World Antimicrobial Awareness Week

This year’s WAAW theme which was announced by the World Health Organisation (WHO) is: “Spread awareness, stop resistance“ with the slogan remaining as “Antimicrobials: Handle with care.”

It is celebrated between 18-24 November each year, the World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) aims to increase awareness of global antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and to encourage best practices among the general public, health workers, farmers, animal health professionals and policymakers to avoid the further emergence and spread of drug-resistant infections.

 History of World Antibiotic Awareness Week

Every year in November, initiatives are taken in many countries around the world to increase awareness about antibiotic resistance. According to experts, prudent use of antibiotics is one of the most important steps to deal with antibiotic resistance. This idea was put forward for the first time in Europe in 2007. After this decision, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) held meetings to discuss the issue and form a proposal for the same. They also decided to develop tools and materials that would be made available to different countries. This initiative was called the European Antibiotics Awareness Day (EAAD).

What is the importance of antimicrobials?

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatens the effective prevention and treatment of an ever-increasing range of infections caused by bacteria, parasites, viruses, and fungi. AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death. As a result, the medicines become ineffective and infections persist in the body, increasing the risk of spread to others.

Antimicrobials – including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and antiparasitics – are medicines used to prevent and treat infections in humans, animals and plants. Microorganisms that develop antimicrobial resistance are sometimes referred to as “superbugs”.

 Raising Awareness: Improving Use of Antimicrobials

 Sustaining antimicrobial stewardship efforts is critical, especially now during the COVID-19 pandemic. This WAAW, spread the word about the importance of improving antimicrobial prescribing and use to:

  • Effectively treat infections
  • Protect patients from harm caused by unnecessary and inappropriate use
  • Combat AR

 Everyone has a role to play in fighting antibiotic resistance and protecting these important drugs for when they are needed most. We must all continue to take responsible action to protect antibiotics so that they remain effective for people and animals—using the right antibiotic, at the right time, dose, and duration.

 AMERICAN SPINE CENTER

Timing: 9am until 9pm, Saturday to Thursday.|
Contact us: 800-100-999
Location: Al Razi Building 64, Block F, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE.

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International Stress Awareness Week

International Stress Awareness Week was created in 2018 to raise awareness about stress prevention, following the establishment of Stress Awareness Day in 1998. International Stress Awareness Week has developed as a major annual event focusing on stress management. Subjects this year’s event will address include –

  1. Experiences people have with mental health challenges and what can be done to help them
  2. How employers are responding to mental health issues and what can be learned
  3. Campaigning against the stigma associated with stress and mental health issues
  4. The role of stress management professionals in alleviating stress, with practical and proven techniques for building resilience
  5. What further actions need to be taken in the light of the pandemic and possible changes in future working practices
  6. Ensuring that those suffering from stress know where to go to seek advice

As Covid-19 has caused an increase in mental health issues, particularly loneliness and grief, this International Stress Awareness Week will focus on emotional management. It will also discuss the lack of investment in mental health services, as highlighted by the pandemic’s devastating impact.

WHY IS STRESS MANAGEMENT IMPORTANT?

 With 74% of people reportedly unable to cope with the levels of stress in their lives, stress management is more important now than ever. The psychological effects of stress result in 61% feeling anxious, and a worrying 32% with suicidal thoughts.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON CAUSES OF STRESS?

 Pressure to Succeed – 60% Young Adults

  1. Self-Image – 49% of Young Adults
  2. Health – 36% of Adults
  3. Body Image – 36% of Women & 23% of Men
  4. Housing – 32% of Young Adults
  5. Work – 26% of Adults
  6. Debt – 22% of Adults

With such staggering statistics in mind, International Stress Awareness Week is a vital event for us all to recognize, particularly in the workplace where burnout is common.

Stress can’t be completely avoided in life today, but its impact can certainly be reduced or minimized. Learning to implement creative ways to reduce stress is a vital part of making the most out of life. Obviously, a doctor should be consulted if medical problems are involved, but folks who are simply looking for ways to reduce stress might try some of these activities:

  1. Deep Breathing Exercises. Many times, the mind simply needs a timeout to get recentered and calm down. Deep Breathing is a great way to regain focus and get reenergized, even for just a couple of minutes in the middle of a workday.
  2. Regular Exercise. One excellent way to keep stress at bay is to keep the body moving. Running, walking, bicycling, or movement activities like yoga can all be incorporated into an anti-stress lifestyle.
  3. Reduce Caffeine. A healthier diet can be a huge stress-buster, and caffeine can be a significant culprit for creating anxiety. Limit the caffeine to one small serving a day to gain a noticeable difference in the amount of stress put on the body and the adrenal system.
  4. Journal or Talk About Feelings. One way to cope with stress is to tell a friend or therapist about difficult things in life. Don’t have one? No worries! Journaling can sometimes be just as therapeutic as a listening ear.

Stress Awareness Day is an ideal opportunity to start looking after yourself and your life and break down the individual stressors in your life. Failure to deal with stress in your life effectively can lead to serious health problems, including increased blood pressure, susceptibility to heart disease, and a decline in the immune system.

Observing Stress Awareness Day can take on all sorts of forms. From creating an individual action plan to getting involved with raising awareness on a community level, there are many great ways to get involved.

Once a person starts experiencing any of these signs and symptoms, they can landslide into each other, resulting in growing sickness and, by extension, more stress. It’s truly a self-feeding problem and a cycle that is necessary to control to enjoy our lives. And the first step to getting out of the cycle is becoming aware of it in the first place.

AMERICAN SPINE CENTER
Timing: 9am until 9pm, Saturday to Thursday.
Contact us: 800-100-999
Location: Al Razi Building 64, Block F, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE.

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World Mental Health Day

The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health. The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.

Each of us can make a contribution to ensure that people dealing with problems concerning mental health can live better lives with dignity.

What Exactly is a Mental Illness?

A mental illness is a physical illness of the brain that causes disturbances in thinking, behavior, energy or emotion that make it difficult to cope with the ordinary demands of life. Research is starting to uncover the complicated causes of these diseases which can include genetics, brain chemistry, brain structure, experiencing trauma and/or having another medical condition, like heart disease.

The two most common mental health conditions are:

  • Anxiety Disorders – More than 18% of adults each year struggle with some type of anxiety disorder, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder (panic attacks), generalized anxiety disorder and specific phobias.
  • Mood Disorders – Mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar depression, affect nearly 10% of adults each year and are characterized by difficulties in regulating one’s mood.

The Dilemma

Every year one adult in four, along with one child in ten, will have a mental health issue. These conditions can profoundly affect literally millions of lives, affecting the capability of these individuals to make it through the day, to sustain relationships, and to maintain work.

Raising Awareness

The best way to deal with this stigma is through facts and a better understanding of mental health problems. From identifying the causes, pinpointing solutions, and ultimately recognizing that we are really dealing with medical issues.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on people’s mental health. Some groups, including health and other frontline workers, students, people living alone, and those with pre-existing mental health conditions, have been particularly affected. And services for mental, neurological and substance use disorders have been significantly disrupted. Yet there is cause for optimism.

