Fast facts on hypertension

Fast facts on hypertension                                                    Home 

• high blood pressure is considered to be 140 / 90mmHg or higher

• ideal blood pressure is considered to be between 90 / 60mmHg and 120 / 80mmHg.

• low blood pressure is considered to be 90 / 60mmHg or lower

• Modern lifestyle factors are responsible for a growing burden of hypertension: physical inactivity, salt-rich diets with processed and fatty foods, and alcohol and tobacco use.

• Lifestyle measures are used first to treat high blood pressure, including salt restriction and other dietary changes, moderation of alcohol, and stress reduction.

• Primary or essential hypertension accounts for 90-95% of adult cases, and secondary hypertension accounts for 2-10% of cases.

• Normal: Systolic lower than 120 mm Hg, diastolic lower than 80 mm Hg
Prehypertension: Systolic 120-139 mm Hg, diastolic 80-89 mm Hg
Stage 1: Systolic 140-159 mm Hg, diastolic 90-99 mm Hg
Stage 2: Systolic 160 mm Hg or greater, diastolic 100 mm Hg or greate

• is a major risk factor for stroke, myocardial infarction, vascular disease, and chronic kidney disease.

• You're at an increased risk of high blood pressure if you:
 are over the age of 65
 are overweight or obese
 are of African or Caribbean descent
 have a relative with high blood pressure
 eat too much salt and do not eat enough fruit and vegetables
 do not do enough exercise
 drink too much alcohol or coffee (or other caffeine-based drinks)
 smoke
 do not get much sleep or have disturbed sleep

References:
- http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/241381-overview#a4
- http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/150109.php.
- http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/basics/symptoms/con-20019580
- http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/blood-pressure-(high)/pages/introduction.aspx

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Signs and symptoms of insomnia

Signs and symptoms of insomnia                                   Home

Insomnia symptoms occur in approximately 33% to 50% of the adult population; insomnia symptoms with distress or impairment (general insomnia disorder) in 10% to 15%. Consistent risk factors for insomnia include increasing age, female sex, comorbid (medical, psychiatric, sleep, and substance use) disorders, shift work, and possibly unemployment and lower socioeconomic status.

Symptoms of Insomnia

According to guidelines from a physician group, people with insomnia have one or more of the following symptoms:

• Difficulty falling asleep at night
• Waking earlier than desired
• Still feeling tired after a night's sleep
• Daytime fatigue or sleepiness
• Irritability, depression, or anxiety
• Poor concentration and focus
• Being uncoordinated, an increase in errors or accidents
• Tension headaches (feels like a tight band around head)
• Difficulty socializing
• Gastrointestinal symptoms
• Worrying about sleeping
• Difficulty falling asleep at night
• Waking up during the night
• Waking up too early
• Not feeling well-rested after a night's sleep
• Daytime tiredness or sleepiness
• Difficulty paying attention, focusing on tasks or remembering
• Increased errors or accidents
• Ongoing worries about sleep

• Sleep for only short periods

References:
- http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/insomnia/symptoms-causes/dxc-20256961
- http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/9155.php
- https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/inso/signs
- https://sleepfoundation.org/insomnia/content/symptoms
- http://www.aasmnet.org/Resources/ClinicalGuidelines/040515.pdf

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10 Reasons Why Cellphones Are Bad For Your Health

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10 Reasons Why Cellphones Are Bad For Your Health   

1. Cancer Risk: A new study from Sweden suggests decades of cell phone use can triple your chances for brain cancer.

2. Sleep less: individuals with smartphones in the bedroom sleep less each night. In addition, microwave radiation from cell phones is much riskier for kids than originally thought. One study noted a child's brain tissue and bone marrow actually absorbs significantly more than those of an adult.

3. Disease Carriers: a recent study noted cell phones could be as dirty as public toilet seats, and that the heat phones generate makes a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.

4. Cell phones actually interfere with normal socialization: a team of researchers found cell phones actually interfere with normal socialization. The near constant use even creates learned compulsive behaviors (like self-importance).

5. Spinal Misalignment: constant tilting down to look at your phone screen can take its toll, leading to neck and back pain as well as migraines.

6. Negatively affects emotions: The presence of a cell phone while two or more people are talking face-to-face can generate negative feelings toward the person who has his or her device visible. In two studies conducted at the University of Essex in the United Kingdom, researchers studied the effects of a mobile device during a nose-to-nose conversation. In the first study, 37 pairs of strangers were asked to spend 10 minutes talking to each other about an interesting event that happened in their lives within the past month. Half of the participants were seated in a secluded area with a mobile device present on a desk nearby whereas the other half remained without a cellphone. The results of the study showed that those who had a mobile device nearby were perceived less positive by the stranger, compared to the other participants without a cell phone presen

7. Ncreases stress levels: In a study researchers found high mobile phone use was associated with stress and sleep disturbances for women, whereas high mobile phone use was associated with sleep disturbances and symptoms of depression in men. Overall, excessive cell phone use can be a risk factor for mental health issues in young adults.

