RSS
 

Natural Arthritis Remedies

30 Dec



Many people are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis every day. The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown; however, the illness can be hereditary. Rheumatoid arthritis causes the tissues which line the joints to become stiff, swollen, and inflamed. The result is a great deal of pain. Many people who suffer from the illness try different remedies in order to ease the pain. Some remedies include: heat, rest, diet, exercise, acupuncture, nutritional supplements and herbs.

Some people rely on heat and rest during a painful flare up. Heat is often effective for joint swelling. You can apply hot compresses to the affected area in order to ease the pain. Rest is also beneficial during a flare-up. Other people rely more on natural supplements and herbs. One great natural supplement which aids in rheumatoid arthritis is fish oil. Fish oil is known to reduce inflammation and decrease joint stiffness. Some experts believe that a diet low in dairy and animal fat can also reduce inflammation and decrease joint stiffness. Herbs are also a vital aid in reducing pain and swelling. Many people make hot compresses out of herbs in order to decrease the swelling during a flare up. Some popular herbs include powdered ginger, borage seed oil, and devil’s claw.

Another way to ease some of the arthritis pain is through exercise. If you suffer from arthritis you can plan a healthy exercise regimen with your physician. Keeping the joints mobile is very important. Exercise is especially important if you are overweight. Being overweight and suffering from arthritis in your lower back, knees and legs could intensify the pain. In that situation, a healthy exercise regimen is a must.

Another way to reduce arthritis pain is through acupuncture. Acupuncture is said to reduce pain and increase flexibility. When you reduce pain through acupuncture, you reduce your dependency on painkillers. These are just a few methods for reducing the pain associated with arthritis. You can try some of these remedies and you just might find something that will ease your pain and your mind.

 
No Comments

Posted in Arthritis

 

Natural Gout Treatment – Why Strawberries Are Good For Gout

30 Dec



The 18th Century Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus said that a diet of only strawberries had cured his gout. As a botanist he presumably knew a lot about fruits and flowers. Since you can find photos of a painting of him he was probably a well known expert in his time. He lived until he was 71, quite old for that very gout-aware century. But he couldn’t have known about Vitamin C because it was discovered in the 1930′s.

If this really happened, remember that single-foods diets such as just eating strawberries are crash diets. These can bring on gout attacks, so copying Linnaeus is definitely not recommended.

What was it in the strawberries that did it? For a start strawberries have a high Vitamin C content. At least three studies have reported that Vitamin C will reduce uric acid levels or is protective against gout. In the last study, not by a great deal, but by enough (10-15% of an excess level), to make it a useful aide to reducing uric acid.

And one of the ways to take it in its best forms is that flavonoids are added. This is not exactly news because many Vitamin C products have added flavonoids from citrus fruits. But the problem with many Vitamin C products is that experts have said that an equal (or nearly equal) amount of flavonoids should be with the Vitamin C. There is then more of a therapeutic effect. I have found only one supplement (and I examined about 10 Vitamin C preparations) that does this. Most have 10%-20% of flavonoids to the Vitamin C content.

And it’s always said that Vitamin C is best taken naturally, from foods and juices. So there’s at least one thing the world’s nutritional experts agree about.

There are, it’s thought, maybe 4,000 flavonoids, but only five, plus the proanthocyanidins, have so far been analysed in foods. The five sub classes of flavonoids are: anthocyanidins (aka anthocyanins), flavon-3-ols, flavanones, flavones, and flavonols.

Quercetin, the dietary supplement reported to be helpful in gout treatment because it’s an antioxidant and because it may inhibit xanthine oxidase and thus reduce uric acid production, is one of the flavonols and is notably found in onions and apples (it’s mainly in apples’ skin). Also it’s found in grapefruits, and some green leafy vegetables. There is some quercetin in strawberries too.

Strawberries are towards the top of the high Vitamin C foods list (amount 59 mg per 100 grams) and they are also high in flavonoids. Their flavonoids’ profile (the anthocyanidins, flavan-3-ols and so on) is comparable to cherries, but not precisely the same. For proanthocyanidins amounts, strawberries wack cherries.

But strawberries value as a gout food doesn’t end at this. Let’s look at other dietary factors that are beneficial for gout.

Total flavonoids to Vitamin C: 68%. High. Good.

pH: Strawberries are moderately alkaline. Good.

Purines: Low. Good.

