GLAUCOMA OF THE EYE

GLAUCOMA OF THE EYE

·         It is a sight-threatening problem wherein the optic nerve, which carries visual information between the eye and the brain, becomes damaged or injured, causing changes in the transmission of visual information resulting in impaired vision.

·         It is the second leading cause of blindness in India, after cataract, affecting any age group, including newborn, infants, children and elderly.

·         It can occur in either or both eyes, though it cannot spread from one eye to the other.

·         Patients with glaucoma may be unaware of any change in their vision until late in the course of the disease as it is a progressive condition.

·         Blindness from glaucoma is irreversible, and its early detection is of utmost importance.

·         Steroid-induced glaucoma is the change in intraocular pressure (eye fluid pressure) due to steroid administration, eventually resulting in damage to the optic nerve.

·         Eye fluid (aqueous humor) nourishes the cornea, iris and lens by circulating, and then draining out of the eye.

·         Increased intraocular pressure due to steroids causes the drainage system to get clogged, thereby increasing the pressure inside the eye, which starts damaging the optic fibre.

INDIVIDUALS AT RISK

·         Over 40 years of age.

·         Those with diabetes, thyroid disease, or hypertension.

·         Those with family history of glaucoma, diabetes, hypertension and short-sightedness.

·         Have received steroid-containing tablets, drops, ointments, puffs or injections.

·         Frequent use of steroid eye drops purchased from chemists without doctor’s diagnosis.

·         Take medication for sleep, anxiety, depression, asthma or parkinsonism.

·         Have had an injury to the face or eye myopia.

SYMPTOMS OF GLAUCOMA

·         Rainbow coloured rings (halos) around bright light.

·         Headaches.

·         Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription.

·         Difficulty in driving.

TREATMENT

·         As glaucoma is a progressive eye disease, the course of treatment is lifelong.

·         Like diabetes, if the treatment is left midway, the condition worsens.

·         There are 2 types of glaucoma – open angle and closed angle.

·         In open angle glaucoma, resistance to the flow of eye fluid is increased, while in closed angle glaucoma, there is physical obstruction to the flow of eye fluid.

·         On an average, closed angle glaucoma patients are nearly 10 years younger than the open angle patients, with a greater damage.

·         By the time a patient is detected to be having glaucoma, 90% have lost 50% of their eyesight.

·         Opting for periodic glaucoma screening early in life can help in starting treatments early to improve the chance of halting and slowing down the continuous damage significantly.

PARTY-PERFECT SKIN CARE TIPS

PARTY-PERFECT SKIN CARE TIPS

  

1. CLEANSING, TONING & MOISTURISING

·         Choose a milk-based face cleanser according to your skin type.

·         Rub it in circular motions and don’t stretch or pull your skin.

·         Wash with normal or tepid water, and avoid using hot water.

·         Use a toner, then a hydrating and nourishing moisturizer daily.

·         A toner hydrates your skin and restores the pH balance.

·         A moisturizer has constituents that refill the skin’s natural ingredients.

·         Before going to bed, use a makeup remover and then cleanse your skin with a facial cleanser.

2. SUNSCREEN

·         Use a sunscreen lotion of SPF30 or more, 2 to 3 times a day.

·         Even small amounts of exposure to harmful UV radiation of the sun rays, whether it is cloudy or you are indoors, can cause dark spots and wrinkles, and sometimes damage skin permanently.

3. SKIN LIGHTENING CREAM

·         Regularly use a dermatologist-recommended skin lightening cream at night.

·         It will help you tackle skin blemishes and imperfections, besides toning your skin.

4. EXFOLIATE

·         Use a mild exfoliating scrub, to get rid of dead skin cells and impurities, once a week.

·         You can also choose a clay-based mask which will pull out the dirt and grime.

·         Don’t overdo exfoliation on your face, to avoid skin damage.

·         Facial exfoliation, even with a mild exfoliator, should not be done more than twice a week.

·         You can use exfoliating agents on your knees and elbows too.

5. EATING

·         Antioxidants in berries – blueberries, cranberries, aloe vera – can help keep your skin vibrant.

·         Taking nutritional supplements can help tackle free radicals that cause premature ageing.

