SHALBY HOSPITAL'S MEDICAL CAMP IN NAIROBI

HOW SMOKING KILLS?

Do you have any idea which smoking-related disease is the number one cause of death among smokers? If you're thinking it's lung cancer or COPD/emphysema, you're wrong. While both of these smoking-related diseases do claim a lot of lives, it is heart disease that that holds the top slot in the list of diseases that kill smokers.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States today, and the leading cause of death among smokers. And, on a global level, researchers report that there were 1,690,000 premature deaths from cardiovascular disease among smokers in the year 2000. In contrast, there were approximately 850,000 lung cancer deaths during the same year, and 118,000 COPD deaths from smoking in 2001, worldwide.

Smoking is hard on the heart, but the fact is, tobacco use plays a role in a multitude of diseases that ultimately lead to disability and/or death. Cigarette smoke contains over 4,000 chemical compounds; 200 of which are known to be poisonous, and upwards of 60 have been identified as carcinogens. Viewed in that light, it's no wonder that the effects of smoking are so widespread and destructive.

Let's take a look at how cigarette smoke affects our bodies, from head to toe. You may be surprised at some of the ways smoking has a negative impact on our health.

Hair:

• Smell and staining

Brain and Mental Effects:

• Stroke
• Addiction/nicotine withdrawal
• Altered brain chemistry
• Anxiety about harm caused by smoking

Eyes:

• Eyes that sting, water and blink more
• Macular degeneration
• Cataracts

Nose:

• Less sense of smell

Thyroid:

• Graves Disease
• Thyroid Disease

Skin:

• Wrinkles
• Premature aging

Teeth:

• Discoloration and stains
• Plaque
• Loose teeth
• Gum disease (gingivitis)

Mouth and Throat:

• Cancers of the lips, mouth, throat and larynx
• Cancer of the esophagus
• Sore throat
• Reduced sense of taste
• Breath smells of smoke

Hands:

• Poor circulation(cold fingers)
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Tar stained fingers

Respiration and Lungs:

• Lung Cancer
• COPD (includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema)
• Cough and sputum
• Shortness of breath
• Colds and flu
• Pneumonia
• Asthma
• Complicates Tuberculosis

Heart:

• Harms, blocks and weakens arteries of the heart
• Heart attack

Liver:

• Cancer

Abdomen:

• Stomach and duodenal ulcers
• Cancer of stomach, pancreas and colon
• Aortic aneurysm

Kidneys and bladder:

• Kidney cancer
• Bladder cancer

Bones:

• Osteoporosis
• Spine and hip fractures

Spine:

• Degenerative Disc Disease

Male reproduction:

• Sperm: deformity, loss of motility, reduced number
• Infertility
• Impotence

Female reproduction:

• Period pains
• Earlier menopause
• Cancer of cervix
• Infertility and delay in conception

Blood:

• Leukemia

Legs and Feet:

• Gangrene
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Beurger Disease

Immune System:

• Weakened immune system

The effects of smoking hold additional risks for women. Those who smoke throughout their pregnancies increase the risk of:

• Spontaneous abortion/miscarriage
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Abruptio placentae
• Placenta previa
• Premature rupture of the membranes
• Premature birth

Risks to the fetus include:

• Smaller infant(for gestational age)
• Stillborn infant
• Birth defects, e.g. congenital limb reduction
• Increased nicotine receptors in baby's brain
• Increased likelihood of child smoking as a teenager
• Possible predisposition to adult anxiety disorders

SEE FOR YOURSELF HOW A HEALTHY & SMOKER’S LUNGS LOOK

As long as this list of diseases known to be associated with smoking is, it is incomplete. We don't yet fully understand all of the dangers that cigarette smoke presents, but research continues, bringing us new discoveries seemingly by the day.

One thing is certain: Cigarettes snuff out life at an alarming rate. Statistics tell us that upwards of half of long-term smokers will die a smoking-related death. And globally, that presently translates to nearly 5 million deaths a year. Put another way, someone loses their life to smoking every 8 seconds somewhere in the world.

 

If you currently smoke, use this information to help you see your smoking habit for what it is - a deadly addiction that you can live without. The tools here at About.com Smoking Cessation are designed to help you learn what nicotine addiction involves and what it takes to quit smoking.

Cholestrol & Triglycerides

What Is Cholesterol? What Are Triglycerides?

Cholesterol and triglycerides are two forms of lipid, or fat. Both cholesterol and triglycerides are necessary for life itself. Cholesterol is necessary, among other things, for building cell membranes and for making several essential hormones. Triglycerides, which are chains of high-energy fatty acids, provide much of the energy needed for cells to function.

Where Do Cholesterol and Triglycerides Come From?

There are two sources for these lipids: diet and "endogenous" sources (that is, those manufactured within the body).