Glycemic Index: Moderate. Good.

ORAC score (antioxidant capacity): Amongst the highest of the top Vitamin C foods. Good.

Water: about 91%. Good.

Are there testimonials to strawberries in gout treatment? I have seen a few. I seem to remember one where the fellow said he went to the refridgerator for a bowl of strawberries whenever he felt a gout attack coming on, and the feeling went away after eating them. The kind of story you read about cherries, cherry juice and dried cherries.

That famous British summer dish… strawberries and cream, (cream is low purine, low GI and fairly low carb), anyone? Yes, and an extra serving too if there’s any leftovers please.

NB. The contents of this article contain medical information not medical advice. Please always discuss remedies with your doctor or other health care professional, before implementing any treatment.

 
No Comments

Posted in Arthritis

 

Effectively Using Your Dog Training Aids

28 Dec



It is a good thing that one should use all available and necessary dog training aids when training your dog. But the problem arises when the owners who decide to train their dogs themselves do not know how to use the dog training aid appropriately.

In most of the cases, young boys and girls who become the proud owners of a pet by rescuing a dog from a dog pound face the challenge of training it. the first thing that is to be understood is that a dog recovered from a rescue center is most likely the one who had been either mistreated by his previous owners or had some kind of behavior problem which they considered uncorrectable by them. In certain cases a dog with poor health would likely to end up at such a place.

It is very important to know that the training should not begin right away and such a dog should be initially kept under close observation. Later after giving him a lot of love and confidence his training should start. Avoid using training aids which he might associate with danger like a stick initially.

It is important for a trainer to understand the uses of the training aids such as the clicker needs proper usage to get the desired results. It is therefore necessary for a new user to first understand the functions of the dog training aid before committing himself to its use for training his pet. In many cases once the aid is incorrectly used initially it takes a lot longer to then get your dog to adapt to your commands later and the time goes wasted.

The correct way is to first read and understand the instructions that come with the aid and carefully understand the downsides of it. If you find that your dog is not acting or properly responding to your commands. It is better to get advice from an expert who can guide you in a better way to tackle your problem, instead of forcing your training on to your pet.

 
No Comments

Posted in Arthritis

 

A Review of Popular Hearing Aid Products

25 Dec



With dozens of hearing aid manufacturers, there is a lot of competition to retain the consumer’s business. Companies continually try to advance their technologies to make their products the best hearing aids on the market. With all of the advances now underway and over the past 20 years, a hard-of-hearing person can look forward to benefiting from this competition.

Siemens

These days, the Siemens company has its corporate hand in a huge variety of markets, and hearing aids are no exception. Siemens strives to offer consumers the best hearing aids in the world. Siemens manufactures one out of every five hearing aids in the world. They offer a complete range of hearing aids from behind-the-ear, completely-in-the-ear, digital and programmable models. Siemens is the leader in hearing aid manufacturing and continues to develop new outstanding products. They guarantee that they have a custom model to fit every lifestyle.

Starkey

Starkey’s mission is to provide better hearing, not just the best hearing aids. This company was the first to offer the no-obligation free trial and ‘worry-free’ warranty all of its products. Starkey has over 33 laboratories in 18 countries around the world. With a staff of over 4,000, this company is at the forefront of hearing aid technology. Starkey also began the Starkey Hearing Foundation. This foundation is a non-profit organization that provides hearing aid assistance. This charitable foundation provides more than twenty thousand hearing aids to financially distressed, hearing impaired people across the globe.

Phonak

Phonak is also among the most trusted names in hearing aid manufacturing. This company is a leading innovator of new hearing aid technology and may offer some of the best hearing aids available for purchase. Phonak offers a wide range of digital hearing aids as well as a plethora of high-tech specialty products and accessories.

Oticon

Oticon offers a variety of hearing aid products for people with mild to profound hearing loss. Oticon believes in putting the needs of the hearing impaired first when developing new and innovative products. The company’s motto is, “We Put People First”. Apparently, this philosophy has paid off. Founded in 1904, Oticon is among the oldest hearing aid manufacturers in the U.S.

Resound

Resound offers a full line of digital and non-digital hearing aid solutions. The mission of Resound is to bring back happiness and better the quality of life of those living with hearing loss. This company understands the difficulties and pressures faced by these individuals as well as their loved ones. Because the company is comprised of dedicated and caring innovators, they continue to be among the leading distributors of hearing aids in America.

