Tooth Decay

INTRODUCTION
Teeth affect our physical, mental, and social health. Good teeth are needed to chew food into pieces small enough for the digestive system to handle. They also help us look and feel good. Neglected teeth become diseased and cannot perform their function. They may cause bad breath and spoil a smile as well.
HOW IS IT CAUSE?
Dental caries is a very common problem. Bacteria normally reside in the mouth. They, however, mix with the proteins present in the saliva (spit) to form plaque and attach to the hard enamel surface of the tooth. The bacteria feed on food sugars and starches and produce an acid. This acid eats into the tooth enamel damaging the tooth.
PANDEMIC
Initially there may be no symptoms while the enamel is being eaten away. Later, tooth sensitivity may be noticed. There may be discomfort while eating sweet foods and hot or cold drinks or foods. If the cavity becomes very large or a tooth abscess develops which may be accompanied by pain, swelling or fever. This is why it is important to have frequent dental check ups. If it hurts, it is already too late.
TREATMENT
Small cavities are treated by simple fillings. It is possible to have tooth-colored filling using special compounds to avoid detection. If a part of the tooth has decayed material, it is removed and the resultant hole in the tooth is filled. Fillings are usually made of silver-mercury or resin. If the decay has reached the central portion of the tooth that contains the nerves and blood vessels (pulp), a root canal treatment is advised wherein the decayed pulp is removed, a filling done and the tooth covered by a cap or crown. Most dental procedures are performed under local anesthesia where the local nerves are bed.
PREVENTION
The key to prevention is to remove the plaque and bacteria before the acid gets a chance to eat away the tooth. The mouth must be kept clean. Brushing must be done twice a day with a soft-bristle brush. Toothpastes with fluoride are helpful. The intake of sugars and starches must be limited. Whenever sweet things are eaten, the mouth must be rinsed immediately.
WHY IS DENTAL CARE IMPORTANT?
Dental care is very important at all ages, but more so in older people since they have an increased risk of developing tooth cavities. Plaque is a sticky build-up of food particles, mucus, and mouth bacteria around the base of the teeth, commonly seen in neglected teeth. Plaque causes swelling of the gums, known as gingivitis, which can usually be prevented or cured by good dental hygiene .Gingivitis’s can lead to serious disease and tooth loss if it is neglected.

Facts about Drinking Alcohol for Your Health

GENERAL INFORMATION
When to say No to alcohol – regardless of age, anyone with uncontrolled hypertension, liver disease, kidney disease, pancreatitis, chronic gastritis or congestive heart failure should avoid alcoholic beverages. And clearly, anyone who is prone to alcohol abuse or addiction, or who exhibits violent behavior after drinking, should abstain. People with high blood triglyceride levels should also consider not drinking alcohol, because alcohol increases the blood concentration of these potentially harmful lipids.
Abstinence is also necessary for people who take medications that interact with alcohol. A recent study found that the over-the-counter (OTC) heartburn/ulcer medication ranitidine (zantac) can cause blood alcohol levels to soar dangerously high. Alcohol also potentially interacts with popular OTC pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil), and acetaminophen (Tylenol).
ALCOHOL AND CANCER – heavy drinking is associated with an increased risk of several cancers – notably, cancer of the mouth, esophagus, pharynx, liver and pancreas.
A DRINK IS A DRINK – red wine has reputation for being the most cardio protective type of alcohol, possibly because it contains a greater concentration of antioxidants. These molecules prevent the oxidation of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol – a process that contributes to the buildup of arterial plaque.
The bottom line - anyone who doesn’t already drink, should not start in order to achieve a possible health benefit. The potential draw backs of excessive alcohol consumption and the possibility of dependence are too great.

Nose Bleed

INTRODUCTION
The nose contains many blood vessels, which lie close to the inner surface of the nose lining. These vessels bleed readily if they are injured by external force, or if the nose is blown too hard or over-enthusiastically explored, extreme weather (cold or hot) and other ill defined condition like Hypertension.
STOPPING NOSEBLEED
Pinch the nostrils in the area immediately below the nasal bones firmly with the thumb and forefinger as soon as a nosebleed is recognized.
The patient should sit down with head forward over a washbowl or bucket.
The pressure on the bleeding vessels must be maintained for at least ten minutes, and the patient must not raise the head.
Release the pressure gradually.
With the head still forward, wipe carefully around the mouth and nose with a clean dressing or swab which has been soaked in lukewarm water.
REMEMBER
The patient must avoid blowing the nose for at least four hours after the bleeding has stopped, if this is at all possible.
If the bleeding continues, stopping nosebleed steps should be repeated.
If the bleeding still continues, the patient must be taken to the clinic or hospital. The patient must still hold the nose.

