April 25, 2022

Flu Vaccine: When And Why You Should Get It

Start early and stick to a schedule 

All individual should start getting their flu shots when they turn 6 month old. Remember that you will need to get vaccinated every year, unless your physician says otherwise. Please visit https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/flu-influenza/get-your-flu-shot.html for information about Flu vaccination in Canada.

Antibodies need time to a develop

Your trusty vaccine needs about two weeks to produce the antibodies that keep you healthy-most especially during the flu season!

There is right vaccine for everyone  

There are two common types of flu shots, namely:

  • Inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) for children
  • Recombinant influenza vaccine (RIV) foe adult

 

Please speak to your doctor to take flu vaccination for you. He/she would determine whether you are eligible for vaccination and if yes, which type of vaccination is suitable for you.

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ambicare-adminGeneral Health
April 25, 2022

How Do I know if I Have Diabetes

According to Diabetes Canada (www.diabetes.ca), about 8% of Canadians are suffering with diabetes in Canada. It’s important that you know the early signs of diabetes before it’s too late to control this chronic disease. Having diabetes means that you may avoid eating certain foods which are high in saturated fats, sodium, and cholesterol. Read more to learn about the basics of diabetes and how you can prevent it from happening to you by visiting at www.diabetes.ca.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic illness that is a result of having excessive glucose (sugar) in your bloodstream. The primary cause of this disease is when the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin or not functional to regulate glucose levels which in turn causes a spike in your blood sugar. Having diabetes can put you at risk for other chronic ailments like heart disease, vision problems, and even impotence in men.

What are the types of diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is also known as “insulin-dependent diabetes” or “juvenile diabetes.” This is considered to be more dangerous than type 2 diabetes and typically occurs in children and young adults. While the exact cause of type 1 diabetes is still unknown, family medical history can also be a risk factor in 10% to 15% of patients diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Those with other known autoimmune hormone-related diseases are also prone to developing this type of diabetes.

Meanwhile, those with type 2 diabetes or “adult-onset diabetes” are usually diagnosed after the age of 40. About 90% to 95% of those with diabetes have this kind of diabetes. According to some studies, type 2 diabetes has slowly become one of the fastest growing epidemics in this modern age. Obese children are also at risk of developing this type of diabetes as unhealthy food options are more readily accessible and affordable for the masses.

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Between 3 – 20% of pregnant women develop gestational diabetes, depending on their risk factors. In most cases women with gestational diabetes did not have diabetes before their pregnancy; however, after giving birth, the diabetes usually goes away.

Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but are not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Although not everyone with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes, many people will.If left unmanaged, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes will increase. Taking steps to manage your blood sugar can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. The key is a healthy lifestyle.

Common symptoms

You should consider consulting your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms which may indicate early signs of diabetes like:

  • Unexpected weight loss
  • Slow healing wounds
  • Blurred vision
  • Frequent urination
  • Unexplained fatigue

 Did you get diagnosed?

Your doctor may perform blood tests to measure and determine the type of diabetes and the severity of your condition. A urine test may also be necessary to see if there are any abnormalities in your ketone levels which is usually a result of low insulin levels in your blood.

For Canadians, Diabetes Canada (www.diabetes.ca ) is proving very useful information about the disease, prevention, and lifestyle habits including the diet plans. Visiting their website is very helpful in planning to a control diabatic condition.

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ambicare-adminChronic Diseases
April 25, 2022

Hypothyroidism vs Hyperthyroidism–What’s the Difference

The thyroid is a “butterfly-shaped” gland that can be found in your neck and is responsible for producing hormones needed for certain brain activities and healthy metabolism. About 9% of Filipinos have some form of thyroid disease and is more common in adult women. According to the American Thyroid Association thyroid diseases affect an estimated 20 million Americans and up to 20% of those with an existing condition are unaware of their condition. It is estimated that 1 in every 10 Canadiansare suffering form of thyroid function abnormality. The thyroid malfunction is more common in females than in males.

What does your thyroid do?

The thyroid is a “butterfly-shaped” gland that can be found in your neck and is responsible for producing hormones needed for certain brain activities and healthy metabolism. Your thyroid is also in charge of regulating your heartbeat and body temperature. An unhealthy thyroid can have a huge impact on other major body functions if left untreated.

