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Seven reasons to embrace getting older.   

Reason to embrace getting older 1: You’re all kitted out

The further we advance into old age, the more we seem to have acquired useful possessions that most people may never have even thought of. Collecting paraphernalia over the years is fantastic because it means we can do pretty much anything without having to hit the shops first to buy special items. Vintage fashion is back in? Perfect – we kitted our wardrobe out for this trend back in the 1950s. You need a melon baller? No problem – there’s one in the cutlery drawer. It’s so handy!

Reason to embrace getting older 2: Less spots and more laughter lines

As we get older our skin tends to get drier, which means less chance of spots (hooray!). This is great news as we no longer have to worry about the dermalogical impact of eating a greasy pizza when we need a little pick-me-up. We may have wrinkles instead of spots, but we don’t call them wrinkles; we call them “laughter lines”. Laughter lines are great because they remind us of all the times we’ve laughed until our ribs hurt –  funny memories are one thing that plastic surgery and fillers won’t give us.

Reason to embrace getting older 3: You’re one wise owl

Grandma was right all along – it has been scientifically proven that older really does mean wiser. Researchers from the University of California scanned the brains of 3000 Californians aged between 60 and 100, and found that older people – despite having a slower reaction time – are remarkably good at making decisions because of the lower levels of dopamine in their brains. The high level of dopamine in younger brains often leads the younger generation to react to difficult situations emotionally rather than logically. Older people are less likely to be fuelled by emotion and more likely to make well-informed decisions. If anyone’s facing a tough decision, just come to us.

Reason to embrace getting older 4: Less stress

Forget the”grumpy old man” label. As we get older, we seem to leave the hardest parts of life behind us. Finding our way through the tangled web of our teenage years, careers, and parenthood were difficult; now as we’ve done all that, we can relax and look back on it all with fond memories. Old age means less stress, and less stress means we have more time for family, hobbies, and general happiness. Whether it’s the hummingbirds feeding on the fuchsias you planted, or the sound of the rain pattering on the shed, take advantage of the finer points of life now as you’re given the chance. Don’t mind if we do! 

Reason to embrace getting older 5: Discounts, discounts, discounts.

Concessions, discounts, offers for OAPs, senior citizens passes ... we don’t care how they word it to avoid offending us, we’re just happy to have had some kind of recognition that we’ve made it to this age. Don’t be shy about revealing your real age when it comes to discounts – look out for places that do special offers and reap the benefits. You’ve lived this long, you may as well cash in on the accomplishment. That’s one more part of getting older for us to do our happy dance about (if our knees can still take it).

Reason to embrace getting older 6: Getting away with being cheeky

As we advance into our senior years, it seems easier to get away with being cheeky by using our hearing aids or other ‘old person’ paraphernalia to our own advantage. If your hearing has become a little less effective than it used to be, use your hearing aid to your advantage by cracking out some cheeky one-liners such as “we needed to do the washing up? Oh sorry I didn’t hear you - the old hearing aid’s playing up. It’s done now? Never mind then”. Tricking people so you can get away with being cheeky is a definite plus side to getting older. Was that a slip of your walking stick, or did you really just push your way to the front of the queue?

Reason to embrace getting older 7: You’re confident

We have finally accepted our bodies the way they are and no longer ponder how much nicer we’d look with better abs like we did in our teenage years. If we go out looking a little worse for wear, others see it as endearing rather than lazy. Similarly, if we have visitors round to our homes it’s okay not to have our cupboards stacked full of exotic drinks and food; for our guests, a cup of tea and a carrot cake will do just fine.

Old is truly Gold.

PROSTATE - A concern for all men above fifty.

Men’s Health Month

The month of June is marked by the International community as a time that calls to mind issues pertaining men’s health. 

The first thought that springs to mind in this regard is the PROSTATE. 

Prostate is a gland that makes semen, the fluid that contains sperm. The prostate surrounds the tube that carries urine away from the bladder and out of the body. 

Although it is common for men above 50 to have some enlargement, it can cause some problems if it gets too large.

There are three different ways in which the prostate could be affected:

• Prostatitis - an infection usually caused by bacteria
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH - an enlarged prostate, which may cause dribbling after urination or a need to go often, especially at night
• Prostate cancer - a common cancer that responds best to treatment when detected early

It is important that men above 50 get their Prostate checked. Timely medical advice, if sought periodically will help us make an educated decisions about health care.

Are you BLOWING/PUFFING /CHEWING your life away?

Are you knowingly consuming POISON?

Are you ready to forego years of your life for a few minutes pleasure?

Even the cigarette carton warns it is injurious to health, so what the unresistable lure that a roll has over your mind?

SMOKING KILLS!