8. Increases risk of eye vision problems: Screens on mobile devices tend to be smaller than computer screens, which means you are more likely to squint and strain your eyes while reading messages.

9. Road accidents: studies show that using a mobile phone while driving greatly increases the risk of traffic accidents.

10. Scientists in countries around the world have published their own results on other health problems that appear to be a result of increasing cell phone usage. the following health problems connected to cell phone radiation:

• salivary gland tumors
• dizziness and migraines
• less sleep and poor sleep quality
• changes in production of specific proteins in human cells
• decreased sperm count and quality
• skin irritation, especially on the face (this is a condition known as electrohypersensitivity)
• behavioral problems and increased chance of cancer tumor development in children.

References:
- http://center4research.org/healthy-living-prevention/products-with-health-risks/can-cell-phones-harm-our-health-2/
- http://www.medicaldaily.com/5-reasons-why-cellphones-are-bad-your-health-247624
- http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/5-ways-cell-phones-harm-health/
- https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/mobile-phones-and-your-health

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) ... Symptoms ... What not to eat and What to eat ?

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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) ... Symptoms ... What not to eat and What to eat ?

Irritable bowel syndrome is a condition that affects the function and behavior of the intestines. Normally, the muscles lining the intestines intermittently contract and relax to move food along the digestive tract. In IBS, this pattern is disturbed, resulting in uncomfortable symptoms. More than 40 million people are affected by IBS. It is important to remember that patients with IBD can also have IBS.

Risk factor
• Age> 50 years
• Short history of symptoms
• Documented weight loss
• Nocturnal symptoms
• Male sex
• Family history of colon cancer
• Anaemia
• Rectal bleeding
• Recent antibiotic use

Symptoms
• Cramping
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Gas
• Diarrhea
• Constipation

The hallmark of IBS is abdominal pain or discomfort associated with either a change in bowel habits or disordered defecation. The pain or discomfort associated with IBS is often poorly localized and may be migratory and variable. It may occur after a meal, during stress or at the time of menses. In addition to pain and discomfort, altered bowel habits are common, including diarrhea, constipation, and diarrhea alternating with constipation. Patients also complain of bloating or abdominal distension, mucous in the stool, urgency, and a feeling of incomplete evacuation. Some patients describe frequent episodes, whereas others describe long

symptom-free periods. Patients with irritable bowel frequently report symptoms of other functional gastrointestinal disorders as well, including chest pain, heartburn, nausea or dyspepsia, difficulty swallowing, or a sensation of a lump in the throat or closing of the throat. Patients with IBS are generally classified according to the type of bowel habits that accompany pain. Some patients have diarrhea-predominant symptomatology, others constipation-predominant, and still others have a combination of the two. Some patients alternate between different subgroups.

Symptoms may vary from barely noticeable to debilitating, at times within the same patient. In some patients, stress or life crises may be associated with the onset of symptoms, which may then disappear when the stress dissipates. Other patients seem to have random IBS episodes with spontaneous remissions. Still others

describe long periods of symptoms and long symptom-free periods.

In general, the symptoms of IBS wax and wane throughout life, but the majority of patients seen by physicians is 20-50 years old. In approximately 50 of patients, symptoms begin before age 35. The disorder is also recognized in children, generally appearing in early adolescence. Many patients can trace the onset of symptoms

back to childhood. The prevalence of IBS is slightly lower in the elderly, and in this patient population organic disorders must be excluded.

WHAT NOT TO EAT
According Stanford Primary Care Clinics:

FOODS'TO'AVOID
1. Raw fruit
2. Raw vegetables: (Esp. Broccoli, cabbage, Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, onions, radish, eggplant, celery).
3. Popcorn
4. Fried Foods
5. Nuts and seeds
6. Tomato Sauce, Spicy'foods
7. Mayonnaise, Miracle Whip
8. Most "fast foods" (e.g. Frenchfries, hamburgers, hotdogs, potatochips)
9. Rich foods (e.g. chocolatecake, cookies)
10. Beans (pintobeans, redbeans, chili, burritos)
11. Salads (orany foods that contain lettuce, cucumbers, etc.)
12. Whole wheat product
13. Sugarless products (candy, gum)
14. Fructos' containing products

 DRINKS'TO'AVOID:
1. Soda (esp. From a bottle)
2. Milk, Ice Cream
3. Alcohol
4. Caffeinated beverages (i.e., coffee, tea, etc.)

