Home Blog Page 39

How You Can Treat Heat Rash Yourself

0

Heat rash is usually uncomfortable but harmless, typically clearing up on its own within a few days.

How to Identify Heat Rash

Common symptoms include:

  • Small, raised bumps
  • Itchy or prickly sensation
  • Mild swelling

On lighter skin, the rash appears red, while on darker skin, it may be less noticeable or appear grey or white.

Both adults and children can experience these symptoms, and the rash can form anywhere on the body. It is not contagious.

Causes of Heat Rash

Heat rash commonly occurs when sweating becomes excessive. Blocked sweat glands can trap sweat under the skin, leading to the rash after a few days.

Babies are particularly vulnerable to heat rash since they have a harder time regulating their body temperature compared to adults or older children.

Self-Treatment for Heat Rash

To manage heat rash, the focus is on cooling the skin and reducing sweating:

To cool your skin:

  • Wear loose-fitting cotton clothing.
  • Use lightweight bedding.
  • Take cool baths or showers.
  • Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

To ease itching or prickliness:

  • Apply a cold compress, like a damp cloth or ice pack (wrapped in a towel), for up to 20 minutes.
  • Gently tap or pat the rash instead of scratching.
  • Avoid scented shower gels or creams.

Symptoms And Causes Of Nightmares

0

A nightmare is a disturbing dream that elicits negative emotions, such as fear or anxiety, and often leads to waking up.

While nightmares are common in children, they can occur at any age. For most people, occasional nightmares aren’t usually a cause for concern.

Nightmares typically begin in children aged 3 to 6 and usually decrease after age 10.

During adolescence and young adulthood, girls tend to experience nightmares more than boys. Some people may continue to have them into adulthood.

Though nightmares are common, nightmare disorder is less prevalent.

Nightmare disorder is characterized by frequent, distressing nightmares that disrupt sleep, cause significant emotional distress, and impact daily life or create a fear of sleeping.

Symptoms of Nightmares

Nightmares tend to occur during the later part of the night and can happen occasionally or several times during one night.

Although they are generally brief, nightmares can make it hard to fall back asleep.

Common characteristics of nightmares include:

  • Vivid and Disturbing Content: The dream feels real and unsettling, often becoming more distressing as it continues.
  • Threatening Themes: The dream typically involves threats to safety or survival, but may feature other disturbing scenarios.
  • Waking Effect: The nightmare usually causes the person to wake up.
  • Negative Emotions: Feelings like fear, anxiety, sadness, anger, or disgust may persist after waking.
  • Physical Reactions: Sweating or a rapid heartbeat can occur while in bed.
  • Clear Memory: After waking, you may recall details of the dream.
  • Difficulty Returning to Sleep: The distress caused by the nightmare can make it hard to go back to sleep.

Nightmares are considered a disorder if you experience:

  • Frequent occurrences
  • Significant daytime distress or impairment, such as anxiety or fear surrounding sleep
  • Trouble with concentration or memory related to the dream content
  • Daytime fatigue, sleepiness, or low energy
  • Difficulty functioning at work, school, or in social situations
  • Behavioral problems related to bedtime or fear of the dark

For parents, a child with nightmare disorder can experience significant sleep disturbances, causing stress.

When to Seek Medical Help

Occasional nightmares are usually not a problem. If your child has them, you might bring them up during a routine check-up. However, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor if nightmares:

  • Happen frequently and persistently
  • Regularly disrupt sleep
  • Create a fear of going to sleep
  • Cause daytime behavioral problems or functional difficulties
Causes of Nightmares

Nightmare disorder is classified as a parasomnia, which involves unwanted experiences during sleep or waking.

Nightmares typically occur during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, though their exact causes are not completely understood.

