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Are you suffering from Vitamin A deficiency treatment? Have you checked the signs? Vitamin A is one of the most vital vitamins that serve a variety of physiological functions including reproduction, growth, role in vision maintenance of epithelial tissue and bone structures. What is Vitamin A Deficiency? Vitamin A deficiency is a lack of vitamin A in blood and tissues. It occurs due to insufficient intake of Vitamin A from food sources or by vitamin malabsorption, transport, or metabolism problems. It has numerous clinical manifestations, ranging from xerophthalmia, night blindness, disturbances in growth and susceptibility to severe infection. Some Vitamin A related deficiency disorders are listed below: 1.   Anaemia Different types of blood groups, Credits: pixabay It is known to cause Anemia through modification of hematopoiesis, and iron metabolism. It’s lack also worsens the normal functioning of the immune system, which makes us prone to various infections along with mobilization of iron stores from the tissues. 2.   Autism Autistic child looking up, Credits: pixabay Neurodevelopment in children is adversely impacted by vitamin A deficiency. Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) which are a set of neurological diseases are manifested due to Vitamin D deficiency during the gestation period. However, it can be improved by vitamin A supplementation during the early‐life period of the baby. 3.   Xerophthalmia Woman suffering from Dry eyes, Credits: pixabay Vitamin A deficiency causes xerophthalmia which is one of the leading causes of blindness in children. The other forms of Xerophthalmia like night blindness and Bitot‘s spots are found to be more prevalent in pregnant women and children. 4.   Night blindness Night blindness is an ophthalmic manifestation of Vitamin A Deficiency. It is associated with limited restoration of Rhodopsin – a pigment that converts light into an electrical signal. Night blindness may prevent the person from finding their way around at dawn or dusk. 5.   Conjunctival xerosis and Bitot‘s spots Woman taking medication for conjunctival xerosis, Credits: pixabay It occurs when vitamin A deficiency interferes with the differentiation of mucus-secreting epithelium lining. This causes the conjunctival surface to become dry, non- wettable and keratinized. Bitot‘s spots-  It appears as a patch of xerosis which is usually foamy or cheesy, and whitish in nature. This spot hinders the vision at a particular point. 6.   Corneal Xerosis Corneal xerosis is lack of clarity in the cornea, Credits: pixabay It is a condition where the cornea loses its typical sheen and clarity and requires immediate treatment with Vitamin A. 7.   Xerophthalmic Fundus Xeropthalamic Fundus, Credits: pixabay It occurs due to prolonged Vitamin A deficiency and characterized by numerous small, white retinal dots which might cause alterations in the retinal area. It is also linked to unusual eating habits like being obsessed with a particular food, anorexia nervosa, cessation of growth and disorders as retinopathy. Treatment Of Vitamin A Deficiency Vitamin A deficiency treatment can be averted by vitamin A supplementation, proper nutrition and the inclusion of vitamin A-rich foods. Whereas, Vitamin A status can be improved by supplementation and food fortification. 1.   Vitamin A supplementation Vitamin A Supplements, Credits: pixabay Vitamin A deficiency diseases are common in children and women of reproductive age. Small children who are adversely affected by high blood pressure on the brain side are recommended to 25000 IU’s of Vitamin A. Vitamin A if taken in the form of fats and oil or in injection form should be consumed or injected orally via the mouth. Females in the reproductive age should be given 1500-10,000 IU’s of Vitamin A, as high doses of it may cause fatal effects on the fetus. 2.   Vitamin A Fortification Food fortification, Credits: pixabay Just like iodine is incorporated in table salt,  Vitamin A can also be fortified in a variety of ways. It can be either incorporated to wheat, sugar or in animal milk mostly cow‘s milk.  All can serve as a good vehicle to carry vitamin A and help prevent adverse health effects. 3.   Vitamin A-rich foods Vitamin A rich foods, Credits: pixabay Vitamin A deficiency can be addressed by consuming foods that are rich in vitamin A  which include liver,  oily fish, fortified milk, beef, carrots, sweet potatoes, mangoes, chicken, eggs,  and leafy green vegetables. Vitamin A deficiency diseases have become an endemic nutrition problem which especially affects the health and survival of infants, young children, and pregnant and lactating women around the world. The condition seems to be worse in poorer states, where a woman can’t afford foods that are rich in Vitamin A.

