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AUTISME

Apa itu autisme? Autisme adalah masalah perkembangan kompleks. Ia berlaku kepada kanak-kanak di antara 1 dalam 68 orang. Kanak-kanak lelaki mempunyai kemungkinan mendapat autism 4 kali lebih berbanding kanak-kanak perempuan.

Autisme mempengaruhi perkembangan otak dan memberi kesan kepada keupayaan individu untuk berkomunikasi, berinteraksi secara sosial dan belajar seperti kanak-kanak normal yang lain.

Simptom Autisme

Kesusahan untuk berinteraksi dan berkomunikasi secara sosial.

1. Kesukaran dalam emosi-sosial secara dua hala: Anak tersebut mungkin tidak dapat mempunyai perbualan secara dua hala, tidak menunjukkan minat kepada orang lain, ataupun tidak memulakan atau memberi respon kepada interaksi sosial seperti bercakap “hai” atau mengajak kawan lain untuk bermain.

2. Kesukaran dalam komunikasi tidak verbal: Anak ini mungkin menunjukkan gejala hubungan mata yang sangat rendah dengan orang lain, mungkin menghadapi kesukaran dalam menunjukkan gerak geri atau tidak dapat mengikut gerak geri orang dewasa seperti orang dewasa menunjuk kearah sesuatu.

3. Tidak memberi respons apabila nama dipanggil. Kerana mereka tidak memberikan tumpuan semasa dipanggil atau tiada konteks mata dan keinginan untuk berkomunikasi kerana lebih memilih untuk bermain sendirian sahaja.

Tingkah Laku Yang Terhad Atau Berulang

1. Pergerakan, penggunaan objek atau percakapan yang berulang. Anak ini mungkin mengulangi pergerakan motor dan aksi berulang kali, seperti mengepakkan tangan, berpusing atau melompat, mengulangi perkataan atau ayat yang sama, atau mungkin berinteraksi dengan permainan berulang seperti menyusun mainan atau memusingkan objek secara berterusan.

2. Minat yang sama dan terhad kepada sesuatu perkara sahaja. Anak ini mungkin menunjukkan ikatan yang kuat kepada minat tertentu seperti karakter kartun, permainan dan topik yang tertentu.

3. Hiper- atau hipo-reaktiviti terhadap penerimaan sensori. Anak ini mungkin tidak mengendahkan sensitiviti terhadap cahaya, bunyi, kesakitan, suhu, tekstur dan pergerakan dalam persekitaran mereka. Misalnya, mereka sangat seronok untuk melompat dan merempuh barang, mencari atau mengelak cahaya terang dan bunyi yang kuat, sama seperti kemahuan untuk menyentuh, menghidu atau menjilat sesuatu objek.

Komplikasi

Seseorang yang menghidap autisme akan mendapat gejala yang berlainan mengikut umur masing-masing.

  • Peringkat awal kanak-kanak – Hiperaktif, panas baran
  • Peringkat akhir kanak-kanak – suka menyerang, mencederakan diri sendiri
  • Peringkat remaja dan dewasa – kemurungan dan epilepsi

Rawatan

Standard emas untuk rawatan autisme adalah Rawatan Tingkah Laku Intensif menggunakan pendekatan Analisis Tingkah Laku Gunaan ( Applied Behavioral Analysis ABA)

Tiada ubat yang dapat menyembuhkan autisme tetapi ada beberapa jenis ubat yang dapat mengawal gejala-gejala yang timbul disebabkan autisme seperti:

  • Berkelakuan ganas
  • Hiperaktif
  • Masalah tidak mampu fokus
  • Kebimbangan yang mungkin timbul

Pemantauan Perkembangan Awal Kanak-Kanak

Sila dapatkan nasihat dari pihak profesional jika anak anda terlepas salah satu perkembangan di bawah:

4 Bulan

Memberi pandangan tepat
Mula membuat bunyi
Tersenyum apabila melihat orang lain

6 Bulan

Memberi respons apabila nama dipanggil
Mula membuat bunyi ”ah”, ”eh”, ”oh”
Boleh berguling dari posisi baring ke meniarap

9 Bulan

Memahami perkataan ”tidak”
Duduk tanpa sokongan
Boleh menggunakan jari untuk tunjuk kemahuan

12 Bulan

Berjalan dengan sokongan
Mempunyai 1 hingga 3 perkataan
Boleh menggelengkan kepala untuk nyatakan ”tidak” dan melambaikan ”bye”.

