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.
Ten global health threats of 2019

WHO – Ten Global Health Threats of 2019

WHO recently recognized Ten Global Health Threats of 2019 and its plan to combat the threats. Growing number of population and several reasons are posing many health challenges. Frequent outbreaks of several diseases including measles and diphtheria that are vaccine -preventable diseases, obesity, malnutrition, pollution, climate change, war and humanitarian crisis as well as the increase in drug resistance pathogens such as antibacterial resistance bacteria. the delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccines or vaccine hesitancy is also included in this list!

To face these health threats WHO has come up with a new strategic plan in 2019 ‘the 13th General Program of Work’. The goal of this plan is to address different health threats. This plan focuses on triple billion target to ensure one billion more people to get universal health coverage, one billion people to get protection from health emergencies and another one billion people to enjoy good health and wellbeing.  WHO has named following (see slides) ten issues that need attention.

Image credit: Photo by Hush Naidoo on Unsplash (Free for commercial use)

#1 Air pollution and Climate change: Read more

Air pollution and climate change

 #2 Global Influenza pandemic: Read more

Influenza pandemic

#3 Non communicable diseases : Read more

Non communicable diseases

 #4 Fragile and vulnerable settings: Read more

Fragile vulnerable life settings

#5 Antimicrobial resistance: Read more

Anti microbial resistance

#6 Ebola and high threat pathogens: Read more

Ebola pathogens

#7 Primary health care: Read more

Global primary health care

#8 Refusal of vaccination: Read more

Vaccination refusal

#9 Dengue & #10 HIV/AIDS: Read more

Dengue and HIV

References:

  • https://www.who.int/emergencies
  • www.newsweek.com
  • www.healthylife.werindia.com
  • Images: World Health Organization, CDC.gov, Pixabay.com, Creativecommons.org, https://www.geshome.ph/, https://www.pinterest.es/pin/294071050651602078/
Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: January 25, 2019
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Influenza pandemic

Global influenza pandemic

Global influenza pandemic :  If not treated world will face another influenza pandemic and we don’t know when it will happen globally. WHO is monitoring influenza virus’s circulation to detect potential pandemic strains. 153 Institutions in 114 countries are involved in global surveillance of influenza pandemic strains. Each year WHO takes step to recognize and recommends which strain of viruses should be included in the flu vaccine to protect population from seasonal flu. In case of new strains arrival WHO has set up plans to treat with vaccines and antibiotics especially in developing countries.

Image credit: www.cdc.com

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Anti microbial resistance

Antimicrobial resistance

Antimicrobial resistance :Recent studies clearly indicated that there is an increase in antimicrobial resistance organisms including bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. These microbes are showing resistance to existing antibiotics, antiviral drugs which is a big source of concern. Reason is there are hardly any new antimicrobial drugs discovery happened in recent years and the drugs that are synthesized are improved version of the existing drugs. It means, microbes are threatening the population and anytime the infections such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, gonorrhea and salmonellosis can spread. It could seriously compromise surgery, and other procedures including chemotherapy treatment.

Drug resistance is caused by overuse of antimicrobials both in humans and animals. WHO is working to empower people with awareness and knowledge of infection, hygiene and encouraging less use of antimicrobials.

WHO noted that: “Resistance to tuberculosis drugs is a formidable obstacle to fighting a disease that causes around 10 million people to fall ill, and 1.6 million to die, every year. In 2017, around 600 000 cases of tuberculosis were resistant to rifampicin – the most effective first-line drug – and 82% of these people had multidrug-resistant tuberculosis”

Image credit: www.CDC.Gov (Free for commercial use)

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Vaccination refusal

Refusal of vaccination

Refusal of vaccination : Growing number of populations does not want to deal with vaccination. This vaccine hesitancy could lead to outbreak of vaccine preventable disease. It is one the cost-effective way avoiding disease. Because of reluctance and refuse several diseases in the global population is increasing. For example, Measles– has seen an increase of 30% globally!

