Come together for IMMUNOLOGICAL AND NEUROLOGICAL health on May 12^th 2016.

May 12th has been designated as International Awareness Day for Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases (CIND) since 1992.

The CIND illnesses include Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Fibromyalgia (FM), Gulf War Syndrome (GWS) and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS).

May 12th was chosen as it is the birthday of Florence Nightingale. She was believed to have suffered from ME/CFS.

What do fibromyalgia,  Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) have in common?

The answer is that they are classified as Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases (CINDs). And since 1992, every May 12th has been recognized as International Awareness Day for CINDs. Today, in conjunction with Fibromyalgia Awareness Month, it’s time to recognize everyone living with a CIND.

While fibromyalgia and ME/CFS are both CINDs, each is a little different.

Check out some quick facts about each condition:

Fibromyalgia:

Affects 5 million Americans over the age of 18, and the majority are women.

The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown

Common symptoms include insomnia, headaches, pain and tingling in the hands and feet

ME/CFS2

Affects between 836,000 to 2.5 million Americans

The large majority of people living with ME/CFS have not been diagnosed

There are five main symptoms of ME/CFS, as opposed to the more general symptoms of fibromyalgia:

·         Profound fatigue that impairs carrying out normal daily activities

·         Un-refreshing sleep

·         Cognitive impairment

·         Symptoms that worsen when a person stands up

·         Symptoms that worsen after exerting any type (emotional, physical) effort.

Does not have active medical condition to explain the chronic fatigue, nor any psychosis, melancholic depression, substance abuse, dementia, or anorexia nervosa/bulimia.

·         CFS: Who are the patients?

·         Age: mid 30’s (5-65)

·         Sex: 65% female

·         Socioeconomic: Middle-class, but more common among African-American/Latino minority populations on population –based surveys.

·         Education: 50% college graduates in office-based

·         Severity: 50% intermittently bedridden/shut-in

·         Duration: 14 years (4-36years) in patients.

Severe fatigue that persists or relapses for >6months, of new or definite onset, not substantially alleviated by rest, resulting in substantial reduction in activities:

And 4 or more of the following symptoms are currently present for >6 months.

•             Impaired memory/concentration

•             Sore throat

•             Multi-joint pain

•             Un-refreshing sleep

•             Neck/axillary adenopathy.

•             Muscle pain

•             New headaches

•             Post-exertion malaise

Sudden onset:

In 78% of our patients, the CNS started suddenly, usually with a “flu”, “virus” and “bad cold”.

·         Sore throat

·         Cough

·         Rhinorrhea

·         Swollen glands

·         Myalgia

·         Fever

·         Headache

·         Diarrhea

Post-exertion malaise 

After even modest exertion:

·         Fatigue gets much worse - 81%

·         All muscles become weak- 47%

·         New/worse difficulty concentrating- 50%

·         New/worse sore throat- 33%

·         New/worse adenopathy - 28%

·         New/worse fevers- 23%

·         Never had before CFS- 71%

REMEMBER TO SHINE …!!!

BE PAINFREE..!!!

THANKS FOR CARING ENOUGH TO HELP….!!!

WORLD DNA DAY: 25TH APRIL 2016

The World DNA Day celebrates the discovery and understanding of DNA and the scientific advances that understanding has made possible.

It commemorates the day in 1953 when James Watson, Francis Crick, Maurice Wilkins, Rosalind Franklin and colleagues published papers in the journal Nature on the structure of DNA.

Furthermore, on that day in 2003 it was declared that the Human Genome Project was very close to complete, and “the remaining tiny gaps” were considered too costly to fill.

The study of human DNA and genetics can be intellectually fascinating, but it also has plenty of practical applications.

From the use of DNA in court cases to the discovery of new therapies for genetic diseases.

Human in Olden Days

Studying human DNA and genetics can help scientists better understand the human.

This can help to prove the connections between different groups of people and where historians and anthropologists get a perfect picture of historic human migration.

An individual's genome can give clues to his ancestry and help him understand his genetic background.

Diseases (Diagnosis & Treatment).

Genetic basis behind human disease is one of the most important reasons for studying the human genome.

Many genetic disorders are incurable but early diagnosis can help improve the life quality or even extend the lifespan of diseased subject.

Diagnostic tests can help pregnant women to decide whether the risk passing on specific disease-related genes to their babies.

Tests assist in-vitro fertility doctors to specifically select embryos that do not carry the dangerous gene.

Legal and Forensic Involvement

Use of human DNA in criminal cases and the importance of human genetics in forensics became even more important as techniques have improved.

Human genetic information has been used to either match or rule out a suspect's DNA to biological evidence found at a crime scene.

Paternity testing is another common legal application of genetic testing.

Genetic Improvement

Genetic improvement is an open to question topic, but research in this area has biggest promise for upcoming applications.

Requires a thorough understanding of human DNA prior to scientists alter the human DNA at embryonic level.

When that’s achieved, it will be an end to certain incurable genetic diseases such as Down syndrome, Congenital deafness and Congenital heart defects.

Controversial applications may include enhancing athletic ability, intelligence, or other characteristics.

On April 25th people across the globe take part in a wide range of activities to mark World Malaria Day.

For half the world every day is malaria day - a day to keep up the fight against this killer disease.

2016 Theme

“End malaria for good”

25 April 2016 -- Each year, WHO and partners unite around a common World Malaria Day theme.

This year's theme "End malaria for good" reflects the vision of a malaria-free world set out in the "Global technical strategy for malaria 2016–2030".

The new strategies adopted in 2015 by the World Health Assembly aims to dramatically lower the global malaria burden.

Its goals are ambitious but achievable, including a reduction in malaria case incidence and mortality of at least 90% by 2030.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately half of the world’s population is at risk of the deadly disease of Malaria. The vast majority of malaria cases and malaria-related deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa, followed by up to 126 other developing countries, where the disease is widespread and life threatening. Malaria is one of the most severe public health problems worldwide, and it is a leading cause of death and disease in many developing countries, where young children and pregnant women are most affected.

Malaria may not be a substantial threat in the UAE, but those who travel for work or pleasure may be exposed to the risk if traveling to a high-risk country. It is highly advisable to seek professional advice from a doctor if traveling to a malaria endemic country.

While governments are undertaking mass level plans & projects to defeat the disease, as individuals we also need a solid plan to combat it.

To achieve that, we need to start by understanding the disease and ways to prevent it from spreading.

Symptoms of Malaria:

Malaria can begin with flu-like symptoms, and symptoms can appear in 7 days.

The most common symptoms are very similar to many other infectious diseases caused by bacteria, viruses etc.

•             Fever.

•          Chills.

•          Headache.

•          Sweats.

•          Fatigue.

•          Nausea and vomiting

•          Dry (nonproductive) cough

•          Muscle or back pain or both

•          Enlarged spleen.

In severe cases, malaria can lead to impaired function of the brain or spinal cord, seizures, or loss of consciousness.

What needs to be done to prevent Malaria?

EXPERT ADVICE:

If malaria is prevalent in an area you plan to travel to, seek advice from a certified doctor about taking preventive medicines.

BEWARE BITES:

For optimal prevention of malaria, protection from mosquito bites is essential. Carry mosquito repellants and preventive medicines, mosquito nets etc. Long trousers, long-sleeved clothing and socks thick enough to stop the mosquitoes biting will also help protect you

Diagnosis made promptly with early treatment of an infected case can help prevent and to a great extent defeat Malaria. As always, prevention is better than cure. Lastly, ensure if you are pregnant, or are planning to get pregnant, you avoid travelling to Malaria ridden regions.