US Research Shows common hospital Disinfectant Vantocil Kills Swine Flu virus within 10 minutes
Vantocil, an antimicrobial product long used as a hospital disinfectant, is also highly effective in controlling the H1N1 virus that causes swine flu, according to research conducted in the US. Research done by ATS Labs, Eagan, Minnesota, showed Vantocil FHC was effective within 10 minutes in controlling the H1N1 virus.
Vantocil FHC is a non-staining, disinfectant detergent concentrate for cleaning all hard surfaces in hospitals. It can also be used in domestic settings and food processing. Vantocil FHC is based on the active ingredient poly hexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride, PHM, .which provides both broad spectrum bactericidal and virucidal activity in a diverse range of hygiene products.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Breast Feeding Week falls between 1st and 7th August
Celebrating Breast Feeding Week
The breast feeding week will be celebrated from 1st t to 7th August, 2009 in more than 120 countries. World organizations like World Health Organization WHO, UNICEF etc in alliance with various government and non government organizations across the globe will apply concerted effort to create and sustain an environment that encourages breast feeding for children up to 2 years of age.
The week every year commemorates the declaration made by WHO and UNICEF policy-makers in August 1990 to protect, promote and support breastfeeding.
Breast Feeding : Offers Protection to Babies
Medically it has been proven that mother's milk is complete nutrition for the baby for first 6 months and the child needs to be exclusively breastfed during this period of time without any outside supplements like milk from source other than mother, formula, food, drink or even water. The baby should be breastfed immediately after birth preferably within 1/2 to 1 hour of birth so that colostrum- the first yellowish liquid in mother's- should necessarily go into the baby's system.
The First Milk Colostrum and its Significance
Colostrum is yellowish or creamy in color and is high in protein, fat-soluble vitamins, minerals, and immunoglobulins. Colostrum feeding is necessary for health of the baby as it contains immunoglobulins which are actually antibodies that provide immunity providing protection against a wide variety of bacterial and viral illnesses. High concentrations of leukocytes, protective white cells, present in colostrum have the ability to destroy disease-causing bacteria and viruses. Also, the baby's suckling reflex is most active in the first few hours which can make the whole process easier for the mother as well as baby.
Transitional & Mature milk
Transitional milk occurs after colostrum and lasts for approximately two weeks. The transitional milk includes high levels of fat, lactose, water-soluble vitamins with more calories than the colostrum. Mature milk is the final milk that is produced 90% of which is water. It helps the child remain well hydrated. The other 10% constitutes carbohydrates, proteins, and fats which supply energy for the body's s growth.
Validated Facts on Advantage of of Breast Feeding
Several studies validate the fact that mother's milk induces an infant's immune system to mature more quickly than in a child fed artificially as is observed in breast-fed babies in whom there is higher production of antibodies in response to immunization. Also, certain hormones in milk such as cortisol and Epidermal Growth Factor, Nerve growth Factor, etc act to close up the leaky mucosal lining of the newborn, making it relatively impenetrable to to unwanted pathogens and other potentially harmful agents.
The Disadvantages of Formula
As compared to mother's milk the formula and other artificial milk exposes the infant to infections. Also, the infant is put at increased risk of some chronic diseases. When cow's milk breaks down, the curd that forms is hard for human babies to digest. Breast milk, on the other hand, forms more whey than curd, and the curd is softer and more easily digested. The breastfed babies often have fewer digestive troubles than bottle-fed babies because fats in formula aren't as well absorbed, and is the reason why bottle-fed babies have more unpleasant smelling bowel movements. Along with this, abstaining from breast feeding puts a woman at increased risk of anemia, breast and ovarian cancer.
Breast Feeding Tips
The new mother should start breast feeding as soon as possible after birth. Avoid artificial nipples with out setting a limit on the length or frequency of breastfeeding. Feed the baby as and when she feels hungry. Intake of fluids or a glass of water at the start of every feeding session will ensure enough fluids in the mother's body. Use of pillows to support the baby while feeding will ease posture pains and avoidance of tight fitting inner wear on the chest will allow easy healing of sore nipples. The mother should consult a doctor or lactation consultant if the pain during breast feeding persists beyond the first few feeds.
