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Every year, World COPD Day is held to increase public awareness of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and to educate people worldwide about this respiratory disorder. A global group called GOLD- Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease launched in 2002 which brings together medical professionals from many nations to organize public awareness campaigns regarding COPD, its prevention and to support better medical care and treatment outcomes for people who have already been diagnosed with the disease.

          The emphasis on lifelong lung health is a part of this year's theme. We only have one set of lungs when we all are born. Keeping our lungs healthy is essential for our future health and wellbeing from childhood through maturity. This campaign will concentrate on the causes of COPD from infancy to adulthood and what can be done to encourage lifetime lung health and safeguard the vulnerable population.

What is COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a common respiratory ailment that affects people of all ages worldwide. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the two most common progressive lung diseases that affect the air sacs and bronchial tubes in the lungs, impairing breathing and causing lung damage. COPD is an umbrella term that refers to a variety of these conditions. The typical course of COPD is several years and in rare circumstances, it might even be a chronic condition.

          In addition to causing direct lung damage, COPD also increases a person's risk of developing heart disease, angina and respiratory infections. COPD usually leads to shortness of breath and irreparable lung damage by obstructing the airways and deteriorating pulmonary cells and tissues. However, COPD symptoms can be controlled and severe lung damage can be avoided with prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Causes of COPD

1. Direct inhalation of toxic chemicals, fumes and dust in an occupational setting.
2. Living in homes with inadequate ventilation and inhaling fumes from the burning of coal and fuel for cooking and heating purposes.
3. Tobacco smoking.
4. Continuous exposure to air pollution, dust, particulate matter etc.

Symptoms

Some persons who have both COPD and asthma experience symptoms that are similar to each other since COPD is an inflammatory lung disorder. The following symptoms are usually seen:

1. Difficulty in breathing.
2. Wheezing
3. Loss of weight.
4. Fatigue and uneasiness.
5. Coughing with phlegm discharge.
6. Tight clenching sensation in the chest.
7. Accumulation of mucus in the nasal passage.

Treatment

COPD has no known cure but with the right care, the condition can be effectively treated. The corrective actions include:

1. People with arthritis can improve their general health and lessen the severity of their symptoms by maintaining a healthy, balanced diet, getting the right amount of exercise, and refraining from smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
2. Bronchodilators- Inhaled drugs that clear blockages from the airways, expand the lungs and promote comfortable breathing.
3. Prescribed medications as suggested by the doctor.
4. In case of serious COPD, Oxygen therapy and surgery are done to remove the inflamed tissues within the lungs in order to normalize the oxygen supply.

Prevention of COPD

1. By avoiding smoking tobacco.
2. By improving ventilation in the houses and work areas.
3. By wearing masks or protective clothing while stepping outside in the polluted areas to avoid the toxic fumes and pollutants in the air.

Diabetes Prevention

Can Type 2 Diabetes Be Prevented?

Yes! You can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes with proven, achievable lifestyle changes; such as losing a small amount of weight and getting more physically active even if you're at high risk. Read on to find out about  lifestyle change program and how you can join.

What is Prediabetes?

Before developing type 2 diabetes, most people have prediabetes; their blood sugar is higher than normal but not high enough yet for a diabetes diagnosis. Prediabetes is really common. The good news is that prediabetes can be reversed.

DOs and DONTs in Diabetes

DOs if you have diabetes

Iodine is a crucial component for maintaining human health. Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) may develop if the thyroid gland is not able to operate properly. Goiters, mental impairment and even death are among the health issues IDD can cause. IDD affects millions of people each year making it a significant public health issue. The World Health Organization established October 21 as the World Iodine Deficiency Day in order to promote iodine supplementation as a successful means of preventing IDD.

What is Iodine Deficiency?

Iodine is a crucial trace element needed for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. The growth and development of the brain depend on these chemicals. Iodine shortage can result in a variety of health issues such as cretinism, mental retardation and goitre (an enlarged thyroid gland) which is characterized by stunted physical growth and mental development.

Causes

Iodine is a crucial trace element needed for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Numerous crucial physiological functions, including as metabolism, growth, and development, are regulated by thyroid hormones. The most frequent worldwide cause of reversible mental impairment and brain damage is iodine deficiency. Making sure to regularly eat iodized salt is the greatest approach to avoid an iodine shortage.

