Preventing Foot Problems
Category: Articles, Featured
Finding a comfortable shoe isn’t just about getting the right size. Learn how to get the right fit and more tips to keep your feet healthy.
Medical visits
- Report any foot pain or discomfort to your doctor. Your feet are not supposed to hurt.
- If you are a diabetic, be sure to have a foot checkup at least once a year.
Exercise and your feet
- Wear appropriate, properly fitted athletic shoes when you exercise.
- Walk often. Walking is the best exercise for your feet. It also contributes to your general health by improving circulation, contributing to weight control and promoting all-around well-being.
- Emphasize proper technique and basic movement skills in all sports, especially in children younger than age 10.
- Warm up before participating in sports, at any age.
- Vary your sports. Experts say that children who concentrate on a single sport at too young an age are more likely to develop injuries of the foot and ankle. Save specialization in sports for the late teens.
- Listen to your body: limit exercise if you have pain in your feet or ankles.
- Avoid walking barefoot on dirty pavements or littered ground. It can expose feet to painful skin infections, splinters and lacerations.
Buying footwear
- Shop for shoes in the afternoon. Your feet tend to swell during the day, and it’s best to buy shoes to fit you then.
- Have your feet measured every time you purchase shoes.
- Have your feet measured while you’re standing.
- Try shoes on both feet. Many people have one foot larger than the other. It’s best to fit the larger one.
- Realize that high-heels, pointy-toed shoes and certain other dictates of fashion can harm your feet. If you must wear them, do so infrequently and for short periods of time.
- Recognize the signs of ill-fitting shoes. (For example, corns and calluses are caused by friction from skin rubbing against bony areas of the feet, usually caused by shoes that don’t fit properly.)
- It’s best to have more than one pair of shoes and alternate wearing them to avoid rapid deterioration of the shoes.
- The condition of the shoe is more important than the price tag or brand name.
- Excessive wearing out indicates it’s time to replace the shoes.
Toenail tips
- Trim your toenails straight across with clippers specially designed for the purpose.
- Leave toenails slightly longer than the tips of your toes.
By : Islam Abu-Rayya
Blogger & Online Communication Coordinator
http://www.myoptumhealth.com
To avoid some common problems encountered in Ramadhan part 2
Category: Articles, Featured
Below listed common health issues faced in Ramadhan, their causes, and their remedies:
CONSTIPATION
Constipation can cause piles (haemorrhoids), fissures (painful cracks in anal canal) and indigestion with a bloated feeling.
Causes: Too much refined foods, too little water and not enough fibre
in the diet.
Remedy: Avoid excessive refined foods, increase water intake, use bran in baking and brown flour when making flatbread.
INDIGESTION AND WIND
Causes: Over-eating. Too many fried and fatty foods, spicy foods, and foods that produce wind e.g. eggs, cabbage, lentils. Carbonated drinks like Cola also produce gas.
Remedy: Do not over-eat, drink fruit juices or better still, drink water. Avoid fried foods, add ajmor to wind-producing foods.
LETHARGY (‘low blood pressure’)
Excessive sweating, weakness, tiredness, lack of energy, dizziness, especially on getting up from sitting position, pale appearance and feeling faint are symptoms associated with “low blood pressure”. This tends to occur towards the afternoon.
Causes: Too little fluid intake, decreased salt intake.
Remedy: Keep cool, increase fluid and salt intake.
Caution: Low blood pressure should be confirmed by taking a blood
pressure reading when symptoms are present. Persons with high blood pressure may need their medication adjusted during Ramadhan. They should consult their doctor.
HEADACHE
Causes: Caffeine and tobacco-withdrawal, doing too much in one day, lack of sleep, and hunger. Usually occur as the day goes by and worsens at the end of the day. When associated with “low blood pressure”, the headache can be quite severe and can also cause nausea before Iftar.
Remedy: Cut down caffeine and tobacco slowly starting a week or two before Ramadhan. Herbal and caffeine-free teas may be substituted. Reorganise your schedule during the Ramadan to have adequate sleep.
LOW BLOOD SUGAR
Weakness, dizziness, tiredness, poor concentration, perspiring easily, feeling shaky (tremor), unable to perform physical activities, headache, palpitations are symptoms of low blood sugar.
Causes (in non-diabetics): Having too much sugar i.e. refined carbohydrates especially at suhoor. The body produces too much insulin causing the blood glucose to drop.
Remedy: Eat something at suhoor and limit sugar-containing foods and drinks.
Caution: Diabetics may need to adjust their medication in Ramadhan.
Consult your doctor.
MUSCLE CRAMPS
Causes: Inadequate intake of calcium, magnesium and potassium foods.
Remedy: Eat foods rich in the above minerals e.g. vegetables, fruit, dairy products, meat and dates.