During the World Health Assembly in May 2021, governments from around the world recognized the need to scale up quality mental health services at all levels. And some countries have found new ways of providing mental health care to their populations. During this year’s World Mental Health Day campaign, we will showcase the efforts made in some of these countries and encourage you to highlight positive stories as part of your own activities, as an inspiration to others.

A bout of depression, family history of anxiety, or a nagging doubt that something isn’t quite right are all incentives to take care of your poor mental health; here are nine key areas to focus on:

  1. Take care of yourself – It’s important to take care of your physical health as this can affect your mind. Trying to keep a balanced diet whilst also drinking plenty of water can help your energy levels. Things like junk food, alcohol and some non-prescribed drugs can leave you feeling down.
  2. Exercise – Our mood is affected by chemicals in the body. Even gentle exercise can release ‘happy hormones’ that not only help us look and feel better, they can increase concentration and aid sleep.
  3. Sleep and rest – Our bodies heal when we sleep and it’s often easier to drift off when our mind is well rested. Therefore, take some time out during the day for a brisk walk or to meditate; anything you consider a break from your chores.
  4. Mindfulness – Ruminating over the past or worrying about the future is a constant drain on energy levels. To live in the moment, learn how to be mindful — you should find it a powerful skill once acquired.
  5. Engage in activities – Being part of a network of people who all help one another is uplifting in its own right. Give your time or attention to other people in a personal, professional or voluntary role and it can make you feel better about yourself as well as feel less isolated.
  6. Be kind to yourself – Be aware of your critical voice. When you are anxious or depressed you may well have a voice that tells you negative things about yourself. Be aware of this and notice the way that makes you feel and how it affects your behavior. Know that you can choose to do something different.
  7. Socializing – If you are kind to yourself it encourages others to treat you in the same way. Surround yourself with positive people who are there for you when you need them most. Just the connection with people who care can be all the comfort you need at times.
  8. Accept help – No matter how hard you try to live a healthy and self-compassionate life there will always be a time when you need help. Let close friends or family help you work through a problem.
  9. Therapy – The worst thing you can do is try to ignore a problem with mental health. Sign up for online therapy or a distinct approach to counselling, like cognitive behavioural therapy. Talking things through can help to keep your mind clear and your outlook positive

 Wellbeing can mean different things to different people but some common features include having a sense of purpose, feeling good and functioning well, having control in your life and the options to change things if necessary, as well as achieving goals you set for yourself.

 Mental fitness is important to maintaining your brain and your body healthy, especially as you age. It’s your mind that keeps your body functioning together and adequately. Opting for some essential practices that can put your mind on a healthy state is very important for a healthy mind. You can incorporate different exercises that can empower your intelligent quotient, emotional quotient, and spiritual quotient, as this will ensure the needed calmness and bliss in your life, which is pivotal for a healthy mind.

 AMERICAN SPINE CENTER
Timing: 9am until 9pm, Saturday to Thursday.
Contact us: 800-100-999
Location: Al Razi Building 64, Block F, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE.

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World Spine Day

Practically everyone on the planet understands back pain, as it’s the leading worldwide cause of disability. The spine endures a lot of wear and tear over the course of a lifetime, but knowing how to care for your back can prevent serious pain and disability. With this in mind, World Spine Day was launched to educate the public about spine conditions—and inspire them to become more active in their own health.

 What Is World Spine Day?

 World Spine Day is held each year on October 16, and it is part of Bone and Joint Decade Action Week. The day was formally launched by the World Federation of Chiropractic in 2012, with the goal to raise awareness about spinal health and spine disorders. To accomplish this, people across the globe participate in special educational events and activities to boost their knowledge about back and neck pain.

 With World Spine Day serving as an international event, the team behind it analyzed data from around the world to determine the status of spine health in different countries. The facts that they came up with are startling. The Global Burden of Disease Study, published in The Lancet in 2012, states that over 630 million people worldwide suffer from back pain. With the amount of effective preventative interventions, medications, and surgical options, this number should be much lower. World Spine Day aims to promote these figures to show governments around the world that back pain can be controlled if resources are given to ensure access to the different interventions available.

Conservative methods for preventing back pain can be very effective. Spine surgeons always recommend that their patients attempt all forms of conservative care before resorting to surgery. Through this campaign and attempt to raise awareness, it is important to understand the non-invasive, non-medical changes that you can make to your daily activities that can prevent future pain.

Some of the options that you should consider if you are experiencing back pain to improve your symptoms include:

  • Exercising: Getting more active increases the blood flow to the area of your back that is experiencing pain. Though exercise might be difficult if the pain is debilitating, it can often improve symptoms by promoting healing in the damaged area. Strengthening the muscles in your back also stabilizes the damaged areas, making them less likely to move around.
  • Chiropractic Manipulation: Chiropractors are trained to realign the spine after an injury or if a degenerated disc is causing pain. Adjustments are a safe, non-invasive method of getting the spine back to proper functioning.
  • Lifting Properly: Though strictly a preventative measure, it is vitally important for patients, especially those involved in jobs that require lifting frequently. When lifting, keep your feet shoulder-width apart, and bend with the knees and hips only.
  • Epidural Steroid Injection: When herniated discs or spinal stenosis cause pain, epidural injections can be helpful to treat the associated discomfort caused by the nerve irritation. The injections reduce the pressure that is causing pain and also minimize inflammation.

 Since the implementation of lockdown rules such as working from home, gym closures and reduced time outdoors have become our new normal, there has been an increase in the number of reports of back and neck pain. Having millions of people worldwide suffering from back pain, from children through to the elderly, it is important to establish habits that keep us active and our spines healthy.

Evidence supports regular movement and activity so that the spine, which is made up of 24 separate vertebrae and over 60 joints, can function properly, keeping you upright and protecting your spinal cord and nerves. Simple measures such as watching your posture and lifting responsibly all help to keep your spine functioning properly which often helps to prevent joints from getting creaky and painful.

This World Spine Day, let’s all commit to getting our spines Back on Track!

 AMERICAN SPINE CENTER
Timing: 9am until 9pm, Saturday to Thursday.
Contact us: 800-100-999
Location: Al Razi Building 64, Block F, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE.

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Back Care Awareness Week

With the global pandemic in mind, the past two years have been extremely difficult for all, and as a result, BackCare Awareness Week 2021 (4th to 8th October) will be paying particular attention to:

  • Working from Home
  • Studying at Home
  • Spending more time at Home

We have not forgotten those who are still working in offices, factories, schools, colleges, universities, and hospitals too. BackCare Awareness Week 2021 has something for everyone.

Back pain is now the world’s leading cause of human disability together with related musculoskeletal conditions. But contrary to popular belief, back pain is not just an adult problem as some studies show that young students are experiencing the same issue too.

Back pain is a major health issue around the globe and can get costly depending on the severity of the patient’s condition.

Although pain can be a very distressing symptom, for most people with back pain, the pain does not represent a serious medical condition. Knowing what is causing your back pain, and the best way of responding may take away some of the concerns you have when experiencing back pain.