Misuse of various narcotics and psychoactive substances is on the rise in India. Many families, communities and law enforcement agents suffer from the consequences of drug addiction in India. Some of the most common types of addiction in India are mentioned below: 1.  Alcohol Alcohol, Credits: pixabay According to the survey conducted by the Indian government, it is reported that an average Indian consumes about 4.3 litres of alcohol per annum, where the data recorded is even higher in the rural areas with around 11.3 litres of alcohol consumption as an average. The data also suggested that around 3 – 4 million deaths occur every year due to alcohol consumption which accounts for 5.9% of the global deaths. Liver cirrhosis is the most common cause of death due to alcohol consumption in India. 2. Tobacco chewing in India Tobacco, Credits: pixabay India is considered to be the second-largest country with tobacco consumers. This is quite an alarming incidence of tobacco addiction in India. Around 300 million people use tobacco products like cigarettes, khaini, gutka or beedies. A survey conducted by the Indian government reveals that one in every 10 adults smokes tobacco with the number being high in rural areas when compared to urban areas. According to the ICMR study report, tobacco-related cancer like mouth cancer and lung cancer accounts for around 30 percent of all cancer. 3. Cannabis Addiction Cannabis, Credits: pixabay Cannabis a.k.a. Ganja, charas or bhang is an incredibly popular and widely used drug in India.  Despite its widespread use in Hindu mythology, cannabis is illegal to use and possess in any form. According to a survey conducted in 2018, around 38 tonnes of cannabis was alone consumed by New Delhi- the capital city of India. It has also reported that more than 10 million people in India are consumers of cannabis among which most of them are working poor. Cannabis addiction can cause major health problems including respiratory disorders, memory impairment, mental disturbance, digestive tract problems, major weight loss and problems with sleep. 4. Brown Sugar Heroin in India Brown sugar/Heroin, Credits: pixabay The United Nations has declared India to be the biggest consumer of Heroin in South Asia. According to Times Of India, India alone consumes 17 tonnes of heroin out of 42 tonnes produced in South Asia. Due to its easy availability, and cheaper price, heroin has become a popular drug in India. Accurate heroin addiction rates in India are unknown and it’s estimated that there are over 5 million people who are addicted to heroin. Heroin is easy to find but difficult to overcome and can pose a great threat to overall health and well-being. Injecting drug users often suffer from infections like cellulitis or other respiratory infections and mental issues. 5. Methamphetamine Mephatamine, Credits: pixabay Methamphetamine is an emerging drug addiction in India. Due to its ready availability and low-cost, many teens are bound to get addicted to methamphetamine.Also, India is found to be a key producer of methamphetamine precursor chemicals which include ephedrine and other related compounds. Over usage of Methamphetamine can cause dry skin, itchiness, significant weight loss, anaemia, and in some cases, skin picking. Stress, poverty and hunger are the three main causes of drug addiction in India. The addictive properties of various addictive compounds have been well-documented and researched, but access to rehabilitation services and medical treatments are still not available for people in India.

Bad breath is commonly assumed to be caused due to poor dental hygiene. While this may be true, it may not necessarily be the only cause of bad breath. Our body is equipped to warn us in the form of signs and symptoms whenever there is a problem with any body system or bodily functions. Here are some of the causes of bad breath that is related to health problems: ●    Diabetes Diets and food products that have a high sugar and protein content can cause bad breath and this is a major problem faced by diabetics. High blood sugar increases the levels of glucose in the saliva. The accumulation of glucose acts as a medium for bacteria to grow and feed on it. As a result, there is a bacteria buildup in your mouth which leads to dental plaque, tooth decay, and gum problems which will eventually lead to bad breath when the bacteria turn the sweet glucose into sour-smelling substances. ●    Liver issues Fetor hepaticus is a condition that occurs when the normal functioning of the liver is compromised and as a result, your breath starts to smell foul. This is because the liver fails to carry out its normal function –  filtering out toxic substances from the blood. Due to this, harmful and undesired sulfur substances get accumulated in your bloodstream and eventually make their way to your lungs. This, when the person will exhale, the smell of sulfur gets carried out and gives your breath a rotten egg or garlic smell. Thus, the only way to treat bad breath in this condition is by treating the problems related to the liver. In addition to that one can manage complications by: Exercising Avoiding alcohol consumption Consuming a low salt diet Bad breath, Credit: Pixabay ●    Kidney problems Similar to liver problems, kidney problems are also a common cause of bad breath. This is because a healthy kidney is responsible for filtering urea and deciding what the body needs to absorb, reabsorb, and excretion. Thus, when your kidneys start to fail, excessive amounts of urea get accumulated in your bloodstream and the spread creates a foul order. Moreover, a renal disease also affects the calcium absorption of bones and as a result, jaw bone mass can disintegrate and decay, causing more oral problems leading to bad breath. ●    Digestive problems Poor digestive conditions such as acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), constipation, or bowel disorders are the causes of bad breath. Digestive conditions either delay or prevent the food consumed from processing or digested efficiently. This causes an accumulation of undigested food in the digestive tract which can start to decay. In addition to that, it can also cause bacteria buildup or overgrowth in the stomach and intestine which could lead to conditions like SIBO and bloating with all having bad breath as a symptom. Moreover, the backflow of stomach acid to the esophagus can also cause foul, rotten smell in your mouth as they carry odors of the recently consumed foods back into your throat. Garlic-like odour due to bad breath, Credit: Pixabay ●    Mouth, nose and throat problems If your mouth is dry that means there is less saliva produced. If less saliva is produced, that means there are less of its antibacterial properties. Thus, this can cause a bacteria buildup in your mouth which contributes to bad breath. Chronic dry mouth is usually caused by problems related to the salivary glands. Bad breath can also be caused by problems related to the tonsils. Tonsil stones are caused when food particles, mucus, and bacteria get trapped in small pockets on your tonsils as a result of improper oral hygiene. This buildup causes swelling, infections, and eventually leads to bad breath. Lastly, bad breath could also be caused due to inflammation of your nose or sinuses too. Bottom line If one maintains good oral health and hygiene and still faces uncontrollable problems of bad breath, chances are that the person may be suffering from some underlying health problems.

