All posts by Sumana Rao

Don't worry about the people in your past; There's a reason they didn't make it to your future.
Jelly Drops keeps dementia patients hydrated

Grandson Innovates Jelly Drops To Help Grandma With Dementia Stay Hydrated

How for you will go to keep your grandma happy and healthy? A grandson’s love for his grandmother, who is suffering from dementia resulted in inventing Jelly Drop sweets to keep her hydrated and healthy.

Memory problems are one of several symptoms that people with dementia may experience. Others include difficulties with planning, thinking things through, struggling to keep up with a conversation, and sometimes changes in mood or behavior (Alzheimers.org.uk)

Alzheimer’s and dementia patients and the people who take care of them face many challenges. One of the big challenges is feeding and keeping them hydrated. We all need water to keep our body hydrated and drinking water should be part of our daily routine. Elders who suffer from dementia generally forget to drink water. This results in dehydration and electrolyte imbalance of the body.

London based Lewis Hornby invented Jelly Drops, sweet gummies to keep his aged grandmother hydrated. 

Hornby’s grandmother Pat was hospitalized due to dehydration. Pat who had dementia loved to eat sweet. Hornby got inspired by Pat’s love for sweets and used his innovative skills to develop bright, raindrop shaped sweets called jelly drops. These jelly drops are made of 90% water and balanced electrolytes that are necessary for a person to keep body hydrated.

Hornby worked with group of people and took suggestions from Pat and other elders who suffer from dementia to develop jelly drops. These jelly drops appearance is like sweet candies and attracts dementia patients.

According to Hornby “For people with dementia, the symptoms of dehydration are often mistakenly attributed to their underlying condition, meaning it can easily go unnoticed until it becomes life-threatening. About a year ago my grandma was unexpectedly rushed to hospital; she was found to be severely dehydrated. Thankfully after 24 hours on IV fluids, she was back to her normal happy self, and is still enjoying a good quality of life to this day”

Like many grandchildren Hornby wanted best health for his grandmother. He tried different approaches to help him before finding a solution. Understanding dementia, consulting with doctors and spending time with people who has dementia in a care home made Hornby learn lot of stuffs. Finally, he introduced jelly drops to his grandma Pat and she immediately grabbed them.

“When first offered, grandma ate 7 jelly drops in ten minutes, the equivalent to a cup full of water, something that would usually take hours and require much more assistance”

Hornby won awards for his innovations – Dyson School of Design Engineering DESIRE Award and The Helen Hamlyn Design Award-Snowdon Award for disability and People Choice award at Pitch@Palace.

Alzheimer’s society of UK is supporting Jelly Drops and is working closely with Jelly Drops team to continue to develop the product and bring it to the market.

Dementia is memory loss. It is a common issue in older people. People with dementia often forget to drink water or liquid that could cause severe dehydration, confusion and hospitalization. If you are concerned about your parents, elders at home, prevent dehydration of loved ones by giving proper care.

  1. Place a jug filled with drinking water for easy reach.
  2. Keep a clear glass filled with water or a bright colored bottle or glass to draw their attention. Keep a table and place straw with bottle or glass.
  3. Spend time with elders and make drinking water, tea, coffee or ice popsicles an event for them.
  4. Leave notes and reminders to drink water on time. Put notices on mirror, near bed, on door, fridge. Set up multiple alarm to remind them that they should be drinking water on certain hours.
  5. Include ice cream, soup, fruits with more water content such as watermelon and jelly in their snack.

Jelly drop gummies could also be a solution for athletes and those personnel who work in hard conditions! This innovation could help millions of people who are suffering from various conditions that require help to prevent dehydration such as epilepsy, kids with special needs, cancer patients and for dementia.

References:

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: June 16, 2020
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Corn Fritters

Baked and deep fried corn fritters recipe

Yummy evening snack with tea – baked and deep fried corn pakoras (corn fritters) recipes are for pakora lovers!  Baking option helps to avoid taking too much oil into the system. If you prefer deep fried pakoras then use traditional method of deep frying.

Recipe calls for grated ginger, cumin seeds, asafetida. All three healthy ingredients help to digest chickpea flour easily and avoids stomach bloating. Adding leafy vegetables makes pakora healthier and less guilt conscious for those who afraid to eat deep friend fritters!