Good back care is not only focused on preventing back pain from striking in the first place, but also on trying to prevent the negative consequences of back pain. As we take advantage of this week’s awareness topic, you can read more about what you can do to keep your back fit and healthy. Here are some tips for looking after your back:

  • Exercise regularly
  • Always bend your knees and hips, not your back
  • Always lift and carry objects close to your body
  • Maintain a good posture – avoid slumping in your chair
  • Use a chair with a backrest.
  • Sit with your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest.
  • Change how you sit every few minutes
  • Lose any excess weight

It used to be thought that bed rest would help you recover from a bad back, but it’s now recognized that people who remain active are likely to recover more quickly. This may be difficult at first if the pain is severe, but moving around as frequently as possible you and aiming to do a little more each day can help to ease backache.

The most important and relevant question, is how do you take care of your spine?

The spine is among the most important components of the human body and plays a number of different roles in daily function. Avoiding injury to the spine and promoting optimal spinal health is essential to preserving proper function and supporting optimal quality of life for patients of all ages.

A Healthy Lifestyle is Essential to Spine-Health – One of the most powerful things that you can do to boost the health of your spine is to engage in a healthy way of life. This includes eating a wide variety of healthy foods, making exercise a part of your daily life, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke. Strengthening your abdominal muscles is another way to provide support to the pelvis and lower back, which are critical in supporting the spine. By providing your body with the nutrients and physical activity that it needs to thrive, you will also be preserving the health of your spine, and boosting the body’s natural ability to address minor injuries to the tissues surrounding the spine.

Get Plenty of Quality Sleep – In order to function at the highest possible level, your body requires regular periods of rest. Spine health can be greatly enhanced by putting sleep at the top of your priority list. That means not only getting plenty of sleep at night but also preparing a sleeping environment that will contribute to quality rest. Choosing a quality mattress and pillows can help make sleep more restful. Also, the best sleep positions are on your back or side, as sleeping on your stomach offers little in the way of spine support.

Learn Healthy Spine Habits – The activities that we perform over the course of the average day can have a big impact on the health of our spine. It is important to use proper lifting techniques, even when lifting objects that are not excessively heavy. Avoid twisting while lifting, as well as lifting heavy items over waist level. Attempt to move items using the method that is least likely to lead to injury, such as pushing an item rather than pulling it. Be sure to ask for help as needed, and never attempt to lift or move a heavy object on your own.

Make Simple, Everyday Changes – Many of us perform tasks throughout the day that can be harmful to our spine health, often without even knowing it. Take the time to assess your daily choices, and make adjustments where needed to avoid injury or undue stress to the spine. This means wearing shoes that provide the right level of support and taking plenty of breaks to avoid remaining in the same position for too long. If you work in an office setting, be sure to create a workstation that allows for good posture, as well as the support of the lower part of the spine while sitting. If possible, make use of a work surface that adjusts to allow standing for part of the day, or a shelf to elevate your computer monitor to eye level.

Call the Doctor – If your back pain doesn’t go away after 4 weeks or if you have long-term pain that lasts beyond 12 weeks and keeps you from carrying on with your daily activities, see your doctor. They can help pinpoint the cause of your pain and may suggest new therapies. Get medical attention right away if your legs tingle, feel numb, or are weak.

AMERICAN SPINE CENTER
Timing: 9am until 9pm, Saturday to Thursday.
Contact us: 800-100-999
Location: Al Razi Building 64, Block F, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE.

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World Osteoporosis Day

World Osteoporosis Day is observed every year on the 20th of October across the world dedicated to creating global awareness for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a disease that makes bones weak and fragile. This greatly increases the risk of breaking a bone even after a minor fall or bump. The disease has no obvious symptoms, so many people don’t know they have osteoporosis until they suffer a fracture. Fractures can be life-altering, causing pain, disability, and loss of independence. That’s why it’s important to prevent osteoporosis.

World Osteoporosis Day aims to make osteoporosis and fracture prevention a global health priority by reaching out to health professionals, policymakers and public at large.

What Causes Osteoporosis?

We don’t know a lot about what causes the condition, but we do know how it progresses throughout a person’s life. Your body constantly breaks down old bones and rebuilds them. This process is called remodeling. As you grow up, your body builds more bone than it removes. During childhood, your bones become larger and stronger. Peak bone mass happens when you have the most bone you will ever have, usually in your early to mid-30s.

At a certain age, the bone remodeling process changes. New bone comes in at a slower rate. This slowdown leads to a drop in the amount of bone you have. When bone loss becomes more severe, you have osteoporosis.

Many osteoporosis treatments stop bone loss and lower your chances of fractures. You may start with changes to your diet and lifestyle, such as quitting smoking, adding more calcium and vitamin D to your diet, and getting more exercise.

But some people may need medications to slow bone loss or build new bone, such as:

  1. Drugs called bisphosphonates, such as alendronate (Binosto, Fosamax), ibandronate (Boniva), risedronate (Actonel, Atelvia), and zoledronic acid (Reclast,
  2. Zometa)Calcitonin (Fortical, Miacalcin)
  3. Raloxifene (Evista)
  4. Injectable teriparatide (Forteo) or PTH to rebuild bone in women who have higher chances of fractures
  5. Injectable denosumab (Prolia) for women with higher chances of fractures

Osteoporosis prevention

There are many risk factors for osteoporosis that you cannot control. These include being female, getting older, and having a family history of osteoporosis. There are some factors, however, that do fall within your control.

If you think you’re at risk of osteoporosis, or if you’ve been diagnosed with it, talk to your doctor. They can work with you to put together a prevention or treatment plan that can help improve your bone health and reduce your risk of complications.

 AMERICAN SPINE CENTER
Timing: 9am until 9pm, Saturday to Thursday.
Contact us: 800-100-999
Location: Al Razi Building 64, Block F, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE.

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Healthy Aging Month

Age like a fine wine

As some people believe in the saying, age is like fine wine, it also relates to our health in general. Aging like fine wine means you’re aging well, especially in your adult years. It shows that you’ve just gotten better as you age, like how wine tastes better the more you have it over the years and it gets a better reputation.

As we age, health becomes more important.  Thanks to improvements in medicine and health, we live longer lives now.  As such, it’s even more important than ever before to develop healthy habits as we get older. September is Healthy Aging Month, which was designated in order to focus national attention on the positive aspects of growing older.

Healthy Aging Month encourages you to act how you feel — instead of acting your age!  This month also encourages our seniors to take charge of their well-being, by aging with a healthy body (physical health) and the healthiest mind (mental health).

There are many ways to use Healthy Aging Month as inspiration to be celebrating life, and the month is dedicated to helping individuals gain a more positive outlook about growing older.  And while genetics play a role when it comes to aging, seniors still can take steps to encourage better health.

What does it mean to age gracefully?

You can’t stand in a checkout line without seeing at least a few magazine headlines about how to look younger. While dreading some wrinkles and sagging isn’t uncommon, there’s so much more to aging well.

Aging gracefully isn’t about trying to look like a 20-something — it’s about living your best life and having the physical and mental health to enjoy it. Like a bottle of wine, you can get better with age with the right care.

Tips to make the most of “Healthy Aging Month”

  • Be kind to your skin

Your skin is your body’s largest organ. If you treat it with care, it can better protect your body from the elements, regulate your body temperature, and provide sensation.

