ALARMING FACTS ABOUT DIABETES THAT PEOPLE MIGHT NOT BE AWARE OF:

ALARMING FACTS ABOUT DIABETES THAT PEOPLE MIGHT NOT BE AWARE OF:

1.     Etymology: The word “diabetes” comes from Greek, meaning “siphon,” referring to the excessive urine output in uncontrolled diabetes. “Mellitus” (Latin for “honey” or “sweet”) was added when physicians discovered that the urine of people with diabetes is sweet due to glucose.

2.    Ancient Recognition: The earliest recorded mention of a disease resembling diabetes dates back to the Ebers papyrus (1500 B.C.), which included remedies to manage frequent urination.

3.    Insulin Discovery: Insulin, essential for managing diabetes, was named after the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas (from the Latin “insula,” meaning “island”).

4.    Pancreas Link: In 1889, Oskar Minkowski discovered the connection between diabetes and the pancreas by removing a dog’s pancreas, leading to diabetes.

5.    Pre-Insulin Era: Before insulin’s discovery, diabetic patients often faced starvation diets, and gangrene was a severe complication.

6.    Tragic Case: In 1996, a 16-year-old girl died in Pennsylvania because her parents relied on prayer instead of providing her with diabetes medicine.

7.    Type 1 Diabetes and Viruses: Some studies suggest a link between Type 1 diabetes onset and viruses like mumps or Coxsacki.

8.    Disparities: African-Americans and Hispanics have higher rates of Type 2 diabetes than whites, with varying death rates.

9.    Diabetes and Alzheimer’s: Individuals with diabetes are at greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

10.    Amputations: Approximately 86,000 lower-limb amputations occur annually among diabetics in the United States.

11.    Heart Attack Risk: Diabetics are more likely to die from heart attacks than non-diabetics.

12.    Prevalence: Over 29 million people in the U.S. have diabetes, and 1 in 5 may not know they have it.

13.    Kidney Failure: Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, accounting for 44% of new cases.

14.    Type 2 Symptoms: Type 2 diabetes often presents without noticeable symptoms.

15.    Prediabetes: About 98 million U.S. adults have prediabetes, with most unaware of their condition.

16.    Eighth Leading Cause of Death: Diabetes ranks eighth among causes of death in the United States.

17.    Diabetes and Blindness: Diabetes contributes to cataracts and blindness in a significant percentage of cases.

18.    Unknown Reasons: The link between diabetes and Alzheimer’s remains unclear.

19.    Gender and Amputation Rates: Rates of amputation are higher among men and African-Americans.

20.    Dietary Misconceptions: Contrary to popular belief, diabetes isn’t solely caused by excessive sugar consumption.

Remember, awareness and education are crucial in managing diabetes effectively.

With thanks to follwing sources

1. nm.org 2. apollosugar.com3. cdc.gov 4. factretriever.com 5.v en.wikipedia.org

Emergency home remedies for toothache

Emergency home remedies for toothache

It is well known fact that  Toothaches can be quite painful, and while it’s essential to see a dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment, there are some emergency home remedies for toothache to alleviate the discomfort. Remember that these remedies are not a substitute for professional dental care, especially if the pain persists or worsens. Here are some emergency and home remedies for toothache:

Saltwater Rinse:

Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water.

Gargle with this saltwater solution to help reduce inflammation and disinfect the area.

Spit it out after rinsing.

Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse:

Dilute 3% hydrogen peroxide with equal parts water.

Use it as a mouthwash to relieve pain and inflammation.

Do not swallow it.

Cold Compress:

Apply a cold compress (ice pack) to the affected area.

It constricts blood vessels, reducing pain and swelling.

Hold it against your cheek for 20 minutes at a time.

Peppermint Tea Bags:

Use cooled peppermint tea bags to soothe sensitive gums.

Apply a warm (not hot) tea bag to the affected area.

Alternatively, chill the tea bag in the freezer and apply it to cool the area.

Garlic:

Crush a garlic clove to release its natural oils.

Apply the garlic paste directly to the painful tooth.

Garlic has antimicrobial properties and may help reduce pain.

Vanilla Extract:

Soak a cotton ball in pure vanilla extract.

Place it on the affected tooth for temporary relief.

Vanilla has alcohol content that numbs the area.

Clove Oil:

Dab a cotton ball with clove oil (eugenol).