Back Pain

UNDERSTANDING YOUR BACK
SPINE: The main functions of the spine are to:
#Support the trunk and the head
#Allow flexibility of the body
#Protect the spinal cord
A normal spine – a double S curve with two curves to the front and one to the back.
MUSCLE: Back, abdominal and buttock muscles stabilize the spine and help maintain proper posture.
SPINAL CORD: Spinal cord runs from the brain to the level of the second lumbar vertebra.
SPINAL NERVE: Spinal nerves out from the spinal cord between each two vertebrae and carry commands to the organs and muscles and also send messages relating to touch, temperature and pain to the spinal cord and the brain.
LIGAMENT: Ligaments are bands of tough tissue between the bones that keep the vertebrae in good alignment and prevent damage due to excessive movement.

THE CAUSE OF BACK PAIN
#Most minor back pain is caused by overuse or overstretching of the muscles and/or ligaments.
#Back pain can also result from a strained facet joint.
TIPS FOR A HEALTHY BACK
#Balance posture while standing, sitting and sleeping.
#Do proper manual handling and lifting.
#Exercise helps prevent injuries and assists in recovery.
#Gentle exercise post-injury exercise is essential.
#Stay fit and avoid overeating.
#Keep a positive attitude.
#Good and Poor Posture - Standing STOP SMOKING, Smoking is linked to back pain.

Diabetes

INTRODUCTION
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a condition in which he the most widely recognized problem is the body's inability to regulate the level of glucose in the blood. Glucose is the main form of sugar in the body. The body breaks down food into glucose and uses it as a source of energy. In healthy people insulin helps to regulate the glucose (sugar) levels. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas (a long, thin organ located behind the stomach against the back). In diabetics, the body does not produce enough insulin or does not use the produced insulin effectively. This results in a high level of glucose in the blood ("hyperglycemia").
TYPES OF DIABETES
Type 1 diabetes known as Insulin dependent diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes known as non-insulin dependent. diabetes.
SIGN AND SYMPTOM
Increased urination, increased thirst and Hunger. Fatigue, Blurred vision, Urinary and vaginal infections, Skin infections, especially fungal or more serious bacterial infections, Frequently upset stomach, stomach pains, nausea and vomiting

How is the diagnosis confirmed?
The simplest test which will reveal this condition is a urine 'dipstick' examination to detect glucose in the urine. High blood glucose levels result in a spill over of glucose into the urine. However, this does not confirm the diagnosis, which requires a fasting blood sample or oral glucose tolerance test.
DIABETES IS DIAGNOSIS BASED ON A HIGH LAVEL OF GUCOSE OR SUGAR IN BLOOD
MANAGEMENT OF DIABETES
EXERCISE: It is an important component of diabetes therapy. Exercise utilizes blood sugar and makes the body more sensitive to insulin. It also reduces high blood pressure and high lipid levels, which are often associated with diabetes.

Foreign Body In The Eye

YOUR EYES ARE PRECIOUS
Every day your eyes are subjected to strain, dust, smoke, bright lights and other irritants.
GENERAL INFORMATION Small items stuck to the white of the eye can be very irritating but are easy to remove. If an item embedded in the eye or stuck on the colored part of the eye (the iris), do not attempt to remove it. Cover the eye as appropriate and take person to clinic for treatment.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS FOREIGN BODY IN THE EYES
Irritation and/intense pain.
Feeling that there may be something in the eye.
Redness and/or watering. Release the pressure gradually.
Blurred vision.
TREATMENT
Wash the eyes at emergency eyewash station.
Sit the person down facing the light so you can clearly see what needs to be removed.
Examine the eye gently separating the eyelid with your finger and thumb. Ask the person to move the eye up and down and from left to right. Allow the person to blink.
If you see the foreign body and it is not embedded or touch the colored part of the eye, gently wash it out. Run water through the eye, holding the eyelid open.
If washing does not work and object is not embedded in the eye, try to remove it with a moist piece of clean material.
If you remain unable to remove the object, take or send person to clinic.

Hiccups

INTRODUCTION
HICCUPS occur as a result of involuntary diaphragm contractions. Most attacks stop quickly and do not require treatment. Persistent hiccupping occurs only occasionally. It results from organic disease and can continue for hours or even days.
METHODS OF STOPPING HICCUPS
Hiccups can often be cured by activities which distract the victim’s attention from the problem; determined breath-holding, up to the limit of endurance, will usually end an attack; and provoking a sneeze, by tickling the inside of a nostril, often proves effective.
Give the patient a paper bag and encourage her to re-breather her own exhaled air.
Another common treatment for hiccups is for the patient to drink water from far side of a glass. The procedure for this is as follows:
1. Fill a normal glass with drinking water.
2. Place the lips over the side of the glass exactly opposite to the side from which one would normally drink.
3. Bend over in order to drink from the glass.
REMEMBER
If the symptoms persist, then the patient will require medical attention.

