Personal Health Care

Pap smears are not used to diagnose cervical cancer, but to detect abnormal cells or pre-cancerous changes in the cervix which may have the potential to become cancerous. A Pap smear involves an insertion of a speculum into the vagina to widen it. A sample of cells is taken from the cervix and sent to a laboratory for examination. Even if you have been vaccinated against cervical cancer, regular Pap smears remain an important part of a healthy lifestyle and personal health care.

To obtain accurate results, schedule your Pap tests according to these guidelines:

*When you are not menstruating (between 10 and 20 days after the first day of the last menstrual period).
*Avoid using vaginal medicines, creams, or jellies (unless directed by a doctor) as these substances may wash away or hide abnormal cells.
*It’s advisable not to have sexual intercourse about 1 or 2 days before the test as it could cause unclear results.

*It is the 2nd most common cancer affecting women
*Each year, about 500,000 women worldwide are diagnosed with cervical cancer and more than 270,000 die from it
*Cervical cancer is caused by a common virus known as human papillomavirus (HPV).
*Women who smoke are 2 times more at risk than non-smokers
*Sexually transmitted infections like Chlamydia, Herpes may cause cervical cancer

It is now possible to help prevent infection against cervical cancer through vaccination.

Cervical cancer vaccination works in the same way as any other vaccination you have had, such as tetanus or hepatitis B vaccination. When you are vaccinated, your body creates specific defenses against the virus, so that if you come into contact with the virus, you can be protected against infection.

[Read the rest of this entry...]

Heat rash is also known as prickly heat rate and miliaria. Though it is more common in infants, heat rash can also affect adults living in tropical climates. Heat rash Symptoms usually are superficial blisters which may be intensely itchy or prickly.

Most often, heat rash is self limiting. The best way to relieve symptoms is to cool the skin and prevent sweating. Heat rash develops when the sweat ducts become blocked and perspiration is trapped under the skin.

Adults usually develop heat rash in skin folds and wherever clothing causes friction. In infants, the rash is mainly found on the head, neck, shoulders, chest and back.

Heat Rash Causes

It is not clear why the sweat ducts become blocked. Factors which may play a role include:
*Immature sweat ducts in babies and young children.
*Hot, humid tropical weather.
*Physical activity. Intense exercise, hard work or any activity that causes excessive sweating can lead to heat rash.
*Fabrics like nylon that does not allow sweat to evaporate normally.
*Medications which can cause heat rash include: bethanechol used to treat bladder problems and isoretinoin (acne medication).

[Read the rest of this entry...]

The ovaries are part of the female reproductive system and contain eggs (ova) which can make a new human life when fertilised. In women of childbearing age, a mature egg is released from one of the ovaries each month (ovulation) and travels down the Fallopian tubes to the uterus (womb)

The ovaries are almond shaped organs, each about 3 cm long and I cm thick. They are found inside the pelvic cavity, one on each side of the uterus and are very close to the end of the Fallopian tubes.

Each ovary has an outer covering made up of a layer of cells called epithelium. Inside are ‘germ cells’ which will eventually mature into eggs. The eggs travel to the outside of the ovary to be released into the Fallopian tubes. If the egg is not fertilised by male sperm, it passes out of the uterus with the monthly period (menstruation).

U.S National Cancer Institute
Estimated new cases and deaths from ovarian cancer in the United States in 2009:
New cases: 21,550
Deaths: 14,600

The ovaries also contain cells which release the female hormones: oestrogen and progesterone. These cells are called ’sex cord stromal’ cells.

As women get older, the ovaries gradually produce less oestrogen and progesterone. At the same time the production of eggs also decreases and the woman’s periods become irregular and eventually stop. This is known as menopause, or the ‘change of life’, and usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55. After menopause it is no longer possible to have a child.

Ovarian cancer

Ovarian Cancer is a malignant tumour in one or both ovaries. There are four main types of ovarian cancer, named after the part of the ovary that is affected. Knowing exactly which type of cancer you have helps your doctor advise you on which medical treatments is best for you.

[Read the rest of this entry...]

Iron is an essential mineral that is required for good health. The red blood cells in the body contain iron in the heamoglobin which carries oxygen to the tissues from the lungs. Iron is needed to make heamoglobin. Lack of iron in the blood can lead to limited production of heamoglobin, which in turns affects the production of red blood cells. This will lead to iron-deficiency anaemia (IDA), which is a very common nutritional deficiency. Because red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body, anaemia results in less oxygen reaching the cells and tissues, affecting their function.

What causes iron deficiency anemia

Iron-deficiency anemia can result from several factors including:
*insufficient iron in the diet
*poor absorption of iron by the body
*continued blood loss, most commonly from menstruation or from gradual blood loss in the intestinal tract
*periods of rapid growth

Adolescents are vulnerable and at the highest risk of anaemia during their adolescent growth spurt. Iron requirements are increased during adolescence for the deposition of lean body mass, increase in red blood cell volume and to support iron lost during menses among girls. Increased needs for iron combined with low intakes of dietary iron makes adolescents, especially girls, at risk for IDA.

A diet low in iron is the most common cause of iron deficiency anemia in adolescents. Teens who do not eat enough or who eat foods that are poor sources of iron are at risk for developing IDA.

[Read the rest of this entry...]

Normal adults require 6-8 hours of sleep. Children need longer hours of sleep but the elderly need shorter (4-5) hours. Sleep disorder is a disruption in sleep pattern. Common causes of sleep disorders are:
*Life style shift work
*Physical problems e.g. pain, difficulty in breathing, frequent urination at night
*Psychological or psychiatric disorders e.g.schizophrenia , depression , anxiety disorders , stress etc.
*Drugs and alcohol abuse
*Environment - too noisy

Sleep disorder symptoms

*Sleeping too much (hypersomnia)
*Sleeping too little (insomnia)
*Abnormal behaviour during sleep e.g. sleep walking, sleep terror, tooth-grinding etc.

Complication
Sleep disorder can interfere with your mental and emotional functions. It can affect your work, studies and relationships. You may feel tired and sleepy during the day and become irritable easily. You may have difficulty in concentrating and paying attention and are more likely to make mistakes and get involved in accidents.

Sleep disorder Treatment

Seek help from your doctor:
*Your doctor will identify and treat the underlying causes
*Behavioral treatment sleep hygiene, relaxation technique
*Your doctor may prescribe medication

[Read the rest of this entry...]