Beltone

Beltone has been in the hearing aid business for over 65 years. They have decades of experience developing some of the best and most respected hearing aids available. They specialize in lightweight, durable and virtually invisible hearing aids that can help a wide range of hearing difficulties. In recent surveys, Beltone has received over a 90% customer satisfaction rating.

With the existence such advanced technologies in the 21st century, people do not have to resign to deal with hearing loss. So many options and price ranges are available that nearly everyone can afford some make or model. For those who are un-or-underinsured, many hearing aid manufacturers offer assistance to make their products more affordable. Do some research and speak to your audiologist if you are experiencing hearing loss at any stage. He or she may know of resources or organizations that help with purchasing a hearing aid to those who cannot afford one themselves.

 
No Comments

Posted in aids & hiv

 

Uterus Cancer: How Dangerous is It?

25 Dec



WHAT EXACTLY IS UTERUS CANCER?

Endometrial cancer is the most common type of uterus cancer. It is so termed as the cancerous cells abnormally develop in the endometrium lining. It is also known as the cancer of the uterus or uterine cancer.

UNDERSTANDING CANCER

To understand cancer, we must first know that this ailment begins in the human cells. The cells are the primary unit of life. Cells combine to form tissues. Tissues come together to form organs. Cancers are malignant tumors. Tumors are masses of extra tissues. Tumors are formed when unnecessary extra cells are formed in our body. Actually new cells (the basic unit of our life) are born as per the body requirement and after the old ones die. But the malignant or cancerous cells keep on forming and constitute tumors or growths. They also spread abnormally fast. Tumors can also be non-cancerous or benign.

MALIGNANT UTERUS CANCER CAN BE LIFE-THREATENING

Uterus cancer can spread (metastasize), to the surrounding nearby blood vessels or nerves. And, from one lymph node, uterus cancer can affect other lymph nodes. Even the bones, liver, and lungs can be affected. Doctors give the newly spread tumor the same name as the mother tumor has as their characteristics remain identical.

CAUSES OF UTERUS CANCER

There is still no unanimity among the medical specialists as to the exact causes of uterus cancer or uterine cancer. Nonetheless, there is agreement among them that uterus cancer cannot spread from one person to another. In other words, uterus cancer is not contagious. Mentionably, though uterus cancer generally happens after menopause, yet it can take place as menopause starts.

TYPES OF UTERUS CANCER

There are different types of uterus cancer. You would be surprised to know that cancerous cells of the uterus at times spread to the lungs. This is not lung cancer but uterine cancer that has metastasized (spread). This ‘distant’ ailment is treated as uterus cancer. Another typical form of uterus cancer is uterine sarcoma. It develops in the myometrium (muscle). There is another uterine cancer that starts in the cervix region.

SYMPTOMS OF UTERUS CANCER

The most common symptom of uterus cancer is profuse bleeding from the vagina. Many have the misconception that such abnormal vaginal bleeding is symptom of menopause and do not pay adequate attention to it. This is wrong! Such vaginal bleeding can begin only as a watery flow having just a streak of blood. But slowly more and more blood flows along with it.

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONS

Immediately consult a gynecologist the moment you see any or some of the following symptoms: Pain in the pelvic portion; pain while urinating; pain during intercourse and/or abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding. Of course, these signs can be due to factors other than those related to uterus cancer. Hence, seek expert’s advice without delay.

THE RISK FACTORS

The confusing fact is that many women having uterus cancer risk factors do not develop this ailment. On the other hand, there are umpteen cases of women not having the risk factors contracting uterus cancer. Nevertheless, the risk factors do help in the early diagnosing of uterus cancer. Here is an overview of the risk factors that may aggravate into uterus cancer.

Age factor: First, uterus cancer has been found to take place among women in the 50 plus age group.

Race: White-skinned women get uterus cancer more than, say the African-American women.

Endometrial hyperplasia: Second, many women after crossing 40 years suffer from endometrial hyperplasia. Though it is basically benign (not cancerous), yet it can sometimes develop into cancer. Endometrial hyperplasia happens due to the increase in cells uterus linings. The common signs of endometrial hyperplasia are bleeding in the post-menopause phase, bleeding after successive periods, and menstrual periods that are heavy. Physicians generally recommend progesterone (hormone treatment) or hysterectomy (uterus removal) to check endometrial hyperplasia from degenerating into cancer.