Symptoms

1. Goiter which happens when the thyroid gland enlarges as a result of a lack of iodine is the most typical symptom of iodine deficiency. Goiter may be nodular or diffuse (an enlargement of the entire or more areas of the gland).
2. Fatigue
3. Weight gain
4. Dry skin
5. Loss of hair
6. Cold intolerance
7. Constipation
8. Depression.
9. Cretinism and mental impairment can result from severe iodine deficiency.
   
   

Prevention and Treatment

Universal salt iodization: Every nation should make sure that the iodization of salt used for human consumption is sufficient. The most successful and long-lasting method of Iodine Deficiency Disease (IDD) prevention.

Iodine fortification of other foods: In some nations, staple foods like rice and flour may be given an iodine boost. The context and requirements of the local area should inform this strategy.

Health education and awareness-raising: It's critical to raise understanding of iodine's role in preventing IDD and the necessity of eating foods high in iodine.

Osteoporosis literally means "porous bone." Since the condition weakens bones and increases the chance of sudden, unforeseen bone fractures. If a person has osteoporosis then the bones become weaker and light in mass. The condition frequently progresses without any warning signs or discomfort and it is typically not detected until the weakening of bones result in fractures. The majority of these involve hip, wrist, and spine fractures.

World Osteoporosis Day proposes educating people about osteoporosis and its effects which relies on five steps to osteoporosis prevention. The first step is to eat meals that are rich in calcium, vitamins, proteins, and other nutrients, maintaining body weight by engaging in at least 40 minutes of exercise daily and by avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and smoking. It also creates awareness of elements such as illnesses, genetics, medications, and menopause which are the factors for osteoporosis.

Causes

The exact cause of osteoporosis is unknown as it develops inside the living, expanding tissue which makes up the bones. Trabecular bone, which constitutes the inside of healthy bones, resembles a sponge. The cortical bone, a spongy bone, is encased in a tough outer layer of bone. Osteoporosis weakens the inside of the bone by causing the "holes" in the "sponge" to enlarge and multiply. The body breaks down and rebuilds the bone when it requires calcium. This procedure is known as bone remodeling which maintains the strength of the bones while supplying the body with the calcium it requires. After age 35, bone deterioration outpaces bone formation, resulting in a steady decrease of bone mass which usually increases after menopause.

Symptoms

Osteoporosis typically shows no symptoms. Thus it is sometimes also referred as ‘silent sickness’ for this reason. However, the following symptoms are observed:

1. Decrease in height (getting shorter by an inch or more).
2. Bad posture (stooping or bending forward).
3. Difficulty in breathing (smaller lung capacity due to compressed disks).
4. Broken bones.
5. Lower back pain
   
   

Risk factors

1. Age- osteoporosis usually happens with age.
2. Gender- women are majorly affected with osteoporosis than men.
3. Lifestyle- due to bad lifestyle like obesity have the higher risks of having osteoporosis.
4. Family history- people with a family history of arthritis are more likely to have it in the future.
5. The risk of getting osteoporosis is highest in postmenopausal or older women.

Diagnosis

1. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, often known as a DEXA or DXA scan to assess the bone health.
2. Bone Mineral Density (BMD) examinations to check the strength of the spine, hip, and wrist bones.
3. X-rays which emit very modest doses of radiation can detect only the highly advanced osteoporosis.

Treatment

The goals of osteoporosis treatment include managing pain, reducing joint deterioration, and enhancing or maintaining function and quality of life. This can be accomplished while also protecting joints from future harm by supplementing a variety of drugs and lifestyle choices.

1. Medications like analgesics, Nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) etc.
2. People with osteoporosis can improve their general health and lessen the severity of their symptoms by maintaining a healthy, balanced diet, getting the right amount of exercise, and refraining from smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
3. Physiotherapy and exercises.
4. Surgery- in case of severe arthritis, surgeries like Total Knee Replacement, Total Hip Replacement, joint fusion, synovectomy, osteotomy etc.

Arthritis is the medical term for swelling or joint inflammation. It describes more than 100 ailments that have an impact on connective tissues, joints, and surrounding tissues. Depending on the type of arthritis, specific symptoms can vary, although stiffness and pain in the joints are typically present.

Types of Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are the two most prevalent kinds of arthritis.

