Early Detection, Increased Awareness Keys to Improve COPD

The COPD Foundation joins lung health champions around the world in recognition of World COPD Day on November 19 to raise awareness, share knowledge, and take action to reduce the burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease worldwide.

COPD comprises several conditions, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and can be caused by genetics and irritants like smoke or pollution. The disease affects more than 30 million Americans and is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide, yet awareness of the disease’s symptoms, methods to reduce risk, and disease management remains poor. Symptoms include breathlessness, fatigue, and chronic cough. 

This year’s World COPD Day focuses on “Short of Breath, Think COPD” and highlights the importance of early diagnosis of COPD. While COPD is common, many people are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, leading to them not receiving appropriate treatment and care. Earlier diagnosis can result in improved outcomes, including reduced impact of symptoms and improved lung function and quality of life.

“COPD is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide, yet many of those don’t yet know they have the disease,” said Jean Wright, M.D., MBA, CEO of the COPD Foundation. “If someone is experiencing breathlessness, chronic cough, or recurring respiratory infections, they should talk to their health care provider. Early diagnosis of COPD can lead to improved quality of life and health outcomes.” 

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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Lung damaging activities associated with cancer

Lung cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells in the lungs proliferate uncontrollably, resulting in a tumor. The most common cancer in 2020 according to WHO was lung cancer which 2.21 million deaths after breast cancer which reported 2.26 million deaths. 

The exact reason why lung cancer happens can be classically defined as ‘multifactorial’. This can be environmental factors and then some genetic factors as well. A slight increase of prevalence is noted recently in young women, and cause of it remains an enigma. We as Oncologist, regularly deal with cancer of the lung, head and neck and even gastric, bladder etc., primarily caused by excessive tobacco (smokeless/ smoked/ hooka/ second-hand smoke) intake. In most cases, what begins as a fad turns into an obsession leading to the life-threatening disease before the victim realizes it. Smoking is the most critical risk factor for lung cancer development. Two-thirds of all lung cancers are associated with smoking. But lung cancers in non- smokers remain a unique separate entity(fewer than 100 cigarettes in a lifetime). According to one data, 19% of all women lung cancers in US were non-smokers.

Some other factors that lead to lung cancer include:
Radon, a radioactive gas found naturally in soil and rocks. Radon is a gaseous decay product of uranium-238 and radium-226 which damages lung epithelium by emitting alpha- particles. Aizawl distt, Mizoram has the highest concentration of indoor radon/ thoron and also the highest incidence of lung cancer in India.

Occupational Exposure: Commonly associated toxins include asbestos, chromium, and arsenic and Occupational exposure to organic dust (mining industry).

Arsenic has implicated as a cause of lung cancer where it contaminates drinking water. Whole-genome sequencing of the lung cancer of a never smoking patient with arsenic exposure revealed unusual tumor protein p53 (TP53) mutation.

Dietary factors: Higher intake of fruits and vegetables and low fat food may be protective against lung cancer (healthiest dietary pattern).

Indoor air pollutants such as vapors from cooking oil and the smoke from burning coal have been linked to lung cancer in women, particularly in Asia (India).
Outdoor air pollution is also associated with lung cancer risk. Using ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) as a measure of air pollution, there was a 15 to 27 percent increase in lung cancer mortality in never smokers.

Underlying lung disease and treatment- Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, previous exposure to radiation or chemotherapy.

Cancer Causing Viruses (oncogenic Viruses) like Human Papilloma Virus type 16 and 18. Also there is increased association with HIV infection.

Genetic factors: lung cancer was significantly more common among those with a positive family history, particularly of early-onset lung cancer (<50 years). Certain Chromosomal abnormalities have been identified and specific germline mutations have been identified in limited numbers of families with high rates of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in never smokers.

Estrogens — The role of estrogens and other female hormones in lung cancer risk in women is uncertain, regardless of smoking status. Studies show that the majority of NSCLCs express the estrogen receptor beta. Relationship of lung cancer incidence to early menopause, use of hormone therapy (like tamoxifen or HRT), age at first birth and number of children. However the results are not consistent.

Inflammation and other benign lung disease-The risk of lung cancer was elevated in patients with a history of emphysema, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, and tuberculosis. The increased risk involve all histologic types of lung cancer (adenocarcinoma, squamous cell, small cell).

Genetic conditions like alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency

Body mass index — there is an inverse relationship between body mass index (BMI) and lung cancer (especially small cell lung cancer),however it could be associated comorbidities or other factors.

Certain vitamin and beta carotene supplements have shown confounding results.

Opium use (illicit drug derived from the poppy plantis associated with an increased, dose-dependent risk of developing lung cancer .

Screening is a method of detecting cancer when there are no symptoms in a high-risk case: Low-dose helical CT scanning is the only early detection screening technique proven to reduce mortality in people at high risk of lung cancer. High risk individuals who require lung CT screening are long term smokers. Lung cancer screening by chest radiography and sputum cytology has not been shown to reduce lung cancer mortality rates.