Colon cancer. Women suffering from colon or colorectal cancer that is inherited also may develop uterus cancer. Colon cancer affects the colon in the large intestine or/and the fag end portions of the rectum prior to the anus.

HRT: Third, women undergoing HRT (hormone replacement therapy) also have risk of contracting uterus cancer. HRT controls menopausal symptoms, prevents bone thinning (osteoporosis), and also reduces chances of stroke or heart ailments.

Prolonged use of hormone: Prolonged use of the female hormones estrogen sans progesterone can lead to uterus cancer. It is always advisable to combine the use of both primarily because progesterone acts as a potential uterus shield.

Over-exposure to estrogen: Women entering puberty early or reaching menopause late or those who have not borne any children remain exposed to estrogen for a long period. They too suffer a high risk.

Use of medicines having estrogen: One such commonly used medication is Tamoxifen. It is prescribed as a preventive measure against breast cancer. But long-time use of estrogen can lead to over-exposure to estrogen.

Obesity: The primary reason why obese women develop uterus cancer more than their thinner sisters is simple. Our body manufactures certain percentages of estrogen within the fatty tissues.

Diabetes BP: Since obesity is also linked with diabetes, the diabetic women may also have uterus cancer. Similar is the case with women having high blood pressure (BP).

DIAGNOSIS OF UTERUS CANCER

The ideal diagnosis for uterus cancer can constitute one or a combination of the following tests. They are the biopsy, Transvaginal ultrasound, Pap test, and Pelvic exam.

Biopsy: In biopsy, a tissue sample is removed from the lining of the uterus. This is a simple process and is done in the doctor’s clinic itself. However, in complex situations, the patient may have to undertake the D&C process. This D&C (dilation and curettage) operation is a day-long affair. The tissue is examined by a pathologist for the probable presence of various cancerous conditions like hyperplasia and cells. In the post-biopsy stage, the patient may experience cramps and also have bleeding from the vagina for some time.

For the patient’s knowledge: The patient needs to clarify certain positions with the doctor prior to going in for biopsy. These are about (i) the biopsy type she may have to undertake and the reason(s) why she should go for the test; (ii) The approximate time biopsy would take; (iii) Would she have to be anaesthetized; (iv) Whether biopsy be painful? (v) The risks and after effects of biopsy; (vi) And, if in the event of cancer being detected what the steps she would have to take and from whom she would get the consultations.

Transvaginal ultrasound: In this test, sound waves of high frequency is aimed at the uterus via an instrument that is inserted within the vagina. The sound echo patterns make a picture. And, the doctor can have a clear idea of the actual state by examining this picture. But, transvaginal ultrasound becomes impossible if the endometrium is too thick. Then, the patient may have to go for a biopsy.

Pap test: In Pap test, cells are collected from the upper vagina and cervix portions. Pathological examination of the cells is done to find out if there are any cancerous or abnormal cells. The problem with Pap test is that it fails to identify abnormal cells within the uterus. Hence the doctors usually collect the cells via biopsy. Nonetheless, Pap test can readily detect the cervical cancerous cells.

Pelvic exam: The Pelvic exam checks the rectum, bladder, uterus, and vagina. The presence of any lumps or alterations in their sizes and shapes are clear indications of the likely presence of abnormal tumors or cancerous cells. The doctor checks the cervix and vagina via an instrument. This implement known as speculum is first inserted into the vagina.

 
No Comments

Posted in aids & hiv

 

Under Sink Water Filters – Health Benefits of Using an Undersink Water Filter

24 Dec



Home water filtration systems, such as under sink water filters, tap-mounted filters and whole house water filters are a healthy and economical alternative to buying bottled water.

An undersink water filter system costs about 2 cents per bottle, and produces much cleaner and healthier water than you can get in a bottle.

Many people think that bottled water is pure, when in fact it is simply tap water with the bad taste removed. There are still thousands of deadly chemicals in it.

An undersink water filter is a good choice for people who want to protect themselves from the cancer-causing chemicals in the water in addition to having great tasting water. Tap-mounted filters work great too, but under sink water filters are out of sight and need their filters changed less often.

They also ensure that all water used at that sink is filtered. There is no need to turn it on or flip a switch for filtered water like there is with the tap-mounted models.