  1. To keep it looking and functioning at its best:
  2. Wear sunscreen and protective clothing when outside.
  3. Get yearly skin cancer screenings.
  4. Stick to gentle products in your anti-aging skincare routine.
  5. Stay hydrated.
  • Exercise

Regular exercise significantly lowers your risk of diseases, such as heart disease and cancer, and helps you retain your mobility longer. Exercise also lowers stress and improves sleep, skin and bone health, and mood.

It is recommended that adults do:

  1. 5 to 5 hours per week of moderate-intensity exercise, 1.25 to 2.5 hours per week of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise, or a combination of the two
  2. Muscle-strengthening activities of moderate-intensity or greater, that involve all major muscle groups, two or more days per week

Some examples of aerobic exercise include:

  1. walking
  2. swimming
  3. dancing
  4. cycling

Muscle – and bone-strengthening exercises can be performed using weights or resistance bands.

Older adults should also focus on activities that include balance training in addition to aerobic and muscle strengthening exercises.

  • Mind your diet

Healthy foods are the way to go when it comes to aging gracefully. It is recommended that you eat:

  1. fruits and vegetables, either fresh, frozen, or canned
  2. lean protein, such as fish and beans
  3. at least three ounces of whole-grain cereals, bread, rice, or pasta every day
  4. three servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy, such as milk, yogurt, or cheese that are fortified with vitamin D
  5. healthy fats

Avoid using solid fats for cooking and use oils instead. Stay away from processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats. You should also keep your salt intake to a minimum to keep your blood pressure down.

  • Mental health matters

Being happy and keeping your stress down goes a long way in helping you live and age well.

To keep your mood elevated:

  1. Spend time with friends and loved ones. Meaningful relationships and a strong social network improve mental and physical well-being and longevity. Don’t forget your furry loved ones as having a pet has been linked to lower stress and blood pressure, reduced loneliness, and better moods.
  2. Accept your age. There is evidence that people who maintain a positive attitude about aging live longer and may recover better from a disability. Aging is inevitable and learning to embrace it can make all the difference.
  3. Do things you enjoy. Taking the time to engage in activities you enjoy will only fuel your happiness. Spend time in nature, pursue a new hobby, volunteer — whatever brings you joy.
  • Stay physically active

Numerous studies have linked a sedentary life to an increased risk of chronic illness and early death. Some options to stay active are going on walks and hikes, taking vacations, and participating in group exercise classes.

  • Lower your stress

The effects of stress on your body are vast, ranging from premature aging and wrinkles to a higher risk of heart disease.

There are a number of proven ways to relieve stress, including:

  1. using relaxation techniques, such as meditation, breathing exercises, and yoga
  2. exercising
  3. getting adequate sleep
  4. talking to a friend
  • Quit smoking and decrease alcohol consumption

Smoking and alcohol have both been shown to cause premature aging and increase the risk of disease. Quitting smoking isn’t easy, but there are resources available to help you quit. Speak to a doctor about how to quit.

As for alcohol, limit your intake to the recommended amount to avoid health risks. That’s one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

  • Get enough sleep

Good sleep is important for your physical and mental health. It also plays a role in your skin’s health.

How much sleep you need depends on your age. Adults over 18 should aim for seven to eight hours of sleep every night. Getting enough sleep has been proven to:

  1. lower the risk of heart disease and stroke
  2. reduce stress and depression
  3. lower the risk of obesity
  4. reduce inflammation
  5. improve focus and concentration
  • Drink plenty of water

 Drinking enough water helps keep you regular and improves your energy levels and brain function. Coincidentally, it’s also been proven to help keep skin healthier and reduce signs of aging. How much water you should drink depends on:

  1. your thirst
  2. your activity level
  3. how often you urinate and move your bowels
  4. how much you sweat
  5. your gender

Speak to a doctor if you have questions or concerns about your water intake.

  • See a doctor regularly

Seeing a doctor regularly can help the doctor find problems early or even before they start. How often you see a doctor depends on your age, lifestyle, family history, and existing conditions.

Ask your doctor how often you should go in for checkups and screening tests as you age. Also, see a doctor anytime you experience concerning symptoms.

AMERICAN SPINE CENTER
Timing: 9am until 9pm, Saturday to Thursday.
Contact us: 800-100-999
Location: Al Razi Building 64, Block F, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE.

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Pain Awareness Month

Pain Awareness

Pain Awareness – 10% of the world’s population approximately 60 million people endure chronic pain, and estimates in individual countries and regions indicate chronic pain prevalence close to 20 – 25% Understanding more about the underlying causes of pain can help improve treatments and alleviate suffering.

What You Need to Know

  1. Nearly 100 million Americans experience chronic pain —more than those who have diabetes, heart disease and cancer combined.
  2. Pain is a warning sign that indicates a problem that needs attention.
  3. Pain starts in receptor nerve cells located beneath the skin and in organs throughout the body.
  4. Living with pain can be debilitating and adversely affect everyday life.

Pain Statistics

An estimated 1 in 5 people in the world population experiences some form of chronic pain. In the United States alone, 50 million people suffer from chronic daily pain. 19.6 million have high-impact chronic pain (chronic pain that frequently limits life or work activities)

The most common types of chronic pain include:

  1. musculoskeletal pain (e.g., chronic low back pain, neck pain, arthritis pain)
  2. neuropathic pain (e.g., peripheral neuropathy, trigeminal neuralgia)
  3. functional pain syndromes (e.g., fibromyalgia, chronic migraine, chronic pelvic pain)
  4. chronic pain after surgery complex regional pain syndrome
  5. cancer pain

Arthritis

Arthritis refers to over 100 different conditions ranging from autoimmune disease to normal joint inflammation. Arthritis Recent experiments have uncovered that the body’s own immune system makes unique antibodies to help the most severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis progress. Unfortunately, there is no cure for arthritis–treatment plans often involve both short-term and long-term approaches. An estimated 294,000 children are affected by juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) and other rheumatological conditions.

Back Pain

According to the National Institutes of Health, eight out of ten people will have back pain at some time in their lives

Over the years, the treatments for back pain changed. Much research has been done with regard to spine research, which discusses common spinal problems, and treatment options.

Headaches

Millions of people get crippling headaches, and there are dozens of different headache types — but receiving the right diagnosis is key to getting the right treatment. Migraines can be triggered by stress, fatigue, or certain foods — and researchers claim obese patients are five times more likely to develop chronic migraines. A child’s headache may be triggered by several factors, including: genetics, hormones, stress, diet, medication, dehydration, school or behavioral issues, and/or depression.

Innovations in Pain Treatment & Pain Awareness

There are many methods and techniques for treating pain, both chronic and acute.

  • Botox for pain relief — For patients with a painful and debilitating nerve compression disorder called thoracic outlet syndrome, Botox may offer temporary relief and an alternative to rib-removal surgery. A small research study has shown promising results.
  • Attitude adjustment — If you have chronic pain, especially face and jaw pain, you may sleep better and experience less day-to-day pain if you learn to dwell less on your ailments. Researchers studied 214 people and found a correlation between negative thinking about pain and poor sleep and worse pain.
  • Newly discovered protein may turn pain off — Researchers have discovered a protein that holds together multiple elements in a complex system responsible for regulating pain, mental illnesses, and other complex neurological problems. In other words: this protein has the capability to turn off the receptors that keep pain lingering.
  • Burning away intractable pain — When a 31-year-old Marine was defusing a buried bomb in Afghanistan last December, it exploded, leaving him unconscious for nearly a month. When he woke up, his face was scarred, he was blind in one eye, he was missing half of his right arm and his left arm was paralyzed. And he was in pain. Neurosurgeons opened the patient’s spine and burned away the scar tissue to alleviate this pain.