Caution: Those on high blood pressure medication and with kidney stone problems should consult their doctor.
PEPTIC ULCERS, HEART BURN, GASTRITIS AND HIATUS HERNIA
Increased acid levels in the empty stomach in Ramadhan aggravate the above conditions. It presents a burning feeling in the stomach area under the ribs and can extend up to the throat. Spicy foods, coffee, and Cola drinks worsen these conditions.
Medications are available to control acid levels in the stomach. People with proven peptic ulcers and hiatus hernia should consult their doctor well before Ramadhan.
KIDNEY STONES
Kidney stones may occur in people who have less liquids to drink. Therefore, it is essential to drink extra liquids to prevent stone formation.
JOINT PAINS
Causes: During Ramadhan, when extra Salah are performed, the pressure on the knee joints increases. In the elderly and those with arthritis, this may result in pain, stiffness, swelling and discomfort.
Remedy: Lose weight so that the knees do not have to carry any extra load. Exercise the lower limbs before Ramadhan so that they can be prepared for the additional strain. Being physically fit allows greater fulfillment, thus enabling one to be able to perform Salah with ease.
By : Islam Abu-Rayya
Blogger & Online Communication Coordinator
http://www.islam101.com/ramadan/foodTips.htm
To avoid some common problems encountered in Ramadhan part 1
Category: Articles, Featured
This article provides useful advice on how to avoid some common problems encountered in Ramadhan. If followed, it would enable one to fast comfortably and enjoy fully the spiritual benefits of Ramadhan.
Come Ramadhan, our diet is radically altered. Our meals get condensed in mornings and evenings, with no intake in-between for an extended period of time. For some of us, the intake of oily foods skyrockets. These changes in diet aren’t well received by everyone.
In the month of Ramadhan our diet should not differ very much from our normal diet and should be as simple as possible
Our diet should maintain our normal weight, although he does mention that if one is over-weight, Ramadhan is a good time to shed some pounds.
In view of the long hours of fasting, we should consume slow digesting foods including fibre containing-foods rather than fast-digesting foods. Slow digesting foods last up to 8 hours, while ast-digesting foods last for only 3 to 4 hours
Slow-digesting foods are foods that contain grains and seeds such as barley, wheat, oats, semolina, beans, lentils, wholemeal flour, and unpolished rice. These are called complex carbohydrates.
Meals in Ramadhan should be well-balanced, and they should contain foods from each food group, such as fruits, vegetables, meat/chicken/fish, bread/cereals and dairy products.
Fried foods are unhealthy and should be limited. They cause indigestion, heart-burn, and weight problems
Below are recommendations for a Ramadhan diet:
AVOID:
Fried and fatty foods.
Foods containing too much sugar.
Over-eating especially at suhoor.
Too much tea at suhoor: Tea makes you pass more urine taking with it
valuable mineral salts that your body would need during the day.
Smoking cigarettes: If you cannot give up smoking, cut down gradually
starting a few weeks before Ramadhan. Smoking is unhealthy and one should stop completely.
EAT:
Complex carbohydrates at suhoor so that the food lasts longer making
you less hungry.
Dates are excellent source of sugar, fibre, carbohydrates, potassium
and magnesium.
Almonds are rich in protein and fibre with less fat.
Bananas are a good source of potassium, magnesium and carbohydrates.
DRINK:
As much water or fruit juices as possible between iftar and bedtime so that your body may adjust fluid levels in time.
Cracking the Case of Arthritis
Category: Articles, Featured
If your doctor says you have arthritis, you’ve just scratched the surface. Find out more about types and treatment of arthritis.
Arthritis is a broad term that means inflammation of the joint caused by overuse, disease or injury. But there are many types of arthritis. Some involve more than the joint. The effects can be far-reaching and may include tendons, muscles and other organs in the body. Arthritis or joint damage can be caused by injury, wear and tear or a glitch in your immune system that causes it to attack the body’s own tissues.
The clues: zeroing in on your risks
Some forms of arthritis are linked to specific risks. But only your doctor can pinpoint the exact type of arthritis you have. He or she will take into account your:
- Age. Middle-aged people are more prone to rheumatoid arthritis. Older people are more likely to develop osteoarthritis.
- Gender. Some types of arthritis are more common in men and others in women. Women are more prone to rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Young men are more likely to develop ankylosing spondyltis, a type of arthritis that affects the back.
- Weight. Extra weight puts additional wear and tear on joints. It can contribute to osteoarthritis, especially of the hip and knee.
More clues: symptoms of arthritis
The symptoms of arthritis usually involve small or larger joints in the body and may include:
- Pain, with or without movement
- Stiffness, may be worse in the morning
- Swelling, could be due to fluid in joint space
- Bony enlargement or nodules
- Warmth and redness over the joint
One or more joints could be involved:
- Osteoarthritis usually involves the large joints, such as the hip or knee.
