TUBERCULOSIS

TUBERCULOSIS

Tuberculosis (TB) is a lung condition caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It’s a treatable airborne bacterium, although some strains are resistant to conventional treatments. TB is one of the top causes of death in people who have HIV. About 35 percentTrusted Source of HIV-related deaths are due to TB.

Impact of TB around the world

The cases of TB have fallen 1.5 percentTrusted Source each year since 2000. The goal is to end TB by 2030.

Risk factors and prevention

Risk factors for tuberculosis include:

• diabetes
• HIV infection
• a lower body weight
• proximity to others with TB
• regular use of certain medications like corticosteroids or drugs that suppress the immune system

The best prevention against TB is to get the bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine. This is commonly given to children. If you think you’ve been exposed to TB bacteria, you can start taking a treatment medication called chemoprophylaxis to reduce the likelihood of developing the condition.

DEHYDRATION DUE TO DIARRHEAL DISEASES

DEHYDRATION DUE TO DIARRHEAL DISEASES

Diarrhea is when you pass three or more loose stools in a day. If your diarrhea lasts more than a few days, your body loses too much water and salt. This causes dehydration, which can lead to death. Diarrhea is usually caused by an intestinal virus or bacteria transmitted through contaminated water or food. It’s particularly widespread in developing nations with poor sanitary conditions.

Impact of diarrheal diseases around the world

Diarrheal disease is the second top causeTrusted Source of death in children younger than 5 years. About 760,000 children die from diarrheal diseases each year.

Risk factors and prevention

Risk factors for diarrheal diseases include:

• living in an area with poor sanitary conditions
• no access to clean water
• age, with children being the most likely to experience severe symptoms of diarrheal diseases
• malnourishment
• a weakened immune system

According to UNICEF, the best method of prevention is practicing good hygiene. Good handwashing techniques can reduce the incidence of diarrheal diseases by 40 percent. Improved sanitization and water quality as well as access to early medical intervention can also help prevent diarrheal diseases.

LOWER RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS: RISK FACTORS AND PREVENTION

LOWER RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS: RISK FACTORS AND PREVENTION

A lower respiratory infection is an infection in your airways and lungs. It can be due to:

• influenza, or the flu
• pneumonia
• bronchitis
• tuberculosis

Viruses usually cause lower respiratory infections. They can also be caused by bacteria. Coughing is the main symptom of a lower respiratory infection. You may also feel breathlessness, wheezing, and a tight feeling in your chest. Untreated lower respiratory infections can lead to breathing failure and death.

Impact of lower respiratory infections around the world

Risk factors and prevention

Risk factors for lower respiratory infection include:

• the flu
• poor air quality or frequent exposure to lung irritants
• smoking
• a weak immune system
• crowded childcare settings, which mainly affects infants
• asthma
• HIV

One of the best preventative measures you can take against lower respiratory infections is to get the flu shot every year. People at high risk of pneumonia can also get a vaccine. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water to avoid transmitted bacteria, especially before touching your face and before eating. Stay at home and rest until you feel better if you have a respiratory infection, as rest improves healing.

STROKE: RISK FACTORS AND PREVENTION

 STROKE: RISK FACTORS AND PREVENTION

A stroke occurs when an artery in your brain is blocked or leaks. This causes the oxygen-deprived brain cells to begin dying within minutes. During a stroke, you feel sudden numbness and confusion or have trouble walking and seeing. If left untreated, a stroke can cause long-term disability.

In fact, strokes are the leading cause Trusted Source of long-term disabilities. People who receive treatment within 3 hours of having a stroke are less likely to have disabilities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source reports that 93 percent of people knew sudden numbness on one side was a stroke symptom. But only 38 percent knew all the symptoms that would prompt them to seek emergency care.

Risk factors and prevention

Risk factors for stroke include:

• high blood pressure
• family history of stroke
• smoking, especially when combined with oral contraceptives
• being African-American
• being female

Some risk factors of strokes can be reduced with preventative care, medications, and lifestyle changes. In general, good health habits can lower your risk.

