HEPATITIS VIRUS PROTECTION - A PRIMER

HEPATITIS VIRUS PROTECTION
1. Hepatitis B and C viruses are both ‘silent’ viruses.
2. They can infect a person for years without him knowing about it.

HEPATITIS B
1. It is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause acute and chronic liver disease, liver cancer or cirrhosis (scarring of the liver leading to liver failure).
2. It could spread through contact with blood or other body fluids like semen and vaginal fluid of an infected person, from mother to baby at birth, unsafe injection practices, blood transfusions and sexual contact.
3. However, it is not spread by contaminated food or water.
4. All newborn babies, high-risk people, like partners of HIV infected persons, and healthcare workers should be vaccinated against Hepatitis B, as it is the only way to prevent it.
5. This vaccine protects one throughout life or at least for 20 years.

HEPATITIS C
1. It is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause acute and chronic liver disease, liver cancer or cirrhosis (scarring of the liver leading to liver failure).
2. It is spread via contaminated blood through blood-to-blood contact with an infected person or from sharing household items that may have blood on them (even if no blood is visible), such as toothbrushes, razors or scissors.
3. It does not spread through breast milk, food or water or by casual contact such as hugging, kissing and sharing food or drinks with an infected person.
4. There is no vaccine available globally to prevent Hepatitis C.
5. To prevent infection, use sterilized medical and dental equipment, never share syringes or needles, do not share any household items that could have any blood on them, such as toothbrushes, razors or scissors, and wear protective gloves if you have to
handle somebody’s blood.

HIV AND AIDS - A PRIMER

HIV
1. HIV stands for the Human Immuno-deficiency Virus.
2. After getting into the body, the virus kills or damages cells of the immune system.
3. The body keeps up by making new cells or trying to contain the virus, but eventually HIV wins and destroys the body’s ability to fight infections and cancers.

HIV TRANSMISSION
1. HIV enters the body usually by injecting infected cells or semen.
2. HIV infection is usually spread by having sex.
3. Although intercourse is the primary risk factor, oral sex transmission is
possible.
4. HIV frequently spreads among injection-drug users who share
syringes.
5. Women can transmit HIV to their babies during pregnancy or birth or through breastfeeding.
6. People who already have a sexually transmitted infection are more likely to acquire HIV infection during sex with an infected partner.
7. It can also be transmitted even if a person is under treatment.
8. The virus does not spread through casual contact such as preparing food, sharing towels and bedding, or via swimming pools, telephones, or toilet seats.
9. It also cannot be transmitted through any insect bite.

AIDS
1. AIDS stands for Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome, and is a collection of illnesses.
2. It is caused by HIV and occurs when the virus destroys so much of the body’s defenses that immune-cell counts fall to life-threatening levels and are unable to fight opportunistic infections.
3. A positive HIV test result does not mean that a person has AIDS.

AIDS SYMPTOMS
1. People with HIV often do not know they are infected.
2. Many people do not develop symptoms after they first get infected, but others have a history of flu-like illness within several days to weeks after exposure to the virus.
3. Early HIV symptoms could include fever, headache, tiredness, and enlarged lymph nodes in the neck.
4. These symptoms usually disappear within a few weeks.
5. After that, the person feels normal and has no symptoms – a phase that could last for 5-9 years.
6. The common opportunistic infections encountered by HIV/AIDS patients are: TB, HIV-TB, Candidiasis, Pneumocystis carini, Toxoplasmosis, Cryptococcosis, Cryptosporidial diarrhoea, Cytomegolo virus infection, and P.Marneffea infections.

HIV TEST
1. If you have engaged in unprotected sex outside a mutual monogamous relationship, or shared needles using drugs, take an HIV test.
2. Early detection and treatment slows the growth of HIV.

HIV TREATMENT
1. As single-drug therapies have effects which last only for a limited duration, are also very expensive and have severe adverse reactions, while the virus tends to develop resistance quickly, the emphasis is on giving a combination of drugs including newer expensive drugs called protease inhibitors.
2. Therefore, WHO’s policy advocates strengthening of clinical management for opportunistic infections with better care programmes to prolong survival and improve the quality of life of
people living with HIV/AIDS.
3. If you are pregnant and infected with HIV, you may be able to reduce the risk to your unborn child by getting treatment early.
4. By following certain steps and precautions, women with HIV/AIDS can and do have families too.