In US many itself there is a growing number of populations whose ‘philosophical-belief’ lead to children getting not vaccinated. This is happening in Australia as well where nearly 40,000 children are unvaccinated due to philosophical belief of parents. In Italy has introduced new rules in 2018 suspending the mandatory vaccinations!

Reason for vaccine hesitancy is, either it could be inconvenience in accessing vaccines, lack of confidence. Physicians and other health workers must provide knowledge and develop trust of people by giving credible information regarding vaccines. In 2019 WHO will ramp up its work to eliminate cervical cancer worldwide by increasing Human papilloma virus vaccine. 2019 may also end transmission of polio virus both in Afghanistan and Pakistan. WHO is committed to support these countries to vaccinate every child to eradicate polio, the crippling disease for good!

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Dengue and HIV

Dengue and HIV

Dengue and HIV: are two threats added to the list. Dengue’s impact is more in tropical countries, AIDS has been in news from past few decades.

Dengue: Mosquito borne disease dengue is another huge threat to human beings. It is lethal and kill up to 20% of those who suffer from severe dengue. This number is high in both India and Bangladesh. This disease is spreading t less tropical temperature countries like Nepal. WHO is determined to reduce Dengue deaths by 50% by 2020.

HIV:  Million people dye every year because of HIV/AIDS. Since the beginning of epidemic more than 70 million people have acquired HIV infection and about 35 million people have died. As of today, 37 million people with HIV are surviving worldwide. Sex workers, people in prison, same sex marriage in men or transgender people are affected and it is a challenge to reach these people. One reason is these group of people are excluded from health services.

The progress made against HIV has been enormous in terms of getting people tested, providing them with antiretrovirals (22 million are on treatment), and providing access to preventive measures such as a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP, which is when people at risk of HIV take antiretrovirals to prevent infection).  Young girls and women are particularly between age 15-24 are at high risk and account for 1 in 4 HIV infections in sub-Saharan Africa despite being only 10% of the population. WHO will continue its support to introduce self-testing tool kits and to receive treatment in many countries. WHO and the International Labor Organization will support companies and organizations to offer HIV self-tests in the workplace.

Image credit: www.cdc.gov (mosquito image), https://www.aim-med.org/hiv-rna-test/ (HIV Test image)

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Beaten rice bisibele bath

Beaten rice Bisibele bath

Bisibele bath is a spicy breakfast item in South India. One can prepare bisibele bath with rice. If you don’t want to consume too much rice, prepare beaten rice bisibele bath. It is as good as rice bisibele bath and tastes like sambar rice.

Bisibele bath powder preparation:
Ingredients: Urad dal and Channa dal ¼ cup each, ¾ cup coriander seeds, 6 cloves, 2-inch cinnamon, 1 Tbsp cumin, 1 Tbsp poppy seeds, ½ tsp fenugreek seeds, 20 -25 red chillies (depends on your spice requirement, 2 tsp oil

Method:

Heat a pan on medium heat and add all ingredients except coriander and poppy seeds. Fry the ingredients till both urad and channa dal give aroma and turn golden brown color. Now add coriander and poppy seeds, fry for couple of minutes, turn off the heat and allow ingredients to cool. Prepare powder

Heat the pan on a medium high heat. Add oil, then add all the ingredients (channa dal, urad dal, cumin seeds,  fenugreek seeds, cinnamon sticks, cloves and both variety red chillies) except coriander and poppy seeds. Grind the ingredients to fine powder.

