Category Archives: Health

How to deal with peptic ulcer disease?

Peptic ulcers occur when the lining of the stomach and small intestine gets open sores. These open sores induce a lot of pain and discomfort and are sometimes a source of bleeding as well. Read on to know more about peptic ulcer disease and how you can prevent it:

What causes peptic ulcer disease?

As with the pathophysiology of almost all the gastric diseases, eating habits and lifestyle play a vital role. An important cause of peptic ulcer disease also lies with what we tend to eat. Ulcers form in the gastric lining when there is excessive production of gastric acid, or there is breakdown of the protective mucus layer. As a result, the stomach lining gets irritated by the acidic environment, and inflammation and pain ensues.

In our setting, Helicobacter pylori infections are a major cause of peptic ulcer disease. H.pylori spreads through eating unclean food and water, as well as, close contact. While many people who are carriers of H.pylori do not get ulcers, in some, it can break down the mucus layer and raise the amount of acid. This can end up causing severe and resistant to treatment peptic ulcer disease, which often returns despite treatment.

peptic ulcer disease

Frequent and indiscriminate use of painkillers also leads to peptic ulcer disease. NSAIDs like Aspirin can interfere with the protective mucus barrier over the stomach lining, which makes it vulnerable for the stomach acid. This also occurs with other NSAIDs like naproxen and ibuprofen, as they have the same mechanism of action, and occurs more often when these drugs are taken for a long time. For this reason, self-medication is often not a great idea, as seemingly harmless drugs can also have potential adverse effects people are unaware of.

Other types of painkillers like acetaminophen, however, do not have the same adverse effect on the stomach lining and are often prescribed as an alternate.

Stress can be an unavoidable risk factor and causative agent for peptic ulcer disease, as can be eating spicy food and smoking cigarettes.

What are the symptoms of peptic ulcer disease?

With excessive gastric acid production, there is discomfort in the belly, especially on an empty stomach. There can also be acid reflux in a recumbent position, especially at night, or on lying down shortly after eating. In severe cases, there can be a grinding pain under the breastbone, which goes away on taking antacids, but returns when the effect of the drug wears off.

Small ulcers more often only cause pain. However, big ulcers can be problematic and can show alarming signs like blood in vomitus, bloody or dark stools, or weight loss. If any of the aforementioned symptoms are observed, you should visit a hospital which has a multi-speciality panel as soon as possible. Mid City hospital is a good option in this regard.

How to manage peptic ulcer disease?

The goal of therapy in peptic ulcer disease is: to relieve the symptoms of the patient, and deal with the cause of excessive acid production. Small ulcers can heal on their own, but some ulcers can be recurrent if proper care is not taken. In most cases, treatment is tailored according to the cause behind the ulcer.

In case of H.pylori infection, a mix of antibiotics are used to kill the bacteria. Triple therapy is used—with two kinds of antibiotics, and one proton pump inhibitor, for some time for complete eradication of bacteria. Any interruption in treatment can lead to recurrence of infection, therefore, adherence and compliance are essential for treatment to be successful.

If the cause behind peptic ulcers disease is too much use of NSAIDs and painkillers, then their use must be tapered for relief. Reducing the dose of painkiller can also be effective; you can talk to your healthcare provider to switch your medication to one that does not disturb the gastric mucosa.

There are certain medications for peptic ulcer disease that help to reduce the secretion of gastric acid. These include drugs called: proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine blockers. PPIs help in reducing the secretion of gastric acid, and therefore protect the lining of stomach and duodenum, and allow it time to heal. In fact, PPIs are also used in fighting H.pylori infection. PPIs are great for managing peptic ulcer disease; however, they too aren’t without side effects. PPIs should be used only for the duration of the period they have been advised by the healthcare provider and not longer. Studies show that in Pakistan, many people self-medicate with PPIs, which is not a good thing in the long term. Examples of PPIs include: omeprazole, esomeprazole, pantoprazole, lansoprazole.

Histamine receptor blockers also help to reduce the secretion of acid through blocking the histamine pathway. They also work in a similar manner to PPIs and give time for the peptic ulcer to heal while there is reduced secretion of acid. Examples of histamine receptor blockers include: famotidine, cimetidine, ranitidine.

Another class of drug that helps to protect the gastric mucosa is called protectants. They work by coating the ulcers in a way that gastric acid cannot come in contact with the ulcer. Sucralfate is a commonly prescribed protectant that doctors use for peptic ulcer disease. Antacids can also be prescribed to help neutralize the acid already present in the stomach.

Peptic ulcer is a serious condition and requires immediate attention from a gastroenterologist. You should thus visit a hospital at your earliest with a competent gastroenterologist panel. The National Medical Center is one such facility.