Gout

Gout is a crystal-induced arthritis. A condition that resulted from deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in various tissues (eg joints, connective tissue, kidney) due to elevated serum urate level. 

Gout is always associated with the symptoms of sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in one or more joints. In patients with acute gout attack, joints of the lower limbs are more affected than upper limbs. It will usually last for few days to 3 weeks with a gradual complete resolution of the inflammation.
The normal uric acid level for adult male is 2.5-7.0 mg/dL. whereas for adult female is 1.5-6.0 mg/dL.

RISK FACTOR

1) Diet

Diet with purine-rich food will cause body to produce too much uric acids which form MSU crystal and gout.
Example of purine rich food: red meat, shellfish, drinking beverages sweetened with fruit sugar (fructose), alcohol consumption, especially of beer.

2) Weight

It is likely that higher BMI increases the risk of gout by increasing the serum uric acid level. Hyperuricemia has been associated with obesity via both increased production and decreased renal excretion of urate.

3) Medical Conditions

Some underlying medical conditions can increase the risk of developing gout, including:
– High blood pressure
– Diabetes
– Kidney disease
– High levels of cholesterol in blood

4) Certain Medications

Certain medications can increase your uric acid levels and your risk of developing gout. These include:
– Diuretics: used to treat high blood pressure or an abnormal build-up of fluid in your body
– Certain medicines used to treat high blood pressure: Beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors
– Low-dose aspirin: used to reduce the risk of blood clots

5) Family History

Gout is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Patients with family history of gout will have an increase risk of developing gout too.

SIGN AND SYMPTOMS

Gout is always associated with the symptoms of sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in one or more joints. In patients with acute gout attack, joints of the lower limbs are more affected than upper limbs. It will usually last for few days to 3 weeks with a gradual complete resolution of the inflammation. For acute gout attack, it is usually monoarticular. However, gout will progress into chronic gout when the patients does not have a good control on their diet or uric acid level. For chronic gout, it is usually polyarticular arthritis and the formation of tophi.

STAGES OF GOUT

1) Acute Gout

Acute gout commonly present as an acute, self-limiting, mono-articular inflammatory arthritis. Joint at the lower limbs are more affected than the upper limbs. The affected joints will have erythema (redness of the skin), warmth and swelling over the joint. Fever may be present.
Attack of acute gout last for a few days to 2-3 weeks, with a gradual complete resolution of all inflammatory sign

2) Chronic Gout

Chronic gout present with polyarticular arthritis and the formation of tophi. Tophi are chalky deposits of MSU crystal. They are subcutaneous and painless. They will appear as a firm, nodular or fusiform swellings. Tophaceous disease more likely occur in patients where serum urate level more than 9mg/dl.
Sites of tophi includes digit of the hands and feet (most common), pinna of the ear, bursa around elbows and knees, achilles tendon (tendon that connect calf muscle to heel).

DIAGNOSIS OF GOUT

Clinical diagnosis of gout is based on whether the patients experience two or more of the following criteria:

  1. Presence of clear history of at least two attacks of painful joint swelling with complete resolution within 2 weeks.
  2. A clear history or observation of podagral
  3. Presence of tophus
  4. Rapid response to colchicine within 48 hours of starting treatment. 

TREATMENT

A) Medications

– NSAIDs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are usually recommended as the first treatment for gout. They work by reducing pain and inflammation during an attack.
Example: Indomethacin, Naproxen, Diclofenac, Celecoxib

– Colchicine
If NSAIDs are ineffective, a medicine called colchicine can be used instead.
Colchicine reduces some of the swelling and pain associated with a gout attack. When taken in high doses, side effects of colchicine include feeling sick, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

– Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are sometimes used to treat severe cases of gout if other treatments don’t work or unable to take an NSAIDs or colchicine.
A short course of steroid tablets often provides relief, but they can’t be used long-term in high doses as they cause side effects, including weight gain, osteoporosis, muscle weakness.