An ACL knee injury has become a common word for sports enthusiasts, especially those who follow football and basketball. Every season there are sportspersons who suffer from ACL injuries and are out for lengthy spells. Two decades ago an ACL injury was considered the end of a player’s career in some cases but today with the advancement of treatment options athletes return to their sport. What is an ACL Knee Injury? Many footballers suffer from ACL knee injuries through their careers, Credits: Pxfuel The knee contains a ligament which is known as Anterior Cruciate Ligament. The functions of an ACL include stabilising the knee and keeping the shin bone in position. When the anterior cruciate ligament is damaged, the condition is known as ACL knee injury. It occurs due to external activities. Females are more likely to suffer from ACL tears because of the female anatomy. The positioning of the hips and narrow femoral space makes ACL tears more common in women. A massage gun is helpful in certain NDIS patient to recover quicker from their physio treatment. Female athletes are more likely to suffer from acl injuries, Credits: Pikist Which Activities Can Cause Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear? The following activities can cause acl ligament tears: Direction change while running Knee overextension A sudden burst of pace while running Landing awkwardly from a jump These activities put large amounts of pressure on the anterior cruciate ligament which results in damage and tear of the ligament. Why are Athletes Likely to Suffer From ACL Knee Injury? External contact can cause acl knee injury, Credits: Wikimedia Commons Athletes who are involved in high intensity sports such as football are likely to suffer because of the following reasons: External Contact: Sports such as football, rugby and kabbadi involve small amounts of physical contact in the form of tackles. These tackles often involve the use of excessive force against various body parts. Tackles result in a lot of injuries and a torn acl is a common injury. If the external force puts pressure on the knee joint then the acl can be torn. Specific Movements Required by the Sport: There are certain movements which are used in sports that put extra pressure on the anterior cruciate ligament. During these, the ligament becomes weak which makes it easier for it to be damaged. The movements in football which can weaken the ligament are cross field long passes and slide tackles. Fast Rotation of the Knees: In addition to sprinting, rotating the knees at pace can cause anterior cruciate ligament tear. The sudden rotation pushes the shin bone against the ligament; this pushing can weaken and damage the ligament. ACL tear due to rotation is most common in basketball. However, activities such as dribbling and half turns can also cause it among footballers. Which Sporting Professionals Have a Higher Chance of Suffering From ACL Knee Injury? Skiing can lead to acl injury, Credits: Wallpaperflare Athletes from the following sports are likely to suffer from ACL tears: Football Basketball Skiing Hockey Volleyball Tennis Badminton Athletics What is the Treatment for ACL Knee Injury? Some people can continue to live their lives without getting treatment and have their movement restricted. However, professional sportspeople require treatment. The treatment requires a surgery where the anterior cruciate ligament is repaired or is reconstructed. In some cases, multiple surgeries are needed. After the surgery, a long physical rehabilitation program is needed. A study showed 72% footballers return to football after completing treatment. Another study showed that average treatment time for professional athletes to return to their respective sports was 12.2 months. Takeaway Many famous athletes such as Peyton Manning, Alan Shearer and Ruud Van Nisterlooy have suffered from this condition and come back to their field of play. ACL knee injury is a long term condition but it is not the end of a player’s career anymore. The surgical treatment options have shown positive results. Physical rehabilitation is an essential part of the treatment.