If you have pain that’s interfering with your day-to-day priorities, whether that involves loved ones, work, or recreational activities, we can help restore your pain-free life. American Spine Center uses teams of experts from different specialties to diagnose and treat your troublesome pain. (Pain Awareness

AMERICAN SPINE CENTER
Timing: 9am until 9pm, Saturday to Thursday.
Contact us: 800-100-999
Location: Al Razi Building 64, Block F, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE.

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World Heart Day

World Heart Day is, annual observance and celebration held on September 29 that is intended to increase public awareness of cardiovascular diseases, including their prevention and their global impact.

Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death globally. In the early 2000s, roughly 17 million people worldwide died from cardiovascular diseases annually. The majority of these deaths were the result of coronary heart disease or stroke. Although cardiovascular diseases are often considered to be afflictions of people living in developed countries, where a sedentary lifestyle is common, more than 80 percent of deaths from these diseases occur in low- and middle-income developing countries.

The primary causes of cardiovascular diseases—poor diet, lack of exercise, and smoking—are considered modifiable factors. Thus, even in developing countries, which often lack efficient health care programs, the majority of these diseases can be prevented. Cardiovascular diseases also have a major impact on economic systems within countries, because of the high health care costs associated with treatment and lost productivity associated with disability and absenteeism from work.

The day is commemorated to promote different preventative steps and changes in lifestyle to avoid any cardiovascular diseases, like heart attack, stroke, heart failure and any other condition related to the same. On average, more than 17 million people die from heart-related illnesses every year. This is a more than that of people who die from HIV, malaria, and cancer.

6 Healthy Habits to Strengthen Your Heart

Adopting healthy habits can be your best defense against heart disease, and may also help prevent heart attack and stroke. Here are some of the best things you can do for a healthier heart:

  1. Manage your blood pressure – High blood pressure causes constant strain on the heart. If your blood pressure is consistently higher than 130/80, talk to your doctor about the steps you can take to lower your numbers.
  2. Control your cholesterol – A healthy diet and exercise can help control cholesterol levels. One way to help keep cholesterol in check is to reduce the amount of fried and processed foods you eat. Replace them with more plant-based foods, whole grains and foods low in saturated fat.
  3. Lose weight – If you’re overweight, even a 10% drop in your weight can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It can also reduce your risk of diabetes. Talk to your primary care provider or cardiologist to identify a target weight.
  4. Exercise – Ideally, you should exercise for at least 30 minutes, 5 times a week. But if you’re strapped for time, even moving more in 10-minute intervals can help. Every bit counts. Dance while you’re cooking or folding the laundry, or take a brisk walk after dinner.
  5. Stop smoking – Smoking is one of the worst things you can do to your heart. Just one cigarette a day increases your chance of developing heart disease, as well as other chronic conditions.
  6. Calm down – Stress is not healthy. If you’re stressed out, chances are that your heart is, too. In addition to the negative health effects of stress on your body, high levels of stress tend to promote unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, drinking alcohol and overeating. We know it’s not always easy to calm down when you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious. Life is chaotic sometimes! But meditation can be one outlet for you to find a sense of calm and peace in your life.

World Heart Day is a global campaign during which individuals, families, communities, and governments around the world participate in activities to take charge of their heart health and that of others. Through this campaign, the World Heart Federation unites people from all countries and backgrounds in the fight against the CVD burden and inspires and drives international action to encourage heart-healthy living across the world.

Lifestyle changes are the key to living a healthy, happy life. Now’s your chance to take care of your heart and launch a whole new life, a healthy heart for a better life.

AMERICAN SPINE CENTER
Timing: 9am until 9pm, Saturday to Thursday.
Contact us: 800-100-999
Location: Al Razi Building 64, Block F, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE.

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Healthy Vision

Paying attention to your vision is important for your safety and overall health. People with vision problems are more likely than those with good vision to have diabetes, poor hearing, heart problems, high blood pressure, lower back pain and strokes, as well as an increased risk for falls, injury and depression.

Q: Is a there any unexpected link between posture and your Eyes?

A: YES!

Anatomical links affect more than the way you learn—they can change and, even, dictate your health. In this area, you’ll discover the link between your posture, or how you stand, and your eyes.

To use the link between the position of your spine and your optic health to your advantage, you first must understand how the connection works.

Eyes to Brain

Your eyes represent a complex part of your central nervous system, connected directly to the brain. To see the way you do, your eyes accept light beams. These beams hit the photoreceptors, known as rods and cones, located in your retina at the back of your eyeball. The signals the retina receives translate into electrical impulses, which travel on the optic nerve into the brain’s visual cortex.

Brain to Spine

When impulses reach the visual cortex, your brain interprets them and uses them to determine how the body should respond. The brain sends messages down the spinal cord to tell the rest of your body how to react to what the eyes see. When you have good posture, the communication your brain sends via your spine comes fast and uninterrupted. Your brain stays in constant command of your body, using information gathered from each of the five senses, including sight.

Eyes to Spine

Over time, slumped or hunched posture affects the connection quality between the spinal cord and the brain. This creates a lag between your eyes seeing an object, your brain interpreting the image of the object, and your body responding to the object. In fact, poor posture can result in many health issues, including slowed circulation, shallow breathing, and blurred vision. But the relationship also goes the other way. If you have poor eyesight, you may squint, lean forward, or tilt your head into an unnatural position to see more clearly. These movements create muscle tightness in the shoulders, neck, and head. Over time, this maladjustment can decrease blood flow to and impulse connection with your eyes.

Results of This Connection

When you have healthy posture and decent (or corrected) eyesight, the connection between your spine and your eyes remains strong. When your spine or eyesight experience problems, however, it can result in health complications. These may include:

  • Blurred vision or difficulty focusing the eyes
  • Decreased circulation which causes numbness and muscle strength issues
  • Eye strain or fatigue
  • Headaches or head pressure
  • Head, neck, shoulder, and back pain
  • Misalignment of the neck or spine
  • Nerve pain throughout the body, including in the limbs
  • Vision deterioration

Attempts to fix one portion of the problem may only be successful in the early stages. After your spine and eyes form a long-term, unhealthy relationship, you may need to address each cause to remedy the health issues listed above.

Improving the Relationship

If you experience any of these symptoms or you suspect a combination of vision and posture problems is affecting your health, talk to a medical professional. Identifying vision characteristics may represent a key factor in improving your health, even if you already wear glasses or contacts for vision correction.