If you’ve decided on an undersink water filter for your home, you should install one in every sink in your home for the best protection. You may also want to consider a shower filter as well for softer and healthier skin and hair as well as protection from inhaling or absorbing harmful chemicals and toxins in the bath or shower.

Make sure your filtration system is a multi-layered filter system that has a carbon filter, a sub micron filter and an ion exchange for the best filtration available.

These filters remove 99% of the harmful chemicals and toxins, while leaving the good minerals that your body needs in the water.

 
No Comments

Posted in Allergy And Sinus

 

Golf Putting Aids

23 Dec



So you’re a busy guy and don’t have much time to practice your swing, let alone putting! How can you find the time to practice putting when you are struggling to find the time even to get on the course a couple of times a week – apart from weekends of course. Golf putting aids are your answer.

Golf Putting Aids Should Relate To The Problem

Heck, you see them all the time on TV shows, movies, adverts. Guys standing in their office trying to putt a ball into a floor trap or elevated hole. But are these putting aids really useful in helping you to improve your putting?

Well, the simple answer is yes, assuming that your specific problem is relevant to the type of practice they give you. If your problem is your stance, or even your grip, no amount of trying to hit balls into tin cans lying on your office floor will help you. Your practice must be related to curing your problem. Golf putting aids are the same as any other golf aid: the must be designed to resolve the problem that you have. Otherwise there is no point in you using them.

Putting Aids Can Be Simple

Golf putting aids need not be substantial pieces of kit. An indoor putting mat is a simple piece of equipment that allows you practice indoors on a surface fairly close to that of a real putting green. All you need then is a target: a tin can or drinking glass makes a great target. No need for fancy golf hole simulators. A putting mat and a tin can or glass can be used at home or in the office so you can’t complain about having no time.

Other golf putting aids help you with your alignment. Some use lasers while others use a series of dots on the putter. A simple aid to ensuring your stance and eye alignment are right is to get yourself aligned till you are just about to putt, then drop a ball from between your eyes. This will show exactly where your eyes were lined up to.

Use Golf Putting Aids Frequently: Practice Makes Perfect

The important factor with golf putting aids is to use them frequently. It doesn’t matter how simple or complex they are. Practice, practice, practice. That’s how to get consistency in any golf shot, and the putt is just as important a shot as a 250 yard drive – in fact it is more important. A wayward drive might not cost you a stroke, but a wayward putt definitely will! Practice Makes Perfect!

 
No Comments

Posted in aids & hiv

 

Medical Test Reports on Food Allergies – Food Allergy Test

23 Dec



In recent years, a lot has been learned about food allergies. As the result of this new information, it was found that more people than were previously thought suffer from them. Although a person can be allergic to just about any type of food, some of the most common allergic reactions are to lactose and glucose.

Milk and Wheat Allergies

Lactose is a sugar that is found in milk and milk products and glucose is a substance that is found in wheat. This means that if someone says that they are allergic to either wheat or milk what they really are allergic to, is these two substances in them.

Common Symptoms

The symptoms of food allergies range from mild to sever and can manifest themselves in any number of ways. Skin rashes, acne, stomach disorders, depression, hypertension and the list just goes on and on. However; some of the most common and noticeable food allergy symptoms will be the symptoms that relate to digestion such as gas and or diarrhea.

Food Allergy Test

The most common type of food allergy test is an elimination test, that involves the elimination of certain types of foods from a persons diet. While it sounds simple on the surface, it is in fact quite complex and must be done by a medical professional who is an expert in food allergies.

Removal of Suspect Food Items

The test is conducted over the course of 7-14 days and involves the systematic and structured removal of food items form a persons diet. As food types are removed and introduced tests are done to identify the bodies reaction to various food items if any. Some of these tests are observational, while others can be more intrusive such as taking blood, stool, urine and stomach content samples for lab testing.

 
No Comments

Posted in Allergy And Sinus

 

Bronchitis Symptoms, The Spread of Bronchitis, and How to Prevent It

21 Dec



Bronchitis Symptoms include the inflammation of the windpipe and bronchial tubes, after a bout of cold or flu. It is commonly caused by a virus; less often, bacteria; and even more rarely a fungus. You get the virus from germs in the air, or on people’s hands. Sometimes a door knob, or an escalator’s hand rail can carry the germs. When you breathe the viruses in, you get sick.