The breast feeding week will be celebrated from 1st t to 7th August, 2009 in more than 120 countries. World organizations like World Health Organization WHO, UNICEF etc in alliance with various government and non government organizations across the globe will apply concerted effort to create and sustain an environment that encourages breast feeding for children up to 2 years of age.
The week every year commemorates the declaration made by WHO and UNICEF policy-makers in August 1990 to protect, promote and support breastfeeding.
Breast Feeding : Offers Protection to Babies
Medically it has been proven that mother's milk is complete nutrition for the baby for first 6 months and the child needs to be exclusively breastfed during this period of time without any outside supplements like milk from source other than mother, formula, food, drink or even water. The baby should be breastfed immediately after birth preferably within 1/2 to 1 hour of birth so that colostrum- the first yellowish liquid in mother's- should necessarily go into the baby's system.
The First Milk Colostrum and its Significance
Colostrum is yellowish or creamy in color and is high in protein, fat-soluble vitamins, minerals, and immunoglobulins. Colostrum feeding is necessary for health of the baby as it contains immunoglobulins which are actually antibodies that provide immunity providing protection against a wide variety of bacterial and viral illnesses. High concentrations of leukocytes, protective white cells, present in colostrum have the ability to destroy disease-causing bacteria and viruses. Also, the baby's suckling reflex is most active in the first few hours which can make the whole process easier for the mother as well as baby.
Transitional & Mature milk
Transitional milk occurs after colostrum and lasts for approximately two weeks. The transitional milk includes high levels of fat, lactose, water-soluble vitamins with more calories than the colostrum. Mature milk is the final milk that is produced 90% of which is water. It helps the child remain well hydrated. The other 10% constitutes carbohydrates, proteins, and fats which supply energy for the body's s growth.
Validated Facts on Advantage of of Breast Feeding
Several studies validate the fact that mother's milk induces an infant's immune system to mature more quickly than in a child fed artificially as is observed in breast-fed babies in whom there is higher production of antibodies in response to immunization. Also, certain hormones in milk such as cortisol and Epidermal Growth Factor, Nerve growth Factor, etc act to close up the leaky mucosal lining of the newborn, making it relatively impenetrable to to unwanted pathogens and other potentially harmful agents.
The Disadvantages of Formula
As compared to mother's milk the formula and other artificial milk exposes the infant to infections. Also, the infant is put at increased risk of some chronic diseases. When cow's milk breaks down, the curd that forms is hard for human babies to digest. Breast milk, on the other hand, forms more whey than curd, and the curd is softer and more easily digested. The breastfed babies often have fewer digestive troubles than bottle-fed babies because fats in formula aren't as well absorbed, and is the reason why bottle-fed babies have more unpleasant smelling bowel movements. Along with this, abstaining from breast feeding puts a woman at increased risk of anemia, breast and ovarian cancer.
Breast Feeding Tips
The new mother should start breast feeding as soon as possible after birth. Avoid artificial nipples with out setting a limit on the length or frequency of breastfeeding. Feed the baby as and when she feels hungry. Intake of fluids or a glass of water at the start of every feeding session will ensure enough fluids in the mother's body. Use of pillows to support the baby while feeding will ease posture pains and avoidance of tight fitting inner wear on the chest will allow easy healing of sore nipples. The mother should consult a doctor or lactation consultant if the pain during breast feeding persists beyond the first few feeds.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Treat Obesity with Bariatric Surgery
Obesity is not a Minor Health Issue, Shortens Lifespan
A recent study conducted by researchers from Oxford University's Clinical Trial Service Unit, concludes that obesity shortens a person's lifespan by 10 years and is comparable to effect of a life time spent smoking.
What is Obesity?
In the simplest of terms, obesity is defined as presence of body fat, far in excess of requirements of the body. Obesity is not just a cosmetic issue of bad appearance. It increases risk of diseases and health problems, the most common and well known among which are diabetes and high blood pressure.