1. Osteoarthritis- It is the deterioration of the cartilage which is a hard, smooth coating on the ends of bones where they form a joint which gets worn down due to damage. This deterioration may take place gradually over many years or may be sped up by an infection or joint damage. The lining of the joint may swell and become inflamed if the cartilage in the joint is significantly damaged. This results in grinding of the bones directly against each other, causing pain and limiting movement.
2. Rheumatoid arthritis- The strong membrane that encloses all the joint components is attacked by the body's immune system. Due to this, the synovial membrane swells and becomes irritated. Bone and cartilage in the joint may eventually be destroyed by the illness.

Other forms of arthritis can be brought on by infections or underlying conditions like lupus or psoriasis. Gout can be brought on by uric acid crystals, which develop when your blood uric acid level is too high.

Symptoms

1. Intense pain in the joints.
2. Swelling in the joints.
3. Redness and stiffness in the joints.
4. Decreased range of movements.

Risk factors

1. Age- osteoarthritis usually happens with age.
2. Family history- people with a family history of arthritis are more likely to have it in the future.
3. Gender- women are majorly affected with rheumatoid arthritis than men, whereas gout usually happens in men.
4. Lifestyle- due to bad lifestyle like obesity have the higher risks of having arthritis.
5. People are more prone to develop arthritis in a joint that has been injured, possibly while participating in sports.

Treatment

The goals of arthritis treatment include managing pain, reducing joint deterioration, and enhancing or maintaining function and quality of life. This can be accomplished while also protecting joints from future harm by supplementing a variety of drugs and lifestyle choices.

1. Medications like analgesics, Nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) etc.
2. People with arthritis can improve their general health and lessen the severity of their symptoms by maintaining a healthy, balanced diet, getting the right amount of exercise, and refraining from smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
3. Physiotherapy and exercises.
4. Surgery- in case of severe arthritis, surgeries like Total Knee Replacement, Total Hip Replacement, joint fusion, synovectomy, osteotomy etc.

On October 10, we celebrate World Mental Health Day to escalate our knowledge of mental health advancements. Our increased self-awareness and sensitivity to it have improved the situation. It is noted that there has never been a more pressing need to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and to promote its understanding and treatment. The main objective of this day is to raise the awareness about mental health and to raise the support and effort for a better mental health.

This day serves as a reminder that a person is not suffering alone. We tend to believe that we are the only ones going through difficult times and knowing that others have experienced it and come out on the other side is encouraging. We are also reminded that we are capable of overcoming the pain and progress towards the betterment.

Importance

1. The stigma associated with mental health concerns can be reduced by normalizing them. Even while this is getting better, many people still feel embarrassed to talk about their feelings or go to therapy. Campaigns like this one can compel people to take good care of their mental health.
2. People can be kept safe by raising awareness of the symptoms of mental health problems, can have important conversations with those close to them when they are aware of the warning signals of poor mental health. In this way, it can be understood whether he/she needs expert assistance.
3. A greater understanding of mental health concerns also makes persons who experience them feel less isolated. When the reality about their prevalence is revealed then the people feel less alone or less humiliated.
4. Encouragement of nations to allot more of their money for mental health resources particularly crucial in low-income nations as very few people in these nations have access to medical care.

Symptoms of mental illness

1. Being depressed or sad.
2. Unclear thinking or a diminished capacity to focus.
3. Anxiety, hallucination, feeling stressed or guilty feeling.
4. Extremely high and low mood swings, e.g.; anger.
5. Withdrawal from relationships, hobbies and interests.
6. Significant exhaustion, low energy, or insomnia.
7. Suicidal thoughts or self-harm.

 How to overcome?

1. By talking and sharing thoughts with a close one- be it a friend, or a family member.
2. Remedial counseling with the therapists.
3. Self- help groups which are involved in identifying the people suffering from the problems and encourage them to have an activity together in order to overcome the mental illness.
4. By reaching out to the affected individual and extend help and medical support.
5. Medications as prescribed by the doctor.

Every year on September 15, World Lymphoma Awareness Day is observed to increase public understanding of lymphoma, a kind of cancer that is becoming more prevalent. The Lymphoma Coalition, a non-profit network organization of 83 lymphoma patient groups from 52 nations worldwide is the entity in charge of hosting the global project. World Lymphoma Awareness Day was established in the year 2004 in order to increase public knowledge of Hodgkin and non- Hodgkin lymphoma in terms of symptom recognition, early diagnosis and treatment. Lymphoma is a potentially fatal illness with a rising incidence. Nearly 1,000 people throughout the world receive a lymphoma diagnosis every day but there is still a low level of awareness of the disease's warning signs and symptoms.

