Precautions one must take after pacemaker implantation

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A pacemaker is an electronic device that is implanted surgically in the body to regulate the heartbeats. For an individual who has undergone such a surgery, it is essential to follow some precautions in order to avoid complications. A pacemaker improves the heart rate and ensures smooth blood circulation. This medical device is powered by a battery and connected to the heart with the help of circuits and wires. It is usually recommended by doctors for individuals whose heart has weakened and is unable to perform its function properly. The pacemaker procedure is minimally invasive in nature and is usually done under local anaesthesia. After the surgery, the cardiologist may advice the patient to take necessary precautions, so as not to disrupt the working of the pacemaker. Pacemaker precautions after surgery  The pacemaker generates electric impulses, in the same way sinoatrial node does in a healthy heart, to stabilize the heartbeats. This surgery is mainly undergone by patients who have suffered a stroke, heart attack, atherosclerosis, etc. These disorders can weaken the heart muscles and hamper blood circulation, which can have life-threatening consequences. To address the condition, the pacemaker is fitted near the heart to improve its pumping. Once the surgery is over, you are expected to stay in the hospital, where your condition is monitored round-the-clock, before you are discharged. After the surgery, the cardiologist will advise you to follow a set of instructions, regarding the post surgical care of the wound, diet, lifestyle changes, etc. Routine follow-up sessions with the cardiologist will be helpful, to assess the working of the pacemaker. Here are some of the precautionary measures you are expected to take, following a pacemaker implantation. There are chances of the surgical wound getting infected due to various reasons. Lack of proper wound dressing, unhygienic conditions, pathogens, etc., can trigger infection and may also lead to other complications. To avoid these, periodical dressing of the surgical wound, proper medication and diet restrictions should be followed. Muscle aches or chest pain may be experienced at the site of implantation. This is because the body needs time to get attuned to the device. In case, the pain is unbearable, you can get in touch with your cardiac surgeon who may prescribe pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Avoid activities that involve too much pulling, pushing or straining, at least for 1 to 3 months post surgery. Totally abstain from strenuous activities like lifting heavy objects, vigorous exercise, full-contact sports, and heavy physical work, which can put a strain on your heart. Unnecessary lifting of hands beyond shoulder level should also be restricted, as it may be strenuous for the heart. Practising these tips will help in speeding up the recovery process. Though the pacemaker has a long battery life (approximately 5 to 15 years), it is essential to keep a routine check on its working. A replacement of the battery and generator may be required, every seven years, to ensure its proper functioning. The cardiac surgeon, depending on the situation, may decide to perform a surgery to replace the pacemaker you are carrying. Other precautionary measures related to pacemaker implantation  It is quite unlikely for the pacemaker to cease functioning. However, when exposed to electrical interference, you may have to follow a few guidelines to make sure it is working properly. Apart from the above mentioned safety tips while living with a pacemaker, here are a few more which should not be overlooked. A pacemaker is made of metal, which can trigger alarms in metal detectors and scanners. So, if you are going through security checks, at the airport or any other place, you are sure to trigger the alarms. To avoid any such situation, always carry an ID card (pacemaker card), normally issued by your doctor or the hospital where you've undergone the surgery, stating your condition. Though cell phones are relatively safe to use while having a pacemaker, you have to make sure that you don't carry mobile phone in the pocket directly over the site of the implanted device. This is because the waves emitted by the phone can interfere with the pacemaker. Hence, it is advisable to keep the cell phones (either on or switched off) at least six to seven inches away from the pacemaker. Strong magnetic fields should also be avoided by a person fitted with a pacemaker. Therefore it is essential to notify the medical practitioner before undergoing scans (MRI scan, X-ray, therapeutic radiation), as waves emitted by these medical devices can affect the pacemaker's circuits and lead to its malfunctioning. Extended exposure to electromagnetic fields can hamper the working of the pacemaker. An individual working with heavy electrical equipment, live wires and industrial welders should take proper caution when working with these equipments if he is implanted with a pacemaker. Too much proximity with these devices can disrupt the signals and stall the working of the pacemaker temporarily. These were some of the pacemaker precautions that a patient is expected to follow. There are times when the pacemaker may malfunction, a situation which may produce symptoms like unexplained fatigue, excess sweating, episodes of dizziness, arrhythmia, feeling light-headed, etc. In such an instance get in touch with your cardiologist for prompt medical intervention and get the pacemaker tested.