Stroke prevention methods may include controlling high blood pressure with medications or surgery. You should also maintain a healthy lifestyle, complete with regular exercise and a healthy diet that’s low in sodium. Avoid smoking, and drink only in moderation, as these activities increase your risk of stroke.

POLIO: VACCINATION IS KEY TO GLOBAL ERADICATION

POLIO: VACCINATION IS KEY TO GLOBAL ERADICATION

Polio can be prevented through immunization, and since 1988, the World Health Assembly has resolved to eradicate polio worldwide. In just 30 years, the number of polio cases has decreased from an estimated 350,000 in 1988 to just 33 in 2018. However, in 2019 there was a spike in polio cases with 134 being reported in Pakistan alone.

The U.S. has not reported a case of naturally occurring paralytic polio (wild poliovirus) since 1979, when an outbreak occurred among the Amish in several Midwestern states. Over the period spanning 1980 through 1999, 62 confirmed cases of paralytic polio were reported. Eight of these were acquired outside of the U.S. and 154 were vaccine-associated, mostly caused by contact with feces contaminated with the live oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV).

OPV is no longer used as a polio vaccine in the U.S., although several overseas countries still use it. The inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) is now the preferred vaccine.

POLIO: THE MOST DREADED CHILDHOOD DISEASE OF THE 1940-50S

POLIO: THE MOST DREADED CHILDHOOD DISEASE OF THE 1940-50S

Polio is a crippling infectious disease that is often fatal. Children under the age of five are especially susceptible. Although periodic epidemics occurred during the late 19th century, it was the spike in prevalence that occurred in the 1940s and early 1950s that triggered the start of the worldwide campaign of polio vaccination.

Polio is caused by the very contagious and resilient poliovirus and spreads from person-to-person, most commonly though contact with infected feces. Feces can remain infectious for several weeks, as can food, water, or objects contaminated by feces. Approximately 72% of people who catch polio show no symptoms. Twenty-five percent develop flu-like symptoms (for example, sore throat, fever, tiredness, headache, nausea, abdominal pain) within a week or two after infection. A small proportion of these people will go on to develop more severe symptoms such as paresthesia (burning or prickling limb pain), meningitis (infection of brain and spinal cord), limb weakness, and paralysis that may lead to permanent disability and death if the respiratory muscles are affected.

 

DIABETES MELLITUS IMPACT, RISK FACTORS AND PREVENTION

DIABETES MELLITUS IMPACT, RISK FACTORS AND PREVENTION

Diabetes is a group of diseases that affect insulin production and use. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas can’t produce insulin. The cause isn’t known. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, or insulin can’t be used effectively. Type 2 diabetes can be caused by a number of factors, including poor diet, lack of exercise, and being overweight.

Impact of diabetes around the world

People in low- to middle-income countries are more likely to die of complications from diabetes.

Risk factors and prevention

Risk factors for diabetes include:

• excess body weight
• high blood pressure
• older age
• not exercising regularly
• an unhealthy diet

While diabetes isn’t always preventable, you can control the severity of symptoms by exercising regularly and maintaining good nutrition. Adding more fiber to your diet can help with controlling your blood sugar.

TRACHEA, BRONCHUS, AND LUNG CANCERS

TRACHEA, BRONCHUS, AND LUNG CANCERS

Respiratory cancers include cancers of the trachea, larynx, bronchus, and lungs. The main causes are smoking, secondhand smoke, and environmental toxins. But household pollutions such as fuels and mold also contribute.

Impact of respiratory cancers around the world

A 2015 study reports that respiratory cancer accounts for about 4 million deaths annually. In developing countries, researchers project an 81- to 100-percent increase in respiratory cancers due to pollution and smoking. Many Asian countries, especially India, still use coal for cooking. Solid fuel emissions account for 17 percent of lung cancer deaths in men and 22 percent in women.