          By raising awareness of lymphoma, more individuals will be able to identify its symptoms and signs resulting in earlier detection and faster treatment. Increased knowledge will also enable patients and their families to request specialized care from trained lymphoma doctors and to have access to the most recent resources for assistance, support and therapy.

What is Lymphoma?

Both B-cells and T-cells/Natural Killer cells can be affected by lymphoma, a malignancy of the white blood cells known as lymphocytes. However, they can be broadly divided into two categories: high-grade or aggressive or acute lymphoma where the cells develop and spread quickly but have a better prognosis since chemotherapy can efficiently destroy the cancer cells and low-grade or chronic lymphoma.
          Low-grade lymphoma patients frequently respond well to treatment, but because the malignancy is characterized by cycles of remission and relapse, this kind of lymphoma is typically regarded as incurable. However, people over 60 are primarily affected. This implies that the person may pass away from causes other than cancer as the quality of life is affected.

Symptoms and Treatment

It is often characterized by fatigue which becomes more severe with time as the lymphoma progresses in the body. Swelling of lymph nodes, sweating especially in the night, difficulty in breathing, unexplained weight loss are some of the major symptoms observed in the lymphoma patients.

          Chemotherapy, targeted immunotherapy and other drugs have proved to be very much efficient for the survival of the lymphoma patients if the treatment has been started sooner.

Detection and Prevention

The only way to diagnose lymphoma is to diagnose at the earliest. Ultrasound, PET scan and biopsy are the diagnostic tests which confirms this condition. Sooner the detection, better is the treatment and cure. Thus, if any of the above mentioned symptoms observed in any individual, it’s better to get the necessary medical examinations done.

Adults frequently complain of joint pain, which is typically brought on by regular wear and tear from daily activities including walking, bending, standing, and lifting. Running and sports involving jumping or fast pivots increase the risk of knee pain and other related issues in athletes. But whether joint pain is brought on by ageing or an injury, it can be bothersome and even crippling in some cases.

Common joint pain typically manifests in the hands, foot, hips, knees, or spine. Pain may be ongoing or intermittent. Joint pain can sometimes be described as discomfort, inflammation, soreness, stiffness, or pain. Joint discomfort can be acute (lasting only a few days) or chronic (lasting more than three months). The joint may occasionally feel stiff, achy, or sore. A searing, throbbing, or "grating" feeling is reported by some patients and furthermore the joint could be stiff in the morning but get looser and feel better with activity.

Causes –

1. Sprained or strained knee ligaments or muscles- Those who have had any joint injuries or repeated overuse of the muscles.
2. Another cause of stiffness and painful joints is age. This results in the strain and wear and tear of the joints.
3. Osteoarthritis- a prevalent type of arthritis which develops over time when the cartilage (the protective cushion in between the bones) wears away and the joints start to hurt and stiffen.
4. Torn cartilage which occur with sprains.
5. Joint dislocation due to injury or accident.
6. Rheumatoid arthritis- A persistent condition that injures the joints and causes swelling. This results in the deformation of joints (usually occurring in the fingers and wrists).
7. Gout- Crystals from the body build up in the joint which results in excruciating pain and swelling. Usually, the big toe experiences this.
8. Due to physical and mental stress

Symptoms observed-

1. Intense pain
2. Swelling of joint, redness and fever
3. Difficulty in walking
4. Joint inflammation and cartilage decay due to arthritis
5. Reduced mobility and joint stiffness
6. Numbness
7. Noisy joints like clicking, grinding or crackling sound during movement.
8. Visible deformity of the affected joint

Diagnostic tests and Treatments -

1. Pathological examinations such as Blood tests, hormone tests, tests to detect the function of adrenal glands and Urine culture.
2. X-rays, CT scan or MRI scan.
3. Arthroscopy- A minimally-invasive diagnostic and treatment procedure used for joint conditions. An arthroscope—a tiny, illuminated optic tube introduced through a tiny incision in the joint. Images of the inside of the joint are projected onto a screen in order to analyze any arthritic or degenerative changes in the joint, to find tumors, to identify the source of bone pain and inflammation. This procedure is also used for ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) surgery.
4. Replacement surgeries like Total Knee Replacement, Total Hip Replacement, Spinal surgeries to relieve the unbearable pain and also adds new shelf life to the joints. This is usually suggested for severe osteoarthritic patients.
5. Physiotherapy as suggested by the physician for post-operative patients and also suggested exercises for restoring movement to the numb joint.
6. Medications as prescribed by the medical practitioner.