 MEDICINE'TO'AVOID:
1. Aspirin
2. Non - steroidal medication (i.e, Advil, ibuprofen, alleve, etc.).


WHAT TO EAT

Foods:

1. Cooked canned vegetables (except cabbage)
2. Meat, poultry and fish (not deep fried, beef Rarely).
3. Dairy-Chesse, Yougurts, etc. (Limited amount)
4. Toast, rice, muffins, bagels
5. Soup
6. Most sandwiches (turkey, chicken, bread)
7. Tofu

Drinks

1. Juice (without pulp).
2. Water
3. Iced tea

Medication
1. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

References
- http://sim.stanford.edu/resources/smg_patient_info/IRRITABLEBOWEL09-09.pdf
- http://s3.gi.org/patients/gihealth/pdf/ibs.pdf
- http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/gastroenterology_hepatology/_pdfs/small_large_intestine/irritable_bowel_byndrome_ibs.pdf
- http://www.ccfa.org/assets/pdfs/ibd-and-irritable-bowel.pdf
- http://www.healthline.com/health/irritable-bowel-syndrome/causes-risk-factors#1

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People at High Risk for Flu Complications

People at High Risk for Flu Complications                       Home

Influenza (also known as the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death.

According (CDC, 2016). Factors that may increase your risk of developing influenza or its complications include:


 *  Age
• Asthma
• Neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions
• Blood disorders (such as sickle cell disease)
• Chronic lung disease (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis)
• Endocrine disorders (such as diabetes mellitus)
• Heart disease (such as congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure, and coronary artery disease)
• Kidney disorders
• Liver disorders
• Metabolic disorders (such as inherited metabolic disorders and mitochondrial disorders)
• Extreme obesity (with a body mass index [BMI] of 40 or more)
• People younger than 19 years of age on long-term aspirin therapy
• Weakened immune system due to disease or medication (such as people with HIV or AIDS, or cancer, or those on chronic steroids) 

Other people at high risk from the flu:
• Adults 65 years and older
• Children younger than 5 years old, but especially children younger than 2 years old
• Pregnant women and women up to 2 weeks after the end of pregnancy
• American Indians and Alaska Natives


Read More: 
- Cold or Flu
- flu Symptoms 
- What is H1N1

References:
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits.htm.

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Antidotes Drugs ... list

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Antidote is a drug or agent that counteracts the effects of poison or over dosage by another drug. It neutralizes the harmful effects of a poison.

A drug may be classified by the chemical type of the active ingredient or by the way it is used to treat a particular condition. Each drug can be classified into one or more drug classes.

Antidote is a drug or agent that counteracts the effects of poison or overdosage by another drug. It neutralizes the harmful effects of a poison.

This is strictly a reference! It is intended to provide quick information about antidotes commonly used to reverse or remove common biological or pharmacological agents
from the body. It is not intended to replace nor dictate hospital protocol

Acetaminophen. . . . . . . . . . . . .acetylcysteine ​​or mucomyst
Anticholinesterase. . . . . . . . . . .atropine or pralidoxime
Anticholinergics. . . . . . . . . . . . .physostigmine
Antifreeze. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .fomepizole, ethanol
Benzodiazepines. . . . . . . . . . . .Romazicon (Flumazenil)
Beta-Blocking Agents. . . . . . . .Glucagon, Epinephrine
Ca__ Channel Blockers. . . . . . .Ca_ Chloride, glucagon
Carbon Monoxide (CO). . . . . . .hyperbaric, oxygen
Coumadin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .phytonadione or vitamin K
Cyanide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .amyl nitrite, sodium nitrite, or
sodium thiosulfate
Cyclophosphamide. . . . . . . . . .mesna
Digoxin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Digibind Or Digoxin Immune Fab
Dopamine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rigitine
EPS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Benadryl (Diphenhydramine)
(Extra Pyramidal Symptoms)
Ethylene Glycol. . . . . . . . . . . . .fomepizole
Fluorouracil. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .leucovorin calcium
Heroin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Narcan (Naloxone) or nalmefene
Heparin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .protamine sulfate
Insulin Reaction. . . . . . . . . . . . .IV Glucose (D50)
Iron (Fe). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .deferoxamine
Lead. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .edetate calcium disodium,
dimercaprol, or succimer
Malignant Hyperthermia (MH) .dantrolene
Methanol. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ethanol
Methotrexate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .leucovorin calcium
Narcotics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Narcan (Naloxone) or nalmefene
Opioid Analgesics. . . . . . . . . . .Narcan (Naloxone) or nalmefene
Organophosphate (OPP). . . . . .atropine, pralidoxime
Potassium (K). . . . . . . . . . . . . .Insulin And glucose, NaHCO3,
albuterol inhaler, or Kayexalate
(Sodium polystyrene sulfonate)
Rohypnol. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Romazicon (Flumazenyl)
TCA (tricyclic antidepressants) .physostigmine or NaHCO3
Tranquilizers-EPS symptoms .Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
Tylenol. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .acetylcysteine
Warfarin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .phytonadione or vitamin K


