Do you have a desk job? Beware of sciatica

Sciatica is a condition that causes an ache or tingling down the back, hips, thighs and all the way through the legs. This pain is usually the result of a compression or inflammation of the sciatic nerve. This is the longest nerve in the body. If you look around, you will notice that many people around you seem to be complaining of this kind of pain. One major reason for this may be long sitting hours. 

Most people with desk jobs tend to sit continuously in one position without moving. This may affect or even damage the sciatic nerve and cause sciatica pain. A sedentary lifestyle and long hours before the television also contributes to this problem.

What you need to do is move around, get up at regular intervals, do some stretches or at least get an ergonomic chair. But first, let us see what sciatica is all about.

Causes and Symptoms of Sciatica

Sciatica is caused by a compressed sciatic nerve; this compression can occur due to the herniation of the lumbar disc and other conditions like:

Irritation of the nerve from adjacent bones

Tumours

Internal bleeding

Infections

Degenerative arthritis

Piriformis syndrome

Spondylolisthesis

Pregnancy

Sciatic nerve pain is characterized by pain that radiates from the lower spine down the back of the legs causing discomfort, pain and tingling along the sciatic nerve and its branches.

Diagnosis of Sciatica

The diagnosis of sciatica involves a series of muscle tests and the following imaging tests to pinpoint the cause of sciatica:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan

Spinal X-ray to determine the presence of tumours

Computerized tomography (CT) scan

Treatment of Sciatica

Sciatica is a symptom, not a condition, which means that its treatment begins with identifying the root cause of the pain.

Here are some common treatment strategies that many people follow:

Home remedies like stretching, simple exercises, alternating hot and cold packs, over-the-counter pain medications and rest

Physical therapy for sciatica pain that may last for more than a week

More aggressive treatments like prescription pain medications or corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation

Natural remedies, acupuncture and massage to relieve pain and inflammation

Maintaining a good posture is essential for preventing back pain and related conditions. It is also essential to follow a healthy lifestyle that includes a healthy diet and regular exercise. Individuals with sciatica may also benefit from yoga, which offers numerous poses for maintaining good posture.

this is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     
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Cavity Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore

Cavities are the second-most common health issues in many countries, with over 3 million new cases every year, but how can you tell if you have one or if one is developing? Well, luckily for you, the following post reveals 8 indications that you have a cavity.

1. Persistent Toothache and Pain

A toothache or severe pain often signals a developing cavity, especially when the damaged tooth comes into contact with something else. A dentist, says that “pain is often a symptom, and pain can be in the gums below the tooth or in the tooth itself. Sometimes you have a sharp, acute pain or it may be a dull, throbbing pain, and both are signs of a cavity.”
2. Pain When Chewing Food
Dr. says that “if you start chewing on any food and something hurts, it could be because the tooth has a crack in it or because there’s a cavity.” If you feel a sharp, sudden pain after biting into some food, the nerve in your tooth might be infected and in the process of decay. Touching the afflicted area can help you gauge the severity of your pain and whether or not you need to go and see a dentist. If you can’t touch the tooth without shuddering in pain, schedule an immediate appointment with your dentist.

3. Bad Breath or a Bad Taste in Your Mouth

Cavities are basically small, infected holes that develop in teeth, making them an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and a place where food can get stuck. “A cavity is caused by acid and sugar breaking a hole in the enamel, and then bacteria can enter that hole,” explains Dr. “Bacteria can cause odor and leave a bad taste in your mouth.” Bad breath can also be a sign of gum disease, caused by a build-up of plaque on the teeth that irritates the gums. If you notice constant bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth, contact a dentist to further evaluate the source of the bacteria.

4. Increased Sensitivity to Temperature

If you’re among the 80% of people over the age of 17 who have had at least one cavity, you might have experienced a strange sensitivity to temperature in the infected tooth. You might have extreme sensitivity to hot or cold liquids and foods, making eating and drinking an unpleasant experience. “Every tooth has a nerve inside it, and it also has blood supply to help the tooth grow and function. When a cavity gets larger and closer to that nerve, it can sense the change in temperature easier,” says Dr.

5. Bleeding When Brushing

Cavities can cause bleeding when brushing due to gum irritation from the damaged nerve. Recurrent bleeding might be a sign of a gum disorder or a symptom of a deep cavity. “If you have a big cavity at the gum line, you might catch food in the cavity and the can cause gum issues,” says Dr.
6. Dark Spots on the Teeth and/or Discoloration
While some cavities appear as abscesses or holes, others look more like spots or stains on the surface of the infected tooth. Brow, black, or white spots are often signs of tooth decay, though they can also be signs of natural stains. If a spot is soft or sticky, it’s likely the symptom of a growing cavity. In some cases, cavities can cause the entire tooth to darken and increase its likelihood of breaking. If you notice discoloration or spots in your teeth, visit a dentist to have the stains evaluated.