Remember that ‘Cancer’ is importantly a “lifestyle disease”. Cancer may be curable if diagnosed early enough. Even if it isn't, the treatment should improve one’s quality of life and help you live longer. Also, we as oncologist want to convey to every individual to make their lifestyle choices wisely. Each person has a right to his/her life and health, and the decision about it solely lies upon themselves.

The article has been authored by Dr Niti Raizada, Director, Medical Oncology and Hemato Oncology, Fortis hospital Bannerghatta Road.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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The Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are available all over the world, and if you only eat these delicious root vegetables when they've been baked until they are virtually unrecognizable, then you are missing out on one of nature's greatest nutritional gifts. They are not only rich in a vast range of nutrients, but they are also one of the best natural ways to regulate your blood sugar levels, making them an exceptionally beneficial food for diabetics. It also helps that they are absolutely scrumptious, and their sweet flavor is completely unlike any other found in the vegetable world. Indeed, sweet potatoes are so versatile that they're sure to liven up a whole range of dishes, even desserts!

Selecting and Storing Sweet Potatoes There are different varieties of sweet potato, and many come in different colorings and hues. Here are some tips for selecting, storing and preparing the vegetable, so that you can benefit from as much goodness as possible.

1. Choose the darker variety of sweet potato at the grocery store if possible, because they have the higher carotene content, essential for the production of vitamin A. Purple sweet potatoes, more commonly found in Asia, are also a great source of nutrients. Paler varieties are healthy, but don't offer quite the same number of benefits as darker types, and many people often confuse them with yams. 

2. Avoid wrinkly, soft sweet potatoes and take time to select ones with good, firm flesh. If there are signs of green discoloring, then leave them alone. 

3. Store sweet potatoes in a cool, dark and well ventilated place. Do not leave them in plastic bags, or keep them in the fridge. Consume within 7-10 days of purchase. 

4. Prepare sweet potatoes in the same way you would prepare normal white potatoes. However, bear in mind that the skin contains a large percentage of the nutrients, so try to leave it on if possible. You can make fantastic sweet potato fries by leaving the skin on, and chopping the vegetable into strips. 

5. You can steam, bake, boil or roast sweet potatoes, and still benefit from plenty of nutrients. But as with any vegetable preparation, try not to over-cook them. 

 

Specific Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes 

Although they are soft, creamy and sweet enough to be used in some desserts, sweet potatoes offer a surprisingly huge range of nutritional benefits, many of which have specific health benefits. 

 

1. Great for Heart Health 

The high levels of vitamin B6 and potassium found in sweet potatoes provide excellent benefits for your heart. B6 vitamins break down homocysteine, a substance which can harden blood vessels and block arteries. Potassium, meanwhile, helps balance fluid and blood pressure levels, while providing your body's cells with electrolytes that help regulate your heart beat.

2. Great Source of Vitamin A 

Sweet potatoes contain a huge amount of beta-carotene, a carotenoid that gives certain vegetables their orange color. The body can turn carotenoids into vitamin A, which is linked to cancer prevention, the maintenance of good vision, and also provides a number of anti-ageing benefits. Indeed, one large sweet potato is capable of providing 100% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin A according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 

 

3.Great for Blood Sugar Levels 

Although they are sweet tasting, sweet potatoes are low on the glycemic index, which means they are a very good blood sugar regulator. Many starchy foods, including white potatoes, encourage blood sugar levels to spike and rise rapidly, but sweet potatoes release sugar into the bloodstream much more slowly. This makes them a great choice for diabetics, who can safely consume the carbohydrates without associated problems. 

 

4. Great for Skin Care 

Sweet potatoes can work to improve the appearance of your skin from both inside and outside your body. The high levels of vitamin C and E contained within sweet potatoes helps boost the body's defenses against the sun's harmful UV rays and encourages the production of collagen, which keeps the skin strong and supple. 

 

But it isn't only the consumption of sweet potatoes that can benefit your skin. If you boil them, don't throw away the water afterwards. Take a cup and use your fingers to gently apply the water to your face. This can help clean your pores, remove impurities from the skin and even reduce dark circles around your eyes.

5. Great for Digestion 

Sweet potatoes are a great source of dietary fiber, while still being low in calorie content. Fiber promotes a healthy digestive tract, helping your body pass toxins and waste products out quickly and efficiently, while guarding against constipation and bloatedness.

 

6. Great for Emphysema Prevention 

Emphysema is a condition that gradually damages the air sacs in the lungs, leaving sufferers short of breath. It is often associated with smokers, or people exposed to smoking on a regular basis. Smoking reduces levels of vitamin A, which helps regenerate the cells in the lungs. The beta-carotene contained within sweet potatoes encourages the production of vitamin A and helps heal the respiratory system.

7. Great Source of Vitamins and Minerals 

Sweet potatoes contain a significant amount of vitamins C, E, B5, B6, riboflavin and copper. These nutrients offer a range of benefits for your immune system, red blood cell production, sleep patterns, mood, wound repair, disease prevention, muscle weakness and pain. 

 

8. Great for Stress Relief 

Sweet potatoes contain high amounts of magnesium, often considered to be one of the best minerals for promoting relaxation, calmness and improved mood. As we already know, they are also rich in potassium, which helps regulate your heart beat when you are anxious or stressed.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     

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https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
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