Bisibele bath Ingredients:
1. Thick beaten rice- 2 cups
2. Toor dal (or moong dal) – 1 cup
3. Cut vegetables – Carrots, beans – each ½ cup
4. Fresh peas – ½ cup
5. Peanuts – 1 Tbsp
6. Bisibele bath powder – 4 Tbsp.
7. Grated coconut – ½ cup
8. Turmeric – 1 tsp
9. Tamarind – 2 inch (soak in little water)
10. Salt – as per taste
11. Jaggery – 1-inch piece
12. Chopped coriander -1/4 cup
13. Seasoning materials: Mustard seeds, 1 or 2 red chilli, 1 tsp channa dal, ½ tsp urad dal, few curry leaves
14.  2 Tbsp ghee/clarified butter

Method:
1. Wash moong dal (or toor dal) pressure cook.
2. Pressure cook vegetables, peanuts fresh peas. Don’t overcook vegetables. Turn off pressure cook after a whistle.
3. Wash beaten rice and soak for 10 minutes.
4. Grind coconut and bisibele bath powder to a paste.
5. In a deep pan on medium heat add oil, add all seasoning materials.
6. Add bisibele bath paste, moong dal, turmeric, tamarind extract, jaggery and boil with little water. Once spice mix boils, add cooked vegetables. Mix well and continue boiling.
7. Now add soaked beaten rice, salt, little water, mix, add ghee and cook for another 5 minutes. Add coriander leaves, turn off the heat.
8. Serve hot beaten rice bisibele bath with your choice of raita.

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: January 22, 2019
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Men Infertility solutions

Reasons for Men’s infertility and solution

Infertility is a term used when a couple who are unable to conceive over the course of an year and not successful to conceive naturally. If the problem lies with male reproductive organs and system then it is referred to as male infertility.

Reasons for male infertility: Male infertility factors contribute to approximately 30% of infertility cases and it alone accounts for 1/5 of all infertility cases. Reasons for male infertility are:

  • Gonadal disorder: Disorders in the testes
  • A hypothalamic or pituitary disorder : Low level hormonal production
  • Sperm disorder: not grown fully, odd shaped, not move the right way, be made in very low numbers (oligospermia), no sperms at all (azoospermia), low numbers, problems with ejaculation.
  • Varicoceles: Swollen veins in the scrotum. It is found in 16 out of 100 of all men.
  • Unknown causes (40-50%) – In this case all tests show normal results but unable to conceive.
  • Abnormal chromosome – Like missing Y chromosome

Additional reasons for male infertility:

  • Hernia, mumps during puberty, hormone disorder
  • radiation exposure, use of alcohol, tobacco and other types of drugs, poisonous chemicals exposure
  • medications related to following conditions – arthritis, depression, infections, high BP, cancer and digestion problems
  • wearing tight and restrictive underwear and injury to groin area
  • history of Sexually transmitted disease (STD), urinary infections, certain types of related medications

Diagnosis of male infertility: Doctor’s and infertility specialists including urologists can perform following tests to see the reason

  • Semen analysis to check number and quality of sperms -this is one of the important and critical tests for male.
  • Blood tests to check hormone, infections
  • Culture of fluids from male parts to check infections
  • Physical examinations of prostate, scrotum and penis
  • Making a culture of fluid from the penis to check for infections
  • Physical examination of the penis, scrotum, and prostate

After the diagnosis doctors will recommend either further tests or will request the patient to undergo specific treatment to cure infertility.

Treatments: Male infertility is treated by conventional methods

  • Medications to help increase sperm production
  • Antibiotic to heal any infection
  • Hormonal treatment to balance hormone production
  • If none of the above methods does not work other options include: Artificial insemination, IVF and if both partners willing donor sperm will be used for conceiving.

 Health tips to cure male fertility:

