Health & hygiene

Archive for January, 2010

ICKLE CELL ANEMIA

Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disorder cause due to irregularly shaped red blood cells.    It is called so as the red blood cells become crescent or sickle shaped. Because of this abnormality the red blood cells are not able to transport oxygen properly leading to anemia. People living in the tropical or sub-tropical regions, especially in Africa are more susceptible to it due to the prevalence of malaria in these areas.

Cause:

Abnormally formed hemoglobin (Hemoglobin S) is the main cause of this disease. It leads to the distortion of the cells. A person who inherits both the defected genes from his parents will have sickle cell anemia while those inhabiting sickle cell genes from only one parent would have sickle cell trait. A person with sickle cell trait leads a normal life with additional resistance from malaria as the malarial plasmodium is unable to infest sickle shaped red blood cells.

Symptoms:

1. Excessive abdominal pain
2. Delayed growth
3. Fatigue
4. Jaundice
5. Rapid heart rate
6. Fatigue

Treatment:

Patients need to undergo ongoing treatment. They should be regularly taken for blood transfusions. Folic acid supplements are used to enhance production of red blood cells. Hydroxyurea may also be used to decrease the number of pain sessions. To prevent bacterial infections antibiotics and vaccines may be used.

Maintaining high standards of conditions and living aspects around you is prime step of attaining good health. Personal hygiene is the mantra to keeping good health and staying fit. By personal hygiene we define a conscious practice of keeping your body toned and health conditions updated to the maximum levels of availability. Personal hygiene mainly aims for better health, cheerful and happy life devoid of any tensions concerning your health.

Personal hygiene also involves grooming your personality. The essence of personal hygiene is to always keep in mind the fact that our every body parts demands equal attention and grooming. Do not neglect certain parts that may not be visible. This carelessness may result in health hazards concerning the portion. For maintaining personal hygiene consuming healthy and balanced food along with periodic workout is the ultimate step to follow. A balanced diet is the best you can have. Your diet must be blessed with all kinds of essential nutritional commodities to fulfill your energy needs. Maintaining healthy surroundings around you and keeping clean can help you enjoy better hygiene and good health.

In short, we can say that health and hygiene are largely co-related. In order to enjoy good health you need to keep good levels of personal hygiene.