7. Pain Due to Changes in Pressure

If you have ever experienced a toothache when taking off on a plane or while deep-water scuba diving, it’s very likely that it’s due to a cavity. Changes in air pressure can irritate the nerve within an infected tooth, causing dull or severe pain. If you feel an unfamiliar pain in these types of situations, have a dentist examine the tooth to catch the cavity before it grows. Filling a cavity during its early stages will prevent the decay from worsening.
8. Swelling in Certain Parts of the Gum
Sometimes, swelling of the gums is an indication that you have a cavity. Dr. Klein says that “if you have a really deep cavity, it makes the nerve sick or die, and that causes an infection in a nerve that causes swelling.” You should visit your dentist if you notice swelling in a specific area of the gums as this might be a sign of a cavity or gum infection.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                                                                
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Freezing ‘hunger’ nerve can ignite weight loss

Turns out, freezing a nerve can ignite weight loss. According to a study, freezing the nerve that carries hunger signals to the brain may help patients with mild-to-moderate obesity lose weight. The treatment was determined safe and feasible in the initial pilot phase.

“We developed this treatment for patients with mild-to-moderate obesity to reduce the attrition that is common with weight-loss efforts,” said  lead author of the study. “We are trying to help people succeed with their own attempts to lose weight.”

During the procedure, an interventional radiologist inserts a needle through the patient’s back and, guided by live images from a CT scan, uses argon gas to freeze the nerve, known as the posterior vagal trunk.

This nerve, located at the base of the esophagus, is one of several mechanisms that tell the brain that the stomach is empty.

In the study, 10 subjects with a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 30 and 37 underwent the procedure and were followed for 90 days. All subjects reported decreased appetite and the overall average weight loss was 3.6 percent of initial body weight and an average decline of nearly 14 percent of the excess BMI.

No procedure-related complications were reported, and there were no adverse events during the follow up.

“Medical literature shows the vast majority of weight-loss programs fail, especially when people attempt to reduce their food intake,” said the author. “When our stomachs are empty, the body senses this and switches to food-seeking survival mode. We’re not trying to eliminate this biological response, only reduce the strength of this signal to the brain to provide a new, sustainable solution to the difficult problem of treating mild obesity.”

Following the success of this preliminary safety and feasibility study, more patients are being recruited for a larger clinical trial of the procedure to test the efficacy and durability of the procedure.
In presenting the study, the authors noted several limitations, including the small sample size and the interim nature of the results.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                                                                                                                                                                                      PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/   
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Leprosy: Types, Diagnosis, Treatment

There around four million patients of leprosy world-wide with 750,000 new cases being detected every year. 

Though the incidents are decreasing in India through the efforts of the National Leprosy Eradication programme, and India had achieved elimination of leprosy as a public health problem in 2005, it has the largest number of leprosy patients in the world and pockets of high endemicity report thousands of new cases every year.

Leprosy is a chronic granulomatous disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium Leprae. It mainly affects skin, nerves, eyes and respiratory system.

Visible disabilities and sequele are associated with historical social stigma. It is also called as Hansen's disease. As this bacteria is extremely slow growing, it is difficult to isolate in vitro cultures.
"In 2015, a total of 127,326 new cases were detected accounting for 60% of the global total of new cases, compared with 125,785 new cases in 2014. 

Because of social stigma, many cases present late to the hospitals. The disease is completely curable if diagnosed early, late presentations are associated with complications. If left untreated, leprosy can cause progressive and permanent damage to the skin, nerves, limbs, and eyes.

Types:
Leprosy can be classified on the basis of clinical manifestations and skin smear results. In the classification based on skin smears, patients showing negative smears at all sites are grouped as paucibacillary leprosy, while those showing positive smears at any site are grouped as having multibacillary leprosy.

Diagnosis:
Skin biopsy, nasal smears, or both are used to assess for acid-fast bacilli using Fite stain. PCR and recombinant DNA technology have allowed for the development of gene probes with M leprae-specific sequences.

Treatment:
WHO has introduced multidrug therapy for the treatment involving Rifampicin, Dapsone and Clofazimine. New drugs that are approved for treatment are Quinolones like Pefloxacin and Ofloxacin, Minocyclin and Clarithromycin. Free MDT was initially funded by a Foundation, and since 2000 it is donated through an agreement with a company which recently committed to extend its donation to 2020, steroids have been used to treat nerve damage associated with leprosy but the studies have shown no additional benefit.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.    

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7 Essential Nutrients for Over 40s

By the time we hit our forties, our body starts to change. Muscle mass starts to deteriorate, the likelihood of putting on weight increases, the onset of menopause is nigh, and the risk of chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease and diabetes begins to increase. And while it is always important to eat well, no matter your age, it becomes especially essential in our forties.

 

So, to ensure that you are getting key nutrients in your diet, these are the 7 essential nutrients you should be stocking up on in your 40s and beyond.

