This article explains a few things about Recreation, and if you're interested, then this is worth reading, because you can never tell what you don't know.
Recreation can be defined as the refreshment of one’s mind or body through activity that amuses or stimulates.
Researches and findings have shown that recreational activities have health or mental benefits and help in the development of psychological and social tendencies of individuals.
Recreation could be passive or active or a combination of the two. In passive recreational activities, the individual has less of a role to play in the process of recreation but rather engages in it partially without any stress.
Here the individual is a beneficially of an activity that is performed by others. Examples of passive recreation include enjoying a song, watching aerobics, watching a football match in a stadium or reading. This form of recreation rejuvenates and relieves tension.
On the other hand, in active recreation, the individual plays a major role in the activity. Examples of active recreation include playing ping pong, bicycling, running, brisk walking and playing basketball with friends and relatives.
BENEFITS OF RECREATION
1. Active recreation which involves physical activities makes an individual less prone to obesity.
2. Active recreational activities are excellent for elevating the heart rate.
3. Active recreation also helps to boost the immune system. Researches show that positive changes in the immune system occur during moderate exercise.
4. Recreation increases positive moods.
5. Recreation and leisure activities can help alleviate depression.
6. Rest, relaxation and revitalization through recreation are essential in managing stress in today’s busy and demanding world.
7. Recreation activity is a medium in which participants can gain personal life satisfaction.
Take the work load off this holiday season and get involved in recreational activities, the health benefits are rewarding.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
INSOMNIA: THE SLEEP PROBLEM
Insomnia can be defined as the disturbance of a normal sleep pattern. Sleep is a state of consciousness which gives the body time to rest and build up strength. While at sleep, the body goes through various stages at approximately 90 minute cycles. These include high sleep, Deep sleep and dreaming.
Every human being is different; this makes it hard to define what normal sleep is. New born babies can sleep for 16 hours a day. School age children can sleep an average of 10 hours a day while adults usually sleep for 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night.
Difficulties with sleep can appear in a variety of ways:
Difficulty getting to sleep. (more common among young people)
Waking up often in the night (Mostly common in older people)
Waking early in the morning and being unable to get back to sleep. (More common in older people and anyone worrying about something in particular.
TYPES OF INSOMNIA
Transient Insomnia lasts for 2-3 days
Short term Insomnia Lasts for more than a few
days but less than 3 weeks.
Chronic Insomnia Lasts most nights for 3
weeks or longer.
Most a times, Chronic Insomnia can lead to mental health problem such as depression or misuse of alcohol or other medicines in order to gain sleep.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF INSOMNIA
• Lying awake for a long time at night before getting to sleep
• Waking up several times in the middle of the night.
• Waking up far too early and unable to get back to sleep
• Only get to sleep with the aid of sleeping pills or alcohol
• Take longer than 30-40 minutes to fall sleep.
Cause of insomnia
Physical Underlying physical condition causing involuntary
Movement, pain or discomfort e.g. coughing, arthritis,
Headaches, head injury, gastrointestinal disorders, Pruritus.
Physiological Disruptions within the sleeping environment or bedtime
Routines can cause insomnia e.g. noise, light, snoring,
Jet lag, etc.
Psychological Loss or worry can make sleeping difficult.
Every human being is different; this makes it hard to define what normal sleep is. New born babies can sleep for 16 hours a day. School age children can sleep an average of 10 hours a day while adults usually sleep for 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night.
Difficulties with sleep can appear in a variety of ways:
Difficulty getting to sleep. (more common among young people)
Waking up often in the night (Mostly common in older people)
Waking early in the morning and being unable to get back to sleep. (More common in older people and anyone worrying about something in particular.
TYPES OF INSOMNIA
Transient Insomnia lasts for 2-3 days
Short term Insomnia Lasts for more than a few
days but less than 3 weeks.
Chronic Insomnia Lasts most nights for 3
weeks or longer.
Most a times, Chronic Insomnia can lead to mental health problem such as depression or misuse of alcohol or other medicines in order to gain sleep.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF INSOMNIA
• Lying awake for a long time at night before getting to sleep
• Waking up several times in the middle of the night.
