Food & Health

Cardiovascular diseases:

Cardiovascular disease or CVD is a term used for all the conditions that affect the blood vessels or heart. It is the leading cause of death every year globally. Heart diseases are preventable in most cases, if a person opts for a healthy lifestyle.

What are the types of heart diseases?

Cardiovascular or heart diseases are categorised into four main types which are outlined below:

Coronary heart disease: Coronary heart disease takes place when the flow of blood to the heart gets reduced or blocked. It is mainly the result of plaque build-up in the arteries which puts strain on the heart and can result in angina, heart attack or heart failure. Coronary heart disease is also called ischaemic heart disease.

Peripheral arterial disease: Peripheral arterial diseases occur when there is a blockage in the blood flow to the limbs. They can cause leg pain, numbness in the legs, hair loss on the feet and legs and open sores on legs and feet.

Aortic disease: Aorta is the largest blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to other parts of the body. Aortic diseases are conditions that affect the aorta. These diseases are not usually symptomatic, but there is a chance that they can cause aorta to burst which can lead to life threatening bleeding.

TIAs or Strokes: Transient ischaemic attack or TIA happens when the blood flow to the brain is disrupted temporarily. A stroke is when blood supply to a specific part of the brain is cut off which can lead to brain damage and death.

Symptoms of Cardiovascular disease:

Some common symptoms of heart diseases are:

• dizziness
• light-headedness
• anxiety
• nausea
• vomiting
• back pain
• cold sweats
• neck pain
• shortness of breath
• paleness
• indigestion

If you yourself or someone you know is symptomatic of cardiovascular diseases then they should definitely get in touch with Dr. Amanullah or any other cardiologist nearby.

Causes of Cardiovascular diseases:

The causes of cardiovascular diseases are not clear but there are certain factors that expose you to the risk of getting cardiovascular disease. These factors are:

high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, unhealthy diet, inactivity.

Some risk factors of cardiovascular disease that you don’t have any control over are:

Genetic history of cardiovascular disease:

You are at a higher risk of getting cardiovascular disease if a family member of yours also had it at some point in their life.

Gender:

Gender matters, you are at a risk to get a cardiovascular disease early if you are a man.

Age:

Your tendency to get a cardiovascular disease increases with age. Men aged 45 and above, and women aged 55 and above are at a greater risk to get a cardiovascular disease

Ethnicity:

African Americans are more at risk to get a cardiovascular disease than whites. Similarly South Asians have a higher tendency than the East Asians to get a cardiovascular disease.

Prevention of Cardiovascular diseases:

Cardiovascular diseases can be prevented by following these tips:

Quit smoking: Smoking cigarettes can cause permanent damage to your heart and blood vessels. It also tightens some major arteries and causes irregular heart rhythm so by quitting smoking you will be doing a great favour to your heart.

Keep your blood pressure and cholesterol under control: High blood pressure is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, whereas high cholesterol levels can create plaque that can clog your arteries. Both of these levels can be kept under control with the help of lifestyle changes and medications.

Exercise: An average adult is advised to exercise for at least 150 minutes in a week. Exercising strengthens your heart and improves blood circulation in your body. It also helps lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels. So by exercising you will be lowering your risk of getting a cardiovascular disease.

Eat well: : A balanced and healthy diet is recommended to maintain a healthy heart. A healthy diet means low levels of sugar, salt and saturated fat and plenty of fibre, fruits and veggies. You can also visit a dietitian like Ms. Ayesha Nasir to take help regarding eating well to prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Sleep well: If you’re not getting enough sleep, then you are raising your risk of getting high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. These three things are directly linked to cardiovascular diseases, so make sure that you catch 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night. And if you suffer from sleep problems get in touch with your doctor and resolve them.

Control stress: High stress levels mean high blood pressure levels. And extreme stress can trigger a heart attack, so manage stress by exercising or doing something that you love.