 

1. Vitamin B12

Essential for normal blood and brain function, vitamin B12 should most definitely be on your radar once you've turned 40 (and more so after turning 50). Children and young adults, are likely to get the B12 they need from food (you can find it in meat and animal products including chicken, fish, dairy and eggs), however, it tends to be more poorly absorbed as the body ages, especially around 50, when stomach acid levels deplete. So, taking a supplement is generally advised.

The current recommended dietary allowance is 2.4mg per day, but should you get more, there's no need to worry about taking too much. Since it is a water-soluble vitamin, your bladder expels what you don't need.

2. Calcium

Our bones absorb most of the calcium they need early in life (typically before age 30). Nevertheless, this nutrient does play an essential role in maintaining bone health later in life too. It's also needed for other basic body functions, like muscle contraction, nerve and heart functioning and other biochemical reactions.

And, one other important factor to keep in mind is that if you're not getting enough calcium from your diet, the body steals the nutrient from your bones, weakening them. So, while you still need calcium in your 40s and beyond, you need not go overboard. A well rounded diet with calcium-rich foods like dairy, tofu, sardines, broccoli, almonds and spinach ought to be enough.

 3. Vitamin D

In your forties and beyond, Vitamin D is essential, as this nutrient helps protect against age-related changes that tend to arise in later life. Deficiencies in vitamin D have been linked to diabetes, heart disease, multiple sclerosis and breast and colorectal cancers. Vitamin D is also essential for the absorption of calcium in the body. You can get it from dietary sources including fish, fortified dairy, grains and cereals - though vitamin D in food tends to be poorly absorbed.

One of the best sources is the sun. However, since not everyone lives close enough to the equator to be exposed to its strong rays, the supplement vitamin D3 (a type of vitamin D closest to what you get from the sun) will suffice.

4. Magnesium

This nutrient is vital as it helps regulate blood pressure. It's especially important for women aged 40+, who are already at risk of high blood pressure due to age. Heart disease, diabetes and inflammation have all been linked to a deficiency in magnesium. Getting enough is also essential as it helps the body absorb calcium. It also plays a role in muscle, nerve and heart function, as well as blood glucose control.

If you think that you may be deficient and are in need of a supplement, your doctor can test your magnesium levels. But, you'll likely get the levels you need if you eat a healthy balanced diet. It is found in dark leafy greens, beans, soy, nuts, seeds and avocados. Too much of this nutrient doesn't pose a health risk, however, it may cause diarrhea, nausea or cramping. 

5. Potassium

No matter your age, potassium keeps your blood pressure in check. In fact, research has found that among postmenopausal women, a higher intake of potassium-rich food means a decreased risk of stroke. You can get the potassium you need from a well-balanced diet, making sure to include a variety of foods like bananas, sweet potatoes, chard, beans and lentils.

Supplements should be taken with caution, and should be carefully monitored if prescribed by a doctor. Too much potassium can damage the gastrointestinal tract and the heart, causing potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia.

6. Omega-3

Though technically not a vitamin, omega-3 fatty acids deserve a place on this list due to their myriad health benefits. They also help counteract some of the negative changes that come with aging, such as increased heart disease risk and cognitive decline. The fatty acids found in Omega-3 help lower blood pressure and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. They also play a key role in keeping memory and thinking sharp.

In one study, it was found that people with higher levels of omega-3 in their blood, had larger brains and performed better on memory tests, planning activities and abstract thinking. You can get omega-3 from foods like fish, walnuts, flaxseeds and leafy vegetables. Taking a supplement, however, is a good way to ensure that you are getting enough.

7. Probiotics

Like omega-3, probiotics are not technically vitamins or minerals, but they are an essential requirement, playing a key role in keeping the gut healthy and your weight down. Probiotics also lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes and stroke. Probiotics can be found in some dairy and fermented soy products like seitan, however, foods typically won't contain as many strains as a supplement.

See, each strain comes with its own benefit - some are used to help control weight, and others to prevent diarrhea. You also won't be able to get them in foods that are cooked or heated.

 this is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.                                                                                                             https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations                                   https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes                 https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement           

 

Importance of Magnesium after 40

This nutrient is vital as it helps regulate blood pressure. It is especially important for women aged 40+, who are already at risk of high blood pressure due to normal aging. Heart disease, diabetes and inflammation have all been linked to a deficiency in magnesium. Getting enough is also essential as it helps the body absorb calcium. It also plays a role in muscle, nerve and heart function, as well as blood glucose control. If you think that you may be deficient and are in need of a supplement, your doctor can test your magnesium levels. But, you'll likely get the levels you need if you eat a healthy balanced diet. It is found in dark leafy greens, beans, soy, nuts, seeds and avocados. Too much of this nutrient doesn't pose a health risk, however, it may cause diarrhea, nausea or cramping.
 THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.

PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO VIEW MY BLOG-
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FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG

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