Risk factors and prevention

Trachea, bronchus, and lung cancers can affect anyone, but they’re most likely to affect those who have a history of smoking or tobacco use. Other risk factors for these cancers include family history and exposure to environmental factors, such as diesel fumes.

Aside from avoiding fumes and tobacco products, it isn’t known if there’s anything else that can be done to prevent lung cancers. However, early detection can improve your outlook and reduce the symptoms of respiratory cancer.

WHAT IS ‘CISSEXISM

 WHAT IS ‘CISSEXISM?’

Cissexism is a form of oppression and discrimination by those who fear, disbelieve, or severely dislike people who are gender non-conforming.

Cissexism can be both obvious and subtle, with some people denying jobs, housing, healthcare, and more, to someone who is transgender.

People can have cissexist tendencies or behaviors due to several reasons. For example, a person may grow up in a family or community that encourages stereotypes or negative views of people who are transgender.

Additionally, an individual’s family or community may also have strict gender roles and look down on those who do not conform.

Other people may exhibit cissexist attitudes or behaviors because they do not know or understand the issues that the trans community faces.

Some examples of cissexist beliefs and behaviors include:

• having a negative attitude towards people who are transgender
• prejudice and aversion to those in the trans community
• fearing and misunderstanding the trans community
• not believing and refusing to use preferred pronouns or a person’s gender identity
• using offensive slurs
• physical, verbal, and psychological abuse and violence

How can cissexism affect a person’s mental health?

Experiencing cissexism can lead to mental health conditions.

In a 2018 systematic review, researchers used a minority stress model to investigate the stressors that a minority group experiences.

These stressors include:

• discrimination and violence
• the energy that a minority group has to expend to protect themselves against this discrimination and violence
• a minority group’s internalization of negative stereotypes

These all contribute toward mental health conditions. A combination of these stressors may overwhelm a person’s ability to cope.

The review looked at several studies through the minority stress model to investigate the effect of cissexism on a person’s mental health.

People who are a part of the trans community and experience cissexism are likely to experience:

• depressive symptoms
• anxiety symptoms
• posttraumatic stress symptoms
• general psychological distress

HOW DOES DIABETES AFFECT THE BODY?

 HOW DOES DIABETES AFFECT THE BODY?

Knowing how diabetes affects your body can help you look after your body and prevent diabetic complications from developing.

Many of the effects of diabetes stem from the same guilty parties; namely high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and a lack of blood glucose control.

Signs of diabetes

When undiagnosed or uncontrolled, the effects of diabetes on the body can be noticed by the classic symptoms of diabetes, namely:

• Increased thirst
• Frequent need to urinate
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision and Tingling or pain in the hands, feet and/or legs

Long term effects of diabetes on the body

In addition to the symptoms, diabetes can cause long term damage to our body. The long term damage is commonly referred to as diabetic complications.

Diabetes affects our blood vessels and nerves and therefore can affect any part of the body.

However, certain parts of our body are affected more than other parts.

Diabetic complications will usually take a number of years of poorly controlled diabetes to develop. Complications are not a certainty and can be kept at bay and prevented by maintaining a strong level of control on your diabetes, your blood pressure and cholesterol.

These can all be helped by keeping to a healthy diet, avoiding cigarettes and alcohol, and incorporating regular activity into your daily regime in order to keep blood sugar levels within recommended blood glucose level guidelines.

The effect of diabetes on the heart

Diabetes and coronary heart disease are closely related.

Diabetes contributes to high blood pressure and is linked with high cholesterol which significantly increases the risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular disease.

Diabetes and strokes

Similar to how diabetes affects the heart, high blood pressure and cholesterol raises the risk of strokes.

How diabetes affects the eyes

A relatively common complication of diabetes is diabetic retinopathy.

As with all complications, this condition is brought on by a number of years of poorly controlled or uncontrolled diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy has a number of symptoms.