Possible triggers for nightmares include:

  • Stress and Anxiety: Everyday pressures or major life changes can lead to nightmares. Anxiety can also increase their frequency.
  • Trauma: Events like accidents, injuries, or abuse are commonly linked to nightmares, especially in those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
  • Sleep Deprivation: Poor sleep habits or lack of sleep can increase the likelihood of nightmares, and insomnia is often related to them.
  • Medications: Certain medications, such as some antidepressants or those used for blood pressure or Parkinson’s disease, may trigger nightmares.
  • Substance Misuse: Alcohol, drugs, and withdrawal can lead to nightmares.
  • Other Disorders: Mental health issues, like depression, as well as medical conditions like heart disease or cancer, can be associated with nightmares. Other sleep disorders can also contribute.
  • Scary Media: Reading or watching scary content, particularly before bed, may provoke nightmares for some individuals.

Symptoms And Causes Of Heart Attack

0

A heart attack, also referred to as a myocardial infarction (MI), is a critical medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the heart is suddenly blocked, usually by a blood clot.

If you think someone is having a heart attack, immediately dial 999 for an ambulance.

The reduced blood supply can cause severe damage to the heart muscle and may be life-threatening.

Symptoms of a Heart Attack

Typical symptoms of a heart attack include:

  • Chest Pain: A feeling of pressure, tightness, heaviness, or squeezing in the chest.
  • Pain in Other Areas: Discomfort may spread to the arms (usually the left arm), jaw, neck, back, or abdomen.
  • Lightheadedness or Dizziness
  • Sweating
  • Shortness of Breath
  • Nausea or Vomiting
  • Intense Anxiety: This can mimic a panic attack.
  • Coughing or Wheezing

Although chest pain is the most common symptom, some people may experience only mild discomfort similar to indigestion.

Symptoms can vary; some may have shortness of breath, nausea, or pain in the back or jaw, with no chest pain at all.

Treatment for Heart Attacks

While waiting for medical assistance, if the person is not allergic to aspirin, chewing and swallowing a 300mg tablet can be helpful. Aspirin helps thin the blood and may improve blood flow to the heart.

At the hospital, treatment depends on the type and severity of the heart attack, with the primary methods being:

  • Medications: To break down blood clots.
  • Surgery: To restore blood flow to the heart.
Causes of Heart Attacks

The most common cause of heart attacks is coronary heart disease (CHD). CHD happens when the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart, become narrowed by fatty deposits called plaques.

If one of these plaques ruptures, a blood clot can form, blocking the blood flow to the heart and causing a heart attack.

Benefits Of Cucumber Water

0

Cucumber water offers a variety of health benefits, such as promoting hydration, supporting weight loss, regulating blood pressure, and improving skin health.

This refreshing beverage not only helps you stay hydrated but also provides essential vitamins, antioxidants, and nutrients that may lower the risk of diseases like cancer and diabetes, while supporting healthy bones, skin, and muscles.

Potential Health Benefits of Cucumber Water
Hydration

Maintaining proper hydration is essential for overall health. Cucumber water helps you stay hydrated while adding a pleasant flavor, making it a great option for those who find plain water boring.

Weight Loss

Cucumber water is a low-calorie substitute for sugary drinks like sodas and juices. With almost no calories, it lets you enjoy a flavorful drink without added sugars. It can also help you distinguish between thirst and hunger, reducing the likelihood of unnecessary snacking, and keeping you feeling full.

Antioxidants

Cucumbers are rich in antioxidants that protect the body from oxidative stress, which is linked to diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Infusing water with cucumbers adds beneficial antioxidants like calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, vitamin A, and vitamin K.

Blood Pressure

A high-sodium, low-potassium diet can contribute to high blood pressure. Cucumbers are a great source of potassium, which helps balance sodium levels and may help lower blood pressure when included in your diet.

Cancer Prevention

Cucumbers contain flavonoids that may aid in cancer prevention. A 2023 study highlighted the potential of fisetin, a flavonoid in cucumbers, to slow the progression of certain cancers, such as prostate cancer. However, it’s important to note that these effects are more relevant to consuming whole cucumbers rather than just cucumber water.