Ingredients

  1. Corn kernels (fresh or frozen) – 2 cups
  2. Besan/chickpea flour – 1 ½ cups
  3. Cumin seeds – 1 tsp
  4. Red chilli powder – 1 tsp
  5. Asafetida – a pinch
  6. Chopped cilantro/coriander leaves -1/4 cup
  7. Chopped curry leaves – 1 tsp
  8. Salt
  9. Turmeric powder -1 tsp
  10. Grated ginger – 1 tsp
  11. Oil for baking/frying
  12. Spinach, palak or fenugreek leaves – chopped -1/4 cup (optional)

Method:

For baking:

  1. Preheat oven to 375 F.
  2. In a bowl add besan flour and other ingredients. Mix well, add enough water to make a thick batter.
  3. Spray oil on baking sheet and drop dollops of fitter batter on the baking sheet by using a spoon.
  4. Place the baking sheet in the oven for 30 to 35 mins. After 15 minutes flip the fritters.
  5. When you feel, fritters are baked properly, remove from the oven and serve hot with chutney of your choice.

 For frying:

  1. Mix all the ingredients as in step 2 (above).
  2. Heat oil in a deep-frying pan.
  3. Drop dollops of fritter batter in the heated oil. Fry on both sides till fritters turn golden brown.
  4. Transfer to paper towel to remove excess oil.
  5. Serve hot, deep fried pakoras with chutney or ketchup of your choice.

Recipe: www.healthylife.com

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: June 15, 2020
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sandalwood health benefits

Indian Sandalwood health benefits

Indian sandalwood also popularly known as Srigandha has both religious as well as medicinal applications.  Indian sandalwood tree grows in Southern forests of India and its cultivation needs permission from Government as it is one of the costly plants and rare in the world. It is costly because of its fragrant wood which is unique for the plant. Use of sandalwood are many and from past 2000 years, its wood is used for carvings and for commercial purposes.  The scent of the wood lasts forever.

The traditional sandalwood (Botanical name: Santalum album) is the best in the world. Wood, sandalwood oil and young leaves are used both for religious as well as commercial purposes. In yoga sandalwood is assigned to the seventh chakra (root chakra) at the base of spine which symbolizes security, self-identity, stability and trust. 

Sandalwood essential oil:

Sandalwood essential oils hydro-distilled from the heartwood of mature tree contains alpha-santalol. Essential oil is very useful in cosmetics, creams and massage oils. Essential oils are used in religious, social and ceremonial occasions for centuries due to it’s amazing therapeutic and aromatic qualities. Sandalwood oil last for a long time.

Essential oil diluted with jojoba or moringa oil can be used for skincare and it also helps to relax. Diluting sandalwood oil is a must, as the oil as it is releases very strong aroma.

In Ayurveda and Chinese medicine sandalwood oil has many applications. It is used in treating:

In aromatherapy it is used for treating mental and physical health. It helps to manage anxiety. Sandalwood oil is also known to stabilize blood pressure related to anxiety and is bit sedative.

In many soaps and skin creams, sandal oil is used as one of the ingredient. It helps skin to recover and supports in skin rejuvenation.

Another use of sandalwood oil is, it is known to have antibacterial property and used in creams.

Sandalwood oil is known to stabilize anxiety, blood pressure and helps to keep mind alert

How to use sandalwood oil at home? One should check the label before buying sandalwood oil. Look for ingredient that says “Santalum album” oil. It should not be perfumed or scented oil. Before using it on skin, make sure there is no allergic reactions of any sort.

  1. Dilute with carrier oil and apply on skin
  2. Add one or two drops to boiling water to scent home
  3. Use oil infuser to diffuse the diluted oil
  4. Add one or two drops in odorless lotion.
  5. It can be used during your yoga practice

Sandalwood: Sandalwood has many applications. Sandalwood available in small pieces in stores. You can buy and prepare paste by rolling the wood on flat stone. Use water to prepare paste.