Determining Obesity through Body Mass Index
Doctors use the ratio of height and weight — called the body mass index (BMI) — to determine obesity. Adults with a BMI of 30 or higher are considered obese. Extreme or severe or morbid obesity is aid to occur when the BMI is 40 or more. A BMI between 18.5 to 24.9 falls within the normal body weight range, 25.0 to 29.9 is the range for overweights and between 30 to 40 is the range for obese.
Symptoms Associated with Obesity
Obesity in itself is a visible symptom of bad health. However, obesity too brings along with it a subset of symptom . Obesity has several symptoms like snoring, sleeping too much or difficulty in sleeping, pain in neck or joints, excessive sweating, feeling hot with inability to exert, lethargy and fatigue depression etc.
Reasons for Obesity
Lack of physical activity, high calorie unhealthy diets, genetic predisposition, family history etc. are some the common factors that lead to obesity. Certain medical conditions like Cushing's syndrome, polycystic ovary, under activity etc. also lead to weight gain and thus obesity in the long run.
Bariatric Surgery Solution for Obesity
Following a healthy diet with lots of greens and fruits along with frequent water intake and regular exercise, serve to keep one healthy. However, in case of extreme obesity medical help is required. Bariatric surgery is a gastrointestinal operation that cause therapeutic weight loss. Shalby has a team of experts in bariatric surgery who combine their skills and experience to help patient's obesity problem. Bariatric Surgery is an effective alternative to treat severe obesity.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Swine Flu
Swine Flu Scare in Ahmedabad :
The pandemic spread of swine flu cases have been in the media lime light across the globe. Though, so far Gujarat had remained untouched with no reported cases of swine flu. However, the recent swine flu scare in Ahmedabad, caused major panic as airports authorities, already on alert, swung into action for quarantining suspected patients and health departments geared up for eventualities. A 30-year-old woman, was admitted to VS hospital where she has been kept in the isolation ward.
Let us take a close look at what exactly is swine flu and other elated information.
What is Swine Flu(H1N1) :
The new virus referred as H1N1 in medical parlance and commonly as Swine flu, is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. It was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009 and soon after patients reported sick with the new virus in Mexico and Canada. The virus spreads from person to person just as is the case with regular cases of influenza. The origin of the disease, though, is till under investigation.
Why the Name Swine Flu :
This disease is commonly called “swine flu” because laboratory tests showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs in North America. However, it is now emerged that it has genes from flu viruses that infect pigs in Europe and Asia , avian genes and human genes as well. Scientists call this a "quadruple reassortant" virus.
Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans. However, there has been sporadic cases where H1N1 originated from pigs and then at some point was transmitted to humans.
The origin of then Virus :
Pigs can be infected by avian, human and swine influenza viruses. When influenza viruses from different species infect pigs, the viruses can rearrange their genes through mutation and new ones emerge that are a mixture of swine, human and/or avian influenza viruses. Therefore, pigs act as a “mixing pot” of different viruses and human influenza viruses, which may lead to the emergence of potential new human influenza viruses.
Can You Catch it from Pigs :
No. This Swine flu strain is one that is communicable through human-to-human contact. It is a mutated form of a swine virus.
Signs and Symptoms of Swine Flu :
The symptoms of Swine flu similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include high temperatures, coughing, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, chills and tiredness. Also, diarrhea and vomiting are other reported symptoms in people infected with swine flu. The virus spreads mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing and people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it.
Medicines :
The drugs oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with novel H1N1 flu virus is commonly used under a doctor's prescription. During the current outbreak, the priority use for influenza antiviral drugs is to treat severe influenza illness.
Vaccination :
At present there are no vaccines that can contain the novel swine flu virus. It is not known whether current human seasonal influenza vaccines can provide any protection. Influenza viruses change very quickly.
Precautions :
1. Use a tissue when you cough or sneeze and dispose it off properly in the trash
2. informed through articles like this/news/alerts on TV, Internet, Newspaper
3. Wash your hands with Alcohol-based hand cleaners after a coughing sneezing bout.
4. Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
5. Confine yourself to your home if you are sick for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours and avoid contact with people as far -as possible
6. Public health departments of countries across the globe have been issuing alerts and and advices on the pandemic such as on air travel, school closure etc. Pay attention to them and act accordingly.