When there is a problem, in order to come up with the desired solution, one must first find the cause of the problem – This is precisely why it is important for a person to be able to tell the difference between a headache and a migraine so that it can be effectively treated. Headache: Types, Signs, and Treatment A person who experiences a headache will feel an undesirable amount of pressure, pain, and ache in their head which can range from milk to severe. It occurs simultaneously on both sides of your head in areas like: Forehead Neck Temples They usually last anywhere from a few hours upto a week. Headaches can be caused due to several triggers and can be classified into several types. They include: ●    Tension Headache It is the most common type of headache caused by triggers like stress, anxiety, and muscle strain. Tension headache due to stress, Credit: Pexels ●    Cluster Headache This type of pain is experienced in clusters – meaning there is a period of painful headache which is followed by a short interval of pain-free period until the pain returns and the cycle continues. Note: This is one of the few types of headaches that occurs on one side of the head. ●    Chiari Headache It is caused by a defect known as  Chiari malformation, a birth defect which causes the skull to push against parts of the brain and therefore causing pain in the back of the head due to the applied pressure. ●    Sinus Headache It is caused due to sinus infection due to pathogens, especially in people with a weak immune system. Symptoms include fever, stuffy nose, cough, congestion, and facial pressure and may last up to 8 weeks. The infection usually goes away on its own. Head injury can cause sudden thunderclap headache, Credit: flickr ●    Thunderclap Headache This is a very severe headache and migraine that develops instantly – in 60 seconds or less. It can be caused due to injury or strokes and could be a symptom of a serious medical condition known as subarachnoid hemorrhage. Thus, sudden headaches due to sudden head injuries or complications must be attended to immediately. Treatment Over-the-counter medicines acetaminophen aspirin ibuprofen Relaxation techniques for stress-induced headaches Heat therapy- warm compresses or  warm shower massage meditation neck stretching relaxation exercises like yoga Migraines: Symptoms and Treatment Additional severe symptoms due to migraines, Credit: Pixabay People with migraines experience the same symptoms of a traditional headache but will also experience intense and severe symptoms like: nausea and vomiting Blurry vision pain behind one eye or ear Extreme pain in the temples seeing spots sensitivity to light and/or sound Throbbing and distracting pain Thus, the main difference in migraines and traditional headaches is the quality and intensity of pain and symptoms experienced, which is to a higher extent in migraines. Typically, Migraine headaches affect only one side of the head. About 30 minutes before a migraine attack, a person will experience symptoms like: Lack of concentration Less alertness Trouble thinking Numbness Unusual sense of smell, taste, or touch Irritability Blurry vision, Credit: Flickr Migraine triggers They include: Anxiety contraceptives alcohol hormonal changes leading to menstrual migraine menopause Treatment For treatment and prevention: Making changes to your diet Avoiding alcohol and caffeine Prescription medications (antidepressants, blood pressure-lowering medicines, antiepileptic medications, or CGRP antagonists) Avoid bright light and loud noises Avoid over chewing Medications to reduce stress Medication Treatments, Credit: Pexels Such medications include: Anti-nausea medicines like Phenergan, chlorpromazine (Thorazine), or prochlorperazine (Compazine) Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, naproxen sodium, or ibuprofen Note: Medications should not be consumed regularly as it will reverse its effectiveness and cause rebound headaches with worse symptoms. Conclusion Headaches MigrainesPain occurs in bilayer location ( like both sides of the forehead)Pain occurs in unilateral location (like one side of the face)Distinct difference: Not accompanied by nausea and vomiting.Distinct difference: Accompanied by nausea and vomiting.Attacks can last from 4-72 hoursPain can last from 30 minutes to a week

Two years ago a friend of mine was suffering from depression in India and in this article, I will be talking about his journey from suffering to treatment. Let’s call him Akash. He was 25 years old when this story began. Depression often requires care and support, Credits: Freepik The First Sign Increased irritability is among the first signs of depression, Credits: Pxhere On a seemingly normal weekend, I met Aakash after a long time where I saw a change in him. I saw him arguing with someone over a petty issue. He seemed very irritated. I thought it must be a circumstantial thing but it was not. As the evening went, I noticed some other things. The way he was talking about his life, it almost felt like he was reading a tragic incident. A once jolly person was low as if he had no interest in talking. In the beginning, I felt it may be because of me it wasn’t. He soon said that he has been very stressed at work. He has not been able to achieve targets and the pressure is increasing.  When he used the word stressed, I started noticing a problem. Being from a healthcare background, I asked him about his sleeping patterns and how he feels after work in his personal life. He said he could barely sleep and he was so irritated most of the time that his social and personal lives were non-existent. I could not tell him at that moment that he was depressed because I was not sure and depression in India is still a big taboo. So I decided to see him again soon and come to a decision then. Admitting the Problem If you suspect depression then you should visit a doctor for a diagnosis, Credits: Pexels I saw Aakash again after a week. I had read about the signs and symptoms of depression in detail and was going to ask him detailed questions about his life. When the evening began he again seemed like a dejected figure with no energy whatsoever. I started talking to him in detail. Asking him questions to figure out what he is going through. I focussed on questions that would give me details on what he is going through. I soon felt that he should seek professional help. You have to be very careful when you break it to someone that they need help for mental health. Most people do not want to admit they suffer from depression in India. Many people may take offense in this. I carefully told him that I suspect he may be suffering from depression and we should consult a doctor for a diagnosis. The choice of words is very important. Be careful in what you say and be comforting. After talking for an hour we decided to see a doctor. The doctor took a session in which I accompanied him and he diagnosed him with depression. Pornography and Depression He was struggling with porn addiction. Pornography has been linked with depression by many people. However, there are no studies to supplement this decision. Studies have shown that watching porn regularly can make a person feel lonely which may turn into depression. There are other studies that have stated that watching porn can also cause discomfort to the person if they are morally or religiously against porn. At the moment there is little evidence to support the notion that porn and depression are linked. However, the evidence to say they are not is also not available.  It is safe to say that it can cause discomfort to some people and supplement their depression. Treatment and Recovery Exercise can be a key component in the treatment of depression, Credits: Pxfuel The treatment and recovery phase is where the patient needs the most support. I had to check on him almost every day. I informed his family so that they can offer support as well. The treatment was not just limited to medications. It required many lifestyle changes as well. From getting exercise to changing dietary patterns a lot of things are needed. These are the things where he needed help. He took the medicines on time but he could not change himself. The whole process lasted for 8 months. His road to recovery showed me one thing that having support is very important for the recovery months. My takeaway from this process was most people are unaware of depression in India and they require support and care. Depression Helplines in India There are many helplines in India that operate to help people suffering from depression. These also act as suicide helplines. If you are ever depressed you can try calling these helplines. Some of these are: I call Mumbai: +912225521111 Life Foundation Kolkata: +913324637401 Roshni, Hyderabad: +914066202000 Takeaway In India, depression is still a major taboo but it should not be. It is a disease that requires treatment. My friend’s journey showed me that support and care are very important. If you feel you are depressed, inform your loved ones, and seek treatment. You will feel much better once you accept and treat the disease.

