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Hepatitis c
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Hepatitis c

Hepatitis c

Hepatitis C has become a global problem with devastating consequences. It is also thought to be the cause of the rising death toll in the world.

Hepatitis C a “Silent Epidemic”:

Medical experts call hepatitis C a “silent epidemic” because 95% of sufferers are unaware that they have the disease.

Globally, about 150 million people with hepatitis C go untreated, resulting in an estimated 700,000 deaths annually.

Hepatitis “C” A Most Dangerous Type:

Hepatitis C is the most dangerous of the five types of liver disease and is the only one of which there is no vaccine available.

95% of people with the disease do not know they are sick, so it is important to get tested for the disease.

Symptoms of the disease do not appear for many years, but when hepatitis C is diagnosed, it is too late to begin treatment, and damage to the liver can turn into cancer.

Experts say the death toll from the disease is higher because it receives less attention and funding from policymakers than other diseases such as AIDS, TB, or malaria.

There are currently about 35 million hepatitis patients in the world. That includes 1.5 million Pakistanis, making up seven percent of Pakistan’s population. This deadly disease kills thousands of Pakistanis almost every month. According to the

World Health Organization, there are a total of five types of hepatitis, called hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E.

The most common and dangerous types are hepatitis B and C. Of the 1.5 million or 15 million people infected with the disease in Pakistan, 14 million are infected with Hepatitis B and C. The number of deaths due to the hepatitis virus in Pakistan on an annual basis is estimated by medical experts to be between one and a half million.

Signs of Hepatitis C:

Most people with hepatitis C do not have symptoms and they know they are not affected by it. It took 30 years for the symptoms to grow. When the symptoms appear, they are sometimes accompanied by an enlarged liver.

During the acute phase (first 6 months after infection) most persons show no symptoms or might experience a mild illness.

During the chronic phase the symptoms include:
  • Jaundice (yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes)
  • Easy bruising and bleeding
  • Dark-coloured urine, light-colored stools
  • Fatigue
  • Abdominal pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever
  • Ascites (accumulation of fluid and swelling of the abdominal cavity)
  • Star-shaped vein pattern developing on the swollen belly
  • Itching

Spread of hepatitis:

The disease is spread in the blood and is transmitted through improper sterilization of medical devices, but most cases are caused by needle-sharing.

Two-thirds of the world’s hepatitis C cases are caused by drug users due to their unsafe activities.

Testing of these cases has become so important that if hepatitis C is diagnosed during a test, antiviral drugs can help 90% of patients.

Many countries and organizations are now working on ways to raise awareness about the disease and improve diagnosis rates.

Tests for Hepatitis C Diagnosis:

The doctor will test the patient’s blood to check for the presence of hepatitis C in the patient’s body and this blood test will indicate the presence or absence of hepatitis C in the patient’s body or its early and extreme stage. The doctor may also perform a biopsy of the patient’s liver. This is a simple test, in which a doctor removes a small part of your liver with a needle as a sample and analyzes the effects of Hepatitis C on it and how it affects your liver. How much damage has been done?

Treatment of Hepatitis C:

Hepatitis C is treated with an injection called interferon (Interferon is a powerful drug used to treat hepatitis types B, C, and D), along with a ribavirin capsule (treat hepatitis C infection). If you have had hepatitis C for a long time, you may need surgery.

Hepatitis C stops the liver Function:

Hepatitis C stops the functioning of your liver, which can be life-threatening. If this happens, you will need a new liver. This is called a liver transplant, in which the old and damaged liver A new and healthy liver is removed and transplanted from a donor.

How to Reduce the Spread of Hepatitis C:

To reduce the spread of hepatitis C, some precautions must be taken to protect yourself and others from the disease, such as:

1- Do not use other people’s used syringes.

2- Wear gloves before touching the blood of others.

3- If you have a tattoo or a name etc. on your body, please be sure to clean the relevant tools.

4- Do not use used tools of the dentist and barber.

 

fatty liver
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Fatty liver

Description …

A small amount of fat in the liver is a normal function, but an increase in stored fat can lead to many problems. The liver is the second largest organ of the body and its function is to transform the food we eat and drink and to remove harmful substances from the blood. Increasing the accumulation of fat in the liver weakens the natural function of the liver. When the liver accumulates more than 5-10% of its total body fat, it will be considered a fatty liver.

The relationship of fats to the liver …

In fact, the liver is the main organ in the metabolism of food. But remember the liver contains glucose. Grease There is also a store for vitamins and other minerals. Foods that are eaten daily are digested and stored in the liver cells. And with that comes the cost.