One of our Doctor Specialists may recommend any of the following solutions:

  • Changing the way you commonly sit or stand to promote better posture
  • Meeting with a chiropractor or physical therapist to treat spinal misalignment
  • Participating in a posture conscious form of exercise such as yoga
  • Performing eye exercises to improve eye performance

You may alleviate some of your symptoms using a newer, more accurate vision prescription and simple exercises. But in some cases, you may need to reach out to other professionals for help as well. Be mindful of the effect your eyesight and posture have on each other. A healthy spine promotes fully functional eyes, and vice versa.

Here are several other ways to help protect your vision too:

  • Know your family’s eye health history; some eye conditions are hereditary and require early intervention.
  • Wear protective eyewear like safety glasses, goggles and shields when playing sports, doing home repairs or yardwork, or in the workplace if necessary.
  • Eat healthy foods, including dark, leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens and fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, tuna, trout and halibut.
  • Get active. Being physically active can also lower your risk of health conditions that can cause eye health or vision problems — like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
  • Quit smoking or never start. Smoking increases your risk of diseases like macular degeneration and cataracts — and it can harm the optic nerve.
  • Wear sunglasses — even on cloudy days! Be sure to look for sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB radiation.
  • Give your eyes a rest. Digital eye strain is a growing problem. Try using the 20-20-20 rule throughout the day: every 20 minutes, look away from digital devices and focus about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds
  • Always wash your hands before handling your contact lenses.

AMERICAN SPINE CENTER
Timing: 9am until 9pm, Saturday to Thursday.
Contact us: 800-100-999
Location: Al Razi Building 64, Block F, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE.

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GP

Sarcoma Awareness

July is Sarcoma Awareness Month: What You Should Know About The “Forgotten Cancer”

What Is Sarcoma?

Sarcoma is a rare, soft-tissue cancer made up of many “subtypes” because it can arise from a variety of tissue structures (nerves, muscles, joints, bone, fat, blood vessels; the body’s “connective tissues”).  Additionally, Sarcoma may also occur in the bones.  Basically, because these tissues are found everywhere in the body, Sarcomas can arise anywhere.

Sarcoma Awareness Month runs for the whole of July. We’ve included a few details about Sarcoma below but there is lots of information to be found here. Sarcomas are rare cancers that develop in the muscle, bone, nerves, cartilage, tendons, blood vessels, and fatty and fibrous tissues. They can affect almost any part of the body, on the inside or the outside. Sarcomas commonly affect the arms, legs, and trunk.

Sarcoma is very rare, and much more research needs to be done to fully understand how these cancers develop and how best to diagnose and treat them. People can survive sarcoma if their cancer is diagnosed early when treatments can be effective and before the sarcoma has spread to other parts of the body.

There are three main types of sarcoma: soft tissue sarcoma, bone sarcoma, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST).

Why do we have a Sarcoma Awareness Month?

Sarcoma is still considered to be the “forgotten cancer.”  Efforts to encourage research and drug development are made more challenging due to a lack of awareness and understanding. People need to comprehend that we must raise awareness and spread knowledge in the community.

AMERICAN SPINE CENTER
Timing: 9 am until 9 pm, Saturday to Thursday.
Contact us: 800-100-999
Location: Al Razi Building 64, Block F, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE.

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Personalized Care For the Athlete in You!

Sports medicine (sometimes called “sports and exercise medicine”) is a medical specialty that deals with the treatment and prevention of injuries related to sports and fitness. Healthcare professionals who work in this interdisciplinary medical field focus not only on treating sports-related injuries, but also on injury prevention, rehabilitation, nutrition, and performance training in order to help athletes improve their game.

A sports medicine specialty team often involves physicians who are trained in sports medicine, as well as orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, trainers, coaches, and others. The team works together to help patients get back into playing shape as safely and quickly as possible.

Sports Medicine Benefits

 Specialized Care: Sports medicine physicians are specially trained to care for athletes, fitness professionals, and active individuals. They understand the impacts of sports and exercise on their patients’ bodies, such as concussions and repetitive motion injuries, and they work closely with orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists to develop tailored treatment plans that suit each patient’s specific needs.

  • Enhanced Injury and Reinjury Prevention: Sports medicine physicians have an in-depth understanding of how athletes use their bodies during practice and play; as such, they provide patients with expert advice and instructions on preventing injuries and avoiding re-injuring a previously damaged area. They help professional and novice athletes alike make important “return to play” decisions, conducting pre-participation physical exams to ensure their patients are ready to resume activities.
  • Cutting-Edge Treatment Options: From leading-edge reconstructive surgical techniques to regenerative medicine procedures like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and stem cell therapy, sports medicine physicians and surgeons utilize the latest techniques and procedures to help restore function to injured areas.
  • Enhanced Athletic Performance: Sports medicine specialists often play a role in developing tailored training programs constructed around an athlete’s individual needs, strengths, and weaknesses. These experts have the knowledge and tools to evaluate an athlete’s anatomical strengths and weaknesses, make training regimen recommendations, and identify areas for improvement.

Sports Injury Treatments

Nonetheless, injuries happen. The PRICE method is usually the first line of treatment for less severe injuries, such as sprains and strains. The PRICE method involves:

  • Protection: Applying bandages, wraps, splints, etc., can help protect tissues from further damage.
  • Rest: Rest is a critical but often overlooked part of the healing process. Your sports medicine specialist will work with you on a plan to gradually reintroduce activities.
  • Ice: Icing an injured area for 24-72 hours on and off after an injury helps reduce swelling and pain.
  • Compression: Pressure also helps reduce swelling and inflammation; athletes commonly use compression bands around their knees, elbows, and other previously injured or vulnerable areas.
  • Elevation: Gravity helps drain fluid away from injured tissues to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation; a simple but effective method.

Medications, including acetaminophen (Tylenol) and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can reduce inflammation and help with pain management, but these are meant as temporary solutions.

Regenerative medicine harnesses the body’s own tissues to help promote self-healing. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy involves isolating and concentrating platelets from the patient’s own blood and injecting it into the injured area to initiate healing. Stem cell therapy involves using stem cells (usually from bone marrow) to promote healing and regenerate tissue.

What is the difference between a Sports Medicine Physician and an Orthopedic Surgeon?

Both are well trained in musculoskeletal medicine. Sports Medicine Physicians specialize in the non-operative treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. Orthopedic surgeons are also trained in the operative treatment of these conditions. However, approximately 90% of all sports injuries are non-surgical. The Sports Medicine Physician can maximize non-operative treatment, guide appropriate referrals to physical and occupational therapies, and if necessary, expedite referral to an orthopedic/sports surgeon.

Q: Do Sports Medicine Physicians only treat competitive athletes?

A: No, Sports Medicine Physicians are ideally suited to provide comprehensive medical care for the non-athlete as well, and are excellent resources for the individual who wishes to become active or begin an exercise program. For the “weekend warrior” or “industrial athlete” who experiences an injury, the same expertise used for the competitive athlete can be applied to return the individual as quickly as possible to full function.

Sports Medicine: Playing a Vital Role in Our Modern Health-Conscious World

The importance of sports medicine in games and sports cannot be overstated. Humans have been playing sports since the dawn of civilization, yet more and more people today recognize the importance of exercise and physical activity for good health. Sports that have once been reserved for the fittest and most talented among us are increasingly being embraced by everyday people. This makes sports medicine, with its comprehensive focus on all issues surrounding sports and exercise, from injury prevention to performance training, more important and relevant than ever.