Malaria is a disease caused by a microscopic parasite that is transmitted to humans through cerebral malaria treatment the bite of a mosquito that has been infected with it. Usually, people suffering from malaria fall very sick, having fever and chills as a result of the parasite entering the body. However, it can get even more complicated and far worse. We know that there is blood flowing in our body, even in our brain and we also know that when the parasite enters the body, it hides, lives and multiples in blood cells. If by chance, such blood cells block the small vessels in your brain, the normal blood flow will get obstructed. As a result, your brain will severely start to swell and the brain cells start to get damaged. This condition is known as cerebral malaria treatment. It is one of the most fatal complications of severe malaria and may cause multiple neurological complications. Cerebral malaria is the most common complications and a cause of death in severe P. falciparum infection. About 10% of malaria patients observe cerebral complications, out of which 80% result in death. Neurological complications, Credit: Pikist Symptoms: Types of Complications They of neurological problems caused by cerebral malaria include: Seizure Coma Impaired consciousness Delirium Focal convulsions Any other abnormal neurological sign Other signs include: Neck stiffness Retinal hemorrhage Fixed jaw Intense tooth grinding Jaundice (rare) Jerking reflex Pouting reflex Malarial-induced coma, Credit: Needpix Why Does This Happen? Standard malaria can progress into cerebral malaria due to the following reasons: 1)   High-grade fever It can cause impairment of consciousness, convulsions in children, and psychosis. In addition to that, the body temperature significantly decreases. In such cases,  patients with consciousness with starting symptoms tend to have seizures. 2)   Antimalarial drugs They include: Chloroquine Quinine Mefloquine Halofantrine These drugs can create problems in the nervous system by causing convulsions, hallucinations, and altered behavior. 3)   Hypoglycemia Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar can either be caused due to the severity of the malarial parasite or as a body’s negative reaction to the drug quinine. Low blood sugar leads to fuel deprivation for the brain which results in functional brain failure and may even cause brain death. 4)   Severe Anaemia Malaria patients who suffer from severe anemia will observe cerebral dysfunction, cognitive dysfunction, impaired cerebral vascular regulation, neurological injury, and any other anemia-induced brain injury. These are the most common cause of cerebral malaria but may not be the only causes. Other complications can also occur and act as a trigger. They include: Other neurological infections Vascular diseases Mechanism After infection into the human body, the parasite starts to interfere with the immune cells like CD8+ and T cells. After this, they attach themselves to the blood vessels of the brain but are not capable of doing so to the blood vessels of the body. Due to this, the infected blood cells get accumulated in the blood vessels of the brain. They eventually cause the vessel to break apart and leak into the brain. This leakage is so severe that it can directly interfere with the vital function of the body as it damages the brain stem cells. This eventually causes the brain to swell and thus leads to various neurological complications listed above. Antimalarial drugs: parenteral treatment, Credit: Pixnio Treatment of Cerebral Malaria For any form of severe complicated malaria, treatment with antimalarial drugs is highly necessary. Some of these drugs are: Quinine dihydrochloride Quinidine gluconate Artemisinin and its derivatives Most of these drugs require gastrointestinal absorption and therefore commonly induces vomiting after consumption. Although there has been no evidence with significant backing, most patients are treated parenterally. In this specific case of cerebral malaria treatment, the use of mannitol has also been promising.