– Allopurinol
Allopurinol helps reduce the production of uric acid. It can help prevent gout attacks, although it won’t help relieve symptoms during an attack.

B) Alternative treatment

– Urinary Alkalinizer
Sodium citrate is metabolized to bicarbonates which increases urinary pH by increasing the excretion of free bicarbonate ions without producing systemic alkalosis when administered in recommended doses. (Ural: 1-2 sachet dissolved in water for four times a day)
 A rise in urinary pH increases the solubility of cystine in the urine and the ionization of uric acid to more soluble urate ion. By maintaining an alkaline urine, the actual dissolution of uric acid stones may be accomplished.

– Cherry Juice
According to studies, tart cherry reduce uric acid because of the ingredients anthocyanins. Anthocyanin have its anti-inflammatory effect which makes cherry juice a natural anti-inflammatory. Hence, this will help to resolve gout swelling in patient.

– Celery Extract
Studied shown that celery extract have significantly reduced the serum uric acid, lipid peroxidation, and increase activity of antioxidant enzyme levels in gouty rats. This may be due to the inhibition of xanthine oxidase activity.

– Juniper Berry
Juniper is traditionally known as a diuretic, it was valued as a urinary and kidney remedy in Europe and the Mediterranean. The American ethnic physicians used Juniper berry to treat arthritic gout because of the inhibition of xanthine oxidase. Juniper berry is noted to exert powerful antioxidant activity. It also has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and hepatoprotective effects.

LIFESTYLE ADVICES

Certain lifestyle changes can also help reduce your risk of experiencing further attacks of gout, including:

– Avoiding foods containing high levels of purine such as red meat, offal, oily fish, seafood and foods containing yeast extract.


– Avoid alcohol intake.
Alcohol disrupts the removal of uric acid from the body. Normally, purines would break down into uric acid and get flushed out of the body through urine. However, this process is interrupted when uric acid levels get too high. Crystals form around the joints, and gout develops.
To prevent gout attack, avoid alcohol during attack and avoid beer.

– Avoid sugary drinks and snacks – these are associated with an increased risk of gout.

– Maintain a healthy weight – follow a balanced diet with high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets.

– Drink plenty of water – keep yourself well-hydrated will reduce the risk of crystals forming in your joints.

– Take regular exercise – try activities that do not put too much strain on your joints, such as swimming.

Oral Health

Introduction

Oral health is a key indicator of overall health.  Also known as dental hygiene, oral hygiene consists of a routine of cleaning your teeth and gums. Proper oral care helps lead to healthy teeth, healthy gums, and fresh breath.  According to the World Health Organization (2012), oral health has been defined as a state of being free of mouth and facial pain, oral infections and sores, and other diseases that limit an individual’s capacity in biting, chewing, smiling, speaking, and psychosocial well-being.

Oral hygiene is vital for your teeth and gums, and poor oral health can affect your overall health and is a risk factor for illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes.

How Long Should You Brush Your Teeth?

Proper brushing takes at least two minutes. Two minutes can seem like a long time – especially for children. You can use a timer to make it a bit more fun. Some electric toothbrushes have automatic timers to encourage dedicating two minutes to brushing.

Can You Brush Your Teeth Too Much?

Brushing for longer than two minutes is not harmful, as long as you’re using firm but gentle pressure. Using too much pressure can damage enamel and gum tissue, leading to tooth sensitivity and irritated gums. Try brushing with your non-dominant hand to realize the difference in the amount of pressure on your teeth.

Types of Toothpaste

Most people are not aware that children’s toothpaste is in a much different category from adults but toothpaste produced for children can be milder.  This is because of the negative impact that comes from children ingesting too much fluoride. Toothpaste for children contains less fluoride, abrasive agents, and also may have an additional sweetened flavor to entice children to brush regularly.

1. Sensitivity toothpaste:

Once your enamel has been breached due to reasons such as aging or gum disease, the dentine of your tooth may become exposed. This layer is the hard part underneath the enamel composed of microscopic tubes. When enamel is damaged, the heat and cold can pass through these tubes causing sensitivity. So, with this condition, this kind of toothpaste comes in handy.

Sensitivity toothpaste contains special compounds that block the nerves in your teeth from sensing heat and cold which solves the sensitivity problem. This kind of toothpaste needs 3-4 weeks of daily use in order to be effective.