• Waking up far too early and unable to get back to sleep
• Only get to sleep with the aid of sleeping pills or alcohol
• Take longer than 30-40 minutes to fall sleep.
Cause of insomnia
Physical Underlying physical condition causing involuntary
Movement, pain or discomfort e.g. coughing, arthritis,
Headaches, head injury, gastrointestinal disorders, Pruritus.
Physiological Disruptions within the sleeping environment or bedtime
Routines can cause insomnia e.g. noise, light, snoring,
Jet lag, etc.
Psychological Loss or worry can make sleeping difficult.
MALE INFERTILITY
Male Infertility has assumed an alarming rate in recent times. Infertility is the inability of a couple to conceive after one year of regular and unprotected intercourse. More often than not, the woman is blamed for a couple’s inability to bear children and as such she is the one who sets out to find the solution, However, researches have shown that 25-40 percent of cases of infertility are attributable to the man.
CAUSES OF MALE INFERTILITY
This can be classified broadly into:
Causes which interfere or disrupt the formation of quality sperm in sufficient quantity.
Causes which interfere with the transport of the sperm from the testes to the vagina.
FACTORS WHICH INTERFERE WITH SPERM FORMATION
• Environmental conditions which expose the testes to high temperature for a long time would affect sperm formation. Working in an environment where temperatures are usually high, wearing tight fitting underpants, taking hot bathes (say 45c) for 30 minutes every day could reduce the sperm count significantly. Exposure to radiations like x-rays and radioactive substances could also reduce sperm count.
• Medical conditions like Undescended testes and Varicoceles are known to also reduce sperm count significantly. So would medical conditions which affect the testes directly like sexually transmitted infections and mumps.
• An imbalance in or a lack of one or more hormones regulating spermatogenesis cold cause low or non formation of sperm
• Other factors which have been known to interfere with spermatogenesis include alcohol, smoking, accidents and injuries to the testes.
FACTORS WHICH INTERFERE WITH THE TRANSPORT OF SPERMATOZOA
A. Impotence refers to the inability of the man to sustain erection. Ejaculation would only occur in an erect penis. Impotence could be due to structural damage to the penis and it could be psychological.
B. Any obstruction in the ducts which convey sperm from reaching the vagina could cause infertility. Such factors include chronic infections affecting the spermatic cord and the urethra, which may occur in cases of improperly treated sexually transmitted infections. Other causes of such obstruction include accidents and vasectomy (which is a contraceptive procedure).
TREATMENT OF MALE INFERTILITY
The first step in the treatment of Male Infertility is an analysis of the seminal fluid. This test provides information on the quality of the sperm, the sperm count, the volume and the quantity of the seminal fluid.
The semen is produced either by interrupted intercourse or by masturbation after at least two days of abstinence. The specimen collected should reach the laboratory within two hours of production. The nature of the problem would determine which treatment would be prescribed by the doctor.
Some of the causes of Male Infertility are preventable. Males are advised to avoid wearing tight fitting underpants and avoid exposure to excessive heat and radiation. Those in working in radiation environments should observe safety procedures and guidelines.
A man with low sperm count is advised to stop smoking and reduce alcohol intake as these have been known to reduce sperm count. Sexually transmitted diseases and infections should be treated promptly by a medical doctor.
CAUSES OF MALE INFERTILITY
This can be classified broadly into:
Causes which interfere or disrupt the formation of quality sperm in sufficient quantity.
Causes which interfere with the transport of the sperm from the testes to the vagina.
FACTORS WHICH INTERFERE WITH SPERM FORMATION
• Environmental conditions which expose the testes to high temperature for a long time would affect sperm formation. Working in an environment where temperatures are usually high, wearing tight fitting underpants, taking hot bathes (say 45c) for 30 minutes every day could reduce the sperm count significantly. Exposure to radiations like x-rays and radioactive substances could also reduce sperm count.
• Medical conditions like Undescended testes and Varicoceles are known to also reduce sperm count significantly. So would medical conditions which affect the testes directly like sexually transmitted infections and mumps.
• An imbalance in or a lack of one or more hormones regulating spermatogenesis cold cause low or non formation of sperm
• Other factors which have been known to interfere with spermatogenesis include alcohol, smoking, accidents and injuries to the testes.