A sports medicine physician has significant specialized training in both the treatment and prevention of illness and injury. They are ideally suited to provide comprehensive medical care for athletes, sports teams or active individuals who are simply looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

AMERICAN SPINE CENTER
Timing: 9am until 9pm, Saturday to Thursday.
Contact us: 800-100-999
Location: Al Razi Building 64, Block F, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE.

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UV Safety Awareness Month

Summer is here! Protect yourself from the sun’s UV rays. With summer in full swing, it’s the perfect time to head outdoors and enjoy the sunny weather. But are you protecting yourself from potential risks?

While the sun is shining bright and the temperatures warm-up, it’s the best time to remind people that July is UV Safety Awareness Month. We all enjoy the warm summer rays, but many people don’t think about the damaging effects the sun’s rays can have on your skin and eyes.

The sun emits radiation that we all know as UV-A and UV-B rays. Both of these types can damage your eyes and skin. To better understand what these different UV rays can do, see below:

UV-B rays have short wavelengths that can reach the outer layers of skin UV-A rays have longer wavelengths that can penetrate the middle layers of skin While being in the sun can offer some health benefits, such as an uptake in vitamin D, it is important to talk to your health care provider about any particular risks you might face regarding exposure. And remember, be smart in the sun!

Some of the harmful things that unprotected sun exposure can do include:

  • Cause vision problems and damage to your eyes
  • Suppression of the immune system
  • Premature aging of the skin
  • Skin cancer

There are many ways that you can protect yourself and others and minimize the risk that comes with sun exposure.

  1. Cover up – Wearing hats or other shade-protective clothing can partly shield your skin from and harmful effects of UV ray exposure. Proper clothing may include long-sleeved shirts, pants, hats, and sunglasses.
  2. Stay in the shade – Sun’s glare is most intense at midday. Staying close to the shade between 10 am and 4 pm will further protect your skin.
  3. Choose the right sunscreen – This is one of the most important aspects of protecting yourself from UV rays. The FDA has new regulations for sunscreen labeling and recommends that your sunscreen have an SPF of at least 15. It should be able to protect you from both UV-A and UV-B rays.
  4. Use the right amount of Sunscreen – According to the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention, most people apply only 25/50 percent of the recommended amount of sunscreen. When out in the sun, it’s important to apply at least one ounce of sunscreen every 2 hours. Apply it more often if you are sweating or swimming, even if the sunscreen is waterproof.

By taking proper precautions and following some of these steps, you can enjoy the sun the right way, without having to worry about getting any of the risks that come along with it.

The goal is to spread the word about how important it is to protect everyone’s skin from the harmful effects of UV rays.

Enjoy summer!

AMERICAN SPINE CENTER
Timing: 9 am until 9 pm, Saturday to Thursday.
Contact us: 800-100-999
Location: Al Razi Building 64, Block F, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE.

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GP

World Breast Feeding Week

Foundation of Life

Set every August for the first seven days of the month, World Breastfeeding Week aims to highlight the huge benefits that breastfeeding can bring to both the health and welfare of babies, as well as a wider push for maternal health, focusing on good nutrition, poverty reduction and food security.

Breastfeeding weeks aim to raise awareness of the health and wellbeing outcomes of breastfeeding and the importance of supporting mothers to breastfeed for as long as they wish.

Breastfeeding promotes better health for mothers and children alike. Increasing breastfeeding to near-universal levels could save more than 800 000 lives every year, the majority being children under 6 months. Breastfeeding decreases the risk of mothers developing breast cancer, ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. It is estimated that increased breastfeeding could avert 20 000 maternal deaths each year due to breast cancer.

EMPLOYERS BENEFIT BY PROVIDING PAID MATERNITY LEAVE

  • Breastfeeding reduces worker absenteeism.
  • Increases participation of women in the workforce.
  • Motivates staff and increases productivity.

PAID MATERNITY LEAVE MAKES CHILDREN HEALTHIER

  • Helps to establish and maintain exclusive breastfeeding.
  • Lets parents nurture and provide quality care to children.
  • Supports the baby’s early development.

PAID MATERNITY LEAVE IS IMPORTANT FOR MOTHERS

  • Supports mothers’ choice to breastfeed.
  • Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
  • Improves the health, recovery, and mental well-being of mothers.

Mother’s Milk is very important and necessary for the people to make them more Strong and capable to do many tasks without any mistakes with better health. Mothers’ breastmilk contains a lot of Nutrients like Protein, Vitamins, Carbohydrates, Iron, Calcium, Fats, and many other Nutrients to make people Grow Stronger in their health. Mother’s Milk is used to give many of the Important Nutrients and to make the Child get every type of better nourishment to their Child to develop their Health for a better future. Mother’s Milk is also used to give them every safety from Diseases like Pneumonia, Cholera, Neonatal Jaundice, and many other Diseases.

AMERICAN SPINE CENTER
Timing: 9 am until 9 pm, Saturday to Thursday.
Contact us: 800-100-999
Location: Al Razi Building 64, Block F, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE.

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GP

National Influenza Vaccination

National Influenza Vaccination Week is a national awareness focused on highlighting the importance of influenza vaccination. It is a gentle reminder for you to stay protected in the upcoming winter months. If you haven’t already taken your vaccination shot, it’s not too late. We encourage you to get your dose as early as possible. The season for flu is quite unpredictable; it can begin as early as fall and last up to spring.

Conventionally, flu activity is at its peak during winter, and so public healthcare professionals, advocates, and communities join hands to promote flu vaccination. Many people tend to show a cavalier attitude toward flu, dismissing it as a bad cold. But it’s more than that. It can cause serious health complications, such as bacterial infections or pneumonia, and can get you admitted to a hospital. If not treated at the right time, the flu can even lead to death.

History of National Influenza Vaccination

 Has any of your grandparents ever mentioned the Spanish Flu? Also known as the 1918 Influenza pandemic, the Spanish Flu was one of the deadliest flu outbreaks in human history. Caused by the H1 N1 influenza virus, the disease spread across the globe, toward the end of World War I. The earliest case of the flu was detected in military personnel in Kansas, in March 1918. The Spanish flu infected almost one-third of the world’s population, in four successive waves. It recorded a high death toll, ranging from 25-50 million worldwide, killing 675,000 people in the U.S. alone. The high mortality rate among young adults, between the ages of 20 and 40, was a remarkable feature of the influenza pandemic. Although vaccination against influenza began in the 1930s, it was only until 1945 that it saw widespread availability among civilians in America. One of the lead researchers of this vaccine was Dr. Jonas Salk, who is best known for developing the polio vaccine in the 1950s.

This influenza (flu) season, more than ever, is indeed critical that everyone age 6 months and older gets a flu vaccine to help reduce the spread of flu and associated complications that can lead to hospitalization and death. This will not only reduce illnesses and save lives but can lessen the burden on healthcare systems and help preserve medical resources for the care of COVID-19 patients.