2. Natural toothpaste:

Natural toothpaste is made from herbal extracts such as ginger and natural ingredients like essential oils. They are used as an alternative to the ingredients found in a typical toothpaste. It is becoming an increasingly popular option as it contains no harmful chemicals or fluoride.

Many herbalists, vegetarians and vegans prefer a natural herbal way of cleaning their teeth. Also, some people are allergic and sensitive to the chemicals in regular toothpaste. This is why they choose a much gentler herbal toothpaste. However, a major disadvantage of this type of toothpaste is the absence of fluoride, which is great for protecting enamel and strengthening your tooth.

3. Whitening toothpaste:

This kind of toothpaste is most useful for people who are experiencing yellowing of teeth due to reasons like aging, regular coffee and tea drinking, and also smoking. It is composed of a super gentle abrasive agent that gently helps scrub out the stains of your teeth. Using a whitening toothpaste can them two shades whiter and even give you a perfect smile. All teeth-whitening kinds of toothpaste are composed of cleansers and abrasives that have the function of removing or reducing the appearance of yellow stains on your teeth.

Toothbrush

What tools are best for brushing my teeth?

Combined with the brushing technique, you need the correct tools to do a good job with any task. In general, choosing a soft-bristle toothbrush that can fit in the hard-to-reach places and your mouth with fluoride toothpaste will do the job! It’s essential to replace your toothbrush every three to four months. Worn, frayed brushes don’t clean thoroughly, and older brushes can harbor bacteria. Whatever tools are most comfortable for you to complete proper brushing twice a day, two minutes each time are the best choice.

Flossing

Dental Floss vs. Dental Tape

Dental floss and dental tape are interdental cleaning products that clean the surfaces between teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach. Dental floss is a thin strand of twisted plastic monofilaments or nylon filaments, according to the American Dental Association (ADA).

The decision on whether to use dental tape or floss depends on which is the most effective at cleaning between your teeth and which you find easiest to use. For those whose teeth are tightly pressed together, waxed dental floss or tape is recommended. Some people may also find it difficult to handle thin strands of floss, especially if you have large fingers. In this case, advises switching to dental tape.

Choosing a Flossing Device

If you have trouble using traditional dental tape or floss, a range of alternative devices are available, including dental picks, wooden plaque removers, pre-threaded flossers, powered water or air flossers and tiny dental brushes for cleaning between your teeth. Dental brushes are cylindrical or cone-shaped and come in several sizes to fit the space between the teeth. There are also specialized brushes for cleaning between dental implants.

Don’t allow problems with using dental floss or tape prevent you from developing or maintaining good oral health habits. Flossing once per day helps to keep your teeth and mouth healthy and reduces your risk of gum disease and dental decay. If you choose an interdental cleaner and it doesn’t work for you the way you had hoped, ask your dentist and dental hygienist for advice and experiment until you find one that suits you and your teeth.

What is mouth rinse?

Mouth rinse (or mouth wash) is a liquid or solution use by gargling or rinsing our mouth.  Mouth rinse usually prescribed by dentist or doctor for certain purposes. 

There are few indications for using mouth rinse:

  • To treat mouth infection, especially bacteria, and also fungal
  • As an adjunct to tooth brushing
  • Replace tooth brushing after oral surgery or oral trauma
  • For oral refreshing effect and temporary eliminate mouth odour
  • Enhance tooth brushing
  • Soothing and dry mouth-relieving effect
  • Facilitate oral tissue healing

What are types of mouth rinse available?

Different mouth rinse acts differently depending on their active ingredient, these are few examples:

  • Anti-plaque mouth rinse may contain anti-plaque agent (eg Chlorhexidine Gluconate, Cetylpyridinium Chloride)
  • Anti-caries mouth rinse may contain fluoride
  • Desensitizing mouth rinse may contain desensitizing agent (eg arginine, potassium nitrate)
  • Pain relieving mouth rinse may contain pain relieving and anti inflammatory agent ( eg: benzydamine hydrochloride)
  • Soothing & dry mouth-relieving effect mouth rinse may has combine enzyme based protection, usually prescribed in post-cancer therapy patient with oral mucositis
  • Some mouth rinse contains hyaluronan that helps facilitate the natural tissue healing and recovery process of oral tissue.
  • Right usage of suitable mouth rinse under professional advice is recommended.