TEN ESSENTIAL PARTY RULES

TEN ESSENTIAL PARTY RULES

1. Be polite

·         In case someone does smile at you, be polite as it doesn’t cost much.

2. Never answer a call inside the party

·         It is rude to talk on phone with the loud music in the background.

3. Eat regularly

·         Keep eating food through the party to ensure that your body feels just right.

4. Don’t embarrass yourself while dancing

·         While dancing is fun, avoid embarrassing yourself to the extent that you wouldn’t be able to face your friends the next day.

5. Don’t venture into the dance floor alone

·         With the high excitement level, you never know when one may misbehave that night.

6. Stay with your set of friends

·         Never accept a drink from a stranger, no matter how good looking he or she is.

7. Don’t mix your drinks

·         Stick to the same drink all through the night to avoid a hangover the next day.

8. Don’t leave your drink alone

·         Your drinks could be spiked with drugs if they are left unattended.

9. Don’t drink and drive

·         Ensure you have a designated volunteer within your set of party friends, who abstains from drinking that night, and can drive or organize for a cab if needed.

10. Don’t incite anyone on the road

If you leave the party on a ‘high note’, don’t get excited and incite anyone on the road, as road rage can be at the highest at that point of time from either side.

VITAMIN B-12 DEFICIENCY

1.Vitam B-12 belongs to the B-complex group of vitamins.
2. It is stored in the liver and present in small amounts in every tissue.
3. It has a role to play in the functions of almost all organs.
4. It is mainly required for DNA production, a healthy nervous system, and for formation of red blood cells.

SYMPTOMS OF DEFICIENCY
1. The hormonal changes due to its deficiency causes muscle weakness, fatigue, unsteady gait, depression, mood and memory disorders.
2. Its deficiency increases levels of an amino acid called homocysteine that increases blood stickiness.
3. These symptoms may not show up immediately because of reserves in the body.
4. Problems surface when levels fall below 250 picograms per millimeter of blood.

OCCURANCE OF DEFICIENCY
1. Vitamin B-12 deficiency can also occur in those:
a) who are diabetics taking drugs, since the drugs interfere with absorption of the vitamin,
b) who have had stomach surgery for ulcers or weight reduction,
c) who are heavy drinkers,
d) taking potassium supplements, or amino salicylic acid for inflammatory bowel disease,
e) taking drugs for fits,
f) who are suffering from H Pylori and Giardia infections.

DAILY REQUIREMENT
1. Actually, we need very little vitamin B-12, i.e. only 2.4 micrograms every day. 2. Non-vegetarian food provides enough of this, especially liver, red meat and fish.
3. Eggs and chicken are also good sources but have lower content.
4. For vegetarians, dairy products are the only source.
5. They should therefore consume at least 3 cups each of milk and curds daily to get enough of vitamin B-12.
6. Vitamin B-12 from both natural and synthetic sources must be combined with a substance in the stomach or an intrinsic factor, to be absorbed.
7. This factor is lacking in people with pernicious anaemia.
8. Food sources of B-12 need stomach acid for their absorption.
9. So, if stomach acid is continuously suppressed by acid-lowering drugs, even non-vegetarians can develop B-12 deficiency.
10. Stomach acid reduces with age and regular supplementation may be required in the old.
11. Synthetic B-12, however, does not require stomach acid for absorption.

TREATMENT
1. Most patients respond to oral medication that can be gradually reduced over time and then maintained after levels are normal.
2. Injections are required only for those with severe deficiency or if suffering from pernicious anaemia.

VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY

VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY
 1. Vitamin D increases calcium and phosphorous absorption from the intestines, thereby helping in bone formation.
2. It is essential for healthy bones, muscles and teeth.
3. Deficiency of Vitamin D reduces calcium absorption from 60% to 15%.
4. Severe deficiency of Vitamin D could lead to weak bones, rickets in children, osteomalacia (soft bones) in adults, joint pains, tooth cavities, skin related problems, poor concentration levels and listlessness.
5. Vitamin D deficiency is also linked to hypertension, low immunity, heart failure, heart attack, asthma, cancer, diabetes, tuberculosis, mental illness, arthritis and reduced mortality.

REASONS FOR DEFICIENCY
1. Inadequate body exposure to sunlight when bed-ridden, ageing or
completely clothed in winter.
2. Having a dark skin, using a sunscreen lotion always, or in a polluted atmosphere.
3. Suffering from obesity, mal-absorption, kidney or liver ailments.
4. Using drugs for fits or AIDS.