Apply it to the painful tooth or gum.

Clove oil has natural analgesic properties.

Guava Leaves:

Chew fresh guava leaves or use them as a mouthwash.

Guava leaves have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.

Wheatgrass Juice:

Rinse your mouth with wheatgrass juice.

It can help reduce pain and fight bacteria.

Thyme:

Boil thyme leaves in water to make a mouthwash.

Thyme has antibacterial properties.

Remember to consult your dentist if the pain persists or if you suspect an underlying dental issue. They can provide proper guidance and treatment. 🦷

Chronic autoimmune skin condition, Psoriasis

  Chronic autoimmune skin condition, Psoriasis

What is psoriasis ? How to Treat, What are approaches for  reatment?

What Is Psoriasis? Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition characterized by the rapid buildup of skin cells. This leads to the formation of silvery scales and red or purple patches on the skin. These patches can be itchy, painful, and may cover large areas of the body. While there is no cure for psoriasis, effective management can help control symptoms.

 Possible Triggers Of Psoriasis

 Psoriasis triggers are not universal. This means that what may trigger psoriasis in one person may not affect another. Some of the possible triggers include:

Stress: High stress levels may easily trigger a flare-up. If you learn how to relax and manage your stress, you can reduce and possibly prevent potential flare-ups.

 Smoking: Smoking makes it harder to get rid of the symptoms and manage the condition. It is also closely linked with a type of pustular psoriasis that mostly affects your hands and soles of your feet.

Obesity: Excess weight increases the risk of psoriasis. Lesions associated with all types of psoriasis often develop in your skin creases and folds.

Infections: Anything that can affect your immune system can easily trigger psoriasis.  In particular, strep throat is known to trigger guttate psoriasis in children. Other infectious diseases can cause your body’s immune system to respond, leading to the outbreak of psoriasis.

Medications: Lithium, which is used to treat bipolar disorder and beta-blockers for high blood pressure, can increase the risk of psoriasis. Various drugs that are used to prevent and treat malaria may also trigger psoriasis.

Injury to your skin: Psoriasis may develop in areas of your skin that have been traumatized or injured. This is commonly referred to as the Koebner phenomenon. Sunburns, scratches, and vaccinations can trigger a Koebner response as well.

 Conventional Medical Treatments:

1. Topical Steroids: These are commonly used to reduce inflammation and itching.
2. Topical Retinoids: These helps normalize skin cell growth.
3. Oral or Injected Systemic Drugs: Used for severe or treatment-resistant psoriasis.

Homeopathic Treatments: Homeopathy is an alternative approach that uses highly diluted substances derived from minerals, plants, and other sources. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support homeopathic treatments for psoriasis. Some commonly touted homeopathic remedies include:

1. Sepia: Used for widespread psoriasis and dry skin, but lacks scientific evidence.
2. Arsenicum Album: Anecdotal evidence suggests it benefits dry, scaly skin worsened by itching.
3. Graphites: Used for long-term skin disorders, but evidence for psoriasis is anecdotal.
4. Sulfur: Anecdotal evidence indicates it reduces skin lesions and itching.
5. Petroleum: Helps seal moisture into the skin, reducing itching and flaking.
6. Calcarea Carbonica: Derived from shells, used for various illnesses, including psoriasis.

Other Natural Approaches:

1. Turmeric: Its anti-inflammatory properties may reduce psoriasis severity.
2. Aloe Vera: Soothes skin and reduces inflammation.
3. Ayurvedic Medicines: Certain herbs and Ayurvedic treatments have shown effectiveness.

 Topical Treatments

Comprise of creams, lotions, and ointments that you apply directly to your skin. They include moisturizers, vitamin D creams, and prescription corticosteroids. Shampoos made with coal tar or salicylic acid also fall into this category.

Light Therapy

Light therapy makes use of ultraviolet light or natural light to kill the overactive white blood cells that are attacking your healthy skin cells and causing rapid growth. Phototherapy may be performed in the doctor’s office or at home. Both UVA, and UVB light may help manage symptoms of mild to moderate psoriasis.

Remember: Always consult a healthcare professional before trying any treatment, especially for chronic conditions like psoriasis. Individual responses to treatments vary, and what works for one person may not work for another.

Sources:

1. Healthline
2. Greatist
3. Healthshots
4. Dr. Rajesh Shah
5. DrHomeo
6. SoG Health