6. WATER

·         Drink about 8 glasses of water everyday to keep the body hydrated all the time.

·         Wash your face and apply a moisturizer regularly.

7. OIL MASSAGE

·         Oils soften, moisturize and rejuvenate the body, both internally as well as externally.

·         An oil massage will beat skin dryness and keep you nourished.

8. SOME USEFUL TIPS

·         Use hot milk instead of hot water to steam your face, as its lactic acid helps in unclogging pores.

·         Mix a tablespoon of honey with two crushed aspirin tablets to form a thick paste, apply it to the face and leave it on for 20 minutes before washing off to get refreshed skin.

·         Aspirins have beta-hydroxy acid, which is an ingredient in a lot of high-end face masks.

·         For normal skin, mix two drops of water with your foundation.

·         For dry skin, add toner in your foundation.

·         For oily skin, add two drops of witch hazel in your foundation.

·         Extend your makeup and skin care regime from your face to your neck, chest and cleavage.

·         Do apply serum, face cream, sunscreen, and exfoliate beyond your jaw line.

·         For pimples, keep a prescribed pimple cream handy.

·         For dry skin, apply a good nourishing moisturizer at all times.

·         For a tan, use a dermatologist-prescribed skin lightening cream.

·         Fit some exercise into your routine, even if it is just brisk walking.

·         Try your best to relax.

WHITE PATCHES ON SKIN

WHITE PATCHES ON SKIN (LEUCODERMA)

·         Vitiligo, also called leucoderma, is a chronic auto-immune pigmentation skin disorder, but is not a contagious disease.

·         It occurs worldwide in 1-2% individuals, may also be hereditary, but does not affect other organs of the body.

·         It is not present at birth and may show up between the ages of 10-30 in about half the people who get it.

·         It also does not affect any physical or mental capability of a person in any manner, being found in many prominent people in various walks of life, and has no connection with leprosy at all.

·         It may sometimes coexist with thyroid problems, eye and ear disorders, anaemia, diabetes and skin cancer.

·         In this condition, melanocytes, or the cells that make the pigment, melanin, which gives our skin its colour, gradually decreased, get destroyed or are unable to function, causing de-pigmentation in patches of skin, or white patches.

·         Sunscreens (SPF 30), with Echinacea, a natural moisturizer, can guard the skin from sunburn and long-term damage.

·         It also minimizes tanning, which makes the contrast between normal and de-pigmented skin less apparent.

·         Treatments, like surgical melanocyte implantation, phototherapy and laser therapy have also been found useful for large patches.

·         Guided medical and homoeopathic treatments may also be effective for white patches, both for easing and removing them.

·         Proper diet rich in anti-oxidants which can be gained from fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables, a good lifestyle free of stress also aids in controlling the skin condition.

·         In doing so, they also help the individual to cope optimally at both the emotional and physical levels, thus preventing mental depression, marital problems and suicide attempts.

·         Moreover, people must be educated about vitiligo not being a disease, per se, but a skin condition that can be treated, and that it does not spread through contact.

HOW TO MAINTAIN A HEALTHY LIVER

Liver and its functions
1. Liver is one of the most important organs in the body and plays a vital role in overseeing almost all bodily functions.
2. Weighing about 1.5 kg, the liver stores minerals, vitamins and creates new proteins, when needed.
3. It also produces bile, which aids the process of fat digestion in the stomach and intestines.
4. Liver is responsible for breaking down therapeutic ingredients in
medicine, so that it can be quickly absorbed by the body.
5. Its main function is to digest fat and clean the blood.
6. Its supportive role in building coagulation capability helps in
forming blood clots, which stops blood flow during injury.
7. Liver can almost completely regenerate itself into a fully functional
liver even from only 25% functionality.

Symptoms and diagnosis of liver disease
1. Loss of appetite and nausea are common symptoms.
2. Shades of yellow on skin are a sign of toxins build up in the liver.
3. Extensive skin dryness, leading to itching, could also be a sign.
4. Liver disease can diminish clotting function, leading to bleeding for
an extended time.
5. Swelling or edema, which results from toxin build-up or water retention, is a sign that the liver is unable to perform its functions.
6. Fatigue or exhaustion all the time is a symptom of liver disease.
7. Your urine is colourless and the stool is dark.
8. Only liver function tests (LFT) can confirm if the above symptoms are related to liver disease.
9. Always seek your doctor’s advice before taking any medication.