Conclusion :
According to World Health Organization, WHO, the overall intensity of the influenza pandemics moderate and is based on scientific evidence available to WHO, as well as reports from its Member States on the pandemic's impact on their health systems, and their social and economic functioning. Thus WHO concludes that most people recover from infection without the need for hospitalization or medical care and overall, national levels of severe illness from influenza A(H1N1) appear similar to levels seen during local seasonal influenza periods. Also, large outbreaks of disease have not yet been reported in many countries, and the full clinical spectrum of disease is not yet known.
The pandemic spread of swine flu cases have been in the media lime light across the globe. Though, so far Gujarat had remained untouched with no reported cases of swine flu. However, the recent swine flu scare in Ahmedabad, caused major panic as airports authorities, already on alert, swung into action for quarantining suspected patients and health departments geared up for eventualities. A 30-year-old woman, was admitted to VS hospital where she has been kept in the isolation ward.
Let us take a close look at what exactly is swine flu and other elated information.
What is Swine Flu(H1N1) :
The new virus referred as H1N1 in medical parlance and commonly as Swine flu, is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. It was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009 and soon after patients reported sick with the new virus in Mexico and Canada. The virus spreads from person to person just as is the case with regular cases of influenza. The origin of the disease, though, is till under investigation.
Why the Name Swine Flu :
This disease is commonly called “swine flu” because laboratory tests showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs in North America. However, it is now emerged that it has genes from flu viruses that infect pigs in Europe and Asia , avian genes and human genes as well. Scientists call this a "quadruple reassortant" virus.
Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans. However, there has been sporadic cases where H1N1 originated from pigs and then at some point was transmitted to humans.
The origin of then Virus :
Pigs can be infected by avian, human and swine influenza viruses. When influenza viruses from different species infect pigs, the viruses can rearrange their genes through mutation and new ones emerge that are a mixture of swine, human and/or avian influenza viruses. Therefore, pigs act as a “mixing pot” of different viruses and human influenza viruses, which may lead to the emergence of potential new human influenza viruses.
Can You Catch it from Pigs :
No. This Swine flu strain is one that is communicable through human-to-human contact. It is a mutated form of a swine virus.
Signs and Symptoms of Swine Flu :
The symptoms of Swine flu similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include high temperatures, coughing, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, chills and tiredness. Also, diarrhea and vomiting are other reported symptoms in people infected with swine flu. The virus spreads mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing and people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it.
Medicines :
The drugs oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with novel H1N1 flu virus is commonly used under a doctor's prescription. During the current outbreak, the priority use for influenza antiviral drugs is to treat severe influenza illness.
Vaccination :
At present there are no vaccines that can contain the novel swine flu virus. It is not known whether current human seasonal influenza vaccines can provide any protection. Influenza viruses change very quickly.
Precautions :
1. Use a tissue when you cough or sneeze and dispose it off properly in the trash
2. informed through articles like this/news/alerts on TV, Internet, Newspaper
3. Wash your hands with Alcohol-based hand cleaners after a coughing sneezing bout.
4. Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
5. Confine yourself to your home if you are sick for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours and avoid contact with people as far -as possible
6. Public health departments of countries across the globe have been issuing alerts and and advices on the pandemic such as on air travel, school closure etc. Pay attention to them and act accordingly.
Conclusion :
According to World Health Organization, WHO, the overall intensity of the influenza pandemics moderate and is based on scientific evidence available to WHO, as well as reports from its Member States on the pandemic's impact on their health systems, and their social and economic functioning. Thus WHO concludes that most people recover from infection without the need for hospitalization or medical care and overall, national levels of severe illness from influenza A(H1N1) appear similar to levels seen during local seasonal influenza periods. Also, large outbreaks of disease have not yet been reported in many countries, and the full clinical spectrum of disease is not yet known.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Blood Donation Day
The Importance of World Blood Donation Day
The world Blood donation day falls on June 14th The World Health Assembly honors Karl Landsteiner, the Nobel laureate who discovered the ABO blood group system, by declaring and celebrating his birthday as World Blood donation day. The importance of this day can never be underestimated because there are millions of people whose life has been saved due to the noble act of faceless blood donors. However, there is still a huge need to donate blood as many do not have access to safe blood in the times of their need.