SOURCES OF VITAMIN D
1. Sun is the best source of Vitamin D.
2. Exposure of 15% of your body to sunlight for 15 minutes everyday, preferably between 10-12 in the morning, is sufficient to meet your daily requirement of Vitamin D.
3. We get 80-90% of Vitamin D from our skin, where it is available in inactive form, which gets activated on exposure to sunlight and subsequent action of the liver and kidneys.
4. Active Vitamin D is present in fish, fish liver oils, egg yolk, fortified dairy products, yeast and grain products.
5. Algae, sun-grown mushrooms and soya are good sources of Vitamin D for vegetarians.
6. UV lamps used for skin tanning at wavelengths of 295-297 nm can also be used where sufficient sunlight is not available.
7. Vitamin D-3 supplements can be effective for patients using drugs for fits or AIDS.
8. However, calcium and Vitamin D supplements are not to be used in patients with hypercalcaemia and kidney stones, as calcium supplements can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in those having normal calcium and Vitamin D levels in their blood.

HOW IS BRAIN DEATH ESTABLISHED?

·        Brain death in India is determined by a series of clinical tests performed by four doctors independently.

·        They are not part of the transplant team and are neurologists or neurosurgeons who have been certified by the state authority, the doctor taking care of the patient, as well as the medical head of the hospital.

·        A series of tests are conducted to determine brain death, and have been laid out in the Human Organs Transplantation Act (Form 8).

·        Tests are conducted to rule out any other reason that could be causing the brain not to function, such as medical conditions, medication overdose, intoxication (alcohol), depressant drugs, relaxants (neuromuscular blocking agents) or extreme cold.

·        Death is indicated if the patient cannot breathe without assistance, has no pupil response to light nor response to pain.

·        An apnea test is performed to determine if the person can breathe on his own.

·        Here, the doctors will disconnect the patient from the ventilator and check blood gas levels.

·        A brain dead person will not breathe on his own and the carbon dioxide levels in his blood gas will be very high.

·        These tests have to be repeated by all four doctors after six hours to make a final declaration.

·        Once brain death has been declared, there is no chance for recovery.

·        The legal time of death is when the final diagnosis of brain death has been documented in the hospital chart.

ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

1. What is Alzheimer’s disease?

·         It is a progressive degenerative disorder in which the nerve cells of the brain are destroyed and the brain substance decreases.

·         It can be regarded as the most common form of dementia (disorder of the mental processes) that has no cure.

·         Unlike other forms of dementia, it is a disease in which the patient’s condition only worsens.

2. Whom does it affect?

·         It normally affects those over 60, but even 30-year olds can get affected by it.

·         A family history of mental illnesses is one of the direct causes.

·         Other indirect causes are pollution, a bad lifestyle, food habits and the degeneration of the joint family.

·         Urban areas have higher incidence of the disease than rural areas.

3. What are its stages?

·         Stage 1: No memory problems during medical interview.

·         Stage 2: Individuals feel memory lapses and forget familiar words and names.

·         Stage 3: Decreased ability to remember names when introduced to new people.

·         Stage 4:

o   Clear-cut deficiencies in knowledge of recent occasions or current events.

o   Decreased ability to perform tasks like paying bills, managing finances, etc.

·         Stage 5:

o   Major gaps in memory.

o   Difficulty in recollecting one’s own address, telephone numbers, etc.

·         Stage 6:

o   Significant personality changes may emerge.

o   Need help in getting dressed properly.

o   Experience hallucinations and tend to wander and become lost.

·         Stage 7:

o   Individuals lose the ability to speak.

o   Need help with eating and using the toilet.

o   Reflexes become abnormal.

4. How can it be diagnosed and cared for?

·         Lack of awareness continues to be a major hurdle to its treatment.

·         The cost of treatment also deters people from seeking medical help.

·         Neither is there any government help nor any insurance support for this disease.

·         A neurologist who specializes in brain disorders and the nervous system can evaluate the person for problems that may signal brain disorders.

·         Awareness about this degenerative and irreversible disorder is very important to understand and care for the patients affected with Alzheimer’s.

·         In most of the cases, the early symptoms are mistaken for age-related forgetfulness.

·         Early detection will help in taking care of the patient and bearing with the pain of seeing loved ones deteriorate into a living log.

5. How can one stay in good shape mentally?

a)    Log on

·         The social sites on the Internet help you to network, meet new friends and strengthen old relations.

