HEALTHCARE-SEVEN HABITS OF HEALTHY PEOPLE

HEALTHCARE-SEVEN HABITS OF 

HEALTHY PEOPLE


Most of us know that living a healthy lifestyle is a challenge.
When we look at the fit and healthy people, it appears to us that it is not easy task to achieve what they have made. An active and healthy body with a longer lifespan appears out of reach to normal individuals.

But this sort of health and fitness is very much possible if we resort to some healthy behaviours on a routine basis and to cultivate them into regular habits. Although these habits in this post seem very small by themselves, as regular habits over time they will certainly have a very positive effect on our health. Further we have to focus on making the healthy choice in any situation and make it a habit in the long term.

These are some of habits and behaviours we can adopt to ensure a healthy life style

1.   Having Breakfast:

Breakfast is important for many reasons. It helps not only in  beginning  our metabolic activities faster but also prevents us from excessive eating afterwards. Further elders having good breakfast work well, so also the children do better at their studies who follow healthy breakfast.

2.   Planning our Meals:

Planning our meals forehand helps us in better management of time and money in due course. Keeping in view our aims and needs, such as losing weight, Diabetes etc., we can plan our food by reducing on the levels of intake of sugar, fat and carbohydrates and also increase of protein or vitamin content. Planning like this helps us in watching what we eat and when we eat.  It may also prevent us from untimely and junk foods.

3.   Drinking Plenty of Water:

Drinking plenty of water is very good to our health. It may also help us in losing our weight. Another reason to go for water is sugar added drinks are linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes. If we are not able to take plain water in plenty,  oranges, lemons, watermelon, cucumber etc., can also be taken to supplement the need of hydrating the body.

4.Taking an Exercise Break:

Doing some physical exercises daily, yoga or some stretches, will be a great help to our body and mind.  Walking for about 40 minutes a day, at least five times a week is very much needed in order to avoid several life style disorders, like obesity, diabetes etc. If we can't do all the exercises at a stretch due to some or other reasons, shorter spells can also be helpful.

5.Going Offline:

If we are in the habit of doing things continuously sitting for longer hours on computers, smartphones etc., like checking our mails and social media a lot, we have to cut short  these activities to some extent. When we cut back on screen time, we get the time to do other things, such as to take a walk, read a book or to spend some good time with family members/relatives or friends.

6.Learning  Something New:

Learning some new skills help us in keeping our brain in active and healthy condition. Taking up some fine arts like music, drawing or a creative writing workshop etc.,  prevents our brain from being idle. Learning  a new language will also be a good idea. The mental work we take to keep our brain active all the time, can slow the signs of aging and may even delay the effects of Alzheimer's disease.

7. Stopping Smoke:

If we are in the habit of smoking, it is good to stop to put an end to this habit ,which will be a big step for better health.  As we quit this habit, we will be able to prevent many health disorders, like lungs and heart problems, TB, cancers etc.,

By adopting to these easy  and simple habits, we can protect our health and prevent many life style diseases, like diabetes, obesity and many more possible complications arising from them, like heart diseases, blood pressure, Renal diseases etc., Further sticking to these healthy habits, is very much important as we grow old, which help in slowing the indications of aging and age related problems.  

HEALTH CARE- COMMON CAUSES OF JOINT PAINS- HOME REMEDIES FOR JOINT PAINS

HEALTH CARE- COMMON CAUSES OF JOINT PAINS - HOME REMEDIES FOR JOINT PAINS
HEALTH CARE- COMMON CAUSES OF JOINT PAINS- HOME REMEDIES FOR JOINT PAINS 

Most of us are experiencing joint pains of some sort or other quite often. But most of these joint pains are harmless and will subside in due course. Many a time the joint pains are caused due to wrong or over usage of the joint/joints, from an unaccustomed work, such as gardening or some other job in the home or even while playing/in the course of games/sport events, we end up with temporary joint pains. Though these types of joint pains are not dangerous, pains which are acute and persisting for longer period of times may be pointing to a serious underlying cause, such as Arthritis, Infection of bones, Cancers, Osteoporosis etc.. Hence if the joint pains stay beyond three to four days, causing due to any reason, it is better to approach our doctor or health specialist for diagnosis and treatment of the problem. 