Dietary cholesterol and triglycerides mainly come from eating meats and dairy products. These dietary lipids are absorbed through the gut,and then are delivered through the bloodstream to the liver, where they are processed.

One of the main jobs of the liver is to make sure all the tissues of the body receive the cholesterol and triglycerides they need to function. Whenever possible (that is, for about 8 hours after a meal), the liver takes up dietary cholesterol and triglycerides from bloodstream. During times when dietary lipids are not available, the liver produces cholesterol and triglycerides itself.

The liver then packages the cholesterol and triglycerides, along with special proteins, into tiny spheres called lipoproteins. The lipoproteins are released into the circulation, and are delivered to the cells of the body. The cells remove the needed cholesterol and triglycerides from the lipoproteins, as they are needed.

What Are LDL and HDL?

LDL stands for "low density lipoprotein," and HDL for "high density lipoprotein." In the bloodstream, "bad" cholesterol is carried in LDL, and "good" cholesterol is carried in HDL. Most cholesterol in the blood is packaged as LDL. Only a relatively small proportion is from HDL cholesterol. Thus, the total cholesterol level in the blood usually reflects mainly the amount of LDL cholesterol that is present.

Why Are High LDL Cholesterol Levels Bad?

Elevated levels of LDL cholesterol have been strongly associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. It appears that when LDL cholesterol levels are too high, the LDL lipoprotein tends to stick the lining of the blood vessels, which helps to stimulate atherosclerosis. So, an elevated LDL cholesterol level is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. This is why LDL cholesterol has been called "bad" cholesterol.

Why Is Some Cholesterol Called "Good" Cholesterol?

Much evidence now suggests that higher HDL cholesterol levels are associated with a lower risk of heart disease, and that low HDL cholesterol levels are associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Thus, HDL cholesterol appears to be "good."

Why is HDL cholesterol protective? It appears that the HDL lipoprotein "scours" the walls of blood vessels and cleans out excess cholesterol. The cholesterol present in HDL is (to a large extent) actually excess cholesterol that has just been removed from cells and blood vessel walls, and is being transported back to the liver for processing.

How Important Are Triglycerides?

While the association between triglycerides and the risk of heart disease has not been as clear as it is for cholesterol, in recent years, several studies have established that people with elevated levels of triglycerides are indeed at increased risk. Also, elevated triglyceride levels are very often strongly associated with other important risk factors, including low levels of HDH cholesterol, obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, and a tendency toward excessive blood clotting.

Most of these risk factors associated with high triglyceride levels are part of condition called metabolic syndrome, a condition caused by excess weight and lack of exercise in people who are prone to develop insulin resistance. So, treating high triglyceride levels is most often not done in isolation, but requires treating the constellation of risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome.

What Can Cause High Cholesterol?

Elevated cholesterol levels can be caused by several factors, including heredity, poor diet, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, age, and gender (premenopausal women have lower cholesterol levels than men). Several medical conditions, including diabetes, hypothyroidism (low thyroid,) liver disease, AND chronic renal (kidney) failure, can also increase cholesterol levels. Drugs, such as steroids and progesterone, can do the same. 
 TO KNOW MORE, PLEASE WRITE TO US ON info@shalby.org

Sunscreens - All that you wanted to know

Sunscreen - All what you wanted to know

Sunscreen is a substance that helps protect the skin from the sun's harmful rays. Sunscreens reflect, absorb, and scatter both ultraviolet A and B radiation to provide protection against ultraviolet A and B radiation. Sunscreen is available in lotion, creams, makeup, gels, and sprays. Using lotions, creams, or gels that contain sunscreens can help protect the skin from premature aging and damage that may lead to skin cancer.

Decoding Sunscreen Labels

SPF 

Sun Protection Factor and the number next to it refer to the degree to which a sunscreen can protect the skin from sunburn. The higher the number, the more sunburn protection the sunscreen can provide. You should use a minimum of SPF 15 and reapply often

UV or UVR 

Ultraviolet radiation from the sun that can cause sunburn, wrinkling, premature aging, and skin cancer and may also interfere with the body's immune system. Look for "broad spectrum" sunscreens that protect from the two types of UV rays.

UVA Ultraviolet A is longer wavelength UV radiation that can penetrate and damage the deeper layers of skin even if the skin feels cool and shows no signs of burning.

UVB Ultraviolet B is the shorter wavelength UV radiation associated with sunburn and other skin damage.

Water Resistant 

These sunscreens stay on the skin longer even if they get wet from pool water, ocean water or sweat. But water resistant doesn't mean waterproof. Sunscreens with this label still need to be reapplied. Check the label for reapplication times.

To know more of if you have any queries on "How to Keep your skin healthy & young" email us on info@shalby.org or visit us on www.shalby.org

HAPPY & HEALTHY EASTER

What KILLS your sleep?