Seven steps to a healthy liver 

1. Maintain healthy diet
a) A diet rich with magnesium, iron, and carbohydrates will keep the liver healthy and help in detoxifying the body.
b) Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is also essential.

2. Avoid alcohol
a) Consuming large amounts of alcohol can lead to three serious conditions – alcoholic hepatitis, fatty liver and
alcoholic cirrhosis.
b) Keep your alcohol intake to a bare minimum or avoid altogether.

3. Avoid drugs
a) Recreational drugs severely damage liver cells.
b) Some prescription medicines can also be hepatotoxic, so do not exceed the recommended dosage of medication, unless advised by your doctor.

4. Add organic foods
a) Organic foods and vegetables are high in antioxidants that protect the liver as well as help in its cleansing processes.
b) Always try to include organic foods in your diet.

5. Avoid environmental pollutants
a) Toxic fumes from paint thinners, bug sprays and other aerosols can enter the body through tiny blood vessels in your lungs and then carried to your liver, injuring it.
e) Wear a protective mask when using these products.

6. Exercise
a) Obesity is a major cause for fatty liver disease.
b) Therefore, exercise on a regular basis to reach your ideal weight.

7. Get vaccinated
Remember to vaccinate yourself against viral liver diseases like hepatitis A and B.

HAIR LOSS IN PATCHES

HAIR LOSS IN PATCHES (ALOPECIA AREATA)

·         Alopecia areata, loss of hair in patches, is an auto immune disorder – a condition in which the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks the hair follicles and destroys them.

·         The patchy hair loss disorder can also be triggered by certain factors such as

o   Hormonal or thyroid problems,

o   Anaemia

o   Certain conventional drugs and chemicals

o   Emotional stress.

·         It wrecks one’s self-confidence and self-esteem, and can trigger emotional and psycho-social distress.

·         When not treated early or appropriately, it can progress to total loss of hair on the scalp (alopecia areata totalis) or complete loss of hair all over the body (alopecia areata universalis).

HOMOEOPATHY TREATMENT

·         Homoeopathy has been proven to be clinically effective in treating alopecia areata.

·         It stimulates the hair follicles and rejuvenates hair.

·         This is followed by re-growth and improved density of hair in the patchy areas.

·         Homoeopathic medicines such as Fluoric Acid, when administered under professional homoeopathic treatment, are effective in preventing further or future loss of hair.

OTHER USEFUL DO’S

·         De-stressing with relaxation techniques

·         Increasing your intake of proteins (soy, oily fish, eggs and chicken)

·         Increasing intake of whole grains, beans, legumes, flaxseed, fenugreek and pumpkin seeds

·         Giving up smoking.

HOW TO RELAX AT YOUR WORKPLACE?

HOW TO RELAX AT YOUR WORKPLACE?

•          Spare some time for yourself.
•          Schedule around 10 to 15 minutes only for yourself.
•          Take a break from work and utilize this time to walk around the building, grab a cup of coffee or sit quietly in a private spot.
•          Soothe your senses by keeping a bottle (or sachet) of lavender essential oil at your desk and breathe deeply.
•          Midway through the day, give your hands a massage with a soothing lotion.
•          Not only will your skin feel good, but your joints and ligaments will thank you too.
•          Also, make sure your keyboard and chair are in correct positions to avoid any kind of pain or discomfort.
•          Perform a mini meditation.
•          Download your favourite music onto your iPod and spend at least five minutes focusing on your breath.
•          Once you leave office, try and focus on life outside work and what makes you happy.
•          If you really wish to vent out your day’s stress to your spouse or friends, limit the nagging to 10 minutes.
•          Do not go on and on about it as it will only increase your blood pressure. 

CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE (CKD)

1. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a slow, progressive and irreversible destruction of the filtering units of the kidney.
2. It leads to retention of excess water and toxic substances in the blood, affecting all cells of the body.
3. CKD can lead to heart attack, heart failure and paralytic strokes, besides other peripheral vascular diseases.