Muscle Health

Potassium is essential for muscle function and energy, and cucumbers are an excellent source. Drinking cucumber water can help support muscle health and energy levels.

Skin Health

Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining healthy skin, and cucumbers contain vitamin B6, which may help with skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis.

Bone Health

Cucumbers are high in vitamin K, which is vital for bone health. It helps the body produce proteins necessary for strong bones and may lower the risk of fractures, especially in people with osteoporosis.

How to Make Cucumber Water

Ingredients:

  • 8 cups of water
  • 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced

Instructions:

  1. Add the sliced cucumbers to a large pitcher or jar.
  2. Pour in the water and stir well.
  3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  4. Keep refrigerated and serve chilled, with or without ice.
  5. For best flavor, consume within 3 days.
Enhancing Cucumber Water Flavor

To elevate the flavor of your cucumber water while maintaining its health benefits, try adding:

  • Lemons
  • Limes
  • Oranges
  • Fresh mint or basil
  • Melon
  • Lemongrass
  • Ginger
  • Fresh berries
  • Pineapple

Experiment with these additions to create your perfect refreshing drink!

Causes Of Diabetes

0

Diabetes is a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels.

There are two main types of diabetes:

  • Type 1 diabetes: A lifelong condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin.
  • Type 2 diabetes: Occurs when the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or the cells become resistant to insulin.

Type 2 diabetes is more common than Type 1.

Gestational diabetes occurs when high blood sugar develops during pregnancy but usually resolves after delivery.

Causes of Diabetes

Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas (located behind the stomach), regulates blood sugar levels.

When food is digested, insulin helps move glucose from the blood into cells, where it’s converted into energy.

In diabetes, the body struggles to convert glucose into energy, either because not enough insulin is produced or because the insulin doesn’t work properly.

While type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented through lifestyle changes, type 2 diabetes risk can be reduced through healthy eating, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight.

Factors that may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes include:

  • Being overweight or obese
  • Having an unhealthy diet
  • A family history of type 2 diabetes
  • Being of Asian, Black African, or African Caribbean descent
  • Using certain medications, like long-term steroids
  • Having high blood pressure
  • Having gestational diabetes during pregnancy

WHO Reacts As Trump Stops HIV Funding For Nigeria, Others

0

The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concern about the immediate suspension of funding for HIV programs in Nigeria and other low- and middle-income countries under the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

PEPFAR, a major global initiative launched over 20 years ago, has played a critical role in the HIV response.

WHO warns that halting this funding will disrupt essential HIV programs and negatively affect millions who rely on consistent access to antiretroviral treatment (ART).

The organization is urging the Trump administration to implement more exemptions to ensure that life-saving HIV care continues in these regions. Currently, over 1.9 million Nigerians are receiving ART.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed concern that the funding cut will impact programs that provide HIV treatment to over 30 million people globally.

He cautioned that suspending this funding could increase the risk of illness and death for people living with HIV and hinder efforts to prevent the spread of the virus.

Read Also: WHO Speaks Ahead Of US Exit

Dr. Tedros warned that prolonged funding cuts could lead to a rise in new infections and deaths, potentially reversing years of progress and returning the world to the crisis levels seen in the 1980s and 1990s, when millions of lives were lost to HIV each year.

The WHO statement emphasized the devastating impact such funding cuts could have on global partnerships, scientific advancements, and public health programs, which rely on innovations in diagnostics, affordable treatments, and community-based HIV care models.

WHO is calling on the United States to create additional exemptions to ensure the continuation of life-saving HIV services.

PEPFAR, established by the U.S. Leadership Against Global HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003, is the largest global health initiative focused on a single disease.

Over the past two decades, it has funded programs that have saved more than 26 million lives.

In Nigeria, PEPFAR has been active since 2003, contributing over $7.8 billion to fight the HIV/AIDS epidemic, improving access to treatments, and expanding the number of ART sites from about 25 in 2001 to over 1,000 today.