Various types of tooth fillings

Tooth fillings have become a normal part of dental care because they restore a tooth that has suffered from decay or a cavity to its original condition. When performing a filling, a dentist will get rid of the corroded part of the tooth, thoroughly clean all around it, then fill the spot that has been removed with a specific product that conforms to the structural form of the tooth.

Tooth fillings work by closing up the spot where germs enter the tooth, preventing any kind of decay down the road. The types of material used for teeth filling include porcelain, ceramic, gold, composite resin and amalgam. There’s actually no best kind of filling, as many factors are important in determining which type should be used. Your response to different materials, the form of the tooth, the amount of restoration needed, and the exact location of the filling will determine what material is used for your filling.

Gold tooth fillings are produced in a laboratory and then cemented into position by the dentist. Gold material will fit very well with the gum line and will last for several years. Gold is considered by many people to be the best filling material, although it’s also the most expensive option. With gold tooth fillings, you should expect to visit the dentist a couple of times prior to the filling being complete.

Silver tooth fillings are cheaper than gold tooth fillings, and they are usually fairly resistant to wear and tear. Because of their dark colour, they are much easier to see than composite or porcelain dental tooth fillings and are not suitable for visible places of the mouth, particularly the front teeth. Composite tooth fillings are a popular kind of material because they match the colour of teeth. The material that produces the composite filling is mixed and then placed right inside the cavity, where it hardens. Composite tooth fillings last a number of years, although they are not suitable for large cavities or locations where they can chip.

Porcelain is quite common and is manufactured in a laboratory where it will be matched to your teeth so it can fuse on the damaged tooth. Porcelain tooth fillings match the colour of your tooth and they are resistant against any kind of discoloration. The price for porcelain tooth fillings can be quite high, some costing just as much as gold tooth fillings.

Remember that only a qualified dentist can make the right decision relating to tooth fillings. Whenever you go for your scheduled check-ups, the dentist will look in your mouth and use tools that allow him or her to look at the surfaces of your teeth. If he or she detects any cavities, he or she will generally suggest a filling. You will not sense anything at all, because the area that will be filled will be numb. It usually takes well under an hour, and you will be up before you realize it. A filling is ideal for cavities, as most appear natural plus, you won’t lose your tooth.

How to identify a bug bite?

Bugs can be a nuisance in your life. From a mild itching sensation to a severe allergic reaction, bug bites can cause all sorts of symptoms. So it is wise to know how to identify bug bites so that you can figure out what's bothering you and what measures can you take to manage the problem.

How to identify insect bites

Usually most bug bites cause a rash which would appear in the form of red, itchy bumps on the skin. Although similar in appearance, different bug bites would vary from each other in terms of their severity.

Bed Bug

Bite Bed bug bites appear as large wheels in orderly rows. Often found in hotels, shelters, and apartment complexes, bite from these pesky parasites cause a rash that may be accompanied by swelling of the bitten area, blisters or inflamed bumps. The itching begins about an hour after the bug is done with sucking blood. Some people do not develop any kind of rash even after a day or so. Recurrence of such a rash would mean that you are still being sucked on by these parasites. One good thing about bed bug bites is that they do not give rise to any medical concern, and gradually fade away after a day or two. 

Mosquito Bite

Now let's talk about the annoying, flying blood sucking parasites known as mosquitoes. In this case, the skin rash that appears in response to the bite indicates severe allergic reaction. Itchy, red blisters or bruises may show up, after the person has been bitten. These insects play host to diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and other diseases. To add to this, constant scratching a bite can cause skin infection. 