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The Best Office Cleaning Tips & Tricks

Cleaning the workspace regularly by company employees is not common in Australia. Business owners do not feel that the office should be cleaned in the same way as their residence. Besides, it can be cumbersome to do so and instead, a commercial cleaning company is hired. If you have not hired a professional commercial office cleaning company in the past, then,  chances are that you are not aware of the severity of the situation. Hence, it is in your best interests to consider hiring an office cleaning company. However, if you want the office employees to play their part in cleaning the office, the following office cleaning tips and tricks will prove useful.

Office Cleaning

  1. Assign a Shelf for Cleaning Items

One of the best tips that will ensure that cleaning is done on time is by assigning a shelf for the cleaning items. When it comes to office cleaning, it is crucial that a shelf is designated for all of the cleaning equipment including the microfiber rags, rubbing alcohol, cleaning solutions, mops, and dusters.

  1. Involved Everyone To Clean Their Workstation

The best way to keep the office in a tip-top condition is by ensuring that everyone is involved in cleaning their workstation. If everyone meticulously cleans his or her workstation regularly, it will help keep the office neat and clean. Moreover, equipment on the desk such as the stationery items, keyboard, phone, and the monitor should be dusted every other day to clean the cubicles.

  1. Clean Dust From Lighting Fixtures

It is common for electrical equipment and lights to gather dust. Hence, it is important that they are wiped often. But, the employees should be cautious when cleaning the dusting from lighting fixtures. These days, there are many cleaning supplies that make it a lot easier to clean dust from the lights and lighting fixtures.

  1. Focus on Floor Cleaning Daily

The first thing that people notice when they step into an office is the floor. This is why it is crucial that the floor is cleaned daily. Tile and linoleum floors look their best when mopped and vacuumed daily. Older floors on the other hand can be stripped and maxed based on regular intervals to retain their top condition.

  1. Regularly Clean the Refreshment Area

The refreshment area is one of the areas which gets dirty quickly. Thus, it has to be regularly cleaned. The coffee and tea area easily attracts flies and different types of bugs when the trash has not been emptied. Moreover, the counter should also be wiped down.

  1. Ensure That Employees Regularly Clear Their Wastebasket

Since every employee has his or her own wastebasket, it is vital that they clear it regularly. When employees leave from work every day, they should make sure that they emptied the wastebasket.

Conclusion

A clean workspace is crucial for a healthy workspace. The above tips will help ensure that the employees play their part when it comes to keeping the office neat and clean.

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6 Popular Ways to Do Intermittent Fasting

In recent years, intermittent fasting has gained popularity due to the various health benefits it offers. It is claimed to improve weight loss, and metabolic health along with other myriad of health benefits.

Read on to know what intermittent fasting is and what are the various ways to do it.

What is intermittent fasting?

Intermittent fasting is not a diet plan but in fact a pattern of eating. It’s a way of scheduling the meals such that you restrict the intake of foods and sweetened beverages for a specific period of time everyday (usually 10-16 hours) and eating only during the remaining hours. People can pick any window to eat that works for them. During the fasting time only unsweetened, non-caloric beverages like water, green tea, black tea and black coffee can be taken, but nothing that requires digestion.

How does intermittent fasting works?

The theory behind intermittent fasting is that it deprives the body of calories for an extended period of time and forces the body into a temporary state of starvation, in which, it burns that fat cells to provide energy to the body. The result is improved weight loss and decreased body-fat ratio.

fasting

Source: Medical News Today

The benefits of intermittent fasting

Dietitians and experts recommend 12 to 14 hours of intermittent fasting for most people, as it helps to break the pattern of mindless eating and encourages intake of balanced meals. According to dietitian Amy Shapiro, the founder of Real Nutrition Intermittent fasting allows for proper digestion of food and better sleep. Moreover, intermittent fasting is great to regulate the hormonal balance of the body. Experts agree that in general, this style of fasting is safer and more in line with the natural way of eating. Not only is it beneficial for health, but it is a mode of eating that can be safely carried for a longer period of time.

There are many schedules of intermittent fasting that can be followed for beneficial weight loss. You can pick any one and try to make it work with your lifestyle.

  1. The 16:8 method—fast for 16 hours per day: this method is also known as the Leangains Diet. Fasting for 16 hours a day leaves an 8-hour window to eat. This method may be helpful for someone who has tried the 12-hour method but did not benefit from it. If the sleep time is incorporated into the fast time, then one can finish the evening meal by 8pm and then eat the next day at noon.

An animal study found that limiting the feeding time to 8 hours provided protection from obesity, diabetes, inflammation and liver diseases in comparison to animals that ate whatever they wished.