seems to be getting worse. With the number of coronavirus cases going well over 1.5 million in our country, let’s see how our Asian neighbors are handling the pandemic. Corona virus in Singapore Singapore has one of the lowest death rates in the world Singapore was among the first 10 countries to report a coronavirus cases. The country has had over 50,000 cases since. Singapore restricted international arrival of travelers in January and made decisions to handle the pandemic. One very good fact about Singapore is its low death rate. The country has reported 27 deaths so far which is much lower than the global percentage. This feat has been attributed to the advanced healthcare system which is available in the country. There is a mild rise in the number of cases in Singapore but the country seems well equipped to deal with it. Coronavirus in China The coronavirus pandemic originated in China and for most of the initial months, China was on top of the chart of most cases. However, the Chinese have fared well and are not among the top 25 countries with the highest cases. The case count stands at 84000 with minor rises now. The country used a robust lockdown system among the areas affected by Covid-19. Their massive healthcare system and aggressive action plans have allowed them to effectively handle the disease. Although there is speculation that China is underreporting cases there are experts who believe that China is past their peak. Coronavirus in Thailand Thailand was ranked the highest in pandemic preparedness in Asia, Credits: Wikimedia Commons Thailand reported its first coronavirus cases on 13th January. The county has reported 3297 cases so far with 58 deaths. The Thai government has been largely successful in containing the coronavirus pandemic. A report by the Johns Hopkins hospital said that in case of an epidemic the most prepared country in Asia would be Thailand. The report measured the strength of the healthcare system and the ability to protect healthcare professionals. The strict laws and robust systems used by Thailand have allowed it to control the spread of the virus with newer infections decreasing every day. Coronavirus in Korea South korea used their IT infrastructure to track the virus, Credits: Flickr South Korea was the first country in the world that flattened the curve of the coronavirus. The country has reported over 14000 cases with 58 deaths. South Korea can deal with pandemic effectively because of its excellent strategies. The country boasted a large stockpile of equipment that could be used to control an outbreak. They used a web-based tracking system which allowed them to send text messages to people’s phones who were suspected of suffering from coronavirus in Korea. They also used technological innovations. South Korea was the first country in the world that used a walkthrough testing center among other things. A mix of preparedness, technological advances, and innovation has helped South Korea control the coronavirus pandemic. Coronavirus in Japan Japanese people were used to maintaining social distancing before the coronavirus which has helped them fight it, Credits: Wikimedia commons Japan has reported 30000+ coronavirus cases so far and 998 deaths. The country was initially criticized by experts for not having a complete lockdown and having a low testing rate but the country has proven wrong. Many experts said that Japan could be the next coronavirus hotspot but it has not happened. Some experts believe this is due to the highly educated population and the Japanese having a habit of wearing masks and maintaining social distancing in the flu season. In addition to that Japan has one of the best healthcare systems in the world. The Japanese government has vastly increased its testing rate and the country is dealing with the pandemic effectively. There are still some who doubt whether Japan will be able to deal with it by using their current practices but so far they have been largely successful.

AstraZeneca India ltd brought the latest cancer cure news to the country. The company has released statements announcing the deal for acquiring a new drug to achieve its current cancer drug targets. The pharma giant has been expanding its portfolio to include newer cancer drugs. AstraZeneca has signed a deal with a Japanese company called Daiichi Sankyo. The Japanese multinational has been working on a new type of drug class called Antibody Drug Conjugates. These have shown promising results and could help in achieving many current cancer drug targets. The company has said the drug has potential against many forms of cancer including breast and lung cancer. AstraZeneca India The company has a massive presence in India The cancer cure news is not the only big thing to come out of this British-Swedish Multinational. Despite being a foreign company, AstraZeneca is deeply embedded in the Indian healthcare system. AstraZeneca India ltd was established in 1979 with its office in Bangalore. The company boasts a large workforce of more than 1400 employees. Their goal has been to provide life-changing medication to people by using innovation and they have been able to do so. AstraZeneca Bangalore also has a state of the art research and development facility which works on discovering newer drug treatments. AstraZeneca Chennai houses a world-class drug manufacturing plant. This plant adheres to the high drug regulatory standards and boasts state of the art manufacturing facility. AstraZeneca Chennai accounts for a major percentage of their drugs produced. Since 2014, Astrazeneca’s Global technology Centre which is their end to end IT solution segment has been a part of AstraZeneca Chennai. The presence of such specialized centers shows the company’s commitment to innovative solutions. What Are Antibody Drug Conjugates? Astrazeneca is making biopharmaceutical pills using antibody drug conjugates, Credits: pxhere DS-1062 is the name given to the drug which has been acquired by AstraZeneca. This drug comes under antibody-drug conjugates. Let us understand what they are. Antibody-drug conjugates are a type of biopharmaceutical drug which are designed to kill cancerous cells. Their major advantage over existing cancer treatments such as chemotherapy is that they would only target cancerous cells. Treatments such as chemotherapy damage the cancerous cells as well as the healthy cells when they are used. This makes treatment difficult and causes a lot of damage to the patient. These antibody-drug conjugates could directly act on the cancerous cells without harming healthy cells and be effective treatments. The potential in this class of drugs is enormous. This form of treatment will be less painful than chemotherapy, Credits: Wikimedia Commons Are There Any Drugs of This Class Currently Available? Yes, there are some drugs approved for treatment that are classified under this class. AstraZeneca has a drug called Trastuzumab deruxtecan which is used for a specific type of breast cancer. They are looking to add more oncology drugs of this class to their locker. Many pharma companies are researching this class of drugs, Credits: Wikimedia Commons More than 50 pharmaceutical companies in the world are currently researching to develop more antibody-drug conjugates to battle cancer. Takeaway AstraZeneca India ltd could bring this drug which costs them over 3000 crore INR in the Indian market. The enthusiasm that the company has expressed shows that this drug and this drug class could really be a game-changer for cancer. AstraZeneca could continue to bring cancer cure news to suffering patients.

