Eye Health

Overview: 

The World Kidney Day aims to increase education and awareness about the importance of kidneys for the human body, and shed light on preventive behaviors, risk factors, and ways kidney patients can live with the disease. 

Facts: 

• The kidneys are complicated and amazing organs that do many essential tasks to keep us healthy.
• The main job of your kidneys is to remove toxins and excess water from your blood. Kidneys also help to control your blood pressure, to produce red blood cells and to keep your bones healthy.
• Each roughly the size of your fist, kidneys are located deep in the abdomen, beneath the rib cage.
• Your kidneys control blood stream levels of many minerals and molecules including sodium and potassium, and help to control blood acidity.
• Every day your kidneys carefully control the salt and water in your body so that your blood pressure remains the same. 

Main kidney functions: 

• Make urine. 
• Remove wastes and extra fluid from your blood.
• Control your body’s chemical balance. 
• Help control your blood pressure. 
• Help keep your bones healthy.
• Help you make red blood cells.

Objectives:

• Raise awareness about the importance of the kidneys and the connection between diabetes and hypertension and chronic kidney disease.
• Encourage diabetics to get their kidneys and blood pressure regularly checked. 
• ​Encourage preventive behaviors. 
• Educate medical professionals about the key role they play in detecting and reducing the risk of chronic kidney disease, particularly in high-risk groups.
• Shed light on kidney transplant being the best solution for kidney failure and organ donation being a life-saving act.

References:

Saudi Ministry of Health

Introduction:

Diabetes is a chronic disease of high blood glucose (sugar) level than the normal level, and is due to either the pancreas not producing enough insulin or reduced tissues sensitivity, or both.
Insulin: A hormone produced by the pancreas to help control and maintain blood glucose. 

Types of the disease:

Type 1 diabetes:

 This type occurs when insulin producing cells are completely disrupted and become unable to produce the hormone. Usually, this type of diabetes affects young people.

Type 2 diabetes:

• When the body can produce insulin either in insufficient amounts or normal amounts but ineffective.
• Gestational diabetes: High blood glucose as a result of the hormones produced by the placenta during pregnancy and often disappears after delivery. 
• Secondary diabetes: Is diabetes that results as a consequence of another medication and hormones or pancreatic surgery and other reasons. 

Symptoms:

• Frequent urination.
• Feeling very thirsty / mouth dryness.
• Feeling very hungry.
• Sudden loss of weight.
• Fatigue.
• Itching and skin infection.
• A tingling sensation or numbness in the limbs.
• Blurred vision.
• Feeling hot in the feet.
• Slow-healing wounds.

Diagnosis:

•  Random blood sugar test.
• Fasting blood sugar test.
• Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test (acumulative diabetes). Diagnosis is done in two different dates.  

Averages:

High Blood Sugar Averages Prediabetes Averages Normal Sugar Averages Types of Blood Test From 126 mg/dl or more 100-125 mg/dl Less than 100 mg/dl Fasting Blood Test From 200 mg/dl or more 140-199 mg/dl Less than140 mg/dl 2 Hours After Eating 605% or more 5.7-6.4% Less than 5.7% Accumulative Sugar Test

Causes and Risk Factors:

• Genetic Factors: Your risk increases if a parent or sibling has type 1 diabetes.
• Obese:  The more fatty tissue you have, the more resistant your cells become to insulin.
• Exposure to viral diseases.
• High blood pressure.
• High fat in the blood.
• Laziness and lack of physical activity.

Complications:

Chronic Complications:

• Cardiovascular Diseases: Diabetes dramatically increases the risk of various cardiovascular problems, including coronary artery disease with chest pain (angina), heart attack, stroke and narrowing of arteries (atherosclerosis).
• Nerve damage (neuropathy): Excess sugar in the blood can injure the walls of the tiny blood vessels (capillaries) that nourish your nerves, especially in your legs. This can cause tingling, numbness, burning or pain that usually begins at the tips of the toes or fingers and gradually spreads upward.
• Kidney problems (nephropathy): High blood glucose leads to kidney failure or kidney diseases.
• Retinopathy: High blood sugar damages tiny vessels that bring nutrients to the retina, blocking the passage of light to the retina.
• Feet problems: Nerve damage in the limbs, particularly the feet, makes the patient unable to feel the pain of an injury which can lead to ulcers in the foot.
• Skin conditions:  Diabetes may leave you more susceptible to skin problems, including bacterial and fungal infections.
• Gingivitis.
• Osteoporosis.

Treatment: 

There is currently no cure for diabetes; however, you can keep level of blood sugar within normal range. Treatment of diabetes differs from patient to patient, the doctor decides the most appropriate type of treatment for each patient, depending on the following: 

Type of diabetes.