FACTORS WHICH INTERFERE WITH THE TRANSPORT OF SPERMATOZOA
A. Impotence refers to the inability of the man to sustain erection. Ejaculation would only occur in an erect penis. Impotence could be due to structural damage to the penis and it could be psychological.
B. Any obstruction in the ducts which convey sperm from reaching the vagina could cause infertility. Such factors include chronic infections affecting the spermatic cord and the urethra, which may occur in cases of improperly treated sexually transmitted infections. Other causes of such obstruction include accidents and vasectomy (which is a contraceptive procedure).
TREATMENT OF MALE INFERTILITY
The first step in the treatment of Male Infertility is an analysis of the seminal fluid. This test provides information on the quality of the sperm, the sperm count, the volume and the quantity of the seminal fluid.
The semen is produced either by interrupted intercourse or by masturbation after at least two days of abstinence. The specimen collected should reach the laboratory within two hours of production. The nature of the problem would determine which treatment would be prescribed by the doctor.
Some of the causes of Male Infertility are preventable. Males are advised to avoid wearing tight fitting underpants and avoid exposure to excessive heat and radiation. Those in working in radiation environments should observe safety procedures and guidelines.
A man with low sperm count is advised to stop smoking and reduce alcohol intake as these have been known to reduce sperm count. Sexually transmitted diseases and infections should be treated promptly by a medical doctor.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
STROKE: AN OVERVIEW
Stroke is the weakness of the limbs on one side of the body; either permanently or transiently often with associated loss or disturbance of speech. Stroke can be completed or evolving, major or minor. One in every four of those suffering from Stroke will die of it within five years. However, Stroke is uncommon before the age of 40 years.
Stroke occurs as a result of deprivation of blood supply to an area of the brain, for a period long enough to cause death (infraction) of brain tissues to that area (in which case the disability is permanent). Where the damage is to the brain tissue is not long enough to cause death (ischaemia), the damage is transient.
This deprivation of blood supply could be due to a blocked vessel supplying the affected part of the brain. This is the most common cause of Stroke responsible for about 80 percent of Stroke cases.
Stroke could occur also due to bleeding into the brain tissue. This accounts for 20 percent of all Stroke cases. Any health condition which could result in any of the above could cause Stroke. Such conditions include Hypertension (which is a major culprit), smoking, heart disease and diabetes.
Any animal fat-rich diet can predispose deposit of fatty plaques in the blood vessel which can cause narrowing. This is associated with hardening of the blood vessel which occurs with aging leading to condition called Arteriosclerosis.
Risk factors which can predispose one to developing Stroke include, a high consumption of alcohol, smoking, sedentary lifestyle and obesity. As has been said, about 40 percent of Stroke can be prevented.
The most important step towards preventing Stroke is to take care of your self. A regular check on blood pressure will help to identify hypertension early and this leads to early control. Low and or moderate alcohol consumption will reduce the risk of Stroke, so will a reduction in weight and cessation of smoking,
An active lifestyle has also been identified to reduce risk of developing Stroke. Regular exercise will help blood flow and weight control.
Treatment takes two forms: immediate treatment and stabilization and rehabilitation. The type of disability depends on the area and size of the brain affected.
While treatment is aimed at preventing further damage and deterioration, rehabilitation aims at helping the patient lead a relatively comfortable life even with the disability. It includes physiotherapy and the control of the cause of the Stroke.
Stroke is a killer but a preventable killer. If you take the right step, you would be saving your life.
Stroke occurs as a result of deprivation of blood supply to an area of the brain, for a period long enough to cause death (infraction) of brain tissues to that area (in which case the disability is permanent). Where the damage is to the brain tissue is not long enough to cause death (ischaemia), the damage is transient.
This deprivation of blood supply could be due to a blocked vessel supplying the affected part of the brain. This is the most common cause of Stroke responsible for about 80 percent of Stroke cases.
Stroke could occur also due to bleeding into the brain tissue. This accounts for 20 percent of all Stroke cases. Any health condition which could result in any of the above could cause Stroke. Such conditions include Hypertension (which is a major culprit), smoking, heart disease and diabetes.
Any animal fat-rich diet can predispose deposit of fatty plaques in the blood vessel which can cause narrowing. This is associated with hardening of the blood vessel which occurs with aging leading to condition called Arteriosclerosis.