Have you undergone an MRI scan for your joint pain? Radio-imaging techniques like MRI scan can help provide a better treatment plan for your Radiology in bone bone disease. It is a revolutionary breakthrough in diagnostic quality and speed! What is Radiology? Doctor looking on the radiographic image of bone, Credits: pixabay Radiology is a branch of science that deals with X-rays and other high energy radiation for the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. It is also well suited to enhance medical education by providing visuals of physiological action. Articular disease is characterized by a wide spectrum of musculoskeletal diseases. Some of which include hip and knee pain caused by osteoarthritis (OA) together with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and gout. Advanced radiologic techniques like magnetic resonance (MR) imaging techniques, sodium imaging, delayed gadolinium-enhanced MR imaging of cartilage, and spin-lattice relaxation in the rotating frame (T1r), has led us to a new domain in detecting and evaluating patients with various bone disease. All these radio-imaging techniques can help identify early pre-structural changes in patients suffering from radiology in bone diseases with the real-life manifestation of an imaging biomarker. Some of these techniques are mentioned below. X-Ray X-ray of the knee joint, Credits: pixabay It is a high energy form of electromagnetic radiation that helps physicians observe various changes in bone structures ranging from inflammatory differentiation due to degenerative causes of joint space narrowing,  knee flexion and cartilage loss. All of which can be easily identified with X-rays. Computed tomography (CT) Arthrography Evaluation of prosthetic implant through CT, Credits: pixabay It helps visualize any abnormalities in the bone cartilage. This technique requires radiation exposure and intraarticular injection of contrast material. It is a potential noninvasive technique which can help detect early degeneration of articular cartilage in conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. High-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography technique plays a central role in osteoporosis radiology in bone diseases by providing a better fracture risk assessment and its treatment. MRI Woman undergoing MRI Scan, Credits: pixabay MR imaging technique used to diagnose and stage diseases like Paget’s disease of bone,  OA, osteoporosis pathophysiology and fibrous dysplasia. Although these disorders often manifest as cartilage and bone disorder, it is, in fact, a whole-organ disease and MR imaging technique can help observe all these changes in order to provide a better treatment plan. T2 Mapping T2 Mapping an advanced MRI technique, Credits: pixabay It is a technique under MR imaging and is extensively used in fibrous dysplasia radiology in bone diseases wherein it provides marked variability in the appearance of the bone lesions. Radiographic features like a cotton wool skull in Paget’s disease of bone can also be detected by T2 Mapping. Delayed gadolinium-enhanced MR imaging of cartilage MRI Scan of spinal cord, Credits: pixabay This technique of MR imaging helps depict morphological changes in the cartilage that may be predictive of progression to OA. it helps identify the differentiation between early-stage degenerated cartilage and normal cartilage.

Pubic lice are very tiny insects that infest your genital area and affect millions of people every year. They are parasites that primarily feed on human blood. In some cases, they also live in the hair of your eyelashes, armpits, eyebrows, chest hair, beard, and mustaches. Typically, there are three types of lice that infest humans: head, body, and pubic which is comparatively smaller than the first two. Although they cause no harm to your health, they cause very prominent and uncomfortable symptoms. Pubic lice are also known as “Crabs” as they appear to be tiny versions of normal water crabs that one would spot at the beach. They are tiny insects that look like tiny versions of the crabs you see at the beach. They live on the skin and coarse hairs that are around your genitals, and they feed on your blood. Pubic lice spread really easily during sexual contact. Crabs on eyelashes, Credit: Wikimedia Commons How Does One Get It? Causes of Pubic Lice People commonly mistake or associate pubic lice with poor hygiene or cleanliness but pubic lice spread through physical contact. It is important to understand that it is usually more difficult or almost impossible to jump from one person to another or fall unless they’re dead. Therefore, getting pubic lice handshakes or hugs with an infected person is highly unlikely. Thus, the most common type of physical contact being sexual intercourse when the genital hair touches or in some cases, sharing personal items like blankets, towels, sheets, linen, etc. Once they enter your pubic hair, they lay their eggs/nits on the hair shaft which takes 7-9 days to hatch, start feeding on your blood, and eventually lay more eggs. Symptoms and Diagnosis: How to Check for Pubic Lice Symptoms usually appear 3-5 days after the infection. They include: Intense itching around the genital Irritability Low energy Irritability Low-grade fever Bluish spots due to bites Conjunctivitis when pubic lice are present on eyebrows or eyelashes Lice and nits, Credit: Wikimedia commons You can usually diagnose yourself by thoroughly examining your pubic area. You can use a magnifying glass to look for pubic lice if you suspect an infestation but can’t see well enough to be sure. Lice are usually pale gray, but they can darken in color after drinking your blood. You’re probably infested with lice if you see small, crab-shaped insects moving in your pubic hair. Lice eggs are another indicator of an infestation. The eggs are tiny and white and are usually found around the roots of pubic hair or other body hair. Call your doctor if you’re showing signs of a pubic lice