  1. The 5:2 method—fast for 2 days per week: with this method, people eat standard amount of healthy food for five days and reduce caloric intake for two days per week. During the low calorie days, the intake should be 500-600 calories. There should not be consecutive fasting days, for instance, one can fast on Monday and Wednesday, but not Monday and Tuesday.

This method of fasting has been found to improve insulin sensitivity and improved weight loss.

  1. Alternate day fasting: this method involves fasting every other day. Some people take no solid food during the fasting days, while others restrict the caloric intake to 500 calories. On feeding days, however, people choose to eat as much as they want. Research shows that this method of fasting improves heart health in both healthy and overweight adults and is very effective for weight loss. However, this form of fasting is not beginner friendly, and might be difficult to maintain in the long run. It is recommended to start this form of intermittent fasting after consulting a healthcare provider.
  2. Weekly 24-hour fast: this method is also known as the eat-stop-eat method. It involves eating no food for 24-hours at a time, while they can have water, tea and other unsweetened, calorie-free beverages. On non-fasting days, people can return to normal eating patterns.
  3. The 14:10 method—fasting for 14 hours per day: this method of fasting is similar to the 16:8 one, but involves a 14-hour fasting window. It is slightly easier to stick to than the 16 hour fast, however, the caloric deficit is less in this window and weight loss is slightly less effective.
  4. Fasting for 12 hours per day: this method inculcates adhering to a 12-hour fasting window every day. This method is relatively beginner friendly as the fasting window is smaller, and much of the fasting occurs during sleep. The easiest way to follow this method is to include the period of sleep in the fasting window, for instance, a person could fast from 7pm to 7am, with no dinner after 7pm and breakfast at 7am.

For a long and sustainable weight loss, add lifestyle modifications in addition to dietary ones, only then can weight loss be sustainable. Seek professional help for your diet instead of relying on self-help.

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Tattoo Removal: Type of Q-Switched Lasers and Beams

Laser treatment is a mainstay when tattoo removal is concerned. This treatment is considered to be less painful than some other methods.  Laser treatments are segmented. This means that the laser applied to remove a specific tattoo may be different from the one used to remove another type of tattoo. Some people may not know this, but there are different wavelengths that can be used to remove tattoo colours.

There is a reason why laser beams are very useful in removing tattoos. These tattoos are visible on the skin because the ink cannot be broken down easily. The laser removal tools work through the decomposition of ink in the skin. This device breaks up the ink in the skin for easier processing and disposal.

Laser Tattoo Removal

You may be living in Sydney and require help in removing your tattoo. This service can be easily offered with the highest quality at the tattoo removal services available.

The article gives you an idea of the various types of Q-switched laser beams. You will also get to see the functions of each beam on the skin during operation.

The Q-Switched laser beams are the most used in the tattoo removal market. This is because the laser beam produces the best results with little side effects. Here are some of the Q-switched laser beams currently in the market:

Q-Switched Ruby:

The Ruby produces a red beam which enhances the decomposition of very dark-coloured tattoos. This fast acting laser removes the tattoos well into the dermis. The results are mostly favourable. Also, fewer visits are required to get the skin healed depending on the size of the tattoo.

Q-Switched Frequency-Doubled YAG:

This laser produces a very direct effect on the ink in the skin. This laser produces a green beam. It is very effective in erasing tattoos that were designed with a range of bright colours. This laser is also very effective in taking off some unwanted spots in the body. The wavelength from the laser easily absorbs into the skin and breaks down the pigment in the skin. This makes it easier for the body to process the ink and pass it out.

Q-Switched YAG:

The Q-switched YAG is built with a very low light which is difficult to see with the naked eye. This laser is best for customers with dark skin. This laser has a low absorption ratio to the melanin content of the body. For those who may not know what melanin is – it’s what gives the human skin colour. This is why it is good for darker pigments.  This laser is very suitable for darker skin. It is also suitable for dark ink pigments.

Q-Switched Alexandrite:

The Q-switched Alexandrite creates a red beam and is suitable for small-sized tattoos. This laser is also very suitable for dark skin. This is because the laser is absorbed into the melanin at a slow rate. This prevents the incidence of any unwanted skin problems. This laser is popular because it has a lesser wavelength which works well on small tattoos made with dark ink.

Conclusion

The Q-switched lasers continue to gain prominence in the tattoo removal market. All of these beams are available at the nearest tattoo Sydney removal service you desire. With the help of a trained expert in tattoo removal, your skin will regenerate very well. It is important to note that the results you experience depend on the individual that is in charge of the removal.

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What Services Do Hearing Centers Provide?

According to estimates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are about 13,300 audiologists operating in the United States. While audiologists find themselves employed at several different types of facilities, hearing centers are among the most common.