• Health conditions of the patient.
  Effective treatment of diabetes depends on the patient himself, when he is committed to adjusting his sugar level, he will enjoy a healthy life, through the followings:
• Visiting diabetes clinic regularly.
• Checking your blood sugar regularly at home.
• Exercising regularly.
• Taking care of your feet and checking them daily. 

Prevention:

Prediabetes, type2 diabetes and gestational diabetes can be prevented through the following:

• Eating healthy foods by choosing those lower in fat and calories and higher in fiber. Focusing on fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
• Regular physical activity.
• Avoiding overweight.

Examinations necessary for diabetics:

• Checking blood pressure at each visit.
• Checking weight at each visit.
• Checking feet every 6 months.
• Checking accumulative sugar every 6-12 months.
• Checking cholesterol and triglycerides every 12 months.
• Checking eyes every 12 months.

References:

Saudi Ministry of Health

World Mental Health Day 

​​Overview:

Everyone feels psychologically stressed sometimes. People may also go through all kinds of stressful situations that may become part of their daily lives. Low-level stress can be beneficial or stimulating, and there are many things that can be done to help deal with stressful events. There are simple steps you can take to deal with feelings of stress, tension or exhaustion.

Psychological stress:

It is a feeling that you are under abnormal stress. It can come from various aspects of the day (e.g. increased workload, transition period, family argument, or new and existing financial concerns). You may find that they have a cumulative effect, as if there is a buildup of stress. During these situations, you may feel upset, and your body may create a response to stress, anxiety and irritability. This can result in a variety of physical symptoms and change the way you act. It can also make you experience more intense emotions. Stress can affect you physically and emotionally in multiple ways, and to varying degrees.

Possible causes of stress:

Stress affects people differently. Moreover, the causes of stress vary from a person to another, and the level of stress that you feel comfortable with may be higher or lower for others around you. Tense feelings usually occur when we feel that we do not have the resources to manage the challenges we face. Stress at work, school, home, illness, or difficult or sudden life events can lead to stress. Some possible causes include:

• Individual genetics, upbringing, and experience.
• Personal life and relationship difficulties.
• Major or unexpected life changes (e.g. moving out, having a baby, starting to look after someone).
• Financial difficulties (e.g. debt, or struggles to afford daily necessities).
• Health problems of a loved one. 
• Pregnancy and children.
• Housing problems.
• Difficult or unstable work environment.
• A feeling of loneliness and lack of support. 
• Loss in all its forms, whether a loved one, a job, etc.

Symptoms of stress:

Stress can cause many different symptoms, and this can affect how you feel physically and mentally, as well as how you act.

Physical side effects:

• Headache or dizziness
• Muscle stiffness or pain
• Stomach problems
• Chest pain or fast heart rate
• Sexual problems

Mental symptoms:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty making decisions
• Fatigue
• Constant worry
• Forgetfulness

Behavioral changes:

• Irritability 
• Little or too much sleep
• Little or too much eating
• Avoiding places or people
• Smoking, and drug and alcohol use.

When to see a doctor?

• When you feel any psychological change
• When trauma, calamity, or any cause of stress occurs
• When you can't control your stress, hindering your social life 

Prolonged exhaustion:

Excessive or prolonged stress can lead to physical problems, including a decreased immunity, digestive and intestinal difficulties (e.g. IBS) or mental health problems (e.g. Depression). It is important to manage stress, and keep it at a healthy level to prevent long-term damage to the body and brain. 

How to manage stress?

• Eliminate stress triggers: You can't always escape stressful situations or avoid a problem; however, stress reduction can be attempted by assessing whether the stressful situation can be changed, perhaps by giving up some responsibility, lowering standards, or asking for help.
• Social support: Strong social support can improve stress resilience. Some friends or family members may be good at listening; so try to get help from those closest to you.
• Getting good nutrition: When faced with stress, the central nervous system releases adrenaline and cortisol. This affects the digestive system. Moreover, acute stress can kill your appetite. But the secretion of the hormone cortisol during chronic stress can cause cravings for fat and sugar.
• Relaxing muscles:  Since stress causes muscle tension, it can lead to back pain and general fatigue. So it is best to combat stress and its symptoms through stretching exercises, massages, warm baths, or progressive muscle relaxation. It is a method that has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve mental health in general.
• Maintaining quiet sleep: Stress during the day affects sleep at night. Losing can affect perception and mood.
• Physical fitness:  Regular physical activity not only improves sleep; but also directly combats stress.
• Maintaining fun activities and hobbies: When life gets tough people often leave their leisure activities. But isolating yourself from pleasure can be counter-productive. Therefore, opportunities to engage in hobbies and enjoyable activities should be seized.
• Asking for help: When you feel overwhelmed and know self-help has not been helpful, find a psychologist or other mental health providers who can help you learn how to effectively manage stress. 