Tick Bite 

When this parasite bites you, you won't feel it until a lump develops. Know that this lump is not some kind of rash, but the tick itself which has buried itself in the skin. About 4 weeks after the bite, the rash appears. It develops around the wrists and ankles and later, spreads to the whole body. Lyme disease is a severe infection that is caused by the black-legged tick, and the western black-legged tick. Its characteristic symptom is the occurrence of a circular, expanding rash. In some cases, the infection causes fever, headaches, chills, joint, swollen lymph nodes, and muscle aches. If the infection is left undetected, it may start affecting the joints, heart and even the nervous system. This could be worsened by memory problems, facial paralysis, and rapid heartbeat. 

Flea Bite

Bleeding small itchy bumps are indicative of the bite of a flea. The characteristic symptom of these bumps is a single puncture at the centre. Even these itchy bumps are a result of an allergic reaction. The bumps are inflamed and may appear in the form of clusters of two bites. It may take several weeks for these rashes to subside and disappear. 

Spider Bite

Among spiders, the black widow and the brown recluse are the ones to be watched out for. A bite from the former one leaves one or more red fang marks on the bitten area. The bite can cause a sharp shooting pain, while in some people, there may not be any. The bitten area usually turns red, swollen and you could also notice a nodule at the bite site. Some people reported to have experienced high blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, and even seizure, because of the bite. Such bites require anti-venom medication. 

The brown recluse spider is no less notorious than the widow. Although the insect is highly poisonous, and its bite can cause severe wounds and infection, you may not feel its bite. When the bite is laid, it first causes the skin to go red, then white, develop a rash, blisters, and then the pain begins. 

Head Lice Bite

Although it may be difficult to notice their bite, you know its head lice because you keep scratching your head like crazy, once these parasites attack. Also, you can see them upon examining your hair carefully. In kids, excessive scratching may trigger bacterial infection, and may cause the scalp to become inflamed. 

Bee Sting

Bees are one of those insects who attack in defence. The bite causes immediate pain, swelling, and the bitten area is warm to touch, accompanied by itching. The wound may turn into a bacterial infection. People who are allergic to a bee sting may exhibit symptoms like hives, swelling of mouth or throat, wheezing, vomiting, chest pain, and low blood pressure. 

Ant Sting 

Not just any ant, but the fire ant! When this insect attacks, it latches onto the skin using its powerful jaws, and stings with its abdomen. The insect can sting several times and inject venom. Fire ant sting can be identified by looking for burning and itchy red lesions similar to hives. If the person gets bitten several times, then the venom could be potential enough to set off a life-threatening allergic reaction thus, pressing the need of immediate medical care. 

Cockroach Bite

Having an untidy kitchen, cracks and holes in walls or floors, increase the chances of cockroach infestation. Although rare, these insects have been reported to bite humans, but without causing any medical concern. However, getting continuously exposed to their carcasses or faeces could trigger asthma and allergic reaction.

As it can be inferred from the above information, there are mainly two things that need to be looked after for bug bite identification the appearance of the bite, and the symptoms that follow. But more important is to monitor the condition of the affected person, depending on which, medical help could be called for.

The relationship between low cholesterol and brain

What may be good for the heart could be bad for the brain. Lowering cholesterol, especially bad LDL cholesterol, appears to reduce the risk of heart attacks. But new studies suggest that very low cholesterol might pose unexpected problems for the nervous system.

It is certainly true that some people who take cholesterol lowering medicines report negative effects on their brain function. Problems with memory and concentration are not uncommon. It’s not assured, of course, that the problems these people experience are a direct consequence of lowered cholesterol levels in the body. However, the possibility still exists.