Retinopathy is caused by blood vessels in the back of the eye (the retina) swelling and leaking. High blood pressure is also a contributing factor for diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy can be treated so it’s best to catch it as early as you can. The best way to do this is to attend a retinopathy screening appointment, provided free on the NHS, once each year.

Effect of diabetes on the kidneys

The kidneys are another organ that is at particular risk of damage as a result of diabetes and the risk is again increased by poorly controlled diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol.

Diabetic nephropathy is the term for kidney disease as a result of diabetes.

Damage to the kidneys takes place over a period of years and can picked up by nephropathy screening before it gets too serious. Treatment includes lifestyle changes and may include medicine to treat high blood pressure and cholesterol.

Diabetes and its effects on the nerves

The effects of diabetes on the nerves can be serious as the nerves are involved in so many of our bodily functions, from movement and digestion through to sex and reproduction.

The presence of nerve damage (neuropathy) is commonly noticed by:

• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
• Lack of arousal in the penis or clitoris
• Excessive sweating or
• Diagnosis of delayed stomach emptying

Treatments for neuropathy concentrates on reducing pain but medication such blood pressure lowering drugs may also be prescribed to help prevent development of the condition.

Diabetes and its effect on digestion

Diabetes can affect digestion in a number of ways. If diabetes has caused nerve damage, this can lead to nausea, constipation or diarrhoea.

An alternative cause of disturbed digestion can be the result of diabetes medication.

Some type 2 diabetes medications for instance are prone to causing digestive issues, although these tend to settle down after the body gets used to them.

How diabetes affects the skin

Diabetes affect on the skin is usually a result of its affect on the nerves and circulation which can lead to dry skin, slow healing of cuts, burns and wounds, fungal and bacterial infections and loss of feeling in the foot.

People with diabetes are recommended to have their feet checked at least once a year. The effect of diabetes on the feet is often referred to as diabetic foot.

SUICIDE PREVENTION

SUICIDE PREVENTION

If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:

• Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
• Listen to the person without judgment.
• Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
• Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
• Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours per day at 800-273-8255. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can call 800-799-4889.

EARLY SIGNS, SELF-HELP AND TREATMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH

 EARLY SIGNS, SELF-HELP AND TREATMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH

There is no physical test or scan that reliably indicates whether a person has developed a mental illness. However, people should look out for the following as possible signs of a mental health disorder:

• withdrawing from friends, family, and colleagues
• avoiding activities that they would normally enjoy
• sleeping too much or too little
• eating too much or too little
• feeling hopeless
• having consistently low energy
• using mood-altering substances, including alcohol and nicotine, more frequently
• displaying negative emotions
• being confused
• being unable to complete daily tasks, such as getting to work or cooking a meal
• having persistent thoughts or memories that reappear regularly
• thinking of causing physical harm to themselves or others
• hearing voices
• experiencing delusions

Treatment

There are various methods for managing mental health problems. Treatment is highly individual, and what works for one person may not work for another.

Some strategies or treatments are more successful in combination with others. A person living with a chronic mental disorder may choose different options at various stages in their life.

The individual needs to work closely with a doctor who can help them identify their needs and provide them with suitable treatment.

Treatments can include:

Psychotherapy, or talking therapies

This type of treatment takes a psychological approach to treating mental illness. Cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy are examples.

Psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists, and some primary care physicians carry out this type of treatment.

It can help people understand the root of their mental illness and start to work on more healthful thought patterns that support everyday living and reduce the risk of isolation and self-harm.

Read more about psychotherapy here.

Medication

Some people take prescribed medications, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anxiolytic drugs.

Although these cannot cure mental disorders, some medications can improve symptoms and help a person resume social interaction and a normal routine while they work on their mental health.

Some of these medications work by boosting the body’s absorption of feel-good chemicals, such as serotonin, from the brain. Other drugs either boost the overall levels of these chemicals or prevent their degradation or destruction.

Find out more about antidepressant medications here.