Symptoms of an unhealthy thyroid

Initial signs of an abnormal thyroid may include sudden mood changes like consistently feeling tired despite having a full night’s rest. The same goes for abrupt feelings of anxiety which may indicate that your thyroid is producing too much thyroid hormone. Other symptoms may include:

  • Changes in bowel movement
  • Excessive hair loss
  • Sudden weight gain
  • Irregular periods
  • Infertility
  • Mental fatigue

What causes thyroid disease?

There are two major types of thyroid disease: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. refer to the table below for common symptoms:

 

Hypothyroidism Hyperthyroidism
• Always feeling fatigued • Experiencing tachycardia (rapid heartbeat)
• Suffering from constipation • Heightened feelings of anxiety
• Muscle weakness • Excessive sweating
• Affected menstrual cycle (too light/too heavy) • Trembling hands
• Slow heart rate • Sudden loss of weight
• Feelings of depression • Enlarged thyroid glands aka goiter
• Slow brain function • Insomnia
• Hair loss

 

Hypothyroidism can be caused by an existing medical condition like thyroiditis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, iodine deficiency, and postpartum thyroiditis. Meanwhile, hyperthyroidism can also be the result of other illnesses like Grave’s disease, thyroiditis, excessive iodine intake, and overactive nodules within the thyroid. Recommended diet If you are suffering from hypothyroidism, then it is probably because you lack iodine in your diet which is essential for the production of thyroid hormones. Fortify your diet by adding a mix of foods rich in iodine like seafood and seaweed. On the other hand, those with hyperthyroidism are recommended to eat more cruciferous foods like broccoli, kale, and cauliflower which help decrease the production of thyroid hormones.

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ambicare-adminWomen's Health
April 20, 2022

Allergy in Kids: Know what to do

Any child can develop allergies, and it is more likely to develop if the child comes from a family with history of allergy. In Canada, spring allergies are very common in both adults and kids. As parents and caregivers, knowing how to monitor and effectively handle allergy attacks in children will give you peace of mind. Find out more information about allergy in kids—how it develops, its signs and symptoms, as well as prevention and management tips to help you stay prepared.

In recent years, diseases like allergic rhinitis, skin allergy, and sinusitis have become commonplace, even in children. In the last 50 years alone, there has been an increase in the prevalence of allergy-related conditions worldwide. As children are not safe from developing allergies, what can you do as a guardian? The first and most important step is to be informed.

What is an allergy

An allergy is an immune system response to certain substances or irritants (allergens). Normally, a person develops antibodies to protect himself from viruses or bacteria. However, for people with allergies, the immune system responds even to mild substances like dust or food. Once the body comes into contact with the allergen, it starts developing antibodies and releases histamines, resulting to an allergic reaction.

Allergies run in families, but can also develop suddenly in children and adults.

Allergy in children

Symptoms

Manifestation of symptoms vary in children. Severity also ranges from mild to severe.

Skin-related Respiratory-related Others
Itchy skin Stuffed or clogged nose Swelling of the tongue, face, or other body part
Skin swelling Sneezing Dizziness
Red and/or scaly skin Coughing/Wheezing Nausea
Hives or rashes/bumps Shortness of breath Vomiting
Eczema Water eyes Tingling sensation in the mouth
Feeling of pressure in the face Upset stomach
Bring your child to the nearest emergency room in case of anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a condition where breathing is compromised. This happens when the airway swells and your child is having a difficult time breathing, which can lead to a drop in blood pressure.

Diagnosis

If your child presents any of the symptoms acutely or persistently, it may be a sign of allergy. No matter what age your child is, it is best to consult a physician to conduct tests and find a conclusive diagnosis. A doctor specializing in allergies is called an allergist. He/she may prescribe aallergin test or blood test for your child.