References:

Saudi Ministry of Health

Osteoporosis

Introduction:

Bones are the solid organs of which the human skeleton (skeletal system) is made up. Bones are in a constant state of renewal (remodeling). At early age, the bone tissue is produced (ossified) at a higher ratio than the breakdown (resorption) of old tissue—a process called bone ossification and resorption, bone remodeling, or bone metabolism. As people age, the metabolism process is reversed; such that resorption occurs at a higher ratio than ossification (which is typical of aging).

Osteoporosis:

Osteoporosis is a common health condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break. It develops slowly over several years, and is often only diagnosed when a minor fall or sudden impact causes a bone fracture. Women are at higher risk of osteoporosis, especially post-menopause.

Other names of the disease:

Thinning bones, the silent disease.

Cause:

• Long-term use of some medications (such as taking corticosteroids or cortisone orally), and other medications such as heparin (an anticoagulant), as well as epilepsy medications (such as phenytoin);  
• Some endocrine disorders such as: hyperactivity of the thyroid and parathyroid glands, Cushing's syndrome, and deficiency of estrogen; 
• The density of women’s bones decreases dramatically in the few years post-menopause, particularly if the menopause begins early (before the age of 45).

Risk factors: 

• Drinking alcohol, smoking and excessive caffeine use;
• Family history of osteoporosis-associated fractures;
• Deficiency of sex hormones (hypogonadism);
• Aging;
• Loss of weight;
• Deficiency of calcium or Vitamin D; 
• Lack of physical activity.

Symptoms:

At early stages, osteoporosis does not usually cause any symptoms. As the diseases develops, though, the following symptoms may occur:

• Pain in the lower back (caused by braking or dislocation of a vertebra);
• Roundback (kyphosis), and getting shorter over time;
• Increased risk of fractures.

When to see a doctor? 

• When getting old (+60 years old);
• After menopause, or undergoing an oophorectomy surgery;
• If you take cortisone for several months; 
• If you take medications like cortisone, anticoagulant and epilepsy medications.

Complications:

• Fractures, particularly hip and spinal fractures: 

They are the most serious bone fractures. Hip fractures are usually caused by falls. They may result in the patient’s paralysis, or even death, owing to the complications that may occur after surgeries, especially in the elderly.

• Spinal fractures: 

Fractures of the spinal bones, or spinal fractures, may occur without injuries or falls. The weight pressure on the spinal bones (vertebrae) causes them to collapse on one another, causing a severe back pain.

• Multiple such spinal fractures may lead to the loss of some centimeters from the patient's height, and the appearance of roundback (kyphosis).

Diagnosis: 

• Family history: examination of the risk factors (such as family history), symptoms and complications;
• Measuring how the bones are able to absorb X-ray, through DEXA scan, to measure the density of bones, especially the hip and spinal bones.

Treatment: 

Following preventive precautions is necessary for the preservation of bone density, and hence avoid osteoporosis, in addition to avoiding falls and fractures. If a patient is diagnosed with osteoporosis, though, the physician shall determine the treatment method, based on the symptoms that the patient develops. 

Prevention: 

Prevention of osteoporosis should begin at an early age, through to all the subsequent age stages. Osteoporosis prevention depends on the following:

• A healthy diet: make sure that you get an adequate intake of proteins, calories, in addition to calcium and Vitamin D, all of which are necessary for preserving the bone formation and density;
• Calcium is necessary for all women post-menopause (the intake should not be less than 1000mg a day), whether from natural dietary sources, such as dairy products (milk, cheese, leben, etc.), and vegetables (turnip, broccoli, etc.), or by taking calcium supplements. The daily intake of calcium, however, should not be more than 2000mg, to avoid the calcium-associated side-effects; 
• Vitamin D is also important for the bone health. Postmenopause women consume 800 IU of Vitamin D per day. Together with calcium, Vitamin D helps prevent osteoporosis-induced fractures in older women. Vitamin D is also found in milk, salmon fish, yogurt, orange juice and cereals. In case the daily intake of Vitamin D from natural dietary sources is insufficient, it should be taken—after consulting the doctor—as supplements;
• Quit smoking and stop drinking alcohol;
• Take regular exercise: exercising is an optimal way to preserve the bone density, strengthen muscles, preserve body balance, and, hence, reduce the risk of fractures;
• Avoid falls: falling increases the risk of fractures. To avoid falls: 
• Remove robes and cables, as well as carpets, which may lead to stumbling and falling;
• Make sure to keep the house well-illuminated, including stairs and doorways;
• Avoid walking on slippery surfaces, such as: ice, and wet or slippery floor;
• Avoid waling in uneven areas; and
• See your doctor on a regular basis, to assess the visual acuity.