STRAINS AND SPRAINS

Usually strains and sprains will be occurring when our joints are twisted unnaturally, causing injury to the ligaments or tendons and sometimes to both in the joints. Frequently these are caused in the course of physical activity, such as playing sport, dancing, etc., and sometimes due to accidents also. Sprains affect the ligaments, i.e., the tissues connecting bone to bone. Strains affect the tendons, which are attaching muscle to bone and both of them can cause joint pains. This type of strains and sprains are not serious and they don’t need medical attention. Proper Rest, Massage and Strapping will be sufficient for healing the condition. In case, swelling and acute pain do exists, then it would be better to seek the opinion of our doctor or health specialist for diagnosis and treatment for the problem.

HOME REMEDIES FOR JOINT PAINS

We can also try these excellent home remedies for chronic joint pains of all types as said above including arthritis which shows amazing results. 

1. MASSAGE : Massage helps in relieving joint pain by improving circulation and soothing inflammation. Several studies say that regular massage reduces pains, stiffness and range of motion in the affected joints. Warm coconut oil, olive, mustard, castor or garlic oil can be used for massage by applying gentle pressure while massaging the affected area. 

2. HOT AND COLD COMPRESSES: Alternating hot and cold compresses also works in easing joint pains. Heat therapy reduces pain, increases blood flow and relaxes muscles and joints, while cold therapy reduces inflammation. 

1. We should rap both compresses separately and should not be applied directly to the skin. 
2. Hot compress shall be placed on the affected area for about three minutes. 
3. On removing the compress, immediately a cold compress shall be placed in that area for about one minute. 
4. The process shall have to be repeated for 15 to 20 minutes for two or three times daily. 

3. FENUGREEK SEEDS: Fenugreek is a popular home medicine for treating joint pains in view of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is especially beneficial for those suffering from arthritis. One teaspoon of ground fenugreek seeds with a glass of lukewarm water have to be swallowed daily in the mornings. Otherwise we may also take a teaspoon of soaked fenugreek seeds in the water for whole night and eat them the next morning before the breakfast. 

4. TURMERICK: Turmeric is an excellent Ayurvedic medicine for joint pains, containing curcumin with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. One teaspoon of turmeric powder with a little honey in a glass of warm milk shall be taken daily for a few days or else to take turmeric capsules three times daily. 

5. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR :Apple cider vinegar works well in reducing joint pains by eliminating toxins from the joints and tissues. It is rich with minerals like magnesium, calcium, potassium and phosphorus. One to three teaspoons of organic apple cider vinegar with little honey shall have to be mixed with a cup of warm water and taken the solution two or three times a day, preferably before meals. This can be continued regularly since in addition to helping with joint pains, it is also good for our overall health.

 6. EPSOM SALT: Epsom salt baths help in absorption of magnesium through the skin. Joint pains are frequently due to low levels of magnesium also and magnesium helps in reducing inflammation and in detoxification of cells. Two cups of Epsom salt shall have to be mixed in warm bath water for about 20 minutes before taking bath and the process shall be repeated three times a week. 

7. GARLIC: In view of its richness in sulphur and selenium, garlic is very good remedy for those suffering from arthritis and any other joint pains. Sulphur helps in relieving joint pains and inflammation and also arthritic patients often have low levels of selenium in their blood. We can consume two or three garlic cloves daily, and even by including it in our diet. If we are deterring to the smell or taste of garlic, we can take garlic supplements. Further we can also fry two garlic cloves in two tablespoons of mustard or sesame oil. After the garlic cloves turn black, the oil shall be strained and allowed to cool until it is comfortably warm, then can be used to massage on the skin over the affected area. After allowing it for about three hours , then we can go for washing it. This process shall be continued twice daily and we can see improvement very soon. 