Why is a healthy diet important for my oral health?

Every time you eat or drink anything sugary, your teeth are under acid attack for up to one hour. This is because the sugar will react with the bacteria in plaque (the sticky coating on your teeth) and produce harmful acids. So it is important to have sugary foods or drinks just at mealtimes, limiting the amount of time your mouth is at risk.

Acidic foods and drinks can be just as harmful. The acid ‘erodes’ or dissolves the enamel, exposing the dentine underneath. This can make your teeth sensitive and unsightly.

A diet that is rich in vitamins, minerals and fresh fruit and vegetables can help to prevent gum disease. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss and cause bad breath.

Oral hygiene care steps

Here are some oral hygiene instructions to try:

  • Brush at least twice a day for two minutes each time
  • Clean between your teeth every day using floss, interdental brushes, floss picks, or water flossers. Make sure that you do not skip any teeth.
  • Use toothpaste or mouthwash that contains fluoride
  • Do not use any tobacco products. If you smoke, quit.
  • Limit alcoholic drinks.
  • If you have diabetes, work to maintain control of the disease. This will decrease risk for other complications, including gum disease. Treating gum disease may help lower your blood sugar level.
  • See your doctor or a dentist if you have sudden changes in taste and smell
  • Go to your dentist for preventive care twice a year
  • Follow your dentist’s treatment plan and dental hygienist’s oral hygiene recommendations.

References

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Oral Health Surveillance Report: Trends in Dental Caries and Sealants, Tooth Retention, and Edentulism, United States, 1999–2004 to 2011–2016. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Dept of Health and Human Services; 2019.
  2. Eke PI, Thornton-Evans GO, Wei L, Borgnakke WS, Dye BA, Genco RJ. Periodontitis in US Adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009-2014. J Am Dent Assoc. 2018;149(7):576-588.
  3. Global Burden of Disease Collaborative Network. Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 (GBD 2019). Seattle: Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME); 2020. Available from http://ghdx.healthdata.org/gbd-results-tool.
  4. Walsh, T, et al. Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019; 3(3):Cd007868. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007868.pub3. 
  5. Mossey PA, Little J, Munger RG, Dixon MJ, Shaw WC. Cleft lip and palate. Lancet. 2009;374(9703):1773-1785.

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

Body weight is one of many determinants of health. Maintaining a healthy body weight can lower your risks towards many weight-related diseases and health issues. However, each person’s healthy weight range will vary and depend on factors such as age, gender, genetics, body frame, existing medical history and lifestyle habits. So, weight management is a process of adopting long-term lifestyle modification to maintain a healthy body weight on the basis of these factors.

You may assess your body weight status via two simple physical examination methods:

Body mass index (BMI)

BMI is a person’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters. A high BMI can indicate high body fatness, and a low BMI can indicate too low body fatness.

  • If your BMI is less than 18.5, it falls within the underweight range.
  • If your BMI is 18.5 to 24.9, it falls within the normal or healthy weight range.
  • If your BMI is 25.0 to 29.9, it falls within the overweight range.
  • If your BMI is 30.0 or higher, it falls within the obese range.

Waist Circumference

Another way to estimate your potential disease risk is to measure your waist circumference. It is also a good estimate of visceral fat, the dangerous internal fat that coats the organ. Waist circumference measurement correlates well with abdominal fat content irrespective of the BMI. It is most useful in individuals who are in the normal and overweight categories of BMI. Your waistline may be telling you that you have a higher risk of developing obesity-related conditions if you are:

  • A man whose waist circumference is more than 40 inches
  • A non-pregnant woman whose waist circumference is more than 35 inches

Being too thin (underweight) or obese (overweight), both may impact your health condition. Maintaining a healthy weight is not only important for improving your physical appearance but is also beneficial for your overall well-being. Prioritizing weight management not only lowers the health risks but can also lead to an improved quality of life.