You are more likely to get bronchitis if you work around unhealthy environments (such as those filled with chemicals and smoke) as your bronchial tubes may already be damaged. If you get bronchitis from working in an atmosphere that has pollutants or irritants, sometimes removing yourself from the environment can cure any bronchitis you may have developed.

You can prevent bronchitis by washing your hands regularly. Making sure children cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze, and washing their hands afterwards can also help prevent the spread of bronchitis. Hand sanitisers can be found in many supermarkets nowadays, and they come in a little bottle you can carry in your bag – using this regularly can help disinfect hands when shopping, for example, by killing germs that can be picked up from a shopping trolley.

Ceasing smoking can prevent chronic bronchitis (where someone has a recurrent cough producing mucous on most days of the month, for months – sometimes years). Smoking is the most common cause of chronic bronchitis (80% of chronic bronchitis is caused by smoking). People who smoke also have a harder time recovering from acute bronchitis and other infections involving the lungs. However if you stop smoking early enough, the damage caused can sometimes be reversed.

Also, repeated bouts of acute bronchitis can also cause chronic bronchitis. If you have chronic bronchitis but do not smoke, try to limit your exposure to second-hand smoke and other pollutants or irritants. If you suffer from reflux, see a doctor who can prescribe medication to help stop it, as the constant acids bubbling up into your airways can cause bronchitis.

Getting an annual flu and pneumococcal vaccine can also help prevent contracting bronchitis (as you don’t
get the flu, which can lead to bronchitis).
Bronchitis symptoms can be distressing, but by knowing how it is spread and how you can help prevent it, you can lessen the impact.

 
No Comments

Posted in flu

 

Vaccines – A Parent’s Guide For Children

21 Dec



Vaccines contribute to significant reduction of childhood diseases such as Diptheria, Tetanus, Whooping Cough, Polio, Haemophilus Influenzae type-b and Hepatitis B to name a few. Parents should take the time to learn the facts about the benefits and risks of vaccination.

Also, learn about the potential consequences of not vaccinating against certain diseases. As a service provider, plain language should be used in communicating information about vaccines and their use to an individual. Printed information should also be available to compliment any verbal explanations.

Parents should know that the risk of having a reaction to a vaccine is much smaller than the risk of serious illness that comes with infectious diseases. Some parents are surprised to learn that children can die of measles, chicken pox, whooping cough and other vaccine-preventable diseases. The bacteria or virus that causes vaccine-preventable diseases and death still exists and can be passed on to people who are not protected by vaccines.

In Australia and the United States Of America, vaccine coverage rate is high as a result of successful vaccination programs. Infant deaths caused by childhood diseases have almost disappeared.

Vaccination not only protects individuals, but also others in the community, by increasing the general level of immunity and minimising the spread of infection. Vaccines may contain live, (attenuated) or killed (inactivated) forms of disease causing bacteria or viruses. They trigger a response by the body’s immune system when injected or given by mouth. Vaccines stimulate the body to make antibodies – proteins that specifically recognize and target the disease causing bacteria and viruses, and help eliminate them from the body. It is important that the public be made aware of the proven effectiveness of immunisation to save lives and prevent serious illness.

Occupational Health and Safety have put in place strict guidelines for the development of vaccines. The vaccines are developed with the highest safety standards. Every Service Provider should have an anaphylaxis response kit ready at all times. Vaccine storage is strictly monitored in purpose-built refrigerators with a 24hour temperature monitoring gauge. Vaccines being transported from main storage facility to external clinics, use the cold chain transport system.

Diptheria – Can infect the throat, causing a thick covering that can lead to problems with breathing, paralysis, or heart failure.

Tetanus (Lockjaw) – Caused by the bacteria Clostridium tetani. The bacteria are spread from the environment to open wounds where they can enter the blood stream. Toxins can cause muscle spasms, lockjaw, difficulty speaking/breathing, stiffness and pain in the shoulders, back and neck.

Whooping Cough – Is caused by a highly infectious bacteria spread by droplet and causing upper respiratory and lung infections. Symptoms include coughing and ‘whooping’. Complications of the disease is lack of oxygen to the brain leading to brain damage and possible death.

Polio -Is caused by a virus, and symptoms of the disease include headache, nausea and vomiting, tiredness, neck and back stiffness and severe muscle pain. Polio can cause meningitis and paralysis.

