Four signs if you need Knee Replacement
Is a bad knee getting in the way of the things you love? Mr Peter Gallacher, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Nuffield Health Shrewsbury Hospital, reveals four signs you may need a new one.
Knee osteoarthritis develops over time and can sneak up on you. When you do begin to experience symptoms, much of the damage may already be done. Here are some signs you shouldn’t ignore.
1. Pain points
Pain with activity.
Knee pain manifests in many ways. Pain that comes on with activity and limits what you can do is a clear signal to seek help.
Pain doesn’t have to stop you in your tracks to be serious. Pain that comes on after activity, also known as ‘payback pain’, can be a warning that your knee isn’t performing as it should.
Pain that interrupts sleep.
If you find knee pain prevents you from falling asleep or you wake up because of pain caused by your movements during sleep – talk to someone about it.
2. Visual changes
The way your knee looks can be just as important as the way it feels. Changes in the appearance of your knee can be a sign of inflammation. If your leg swells, or looks markedly different from the other then it may be time to speak with a specialist.
3. Limited movement
Difficulty sitting down in a low seat such as in a car or cinema because your knee refuses to bend is a common sign of osteoarthritis. Seizing or catching of the joint during movement can also indicate advanced deterioration or that a loose bone fragment has become lodged in the joint.
4. Lifestyle limitations
It doesn’t matter if you want to climb a mountain or simply prune the garden – any symptom that prevents or limits your ability to do the things you love is cause for concern. With a little help, a bad knee doesn’t have to impact your quality of life.
Source: https://www.nuffieldhealth.com/article/4-signs-you-need-a-knee-replacement
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Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine (colon), which is the final part of your digestive tract. Most cases of colon cancer begin as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called adenomatous polyps. Over time some of these polyps can become colon cancers.
Polyps may be small and produce few, if any, symptoms. For this reason, doctors recommend regular screening tests to help prevent colon cancer by identifying and removing polyps before they turn into cancer.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of colon cancer include:
A change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool, that lasts longer than four weeks
Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain
A feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely
Weakness or fatigue
Unexplained weight loss
Many people with colon cancer experience no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. When symptoms appear, they’ll likely vary, depending on the cancer’s size and location in your large intestine.
When to see a doctor
If you notice any symptoms of colon cancer, such as blood in your stool or an ongoing change in bowel habits, do not hesitate to make an appointment with your doctor. Talk to your doctor about when you should begin screening for colon cancer. Guidelines generally recommend that colon cancer screenings begin at age 50. Your doctor may recommend more frequent or earlier screening if you have other risk factors, such as a family history of the disease.
Causes
In most cases, it’s not clear what causes colon cancer. Doctors know that colon cancer occurs when healthy cells in the colon develop errors in their genetic blueprint, the DNA. Healthy cells grow and divide in an orderly way to keep your body functioning normally. But when a cell’s DNA is damaged and becomes cancerous, cells continue to divide — even when new cells aren’t needed. As the cells accumulate, they form a tumor.
With time, the cancer cells can grow to invade and destroy normal tissue nearby. And cancerous cells can travel to other parts of the body to form deposits there (metastasis).
Inherited gene mutations that increase the risk of colon cancer
Inherited gene mutations that increase the risk of colon cancer can be passed through families, but these inherited genes are linked to only a small percentage of colon cancers. Inherited gene mutations don’t make cancer inevitable, but they can increase an individual’s risk of cancer significantly.
The most common forms of inherited colon cancer syndromes are:
Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). HNPCC, also called Lynch syndrome, increases the risk of colon cancer and other cancers. People with HNPCC tend to develop colon cancer before age 50.
Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). FAP is a rare disorder that causes you to develop thousands of polyps in the lining of your colon and rectum. People with untreated FAP have a greatly increased risk of developing colon cancer before age 40.
FAP, HNPCC and other, rarer inherited colon cancer syndromes can be detected through genetic testing. If you’re concerned about your family’s history of colon cancer, talk to your doctor about whether your family history suggests you have a risk of these conditions.
Association between diet and increased colon cancer risk
Studies of large groups of people have shown an association between a typical Western diet and an increased risk of colon cancer. A typical Western diet is high in fat and low in fiber.