Manage diabetes: If you’re a diabetic then you are at a double risk of getting a cardiovascular disease. So, you should keep your blood sugar levels under control with the help of medications.

Take medication: If you fulfil all the risk factors of cardiovascular disease then your doctor will prescribe you with a preventative medication. So, make sure that you take that medicine on a regular basis.

The spine is a complicated structure within the body. It is strong and yet delicate and vulnerable at the same time. Any problems with the spine can potentially affect the quality of life. One such problem is scoliosis. This disorder can vary from having a slight restrictive influence on a person’s life, to being highly debilitating and even a major risk to health. Samitivej Hospital’s Scoliosis Center recognize the wide variance of issues that can be caused by the disorder and have a dedicated team of professionals committed to improve the lives of scoliosis sufferers.

Scoliosis, an Overview

Scoliosis is a spinal disorder which usually becomes apparent during adolescence affecting around 3% of those in that age bracket. In most cases the cause of the disorder, which results in a sideways curvature of the spine, will be unknown. Although, other conditions, such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, are known to be a possible catalyst for the disorder.

The vast majority of scoliosis disorders tend to be very mild. However, in some cases, as a child grows and develops, the disorder can worsen and the deformity may become more pronounced. In the more severe cases the spinal curve can result in a reduction of the space within the chest cavity and negatively affect the functioning of the lungs, leading to a degree of debilitation.

What Causes Scoliosis?

The specialists at Samitivej Hospital will always endeavor to diagnose a cause for every case of scoliosis, however, causes of the most common types of scoliosis remain somewhat vague. These cases of idiopathic scoliosis account for as much as 80% of the total number and remain undiagnosed by cause. With that said, it is thought that hereditary factors play a significant part in assessing the causes of scoliosis, largely because the disorder has a tendency to run in families.

The disorder can begin prior to birth as the unborn child develops. This is congenital scoliosis, it may be identified at birth, on the other hand it can be years until it is diagnosed. I the unborn child, the vertebrae are very tiny and problems are extremely difficult to identify. Being very fragile, these vertebrae can be damaged or they may fail to divide as they should.

Neuromuscular scoliosis is more akin to spina bifida, an injury to the spinal cord, or other medical disorders such as cerebral palsy. Samitivej Hospital’s specialists are well versed in these conditions and are aware that any of them can result in muscular damage which then results in a lack of support to the bones in the back. This will then lead to a curvature of the spine.

Degenerative scoliosis affects adults. As its name suggests, it is a result of aging. Degenerative scoliosis is most commonly found in the lower spine. As the discs and joints start to degenerate due to the wear and tear of age, the disorder can become apparent and become debilitating. It is difficult to pinpoint the number of degenerative scoliosis sufferers because it will often go undiagnosed. However, it is commonly accepted that around 60% of people over the age of 60 will experience degenerative scoliosis to some degree.

What are the Symptoms of Scoliosis?

The exact symptoms and signals of scoliosis sufferance are many and varied. At the Samitivej Scoliosis Center, a specialist will undertake a thorough diagnosis. The key information will be gleamed from both a physical examination and appropriate questioning of each patient’s experiences and symptoms.

It may be that there is an obvious curve in the back and the patient may have a slight lean to one side, particularly when standing. The hips, waist and shoulders may appear to be misaligned. One scapula, or shoulder blade, may seem to be bigger or prominent than the other and the ribs may protrude more on one side of the body.

In addition to these visible indicators the disorder will often result in stiffness and pain in back. The disorder can also cause the nerves to be pinched, this in turn can result in a degree of numbness. Due to misalignment of the bone structures in the torso uneven loads can be put upon the muscles, this can result in muscle fatigue leading to painful strains.

Who is at Risk of Developing Scoliosis?

At Samitivej Hospital’s Scoliosis Center the professional team of spine specialists have pinpointed key risk factors for developing the most common type of scoliosis. Family history is a known factor, although it is not the dominant key in identifying sufferance. Gender also seems to play a part in how the disorder develops in the young. Boys and girls have an equal risk of having scoliosis, but statistics show that girls have a higher risk of the disorder worsening than boys.