FAQ

• Can osteoporosis be detected early in women?

Most women are examined for osteoporosis when they are 65 years old. They can be screened before 65, after menopause, or in case they are at risk of osteoporosis (for example, smoking). The osteoporosis examination is conducted through clinical examination, medical history, and measurement of the bone density. 

References:

Saudi Ministry of Health

Objectives:

Raising the public awareness, particularly women, about the risk factors that increase the possibility of developing breast cancer, methods of prevention, the importance of early detection, target groups, location of service center, and providing integrated service to fight breast cancer from detection to treatment. 

 Overview:

• Breast cancer is caused by the abnormal growth of breast cells.
• Having breast lumps does not necessarily mean that cancer is present; some lumps form due to cysts or infections.
• Diagnosing breast cancer is done by: Breast self-examinations, physical examinations, and mammograms respectively.
• Complications of breast cancer include the spreading of cancerous cells to neighboring tissues.
• Some of the most important ways to prevent breast cancer include, leading a healthy lifestyle, and breastfeeding.

Definition of cancer:

Cancer is a broad term given to a collection of related diseases characterized by the abnormal growth of tumors on the organs of the body. There are two types of tumors, benign tumors and malignant tumors (which are known as cancerous tumors). The two types are distinguished by examining the tissue (taking a sample).

Definition of Breast Cancer:

Breast cancer is a cancer that develops due to uncontrollable changes in the function or growth of the cells forming breast tissue. These changes transform these cells into cancerous cells that have the ability to spread. Breast cancer can occur in both men and women, but it is more common in women.

Statistic:

According to European and American studies, one in eight women is at risk of developing breast cancer at some point in her life.

Types of Breast Cancer:

There are several types of breast cancer, and the most common of these types is known as Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): This type of cancer was named that way because it starts inside the milk ducts. This type accounts for 90% of breast cancer cases.

Causes:

The actual cause of breast cancer is not known, but there are some factors that increase the risk of developing breast cancer.

Symptoms:

In most cases there are no symptoms, but these signs may appear in advanced stages:

• A solid non-painful lump or node in the breast or the armpit.
• Breast tenderness and swelling.
• Breast discharge.
• Change in the size, shape or appearance of the breast or wrinkling in the skin of the breast
• A newly inverted nipple.
• Itching, or crusting or scaling of the skin surrounding the breast.
• In most cases the patient does not feel any pain.

Having breast lumps does not necessarily mean that cancer is present; some lumps form due to cysts or infections.

When to see a doctor:

• Upon noticing a persistent and solid lump.
• If the lump does not disappear within 4-6 weeks.
• Upon noticing skin changes.
• Upon noticing nipple discharge (usually blood).
• If a nipple gets inverted.
• Upon noticing a change in the size of the lymph nodes in the armpit (lump).

Diagnosis:

A) Breast self examination:

Breast self exams should be done routinely every month, three to five days after the menstrual cycle, and the doctor must be contacted immediately upon noticing any changes.

Breast self-examination methods:

1- Lying down:

• Lie down on your back with a pillow under your right shoulder, then use the pads of the three middle fingers on your left hand to check the right breast.
• Press using light and firm pressure in a circle without lifting your fingers off the skin.
• Keep pressing your fingers in an up and down pattern.
• Feel for changes in the breast, above and below the collarbone and in the armpit.
• Repeat the previous steps on the left breast using your right hand.

2- Standing in front of the mirror and noting any changes:

• Hold arms at your side
• Hold arms over your head.
• Press your hands on your hips and tighten your chest muscles.
• Bend forward with your hands on your hips.

B) Physical examination:

It is a breast exam conducted by trained doctors and specialists in the hospital. If a patient has a family history of breast cancer, the doctor will immediately recommend a mammogram.

C) Mammography (Mammogram)

Mammography is an x-ray imaging method used to examine the breast. It is the most accurate way to detect breast cancer early, even if it was small in size. This early detection could lead to faster recovery.

All women are advised to have mammograms at least once a year, starting at the age of 40 (and perhaps earlier if there is a family history of breast cancer).