When people move from areas where the typical diet is low in fat and high in fiber to areas where the typical Western diet is most common, the risk of colon cancer in these people increases significantly. It’s not clear why this occurs, but researchers are studying whether a high-fat, low-fiber diet affects the microbes that live in the colon or causes underlying inflammation that may contribute to cancer risk. This is an area of active investigation and research is ongoing.
Get screened for colon cancer
People with an average risk of colon cancer can consider screening beginning at age 50. But people with an increased risk, such as those with a family history of colon cancer, should consider screening sooner.
Several screening options exist — each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Talk about your options with your doctor, and together you can decide which tests are appropriate for you.
Make lifestyle changes to reduce your risk
You can take steps to reduce your risk of colon cancer by making changes in your everyday life. Take steps to:
Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains contain vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants, which may play a role in cancer prevention. Choose a variety of fruits and vegetables so that you get an array of vitamins and nutrients.
Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all. If you choose to drink alcohol, limit the amount of alcohol you drink to no more than one drink a day for women and two for men.
Stop smoking. Talk to your doctor about ways to quit that may work for you.
Exercise most days of the week. Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days. If you’ve been inactive, start slowly and build up gradually to 30 minutes. Also, talk to your doctor before starting any exercise program.
Maintain a healthy weight. If you are at a healthy weight, work to maintain your weight by combining a healthy diet with daily exercise. If you need to lose weight, ask your doctor about healthy ways to achieve your goal. Aim to lose weight slowly by increasing the amount of exercise you get and reducing the number of calories you eat.
Source https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colon-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353669
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Health benefits of Jaggery and Neem
Health benefits of eating jaggery everyday
Weight loss: Jaggery is a good source of minerals, including potassium, which helps improve metabolism and maintain electrolyte balance in the body. The potassium content of jaggery also helps control water retention in the body and build muscle, thereby aiding in weight loss.
Liver detoxification: It is claimed that jaggery also boosts immunity and helps prevent different blood-related problems. The food can also help cleanse the liver by flushing out impurities from the body. Therefore, jaggery seems to be an excellent food for liver detoxification, which further helps with weight management. Read – Jaggery and lemon juice: Best Ayurvedic medicine to lose weight and burn belly fat
Prevents respiratory problems: Consuming jaggery everyday may help prevent different respiratory ailments like bronchitis and asthma. This is due to the fact that jaggery contains certain health and anti-allergy properties that help in regulating the temperature of the body, which is highly beneficial for patients such as asthma.
Improves digestion: It’s quite common in India to eat a small piece of jaggery after a heavy meal or eating meat. Some people claim jaggery helps speed up the procedure of digestion by stimulating the secretion of digestive enzyme. This also means that jaggery can stimulate bowel movements, making it an ideal choice for preventing digestive issues like constipation and flatulence. Read – Air pollution: How to protect your eyes from smog and toxic pollutants
Prevents anaemia: Since jaggery is rich in iron, it may be beneficial in preventing anaemia. Thus, adding jaggery to your diet isn’t a bad idea because it contains iron.
Although jaggery can be beneficial for your health in different ways, remember, it is still sugar. So, have it in moderation, eating too much of gur is not a good idea. Moreover, excessive sugar consumption is linked to an increased risk of obesity, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
NEEM LEAF BENEFITS
1. Skin Benefits
In the book ‘Ayurveda For All: Effective Ayurvedic Self Cure for Common and Chronic Ailments’, Murli Manohar lists how consuming neem leaves can remove toxins, and purify blood to give us a clearer skin. Neem leaves have strong anti-bacterial properties which work wonders on infections, burns and any kind of skin problems. While a paste of neem leaves and turmeric can be used for treating insect bites, itching, eczema, ring worms and some mild skin diseases, chewing the leaves can also give you a nourished, purified and radiant skin. If the bitterness bothers you, mix them with honey and have or make a solution by boiling neem leaves and drink the strained water. It can also treat all your acne and dark spot problems.
2. Good for Hair Nourishing
Chewing neem leaves can prove beneficial for your hair too, with its high levels of antioxidants. Neem protects the scalp from oxidative stress caused by the free radicals. Neem leaves also stimulate healthy cell division and support hair follicle growth around your scalp region. Washing your hair with boiled neem water has been a traditional method to combat dandruff and undernourished, damaged hair. Neem leaves have anti-fungal properties, which work effectively against a fungi called Malassezia, which causes dandruff. Its immense healing properties has earned neem the name of scalp saviour too.
