- 25 Easy Weight Loss Tips
- 1. Keep your eyes on the prize and visualize your goals
- 2. Have realistic goals
- 3. Write down what you’re eating and be specific
- 4. Be persistent and overcome
- 5. Tell your friends and family about your goals
- 6. Remember that this is a lifestyle and not a diet
- 7. Reward yourself
- 8. Don’t mind the scale
- 9. Drink More Water
- 10. Add in the Fibre
- 11. Ditch The Soda
- 12. Pack your lunch
- 13. Choose half portions when out with friends
- 14. Snack away
- 15. Use the apple rule
- 16. Buy smaller plates and bowls
- 17. Ingest the Healthy Fats
- 18. Eat Your Veggies
- 19. Drink green tea
- 20. Double the Protein
- 21. Start your day with a healthy breakfast
- 22. Cut down on alcohol consumption
- 23. Make sure every meal has at least 3 food groups
- 24. Never Skip Meals
- 25. Add Cardio Exercises to Your Daily Routine
25 Easy Weight Loss Tips
It seems that you can’t look at any magazine, television program or read through any website without seeing some advertisement or story about how to lose weight. And unfortunately, we are being inundated with information about weight loss due to the rising obesity rates and numbers of people struggling to lose or control their weight.
Despite the media attention and all the information that’s available, people simply aren’t losing weight. But there are some very good reasons for this: too much misinformation is available, too many people rely on fad diets, too many people look for a pill to help them lose weight and too many people just don’t want to acknowledge that it takes some work to lose the weight. Yet for those who do work to lose weight, the end result is always worth it.
It’s important to make the right kind of changes in order to lose weight and to keep that weight off over time. You will be healthier and your body will work more efficiently if you choose nutritious, high-quality foods and effective, high-impact exercises. Here are some steps to help you out.
1. Keep your eyes on the prize and visualize your goals
Understand why you’re losing weight and what your purpose is. Take some time to re-affirm that losing weight is not just about looking good, but is also about being healthy. You may need to do this step every day, especially during those days that you struggle.2. Have realistic goals
You are not going to lose 20 kilograms in a week, so making that your goal will only set you up for failure. There’s an old adage that slow and steady wins the race. As you embark on a weight loss journey, use this adage as your mantra to help you set goals that are both challenging and within reason.3. Write down what you’re eating and be specific
This is extremely important, especially when you just start on your new plan. You will be surprised at how many times you sabotage your diet and exercise plan without even realizing it.4. Be persistent and overcome
There will be times when you just don’t follow your plan. Perhaps it’s that evening when you eat a whole bag of sweets in one sitting. Don’t let this derail your entire journey. Use it as a lesson to be learned and move forward.5. Tell your friends and family about your goals
This will create some accountability for you and will also provide you with support from those who care about you and love you.6. Remember that this is a lifestyle and not a diet
Diets end. And when they do, you go back to what you did before, which means you gain back the weight. Incorporate changes into your life that are permanent.7. Reward yourself
As you meet your goals, choose non-food ways to reward yourself. Buy yourself a new outfit, go watch the latest movie or splurge on a spa session.8. Don’t mind the scale
As people begin new exercise and food regimens, your weight may very well increase for a while. This is because you are gaining muscle and muscle weighs more than fat. Pay attention to how your clothes fit and how much you better you feel for at least the first few months.9. Drink More Water
Many people mistake the feeling of thirst for the feeling of hunger. Sip on water all day long, making sure to consume 2.5 litres every day.10. Add in the Fibre
Fibre makes you feel fuller for a longer period of time. However, if you currently don’t eat a lot of fibre, add it in slowly as too much at once can cause digestion issues.11. Ditch The Soda
There’s nothing worse than drinking empty calories. And choosing diet sodas are no better. Research is showing that diet sodas may actually lead to weight and fat gain. If you need something fizzy to drink, choose sparkling water or make your own water kefir.12. Pack your lunch
Going out to restaurants or grabbing snacks from the vending machine will only lead to consuming too many non-nutritious calories. Plan ahead so you have vegetables, fruits and lean protein in every meal.13. Choose half portions when out with friends
Restaurant portions have greatly increased in size over the years. Get yourself back to what used to be normal and either select half portions, choose a small appetizer or split your meal with someone else.14. Snack away