Definition of fatty liver.

In this disease, fat accumulates in the liver. This condition is also called hepatic steatosis.

 

Fatty Liver Diagnosis

  1. Physical examination.

If the patient has a swollen liver, the doctor may examine the abdomen and notice an enlarged liver.

  1. Blood test If the liver enzymes in the liver function test LFT are higher than normal then it is not necessary to have fatty liver but the causes of inflammation of the liver can be considered. An ultrasound is recommended for fatty liver.
  2. The white spot on the liver in the ultrasound shows the fatty liver.
  3. In addition, CT SCAN can be further diagnosed with MRI and FIBRO SCAN.
  4. LIVER BIOPSY. In this test, liver tissue is taken and studied in a laboratory.
Cause of Fatty Liver 

The cause of fatty liver is different in almost every patient, but there are two common causes.

One is excessive drinking and the other is prolonged dieting, during which energy needs are met by carbohydrates. If exercise is done along with dieting, the severity of the disease decreases, while in some cases the liver recovers completely. If the disease has worsened, then the physician may prescribe drugs that can reduce the resistance to insulin. In addition, gastric surgery may be helpful for weight loss, as it will help in the recovery of 90% of patients with fatty liver.

 

Fatty liver and its treatment.

No matter what the disease, the specific medicine for the disease can never be given just by hearing the name. Medicines should be chosen according to the disease and mood.

Medicines will always be given according to the condition according to the symptoms of the disease.

Unfortunately, no cure has yet been introduced for the treatment of fatty liver. However, if the treatment is in accordance with the causative factors, then the disease will be cured, provided the treatment is timely.

Some foods are also effective in reducing the severity of the disease. Also, some fruits, vegetables, high fiber intake, fiber-rich foods, low sugar, salt, fat, emphasis on carbohydrates, and strict prohibition of alcohol.

Proper use of coffee can also be helpful. According to a recent study, the liver of fatty liver patients who drink coffee suffers less liver damage than those who do not drink coffee, because caffeine reduces the increased amount of liver enzymes.

 Green leaves. The use of veggies is not only for liver patients but also for weight loss. Foods made from broccoli (a type of cabbage) and tofu soybeans also prevent fat from accumulating in the liver. Fish and olive oil contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce liver fat. Are proven. Similarly, barley and its porridge not only provide energy to the body but are also useful for weight loss.

 

Consumption of dried fruits

especially walnuts improve liver function. One of the pear-shaped fruits is avocado, which contains certain chemicals, which help to gradually eliminate the harmful effects on the liver. Also, this fruit is effective for weight loss. Similarly, milk and dairy products also contain proteins that protect the liver from harmful effects. Similarly, sunflower seeds contain a significant amount of Vitamin E and are anti-inflammatory. It acts as an oxidant and protects the liver from further damage. While garlic is used for weight loss, it is also beneficial for fatty liver.

 

Consumption of certain foods is harmful to the liver

These include all foods that cause weight gain and high blood sugar. Alcohol consumption can lead to other liver diseases besides fatty liver. Yes, so it is very important to avoid it completely. Also avoid sugary foods such as candies, cookies, carbonated drinks, and fruit juices. If blood sugar levels rise, excess fat will build up in the liver. Also, fried foods should be used sparingly. White flour, rice, pasta, etc. also increase the amount of sugar in the blood which is harmful to the liver, so always use flour without sifting. Care should also be taken in the use of red meat.

Lifestyle can help to reduce the risk of Fatty Liver

Also, some lifestyle changes are needed along with diet to protect against fatty liver. For example, be as active as possible. In this way, one will lose weight. Second, the liver will also work better, for which at least 30 minutes of daily exercise should be your routine. To control cholesterol, useless sugary and fatty foods in your daily diet. If the cholesterol is not reduced through diet and exercise, use the medicine on the advice of a doctor. Remember, sometimes diabetes is accompanied by fatty liver disease, so diabetics especially control their blood sugar, which requires a balanced diet, exercise, and medication.

Almond and its benefits
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Almond and its benefits

Almond and its benefits

Most people like almonds in dried fruits, it is not only delicious but also very useful for health.

Almonds are rich in many vitamins and healthy ingredients. If you eat only four nuts a day, you can avoid many diseases.

The benefits of eating almonds

  • Almonds are useful in diabetes

Almonds can help control blood glucose levels, which lowers the risk of developing diabetes. Eating almonds also prevents insulin resistance, which in turn raises glucose levels.