Why cholesterol is essential for brain
One of the most abundant materials in the brain and the rest of our nervous system is a fatty substance called myelin. Myelin coats every nerve cell and every nerve fibre like the insulating cover around electric wires. Apart from insulation, it provides nourishment and protection for every tiny structure in our brain and the rest of the nervous system. People who start losing their myelin develop a condition called multiple sclerosis. Myelin is mostly composed of cholesterol. If you start interfering with the body’s ability to produce cholesterol, you put the very structure of the brain and the rest of the nervous system under threat.

The synthesis of myelin in the brain is tightly connected with the synthesis of cholesterol. Foods with high cholesterol and high animal fat content are an essential medicine for a person with multiple sclerosis. One of the most wonderful abilities humans possess is the ability to remember things. But how do we form memories? By our brain cells establishing connections with each other called synapses. The more healthy synapses a person’s brain can make the more mentally able and intelligent that person is. Researchers have discovered that synapse formation is almost entirely dependent on cholesterol, which is produced by the brain cells in a form called apolipoprotein E. Without the presence of this factor we cannot form synapses, and hence we would not be able to learn or remember anything. Memory loss is one of the side effects of cholesterol-lowering drugs.

Since cholesterol accounts for healthy brain function, changing your lifestyle can improve your cholesterol. A diet low in saturated fat may help reduce LDL “bad” cholesterol. Regular exercise may be helpful in boosting HDL “good” cholesterol.

Pros and cons of being a non vegetarian

If you have friends who follow a vegetarian diet, you might often hear about how this lifestyle provides a number of nutrients and is healthier than eating meat. Although vegetarianism has a wide range of benefits, don't discount a diet that includes meat and other animal products such as milk. Provided you eat a balanced diet, a non-vegetarian eating plan can be healthy for you.

When looking at the benefits of being non-vegetarian or vegetarian we can clearly say that both have their pros and cons. A vegetarian diet does sound very promising with all the fresh fruits and vegetables available in a variety of colours. But the benefits of a non-vegetarian diet cannot be denied.

Advantages of following a non vegetarian diet

• Someone consuming meat and its related products definitely has a wide range of food to choose from. Not only can he enjoy his share of vegetarian food but also indulge in all the non-vegetarian preparations. Needless to say a non-vegetarian person is in an advantageous position when considering his food options.
• When visiting places, one concern that often comes to the fore is availability of desired food. In case of non-vegetarians this concern is not as great as they can easily have both vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods. They also develop the ability to adapt to different kinds of food types with a greater ease as compared to vegetarians, especially the staunch types.
• Protein intake is very important for the proper physical and mental development. When considering the sources of protein vegetarians have certain choices like legumes and milk but in comparison meat is a superior type. It has also been proven medically that protein from animal sources is of a far better quality than plant sources.
• Heart related diseases are one of the most common diseases in today's world. Blame it on the food or lifestyle it cannot be ignored. This has led to the emphasis of including foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids into our diets and one of its most important sources is seafood. Needless to say, this gives one more benefit of being non-vegetarian. Researchers have also shown that omega 3 acids are beneficial in preventing cancer.
• Time and again we come across report citing the benefits of eating fish. Apart from the protein and omega 3 acids they are also a very rich source of vitamin A which gives a big boost to the brains. Children fed a fish diet are often found to be faring better than the non-fish-eating ones.

Disadvantages of following a non vegetarian diet
Eliminating meat from your diet might help lower your risk for certain health conditions and make it easier to get the recommended amounts of different nutrients. Healthy diets limit lean meat and skinless poultry to no more than 6 ounces per day, which is about one 3-ounce serving for each lunch and dinner. Avoid complete abolition of meat from your diet.

The high fat and cholesterol content in some cuts of meat may increase your risk for high cholesterol and heart disease. Conventionally raised beef often contains hormones and antibiotics, which some people prefer to avoid. Processed meats are particularly unhealthy because of their high fat, preservative and salt content. Grass-fed beef, which is lower in fat and higher in essential nutrients - including the B vitamins, vitamin E and omega-3 fats cane be another healthier option.