Snacks are not necessarily bad. Very small snacks of nutrient-dense foods can help you feel full all day long and can help you from over-eating at a mealtime. Choose a few almonds, a small apple or some chia pudding for a healthy snack.15. Use the apple rule
If you decide you’re hungry, ask yourself if you’re hungry enough to eat an apple. If the answer is “no”, then you are probably not eating because of hunger. You may be eating out of boredom, stress or thirst16. Buy smaller plates and bowls
Studies show that as portions have increased over the years, so has our plate size. Instead of leaving half your plate empty when serving yourself, which may make you feel as if you’re being deprived, simply purchase smaller plates and bowls.17. Ingest the Healthy Fats
For too many years, we’ve been told to eat a low-fat diet to lose weight. This advice is wrong. When you eat a small amount of very healthy fats every day, you will become less inclined to overeat. Healthy fats include cold-pressed, non-processed oils such as virgin olive oil, unrefined coconut oil, walnut oil or sunflower seed oil.18. Eat Your Veggies
At least 50% to 75% of your plate should be vegetables. Pick the colourful ones, which have the most anti-oxidants and nutrients. Do not drown them in unhealthy sauces or dressing. Simply use some real butter or olive oil and vinegar to top them.19. Drink green tea
Add in a cup or two of green tea every day and you will also be jumpstarting your metabolism and providing some energy. Don’t drink too late in the day though, though as green tea does contain caffeine.20. Double the Protein
Studies have shown that people who double their lean protein level lose more weight and fat than those who keep protein at a steady level. Incorporate lean cuts of chicken, pork and beef and incorporate in every meal. Eggs are also a delicious source of protein.21. Start your day with a healthy breakfast
For most people, skipping breakfast simply equates to gorging later when they feel like they are starving. Make a high-protein and high-fibre breakfast a priority and you will avoid this entirely.22. Cut down on alcohol consumption
There’s nothing worse than drinking empty calories and as much fun as a few beers sound, these calories add up and can reverse any progress you’re making. Once you hit a target weight, adding back a few beers shouldn’t be an issue.23. Make sure every meal has at least 3 food groups
Each meal should have protein, vegetables and grains. When you choose grains, make sure to choose whole grains that provide plenty of fibre and nutrients.24. Never Skip Meals
Always make sure to plan out your meals and always make sure you have on hand what you need to make those meals. The best way to get off track is to stop planning what you’re going to eat. This means you grab whatever is convenient and easy and that usually means unhealthy.25. Add Cardio Exercises to Your Daily Routine
Cardio burns more calories on average than almost every other activity. Luckily, there are cardio choices to meet almost any personal taste. Running, hiking, walking, cycling, elliptical machines, stair climbing, rowing, skateboarding, playing soccer are all great examples of good cardio choices.
Doctor Adesanya's blog
Sunday, December 29, 2019
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
WHAT IS THE COST OF CHRISTIAN PILGRIMAGE TO ISREAL FROM NIGERIA
CULLED FROM Nigeria Share Team
Making a pilgrimage to Israel from Nigeria is a dream for many in Nigeria.
But it can also be a reality.
There are no direct flights between Israel and Nigeria. This means that you would need to fly indirectly (via Istanbul or Addis Ababa) and the cost of the flights alone is extortionate.
There is help at hand though, courtesy of the Nigerian Government and, more specifically, an organisation called the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (aka, the NCPC).
In short, the NCPC is responsible for supervising pilgrimages from Nigeria to Jerusalem and subsidises the cost of such trips significantly. In other words, pilgrimages made through the NCPC will be much much cheaper than traveling alone.
But when is the best time of year to visit Israel?
This is really a question of personal choice.
The Easter Pilgrimage offers beautiful weather during the Israeli springtime. Events such as the Good Friday Procession in Jerusalem and the Sunrise Service at the Garden Tomb take place at this time of year.
The General Pilgrimage allows Nigerian Christians to experience the Holy Land during the holy Yuletide period. At this time of year, the towns of Nazerath and Bethlehem light up in honour of Christmas and represent a sight to behold.
The NCPC also offers a “Family Pilgrimage” which takes place in August and a “Youth Pilgrimage” which takes place in July.
The cost for an individual Nigerian making pilgrimage via the NCPC Is close to N800,000 for the General Pilgrimage and Easter Pilgrimage.
The cost of the family pilgrimage depends on the size of your family varies.
There’s no doubt that the cost of a pilgrimage to Jerusalem from Nigeria is not cheap. But thanks to the NCPC, it costs a hell of a lot less than it might do otherwise.
So get saving now and, fingers crossed, a trip to Israel might come sooner than you think.