8. GINGER: Ginger is an excellent natural medicine for muscle and joint pains, due to its high anti-inflammatory properties. Drinking ginger tea or including fresh ginger root or dried ginger powder in our daily diet is very good for health. To prepare ginger tea, a small piece of ginger root shall have to be boiled in a cup of water for 10 minutes and strained it. To improve the taste, we can sweeten it with honey. Alternately we can also take one teaspoon of mixture of ginger, turmeric and fenugreek powder of same quantities in the morning and evening and we can see the results certainly within a short time. 

The above mentioned home remedies are harmless and with no side effects with amazing results and are in practice from the ages.  By adapting to these methods,we  can have relief from our joint pains and all the said substances are also good for general health.

CHRONIC DISEASES- JOINT PAINS-CAUSES-SYMPTOMS-TREATMENT

CHRONIC DISEASES - JOINT PAINS-CAUSES-SYMPTOMS-TREATMENT 

Joints are the parts of our body where our bones meet and they help in movement of the bones of our skeleton, which include shoulders, hips, elbows, knees etc.,

Joint pain is the discomfort, pain and soreness in any of the body’s joints. Usually joint pain is a common discomfort and may not need to visit a hospital.

However Joint pains can be due to several reasons, like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, tendinitis or a strain, sprain or some other injury affecting the ligaments or tendons around the joints. Sometimes, joint pain may also be due to an illness or injury.

It can be in any part of the body but mostly in the knees, shoulders and hips ,and the pain can be mild or severe together with swelling and stiffness in one or more joints. Severe joint pain, particularly caused by conditions like arthritis, needs proper diagnosis and treatment.

CAUSES FOR JOINT PAINS:

Arthritis:

Most of us may have heard that one of the most common causes of joint pains is due to arthritis and the two main forms of arthritis are known as Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Osteoarthritis is most common in elders over the age of 40 and progresses slowly and tends to affect mostly used joints like , wrists, hands, hips and knees. Joint pain due to Osteoarthritis causes when breakdown occurs in the cartilage, which works like cushion and as shock absorber in the joints.

The second type of arthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis is more common in women compared to men. It can deform the joints gradually causing pain, inflammation, and fluid build up in the joints.

Other Causes:

Joint pains can also be caused by inflammation of the cushioning pads around joints, lupus, gout and also from some infectious diseases such as mumps, influenza and hepatitis, an injury, inflammation of the tendon, infection of the bones, cancer, osteoporosis, rickets etc.,.

SYMPTOMS OF JOINT PAINS:

If we don’t know the cause of our joint pain and experiencing other unexplained symptoms, we have to visit the doctor. Also if the area around the joint is swollen, red, tender or warm to the touch and persisting pain for three days or more or having fever but no other signs of the flu, we have to verify with the doctor without any delay.

In case we suddenly sustain a serious injury, swelling of the joint suddenly, joint is completely immobile with severe joint pain, we have to check the problem with the specialist at once.

DIAGNOSIS OF JOINT PAINS:

Our doctor will probably perform a physical examination and may also ask us a series of questions about our joint pain in order to narrow down the possible causes. A joint X-ray may also be necessitated to identify arthritis-related joint damage. If our doctor suspects any other cause, we may be advised for a blood test to screen for certain autoimmune disorders also.

TREATMENT:

Home Treatment:

Both OA and RA are considered as chronic conditions and the joint pain associated with arthritis cannot be eliminated totally. However, there are ways to manage the pain:

1. Pain relievers or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs help in reducing pain, swelling and inflammation.

2. To be physically active and to adhere to a fitness program focusing on moderate exercise.

3. Stretching before exercising helps in maintaining good range of motion in our joints.

4. We should maintain our body weight in a healthy level and it helps in lessening stress on the joints.

5. We can also try anti-inflammatory drugs, massage, warm bath, stretching frequently and taking adequate rest in case the pain is not from arthritis..

Medical Treatment:

Our treatment depends on the severity and cause of the pain. In some cases, our doctor may advise us for drawing out accumulated fluid in the joint area. We may also be suggested for a surgery for replacement of the joint.

Other nonsurgical treatment methods could include lifestyle changes or medications. In the case of RA, our doctor will first address inflammation and then focus on keeping a tight rein on our condition.

COMPLICATIONS OF JOINT PAINS:

Joint pain may also be due to the damage which may occur through normal wear and tear, but it can also be an indication of an infection or potentially debilitating RA.