Risk factors:

• Gender: Breast cancer can occur in both men and women, but it is more common in women.
• Advanced age: Especially over the age of 55 years.
• Medical family history and genetics: If any first-degree relatives were diagnosed with breast cancer due to genetic factors and not due to other reasons, then regular checkups for breast cancer and ovarian cancer must be done.
• Delayed pregnancy (after 30), or no pregnancy.
• Not Breastfeeding
• Reaching puberty at an early age (before 12).
• Beginning menopause at an older age (after 55).
• Some types of treatment, such as: Radiation therapy or hormone therapy or the use of hormonal contraceptives.
• Exposure to radiation at an early age (before 30).
• Personal history of malignant tumors in the breast or some types of benign tumors.
• Obesity and lack of physical exercise.
• Consuming alcohol. 

Complications:

Untreated breast cancer can lead to:

• Ulcerations and inflammations in the skin.
• Cancerous cells start multiplying in the breast.
• The tumor can spread to the lymph nodes, which increases the risk of cancer spreading to other vital organs in the body (such as: the brain, liver, and lungs), which can affect the functions of these organs and stop them.
• The patient's health may severely deteriorate leading to death in advanced stages of the disease.

Treatment:

Treatment options depend on the diagnosis (type of tumor,stage, size) and the health status of the patient:

• Chemotherapy and biotherapy
• Radiation therapy.
• Hormone therapy.
• Surgery.
• Targeted therapy.

Prevention:

Primary prevention:

• Healthy lifestyle, which includes healthy food, physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight.
• Consult the doctor before using alternative hormones
• Make sure to breastfeed your baby.
• Avoid smoking.
• Early detection.

Secondary prevention:

• Breast self examination.

References:

Saudi Ministry of Health

Introduction:

The world celebrates World Heart Day on the 29th of September every year; as it aims to raise public awareness to reduce the risks associated with cardiovascular diseases and allow members of society to make positive changes in their lives that help maintain their health and vitality.

Heart disease is a broad term used to describe a range of diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels. These diseases vary according to how they occur; some of which are caused by a blockage in blood vessels, leading to a heart attack, angina or stroke, while some affect the heart muscle, such as congestive heart failure.

Some types of heart diseases:

• Arteriosclerosis
• Coronary artery disease.
• Angina.
• Heart attack.
• Myocardial infarction.
• Cardiomyopathy.
• Myocarditis.
• Congestive heart failure.
• Heart failure.
• Arrhythmias.
• Stroke.

Causes:

The causes of heart diseases differ depending on the type of it.

Symptoms:

The symptoms of heart diseases differ depending on the type of it. For example:

Cardiovascular diseases:

• Chest pain.
• Severe shortness of breath.
• Cold limbs.
• Weakness and fatigue.

Irregular heartbeat:

• Palpitations or slow heart rate.
• Chest pain.
• Shortness of breath.
• Dizziness.

Enlarged heart:

• Shortness of breath, whether with or without effort.
• Leg and foot swelling.
• Fatigue.

Myocarditis:

• High temperature.
• Breathing difficulty.
• Stress.
• Rash.

Symptoms of heart attack or stroke:

• Discomfort or pain in the center of the chest, between the breasts or behind the breastbone.
• This discomfort can spread to other areas, such as back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
• Shortness of breath.
• Fatigue, anxiety, tension, indigestion, nausea or vomiting.
• Sudden weakness of the arm, face, or leg, often one side of the body.
• Sudden trouble in walking, dizziness, loss of balance.
• Severe headache with no known cause.

Warning: 

If you experience such symptoms rush to the Emergency Room to avoid complications.

Heart disease risk factors:

• Age.
• Sex; Men are also much more prone to heart problems than women.
• Family medical history.
• Smoking.
• Diet rich in salt and/or saturated fat.
• High blood pressure.
• Diabetes.
• High cholesterol.
• Obesity.
• Lack of physical activity.
• Nervous tension.
• Diagnosis.
• Blood tests.
• Chest X-ray.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG).
• Echocardiogram.
• Cardiac catheterization.
• Myocardial biopsy.
• Computed tomography (CT scan) of the heart.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Treatment:

Heart disease treatment depends on the type of the disease and its causes. Generally the treatment plan includes:

• A better way of life for patients.
• Medications according to the type of disease.
• Surgical intervention, if necessary.

Prevention:

Heart diseases are preventable by improving lifestyle;

• Quitting smoking.
• Controlling blood pressure.
• Controlling diabetes.
• Following-up with cholesterol levels.
• Maintaining an ideal weight.
• Eating healthy.
• Exercising.
• Keeping tensions away.​

References:

Saudi Ministry of Health