CAUSES OF CKD
1. The two leading causes of CKD are high blood pressure and diabetes, which are now even found in kids and young adults.
2. Obesity, smoking, use of tobacco products, high salt intake are other risk factors for high BP, CVD and CKD.
3. There are no outward symptoms at the early stage of CKD.
4. The advanced stage, when the filtering power of the kidneys is down to around 10%, is known as End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
5. At that stage, life can be sustained only through dialysis or kidney
transplantation.

PREVENTION
1. Avoid unhealthy lifestyle practices, sedentary habits and overeating.
2. Maintain normal body weight according to your BMI.
3. Eat fresh and seasonal fruits, green leafy vegetables, and low fat dairy products.
4. Reduce saturated and total fats, sugar and starch.
5. Limit your salt intake to 6 grams a day.
6. Avoid alcohol and smoking, including passive smoking.
7. Do aerobic exercises, such as brisk walking, for at least 30 minutes a day regularly.
8. Get a kidney function test (KFT) done regularly, especially if you have risk factors like high BP, diabetes and obesity, or if you smoke, are over 40 years of age, and have a family history of kidney disease, or had high BP during pregnancy.

LIVER DISEASE OF NON-ALCOHOLICS

1. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is excess fat deposition in the liver of an individual who does not consume significant amounts of alcohol.
2. NAFLD in India affects males more frequently than females (2:1).
3. It usually manifests after 40 years of age, but can occur even earlier, for example, in those who are obese when young.

REASONS FOR OCCURRENCE
1. Our normal liver has minimal amount of fat, but when more than 5% of the liver weight is due to fat, it is called ‘fatty liver’.
2. The main reason why excess fat gets deposited in the liver is weak metabolism coupled with unhealthy diet.
3. People most predisposed to NAFLD are the ones who have the ‘metabolic syndrome’ – individuals suffering from obesity, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and hyperuricemia.
4. The presence of fat alone is not that harmful, but if the liver reacts to the fat it gets inflamed leading to a condition called the non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
5. This is a stage when NAFLD progresses to scarring (fibriosis) over
time, finally leading to cirrhosis and many complications.
6. NASH is thus a more severe subgroup of NAFLD and can be very dangerous if not treated early.

NAFLD AND BMI 
1. As NAFLD is closely linked to obesity, it is useful to know the BMI (Body Mass Index) before taking preventive measures.
2. In India, the prevalence is high even in those with ‘normal’ BMI.
3. The BMI is derived by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by his/her height in metres squared (kg/m2).
4. In adults, the BMI specifications are:
a) Normal weight – between 20 and 25
b) Overweight – between 25 and 30
c) Obesity – between 30 and 35
d) Significant obesity – between 35 and 40 and
e) Morbid obesity – between 40 and 45.
5. The cut-off BMI levels for NAFLD risk in India may be as low as 22, i.e. waist circumference of 90 cm in men and 80 cm in women, and waist hip ratio of 0.88 in men and 0.8 in women.

SYMPTOMS AND DIAGNOSIS
1. NAFLD and NASH are problems that usually have no symptoms.
2. The diagnosis is made during a routine health check up (ultrasonography and biochemical liver profile) or when the patient undergoes these test for some other reasons.
3. Generally, those who are obese and are predisposed to ‘metabolic syndrome’ will, in all probability, have a fatty liver problem as well.
4. Also, there is an entity loosely called ‘lean NASH’ where the condition occurs even in lean individuals, although the exact mechanism for this occurrence is not fully known.

TREATMENT
1. Treatment should be not just of the condition but the cause too.
2. Treatment for control of obesity or diabetes is a part and parcel of holistic lifestyle management, but even medications such as the UDCA and anti-oxidants are prescribed to protect the liver.

PREVENTION
1. But the most preventive measure you can take is the age-old, time-tested norm of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding the associated lifestyle disorders.
2. You must abstain from alcohol completely.
3. You must get evaluated for other medical disorders that may inflame the liver (e.g. hepatitis B or C) before the diagnosis is confirmed.
4. You may have to consult a gastroenterologist to get a full idea of the entity.
5. You should get moving and start exercising, as only mental activity is not enough.
6. You should give up processed food totally and stick to the normal Indian thali.
7. Improper sleep and smoking can aggravate the condition, hence, try and audit your stress levels.