What can you do

Prevention

Avoiding your child’s triggers or known allergens is an effective way to prevent allergy attacks from happening. The list below shows common triggers and how you can avoid them:

Allergen How to avoid
Food products (peanut, egg, chicken, seafood) Avoid using the ingredients your child is allergic to. Check the ingredient list in store-bought food to be sure about what you are serving.
Pollen Avoid playing outdoors when pollen count is high, or ask your child to wear a mask.
Dust or dust mites Regularly clean your home especially in areas where your child frequents. Wash beddings and clothes often.
Animal fur or dander If you have a pet at home, limit your child’s exposure. Clean often and regularly.
Insect bites If in an area with high insect count, cover up your child. Ask them to wear long-sleeved clothes and/or pants.
Cigarette smoke, strong perfumes, chemicals Do not expose your child to cigarette smoke. When choosing household cleansers, detergent, or hygiene products, also check the ingredient list for additives and chemical substances.

 

Treatment

There is no cure for allergies, but symptoms may be controlled or managed. Your child may outgrow his/her allergy, but it is also possible for a resurgence to occur in adulthood.

Your doctor may prescribe your child any of the following treatments, as appropriate for your child’s age and health status:

  • Antihistamines– help manage the general symptoms
  • Decongestants– help treat nasal congestion and other cold-related symptoms
  • Nasal sprays or steroids
  • Inhalers (for asthma)
  • Immunotherapy
  • For emergency cases such as anaphylaxis, visit the nearest emergency room for further assessment.

Allergies can occur in just about anyone, but children need the help of their parents and guardians when they get allergy attacks. Remember these simple management and prevention tips to keep allergies at bay.

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ambicare-adminChildren’s Health
April 18, 2022

Emergency Response CPR and Heimlich Maneuver

Emergency situations can happen anywhere and anytime, so you should always be alert when you encounter one. Two common emergency scenarios that you may come across are when someone has difficulty in breathing or is suffering from a heart attack. There are two first emergency response procedures that can help save someone’s life if they are having trouble breathing.

CPR

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR is one of the most important first aid emergency techniques that you must know how to perform. It is a life-saving procedure that can help someone who is suffering from a cardiac or breathing emergency. The American Red Cross explains a few steps in administering CPR:

  1. Secure the location to check the overall scenario, then approach and ask the person if he/she is okay and is in need of assistance.
  2. Call your local emergency number or ask a bystander to make the call for you.
  3. Gently roll over the person if they are lying on their belly. Open the airway while the person is lying on his or her back. You can do this by tilting the head back slightly lifting the chin.
  4. Check if the person involved is breathing. Do this for 10 seconds. Immediately start CPR if there are no signs of normal breathing.
  5. Place your hand on top of each other, then put force into compressing the middle of the chest. You should be able to administer compressions that are at least 2 inches deep at 100 compressions per minute.
  6. After giving compressions, give rescue breaths by pinching the nose shut and placing your mouth over the person’s mouth to form a complete seal. You should aim to deliver two rescue breaths in between continuous chest compressions. The chest should rise with your initial rescue breath. Re-tilt the chin if this does not happen. If unsuccessful, observe for any signs of choking and try to clear the obstruction.
  7. Continue the given steps until rescue arrives.

Not everyone is equipped with the right knowledge to properly perform CPR in emergency cases. The Canadian Red Cross offers basic and advanced life support certification courses for professionals who want to sharpen their skills. As for laypeople, American Heart Association recommends that you perform hands-only CPR if you are either untrained or have not done CPR in a while. You can watch a short video about this here.

Choking

Mayo Clinic describes choking as a blockage in a person’s throat or windpipe. This usually occurs when a foreign object is blocking your airway and can lead to low levels of oxygen to the brain. Children in particular are quite prone to choking due to swallowing small objects or large cuts of food. This is considered as a medical emergency that can be reversed by performing the following:

  • Back blows– bend the person over so the upper body portion is parallel to the ground. Give five secure back blows while securing the person’s chest.
  • Heimlich maneuver– make a fist with one hand and wrap your arms around the person’s abdomen, just slightly above the person’s navel. Press hard with a quick upward thrust and perform between 6 to 10 abdominal thrusts. You can watch a simple instructional video here and view a few illustrations of the technique here.

While first aid is not always taught in school, it is best to also explore opportunities to learn the basics. Enroll in free courses or join seminars so you can help give someone a second chance today. The Canadian Red Cross offers a variety of trainings on first aid procedures and other basic life support courses.

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ambicare-adminWellness
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