FOODS - WHICH KILL YOUR SLEEP

 

CHOCOLATE

 Many people are increasingly sensitive to caffeine as they get older, and even the little chocolate chunks in chocolate chip ice cream could zap you just enough to prevent ZZZZs. Chocolate also contains tyrosine, a stimulating amino acid.

ENERGY DRINK

Commercial energy drinks are high in caffeine as well as the amino acid taurine, which boosts alertness and adrenaline. Recent studies have shown that even if you drink energy drinks early in the day, the combined high dosage of taurine and caffeine can make it hard to sleep, or to sleep well, later on.

 TOMATO SAUCE, SPICY PASTA, PIZZA & NOODLES

Digestive disturbances are a common source of sleep disturbances & problems, but many people fail to make the connection. Acidic and spicy foods can cause reflux, heartburn, and other symptoms that interrupt sleep cycles.

LIQUOR / HIGH DOSE OF WINE

A drink or two may make you feel more relaxed after dinner, but it comes back to haunt you–literally–a few hours later, by preventing you from achieving deep sleep. And because alcohol both dehydrates you and makes you have to pee, it wakes you up, too. Wine is high in the stimulant tyrosine as well.

Quality Care, now NABH accredited

SHALBY HOSPITALS IS NOW 

NABH
(NATIONAL ACCREDITATION BOARD OF HOSPITALS)

ACCREDITED

Click here to read more 

Curing of Uterine Fibroids by Embolisation

Curing of Uterine Fibroids by Embolisation

Curing Fibroids and associated heavy menstrual periods in uterus through angiography is a widely accepted treatment of fibroid tumors of Uterus in Europe and USA because of its safety and because it avoids surgery of removal of the fibroid or the uterus through an operation called Hysterectomy. 

 

The main benefit of this treatment is that fibroids treated by this method do not ever recur again. The woman goes home after six hours of hospital stay in 95% cases. The lady undergoing this treatment can conceive a child. 33% pregnancy rate has been reported after such treatment. 

 

This is the best treatment for any woman who has  multiple  abortions because of fibroids. New York Times reported that Ms Condolezza Rice, secretary foreign affairs with President Bush’s administration was successfully treated for  her fibroids using this angiographic treatment.

 

 

THE PROCESS

 

 

BAD BREATH - Don't live with it, treat it

No one wants BAD BREATH (HALITOSIS), but everyone gets it—or at least worries about it—at one time or another. Here are some things you can do to keep bad breath to a minimum: 

• Eliminate the bacteria and food particles that can cause bad breath. Floss, then brush your teeth, gums and tongue after each meal. Make this easier by keeping floss, toothpaste and a toothbrush in your desk, your purse and your car.
• If you can't brush and floss, rinse your mouth with water after eating to dislodge food and moisten your mouth.
• Have your teeth cleaned and examined by a dental professional twice a year.
• If you are certain you have bad breath, seek out a Houston dentist who offers specialized treatment in that area.
• Learn the proper way to brush and practice what you learn.
• Drink lots of liquids, preferably water, to keep your mouth moist.
• If your mouth feels dry, chew sugarless gum to stimulate production of saliva.
• You can also chew on raw parsley—it's a natural breath freshener.
• Baking soda is an effective odor eliminator; if you can handle the taste, try brushing with a mixture of baking soda and water. Or try a toothpaste that contains baking soda.
• Try rinsing your mouth for one minute with a 50-50 mixture of hydrogen peroxide and warm water to kill odor-causing bacteria.
• Avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol; read the label! Instead, try a mouthwash that contains chlorine dioxide. This compound doesn't just mask odor, it actually eliminates it at the source by attacking the odor-causing volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs).
• Snack on raw vegetables such as carrots, celery and red peppers. This stimulates production of saliva, and some American dentists believe it can help to remove plaque from your teeth.
• To avoid stress-related dry mouth, practice "conscious relaxation" in stressful situations: breathe deeply, visualize peaceful settings, recognize parts of your body that feel tense and consciously relax them. If you can't get past the stress, chew sugarless gum or mints to keep the salivary glands going.
• If you wear dentures or a retainer, clean them frequently, and periodically soak them in an antiseptic solution.

Bad breath that's resistant to these remedies, or that continues for an extended period of time, should be evaluated by our Shalby dentists.

You don't have to live with bad breath. Recognize it, treat it, then kiss it goodbye!

Know BOTOX better

It happens to every woman at some point. You look in the mirror and there, staring back at you, is your mother.

Let’s face it: We all age, and the passage of time is bound to show itself on your skin in the form of lines, wrinkles and discoloration. The good news is, today’s scientific advances give us options our mothers never had for reducing the signs of aging on our skin. The only question is, which option is right for you? One of the most popular ways to shadow your aging signs is BOTOX.