We should see the doctor if we have any unexplained joint pain, especially if it doesn’t go away on its own after a few days. Early detection and diagnosis helps in treating the underlying cause of our discomfort effectively.
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CHRONIC DISEASES- JOINT PAINS-CAUSES-SYMPTOMS-TREATMENT

CHRONIC DISEASES - JOINT PAINS-CAUSES-SYMPTOMS-TREATMENT 

Joints are the parts of our body where our bones meet and they help in movement of the bones of our skeleton, which include shoulders, hips, elbows, knees etc.,

Joint pain is the discomfort, pain and soreness in any of the body’s joints. Usually joint pain is a common discomfort and may not need to visit a hospital.

However Joint pains can be due to several reasons, like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, tendinitis or a strain, sprain or some other injury affecting the ligaments or tendons around the joints. Sometimes, joint pain may also be due to an illness or injury.

It can be in any part of the body but mostly in the knees, shoulders and hips ,and the pain can be mild or severe together with swelling and stiffness in one or more joints. Severe joint pain, particularly caused by conditions like arthritis, needs proper diagnosis and treatment.

CAUSES FOR JOINT PAINS:

Arthritis:

Most of us may have heard that one of the most common causes of joint pains is due to arthritis and the two main forms of arthritis are known as Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Osteoarthritis is most common in elders over the age of 40 and progresses slowly and tends to affect mostly used joints like , wrists, hands, hips and knees. Joint pain due to Osteoarthritis causes when breakdown occurs in the cartilage, which works like cushion and as shock absorber in the joints.

The second type of arthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis is more common in women compared to men. It can deform the joints gradually causing pain, inflammation, and fluid build up in the joints.

Other Causes:

Joint pains can also be caused by inflammation of the cushioning pads around joints, lupus, gout and also from some infectious diseases such as mumps, influenza and hepatitis, an injury, inflammation of the tendon, infection of the bones, cancer, osteoporosis, rickets etc.,.

SYMPTOMS OF JOINT PAINS:

If we don’t know the cause of our joint pain and experiencing other unexplained symptoms, we have to visit the doctor. Also if the area around the joint is swollen, red, tender or warm to the touch and persisting pain for three days or more or having fever but no other signs of the flu, we have to verify with the doctor without any delay.

In case we suddenly sustain a serious injury, swelling of the joint suddenly, joint is completely immobile with severe joint pain, we have to check the problem with the specialist at once.

DIAGNOSIS OF JOINT PAINS:

Our doctor will probably perform a physical examination and may also ask us a series of questions about our joint pain in order to narrow down the possible causes. A joint X-ray may also be necessitated to identify arthritis-related joint damage. If our doctor suspects any other cause, we may be advised for a blood test to screen for certain autoimmune disorders also.

TREATMENT:

Home Treatment:

Both OA and RA are considered as chronic conditions and the joint pain associated with arthritis cannot be eliminated totally. However, there are ways to manage the pain:

1. Pain relievers or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs help in reducing pain, swelling and inflammation.

2. To be physically active and to adhere to a fitness program focusing on moderate exercise.

3. Stretching before exercising helps in maintaining good range of motion in our joints.

4. We should maintain our body weight in a healthy level and it helps in lessening stress on the joints.

5. We can also try anti-inflammatory drugs, massage, warm bath, stretching frequently and taking adequate rest in case the pain is not from arthritis..

Medical Treatment:

Our treatment depends on the severity and cause of the pain. In some cases, our doctor may advise us for drawing out accumulated fluid in the joint area. We may also be suggested for a surgery for replacement of the joint.

Other nonsurgical treatment methods could include lifestyle changes or medications. In the case of RA, our doctor will first address inflammation and then focus on keeping a tight rein on our condition.

COMPLICATIONS OF JOINT PAINS:

Joint pain may also be due to the damage which may occur through normal wear and tear, but it can also be an indication of an infection or potentially debilitating RA.