Hearing centers, as the name might suggest, are places where people can go to receive hearing tests and treatments that will help improve their hearing. Currently, about 15 percent of adults report having hearing difficulties. As a result, many new hearing centers open with each passing year.

hearing

Audiologists are among the most qualified individuals to address tinnitus and other common hearing issues. These individuals have received a formal education, certification, and are familiar with the hearing treatments that have been proven to be the most effective. They are also qualified to properly administer a hearing test—following the test, finding the hearing treatment that best meets your needs should be much easier.

In this article, we will discuss some of the many different services that your local hearing center may provide. Each of these services is designed to help ensure people are hearing at their very best and to potentially increase their quality of life. By understanding which services are likely available, you’ll be able to determine if a trip to a hearing center is right for you.

Hearing Evaluations (Hearing Tests)

Upon your visit to a hearing center, the first thing you’ll probably be asked to do is undergo a series of hearing tests. These tests, which usually take about 60-90 minutes to fully complete, examine multiple different aspects of how you hear. They’ll look at things such as the tones and pitches you can hear, the volumes you are capable of hearing, and whether the hearing between your left and right ears is symmetrical.

Audiometric testing, for example, exposes the listener to a range of hearing frequencies in order to determine if they can hear ordinary conversations. Tympanometry, another type of hearing examination, evaluates the health of the middle ear (which is where the crucial eardrum is located). Your audiologist may also ask a series of questions that will help them recognize the underlying cause of your hearing issues. Once these tests are completed, they will recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

Tinnitus Management

Tinnitus is an incredibly common hearing issue that, contrary to popular belief, can affect people of all ages. Individuals who are suffering from tinnitus will regularly hear buzzing, ringing, and other types of noises, despite the fact that there is no external source making these noises. Managing tinnitus will be incredibly important because tinnitus is often at the core of other hearing issues.

If you are one of the roughly 12 percent of adults who experience tinnitus, a hearing center may be able to help you. In fact, some of the best hearing centers even use a tinnitus-centric approach to treatment. Some common tinnitus treatments include Oticon Tinnitus SoundSupport, Widex Zen Tinnitus Treatment, and Tinnitus Retraining Therapy. Your audiologists may also be able to help you with (or at least make referrals) some of the complications that come with tinnitus, such as sleep disorders, anxiety, and depression.

Hyperacusis Management

Hyperacusis is a hearing condition that causes ordinary people to perceive ordinary sounds (such as a running faucet) as “unbearably loud.” While this condition affects less than 1 percent of the population, it is one that needs to be taken very seriously. Untreated hyperacusis can cause seizures, balance issues, and various other challenges.

Hyperacusis treatment will usually involve trying to “reset” the way the center of the brain perceives (and reacts) to volume. It is a very personal condition that often requires customized treatment plans. While some people with hyperacusis will purchase earplugs or avoid interactions with others, the treatments offered by audiologists are much more permanent.

Hearing Aid Assistance and Live Speech Mapping

Many people require hearing aids in order to hear at their absolute best. However, not all hearing aids are created equally. The hearing aid that makes the most sense for you will depend on the severity of your hearing loss, the symmetry of the hearing loss, and whether you desire to have any special tech features.

Today’s hearing aids include Bluetooth technology, smartphone technology, and many other modern functions. Your audiologist will also help you with a process known as live speech mapping. Live speech mapping makes it easier for people to see the benefits of owning hearing aids and, ultimately, find the hearing aid that is a perfect fit.

Earwax (Cerumen) Management

Excessive earwax is one of the many reasons you may currently be experiencing hearing challenges. Some people naturally produce more earwax (which is also known as cerumen) than others, which will require cleaning and removal. A qualified audiologist will help you make sure your earwax is safely removed without causing any damage to your inner ear canal.

Future Support

While a trip to your local hearing center can be incredibly productive, you may require additional assistance outside of your visit. For example, if your hearing aids begin to experience difficulties or stop working, you will want someone who can help fix them. You may also have questions about your tinnitus or other hearing issues. Most hearing centers will offer some support over the phone. Many will even be willing to make house calls, for an additional cost.

Financial Assistance

One of the most common questions people have is, “Does my insurance cover an audiologist visit?” The answer to this question, as you might expect, will depend on many different things. Some insurance policies are much more extensive than others, meaning that you may need to cover some of the expenses on your own. Fortunately, many top hearing centers offer financial assistance, using programs such as CareCredit.

Conclusion

Hearing centers can help improve the way you hear and experience the world. They offer many different services and can treat many different types of hearing issues (such as tinnitus). If you have recently had difficulties with hearing, scheduling an appointment at a hearing center may be in your best interest.

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