  • To sandalwood paste, add little turmeric and honey and apply on skin. It helps to rejuvenate skin and gives a glowing look.
  • Applying sandalwood paste helps to cure skin breakout, pimples, dark spots and dark circles around eyes.
  • Apply sandalwood paste alone or combine with coconut oil and lavender oil for sun burn or insect bites. It reduces inflammation.
  • If you have oily skin, then mix sandalwood powder with few drops of rose water and apply on face. Leave it for 15 minutes, wash face using lukewarm water.
  • Sandalwood acts as an astringent and protects skin from abrasions and allergies. Using sandalwood face packs and toners is a good for skin.
  • Sandalwood powder mixed with milk cream, honey and turmeric prevents acne and sores because it has antiseptic property.
  • Mix sandalwood powder and coconut oil – apply on face and massage slowly. It helps to get rid of any dark spots on the skin.
  • Using sandalwood paste as face pack also reduces blackheads by clearing skin.
  • If sun tan is bothering then mix sandalwood powder with honey, lemon juice, yogurt and mix well. Apply this on affected area, leave it for half an hour. It helps to reduce the sun tan!
  • Sandalwood paste with rose water can be applied for excessive sweating to reduce perspiration and sweating.
  • Sandalwood powder is a good deodorant.
  • Sandalwood paste is used for rituals, ceremonies and in yoga and meditation for focusing purposes. Sandalwood incense is one of the popular meditation incenses throughout the world.

Use of sandalwood leaves:

  • Young sandalwood leaves can be used for cooking! One can prepare red chutney with tender leaves.
  • Tender leaves and stem of sandalwood leaves can be used just like fenugreek leaves to prepare curry and patra dishes.
  • Young leaves of sandalwood help to cure allergies. In traditional remedies, paste from sandalwood leaves known to help cure skin allergies.

Keep sandalwood idols, incenses, essential oil, sandalwood and powder at home. It signifies confidence, truth, goodness, good health and happiness of both body and mind.

Image credit: Lady with facial mask: Photo by Raphael Lovaski on Unsplash (Free for commercial use)

Image credit: Beads: https://www.needpix.com/photo/download/378350/tibet-beads-prayer-wood-bracelet-sandalwood-religious-buddhist-japa (Free for commercial use)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Food choice for psoriasis

Food Choice For Psoriasis Condition

Psoriasis is a chronic condition occurs in people due to several reasons including an overactive immune system. Sometimes chronic body inflammation might cause psoriasis symptoms like red plaques, itchiness, red skin spots on skin surface.

There is no cure psoriasis but there are different ways to control the condition. In psoriasis excess skin inflammation that happens due to overactive immune system and it forces body to produce new skin cells in faster rate than normal skin cells. Accumulation or piling up of skin cells on surface makes it unable for shed quickly causing scaling and plaques. The inflammation that happens deep down in the body contributes to the appearance on skin surface. This will appear red, itchy, flaky, raised, silvery or inflamed. 

What triggers psoriasis? Factors that can trigger, appear, reappear or worsen psoriasis vary from person to person.

Injury to skin – Any injury to skin will activate immune system and aggravate psoriasis.

Stress – Stress can trigger body inflammation and psoriasis keeps appearing

Infection– Fighting foreign invaders makes immune system active. In psoriasis overactive immune system can send faulty signals causing inflammation even after infection cleared

Weather – Fall, winter and cold weather increases psoriasis

Diet and food choice play a major role in controlling psoriasis. There are certain foods that could trigger body inflammation. Finding out which are these foods that trigger and worsen psoriasis is key for reducing the symptoms. This will help to keep immune system under check.

Foods to avoid if you have psoriasis:

Dairy and red meat: The polyunsaturated fatty acid called arachidonic acid and its byproducts present in red meat can cause lesions on skin. Avoid red meat, egg and food products containing egg. Reduce dairy product intake.

Gluten: Autoimmune response to gluten protein causes celiac disease. Psoriasis condition worsens with gluten presence. Find out whether you have gluten allergy. Avoid foods that contain gluten like – rye, malt, barley, pasta, wheat, processed foods, certain condiments, malt beverages etc.

High calorie processed foods: Chronic conditions can be stimulated by processed and canned food. Psoriasis flare-up happens by consuming canned vegetables, fruits, processed foods with excess sugar, fat and salt. Stop eating processed meat.

Avoid nightshade family: Majority of our vegetables comes from nightshade family also known as potato/tomato family. Solanine content in nightshade members cause allergy and inflammation. Eggplants, green chilis, capsicum. Sometimes potatoes and tomatoes too can trigger psoriasis in some people.

Alcohol:  Inflammation of body after drinking alcohol is known fact. Alcohol increases body heat and disrupts system. Alcohol contents can also cause skin irritation, allergy and rash that could trigger psoriasis.

What are the foods that help fight inflammation and psoriasis?