Age also plays its part in developing scoliosis, and it’s not just with degenerative scoliosis associated with old age. Signs and symptoms are more common in adolescents as they go through a growth spurt, usually just prior to puberty.

Treatment at Samitivej Hospital Scoliosis Center

Cast or Brace Treatment is recommended by Samitivej’s specialists for sufferers with a curvature that exceeds 30 degrees. This is a cast or brace that fits closely fits the upper torso. It is specifically designed to re-train the spine and to prevent the curvature from worsening. The device is worn at all times, except for bathing. The patient can expect to wear the brace until they reach an age when they have stopped growing and that the curvature of the spine ceased to increase.

In more severe cases, where the curvature exceeds 45 degrees and the patient is still growing, it is possible that the specialist will advise on a surgical correctional procedure. The surgical procedure is also an option for older patients where growth is complete and the spinal curvature exceeds 50 degrees.

The advantage of surgery is that it can straighten a curvature of the spine permanently. This is achieved by attaching metal rods which realigns and straightens the spine. Post-surgery, the patient will need to refrain from any activity that involves any movement of the spine for up to 9 months. Following this the patient can begin low stress exercises, beginning with walking and swimming.

The surgical procedure for scoliosis is a delicate, difficult procedure and is only ever conducted by the most highly trained and experienced surgeons in the field. Samitivej Hospitals Scoliosis Center is led by the most exemplary surgeons practicing in Asia, Prof. Emer. Charoen Chotigavanich, M.D. and Prof. Prakit Tienboon, M.D. lead Samitivej’s world class team.

Scoliosis is certainly an unpleasant disorder, but diagnosed early, and with the best expertise, it needn’t be entirely debilitating. With the expert team at Samitivej Hospital’s Scoliosis Center expert diagnosis and world class treatment, sufferers can live a full and active life.

Stress is a big problem⁠ for many. According to the American Institute of Stress, 77% of people regularly experience physical stress-related symptoms, and removing it from your life seems like a daunting task. But it doesn’t need to be. By following some simple steps you can improve your well-being.

The fertility of both males and females differ and change drastically as and when they age. Once puberty is attained in teens, all humans become fertile. The beginning of the reproductive stage in girls is achieved by the starting of menstruation and ovulation. This stage continues up until menopause.

In the modern age, both women and men have been delaying to start their own families. Thanks to birth control methods, one can conceive and have babies, according to their comfort. But does one’s body support it at every age? No. One’s fertility declines naturally with age. Read the article further to understand about pregnancy in each phase of your life.

1. AGES 18 TO 28

A female is the most fertile in this age group. Most women conceive without many complications if they don’t have any major health issues. The quality of eggs produced by you is healthy. The quantity is also more.

You have more chances to conceive at/before age 27 than after it. Some studies have suggested that once you pass the age of 28, your chances of getting pregnant significantly reduce by 30%.

2. AGES 29 TO 39

Fertility is pretty much attainable until the age of 32. But after 32, it declines and this decline speeds up once you pass 35. The number of eggs produced decreases along with its quality. There are only 20,000 eggs left in your body.

The pregnancy-related complications increase dramatically post 35 years of age. The chances of having babies with inborn or genetic defects are also greater. At this stage, it is important to visit a doctor before proceeding with the pregnancy.

3. AGES 40 TILL MENOPAUSE

This is the riskiest stage for a woman trying to conceive. The chances of having a baby are less than 30%. Most of the miscarriages are reported by women in this age group. The number of eggs is few and they may have chromosomal defects. Babies can be born with defects.

Most women are lucky enough to have healthy babies, but there are the following risks:

• low birth weight
• premature baby
• delivery via C-section
• still-born baby
• genetic defects

Extra monitoring and testing are required by any woman trying to conceive past the age of 40.