PEPFAR’s efforts have helped reduce the HIV infection rate in Nigeria from 5.1% in 2001 to 1.4% in 2018.

PEPFAR aims to eliminate HIV/AIDS as a public health issue by 2030 and is committed to helping Nigeria achieve the “95-95-95” targets, which focus on diagnosing, treating, and maintaining sustained HIV treatment for affected individuals.

What A US Exit From The WHO Means For Global Healthcare

0

For many years, the United States has played a significant role in shaping global health policies and initiatives.

However, health policy experts suggest that President Donald Trump’s executive orders, issued on his first day in office, might mark the end of this influence.

One key order to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) means the US is likely to be absent from upcoming WHO meetings, potentially reducing its influence in global health discussions.

The WHO, which consists of 194 member countries, sets health priorities and coordinates responses to health crises, including sharing crucial data and resources during emergencies. Without the US, leadership in these areas could shift to other countries, like China.

Kenneth Bernard, a visiting fellow at Stanford University, stated that China could fill the leadership void left by the US withdrawal, a development he believes is detrimental to America’s interests.

Read Also: African Union Reacts To US Withdrawal From WHO

Trump’s executive orders also aim to reassess the US’s approach to international aid, criticizing the WHO for mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic and claiming US aid has contributed to global instability.

These actions mirror the recommendations of the Heritage Foundation’s “Project 2025,” a conservative policy agenda that calls for the US to distance itself from the WHO due to what it views as the organization’s failure and its political agenda.

The US has long been one of the largest contributors to global health funding, supporting organizations like the WHO and USAID.

A reduction in US involvement could hinder efforts to combat diseases and provide life-saving care in lower-income countries, making global health less secure, experts argue.

Tom Bollyky, director of global health at the Council on Foreign Relations, warned that isolating the US from global health challenges would not only jeopardize American safety but also leave other nations vulnerable.

Travel bans and policies isolating the US from international health risks often provide a false sense of security.

Although a country cannot officially withdraw from the WHO for a year after giving notice, Trump’s 2020 termination notice could be leveraged by the administration, claiming that more than a year has passed.

The US had previously suspended funds to the WHO, reducing its contributions significantly, and although President Biden restored membership and payments, the US’s financial support remains lower than it was before.

The WHO, funded by member dues, plays a vital role in combating diseases like polio, HIV, and malaria, particularly in countries with limited healthcare resources.

The US’s reduced contributions may have a lasting impact on these crucial programs, particularly in conflict zones and poorer regions where the WHO operates.

The WHO’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including alerting the world to the virus and facilitating vaccine development, was criticized by Trump.

While acknowledging some internal issues at the WHO, experts note that many of the US’s COVID-related problems stemmed from domestic mismanagement.

Trump’s accusations against the WHO also extend to its handling of China’s response to the pandemic, with the former president blaming the organization for being too lenient on China.

Despite these claims, the WHO has repeatedly called for transparency from China, although it lacks the authority to compel compliance.

Trump’s executive orders also target ongoing pandemic treaty negotiations at the WHO, with concerns that the US might lose influence on intellectual property and vaccine distribution if it withdraws.

Countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America have pushed for more flexible patent laws to increase global vaccine production in crises, and the US’s absence could ease the push for such reforms.

Ayoade Alakija, chair of the Africa Union’s Vaccine Delivery Alliance, noted that the shifting power dynamics could result in emerging economies having more influence on the WHO’s policies, potentially creating a more equitable global health landscape.

Despite potential gains for emerging economies, the immediate effect of the US’s withdrawal could be a loss of funding for vital health programs.

The US has contributed roughly 15% of the WHO’s budget, and a reduction in this funding could hinder efforts to combat diseases like HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis.

Additionally, the scientific collaborations facilitated by the WHO, including partnerships with US institutions like Columbia and Johns Hopkins Universities, could be disrupted, leading to less international cooperation on research.