Underweight is a condition when energy intake is less than energy expenditure, it may lead to health risks such as malnutrition, decreased immune function, osteoporosis, infertility, developmental delays, and increased risk of surgical complications 2. A person may be underweight due to genetics, improper metabolism, lack of appetite, over-exercising, certain medicines, and underlying medical problems such as overactive thyroid, anorexia, etc 3.

Overweight and obesity are consequence of an energy imbalance where energy intake has exceeded energy expenditure over a considerable period of time, lead to abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. Obesity is one side of the double burden of malnutrition, and today more people are obese than underweight in every region. It once considered a problem only in high-income countries, overweight and obesity are now dramatically on the rise in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in urban settings. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported one in five Malaysian adults will be obese by 2025 4. Obese and overweight people are more prone to illnesses and conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, heart diseases, gall bladder diseases and osteoarthritis. Obesity may influence the risk of cancers of the colon, rectum, prostate, gall bladder, cervix, endometrium and ovary. Obesity also affects mobility, physical endurance and other functional measures. Obese people may also have low self-esteem 5.

Factors Weight Gain

Poor diet and overeating

Poor eating habits are probably the leading cause of obesity among all others. More often than not, people are likely to gain weight when they consume more calories than they burn through physical activity. Examples of unhealthy eating choices that directly lead to weight gain include:

  • Eating more portions than your body needs
  • Eating excessive amounts of processed or fast food
  • Consuming beverages with too much sugar content
  • Drinking too much alcohol 6

Physical inactivity

Another important factor is the lack of physical exercise. Nowadays, most people’s work desk jobs that consist of sitting and staring at a computer for long hours every day. When it comes to leisure activities, many of us prefer to lounge around and binge-watch or scroll endlessly on our phones instead of heading out to exercise. If you fail to incorporate exercise into your daily lives, the energy provided by the food you eat will only be stored by the body to become fat, which can lead to excessive weight gain 6.

Stress, emotional factors, and poor sleep

Some people eat more than usual when they are bored, angry, upset, or stressed. This “stress eating” are due to secretion of stress hormone called cortisol in our body. It increases appetite and may ramp up desire to eat fatty, salty or sugary “comfort foods” 7.  Studies also have found that the less people sleep, the more likely they are to have overweight or obesity. This is partly because hormones that are released during sleep help control appetite and the body’s use of energy 8.

Health Conditions

On fairly rare occasions, obesity could be caused by certain health conditions. Examples of medical conditions that commonly contribute to weight gain include hormonal imbalance, hypothyroidism and Cushing’s syndrome. Other medical problems such as arthritis can hinder one from engaging in physical activity, which can ultimately result in weight gain as well. Certain medicines also may cause weight gain, including some corticosteroids, antidepressants, and seizure medicines 8.

Ways to Achieve Healthy Weight

Healthy eating

Healthy eating features a variety of healthy foods. Fad diets may promise fast results, but such diets limit your nutritional intake, can be unhealthy, and tend to fail in the long run. A healthy eating plan shall:

  • Emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products
  • Include a variety of protein foods such as seafood, lean meats and poultry, eggs, legumes (beans and peas), soy products, nuts, and seeds.
  • Is low in added sugars, sodium, saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol.
  • Stay within your daily calorie needs 9.

Exercise regularly and stay physically active

Engaging in physical activity is one of the simplest ways to get rid of excess weight on your body. The more you exercise, the more calories your body burns off. On top of burning fat, exercising also increases your metabolism significantly 6. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended regular exercise 60 minutes per day for children and 150 minutes per week for adults, to lower the risk or overweight and obesity 4.

Set smart weight goals

Losing or gaining weight does not happen overnight. A good and healthy weight loss or weight gain should adopt the concept of energy balance as its guiding principle. Setting a SMART goal should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timely. For example, if your BMI is 23 kg/m2 and above, losing 10% to 15% of your current body weight over 6 months at a rate of 0.5 kg to 1 kg a week is a healthy target 10.

Last but not least, a heathy and successful weight management include regular monitoring of your progress and maintenance of healthy weight in the long term. Making lifestyle modifications goes beyond the physical aspects, this requires you to tap into your mental stamina as well. Believe it or not, your outlook or mindset can play an essential role in your weight management journey.