Including anti-inflammatory foods in your diet will help to manage psoriasis. Studies suggest that watching what we eat could help prevent body inflammation and overactive immune system. Anti-inflammatory foods that one should consider are:

  1. Turmeric: Include turmeric in your food. You can mix turmeric, amla (Indian gooseberry) or Turmeric- moringa powder and have in warm water.
  2. Fresh fruits and vegetables: Blueberries, cherries, apple, avocados, fruits vitamin C and leafy vegetables such as spinach, Amaranthus, coriander (cilantro) etc., carrot, orange are good anti-inflammatory foods
  3. Include spices such as cumin, sage, red chilli powder (not green chilli)
  4. Include healthy omega fats like olive oil, coconut oil, dry fruits and nuts in daily diet in moderation
  5. Other foods that help to reduce inflammation: Aloe vera, Neem, Moringa, Milk thistle, probiotics, Vitamin D & B12, zinc supplying foods like pumpkin seeds, beans, chickpeas.
  6. High fiber food: Including fibrous food is essential because bad gut/digestive system or constipation triggers psoriasis. Proper digestion means good detoxification process of the entire system.

Another important aspect to keep in mind is, maintaining healthy weight and proper body mass index (BMI). The more we obsessed, chance of body inflammation that flare ups psoriasis is more. Keep your weight under control and it helps to prevent psoriasis symptoms.

Psoriasis affects millions of people and could show up in any stage of life. For some it is bearable and for some it could create more problem. Important is controlling underlying body inflammation and overactive inflammation by including proper anti-inflammatory food in everyday diet.

Image credit: Image by Hans Braxmeier from Pixabay  (Free for commercial use)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: June 12, 2020
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Stop animal abuse

Stop Abusing & Killing Innocent Animals

A pregnant elephant was killed in Kerala. Why?  All because she was seeking food. She did not attack anybody, she did not harm anyone.

If you cannot help an animal it is okay, but don’t hurt that innocent animal. Often, we read news about animal abuse and cruelty towards animals. Some people abuse animal purposefully for fun. They scare, harm and terrorize any animals they come across. It exhibits their cruel and sick mentality. Some also think that while humans are suffering, animals are less important and there are others who simply look other way when they see people abusing the animals.  

Humans are the most intelligent creatures on earth. Or at least we think so. Human beings have a complex brain and able to think, express and talk. Often the innocent animals suffer in human hands. Is it fair? Why we should hurt and abuse animals? Do we have right to behave inhumanly? As humans, what we should be doing?

Humans are called “apex predators’ because we overtake and dominate animals easily. We think animals in any form exist to entertain us. For those who ask why we should care about animals? Because:

They are living creatures: Animals are living creatures like humans. They deserve to have a good life. They are not on earth just be our pet or in the zoo as exhibits or to be our food. Animals are here to balance earth; they were created on earth just like humans. They feel pain and happiness, they get hurt and they feel neglected when mistreated.

Treating them well makes us better people: If you want to be a better human, care about animals. It is not just thinking about how fellow humans are cruel to people, we must also act on doing something about it. Protecting, rescuing, sheltering, supporting animal welfare – all give us satisfaction and sense of good achievement. It makes us better human being.

It is responsibility: We are part of nature where we must share and live with animals. Animals deliberately don’t come and occupy our place. Humans are supposedly the intelligent species, must understand and take care of nature and all animals. Take responsibility and be compassionate to treat all animals on earth equally. Don’t be a hypocrite- if you love your pet dogs and cats, why can’t you love and be nice to all animals?

It is Compassionate: Caring about animal is compassionate thing to do. It is the way we should be. Be fair to animals. Animals are human’s closest companies from centuries. It is a known fact that domestic animals’ behavior is influenced by how we treat them.  If you love your pets, think that other animals are like your pets too.

Animals are not objects:  If you know, to balance the nature we need animals. Like bees for example, we need bees for pollination of trees and crops. Each animal has a role to play in the nature. We own dogs as pets, and they play major role in guarding country and are used as service dogs. Similarly, animals that live in forests are equally needed for maintaining food chain and in balancing ecosystem.  There are instances where animals like elephants, horses, lions have rescued babies, alerted human intruders and so on.

Ultimately it is our duty to take care of all creatures who are equally important and have equal rights to be on earth like us. If you cannot help an animal it is okay, but don’t hurt an innocent animal.

Image: Google curtesy

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: June 4, 2020
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DIY insecticides

Homemade Natural Insecticides for your veggie garden

It is time to grow vegetable garden. One can expect nuisance from insects and bugs that stall growth of veggie garden. Synthetic chemical sprays can cause breathing issues and fatigue. Instead of using chemical sprays to control and kill insects, prepare natural insecticides at home. Here are nine DIY insecticide formulas for those who want to be safe. All these formulas call for few drops of liquid soap that help to bind the insecticide on plant surface.