World over health practitioners have been persistently harping on the fact that smoking a cigarette is equal to digging your grave.

Tobacco is actually an agricultural produce from the leaves of a plant Nicotiana. It can be used as an organic pesticide and has some medicinal qualities too.

Tobacco is commonly used as a recreational drug. It can be smoked, chewed or insufflated. 

Unlike other commonly used recreational drugs, tobacco does not provide an euphoric height, but it is no less life threatening.

Prolonged consumption of tobacco (either smoking/chewing) can quickly become addictive due to the nicotine content in it. The drug nicotine that is present in tobacco causes physical and mental dependence. What it means in common terms is that you are allowing a non matter like nicotine to matter so much that it captures your body and enslaves your mind.

The negative health effects caused by the consumption of tobacco are

-- Smoking tobacco triples your heart attack risk 

-- Smoking just 8 cigarettes a day doubles your heart attack risk 

-- Chewing tobacco doubles your heart attack risk 

-- Light smokers (less than 10 cigarettes per day) who give up return to normal non-smoking risk of heart attack after 3 to 5 years 

-- Heavier smokers (more than 20 cigarettes per day) who give up have a 22% higher heart attack risk even 20 years after they quit 

-- an open invitation to throat and lung cancer,

Besides  active smoking, passive smokers when exposed to 22 hours per week to second-hand smoke bear a heart attack risk of 45%.

The withdrawal symptoms arising after quitting tobacco, is not as intense as the withdrawal from most narcotics. When users cease their intake of nicotine they may feel agitated and on edge. Some chronic users who have quit also complain of headaches and feelings of anxiety and nervousness during the detox process. In most cases, individuals who want to quit the consumption of tobacco products to help wean them down slowly. This makes quitting more comfortable and easier to accomplish.

Any form of tobacco consumption contributes significantly to acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) risk. Chronic tobacco use does lead to health complications that can prove to be fatal in  one’s future, so the consumption of tobacco in any form should be actively discouraged. 

“Every time I started to walk I would feel like I was walking on marbles. Slowly my legs would start becoming numb, and the numbness would slowly move up my legs, and then shocks would rack my body head to toe whenever I bent my head forward.”

“I started to get very itchy in my arm for weeks and it was followed by my legs turning heavy and weak, and overall feeling of fatigue.”

“Blinding headaches that lasted for days before I developed the numbness and the tingling of various body parts, was my first introduction to this condition. The bath water being warm on one foot and cold on the other made me seek the doctor.”

“I was 7 when out of the blue the right side of my face went numb and I started slurring my speech.”

“The first noticeable symptom was hip trouble, it was excruciatingly painful in certain positions, then came the inability to hold a pen/pencil; my writing became more and more childlike followed by my leg feeling literally glued  to the floor - all this while I experienced a prickly heat sensation in my lower legs and my thighs.”

The above statements are but a few instances of symptoms suffered by people who were later diagnosed to have MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease in which the nerves of the central nervous system namely, the brain and the spinal cord degenerate. The myelin sheath, a protective covering that surrounds the nerve cells and provides  insulation  and thereby improves the conduction of impulses along the nerves and maintains  the health of the nerves disappear in the case of a person with MS.

What causes multiple sclerosis?

The cause of Multiple Sclerosis is still eluding researchers and doctors. The immune system defends an aggressor or a foreign object by mounting a defensive action which identifies and attacks the invader and then withdraws. In the case of a person affected by MS a foreign agent such as a virus alters the immune system such that the immune system perceives myelin as an intruder and attacks it. While some of the myelin may be repaired after the assault, some of the nerves are stripped of their myelin covering. Scarring also occurs, and the material is deposited into the scars forming plaques.

Although its role is unclear, statistics suggest that genetic factors play a major role in multiple sclerosis. However, other data suggest that environmental factors also play an important role.

What are the types of multiple sclerosis?

There are different clinical manifestations of multiple sclerosis.

During an attack, a person experiences a sudden deterioration in normal physical abilities that may range from mild to severe. This attack, sometimes referred to as an exacerbation of multiple sclerosis, typically lasts more than 24 hours and generally more than a few weeks.

About 65%-80% of individuals begin with relapsing-remitting (RR) MS, the most common type. In this type, they experience a series of attacks followed by complete or partial disappearance of the symptoms (remission) until another attack occurs (relapse). It may be weeks to decades between relapses.

In primary-progressive (PP) MS, there is a continuous, gradual decline in a person's physical abilities right from the outset rather than relapses. About 10%-20% of individuals begin with PP-MS.

Those beginning with RR-MS can then enter a phase where relapses are rare but more disability accumulates, and are said to have secondary-progressive (SP) MS. About 50% of RR-MS individuals will develop SP-MS within 10 years. Over several decades, most RR-MS persons will experience progression to SP-MS.