I warn you that the NCPC Application Form is very long. You can either print and send the form to the NCPC in the mail or submit the form online.
You need to fill in a number of pages, including personal details and various declarations. In addition, you need to do as follows:
I know, it sounds like a lot of work. But keep in mind that close to 14,000 Nigerian Christians go on pilgrimage to Israel from Nigeria each year.
Each year, the NCPC runs an exam that you will need to pass in order to be part of the medical team.
The NCPC does not allow past participants to re-apply. Also, please note as well that the NCPC does require its medical team to be currently practicing medicine at the time of application.
Updates regarding the NCPC medical registration process (including exams and their results) are announced on the NCPC website.
Have you participated in the NCPC pilgrimage from Nigeria to Jerusalem? If so, please write below and let us know about your experiences in the Holy Land.
Making a pilgrimage to Israel from Nigeria is a dream for many in Nigeria.
But it can also be a reality.
Tip #1: Travel via the NCPC (and Not Independent
Now, the first thing to understand is traveling to Israel from Nigeria is hard to do independently.There are no direct flights between Israel and Nigeria. This means that you would need to fly indirectly (via Istanbul or Addis Ababa) and the cost of the flights alone is extortionate.
There is help at hand though, courtesy of the Nigerian Government and, more specifically, an organisation called the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (aka, the NCPC).
In short, the NCPC is responsible for supervising pilgrimages from Nigeria to Jerusalem and subsidises the cost of such trips significantly. In other words, pilgrimages made through the NCPC will be much much cheaper than traveling alone.
Tip #2: Choose When To Go On Pilgrimage to Jerusalem from Nigeria
The NCPC offers trips to Israel twice a year: the “General Pilgrimage” which takes place between October and December and the “Easter Pilgrimage” which takes place between March and April.But when is the best time of year to visit Israel?
This is really a question of personal choice.
The Easter Pilgrimage offers beautiful weather during the Israeli springtime. Events such as the Good Friday Procession in Jerusalem and the Sunrise Service at the Garden Tomb take place at this time of year.
The General Pilgrimage allows Nigerian Christians to experience the Holy Land during the holy Yuletide period. At this time of year, the towns of Nazerath and Bethlehem light up in honour of Christmas and represent a sight to behold.
The NCPC also offers a “Family Pilgrimage” which takes place in August and a “Youth Pilgrimage” which takes place in July.
Tip #3: Get Saving Now
We’re often asked by our readers: What is the cost of going on a pilgrimage to Israel from Nigeria?The cost for an individual Nigerian making pilgrimage via the NCPC Is close to N800,000 for the General Pilgrimage and Easter Pilgrimage.
The cost of the family pilgrimage depends on the size of your family varies.
There’s no doubt that the cost of a pilgrimage to Jerusalem from Nigeria is not cheap. But thanks to the NCPC, it costs a hell of a lot less than it might do otherwise.
So get saving now and, fingers crossed, a trip to Israel might come sooner than you think.
Tip #4: Fill In The NCPC Application Form Properly
In order to apply to visit Jerusalem via the NCPC, you will need to fill in the NCPC Application Form.I warn you that the NCPC Application Form is very long. You can either print and send the form to the NCPC in the mail or submit the form online.
You need to fill in a number of pages, including personal details and various declarations. In addition, you need to do as follows:
- Hold a valid e-passport
- Attach a photo of yourself
- Go through a screening process
- Provide the details of three referees (one of which must be a pastor)
- Arrange for a guarantor (this must be a person with standing in society such as an ordained church official, high court judge, civil servant etc.)
- Pay a fee at the time you submit the application form
I know, it sounds like a lot of work. But keep in mind that close to 14,000 Nigerian Christians go on pilgrimage to Israel from Nigeria each year.
Tip #5: Think About Making a NCPC Medical Application (Doctors and Nurses Only)
Doctors and nurses stand the chance to participate in a pilgrimage to Israel from Nigeria for free as part of the medical team.Each year, the NCPC runs an exam that you will need to pass in order to be part of the medical team.
The NCPC does not allow past participants to re-apply. Also, please note as well that the NCPC does require its medical team to be currently practicing medicine at the time of application.
Updates regarding the NCPC medical registration process (including exams and their results) are announced on the NCPC website.
Have you participated in the NCPC pilgrimage from Nigeria to Jerusalem? If so, please write below and let us know about your experiences in the Holy Land.
