Sleep Disturbances During Pregnancy? Getting a good sleep during pregnancy is a challenging one because of the cramping legs, your need to go to the bathrooms, heartburn, and the increasing size of the fetus. But good sleep is highly important during pregnancy. It’s during sleep the blood vessels restore themselves. Good sleep helps your immunity work well, keeps your blood sugar under control, and helps prevent mental problems. Here we are discussing the best sleeping positions during pregnancy, and a few other things that help you sleep better. Sleeping Pattern During Pregnancy A pregnant woman, Credits: pixabay Your sleeping pattern may vary during each trimester of the pregnancy. First Trimester: You may feel sleepier all day. Take short naps and get the rest that your body requires. Second trimester: The amount of sleep that you may require will be as normal before your pregnancy. As the abdomen grows your need to go to the bathroom increases and this may affect your sleep. Third Trimester: During this stage, you may become tired. There may be sleep disturbances due to back pain, baby kicks, leg cramps, substantial weight gain, and congestion associated with late-term pregnancy. Five Tips that Help you Sleep Better Here are five tips that help you sleep better during your pregnancy. Sleep on Your Side (SOS) Diet Avoid Gadgets Relax Spot the Issue Sleep on Your Side (SOS) The best sleeping position during pregnancy is sleeping on your left side. When you sleep on your left, you may have reduced swelling, better circulation, and kidney function. More importantly, your baby will be able to get enough oxygen and nutrients. You should avoid lying flat on your back all night long. This position disturbs your blood circulation and makes you dizzy. You can place pillows between your legs and behind your back, to relieve stress on your back and to make your position comfortable. Diet Avoid greasy foods, Credits: pixabay Try to eat at least two hours before your bedtime. Avoid spicy, greasy, and citrusy foods. As caffeine and sugary drinks can affect your sleep, it is better to limit their intake after 3pm.During pregnancy, not more than 200mg of caffeine is recommended. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. But limit the intake of fluids two hours before bedtime, so that you can avoid the very frequent visits to the bathroom. Avoid Gadgets Avoid gadgets, Credits: pixabay Avoid the use of tablets, computers, and phones at least one hour before your bedtime. The light from these devices can alter sleepiness and alertness and is also known to suppress the levels of the sleep-inducing hormone called melatonin. Relax Pregnant women doing exercises, Credits: pixabay Try to stay active throughout the day. Practice meditation and breathing exercises to calm down the central nervous system. You can do exercises for 30 minutes. Exercises help you sleep better but avoid exercises within four hours of bedtime. A warm bath, foot, and shoulder massage can also help you relax and provide better sleep during the night. Spot the Issue If you feel that the underlying cause of your sleep disturbances is your leg cramps, you may talk to your healthcare provider. She may recommend magnesium or calcium-magnesium supplements, as they provide you natural muscle-relaxing powers. Almost 15% of women may have restless leg syndrome (RLS) in their third trimester. Some foods can trigger RLS and sometimes anemia may cause RLS. Your doctor may find the cause of the issue and treat it accordingly. Take-Home Message Sleep disturbances are common during pregnancy. Design your ways to get a good sleep.

There are so many foods hyped to be a miracle cure for cancer. But do remember that none of the foods can cure cancer. Certain foods that help reduce the risks of cancer. Continue reading. Can Foods Prevent Cancer? There are no foods that prevent cancer. You can make healthy food choices. Healthy foods consumed consistently over a period can help you lower the risk of certain cancers. As obesity is linked to 12 different types of cancer, make sure the food you choose does not increase your body fat. For reducing the risk of cancers, try the following Include lots of vegetables and fruits Avoid foods that increase the risk of cancers What DoThe “Cancer-Fighting” Foods Contain? The term “cancer-fighting foods” refers to foods that help lower the risk of developing cancers. Most of the cancer-fighting foods are loaded with phytochemicals or phytonutrients. These are chemicals that have been found in plants that lessen the risk of chronic conditions. 13 Cancer-Fighting Foods The following foods are considered to be cancer-fighting foods. Learn the benefits. Garlic Broccoli Tomatoes Strawberries Carrots Whole grains Apples Fatty fish Walnuts Legumes Green tea Turmeric Grapes Garlic Garlic, Credits: pixabay The suphur present in garlic helps stop cancer-causing substances to form in the body. They aid in DNA repair and can kill cancer cells. Garlic can minimize the risk of stomach, colon, esophageal, breast cancer and pancreatic cancer. It fights against the Helicobacter pylori infection. The World Health Organization advises individuals to consume around one garlic clove daily to support good health. Brocolli Brocolli, Credits: pixabay Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower and cabbage contain phytochemicals called glucosinolates. This phytochemical is known to produce protective enzymes that rupture the cell walls. Cruciferous vegetables contain sulforaphane that inhibits cancer cell growth and stimulates cell death in colon cancer cells. Broccoli is most protective against cancers of the prostate, lung, colon, breast, bladder, liver, neck, head, mouth, esophagus, and stomach. Tomatoes Tomatoes, Credits: pixabay Tomatoes contain a phytochemical called lycopene which is a powerful antioxidant. Lycopene helps stops the growth of tumors and improves immunity. Tomatoes help fight against prostate cancer. You can take both cooked and processed tomatoes to avail of the benefits of this red vegetable. Berries Strawberries, Credits: pixabay Strawberry, raspberry and Aronia berry are rich in vitamin C and ellagic acids. The extracts of these berries slowed the growth of colon cancer cells. They also contain flavonoids that suppress the enzymes that cause DNA repair. Carrots This easily available vegetable contains beta carotene that protects the cells from toxins and slows the growth of cancer cells. Carrots contain a natural pesticide called falcarinol that has anti-inflammatory effects. Carrot is said to act against HPV (human papilloma virus), thereby reducing the risk of cervical cancer. Whole Grains Whole grains contain fiber and antioxidants that help lower the risk of colorectal cancer. Oatmeal, barley, brown rice, and whole bread can be the ideal choices. Apples Apples contain polyphenols that help fight inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and infections. Polyphenolphloretin inhibits glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) plays a role in advanced-stage cell growth in certain types of cancer. Fatty Fish Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel contains vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids. People who intake fatty fish had a reduced risk of developing colorectal cancer. Also people who take fish oil supplements had a lower risk of developing colon cancer. Walnuts All nuts have cancer-protecting properties. Walnuts contain pedunculagin, which the body metabolizes into urolithins. Urolithins bind to estrogen receptors and may play a role in preventing breast cancer. Legumes Legumes like peas and lentils, are rich in fiber and help lower the risk of cancers. Legume consumption has been linked to a reduced risk of colorectal cancer. Also, people who consume diets rich in fiber had a reduced risk of developing breast cancer. Green Tea Green tea is rich in antioxidants and helps lower the risk of liver, breast, pancreatic, lung, esophageal, and skin cancer. Green tea contains epigallocatechin-3 gallate that acts against urokinase that is necessary for the growth of cancers. Turmeric Turmeric contains an active ingredient called curcumin that has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. Curcumin was found to decrease the spread of colon cancer cells by targeting a specific enzyme related to cancer growth. Grapes Grapes contain antioxidants like activin and resveratrol. These antioxidants offer protection against cancer and degenerative diseases. Resveratrol is known to inhibit the growth of several cancer cells. Foods to Avoid Certain foods can increase the risk of cancers. The following should be avoided. Processed meats like hot dogs, bacon Limit red meat Avoid alcohol and cigarettes Avoid trans fat Cut down on sugar and refines carbohydrates Take-Home Message Include lots of fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants that help fight against free radicals and help reduce the risk of cancers.