- Rheumatoid arthritis often involves the smaller joints in the hands or feet on both sides.
If your arthritis is an autoimmune disease, it means your immune system is somehow involved. These conditions include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis: may include generalized fever and malaise
- Systemic lupus erythematosus: may cause stroke and respiratory problems
- Fibromyalgia: characterized by trigger points, painful areas in muscles
The doctor and disease detective
Your doctor will ask you to describe your symptoms clearly. You will also be asked about any symptoms that seem unrelated like fever or breathing trouble. Piecing together these clues can help your doctor find the culprit.
After the doctor takes a careful history, he or she will examine your joints for swelling, tenderness, and pain. Your doctor will check to see how much you can move your joint (range of motion). If there is fluid in the joint, your doctor may remove the fluid and collect it for analysis. Lab tests of joint fluid often include:
- Microscopic examination. This test may find crystals, which is seen in gout.
- Culture. An infected joint is seen in septic arthritis.
Your primary doctor can evaluate and treat most cases of arthritis. Some people are referred to arthritis specialists called rheumatologists.
Cracking the case: finding the best treatment for your type of arthritis
The goals of treatment are not only to relieve pain, but to stop any joint damage and restore any lost function. A combination approach is often required.
- Oral medications
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other pain relievers.
- Disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. These drugs may slow or stop the immune system from attacking the joints. Some, called biologics, are genetically engineered drugs that block specific pathways of inflammation that cause damage to tissues.
- Physical or occupational therapy. A therapist works with you to recover lost movement or function through exercises and application of heat/cold and other methods. The therapist may also teach you to protect your joints by using your stronger joints to carry out tasks, and how to use assistive devices to make daily life easier.
- Joint injections. Corticosteroid medication blocks inflammation and can sometimes be injected directly into the joint space.
- Surgery. Joint replacement surgery is one option for severe arthritis of the hip or knee.
What can I do to self-manage my arthritis?
Exercise regularly. Once your pain is managed, ask your doctor what the best level of activity is for you. Choose an activity that won’t stress your joints, such as walking, cycling or swimming. Getting exercise every day is shown to reduce the pain of arthritis and extend your range of motion. Exercise will also help you to reach or maintain a healthy weight, which can help with the pain of osteoarthritis.
By : Islam Abu-Rayya
Blogger & Online Communication Coordinator
http://www.myoptumhealth.com
Learning About Your Medical Condition
Category: Articles, Featured
A new medical diagnosis can be overwhelming. Take these three steps to take charge of your health.
You’ve been poked and prodded. You’ve had the tests and anxiously awaited the results. Finally, the verdict is in. Now you know what’s been ailing you.
Maybe it’s a condition you’ve heard of before or maybe it’s completely unfamiliar. Whether you’ve just been diagnosed, or are in the midst of making a medical decision, learn all you can.
Empowering yourself with knowledge of your disease is the first step to managing it well. Learn everything you can about your diagnosis and treatment options and take charge of your health.
1. Choose and use your doctor
Your doctor or nurse is your best source for learning more about your symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options. Your doctor will help you understand your condition and teach you how to keep it under control, what to watch for and when to call. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding your illness.
Start by asking your doctor:
- What caused my illness?
- How can I stop it from getting worse?
- Does my condition put me at risk for any other diseases?
- Is it permanent?
- How can I ease my symptoms?
- What treatment options are available?
- What are the risks and benefits of each treatment?
- How much do treatments cost? Are they covered by my health insurance?
- What activities or foods, if any, should I avoid?
- How do I take my medication?
2. Do your own research
There are many helpful health resources on the Web. But beware. While there is a lot of good, accurate information, there’s plenty that’s not. Only search reliable websites to learn about your condition:
- The National Institutes of Health (NIH) at www.nih.gov, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at www.cdc.gov
- Organizations exist for just about every disease or condition, including:
- The American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org
- The American Heart Association at www.heart.org
- The American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org
- National Alliance on Mental Illness at www.nami.org.
- If your condition is rare, check out the website for the National Organization of Rare Disorders (NORD) at www.rarediseases.org. NORD will provide you with information on the disorder and a searchable database that links to organizations specific to that disease.
Your doctor knows the exact details of your illness, so confirm anything you read on the Internet with him or her. Never change your treatment unless directed by your doctor.
3. Don’t play doctor
Online information is not a substitute for doctor visits. If you have not yet seen a doctor, don’t diagnose yourself by using the Internet. Many diseases present with similar symptoms so it’s critical to see your doctor.
By : Islam Abu-Rayya
Blogger & Online Communication Coordinator
http://www.myoptumhealth.com