infestation. Diagnosis The lice itself can be easily spotted by examining the pubic area closely or with the help of a magnifying glass. The lice are typically whitish in color but turn dark grey after feeding on blood. The nuts/eggs of the lice are really tiny and hard to detect. They are oval-shaped, white in color, and occur in clumps that are stuck close to the roots or base of your hair. Treatment: How to Get Rid of Pube Lice Treatment includes: ●    Over the counter medications shampoos, gels, foams, and conditioners as lice can still survive with ordinary soaps. Note: Pay close attention to the maximum duration that the product can remain on your hair. ●    Cleaning and decontaminating every item like clothes, towels, bedding, etc. Decontamination, Credit: Pikist ●    Discard tweezers, razors, or fine-tooth comb that may still have nits on them. ●    Sometimes, in rare cases, prescription medications are used when topical medications fail to work effectively. ●    Another way to kill the nits or eggs is to cover contaminated products in airtight plastic for 72 hours to suffocate the lice until it eventually dies. Creating awareness, Credit: Pxfuel Prevention of Pube Lice The most effective way to prevent infestation is to avoid having sexual contact or sharing personal items with an infected person, even during their treatment period until he/she has completely been cured. Thus, it is also important for the infected person to communicate, create awareness and inform their partners and previous partners- A lot of people wrongly assume using contraceptives like condoms will protect the other person from crabs.

Human beings have suffered from many diseases throughout history but with the advancement of science, man has been able to defeat these diseases. While some of these victories have been limited to finding effective treatment some victories have led to disease extinction. Disease extinction or eradication is a scenario where a previously prevalent disease has no active cases and requires no further medical intervention. The world has fought against many such diseases and has won on some occasions. How are Diseases Eradicated? To eradicate diseases a comprehensive action plan is required which focuses on prevention, treatment, testing, awareness and eliminating the chances of the disease spreading. These efforts are led by governments with international aid. The World Health organization devises a plan to eradicate diseases. Diseases Eradicated from India India runs comprehensive diseases management programs some of which have been successful in the past. There are many more programs currently running to control other diseases. The following diseases have been eradicated from India: Polio Every child in India was encouraged to get polio vaccines All adults today must remember the famous polio advertisement which was run by the Government of India to tell people to get polio drops which were part of the disease eradication program. Polio is an eradicated disease caused by a virus which attacks the nervous system. The eradication was done by vaccinating the population free of cost. The initiative was in accordance with the global initiative to eradicate polio in 1988. India reported its last active polio case in 2011 and the World Health Organization declared India polio-free in 2014. Smallpox Smallpox was a disease which wreaked havoc on the entire world. It was an infectious disease caused by two particular virus variants. The disease had a high death rate as it killed a third of the infected people and an estimated 200 million people died because of it. Smallpox is one of the two diseases which have been eradicated globally. India eradicated the disease in 1977 and the last naturally occurring case of smallpox in the world was in 1980. The disease had no treatment options available. However, the availability of a vaccine played a key role in eradicating the disease. The world is glad to categorise smallpox as an eradicated disease. Rinderpest This disease was mostly found in cows., Credits: Wikimedia commons Rinderpest was a disease which affected cattle. This disease was caused by the  paramyxovirus. It was a major blow to livestock as the fatality rates were close to 100%. It is only the second completely eradicated disease in the world. The outbreak of the disease spread rapidly and was observed in many parts of the world. It could only be contained after mass vaccination of livestock. The disease has not been active since 2001. It is the only eradicated disease in animals. Yaws Tribal people suffer from yaws, Credits: Pexels Yaws is an infectious disease which primarily affects the tribal population. The disease is caused by spirochete bacterium Treponema pallidum pertenue. Yaws is still found in many parts of the world but in India, it is an eradicated disease. The eradication process involved identifying and treating cases of this infection with antibiotics. It also made sure that the disease does not spread further. India has reported no cases since 2006 but the disease remains active in many countries such as the Philippines. Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus MNT can be fatal for both mother and child, Credits: Pixabay It is an infectious disease which occurs due to the prevalence of unhygienic practices during delivery. The bacteria affects both the mother and foetus and it can be fatal. There are more 1 lakh deaths due to MNT in the world. However, India has reported no new cases in the last 5 years. In 2015, India received a citation for successfully eliminating the disease. Maternal and neonatal tetanus became an eradicated disease in India by promoting hygienic delivery practices performed under trained experts. With the proper effort, it can become an eradicated disease for the whole world. Takeaway India has eradicated many diseases in the past and it can do it again. Our job is to be aware of the disease, follow the guidelines and contribute towards controlling the disease.