Choose skinless poultry and fish more often than red meat. The more often you eat red or processed meats, the higher your risk for diabetes and heart disease. Healthcare professionals say that increasing your intake of red and processed meats is linked with a higher risk for lung and colon cancer.

Ayurvedic Treatments for Hair Loss

Ayurveda is a safe and cost effective alternative medicine to cure hair loss problems. Ayurvedic home remedies treat hair fall completely if it used in the early stage of hair fall. As per Ayurvedic philosophy, hair loss is caused due to excess of Pitta dosha in the body. Pitta increases in the body due to excess intake of alcohol, coffee, tea, smoking, fried, spicy & acidic food products, and hot climatic conditions. Here are some prominent ayurvedic tips to prevent hair loss:

• Aloe Vera: It is good to control hair loss and re-growing of hair. Prepare Aloe Vera juice (1/3 cup) and mix a bit of cumin with it. Use the mixture 2-3 times a day for 3 months to stop thinning of hair.

• Bhringaraaja (Eclipta prostrata): It is the best Ayurvedic herb to control hair loss. Bhringaraaja is known as king of the hair as well as the king of herbs because it has power of reversing the baldness and prevent of greying of hair. It is taken internally. It is also used externally as Bhringraj oil. The application of its leave paste over the scalp is good to enhance hair growth. The paste is left for few minutes and washes it off with clean water. Make a mix of dried Bhringaraj (5 tsp) in warm water. Cool it and apply the same on the scalp for strengthening the hair follicles.

• Amla (Indian Gooseberry): Indian gooseberry is filled with multiple minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. It is a rich source of vitamin C. Its acts like as hair tonic and hair nutrients. It makes your hair stronger, healthier, prevents from greying and a good conditioner. Regular intake of its juice solves the problem of dandruff. It is used as hair pack. Make a pack of Indian gooseberry powder, henna, brahmi powder along with curd. Apply it o the hair leave it for 1-2 hours followed by washing it with clean water. The juice of amla and lemon may be used on the scalp followed by washed the same after 20 minutes. It helps to strengthen hair follicles.

• Brahmi (Centella asiatica): Besides promoting healthy hair, this ayurvedic herb is also used as brain tonics, memory, intelligence, concentration and alertness. It promotes healthy skin. Massage your scalp with Brahmi oil (Gotu Kola) to energies the hair follicles, which further smooth the blood circulation in the head region. It is also used as hair pack along with curd. Dandruff treatment is possible with the mix of this oil as well as lemon juice.

• Ritha (Sapindus mukorossi): It is known by different names such as soap nuts, Reetha, Boondi Kottai, and Kumkudukaya. It has wonder benefits for hair, skin, dandruff and facial complexion. As far as hair is concerned, it is a hair promoter, hair cleanser and prevents hair fall by strengthening the hair follicles. To use it for shining hair, take out the nuts (10 in number) from its cover. Crush it and dipped into half litre of water. Leave it for overnight. Strain it and wash your hair through this liquid. Continue it for a month you will experience amazing difference in your hair.

• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): It is Indian ginseng, showing important positive impacts on the body in the domains like mental, physical and emotional fronts. It may be used in menopausal ease, sexual problems, memory booster, mood elevator and revitalization. One of the important factors of hair loss is the weakening of the immunity system. Ashwagandha can be used as immunity booster and vigour. It also helps in lessening of stress thereby used in strengthening of hair.

• Methi (Fenugreek seeds): Prepare a mixture of Methi (2 tsp), green gram (2 tsp), soap nuts (3 tsp), lemon juice (1) and curry leaves (15). Grind all these mixture well. One can use this mixture as a shampoo. This is one of the effective home remedies to solve the problem of hair fall.

• Margosa (Neem): Take 1 cup of margosa leaves and 4 cup of water. Boil it for 10 minutes. Strain the mixture and make it cool. Apply it on the scalp to rinse your hair. Applying margosa oil at night and wash the same in the morning with fresh water, helps to prevent hair fall. These procedures make your hair silky, lustrous, black and shining.

