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Eating well. New vitamin D guidelines

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 In 2024, Harvard Health Publishing and the Endocrine Society updated their guidelines on vitamin D supplementation, emphasizing tailored recommendations based on age, health status, and specific risk factors. General Recommendations: Adults Under 75: For healthy adults under 75, routine vitamin D supplementation beyond the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is generally unnecessary. The RDA remains at 600 IU (15 micrograms) daily for adults up to age 70 and 800 IU (20 micrograms) for those over 70.  Adults 75 and Older: Supplementation above the RDA may be beneficial due to potential reductions in mortality risk. A daily intake of 1,000 IU is considered acceptable for this age group.  Specific Populations: Children and Adolescents (1-18 years): Empiric vitamin D supplementation is suggested to prevent nutritional rickets and potentially lower the risk of respiratory tract infections.  Pregnant Individuals: Supplementation may reduce risks such as preeclampsia, intr...

Aluminum Phosphide Fumigation Spray is Banned for Residential Use: Understanding Its Purpose and Hazards

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  Introduction Aluminum phosphide is a powerful fumigant commonly used in pest control to eliminate rodents, insects, and other pests. While it is widely utilized in agricultural and industrial settings, its use in residential areas has raised significant concerns. This blog post aims to provide an overview of aluminum phosphide fumigation spray, its applications, and the potential hazards it poses to human health and the environment. What is Aluminum Phosphide? Aluminum phosphide is a chemical compound that, when exposed to moisture, releases phosphine gas, a highly toxic and flammable gas. It is typically available in tablet, pellet, or powder form but can also be formulated into fumigation sprays. The phosphine gas penetrates deeply into cracks, crevices, and enclosed spaces, making it effective in controlling pests in grain storage facilities, warehouses, and occasionally in residential properties. How Does Aluminum Phosphide Fumigation Work? When applied, aluminum phosphide re...

The Harmful Effects of Electronic Cigarettes.

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The Harmful Effects of Electronic Cigarettes: A Hidden Threat In recent years, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes or vapes) have emerged as a popular alternative to traditional smoking. Marketed as a "safer" option, they have gained significant traction, particularly among young people. However, research is revealing that these devices are far from harmless. Below, we explore the harmful effects of e-cigarettes on health and society. What Are E-Cigarettes? E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that heat a liquid (commonly referred to as "e-liquid" or "vape juice") to produce an aerosol that users inhale. The liquid often contains nicotine, flavorings, and various chemicals. While they do not contain tobacco like traditional cigarettes, they still pose serious health risks. The Health Risks of E-Cigarettes 1. Nicotine Addiction Many e-liquids contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance. This is especially concerning for adolescents, as nicotine expos...

Elderly health is based on Physical Activity

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  Exercise is essential for seniors to maintain physical and hormonal health, improve strength, flexibility, and mental well-being. Here are safe and effective exercises tailored for older adults: 1. Strength Training: Helps maintain muscle mass, bone density, and metabolism, which decline with age. Examples: Chair Squats: Stand and sit repeatedly from a chair to strengthen legs. Wall Push-Ups: Push off a wall to build upper body strength. Light Dumbbell Exercises: Bicep curls or overhead presses with 1–3 kg weights. Frequency: 2–3 times per week. 2. Low-Impact Cardiovascular Exercises: Improves heart health, endurance, and hormone regulation (e.g., insulin sensitivity). Examples: Brisk walking (indoors or outdoors). Cycling on a stationary bike. Swimming or water aerobics. Duration: 30 minutes, 3–5 times per week. 3. Flexibility and Balance Exercises: Enhances mobility and reduces the risk of falls by improving stability. Examples: Tai Chi: Slow, controlled movements that improve ...

Human Papilloma Virus Prevention

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  Human Papilloma Virus Prevention Preventing human papillomavirus (HPV) involves a combination of vaccination, safe practices, and regular health monitoring. The key preventive strategies are: 1. HPV Vaccination Get Vaccinated: The HPV vaccine is safe and highly effective in preventing infections with high-risk HPV types that can cause cervical cancer, genital warts, and other cancers (e.g., anal, throat, penile). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides detailed recommendations for the prevention of human papillomavirus (HPV). Below are the key points from their guidance: Who Should Get Vaccinated?             Children and Adolescents : The CDC recommends routine vaccination for boys and girls                    at ages 11–12 , but it can be started as early as age 9.    ...

Life style modification to prevent stroke

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  Preventing a stroke involves adopting lifestyle habits and medical strategies that help manage risk factors. Here are key prevention steps: 1. Manage Blood Pressure High blood pressure is a major stroke risk factor. Aim to keep it under 120/80 mmHg if possible. Monitor it regularly and follow your doctor’s advice if you have high blood pressure. 2. Control Blood Sugar Levels Diabetes increases stroke risk. Monitor blood sugar levels and work with a healthcare provider to manage diabetes through diet, exercise, and medications if needed. 3. Eat a Healthy Diet Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. Avoid excessive salt, added sugars, and saturated fats. The Mediterranean and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diets are particularly beneficial for heart and vascular health. 4. Exercise Regularly Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week (e.g., brisk walking) or 75 minutes of vigorous activity (e....

Chikungunya : A viral disease transmitted by Infected Mosquito bite

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  Chikungunya Introduction: Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease and patient presented with fever and severe joint pain. It is a viral diseases caused by ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus. The transmission to humans is due to the bites of infected female mosquitoes are  Aedes aegypti  and  Aedes albopictus . They are also responsible for transmission of other mosquito-borne diseases from viruses like dengue and Zika. The mosquito bite during daylight, especially during early morning and late afternoon. The first case of mosquito-transmitted chikungunya reported in Americas in 2013, after that various large outbreaks reported in most of the countries in the region. This disease is now reported worldwide in 118 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas.  Symptoms The symptoms starts appearing form 4 to 8 days after patient had infected mosquito bite. This diseases is rarely fatal. Most of the symptoms are self-limiting and last for 2to 3 day...