Risk factors which can predispose one to developing Stroke include, a high consumption of alcohol, smoking, sedentary lifestyle and obesity. As has been said, about 40 percent of Stroke can be prevented.
The most important step towards preventing Stroke is to take care of your self. A regular check on blood pressure will help to identify hypertension early and this leads to early control. Low and or moderate alcohol consumption will reduce the risk of Stroke, so will a reduction in weight and cessation of smoking,
An active lifestyle has also been identified to reduce risk of developing Stroke. Regular exercise will help blood flow and weight control.
Treatment takes two forms: immediate treatment and stabilization and rehabilitation. The type of disability depends on the area and size of the brain affected.
While treatment is aimed at preventing further damage and deterioration, rehabilitation aims at helping the patient lead a relatively comfortable life even with the disability. It includes physiotherapy and the control of the cause of the Stroke.
Stroke is a killer but a preventable killer. If you take the right step, you would be saving your life.
GLAUCOMA: CAUSES AND TREATMENT
Glaucoma can occur in any age. It is very possible at birth (infantile Glaucoma) and it may develop at any time during life. However, the rates of primary Glaucoma, particularly open-angle Glaucoma, increase with advancing age.
According to the World Health Organization, Glaucoma is the third largest cause of blindness worldwide. It is responsible for blindness in 5.2 million people. More than 80 per cent of the blind and suspect cases of Glaucoma live in the developing world. Prevalence studies in developing nations suggest that Glaucoma is responsible for 14 percent to 18 percent of all blindness.
Open-angle Glaucoma appears to be a more aggressive disease in blacks. A prevalence study in Nigeria; the most populated black nation in the world, revealed that Glaucoma is the third leading cause of blindness, accounting for 19.4% of the blindness.
CAUSES
About 60%-70% of Glaucoma in the world is heredity in origin. This group falls into primary open-angle type. There is a higher prevalence of open-angle Glaucoma in relatives of Glaucoma patients. While the exact pattern of inheritance is not established, close relatives of Glaucoma patients have an increased risk of developing Glaucoma 5-6 times the general population.
Apart from genetic inheritance, other factors that can predispose Glaucoma are Myopia, Diabetes Mellitus, Retinal Vein Occlusion, Hypertension, Intraocular Tumors, Cataract, Accidental and Surgical Trauma and Inflammations in the eye.
MANAGEMENT OF GLUACOMA
Current accepted management of Glaucoma is to control intraocular pressure and lower it to a level at which damage to the optic nerve and retina is stopped.
Medical and surgical management can lower intraocular pressure and stop progression of peripheral visual field loss.
Primary open-angle Glaucoma may be managed both medically and surgically. Primary angle-closure Glaucoma is usually managed by surgical intervention after controlling the pain and elevated intraocular pressure by medical means.
Infantile Glaucoma requires immediate medical and surgical management in early life to prevent blindness.
Medical management is the more conservative method of managing Glaucoma because it is a chronic disease that medications do not cure. Several conditions must be met for medical management to be effective which include check up at regular intervals.
Early diagnosis plays a very important role in the prevention of blindness from Glaucoma. Relative of Glaucoma patient should present themselves for Glaucoma screening at least two times every year.
People that are suffering from conditions that predispose Glaucoma should equally go for eye check up at least twice yearly
According to the World Health Organization, Glaucoma is the third largest cause of blindness worldwide. It is responsible for blindness in 5.2 million people. More than 80 per cent of the blind and suspect cases of Glaucoma live in the developing world. Prevalence studies in developing nations suggest that Glaucoma is responsible for 14 percent to 18 percent of all blindness.
Open-angle Glaucoma appears to be a more aggressive disease in blacks. A prevalence study in Nigeria; the most populated black nation in the world, revealed that Glaucoma is the third leading cause of blindness, accounting for 19.4% of the blindness.
CAUSES
About 60%-70% of Glaucoma in the world is heredity in origin. This group falls into primary open-angle type. There is a higher prevalence of open-angle Glaucoma in relatives of Glaucoma patients. While the exact pattern of inheritance is not established, close relatives of Glaucoma patients have an increased risk of developing Glaucoma 5-6 times the general population.