Haemophilus Influenzae type b (Hib) – Commonly found in the upper respiratory tract (lungs and windpipe), Hib can cause infection in children under 2 years, because they do not have the necessary antibodies to fight this infection. Hib infection can cause meningitis (an infection of the covering of the brain and spinal cord), epiglottitis (severe swelling of the throat), arthritis and pneumonia.

Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B can cause liver infections and damage, liver cancer and death. Symptoms include, weakness, tiredness, poor appetite, nausea and vomiting, abdominal discomfort, pain, muscle and joint pain, skin rashes, jaundice.

Pneumococcal Infections – The bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae can cause meningitis (infection of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord), pneumonia, septiacaemia (blood infection), and middle ear and sinus infections. Symptoms can include vomiting, sensitivity to light, neck stiffness, poor appetite, confusion, irritability and drowsiness. May include fever, coughing and difficulty in breathing.

Varicella (Chickenpox) – chickenpox is a highly contagious infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is a member of the herpes group of viruses. Symptoms can include a rash that turns into open itchy, lesions which will crust over. Complications can include skin infection of the lesions, scarring, pneumonia, difficulty walking and balancing, meningitis (infection of the brain and spinal cord), encephalitis (brain infection).

Measles – A highly infectious disease, measles is caused by the Morbillivirus. It is spread from person to person through droplets in the air. Measles is a respiratory infection that causes skin rash and flu-like symptoms. Also fever, cough, runny nose, and, inflammation of the eye are common symptoms. Complications of measles include ear, brain and lung infections, which can lead to brain damage and death.

Mumps – Caused by a virus, mumps is a salivary gland infection. the mumps virus is passed through air droplets and contact with the saliva of an infected person. Common symptoms include fever, headache and swollen glands, especially salivary glands. It can effect other glands such as the testicles. ovaries, pancreas, liver and brain. It can also cause sterility in some men, and lead to deafness in some people.

Rubella (German Measles) – Caused by a virus. this virus is spread from person to person through droplets in the air. It is an infection of the skin and lymph nodes. Symptoms can include rash, lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph glands), and joint pain which sometimes leads to arthritis. Rubella infection during pregnancy can lead to birth defects.

Meningococcal Infections – Caused by a number of different strains of the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis, it is a serious disease. It is a leading cause of bacgterial meningitis in children 2 – 18 years old in the United States. Meningitis is an infection of fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can also cause septicaemia, pneumonia, arthritis and conjunctivitis. Symptoms include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, confusion, irritability and drowsiness.

Rotavirus – Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe gastroenteritis in infants and young children, causing around half of all hospitalised causes of gastroenteritis in children less than 5 years of age. This viral infection of the stomach and intestines can cause severe diarrhoea and vomiting, and fever, which may lead to serious dehydration. The illness can begin abruptly and up to one third of affected children have a temperature of higher than 390 C in the first few days of the illness.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection – Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the name for a group of viruses that cause skin warts, genital warts and some cancers. Many different types of HPV can affect different parts of the body. HPV types that can cause genital warts or cervical cancer can be spread by direct skin-to-skin contact during all types of sexual activity with a person who has the virus. Symptoms of cervical cancer, includes abnormal and precancerous vaginal and vulvar lesions, and genital warts in females ages 9 to 26. Gardasil is licensed for the prevention of cervical cancer.

All of the above are preventable childhood diseases. Common possible side effects from the vaccinations include soreness, redness, warmth and swelling at the injection site, fever, irritability, drowsiness, mild rash, loss of appetite, muscle aches, diarrhoea or vomiting.

You as the parent must tell your Health Care Provider beforehand if:
Your child has a known or weakened immune system, is allergic to any of the ingredients of the vaccine, or has ever had an allergic reaction after getting a dose of the vaccine. Or if your child is moderately or severely ill or had a reaction to the antibotics neomycin, streptomycin, polymyxin B, gelatin, or eggs.

Vaccination recommended for routine childhood immunization is listed on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule and funded for children under the Immunise Australia and USA Program.

Vaccination is an important step in getting children off to a healthy start and has contributed to a significant reduction in many childhood diseases. Children or adults can be re-vaccinated (with some, but not all vaccines) if their immunity from the vaccines falls to a low level or if previous research has shown that a booster vaccination is required for long-term protection.

It’s important to remember that vaccines are many times safer than the diseases they prevent!!

 
No Comments

Posted in flu

 
« Older Entries