  1. Avoid long hot water bath, sauna and hot tubs immersion.
  2. Use boxers rather than tight underwear
  3. Talk to doctor and get recommended male fertility supplements. Three supplements that are high recommended are: Selenium, Vitamin C and Zinc.
  4. Avoid illicit drugs
  5. Avoid tobacco products, soda and carbonated drinks
  6. Avoid getting in contact with STD (Sexually transmitted disease)
  7. Reduce exposure to radiation and poisonous chemicals.
  8. Give attention to personal hygiene
  9. Healthy habits – practice yoga, meditation, exercise, being mindfulness, plenty of sleep and stress management
  10. Foods and nutrition: Consume foods that are rich in Vitamin B12, Vitamin E, Vitamin D, Vitamin C, D-aspartic acid, Coenzyme Q10, Folate rich foods, Omega 3 fatty acids, and foods that contain Zinc. Following foods contain these nutrients:
  • Nuts, seeds, peanuts, pistachios, sunflower seeds, and canola oil – Coenzyme Q10
  • Fortified cereals, grains, dry fruits and fresh fruits – D-aspartic acid
  • Olive oil, canola oil, chia, flax seeds, walnuts, soybean, yogurt – Omega 3 fatty acids
  • Dairy products, beans, pumpkin seeds – L-arginine
  • Fortified juices, broccoli and other Brassicaceae members, green leaves, nuts – Vitamin E
  • Milk, yogurt and sun light – Vitamin D
  • Citrus fruits, sweet peppers, kiwi, strawberry, tomatoes, cabbage – Vitamin C
  • Fortified cereals, yeast, dairy products – Vitamin B12
  • Bread, whole grain, cereal, fruits, fresh fruit juice, beans, peas – Folate
  • Nuts, lentils, beans, dairy, green leaves, dairy – Zinc
  • Herbs: fenugreek, ashwagandha root, tomato contains lycopene that helps in sperm improvement, Maca root helps improving sperm motility, Ginseng root tea – reduces tension, BP and stimulates nitric oxide production needed for sperm function
  • Reduce soy product consumption as it can have negative impact on sperm production and quality

Millions of couples consider and take treatment for infertility. Talk to your doctor today if you are not using any birth control and unable to conceive. There is nothing to feel shy and hesitate. Adopting healthy habits, staying fit, maintaining stress and following doctor’s instructions will help to cure and conceive.

References:

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: January 21, 2019
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Sugar apple benefits

Why we should consume Sugar apple

Annona squamosa or sugar apple (sweet sop) is a very sweet to taste. It is bit pricey and available in only certain time of the year. When available consume this fruit because of its tremendous health benefits. Fruit has a outer skin in the form rind, which is thick and has knobby segments. These segments separate when the fruit is ripe. Inner flesh is white or slightly creamy white in color. It tastes like custard. Inside the fruit there will be many seeds (up to 40-50) based on size of the fruit. Fruit is therapeutic, nutritive as well as highly medicinal.

  1. Excellent source of Vitamin B, folate and good for lactating mothers and pregnant women
  2. It is also good source of iron and copper minerals that are essential for menstruating women to replenish lost minerals through blood flow.
  3. Contains Vitamin A, C and antioxidants that are needed for skin growth and skin health. Eating sugar apple helps to rejuvenate skin. It promotes production of collagen and reduces melanin pigmentation.
  4. Good for lungs as it contains Vitamin C – helps to fight against allergy and cold.
  5. Riboflavin and vitamin C – both are good for eyesight and is present in sugar apple
  6. Good amount of dietary fiber present in fruit and the natural sugar present in the fruit makes it safe to consume for people with heart conditions. It helps in easy digestion and acts as a good laxative.
  7. Presence of good amount of niacin helps to control cholesterol levels.
  8. It also contains good amount of iron and good for growing children.
  9. It supports immune system and helps to boost energy, reduces fatigue, tiredness and weakness.
  10. It contains good amount of potassium and helps in reducing blood pressure level.
  11. Magnesium and calcium content – both are present in high amount and consuming the sugar apple promotes healthy bones in children and young adults.
  12. Seed powder mixed with sesame or coconut oil can be used to control hair lice!
  13. Seed oil mixed with coconut oil is a good remedy for hair fall and helps in hair growth.
  14. Sugar apple has culinary application – used as ingredient of fruit salad, juice, ice cream, sweet desserts, custard apple powder.
  15. Leaves and leaf extracts, have medicinal uses such as cure for digestive problems and rheumatic pain. Smelling leaves reduces nausea, dizziness and fatigue.
  16. In traditional Indian medicine ripe fruits are crushed and mixed with salt and the concoction is applied on tumors.

When sugar apple is available? The Sugar Apple is available mid-summer into fall.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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