Progressive-Relapsing (PR) MS is a type of multiple sclerosis characterized by a steady decline in abilities accompanied by sporadic attacks. There are cases of multiple sclerosis that are mild and can be recognized only retrospectively after many years and also rare cases of extremely rapid progression of multiple sclerosis symptoms (sometimes fatal) known as malignant or fulminant (Marburg variant) multiple sclerosis.

What are the symptoms of multiple sclerosis?

Symptoms of multiple sclerosis may be single or multiple and may range from mild to severe in intensity and short to long in duration. Complete or partial remission from symptoms occurs early in about 70% of individuals with multiple sclerosis.

·         Visual disturbances may be the first symptoms of multiple sclerosis, but they usually subside.

·         Limb weakness with or without difficulties of coordination and balance may occur early.

·         Muscle spasms, fatigue, numbness, and prickling pain are common symptoms.

·         There may be a loss of sensation, speech impediment (typically a problem articulating words), tremors, or dizziness.

·         decreased concentration,

·         attention deficits,

·         some degree of memory loss,

·         inability to perform sequential tasks, or

·         impairment in judgment.

·         depression,

·         manic depression,

·         paranoia, or

·         an uncontrollable urge to laugh and weep.

As the disease progresses, individuals may experience sexual dysfunction or reduced bowel and bladder control.

What are the types of tests available for multiple sclerosis?

Due to the broad range and subtleties of symptoms, multiple sclerosis may not be diagnosed for months to years after the onset of symptoms. Physicians, particularly neurologists, take detailed histories and perform complete physical and neurological examinations.

·         MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans with intravenous gadolinium helps to identify, describe, and in some instances date lesions in the brain (plaques).

·         An electro-physiological test, evoked potentials, examines the impulses traveling through the nerves to determine if the impulses are moving normally or too slowly.

·         Finally, examining the cerebro-spinal fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord may identify abnormal chemicals (antibodies) or cells that suggest the presence of multiple sclerosis.

Collectively, these three tests help the physician in confirming the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.

What are the treatments available for multiple sclerosis?

There are many issues for the patient and physician to consider in treating multiple sclerosis. Goals may include:

·         improving the speed of recovery from attacks (treatment with steroid drugs);

·         reducing the number of attacks or the number of MRI lesions; or

·         attempting to slow progression of the disease (treatment with disease modifying drugs or DMDs).

An additional goal is relief from complications due to the loss of function of affected organs (treatment with drugs aimed at specific symptoms).

Most neurologists will consider treatment with DMDs once the diagnosis of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis is established. Many will begin treatment at the time of the first multiple sclerosis attack, since clinical trials have suggested that patients in whom treatment is delayed may not benefit as much as patients who are treated early.

Finally, utilizing support groups or counseling may be helpful for patients and their families whose lives may be affected directly by multiple sclerosis.

Once goals have been set, initial therapy may include medications to manage attacks, symptoms, or both. An understanding of the potential side effects of drugs is critical for the patient because sometimes side effects alone deter patients from drug therapy. Patients may choose to avoid drugs altogether or choose an alternative drug that may offer relief with fewer side effects. A continuous dialogue between the patient and physician about the medications is important in determining the needs for treatment.

Multiple Sclerosis At A Glance

·         Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease which progressively injures the nerves of the brain and spinal cord.

·         Injury to the nerves in multiple sclerosis may be reflected by alterations of virtually any sensory or motor (muscular) function in the body.

·         The cause of multiple sclerosis is unknown, but it has become widely accepted that genetic, immunological, and environmental factors play a role.

·         The selection of drug treatment/therapy should be made after the patient with multiple sclerosis has been properly informed of drug efficacy, particular FDA-approved uses, administration routes, risks of adverse events, and methods to enhance tolerability and compliance.

LUPUS – AN AUTOIMMUNE DISORDER .

Lupus is an autoimmune disease. For reasons unknown our body’s immune system starts attacking the tissues, organs including the joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, brain, blood and skin.

Lupus predominantly affects women between the age group of 15 to 45.

Lupus is far more common than leukemia and multiple sclerosis, yet awareness about this disease is less than other less commonly occurring autoimmune diseases.

Without early diagnosis and treatment, lupus can be severely debilitating or deadly. If ignored or left untreated Lupus can lead to multi-organ failure or damage and prove fatal.

Symptoms of Lupus:

·         Fever

·         Fatigue

·         Loss of appetite

·         Hair loss

·         Rashes

·         Swollen glands

·         Sensitivity to light

·         Chest, muscle  and  joint pain

·         Ulcers in the mouth

Treatments include steroids, painkillers and autoimmune suppressants. Dietary regulations and change in ones behavioral pattern also seem to help.