3. Good For Your Eyes
Ayurveda also points out how neem leaves can be good for the eyes. Chewing neem can improve your vision. To treat any kind of irritation, tiredness or redness you can also boil some neem leaves, let the water cool completely and then use it to wash your eyes.
4. Boosting Immune System
Rich in antimicrobial, antiviral and antioxidant properties, chewing neem leaves can prove very effective in strengthening your immune system. Those leaves can prevent the damage caused by free radicals, thereby bringing down the risk of many diseases ranging from common flu to cancer or heart disease. Neem leaves destroy bacteria and further stimulates the immune system.
5. Improves Digestion
Neem leaves are excellent for your liver, which automatically enhances your digestion. Apart from this, consuming neem on a daily basis also destroys excess bacteria in the intestinal region and cleanses your colon, further facilitating a smoother digestion.
6. Oral Health
In rural areas, Indians are very well versed with the idea of brushing their teeth with neem twigs. Even chewing neem leaves can bring forth multiple dental and oral benefits. Neem being antibacterial in nature fights germs and maintains the alkaline level of our saliva. It is also effective against plaque formation and gum infections. Chewing neem can also lend you a shiny set of pearly white teeth.
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What is monkey fever or KFD?
The disease was first reported from Kyasanur Forest of Karnataka in India in March 1957. The disease first manifested as an epizootic outbreak among monkeys killing several of them in the year 1957. Hence the disease is also locally known as “monkey disease” or “monkey fever”.The similarity with Russian spring-summer encephalitis was noted and the possibility of migratory birds carrying the disease was raised.
Monkey fever is a virus fever, belonging to the family Flaviviridae, which also includes yellow fever and dengue fever. The disease is carried by ticks, rodents, birds, etc and it affects monkeys and human beings. It is a vector-borne disease.
Money fever or Kyasanur forest disease (KFD) is a viral fever that is a tick-borne hemorrhafic fever. It is detected in South Africa and coastal southern India.
It is a virus fever, belonging to the family Flaviviridae, which also includes yellow fever and dengue fever. The disease is carried by ticks, rodents, birds, etc and it affects monkeys and human beings. It is a vector-borne disease.
The virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of nymphs of the tick or when humans come into contact with an infected animal.
Primary symptoms
– High fever
– Frontal headaches
– Haemorrhagic symptoms, such as bleeding from the nasal cavity, throat, and gums, as well as gastrointestinal bleeding
Secondary symptoms
– Vomiting,
– Muscle stiffness,
– Tremors,
– Absent reflexes,
– Mental disturbances
Recovery and cure
– Vaccination,
– Proper Rest
– Rich protein diet
Precautions
– Protective clothing
– Tick control,
– Mosquito control
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Cantaloupe (Musc Melon) health benefits
Musk melons are a powerhouse of health; they are loaded with so many nutrients that they almost seem like the superhero of fruits. They are abundantly available in the summers and have a super high percentage of water content in them making them cooling and hydrating. So as the summer approaches, know why you should eat more muskmelons. They not only have a delicious aroma but they also taste amazing. Their seeds contain many health benefits as well.
The nutrition breakdown of 1 cup of musk melons is given below:
Calories: 53
Fat: 0 g (yes, read that as ZERO)
Saturated Fat: N/A
Cholesterol: 0 mg (ZERO again!)
Carbohydrate: 12 g
Protein: 1 g
Dietary Fibre: 1 g
Sodium: 23 mg
Vitamin A: 5,276 IU
Folic Acid: 33 micrograms
Niacin: 1 mg
Vitamin B6: <1 mg
Vitamin C: 57 mg
Calcium: 14 mg
Magnesium: 19 mg
Potassium: 417 mg
Carotenoids: 3,219 micrograms
Here are the amazing health benefits of musk melon…
Controls blood pressure
Muskmelons are rich in potassium which helps in regulating the blood pressure and keeps hypertension at bay.
Strengthens eyes
They have high doses of vitamin A and beta carotene, which helps sharpen the eye sight as well as reduce the risk of developing cataracts.
Helps in weight loss
Musk melons have negligible fat content in them. They also contain the good carbohydrates derived from sugars which are easily broken down by the body. Their water content is also very high. Their seeds contain a special fibre in them which helps in losing weight. They contain really high content of potassium which helps in losing belly fat.
Helps control diabetes
Muskmelons help regulate the blood sugar levels thereby helping control diabetes.
Low on cholesterol
They are absolutely cholesterol free and hence can be had without any worry.