How Blood Saves Life
Red Blood Cells are a prerequisite for surgery or after an accident to replace the blood volume and maintain the oxygen flow in the body. Similarly victims of burns, hemophilia and other patients of blood disorders require blood transfusion. Also, cancer stricken patients require blood donation to replace platelets lost in the process of chemotherapy which is a routine treatment for most types of cancer.
Donor Eligibility
The standard protocol for donor eligibility define the donor as being healthy adult at least 17 yrs old and at least weighing 110 pounds. Also, he or she should not have donated blood in the last eight weeks.The donation process itself ensures other aspects of the donor's health as each donor undergoes certain examination during which temperature, pulse, blood pressure and blood count (hemoglobin or hematocrit) are measured.
The Need for Regular Blood Donation
The donated blood is preserved and refrigerated in bags however its shelf life is not for long. That is why blood has to be collected on an ongoing basis and the supply has to be maintained. The Food and Drug Administration allows refrigerated blood to be stored up to 42 days for transfusion.
Blood Donation Theme for 2009
The global theme for 2009 aims at achieving cent percent voluntary donation of blood and blood components while laying stress on improving the safety and sufficiency of blood supply. As more and more nations achieve the goal of 100 per cent voluntary and non-remunerated blood donation, there is increasing understanding about the essential role of voluntary and regular donors. Not only are they the safest blood donors, they are also agents of of uninterrupted national blood supplies that can meet the needs of patients requiring blood and blood components.
Conclusion
This June make a pledge to be a regular donor. The process is simple and safe. Always remember that your act of blood donation can help save your friend, loved ones, relatives and at deeper levels is a also a self serving gesture in which all eligible should participate.
The world Blood donation day falls on June 14th The World Health Assembly honors Karl Landsteiner, the Nobel laureate who discovered the ABO blood group system, by declaring and celebrating his birthday as World Blood donation day. The importance of this day can never be underestimated because there are millions of people whose life has been saved due to the noble act of faceless blood donors. However, there is still a huge need to donate blood as many do not have access to safe blood in the times of their need.
How Blood Saves Life
Red Blood Cells are a prerequisite for surgery or after an accident to replace the blood volume and maintain the oxygen flow in the body. Similarly victims of burns, hemophilia and other patients of blood disorders require blood transfusion. Also, cancer stricken patients require blood donation to replace platelets lost in the process of chemotherapy which is a routine treatment for most types of cancer.
Donor Eligibility
The standard protocol for donor eligibility define the donor as being healthy adult at least 17 yrs old and at least weighing 110 pounds. Also, he or she should not have donated blood in the last eight weeks.The donation process itself ensures other aspects of the donor's health as each donor undergoes certain examination during which temperature, pulse, blood pressure and blood count (hemoglobin or hematocrit) are measured.
The Need for Regular Blood Donation
The donated blood is preserved and refrigerated in bags however its shelf life is not for long. That is why blood has to be collected on an ongoing basis and the supply has to be maintained. The Food and Drug Administration allows refrigerated blood to be stored up to 42 days for transfusion.
Blood Donation Theme for 2009
The global theme for 2009 aims at achieving cent percent voluntary donation of blood and blood components while laying stress on improving the safety and sufficiency of blood supply. As more and more nations achieve the goal of 100 per cent voluntary and non-remunerated blood donation, there is increasing understanding about the essential role of voluntary and regular donors. Not only are they the safest blood donors, they are also agents of of uninterrupted national blood supplies that can meet the needs of patients requiring blood and blood components.
Conclusion
This June make a pledge to be a regular donor. The process is simple and safe. Always remember that your act of blood donation can help save your friend, loved ones, relatives and at deeper levels is a also a self serving gesture in which all eligible should participate.
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