We should see the doctor if we have any unexplained joint pain, especially if it doesn’t go away on its own after a few days. Early detection and diagnosis helps in treating the underlying cause of our discomfort effectively.
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CHRONIC DISEASES: ASTHMA -–BREATHING DISORDERS-CONTROLLING 


Chronic diseases are the long time health disorders and they are usually progressive, such as diabetes, hypertension, heart problems, high cholesterol, asthma etc., They are lifelong medical conditions and have to be managed to keep under control to lead a fulfilling life.Now they are the major cause for disability and death through out the world and also account for most premature adult deaths globally.

ASTHMA :

Asthma is a common health disorder everywhere, affecting people of all ages, both males and females alike. Though it is not contagious, but can be inherited and if not taken care, it may cause permanent damage to the lungs and can also be fatal.

The person having Asthma disorders when exposed to certain allergic factors/substances gets swelling of lining of the airways and the muscles in the airways contracts leading to blocking the airways, resulting in difficulty in breathing.

​CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS:

Asthma attacks usually results in sensitive airways which react to certain trigger factors/allergies. These factors may differ from person to person. One who is allergic to certain substances is more likely to suffer asthma attacks when he is continuously exposed to such allergens. However other non-allergic triggers can also cause asthma. It is important to identify which substances lead to asthma attacks and we have to avoid them or to keep away from such allergic things strictly.

The undermentioned substances usually triggers to asthma attacks and we have to stay away from them in order to protect ourselves from the possible asthma attacks.

ANIMAL FUR, SKIN OF CATS AND DOGS: Many of us are allergic to animal fur and especially to the skin of pets, such as cats and dogs. Those having such allergies have to keep away from pets as far as possible and avoiding closer contact with them.

DUST ALLERGIES: We know many people are allergic to dust and pollen grains and they feel suffocated as and when they come into contact to such substances. Such persons have to maintain perfect cleanliness and to ensure changing of bed sheets and pillow covers regularly in frequent intervals. Further when the pollen count is higher in the afternoons, they should avoid the contact by staying away from such places, keeping inside the closed doors and windows etc.

PESTS AND INSECTS: We should not let the garbage uncovered and if it is not managed properly it will give room to spreading insects like cockroaches and unhygienic atmosphere which triggers asthmatic attacks. Further pesticide spraying shall not be carried out in the presence of the persons having asthma disorders.

SMOKING: Smoking and all tobacco products shall have to be stopped. It is advisable that other family members also shall not smoke or consume the tobacco products in the house.

FOOD AND MEDICATION: Preserved food (contain sulphites) shall have to be avoided. Medicines like Aspirin, Anti-inflammatory drugs shall not be used. Mental stress shall have to be avoided and stress relaxation techniques shall be adopted.

SYMPTOMS: Persons with asthma may experience uneasiness/pain in the chest, wheezing or noisy breathing and recurring cough/

TREATMENT:

There is no complete cure for asthma but medicines to control the airway inflammation and for opening up the airways to ease breathing are available. These medicines can be taken either orally or inhaled, but inhalers give faster relief with lower risk of side effects in comparison to oral medication.

We can keep our asthma under control by taking medication regularly. Further we have to keep away strictly to allergic factors and also by effecting necessary lifestyle changes, regular physical activity and periodical check- ups for assessing our condition by the medical specialist , we will be able to manage the asthma effectively.

SELF-CARE:

During asthma attacks, we have to be calm and other attending/helping family members shall have to be calm, positive and encouraging. The inhaler shall have to be put to use immediately as instructed by our doctor and the procedure has to be .repeated every 20 minutes for up to one hour. Medical attention shall have to be given if asthma symptoms are not controlled or have worsened or if the symptoms return within 4 hours.

MANAGING ASTHMA:

Asthma as we know is a chronic medical condition that requires continuous action and treatment may be a prolonged and long lasting based on the severity and recurring effects of our asthma attacks. Successful treatment of asthma depends on the understanding between us and our specialist.

For managing better our asthma, we have to know the condition, i.e., the cause, severity and frequency of problem, administering the medicines regularly as prescribed, using the inhaler correctly at the time of the need, staying away from the allergic factors and most importantly going for regular periodical and follow-up medical check-ups are very much necessary.