  • Castile soap spray: To control beetles, aphids, mites, moths – Mix 2 tsp castile soap in 250 ml water. Shake and spray the mix on plant surface.
  • Oil mix: To control mites, thrips, aphids and small insects mix mild liquid soap with vegetable oil. Castile soap or dish washing soap is good for this purpose. Base mix: 1 Tbsp castile soap + 1 cup vegetable oil. Store in a bottle. When you need to use, Take 2 Tbsp of this mix, add 250 ml water, shake and spray on plant surface.
  • Neem oil mix: Neem plants are known to inhibit insects and fungus. Add 2 tsp of neem oil, 1 Tsp of mild liquid soap and 250 ml water. Mix well and spray on plants to control both pests and fungus.
  • Clove oil spray: Some insects like ants can be controlled by strong odor of clove. Mix 2 tsp of clove oil, 1 tsp liquid soap or detergent, 250 ml water. Shake and spray on plant and soil surface.
  • Garlic spray: Pungent aroma of garlic is good insect repellent. Crush one medium size garlic bulb, blend or prepare puree with little amount of water. In a vessel take ¼ cup vegetable oil, 2 tsp mild liquid soap, 250 ml water and add garlic puree into it. Let the mix sit for couple of hours. Strain and transfer to spray bottle and spray on plant surface to control insects.
  • Tomato leaf spray: Chop few tomato leaves (2-3 cups), add 250 ml water and 1 tsp liquid soap. Allow the mix to steep for few hours. Strain and transfer liquid to spray bottle to spray on plants. This helps to control aphids.
  • Camphor spray: Take few camphor tablets and dissolve in 250 ml water. Mix well. Add few drops of liquid detergent, mix well and spray the liquid on plant surface to keep bugs and other insects away.
  • Peppermint oil spray: Mix 2-3 tsp peppermint essential oil in half liter water. Add few drops of liquid soap. Mix well and spray on plant surface to keep ants and flies away.
  • Garlic and mint spray: Prepare a puree with few mint leaves and garlic cloves. Mix in 250 ml water. Let it steep for few hours. Strain and mild liquid soap drops. Mix well and spray the mix to control garden bugs and insects.
  • Image credit: Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: June 3, 2020
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Returning to work post covid-19

Returning To Work Post Covid-19? Do’s And Don’t

Depending upon the severity of Covid-19 pandemic, many countries are opening in stages and employees started returning to work. If your employer informed you to return to work, then learn how to be safe and take precautions not to get infected by Coronavirus.

When you return to workplace after few months gap, you will find it bit strange and might feel a change in the corporate environment. You may feel bit anxious and scared to handle things around. Follow below instructions for your safe return from office to home.

List of Don’ts

  1. Do not touch your nose, mouth, eyes unnecessarily.
  2. Avoid public transportation as much as possible. If necessary, follow social distancing rule
  3. Avoid rush hour traffic and transportation.
  4. If carpooling, do not use Air conditioner in the vehicle.
  5. Do not shake hands or hug coworkers or friends.
  6. While at office avoid unnecessary movement, talking and visit to coworkers’ desks
  7. Avoid not so essential face to face meetings and interactions
  8. Do not share water, food with anybody. Avoid storing food common place.
  9. Try not to use public restroom. Do not use public paper towels, hand driers.
  10. Do not use coffee makers, say no to bagels, bread, birthday cake at work
  11. Remove any additional chairs or unnecessary furniture around your desk.

