Healthy Bites Aug

8/8/2019 Healthy Bites Aug

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Malaria mostly affects people with weak immune system. The name "mal 'aria" (meaning "bad air" in Italian) is caused

by the bite of afemale anopheles mosquito which may inject the malarial parasites into our blood stream while suckingblood for its food. Once in the blood, the parasites travel to the liver and enter liver cells to grow and multiply. During this

"incubation period", the infected person has no symptoms. After as few as 8 days or as long as several months, the

parasites leave the liver cells and enter red blood cells where they continue to grow and multiply. Toxins released when

the red cells burst are what cause the typical fever, chills, and flu-like malaria symptoms.

nPeople living in areas where Malaria is on a break out.

nAreas surrounded by water bodies namely sea, lakes, small

accumulation of water puddles etc, where mosquitoes tend to breed.

nPregnant women living in mosquito infected areas.

nSmall kids and those with low immunity power.

nPeople travelling frequently either from malaria transmitted areas to

other areas or vice-versa.

nIt can also be transmitted through blood transfusions.

Malaria Symptoms:

Did you notice symptoms appearing in 3 stages -

1. Cold stage

2. Hot stage

3. Sweating stage

And when you visited the doctor, he indicated you about

one of the Mosquito Malaise Malaria!! Well, symptoms

usually appear within 10 and 15 days after the mosquito

bite. Attacks can occur for years if malaria is not diagnosed

and treated. Eventually, the body's immune system may

develop a defense against malaria attacks, and they may

become less severe in some people. However, treatment is

needed to cure most forms of malaria.

People at Risk:

FACING THE MOSQUITO MALAISE?

Hi friends,

We all have been enjoying the rains, getting wet on the streets, eating

hot bhajias or even hot golden corn.

Lit tle did we expect that we would be

under the huge malarial attack with

that tiny sized insect the Mosquito!!

The onset of monsoon along with the

warm Indian climate brings with it a

rise in monsoon-related ailments such

as dengue and malaria.


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In a glass of water, add a tsp of cinnamon

powder, a tsp of honey and a dash of pepper

powder. Boil this concoction and have it after

it cools down a bit.

Tip to cure Malaria

People with malaria have the following symptoms:

nAbdominal Pain

nChills and Sweating

nDiarrhoea, Nausea, and Vomiting (at times)

nHeadache

nHigh Fever

nLow Blood Pressure causing dizziness

nMuscle Ache

nPoor Appetite

In many cases, malaria is seen to

cause anaemia and jaundice

(yellow colouring of the skin and

eyes) because of the loss of red

blood cells. This usually occurs

due to the destruction of red

blood cells by the parasites. The

remains of the destroyed red

blood cells clump together and

cause blockages in the blood

vessels. This can result in brain

damage or kidney damage,

which can be fatal.

In people infected with Plasmodium Falciparum, the following symptoms may also

occur and if not promptly treated, may turn fatal causing death:

nAnaemia

nExtreme tiredness, delirium, unconsciousness, convulsions, and coma

nkidney failure

nPulmonary oedema - a serious condition where fluid builds up in the lungs, which can lead to severe breathing

problems.

Infection with one type of malaria - P. falciparum, Malaria can be diagnosed easily with a simple blood test where the

parasites are seen, but sometimes repeated tests may have to be performed. There are very good drugs for malaria but

a proper course must be completed; otherwise it may become chronic with repeated bouts of fever.

General diet guidelines for treatment during Malaria:

Diet is of utmost importance in the treatment of malaria: The diet can be incorporated in 3 phases -

n To begin with, you should stay on orange juice and

water for a few days, depending on the severity of the fever. This can help improve

the immunity and help in subsiding the malarial attack.

n Once the fever has subsided, try to stick to an exclusive fresh-fruit

diet for the first few days including of orange, grapes, grapefruit, apple, pineapple,

mango and papaya. Milk may then be added to the diet gradually.

n Thereafter, gradually move to a well-balanced diet

of natural foods, consisting of seeds, nuts and grains, with emphasis on fresh fruits, and raw vegetables. Also include

lots of water or thin fluids throughout the day to flush out the toxins. Infact a glass of lukewarm water mixed with half

a freshly squeezed lime and a teaspoon of honey must be taken daily as a routine.

Fast on orange juice and water:

Fresh-fruit diet:

Well-balanced diet with lots of fresh fruits and raw vegetables:


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One should avoid strong tea, coffee, refined and processed foods, fried foods, condiments, sauces, pickles, white sugar,

white flour, and all products made from them. He should also avoid all non-vegetarian foods, alcoholic drinks and

smoking.

This pack is made by wringing out a sheet in cold water and wrapping it round

the body. This pack should be applied every three hours during the day while the temperature is high and kept on for an

hour or so.