  • Help absorb nutrients

The use of almonds improves the functions and absorption of vitamins A and D, which are beneficial in absorbing fats.

  • Cholesterol-lowering

Almonds help in lowering the cholesterol level in the body. If the cholesterol is too high, increase the number of nuts in a day from twenty to thirty instead of four.

Symptoms of high cholesterol include white spots under the skin, itching in the legs, and premature graying of the hair.

  • Improve digestion

Almond peels contain probiotic compounds that help keep the digestive system healthy. The stomach contains healthy bacteria that digest food and convert it into various ingredients. Without these bacteria, many diseases can occur. The habit of eating almonds prevents this risk because it increases the number of bacteria.

  • Hair health

Almonds are essential for hair growth, they strengthen hair, the magnesium, and zinc in almonds improve hair growth, while vitamin E gives them strength and vitamin B gives them shine and longevity.

  • Great for memory

Almonds are an excellent food for memory. Soaking almonds in water helps in the easy absorption of nutrients in the body.

  • Vitamin B

Vitamin B6 in almonds helps in the metabolism of proteins, which helps in repairing the defects in the brain cells.

  •  Protects against cancer

Almonds contain a type of vitamin E that is rich in powerful antioxidants and resists free radicals that cause cancer.

  • Useful for breast cancer and intestinal diseases

Various medical research reports have shown that the use of almonds also reduces the risk of bowel, bladder, or breast cancer.

  • Prevention of heart disease

Almonds are good for heart health, they contain antioxidants, healthy fats, magnesium, and copper are good for the health of blood vessels. Almonds protect against blood vessel diseases and heart attacks.

The best way to eat almonds

According to medical experts, almonds are a natural source of many ingredients, notably protein and healthy fats.

Almonds provide the body with 15 nutrients, including vitamin E, dietary fiber, magnesium, copper, zinc, iron, potassium, and calcium.

But there are also many misconceptions about how to eat almonds, which is the opinion of medical experts.

Is eating almonds a day harmful?

Almonds are a nutritious fruit and are beneficial to the health system in many ways, it is very beneficial for the heart while lowering cholesterol levels. Similarly, it lowers hemoglobin A1C levels, which increases the risk of diabetes, while eating almonds also helps regulate blood glucose levels, so their daily use can help maintain a healthy lifestyle and control body weight.

Should almonds be eaten with or without peel?

The brown peel of almonds also has many benefits, it contains a lot of polyphenols and this is what makes it a fruit rich in fiber.

Does refrigerating almonds affect nutrition?

Refrigeration does not adversely affect the nutrition of almonds in any way, in fact, it does help to prolong the life of almonds.

Our Roasted Almonds Healthy?

There is a lot of misunderstanding in this regard but roasting does not have any negative effects on the almonds, it just depletes the water level in it which increases the accumulation of other nutrients.

Soaked almonds are good for memory?

You don’t need to eat a lot of almonds to speed up your memory, just soaking 8 to 10 almonds in water at night and eating them in the morning is effective. According to experts, eating almonds soaked in water helps in the easy absorption of nutrients in the body. In addition, vitamin B6 helps in the metabolism of proteins, which helps in repairing the defects in the brain cells.

So, what is the best way to eat almonds?

The best way to use almonds is to do what you like, just avoid eating too much because moderation is beneficial, too much of anything is harmful.

 

 

 

Effect of Colorectal Cancer (CRC) on Mental Health
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Effect of Colorectal Cancer (CRC) on Mental Health

– Advice for newly diagnosed patients –

 

Physical illness has a direct impact on mental health like mental disturbance can cause deterioration of physical wellbeing. After the first episode of cancer and recovery, remission is the next big thing to deal with. It can awaken all the fears and doubts sleeping within. This blog is focused on the after-effects of cancer and different ways to combat them.

There are few of the basic steps you can take to maintain mental peace and strength;

Acceptance

First thing is to accept the situation and not go against it. Embrace your fears and doubts and learn to live within the present moment. Look for different support groups and therapy sessions. At present time, many online self-help sessions are also easily available.

Daily meditation and talk to a therapist can help a lot. Moderate exercise is good for mood swings and depressive spells. Making yourself busy in knowing the ways to make your life better is crucial to keep yourself away from despair.

Mindset

Anything you feed yourself has a huge impact on your physical and mental health. This feeding includes the kind of thoughts you predominantly have on your mind. Our thoughts generate certain hormones production and can invoke a physical response. They control our moods and actions.