• Sesame Seeds: Sesame seeds are great source of magnesium and calcium. It is a wise step to take sesame seeds calcium in the breakfast every day. Calcium and magnesium are goods for hair treatment.

• Banyan tree: Grind the small portion of banyan tree root and mix the lemon juice in it. Now, apply the mixture over your scalp to prevent hair fall.

Ayurvedic hair loss treatment and remedies call for a lot of lifestyle changes. Ayurvedic experts offer you ayurvedic medicines as well for hair fall such as Thikthakam Kashayam, Thikthakam ghritham, Narasimha rasayanam and Chyavana prasam. These medicines are made from special herbal ingredients known for their therapeutic effects on the human body. A lot of thought and research has gone into devising each of the remedies available for hair loss treatment.

Natural remedies for cold sores

Natural remedies for cold sores

If you ever have had a cold sore, you know how embarrassing it can be. Most people try to cover it up with cosmetics or hide behind a scarf or coat collar, but you do not have to be embarrassed by a simple little cold sore, because they are so easy to eliminate. Cold sores are small sores that appear on and around the mouth. These sores are caused by a certain type of virus called Herpes Simplex. And because they are caused by this virus, they are highly contagious. It seems like cold sores always appear at the worst possible time, but there are ways to prevent cold sores with little effort on your part, and a natural home remedy for cold sores might be what you need to improve your appearance and keep you both looking and feeling healthy.

Natural remedies and the facts about cold sores

Cold sores have been around for generations. No wonder that there are hundreds if not thousands of home remedies for cold sores out there today - some are very unlikely while others have been used for decades. It is all up to you to find out which one you prefer. Everyone is different so a home remedy for cold sores that works for one person may not be as effective on you. However, that is why the possibilities are virtually unlimited.

Here are a few popular home remedies for cold sores, remember that you may need to try all or just one of these until you find the one for you. Tea tree oil is high in nutrients and is a natural antiseptic, which can reduce swelling and burning for most people with cold sores. Sometimes all it takes to stop a cold sore dead in its tracks could be in your freezer at this very moment. Ice can be a great way to stop a cold sore from forming. It can reduce redness which in turn reduces the appearance of the cold sore.

Vitamin C is a key ingredient to living a healthy life in fact vitamin C can help with all sorts of things not just cold sores. Vitamin C can help build your immune system and make you stronger and healthier. Also, vitamin B can help tremendously with cold sores and is often suggested by doctors. Other things such as coconut oil and lemon balm extract can help to heal your cold sore and reduce redness. If you are interested in finding out more about home remedy for cold sores, you can contact your doctor for more information.

Preventing Cold Sores

Cold sores are usually spread by kissing or making direct contact with a person who has a cold sore. In fact, if you have a cold sore you probably got it from someone you know, but preventing cold sores is not that difficult and there are ways you can help to protect others as well as yourself. Start by washing your hands thoroughly, as explained before cold sores are caused by a contagious virus, so washing your hands can help prevent the spread of that virus. Try to avoid kissing anyone with a cold sore. Of course, you cannot always prevent a cold sore, so learning the right home remedies for cold sores can help you eliminate it quickly without the embarrassment.

Of course cold sores are only minor irritations and usually do not require medical attention. But, you should pay close attention to how the home remedies for cold sores affect you. Do you have any allergies? What type of medications are you taking? These are a few of the questions you should ask yourself before trying a home remedy for cold sore. Most doctors will tell you that there is no cure for a cold sore and they tend to reappear over the years. In fact, a cold sore can lay dormant for many years and appear suddenly later on in life. But there are some people who strongly believe that there is a cure for cold sores and that cure lies with a good natural remedy for cold sores. This is really a choice that should be made by each individual depending on what they are willing to try. When you try a home remedy for cold sore, be sure to try a variety. Do not just stop at the first one if you do not get results. And if you have any doubts, contact your doctor.