Trump’s third executive order also directs the State Department to align its programs with an “America First” foreign policy, which includes reexamining US international aid and its impact on global stability.

This move is part of a broader ideological shift outlined in Project 2025, which advocates for reducing international aid focused on climate change and reproductive healthcare while supporting free markets and business deregulation.

Experts suggest that the executive orders reflect more ideological positioning than strategic planning.

Despite this, the White House has not provided further comment on these actions.

 

How You Can Ease Headaches Yourself

0

Most headaches go away on their own and typically aren’t a sign of a serious condition.

Common Causes of Headaches

Headaches can be caused by various factors, including:

  • Colds or flu
  • Stress
  • Excessive alcohol intake
  • Poor posture
  • Vision issues
  • Irregular eating habits
  • Dehydration
  • Overuse of painkillers
  • Hormonal changes, such as during menstruation or menopause

Keeping a headache diary can help identify your specific triggers.

Self-Care for Headaches

Headaches can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several days.

Here are some tips for relief:

  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Get sufficient rest, especially if you’re feeling unwell.
  • Try to relax, as stress can worsen headaches.
  • Take paracetamol or ibuprofen as needed.
  • Stay home and avoid close contact with others if you have a high fever or aren’t feeling well enough to do your usual activities.
  • Avoid alcohol.
  • Don’t skip meals, even if you’re not hungry.
  • Try not to oversleep, as this can make headaches worse.
  • Limit eye strain from screens or activities that require prolonged focus.

How You Can Treat A Cough Yourself

0

A cough usually goes away on its own within 3 to 4 weeks.

Common Causes of Coughs

Most coughs are caused by a cold or the flu. Other possible causes include:

  • Smoking
  • Heartburn (acid reflux)
  • Allergies, such as hay fever
  • Infections like bronchitis or COVID-19
  • Postnasal drip from mucus

It’s important to remember that a cough is rarely a sign of something serious, like lung cancer.

Self-Care Tips for Cough Relief
  • Get plenty of rest
  • Stay hydrated
  • Stay home and avoid contact with others if you have a fever or feel unwell

You might also try:

  • Taking paracetamol or ibuprofen for discomfort
  • Drinking hot lemon with honey (not recommended for babies under 1 year)
  • Using a herbal remedy called pelargonium (for ages 12 and up)

However, there is limited evidence supporting these remedies; hot lemon with honey can have a similar effect to cough syrups.

Pharmacist Support for Coughs

If you have a cough, a pharmacist can recommend:

  • Cough syrups
  • Cough medicines (note that some are not suitable for children under 12)
  • Cough sweets

While these products won’t cure your cough, they may help reduce its frequency.

Keep in mind that decongestants and cough medicines containing codeine are not effective in stopping a cough.

Causes Of Stomach Aches

0

Most stomach aches are not serious and generally resolve on their own within a few days.

Common Causes of Stomach Aches

Here are some common types of stomach aches and their potential causes:

  1. Bloating and gas: This could be caused by trapped wind (flatulence).
  2. Feeling full, bloated after eating, heartburn, and nausea: These symptoms may point to indigestion.
  3. Inability to have a bowel movement: This is often a sign of constipation.
  4. Watery stool, nausea, and vomiting: These could be signs of a stomach bug or food poisoning.
Other Causes of Stomach Aches
  1. Pain and cramps during your period: This is known as period pain.
  2. Sudden pain in the lower right abdomen: This could indicate appendicitis.
  3. Ongoing cramps, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation: These symptoms may suggest irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
  4. Severe pain radiating to the groin, along with nausea and pain when urinating: This might be caused by kidney stones.
  5. Intense pain lasting for hours in the center of your abdomen or just under the right ribs: This could be a sign of gallstones.
A Pharmacist Can Help with Stomach Aches

A pharmacist can assist with:

  • Identifying possible causes of your stomach ache
  • Recommending treatments that may provide relief
  • Suggesting medications for constipation and indigestion