While living a full life is possible, early diagnosis and consistent treatment are critical. A complete cure remains elusive.

HEPATITIS AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

Guess what the role of the liver in the human body is?

Your liver helps your body digest food, store energy and removes poisons.

What Is HEPATITIS?

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, most commonly caused by a viral infection which causes scarring of the liver (Liver Cirrhosis) or Liver Cancer.

The five main hepatitis viruses are, referred to as types A, B, C, D and E. Besides these Hepatitis is also caused by consumption of alcohol and drugs.

You can help prevent some viral forms of Hepatitis by getting a vaccine. Sometimes hepatitis goes away by itself and if it does not, it can be treated with drugs. But sometimes hepatitis lasts a lifetime.

Hepatitis A and E are typically caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water.

Hepatitis B, C and D usually occur as a result of contact with infected body fluids. Common modes of transmission for these viruses include receipt of contaminated blood or blood products, invasive medical procedures using contaminated equipment and for hepatitis B transmission from mother to baby at birth, from family member to child, and also by sexual contact.

Types B and C in particular can lead to chronic disease and, together, are the most common causes of liver cirrhosis and cancer.

Signs 

A physical examination may show an enlarged and tender liver, fluid in the abdomen and yellowing of skin.

Symptoms

Some people exhibit no symptoms while some others may have loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, general itching, dark colored urine, stomach pain, development of breasts in males and/or yellowing of skin and eyes.

Tests

Doctors may prescribe one or a combination of the tests mentioned below to ascertain and treat the viral infection.

·         Abdominal Ultrasound

·         Auto immune blood markers

·         Hepatitis Virus Serology

·         Liver Function Test

·         Liver Biopsy(to check liver damage)

·         And/or Paracentesis (if he/she suspects fluid collection in your abdomen)

You can protect yourself against hepatitis B by being vaccinated. The vaccine is 95% effective in preventing chronic infections. Protection lasts for at least 20 years at least and no booster is recommended by WHO as of today.

Have you heard of a disease called the Lymes Disease?

If not this is a good time to learn about it.

The month of May is associated with awareness of a few common and not so common diseases that afflict us, namely Hepatitis, Asthma, Dystonia, Lupus, CFS, Brain Injury, Multiple Sclerosis and Lymes Disease.

AWARENESS helps gain knowledge and understanding and increases our alertness and responsiveness in approaching an illness in an educated manner and seeking medical help.

LYMES DISEASE

A disorder caused by a tick bite.

Most people who get Lyme’s disease do not become seriously ill. It is named after Lyme, Connecticut, USA, where it was first described.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Stage 1:

• A rash that starts as a small red spot. The spot expands and becomes round or oval in shape with a clear center. It resembles a bulls-eye.
• Mild flu-like symptoms may occur (fever, headache, stiff neck, fatigue, muscle and joint pain).

Stage 2:

• Rash develops in other places of the body.
• Single-joint pain or body pain.
• Central nervous system symptoms that may range from headache to loss of consciousness.

Stage 3: (may occur months to years after first stage):

• The nerves, joints, heart, and brain may be seriously affected, causing a number of new symptoms.

CAUSES

An infection transmitted by an infected deer tick bite. The rash may occur 3 to 30 days after the tick bite.

The infection does not spread from one person to another.

RISK INCREASES WITH

Work, play, or recreational activities in places like grassy, brushy, or wooded areas which are high risk for ticks.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• Wear protective clothing with tight collars and cuffs.
• Use effective insect repellents when visiting areas with ticks.
• Check skin carefully and remove ticks if any. If the tick is removed from the skin within 36 hours, there is usually no infection.
• No vaccine is currently available.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

The severity differs from one person to another. Mild cases clear up on their own without treatment. Most other cases can be treated successfully with antibiotics. In a few cases, symptoms may not respond to antibiotics. Additional treatment may or may not help.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Various degrees of persistent joint or nervous system pain, fatigue, memory problems
• Rarely, death may occur.

DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

• A physical examination and medical tests that may include blood studies to confirm the diagnosis.
• Early treatment with antibiotic drugs to prevent symptoms from getting worse.
• Crutches may be used to to keep weight off affected joints, if necessary.

·         Warm baths or showers, or the use of heating pads to relieve joint pain.

MEDICATIONS

• An oral antibiotic for 14 to 21 days for early stage of the disease.
• Antibiotics given through a vein (IV) for later stages.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Steroid drugs to reduce the inflammatory response in the heart or central nervous system.

ACTIVITY

Bed rest until symptoms get better. Gradual resumption of normal activities.

DIET

No special diet.