For Application Antidotes Drugs Click Here


For More click here

References:
-  2003, 2006 by F. A. Davis - R notes edition 2
- https://www.drugs.com/drug-class/antidotes.html

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Advantages & Disadvantages Of Drinking Coffee

Advantages & Disadvantages Of Drinking Coffee             Home

Coffee use seems to have a positive effect on chronic liver disease. In a study reported in the British Journal of Cancer 2007, August 6; 97 (3): 426-8, the multivariate adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) for mortality from hepatocellular carcinoma was 0.49 overall for daily coffee drinkers versus non-coffee drinkers. When analyzed separately in HCV-positive and HCV-negative individuals, it was 0.31, and 0.75 respectively.

ADVANTAGES:

• Coffee boosts your physical performance. Have a cup of black coffee about an hour before workout and your performance can improve by 11-12%. Caffeine increases adrenaline levels in your blood. Adrenaline is your body's "fight or flight" hormone which helps you to prepare for physical exertion.
• Coffee may help you lose weight. Coffee contains magnesium and potassium, which helps the human body use insulin, regulating blood sugar levels and reducing your craving for sugary treats and snacks.
• Coffee helps you burn fat. Caffeine helps fat cells break down body fat and use it as fuel for training.
• Coffee helps you focus and stay alert. Moderate caffeine intake, 1-6 cups a day, helps you focus and improves your mental alertness.
• Coffee lowers risk of death. Studies have shown that coffee drinker's overall risk of premature death is 25% lower than of those who do not drink coffee.
• 1 Cup Daily: regulates the level of blood pressure and positively affects blood vessels. Coffee is known as an excellent antioxidant that stimulates brain activity.

DISADVANTAGES COFFEE DRINKING

• Bad coffee can be toxic. Bad quality coffee can have a lot of impurities in it, which can cause sickness, headache or a general bad feeling. This can happen if your coffee is made from beans that have been over ripped or otherwise ruined. Even one ruined bean can make your cup toxic. If you invest and buy high quality, speciality coffee you do not have to worry about this.
• Coffee can kill you. Yes, if you drink 80-100 cups (23 litres) in a short session. This dose is lethal and will amount in 10-13 grams of caffeine within your body. Before you reach this point, however, you'll be vomiting most of it out since 23 litres of any liquid is a lot. Even drinking 23 litres of water can kill you.
• Coffee can cause insomnia and restlessness. Again, it's the caffeine working here. Your recommended maximum amount of caffeine is 400 milligrams, roughly the amount that you'll get from 4 cups of coffee. If you're caffeine-sensitive, be careful with coffee. You are probably already aware what amount and what kind of coffee suits, or does not suit you. The amount of caffeine that is safe for human consumption is actually written in our DNA.
• Do not drink more than one cup a day if you're pregnant. Studies on coffee's effect on a fetus have been controversial, but one thing is sure: if you drink coffee when pregnant, caffeine will also reach the fetus, and your baby is highly sensitive to caffeine. So, if you're a heavyweight coffee drinker and can not stop drinking it while pregnant, at least reduce your coffee intake to one cup a day.
• too much intake of coffee, such as 4 cups per day, can have negative outcome with people with sensitive health and health problems. Possible cases of rheumatoid arthritis, matching the feeling of nervousness and anxiety may occur.
• Most research pertaining to coffee and its health effects is based on coffee that is black or contains some sugar or milk rather than the fancy coffee beverages you can buy at a coffeehouse. These beverages contain coffee but also are frequently high in calories. For instance, a 24-ounce mocha iced blended coffee drink with whipped cream can contain up to 500 calories; this accounts for about 25 percent of the average person's daily caloric intake. Because beverages tend to be less filling than foods, you are not as likely to eat fewer calories later in your day just because you had a calorie-rich beverage. Consuming too many calories can lead to weight gain and weight-related health problems such as type 2 diabetes.

References:
- http://getfit.jillianmichaels.com/disadvantages-drinking-coffee-1881.html.
- https://www.warriorcoffee.com/news/2/12-health-benefits-and-6-disadvantages-of-coffee-smashing-it
- http://www.healthyfoodstar.com/advantages-disadvantages-of-drinking-coffee/
- http://www.jlgh.org/JLGH/media/Journal-LGH-Media-Library/Past%20Issues/Volume%202%20-%20Issue%204/V2I4_HealthBenefitsCoffee.pdf

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