Let's know these facts, which I am sure most beauty conscious women aren't aware of :)

• Botox is a neurotoxin [neuro means nerve; toxin means poison] that temporarily paralyzes muscles in your face.
• Botox is derived from the same botulin toxin that is found in spoiled foods. Doctors use a sterile and purified form of this toxin when administering Botox injections.
• Botox injections cost up to $500 or more. The effects are not permanent. Over time, the body gradually absorbs the substance and the procedure must be repeated every 3-6 months.
• The FDA has approved Botox for use only on a limited area between the eyebrows and for its non cosmetic benifits. Botox is administered only for wrinkles and does not reduce other age-related symptoms such as age spots and facial discoloration.
• Improper injection has been linked to droopy eyelids. Other reported side effects include nausea fatigue, malaise, flu and rashes.
• Botox is not recommended for pregnant women, women who are breastfeeding, people with neuromuscular disorders or cardiovascular disease.
• There have been no conclusive studies about the long-term side effects of Botox.

Areas of BOTOX application are:

To know more on Botox therapy, write to us on info@shalby.org

Ever thought, How Toothpaste Works?

It is a well established belief that brushing daily strengthens our teeth and makes them healthier and we use it daily never even wondering how it actually works, isn’t that surprising?

One must know not only the mechanism of action of a toothpaste but also the role of individual ingredients which will help in choosing an effective toothpaste. The mechanism of toothpaste action is as follows:

• Abrasive Action: The abrasive agent in the toothpaste physically removes the solid particles in the oral cavity by abrasive action. It also helps in removing food stains and polishing tooth surface. It is an established fact that Tooth Powders have almost twice the abrasive action of toothpaste.

• Antiseptic Action: The toothpaste contains antimicrobial agents such as Xylitol which inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth which is especially helpful in gingivitis.

• Action of fluoride: Fluoride is an important aspect of a toothpaste. It replaces the hydroxypatite of tooth with fluoropatite which is not only much stronger but also resistant to caries.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER WHILE USING A TOOTHPASTE

• Never swallow toothpaste as this can cause fluoride toxicity. Kids should be especially instructed against this.
• Don’t use toothpaste for pimples or zits excessively. Although it does seem to help, there are no studies that rule out possible side effects or dangers. People with sensitive skin are prone to burns and irritation on using them.
• You should brush for 2-3 minutes. Brushing vigorously for long duration does more harm than good.

If you have any queries / questions regarding Oral Health please write to info@shalby.org or visit www.shalby.org

SNEEZING - Is it all that simple?

SNEEZE FACTS

1. Sneezing’s official name is sternutation.
The word sternutation is not a major medical procedure, but it’s really just another way of saying sneezing. However you say it, the method remains the same. When something tickles the nose lining, the nerves located there send a signal to the brain, which initiates a chain of messages to other parts of the body–chest, abdomen, face, eyelids, the mucus glands in the nose, even the sphincter–that work together to expel the irritant. When we fall asleep, those nerves are at rest, which is why we don’t sneeze while we snooze.

2. We can’t sneeze and keep our eyes open–and no one knows why.
Scientists are still unclear as to why our eyes reflexively close during a sneezing episode. Some believe that it’s an evolutionary adaptation meant to protect our eyes from whatever particles come flying out of our noses and mouths when we sneeze. Others claim it’s just one of many muscle contractions that take place during the progression. And the old wives’ tale about eyelids closing to keep the eyes from popping out is impossible. While a hearty sneeze can put a good amount of pressure behind one’s eyes, it’s not enough to do that kind of damage.

3. Sneezes travel fast and furiously.
One person’s sneeze can travel up to one hundred miles per hour. The particles and spit emitted when we sneeze can travel up to five feet away, making it all the more important to cover our mouths and noses to protect innocent bystanders. Even if no one’s standing right next to us, the bacteria sent into the air by our expulsion can spread up to 150 feet away. You could be walking down the street through someone’s sneeze bacteria and not even know it, so just think about that the next time you fail to reach for a handkerchief.

4. Superstition’s nothing to sneeze at.
There’s a lot of superstition involving sneezes, right down to which way we turn our heads. Among some people, such as the ancient Romans and Greeks, a sneeze to the right was a sign of luck and a sneeze to the left predicted a portentous future. Most cultures have an assumed response after someone sneezes: “Bless you” in English, “Salud” or “To your health” in Spanish, and so forth. In almost every language, the response translates to a wish for the sneezer’s good health. It’s thought that saying, “Bless you” came from Bubonic Plague times when one sneeze could’ve signaled a person’s assured demise, but that is just one of a few theories out there. Others claim that sneezing is the soul’s attempt to leave the body because it’s written in the Bible that Adam came to life by God breathing into his nose. As Milhouse from The Simpsons explains, “When you sneeze, that’s your soul trying to escape. Saying “God bless you” crams it back in.”