Apart from genetic inheritance, other factors that can predispose Glaucoma are Myopia, Diabetes Mellitus, Retinal Vein Occlusion, Hypertension, Intraocular Tumors, Cataract, Accidental and Surgical Trauma and Inflammations in the eye.
MANAGEMENT OF GLUACOMA
Current accepted management of Glaucoma is to control intraocular pressure and lower it to a level at which damage to the optic nerve and retina is stopped.
Medical and surgical management can lower intraocular pressure and stop progression of peripheral visual field loss.
Primary open-angle Glaucoma may be managed both medically and surgically. Primary angle-closure Glaucoma is usually managed by surgical intervention after controlling the pain and elevated intraocular pressure by medical means.
Infantile Glaucoma requires immediate medical and surgical management in early life to prevent blindness.
Medical management is the more conservative method of managing Glaucoma because it is a chronic disease that medications do not cure. Several conditions must be met for medical management to be effective which include check up at regular intervals.
Early diagnosis plays a very important role in the prevention of blindness from Glaucoma. Relative of Glaucoma patient should present themselves for Glaucoma screening at least two times every year.
People that are suffering from conditions that predispose Glaucoma should equally go for eye check up at least twice yearly
GLAUCOMA: A MAJOR CAUSE OF BLINDNESS
Glaucoma occurs when the intraocular pressure exceeds the ability of the affected eye to tolerate it. This is as a result of aqueous humor, a clear fluid that is continually produced within the eye to bathe and nourish it. In a healthy eye, this fluid flows and drains out at the same rate. This maintains a steady pressure within the eye referred to as Intraocular Pressure (IOP).
In patients with Glaucoma, the eye continues to produce the aqueous humor, but it is unable to drain at the normal rate. The result is an increase in IOP. This high intraocular pressure results in visual loss by damaging the optic nerve and retina.
Glaucoma usually affects both eyes. Visual loss from Glaucoma is irreversible; no medical treatment or surgical operation can restore vision that has been lost as a result of Glaucoma.
Visual loss first occurs in the peripheral portion of the visual field if the disease is not controlled. A patient with Glaucoma may have good central vision but very restricted peripheral (side) vision.
The normal intraocular pressure is 10-21 mmHg. This is considered normal because the intraocular pressure of 95 percent of eyes measured falls within this range.
Glaucoma may occasionally occur in any eye with intraocular pressure within the normal range. Such a case is called “Low Tension” Glaucoma. An intraocular pressure above 21mmHg does not necessarily mean that Glaucoma is present, but it should be suspected. Until Glaucoma is proven, such a patient is considered to be a “Glaucoma Suspect” or “Ocular Hypertensive”. The presence of ocular hypertension alone does not establish the diagnosis of Glaucoma; two out of the following three criteria usually are required to establish diagnosis of Glaucoma:
Elevated intra ocular pressure
Visual field loss
Damage to the optic disc
In patients with Glaucoma, the eye continues to produce the aqueous humor, but it is unable to drain at the normal rate. The result is an increase in IOP. This high intraocular pressure results in visual loss by damaging the optic nerve and retina.
Glaucoma usually affects both eyes. Visual loss from Glaucoma is irreversible; no medical treatment or surgical operation can restore vision that has been lost as a result of Glaucoma.
Visual loss first occurs in the peripheral portion of the visual field if the disease is not controlled. A patient with Glaucoma may have good central vision but very restricted peripheral (side) vision.
The normal intraocular pressure is 10-21 mmHg. This is considered normal because the intraocular pressure of 95 percent of eyes measured falls within this range.
Glaucoma may occasionally occur in any eye with intraocular pressure within the normal range. Such a case is called “Low Tension” Glaucoma. An intraocular pressure above 21mmHg does not necessarily mean that Glaucoma is present, but it should be suspected. Until Glaucoma is proven, such a patient is considered to be a “Glaucoma Suspect” or “Ocular Hypertensive”. The presence of ocular hypertension alone does not establish the diagnosis of Glaucoma; two out of the following three criteria usually are required to establish diagnosis of Glaucoma:
Elevated intra ocular pressure
Visual field loss
Damage to the optic disc
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