List of Do’s

  1. Carry hand sanitizer in your bag.
  2. Carry disinfectant wipes.
  3. Wear masks (disposable or reusable) and carry a spare mask in your handbag
  4. Start few minutes early to avoid rush hour traffic. Follow social distancing rule.
  5. If you are carpooling, follow CDC instructions: three people in car, five people in SUV.
  6. Make sure none of your co travelers have symptoms of Covid-19.
  7. If office is in walking distance, then walk to office instead of taking public transportation.
  8. Instead of shaking hands, practice namaste or say hi at a distance.
  9. Before entering the office, a trained person must check body temperature of all employees. If no such facility available at your workplace, call ahead and request for one.
  10. While at office, look out for anyone who exhibit following symptoms – cold, cough, sore throat, fever, having difficulty in breathing- If you see someone trying to hide the symptoms inform concerned manager.
  11. After touching surfaces use hand sanitizer to clean the hands. Use clean tissue to hold doorknobs, doors, railings, common phones.
  12. Clean your workstation thoroughly every morning. Use alcohol disinfectants or better yet is, 3% Hydrogen Peroxide solution (3% Hydrogen peroxide, 97% Water). Wait for 3-5 minutes so that all germs will be killed.
  13. Use phones, emails for interactions. Use intercom facility.
  14. Maintain distance for face to face interactions.
  15.  While coughing and sneezing- practice respiratory etiquette. Use tissue or elbow to stop droplets fall on surfaces. Throw tissue in designated bin.
  16. Once a while step out side in Sun and breath fresh air for few minutes.
  17. Carry homemade food for lunch.

Common sense practices that you apply everyday while stay home should be followed in workplace too and it will help you and others.

Image credit: Photo by August de Richelieu from Pexels
(Free for commercial use)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: June 2, 2020
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June Health awareness

June 2020 Health Observances

While we are all trying to be safe from COVID-19 pandemic, we must not forget about the other illnesses that affecting millions of lives. Each year WHO & NHO dedicated June month to create awareness and help spread the word about Alzheimer’s and Brain conditions, Sickle cell disease and HIV testing.

Alzheimer’s and Brain awareness: Alzheimer’s disease was 6th leading cause of death among adults in the year 2014. When we say adults, it is age group between 18 years and older based on death certificate data from Chicago Health and Aging Project data suggests that dementia is prevalence among adults aged 65+ years in US alone. Dementia affects health, ability to live independently and quality of life. Alzheimer’s  and dementia will affect a person’s ability in:

  • Managing financial decisions
  • Managing medical conditions and medications
  • Driving independently
  • Handling tools
  • Social life
  • Daily activities such as eating, bathing or dressing

Worldwide, Alzheimer’s disease is leading cause of disability. When we visit nursing home and elderly care, we can see many elders who are in this status. The challenge is to offer medical and support services and often long- term care for elderly. These challenges can take toll not only on the person who is suffering from the condition, also on others including family, society and caregivers-emotionally, physically and financially.  What are the steps we can take to improve, care and support those people with dementia and caregivers? According to healthypeople.gov:

  1. Making existing effective diagnostic tools availability more
  2. Reducing severity of cognitive and behavioral symptoms
  3. Supporting caregiver’s family with social and legal resources
  4. To reduce co-occurring disorders, encourage healthy behaviors in individuals
  5. To reduce number of seniors with undiagnosed dementia

World sickle cell day:   June 19th is designated as World Sickle cell Awareness day is observed. It is to raise awareness and increase knowledge about sickle cell disease. It is commonly known as sickle cell anemia It is an inherited red blood cell disorder with lack of healthy RBC to carry oxygen throughout the body. RBC in these individuals are crescent moon or sickle shaped and they get stuck in small blood vessels causing blockage or slow blood movement with less oxygen into the parts of the body. Sickle cell is common among African Americans, Indians, Mediterranean, Latinos and Middle Eastern people. Every year there are 300,000 babies are born with the disease.

There is no cure for the disease, and it is often discovered at birth during routine screening of baby. Treatment options depends on the severity of symptoms. The only cure for the disease is a bone morrow or stem cell transplant and these treatments comes often with risks. Sickle Cell Disease Educational Information Repository (SCD Repository) was developed to screen Newborn for the disease. It provides recruitment, care coordination, education and outreach to individuals living with sickle cell disease and help families.

National HIV Testing Day: On June 27th National HIV Testing Day is observed. It encourages people to get tested for AIDS (HIV), know their status and encourages to get treatment if needed. The only way to know if someone has HIV is to get tested for the virus. All pregnant women and everyone who ages 15 to 65 needs to get tested for HIV. One can request in doctor’s clinic for either a confidential or anonymous HIV testing. Talk to your doctor today to understand more about HIV test.

Even though there is no specific data or information, this year it is very critical for millions to undergo this test, with Covid-19 risk. Older adults who are living with any preexisting conditions are at higher risk of severe illness. The risk for people with HIV getting very sick is greatest in

  • People with low CD4 cell count
  • People who are not on HIV treatment.

On National HIV testing day people with HIV or who think that they might have HIV, should get tested and seek proper treatment to avoid any COVID-19 complications.

References:

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: June 1, 2020
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