Saturday, August 11, 2018
HOW TO MANAGE THAT MUSCLE PULL OR STRAIN
HOW TO MANAGE THAT MUSCLE
PULL OR STRAIN
A reader sent me this feedback over the weekend: Dear doctor, I went to visit a neighbour, as
she was about to see me off she raised
an alarm by shouting that she cannot stand up, She requested that i should
come and match the back of her lower limb. Its muscle pull she shouted,
I do experience it often on and off.
Please what could be the cause and remedy?
Muscle
strain is injury to muscle as a result of strenuous activity. Almost anyone can
put undue tension on muscles during the course of normal daily activities, with
sudden, quick heavy lifting, during sports, or while performing work tasks.
Muscle strain is sometimes referred to as muscle pull. A severe muscle strain
can result in a muscle tear. The tearing of the muscle can also damage small
blood vessels, causing local bleeding
(with or without bruising) and pain
(caused by irritation of the nerve endings in the area).
Muscle strains can happen to anyone. They occur in the
course of normal activities of the day or as a result of sudden use of a muscle
with activity. Activities that can increase the risk of muscle strain include
athletic activity in sports, with sudden acceleration or deceleration,
throwing, quick and/or heavy lifting, sudden coughing,
or injury of muscle while performing irregular work tasks. It is possible to
strain any muscle that moves bones. Commonly strained muscles include the lumbar muscles, hamstring muscles of the
posterior thigh, abdominal muscles, biceps muscles, triceps muscles, adductor
muscles, quadriceps muscles of the
thigh, triceps muscles, calf muscles, upper back muscles including trapezius
and rhomboid muscles, neck muscles, and the intercostal muscles and oblique
muscles of the chest.
- Swelling, bruising or redness, or open cuts as a consequence of the injury
- Pain in the affected muscle at rest
- Pain when the specific muscle or the joint in relation to that muscle is used
- Weakness sensation of the associated muscle or tendons
- Inability to use the affected muscle at all
Ultimately,
the symptoms depend on the muscle affected and the severity of the injury.
- muscle spasm,
- muscle cramping,
- muscle weakness, and
- bruising may occur
- How Do Doctors Diagnose a Muscle Strain?
The
doctor will take a medical history and perform a physical exam. The examination
is generally all that is needed for diagnosis and can help to establish whether
the muscle is partially or completely torn. A higher degree or grade of strain
(grades 1-3) can involve longer healing, possible surgery, and a more
complicated recovery.
X-rays,CT, MRI or laboratory tests are often not
necessary, unless there was a history of trauma or evidence of infection.
Muscle
strain typically involves varying degrees of injury to tiny blood vessels. The
effects of swelling or local bleeding into the muscle can best be managed early
on by applying ice packs to close the blood vessels and maintaining the
strained muscle in a relaxed, stretched position. Heat can be applied to
further relax the muscle when the swelling has lessened (in general, about
12-24 hours after the initial strain). However, the early application of heat
can increase swelling and pain.
Note: Ice
or heat should not be applied to bare skin. Always use a protective covering
such as a towel between the ice or heat and the skin.
- Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) Ibuprofen to reduce the pain and to improve one's ability to move around. However, do not use aspirin in children with muscle strains.
- Protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation (known as the PRICE formula) can help the affected muscle. Here's how: First, remove all constrictive clothing, including jewelry, in the area of muscle strain.
- Protect the strained muscle from further injury.
- Rest the strained muscle. Avoid the activities that caused the strain and any activities that are painful.
- Ice the muscle area (20 minutes every hour while awake). Ice is a very effective anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving agent. Small ice packs, such as packages of frozen vegetables or water frozen in foam coffee cups, applied to the area may help decrease inflammation.
- Compression can be a gently applied with an Ace or other elastic bandage, which can provide both support and decrease swelling. Do not wrap tightly.
- Elevate the injured area to decrease swelling. Prop up a strained leg muscle while sitting, for example.
Activities
that increase muscle pain or work the affected body part are not recommended
until the pain has significantly gone away.
Medical
treatment is similar to the treatment at home. The doctor, however, also can
determine the extent of muscle and tendon injury and if crutches or a brace is necessary for healing. The
doctor can also determine if a patient needs to restrict his or her activity,
take days off work, and if rehabilitation exercises are required to help in
recovery.
Not all
muscle strains can be prevented, but the chance for them to develop may be
reduced by the following:
- Avoid injury by daily stretching.
- Stretch every time before exercise.
- Establish a warm-up routine prior to engaging in strenuous exercise.
- Start an exercise program in consultation with a doctor.