·         You can also contribute to blogs which you like, or start your own blog too.

b)   Take a walk

·         Meeting new people and making friends during a walk on the streets or a nearby park is easier than it looks.

·         Bumping into people can be a positive thing, along with getting fit and exercising.

c)    Hobbies and pastime

·         It is a good way to find people with your own common interests

·         There are hobby clubs which could serve you a dual purpose of building a social circle and pursuing your hobby.

d)   Team effort

·         Team sports are a great way to socialize and build team spirit in you.

·         As you continue to play with and against each other, there is a bond that builds which can sometimes last a lifetime.

e)    Course through

·         Learning a new thing with a new person may result in making that person your new friend.

·         Learning is a rewarding experience and so is meeting new friends.

·         When you join a language course, there is a possibility that you end up making new friends and also learning the language more effectively.

f)     Group culture

·         Join a group of some sort with which you have a common goal.

·         It is a good way to be around people with the same passions as yourself.

·         It does wonders to your sense of identity too.

g)   Be more visible and venture out

·         You won’t meet people by sitting in the confines of your home.

·         You may be having a number of acquaintances but very few friends, because you are less visible as a person.

·         Try chatting with your colleagues which will help you by they knowing what you are like.

·         Going into clubs, cinema halls and restaurants will also help you meet interesting people.

h)   Something different

·         Bring some changes by trying a makeover in your lifestyle.

·         Change is good for you and they will help you cope with life’s unpredictability.

·         With changes, you’ll find new friends, and maybe even some best friends.

WANTING TO SHIFT TO ANOTHER SECTOR?

TAKING A LEAP TO A NEW INDUSTRY

·         If you believe that you've reached a dead-end, it could be a good reason to switch to a new sector.

·         However, remember that switching industries can be challenging, especially in a recession, where recruiters are spoilt for choice. 

1. Where do you go?

·         Make a shortlist of potential industries by checking out the following things:

o   Which industries have hired professionals from your current firm or industry?

o   Which job advertisements use key words that accurately describe your present role or responsibilities?

o   Which other industries do the vendors of your firm work with?

o   What do mentors and senior professionals in your industry advise you?

·         Research this list of industries to figure out the demand for professionals with your abilities and the growth opportunities on offer.

·         Match these with the salary paid and your expectations.

·         The sustained profitability of the target industry will have a greater influence on your success than your individual competence.

2. Where is the money?

·         Once you have narrowed your focus to one or two industries, understand them thoroughly:

o   Who are the customers of these industries?

o   Where do the revenues come from?

o   What changes in the environment or marketplace can affect the fortunes of different firms in the industry ?

o   How are individual competitors in the industry different from each other?

o   How do they leverage the differences to earn their money?

·         Your research will help you evaluate three important things:

o   Whether your skills are directly relevant and valuable to the end-customer,

o   Whether you will like working in that space, and

o   Whether your competencies can be leveraged to your benefit during the job hunt.

3. What are you selling?

·         You are the product that has to be sold.

·         You are keen that your new customer—the target industry buys your skills and competencies, so you'll need to build your resume from scratch to reflect the needs of the new sector.

·         As you craft your resume, discard keywords and jargon picked up from your current industry.

·         For any achievement or skill that you want to showcase, rewrite it in the following four different styles and pick the sentence that works best.

·         First, change specific data to general descriptions that can fit multiple roles.

·         Second, reword generic descriptions to highlight specific accomplishments that are understood better by your potential employer.

·         Third, describe achievements in terms of transferable skills relevant to the new industry.

·         Fourth, elaborate how your skills can achieve desired benefits for the potential employer.

·         To benchmark and position yourself favourably, research and compare profiles of people already working in the target industry.

4. Who do you know?

·         Now connect with industry persons.

·         Good places to start are trade shows, conferences and professional networking sites and communities.

·         While connecting, focus on learning how to communicate better, what opportunities exist and how to get references to potential recruiters and decision-makers .

·         Where possible, meet up with your connections and get a first-hand understanding of the work profile.

5. How do you make the move?

·         For best results, take baby steps towards your goal.

·         Start by convincing your family and friends to get their support.

·         Next, make sure that you do not put all your eggs in one basket and apply to multiple roles.

·         Increase your chances of getting hired by being open to relocation and willing to consider a cut in salary.

·         Finally, understand that sometimes it is easier to make multiple small shifts instead of one large change in your career.