Boosts immunity
Musk melons are super rich in vitamin C, they strengthen the immune system. They stimulate and increase the white blood cells which help in destroying viruses and bacteria. They also prevent premature ageing of cells. Learn about building immunity.
Treats ulcers
The high quantity of vitamin C helps in treatment and also prevention of ulcers.
Relieves constipation
Musk melon contains a significant amount of dietary fibre, making it good for those suffering from constipation as it add bulk to your diet.
Prevents kidney stones
An extract of musk melon called oxykine has proven qualities of curing kidney disorders and stones. It also cleanses the kidneys owing to its high water content.
Helps during pregnancy
They have high folate content which prevents water retention by removing excess sodium from the body.
Cures sleeping disorder
Musk melons relax the nerves and the muscles making it easier for people with insomnia to sleep.
Eases menstrual cramps
Due to its anti-coagulant property it dissolves clots and eases muscle cramps.
Prevents risk of cancer
The vitamin C eliminates free radicals thereby saving the cells of the body from getting damaged by them, thereby preventing the risk of getting cancer
Helps in quitting smoking
It rejuvenates the lungs and helps the body recover from nicotine withdrawal faster.
Prevents heart diseases
The adenosine in musk melons has blood thinning properties which automatically reduces the risk of heart ailments.
Source: https://www.rediff.com/getahead/report/health-15-benefits-of-eating-musk-melon/20150316.htm
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All about bones
Ultrasound scans are now proving handy to assess bone mineral density and determine if you are at risk for osteoporosis. Globally, the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) estimates that the condition causes about nine million fractures a year, most commonly to the hip, spine and wrist. Bone loss also has a serious impact on a person’s health and quality of life. In some cases, it can even lead to long-term disability and death. The disease can also be a high socioeconomic burden, in terms of medical costs and loss of work days.
A new study, published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, suggests that data from ultrasound bone tests are as good as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) to assess bone mineral density.
DEXA remains an excellent option as it uses a very small dose of ionising radiation to obtain pictures of the spine and hips to measure bone loss. But it is expensive and many people may not be able to afford it. Ultrasound, by contrast, is portable, inexpensive and involves no radiation. It measures how sound waves move through the bone. The IOF claims about 80 per cent of people at high risk of osteoporosis still remain under-diagnosed even after they have had one fracture.
Skeleton Key
Thinning of bones, or osteopenia, advances with age. Over time, it can lead to injury. You can help halt it by:
Eating vegetables rich in vitamin C, which stimulates production of bone-forming cells
Strength training, especially those who suffer joint deficiencies in the lower extremities such as arthritis in the knee/ hip
Adding a daily vitamin D supplement to help absorb calcium
Doing high-impact weight-bearing exercises. These are best for building bones, if you have been diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis
Getting bone mineral density tested so that orthopaedic specialists can get a quick and painless snapshot of bone health
Considering medication as calcium and vitamin D can serve as building blocks;
Quitting smoking and excessive drinking
Survival of the Fattest
Obese? Worry not. You may have a lower chance of dying following a stroke than someone with a normal Body Mass Index (BMI). So claims Dr Zuolu Liu of the University of California, Los Angeles, and her team, as they presented their findings to the American Academy of Neurology. Overall, people with severe obesity had a 62 per cent lower chance of dying from a stroke; people with obesity, 46 per cent; and the overweight 15 per cent. However, the underweight had a 67 per cent higher chance of dying of a stroke. A possible explanation is that overweight or obese people may have a nutritional reserve that may help them survive during prolonged illness, says Liu. But more research is needed to investigate the relationship between BMI and stroke.
Make Your Hobby Work
Hobbies are fun but you can also make them work for you. The fulfilling, productive use of free time boosts your health. Here’s how:
Dancing: It’s a workout like no other that improves cardiovascular health, builds stamina, strengthens bones and muscles
Gardening: Pulling out weeds, planting and usage of tools are a subtle form of aerobic exercise and help improve flexibility
Writing: Seemingly sedentary, the activity helps enhance mental and physical well-being, improves memory, reduces stress levels and ensures good sleep
Listening to music: It boosts the body’s immune system, lowers anxiety levels and eases depression
Adopting a pet: Pushes you outdoors, provides socialising opportunities, improving physical and emotional health.
Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/health/story/20190325-the-bone-identity-1477816-2019-03-15
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