Malaria can be prevented by protection againstmosquito

bites, cleanliness of surrounding areas, and ensuring that there is no pool of stagnant water lying around. Infact you can

spray a layer of kerosene on all water bodies near the houseincluding ponds to prevent mosquito larvae from breeding.

Dengue and Chikungunya

Dengue and Chikungunya are both caused by the bite of Aedes Egyptii Mosquito that breeds only in clean fresh water.

The mosquito flourishes during rainy seasons but can breed in water-filled flower pots, plastic bags, and cans year-

round. One mosquito bite can inflict the disease.

We are lucky that the virus is not contagious and cannot spread directly from person to person. There must be a person-

to-mosquito-to-another-person pathway. Dengue is diagnosed by a special blood test that takes a day.

Symptoms of Dengue:

Dengue fever is an acute illness with sudden onset of symptoms such as headache, fever, exhaustion, severe muscle and

joint pain, swollen glands and rash. The presence of fever, rash, and headache (and other pains) is particularly

characteristic of dengue. Victims of dengue often have contortions due to the intense joint and muscle pain, hence the

name break-bone fever.

After being bitten by the specific mosquito, the signs and symptoms of

dengue appear within 3 to 15 days. Dengue begins with chills,

headache, pain upon moving the eyes, and lower backache. Painful

aching in the legs and joints occurs during the first hours of illness. You

will notice that the body temperature rises quickly as high as 104 F butthe heart rate and blood pressure lower further. The eyes become

reddened and a pale pink rash comes over the face and then disappears.

Fever and other signs of dengue last for two to four days, followed by a rapid drop in body temperature with profuse

sweating. This precedes a period with normal temperature and a sense of well-being that lasts about a day. A second

rapid rise in temperature follows. A characteristic rash appears along with the fever and spreads from the extremities to

cover the entire body except the face. The palms and soles may be bright red and swollen.

Cure for Dengue Fever:

nPrevention is the bestso, please ensure that any

stored fresh water is changed frequently,

especially in pots, vases, water jars, garden pots

and old tyres.

nIt is Rest time It is important to take enough rest

to help your body rejuvenate from the infection

and yes, adequate hydration is equally important.

nTreatment is symptomatic only - non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should only be taken under a doctor's

supervision because of the possibility of worsening hemorrhagic complications.

Chikungunyais similar to Dengue since it is caused by the bite of the same mosquito. The symptoms are also similar,

although body ache is not that severe. In some people, there can be persistent involvement of the joints or even a mild

form of paralysis after an attack of Chikungunya.

Cold pack application to the whole body:

Prevent mosquito bites, cleanliness of surrounding areas:


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Disclaimer:

The content presented herein has been prepared by the Medical Panel ofVantage Insurance Brokers Pvt. Ltd. and is for information purpose only. Vantage & Group Companies, or any person connected with

it, make no guarantee, representation or warranty, whether express or implied and accept no responsibility or liability for any direct or indirect damage / injury to health, arising from the use of the material

provided. The information provided herein is generic and persons intending to use this information should do so only under appropriate medical advice.

Dr. Geeta Sundar (MD)Health Counsel - Vantage Wellness Program

For any health related queries and feedback you may write to [email protected]

The first step in handling Mosquito malaise is prevention,You and your family can

prevent malaria / dengue by a few simple precautionary steps:

nTry to keep mosquitoes from biting you, especially at night so close your doors and windows at dusk. You can also

have net screens to cover windows and doors.

nWearing long-sleeved clothing if out of doors after sunset.

nMaintaining hygiene around your house and eliminating places around your home where mosquitoes breed.

nMosquito nets help keep mosquitoes away from people and greatly reduce the transmission of mosquito related

diseases. Mosquito nets are often an affordable medium and hence can help reduce the chances of a mosquito

attack.

nIndoor residual spraying (IRS) is the practice of spraying insecticides on the walls of homes in malaria affected areas.

So if the walls have been coated with insecticides, the resting mosquitoes will be killed before they can bite another

person, transferring the malaria parasite. Surprisingly mosquitoes have developed a resistance against these with

time.

nIntake of Anti-malarial / dengue drugs but this can be done only under the doctor's prescription.

nSpread the word, not the disease: Recognizing the disease in the early stages and educating your neighbours about it

can also help stop the disease from becoming a killer.

So it is time to gear up your Mosquito nets, prepare to carry boiled water from home or

maybe even carry some stuff to eat while you are out during this season, as we are sure

you wouldn't want to risk your health at the antennae of that little mosquito and face

the mosquito malaise! After all, size does matter when it comes to spreading malaria!!

Consuming juice of

12-15 Tulsi (Basil) leaves with

1 Tbsp. black pepper powder

helps to reduce the severity of the

Malarial infection.

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Healthy Bites Aug