Occupational Skin Disease (OSD)

WHAT IS OCCUPATIONAL SKIN DISEASES?
An occupational skin disease (OSD) is any skin disorder which is caused by a person's work. The commonest type of OSD is dermatitis, an inflammation of the skin.
WHAT ARE SOME CAUSES OF OSD?
Irritation: Skin contact with substances at work. Strong irritants (such as acids, alkalis or solvents) cause skin inflammation after a short period of skin contact. Weak irritants (such as water, detergents, and coolants) cause inflammation after repeated exposures over a longer time.
Allergy : Another important cause of OSD is allergy to substances handled at work. Examples of substances are cement, metals and resins. Rubber gloves and boots worn for protection may sometimes paradoxically cause allergy.
HOW CAN OSD BE RECOGNIZED?
· OSD usually occurs on the parts of the body which come into contact with work substances. OSDs occur most frequently on the hands and forearms.
· Early signs of OSD include dryness, redness and itch of the skin. If severe, the skin may become swollen and vesicles may develop. The skin may eventually become cracked, scaly and thickened.
· These skin changes often improve when the worker is away from work, such as during weekends and holidays. Fellow workers who do the same job may also have similar skin problems.
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE FOR OSD?
Any skin disorder which is suspected to be associated with work should be reported to the company nurse or doctor immediately. OSDs which are recognised and treated early can be cured. Do not let OSDs remain untreated - if left alone, they may become serious and chronic.
CAN OSD BE PREVENTED?
Yes. Once the cause of OSD has been identified, your doctor can advise you on how to avoid the causative substance, thereby preventing the OSD from recurring. The ideal method of prevention is to substitute the substance which causes the OSD with another which is less harmful to the skin.
If this is not possible, skin contact with the substances can be reduced by:
1. Installing devices in work operations, such as local exhaust ventilation, splash guards and screens.
2. Informing workers of any risks of OSD in the work environment, and education on proper work habits to avoid skin contact with harmful substances as far as possible.
Providing suitable, adequate and accessible protective equipment and washing facilities. These should be properly maintained and used.

Stress Management

DEFINITION
Stress is the reaction or response people to a stimulus (demands and events). It can be positive or negative.
ASPECTS OF WORK WHICH MAY GIVE RISE TO STRESS
JOB CONTENT: Repetitive and Lack of variety leads to boredom and under use of skills.
WORKLOAD/WORK PACE: Work overload or under load, deadlines.
WORK SCHEDULE: Shift work, inflexible work schedules, long or unsociable working hours, travel demands.
CONTROL: Low participation in decision making, No communication.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND EQUIPMENTS: Poor environmental conditions such as lack of space, poor ventilation, lighting, excessive noise, Inadequate equipment availability, and suitability or EQUIPMENT maintenance.
ORGANISATIONAL CULTURE: Management and leadership style (Autocratic), Poor communication, low levels of support for problems solving and personal development.
INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS AT WORK: Poor relationships with superiors and work mate, interpersonal conflict, lack of support.
ROLE IN ORGANISATION: Role ambiguity, no clear roles &responsibilities.
CAREER UNCERTAINTY: Job insecurity, Low pay, Career stagnation, Under promotion or Over promotion.
HOME-WORK INTERFACE: Conflicting demands of work and home, No work-life balance, Low support at home.
WATCHING FOR SIGNS OF STRESS
PHYSICAL SIGNS: Sweating, Trembling, Inarticulate / stumbling speech, Avoiding eye-to-eye contact, Blushing/pallor, Nervous twitches, Crying or tearfulness, Rapid weight gain or loss, Nail biting, High BP.
EMOTIONAL SIGNS: Irritability / anger / nervousness, Reduced self-esteem, Lack of motivation, Anxiety/moodiness, Feeling tense, Job dissatisfaction, Loss of confidence/ more suspicious.
INTELECTUAL SIGNS: Poor memory, Inability to concentrate / focus, Difficulty in making decisions, Making mistakes / increased accidents, Making mistakes / increased accidents, Persistent negative thoughts.
BEHAVIOURAL SIGNS: Isolation and un-social able, Loss of appetite or overeating (eating disorders), Increased consumption of alcohol, Smoking or substance abuse, Aggressive, Late to work, early to leave or increased absenteeism, Reduced work performance, Poor grooming and dress. i.e. neglecting him / herself.
STRESS MANAGEMENT
PRIMARY INTERVENTION: Clear responsibilities, good communication, involvement in decision making and empowerment, Staff rotation, Recognition and appreciation, Healthy work environment-Carry out HRA-No nuisances, Improve communication, Team work, Training and coaching to improve competency, Healthy diet-Avoid too much coffee or tea, be humorous.
SECONDARY INTERVENTION: Stress Awareness, Identify stressors, Open discussion between employee and his direct supervisor, Encourage people to develop their own solutions don’t become over-involved, respect confidence, Coping techniques, Support by colleagues and line management.
TERTIARY INTERVENTION: Review of work situation, Occupational Health Support, Medical treatment and counselling by specialists, Return to work programmes (Rehabilitation).