HOW TO PREVENT PROSTRATE CANCER
Prostate Cancer
“In November, 2013, I discovered that I had Prostate cancer and I have been treating it. I finished treatment on October 28, 2014 and that’s why I’ve come out to tell the world. Many people start looking at you as if you are a ghost; No! It’s not a death sentence and it is curable.I have undergone the treatment and I even have a certificate and medal to show for it, but I don’t normally wear decorations.
I want to use myself to encourage others to take whatever test available in our limited circumstances here and more importantly to encourage those who are in charge of our health to take the cancer menace seriously’’. ………Prof Wole Soyinka
The Nobel Laureate added that he had to make his experience with prostrate cancer public in order to demystify the killer disease, which he assured was curable if detected early.
Prostate
cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the prostate, a gland in the male
reproductive system. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer
among Nigerian men. “Prostate affects only men; it is the commonest type of
cancer that kills men.
The cancer cells may spread from the prostate to
other parts of the body, particularly the bones and lymph nodes.
Risk Factors
Genetics; if a father had prostate cancer there is a five per cent to 10 per cent risk that the son could have it.
Smoking is a risk factor; if you are a smoker your risk is almost 1.5 per cent increased.
Alcohol: taking of excessive alcohol and sedentary lifestyle increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Genetics; if a father had prostate cancer there is a five per cent to 10 per cent risk that the son could have it.
Smoking is a risk factor; if you are a smoker your risk is almost 1.5 per cent increased.
Alcohol: taking of excessive alcohol and sedentary lifestyle increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Men with high blood pressure are more likely to
develop prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer occurs more commonly among blacks
as they mature in age, particularly above 45 years old, higher levels of
testosterone in black men exposed them to higher risks of prostate cancer.
Family
history as well as growing older also increases risk of prostate cancer. Prostate
cancer is more common in men over 50, although younger men can also have it.
Preventions
Men
should cultivate the habit of healthy lifestyle which includes a healthy diet
and plenty of physical activity.
Lifestyle changes will be in order for those who smoke and drink excessive alcohol.
Men should eat enough fresh or cooked tomatoes in order to reduce the chance
of having prostrate cancer infection because of the lycopene contained in
tomato.Lifestyle changes will be in order for those who smoke and drink excessive alcohol.
Lycopene rich foods such as fresh tomatoes and tomato products are potential effectors in the prevention and therapy of prostate cancer.
Symptoms
Early
prostate cancer usually causes no symptoms. Sometimes, however, prostate cancer
does cause symptoms, often similar to those of diseases such as benign
prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Weak flow
of urine or frequent urination especially at night, other conditions could also
cause these symptoms may include trouble starting the flow of urine; pain or
feelings while urinating; blood in the urine or semen, dizziness and fatigue, persistent
pain in the back, hips, or pelvis, pain
during ejaculation.
Diagnosis
A number
of tests may be performed to investigate symptoms of prostate cancer and
confirm the diagnosis.
Some of
the more common tests include: a digital rectal examination (DRE), a blood test
to measure levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA), imaging of the prostate,
which may include transrectal ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan or
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), taking a sample of tissue (biopsy) from the prostate
for examination under a microscope.
Treatment
Treatment
and care of people with cancer is usually provided by a team of health
professionals – called a multidisciplinary team.
Treatment
for prostate cancer depends on the stage of the disease, the severity of
symptoms and the person’s general health.
Treatment
options for prostate cancer can include surgery to remove the prostate, radiotherapy
and/ or hormonal therapy (also called androgen deprivation therapy) to destroy
cancer cells.
Psychotherapy
People
often feel overwhelmed, scared, anxious and upset after a diagnosis of cancer
and will need counselling ,support and reassurance. These are all normal
feelings.
Detection
Screening is important to detecting prostate
cancer early. This is highly recommended for anyone at high risk, such as those
with a father, brother, or son diagnosed before age 65, and those with more
than one first-degree relative diagnosed at an early age.
Anyone over 40 will need screening tests for
prostrates on yearly basis.
Cancer prevention seminar
The strategic health insight (The Hospital) is
organising a seminar titled Cancer Prevention…A must. A dietician and a medical
rehabilitation specialist have been contacted to talk on role of diet and
exercise in cancer prevention. Kindly call 08188343865 or visit
www.the-hospitals.com for details.
This will also be accompanied by a screening for
prostate, breast cancer and cervical cancer.
Kindly keep a date with me next week for an
insightful piece by a gynaecologist on breast and cervical cancer.