Reference:

  1. Assessing Your Weight. (2022, June 3). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved September 10, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/index.html
  2. Marcin, A. (2017, May 15). 6 Health Risks of Being Underweight. Healthline. Retrieved September 10, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health/underweight-health-risks
  3. Underweight | Office on Women’s Health. (n.d.). Retrieved September 10, 2022, from https://www.womenshealth.gov/healthy-weight/underweight
  4. Obesity. (2020, February 21). Retrieved September 10, 2022, from https://www.who.int/health-topics/obesity#tab=tab_1
  5. Surainee bt. Wahab. (2012, April 20). Weight Management. PORTAL MyHEALTH. Retrieved September 10, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/index.html
  6. Homage. (2022, January 4). Weight Management Programmes by Doctors in Singapore. Retrieved September 10, 2022, from https://www.homage.sg/resources/weight-management/
  7. Harvard Health. (2021, February 15). Why stress causes people to overeat. Retrieved September 10, 2022, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/why-stress-causes-people-to-overeat
  8. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2012). What causes overweight and obesity? Retrieved September 10, 2012, from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/overweight-and-obesity
  9. Physical Activity for a Healthy Weight. (2022, June 16). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved September 10, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/physical_activity/index.html
  10. HealthHub. (n.d.). Retrieved September 10, 2022, from https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/410/Healthy%20Weight

GLUCOSE-6-PHOSPHATE DEHYDROGENASE DEFICIENCY (G6PD)

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a genetic disorder caused due to a defect in an enzyme called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase that causes red blood cells to break down prematurely.

G6PD is an enzyme that protects the red blood cells from damage and destruction by harmful and toxic compounds that form in the body under certain conditions like stress, fever, or following the ingestion of certain foods or drugs. The enzyme generates compounds that can neutralize the toxic compounds formed in the body.

Causes of G6PD

It is an X-linked disorder that may be inherited from mother (usually a healthy carrier) or affected father to son or daughter. G6PD cannot be spread from one person to another. [1]

Sign and Symptoms of G6PD

People with G6PD deficiency do not display any signs of the disease until they are exposed to certain chemicals in food or drugs whereby their RBC being broken down in excess.

Other symptoms:

  • Sudden rise of body temperature
  • Dark yellow-orange urine
  • Weak and rapid pulse rate.

It is common for babies to have jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) in the first week of life, but some babies with G6PD deficiency have jaundice for longer than usual.

Diagnosis of G6PD

  • Blood tests

Blood tests may reveal low red blood cell count, increased bilirubin levels, and increased plasma hemoglobin levels. Other blood tests may confirm presence of intravascular hemolysis. However, the blood tests may be normal between the attacks.

  • Blood film examination

Examination of a stained blood film under the microscope may show abnormal broken red cells (hemolytic RBCs). Special stains show denatured hemoglobin within red cells (Heinz bodies) and increased immature red cells (reticulocytes) due to formation of new red cells (erythropoiesis) by the bone marrow as compensatory response. If the abnormal cells have the appearance of a bitten piece they are termed bite cells.

  • Urine tests

The urine specimen during the attack is dark colored and positive for hemoglobin and hemosiderin

  • Screening tests to detect low G6PD levels

Several screening tests are available that demonstrate the decreased capacity of G6PD deficient cells to reduce dyes. The enzyme can also be directly assayed.

Drugs to Avoid

Foods and Chemical to Avoid

  • Fava Beans (broad beans)
  • Red wine
  • Henna dyes used for tattoo & Hair
  • Blueberries [also yogurts containing these]
  • Soya products
  • Tonic water
  • Naphthalene (moth balls)

References:

  1. The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/g6pd_deficiency/
  2. Schick P. (Dec 2018) Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency. Medscape. Available from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/200390- overview.
  3. MIMS 158th Edition Sep 2019 Malaysia. Drugs and Other Substances to Avoid in G6PD Deficiency. Pg 174-177

High Altitude Sickness


What is high altitude sickness?

Ascending to or being at a new high altitude may cause high-altitude sickness. High altitude sickness includes acute mountain sickness (AMS), high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) and high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). High altitude sickness is a condition that occurs when people ascend to high altitudes (usually above 8,000 feet or 2,400 meters) too quickly without acclimatizing properly. Altitude sickness is caused by a lack of oxygen in the air, which can lead to a range of symptoms that can range from mild to life-threatening.