Total Knee/ Hip Replacement surgery-

It could be challenging to walk or climb stairs if the knee or hip joint has been seriously affected by arthritis or another accident. So, even while sitting or lying down, one could start to experience pain. Replacement surgery is recommended for the patients with bowed knee deformity. The average surgical procedure lasts between 1-2 hours and requires very less hospital stay for about three days. After three to six weeks of rest, the patient can resume back to his daily routine. To correct the alignment and function of knee/hip joint, the orthopedic surgeon will remove the damaged bone and cartilage and then places the new metal implants which are made up of titanium dioxide highly polished with cobalt chromium. These implants mimic the exact the knee/ hip joint and offers the same movement as that of a natural joint. These replacement surgeries do not have any age or weight restrictions and can be performed at any stage of the life. Having a knee/hip replacement surgery improves mobility, reduces pain, and improves the quality of life. Additionally, the majority of these replacements provide a shelf life longer than 15 years.

Prevention and Control-

1. Activity modification such as weight loss.
2. Walking aids such as walking stick, safety bars or handrails across the staircases for those with the disrupted movement.
3. Viscosupplementation injections and nerve ablation for immediate pain relief. Viscosupplementation involves injecting a gel- like fluid called hyaluronic acid which provides lubrication and may provide immediate pain relief. But this procedure has not found to be effective and often causes side effects like redness, swelling in the injected part and may develop a local allergy- type reaction.
4. Avoid using low floor toilets and use of western commodes is recommended.
5. Physiotherapy exercises for restoring the movements and strengthening the joint post-operation.
6. Management of stress.

Another trivial thing for maintaining Hand Hygiene is the use of gloves. It is a Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) employed in common precautions against the spread of pathogens from healthcare providers' hands to those of their patients as well as from patients' hands to those of their colleagues. Many people are unaware that the gloves' level of protection is insufficient. In one study, it was discovered that when doing basic patient care, workers who did not wear gloves and that had contaminated their hands at a rate of 16 bacterium per minute, compared to 3 bacteria per minute for those using gloves. Therefore, using gloves DOES NOT eliminate the necessity to wash our hands afterwards. Whether wearing gloves make it harder to maintain good hand hygiene has been the subject of various research. The majority of research have been modest and have evaluated the use of gloves and hand cleanliness using non-standardized methods. Since it's quite challenging to remove the gloves without contaminating our hands, doctors must also sanitize their hands after using them. Otherwise, it can cause the transfer of germs from the gloves onto the skin. A recent study has found that skin or garment contamination occurred in 52.9% of glove removals. Every time we touch anything, we should take off our gloves, wash your hands and then put on the fresh ones. If the same gloves are repeatedly used, then there are higher chances of contaminating everything we touch. Thus, it’s very important to put on the fresh gloves at regular intervals and wash our hands properly and sanitize our belongings. Gloves should be used whenever a patient is being cared for when exposure to blood or any other body fluid is possible (including contact with mucous membranes or skin that isn't intact), as well as during contact precautions and outbreak circumstances.

          The recommended guidelines regarding usage of gloves as issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) are listed below -

1. Health care professionals must be able to distinguish between certain clinical scenarios in which gloves should be used and changed and those in which they are not. Additionally, the health care worker needs to be properly taught about when to put on and take off the gloves.
2. Following taking off the gloves, there is an immediate need for hand wash.
3. When a health care provider needs to do hand washing or hand rubbing while wearing gloves due to an indication for hand hygiene, the gloves should be taken off.
4. The gloves used for routine patient care are not put on in a sterile manner, therefore hands must be disinfected before putting them on.
5. Gloves do not provide protection for the patient; rather, they are designed to shield the provider from the patient. The best thing we can do to protect both the patient and the physician is to wash our hands before putting on the gloves and after taking them off.

Long-term use of gloves for contact precautions without taking into account the necessity for hand hygiene might lead to the spread of germs.

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