PREVENTION OF BLOOD CLOT IN THE SYSTEM
A man admitted into hospital
following a road traffic accident appeared to be making an excellent recovery.
He was well and chatting heartily with visitors one afternoon but by dusk he
had died suddenly. A doctor died suddenly while recovering at home with one leg
in an orthopaedic plaster. A woman recovering smoothly from a brain operation
was about to be discharged home when she suddenly died. A woman who was in
labour in a Lagos hospital few years ago had developed a clot in the system, this
lead to sudden death shortly before delivery, at the post mortem, the cauise of
death was found to be pulmonary
embolism. The clinical explanation for
these deaths is called venous thromboembolism (VTE).The import of this story is
that venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major cause of sudden death .
Venous
thromboembolism (VTE) is a condition in which blood clots form (most often) in
the deep veins of the leg (known as deep vein thrombosis, DVT) and can travel
in the circulation and lodge in the lungs (known as pulmonary embolism. If
the dislodged clot is large enough it will cause instant death. Together,
DVT and PE are known as VTE - a dangerous and potentially deadly medical
condition.
VTE is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide.A survey
conducted by an NGO found that global public awareness of thrombosis, DVT and
PE is low, and much lower than awareness of other conditions like heart attack,
stroke, hypertension, breast cancer, prostate cancer and AIDS. The
first step towards reducing the number of deaths from thromboembolism is
AWARENESS. Unfortunately awareness of VTE in Nigeria (as in many countries
across the world) is low, among health professionals and the public at large.
There is need for continous
awareness to the public. October 13 every year is declared World Thrombosis
Day, I will be leading a public awareness campaign/ road walk on the condition
on October 2018. Interested Members of the public can join me. The emphasis of
the campaign will be on prevention from public health perspective.
Risk Factors
VTE does
not discriminate. It affects people of all ages, races and ethnicities, and
occurs in both men and women. Certain factors and situations can increase the
risk of developing potentially deadly blood clots.
Resulting from prolonged
immobilisation, it could occur after a long-distance travel (more than 4 hours
by air or motor vehicle) or after a long period of bed rest in persons who are
chronically ill. Being in the hospital for an extended period of
time, having surgery (especially hip,
knee and cancer-related surgery) , Age (60+) , Personal or family
history of blood clots , Cancer/chemotherapy , Using estrogen-based medication
(e.g., oral contraceptives or hormone
replacement therapy) ,Obesity , Pregnancy or recent birth , Smoking , Alcohol
consumption are all risk factors.
Signs and Symptoms
VTE can
occur without any warning signs or symptoms and can go unrecognized and
undiagnosed by a healthcare professional. Symptoms that do appear may be
associated with either DVT or PE.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
(DVT): Pain or tenderness, often starting in the calf , swelling, including the ankle or
foot , Redness or noticeable
discoloration ,Warmth .
Pulmonary Embolism (PE): Unexplained shortness of breath , Rapid breathing , Chest pain (may be worse upon deep
breath) , Rapid heart rate , Light headedness or passing out
Prevention
Research
suggests that VTEs are often largely preventable. Individuals who are deemed
'at-risk' should be given appropriate prevention (referred to as
"prophylaxis"), which can include: anti-clotting medications (e.g.,
blood thinners, referred to as "anticoagulants") , mechanical devices
(e.g., compression stockings,) Hospital patients may also be instructed to move
around or do foot/leg exercises as soon and as often as possible. These
measures have been shown to be very effective but under-utilised.
Treatment
DVT and
PE are serious, life-threatening conditions that require immediate medical
attention. Globally, The best treatment is prevention it can differ by patient but
typically includes hydration, blood thinning medication to
break up clots and prevent new ones from forming. Options include:
anticoagulants (e.g., injectables such as heparin or low molecular weight
heparin, or tablets, mechanical devices (e.g., compression stockings), thrombolytic
therapy (e.g., tissue plasminogen activator)
Early
diagnosis and treatment can often lead to recovery, but long-term
complications, such as post-thrombotic syndrome and chronic thromboembolic
pulmonary hypertension may occur.
Economic Burden
In
addition to disease burden, VTE can cause significant global economic burden.
Multiple diagnostic tests and treatments, prolonged hospital stay and follow-up
care - including recurrent VTE - can be extremely costly. But by focusing on
VTE prevention, healthcare systems can save money, improve outcomes and
ultimately save lives.
Make it a
day with me next week on an enlightenment piece on management of hypertension
with or without medications.
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