WHAT NEXT

Almost all women are born with 1 million eggs. That’s the total count for your whole life! Women face common medical conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes after 35-40. This can hamper with your chances of having a baby.

It becomes very essential to consult a doctor and make a fertility test. You might also consult a fertility specialist if you haven’t got pregnant after trying for six months or more. In either case, they’ll suggest the best treatment for you in order to have a healthy baby. They assist you in different ways to overcome the age factor and/or infertility issues. The procedure can be explained in short:

1. They take your blood sample as well as your partner’s. This is to check the health parameters of both of you.

2. They suggest the treatment suited for your body to conceive.

3. Once pregnant, you’ll need to do checkups whenever your doctor asks you to.

You can become pregnant after you pass 30 or 35. But know such pregnancies come with their own risks. It is important to contact a gynecologist for more information.

We bet that many of you have asked yourselves this question!

If you have, you’re probably in one of two situations:

• You’ve just finished school and your parents are breathing down your neck to choose a course to study.
• You’ve been in the job that you’re currently doing, for a number of years; however you’re just not feeling it anymore. You’re always watching the clock, trying to calculate how many hours it is until you can close your laptop lid and head for the gym.

If you’re considering a career in personal training, you’re probably the go-to person in your friendship circle for advice on exercise and nutrition. They value the help that you give them and they can see the tangible results as a direct consequence of what you advised them.

 

So, the question is, should you become a personal trainer?

Are you passionate about fitness?

To be a world-class personal trainer, you need to be passionate about fitness. You must not mind spending hours and hours in the gym working on the parts of your body, which you want to tone up or bulk up. In fact, you must absolutely, without a doubt, look forward to getting stuck in at the gym.

Are you a people person?

A personal trainer needs to look good and on top form when training their clients, appearance is everything. The client will be looking at the trainer’s face for most of the time, so this is why we recommend all trainers to look smart and hygienic. Teeth play a very important part and a healthy smile can also project confidence. If a trainer has missing teeth this can look a bit daunting and also can portray the wrong message to the client. Dental implants, teeth whitening, teeth straightening and general clean are all important treatment to consider for the personal trainer, all professional dentists will provide these dental treatments and more.

Many young people who frequented the gym have the ambition of becoming a personal trainer when they graduate. Personal trainer career suits you if you are someone who is passionate about fitness and can spend long hours working out in the gym. It is not a problem to be a personal trainer if you have dental implants. The most important thing is that you must be a sociable person and know how to communicate well since you will meet with a lot of people.

Are you entrepreneurial?

Remember that if you’re a personal trainer, you’ll be running your own fitness business. The buck stops with you. You’re responsible for making sure that the finances and taxes of your business are 100% (or if you don’t want to do this, you’re going to need to hire someone to help you to do this.) In addition to this, you’ll be responsible for your marketing and making sure that you continuously attract a steady flow of clients who want to train, into the business.

Are you enthusiastic?

One of the primary jobs of a personal trainer is to motivate their clients to keep on exercising. If the people who they’re training feel like they want to give up, it will be your job to make sure that they keep on pushing in order for them to reach their goals.

If you feel that the responses to the above four questions describe you, then you should really become a personal trainer!

Once you’ve made this life-altering decision, the next step is to choose a fitness college to do your training. Here are some things which you need to look out for when making your decision:

• The college must be accredited by a recognised fitness body.
• The course material must be extremely thorough.
• The course facilitators must be personal trainers themselves. (This is important as it will give a practical spin on the theory that they are teaching so that students can know how to apply it.)
• The fitness college must offer a number of methods of teaching. For example, they must provide an online learning platform which students, who are currently working, can use to further their education at night or over weekends.

So, to come back to the question that we posed in the title of the article: should you become a personal trainer? Well, if it’s something that you fee that you want to do, deep down in your gut, then you need to make that leap and become a part of the fitness industry!