What is Acute Mountain Sickness? Understanding AMS, HAPE and HACE

Acute mountain sickness (AMS)

Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is the most common of the altitude diseases; it occurs in approximately 40 to 50 percent of people who live at a low altitude and sleep at an altitude above 10,000 feet (3000 m), and in approximately 25 percent of those sleeping above 8000 feet (2400 m). Some people can develop AMS as low as 6500 feet (2000 m).

High-altitude cerebral edema (HACE)

High-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) is a rare, life-threatening altitude disease and is a severe form of acute mountain sickness (AMS). It is caused by leaky capillaries in the brain, which causes fluid accumulation and brain swelling. You may experience confusion, lack of coordination and possibly violent behaviour.

High-altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)

High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) is a potentially fatal condition in which lung capillaries leak and fluid accumulates in the lungs, causing breathlessness, even when resting. You feel very fatigued and weak and may feel like you’re suffocating. HAPE is uncommon but can occur in people who rapidly ascend to altitudes above 8200 feet (2500 m).

Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness Symptoms - Avoid To Approach Kilimanjaro

Symptoms

The symptoms of high-altitude sickness can range from mild to severe and usually appear within 6 to 24 hours after arrival at high altitude. The most common symptoms include:

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dizziness
  • Insomnia
  • Shortness of breath
  • Rapid heart rate

In severe cases, high altitude sickness can progress to high altitude cerebral edema (HACE) or high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), which can be life-threatening.

Risk Factors

It is not possible to know in advance if you will become ill when traveling to a high altitude. In addition, being physically fit does not decrease your chances of developing a high-altitude illness. However, certain groups are at increased risk, including people who:

  • Have a prior history of high-altitude illness
  • Overexert themselves before adjusting to the change in altitude
  • Ascend rapidly (eg, within one day) from low elevation to sleeping altitudes above 9000 feet (2750 m)
  • Have a medical problem that affects breathing

Treatment

The treatment for high altitude sickness depends on the severity of the condition. Mild symptoms of altitude sickness can often be relieved by descending to a lower altitude, resting, oxygen therapy and taking over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. However, more severe cases of altitude sickness may require medical attention. Here are some treatments for high altitude sickness:

1. Medication

  • Acetazolamide (Diamox) can help alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness by stimulating breathing and reducing fluid buildup in the lungs. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any medication.
  • Dexamethasone is a steroid medication that can be used to treat severe cases of altitude sickness, such as high altitude cerebral edema (HACE).

2. Oxygen therapy

If you experience severe altitude sickness symptoms, oxygen therapy may be necessary to alleviate symptoms and prevent further complications.

Prevention

  1. Gradual ascent. The best way to prevent high altitude sickness is to acclimatize properly. This involves gradually ascending to higher altitudes over several days, allowing the body to adjust to the lower oxygen levels.
  2. Staying hydrated. Dehydration can worsen altitude sickness symptoms. Drink plenty of fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
  3. Eating a well-balanced diet. Eat a diet that’s more than70% carbohydrate as can help provide the energy and nutrients needed to cope with the physical stress of high altitude.
  4. Avoiding alcohol. Alcohol can dehydrate your body. It also has stronger effects at higher elevations, which can impair judgment.
  5. Rest. Take it easy for the first few days after reaching high altitude. Avoid strenuous activity until you feel acclimatized.
  6.  Climb high and sleep low”. If you have to climb over 1,000 feet in a day, make sure you come back down to a lower altitude to sleep.
  7. Recognize symptoms. Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and take action if they appear. Early recognition and treatment can prevent the condition from becoming more severe.

References

  1. Altitude Sickness: What to Know?. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/altitude-sickness
  2. Altitude sickness. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/altitude-sickness/#:~:text=You%20can%20get%20altitude%20sickness,a%20medical%20emergency%20if%20ignored.
  3. Patient education: High-altitude illness (including mountain sickness) (Beyond the Basics). https://www.uptodate.com/contents/high-altitude-illness-including-mountain-sickness-beyond-the-basics/print
  4. Cleveland Clinic. Altitude Sickness. Available from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15111-altitude-sickness
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