Look for New Opportunities

Having a positive mindset and thinking optimistically can make this fight easy. Embracing your new self can help you see new horizons. You will realize the value of life and how precious every single moment is.  Develop the insight and this will help you recognize true friends.

You can become a real companion by using this power of insight by helping many people struggling with the same disease. This is the most appropriate way to keep yourself motivated by listing down all the things you want to experience. Must make a real effort to accomplish those milestones.

Healthy Eating

Feeding yourself more healthy fruits and vegetables instead of binge eating office donuts is a remarkable change. Clearing junk out of your life makes you more disciplined. You take care of people you are meeting with, the places you are visiting because it will have an impact on your health. This is a necessary hack everyone should learn.

Social Media – Be a Source of Motivation

Talking to other patients & fighters and encouraging them has a positive effect on your own resilience. It decreases the feeling of loneliness.

Medical Treatment of Colorectal Cancer (CRC)

For the initial stages, surgery is the main therapy. For late stages, surgery is followed by the chemotherapy and if required, radiotherapy can be added too. Metastatic disease, therapies directed on the liver are employed. These include ablative therapies and embolization techniques.

Conclusion

Colorectal cancer is expected to increase among young patients by 2030. Maintaining healthy thoughts has a good impact on the recovery of all young and old patients. Being a friend of a cancer patient requires a lot of courage and patience. Family members must educate themselves about the disease and the struggles their loved one is going through. Working on mental health is equally important to maintaining physical health.

Impact of colorectal cancer
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Impact of Colorectal Cancer on people’s lives

 

Colorectal Cancer can change the life of person up to 360 degrees. Life of a cancer patient is like a pandemic that is full uncertainty. For a cancer patient, the life crumbles right in front of him, not knowing where it would eventually take him and what would be the end results. With hopelessness looming around, knowing about the risk factors and listening to the stories of other brave warriors fighting the cancer, gives you much-need motivation and a comfort level.

How colorectal cancer affects the lives of patients?

It can cause Embarrassment 

Colorectal cancer is associated with poop, farts, and examination of parts people are not comfortable exposing. So, talking about the symptoms and different interventions can be uncomfortable for many. Breaking the news of cancer in itself is devastating sending patients into the realm of despair and depression.

Depression & Worthlessness

It requires a lot of courage to fight cancer. Chemotherapy can cause loss of hair and decreased immunity putting patients at risk of infections. Frequent hospital follow-ups as well as different therapies can be financially and emotionally straining.

The life of cancer patients is different from normal people living around them. Patients may be normal in one second and maybe rolling with abdominal pain in the very next moment, it’s better to avoid comparison.

FACTORS LEADING TO CANCER

Genetics

Many different factors are responsible for cancer development. A non-avoidable risk factor is a genetic predisposition. Lynch syndrome is one of them. It is characterized by younger-onset colorectal carcinoma.

It is hereditary and the affected gene can be passed to the next generation too. Lynch syndrome is also known as hereditary no polyposis colorectal carcinoma. The earliest feature is a non-cancerous mushroom-like outgrowth in the colon or rectum. These growths later develop into cancers and invade the wall of the colon. In later stages, cancer can spread to distant organs too.

Age

Usually, cancer used to be more common among elder people more than 50 years of age. Now its number is increasing among young individuals too. In genetically affected people, it develops much earlier. According to recent facts and figures, people less than 50 years of age are two times more prone to developing colorectal cancer.

Known case of IBS

Family History of Colorectal Cancer

Ethnicity

PRECAUTIONS

Early Screening

People with a known family history are at higher risks of developing cancer at an early age so it is recommended to undergo colonoscopies for early detection. Screening starts at 45 years of age. If polyps are present, they can be removed before their conversion into cancerous growths.

Diet

Adding lots of vegetables, fruits and grains in a balanced proportion can decrease the chances of developing colorectal carcinoma.

Physical Activity

Physically inactive people are at increased risk of developing cancer. Last but not the least, stop smoking today to save yourself from cancer.

Treatment

The chances of beating cancer depend on the stage of cancer at the time of diagnosis. Staging means to what extent cancer has invaded the different parts of the bowel wall and surrounding organs.

After complete cure, remissions can occur and that can be a lot of hassle for the patients. Treatment options can vary from patient to patient. The typical route is to go for surgery first and then several chemotherapy sessions.

Palliative treatment is given in case of advanced cancer. It maximizes the chances of survival and provides symptomatic treatment to the patient. This treatment makes life easy and close to normal.

 

 

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