Self-help

A person coping with mental health difficulties will usually need to make changes to their lifestyle to facilitate wellness.

Such changes might include reducing alcohol intake, sleeping more, and eating a balanced, nutritious diet. People may need to take time away from work or resolve issues with personal relationships that may be causing damage to their mental health.

People with conditions such as an anxiety or depressive disorder may benefit from relaxation techniques, which include deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness.

Having a support network, whether via self-help groups or close friends and family, can also be essential to recovery from mental illness.

COMMON MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS

 COMMON MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS

The most common types of mental illness are as follows:

• anxiety disorders
• mood disorders
• schizophrenia disorders

Anxiety disorders

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental illness.

People with these conditions have severe fear or anxiety, which relates to certain objects or situations. Most people with an anxiety disorder will try to avoid exposure to whatever triggers their anxiety.

Examples of anxiety disorders include:

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

The American Psychiatric Association define GAD as disproportionate worry that disrupts everyday living.

People might also experience physical symptoms, including

• restlessness
• fatigue
• tense muscles
• interrupted sleep

A bout of anxiety symptoms does not necessarily need a specific trigger in people with GAD.

They may experience excessive anxiety on encountering everyday situations that do not present a direct danger, such as chores or keeping appointments. A person with GAD may sometimes feel anxiety with no trigger at all.

Find out more about GAD here.

Panic disorders

People with a panic disorder experience regular panic attacks, which involve sudden, overwhelming terror or a sense of imminent disaster and death.

Read more about panic attacks here.

Phobias

There are different types of phobia:

• Simple phobias: These might involve a disproportionate fear of specific objects, scenarios, or animals. A fear of spiders is a common example. Learn more about simple phobias here.
• Social phobia: Sometimes known as social anxiety, this is a fear of being subject to the judgment of others. People with social phobia often restrict their exposure to social environments. Find out more here.
• Agoraphobia: This term refers to a fear of situations in which getting away may be difficult, such as being in an elevator or moving train. Many people misunderstand this phobia as a fear of being outside. Read all about agoraphobia here.

Phobias are deeply personal, and doctors do not know every type. There could be thousands of phobias, and what might seem unusual to one person may be a severe problem that dominates daily life for another.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

People with OCD have obsessions and compulsions. In other words, they experience constant, stressful thoughts and a powerful urge to perform repetitive acts, such as hand washing.

Find out more about OCD here.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

PTSD can occur after a person experiences or witnesses a deeply stressful or traumatic event.

During this type of event, the person thinks that their life or other people’s lives are in danger. They may feel afraid or that they have no control over what is happening.

These sensations of trauma and fear may then contribute to PTSD.

Discover how to recognize and treat PTSD.

Mood disorders

People may also refer to mood disorders as affective disorders or depressive disorders.

People with these conditions have significant changes in mood, generally involving either mania, which is a period of high energy and elation, or depression. Examples of mood disorders include:

• Major depression: An individual with major depression experiences a constant low mood and loses interest in activities and events that they previously enjoyed. They can feel prolonged periods of sadness or extreme sadness.
• Bipolar disorder: A person with bipolar disorder experiences unusual changes in their mood, energy levels, levels of activity, and ability to continue with daily life. Periods of high mood are known as manic phases, while depressive phases bring on low mood. Read more about the different types of bipolar here.
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): Reduced daylight triggers during the fall, winter, and early spring months trigger this type of major depression. It is most common in countries far from the equator. Learn more about SAD here.

Schizophrenia disorders

Mental health authorities are still trying to determine whether schizophrenia is a single disorder or a group of related illnesses. It is a highly complex condition.

Signs of schizophrenia typically develop between the ages of 16 and 30 years, according to the NIMH. The individual will have thoughts that appear fragmented, and they may also find it hard to process information.

Schizophrenia has negative and positive symptoms. Positive symptoms include delusions, thought disorders, and hallucinations. Negative symptoms include withdrawal, lack of motivation, and a flat or inappropriate mood.