Individuals with Chronic Health Conditions Are at Increased Risk For Severe Flu Illness

Most people who get sick with flu have mild illnesses and will recover in less than two weeks. However, some people, including those with chronic health conditions, are more likely to develop serious flu-related complications, even if those conditions are well managed. During most flu seasons, 90 percent of adults who are hospitalized with flu have an underlying medical condition. Among the most common during the 2019-2020 season were cardiovascular disease (47 percent), metabolic disorder including diabetes (43 percent), and obesity (41 percent).

Annual Flu Vaccination is the Best Way to Protect Against Flu

 CDC recommends that everyone age 6 months and older get a flu vaccine each year as the best way to protect against flu and related serious complications. Flu vaccination is more important than ever this flu season. The more people vaccinated against flu, the more people protected from flu—and the less likely that flu can spread, keeping people out of healthcare offices and hospitals, preserving limited medical resources to care for COVID-19 patients.

 Why is Flu Vaccine Very Important?

  • Minimizes risk of flu-associated hospitalization
  • Prevents respiratory infections in pregnant people
  • A lifesaver for children

 

AMERICAN SPINE CENTER
Timing: 9 am until 9 pm, Saturday to Thursday
Contact us: 800-100-999
Location: Al Razi Building 64, Block F, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE

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GP

12 Ways to Have a Healthy Holiday Season

The most wonderful time of the year is often the busiest time, as well! During the holiday season, it’s easy to get lost in the planning, preparation, and celebration. Even as things get busy, it’s important to try to make safe, healthy choices as you and your family do your favorite things.

Covid-19 vaccines are being distributed to all countries worldwide but it’s still a must to remember that we’re still in the middle of a pandemic. All of which could make holiday planning complicated.

Family and friends… Masks are still the best accessory for everyone two years and older; especially for those who are unvaccinated. This also goes to those who have vaccinated family members as they should still consider a mask if celebrating in an area with high transmission rates.

Outdoor and well-ventilated spaces are best for big meet-ups. But if you’re sick, stay home and Zoom into the festivities. And if you might have been exposed to the virus, health experts recommend getting tested. Also, try avoiding crowded spaces during your travel journey and consider taking a test before your trip.

Brighten the holidays by making your health and safety a priority. Take steps to keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy—and ready to enjoy the holidays.

  1. Wash hands often to help prevent the spread of germs. It’s flu season. Wash your hands with soap and clean running water for at least 20 seconds.
  2. Bundle up to stay dry and warm. Wear appropriate outdoor clothing: light, warm layers, gloves, hats, scarves, and waterproof boots.
  3. Manage stress. Give yourself a break if you feel stressed out, overwhelmed, and out of control. Some of the best ways to manage stress are to find support, connect socially, and get plenty of sleep.
  4. Don’t drink and drive or let others drink and drive. Whenever anyone drives drunk, they put everyone on the road in danger. Choose not to drink and drive and help others do the same.
  5. Be smoke-free. Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke. Smokers have greater health risks because of their tobacco use, but nonsmokers also are at risk when exposed to tobacco smoke.
  6. Fasten seat belts while driving or riding in a motor vehicle. Always buckle your children in the car using a child safety seat, booster seat, or seat belt according to their height, weight, and age. Buckle up every time, no matter how short the trip and encourage passengers to do the same.
  7. Get exams and screenings. Ask your health care provider what exams you need and when to get them. Update your personal and family history.
  8. Get your vaccinations. Vaccinations help prevent diseases and save lives. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each year.
  9. Monitor children. Keep potentially dangerous toys, food, drinks, household items, and other objects out of children’s reach. Protect them from drowning, burns, falls, and other potential accidents.
  10. Practice fire safety. Most residential fires occur during the winter months, so don’t leave fireplaces, space heaters, food cooking on stoves, or candles unattended. Have an emergency plan and practice it regularly.
  11. Prepare food safely. Remember these simple steps: Wash hands and surfaces often, avoid cross-contamination, cook foods to proper temperatures and refrigerate foods promptly.
  12. Eat healthily, and stay active. Eat fruits and vegetables which pack nutrients and help lower the risk for certain diseases. Limit your portion sizes and foods high in fat, salt, and sugar. Also, be active for at least 2½ hours a week and help kids and teens be active for at least 1 hour a day.

AMERICAN SPINE CENTER
Timing: 9 am until 9 pm, Saturday to Thursday
Contact us: 800-100-999
Location: Al Razi Building 64, Block F, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE

Source:

https://www.cdc.gov/healthequity/features/holidayseason/index.html

https://www.theskimm.com/news/the-holidays-and-covid-19-how-to-stay-safe-5ZpIk6FF5joMUgY26kcQWV

GP

Alcohol harms; Time for Change!

Dry January is the UK’s one-month alcohol-free challenge. Get your fun back. Get your energy back. Get your calm back. Get your YOU back.

Why do Dry January?

What you’ll notice – see your skin get brighter, your wallet fuller, your days busier. Feel your step get bouncier, your mind calmer, your nights sleepier. Most people who do Dry January see a whole host of obvious benefits that make Dry January the perfect start to the New Year.

  • 70% of people sleep better
  • 86% of people save money
  • 65% of people notice generally improved health

On the inside – a month alcohol-free has a lot of benefits: research published in 2018, conducted by the Royal Free Hospital and published in the British Medical Journal, found that a month off:

  1. lowers blood pressure
  2. reduces diabetes risk
  3. lowers cholesterol
  4. reduces levels of cancer-related proteins in the blood

When you quit drinking after years of misusing alcohol, not only will your body begin to reverse the effects of excessive alcohol, you will simply feel better, too.

One of the symptoms of an alcohol use disorder is giving up the social activities and hobbies you once enjoyed to focus on drinking. A sober life means having more time to rediscover yourself and your passions and build a new, exciting alcohol-free life.

Health Risks of Heavy Drinking

Heavy drinking can take a heavy toll on your physical and mental health, upping your risk of the following conditions:

  1. Alcoholic hepatitis
  2. Anxiety
  3. Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat)
  4. Cancer
  5. Cirrhosis
  6. Dementia
  7. Depression
  8. Digestive issues
  9. Fibrosis
  10. Hearing loss
  11. High blood pressure
  12. Pancreatitis
  13. Sexually transmitted disease
  14. Stroke

As the alcohol leaves your system and you begin to establish some healthy habits, you will begin to feel better—perhaps better than you have in years. Especially after you get past the temporary discomfort of alcohol withdrawal symptoms, you’ll notice increasing improvements in your physical and mental health.

 Health Benefits of Recovery

 The good news is there are many benefits of recovery from alcohol use disorder that will help you move forward with a healthier lifestyle.

 Better-Looking Skin

  1. Improved Sleep
  2. Healthier Weight
  3. Better Mental Health
  4. Improved Immunity
  5. Enhanced Nutrition
  6. Lower Risk of Cancer
  7. Reduced Cardiovascular Risk
  8. Better Memory and Thinking

 Long-term change – the real magic happens when Dry January is over. Dry January helps people to drink more healthily year-round. Research conducted by the University of Sussex has found that six months after Dry  January more than 70% of people who take on the month with Alcohol Change UK‘s support are still drinking more healthily.

On top of that, they have boosted levels of well-being, and much more besides. How can it be that just a month off has a long-term impact? Being alcohol-free for 31 days shows us that we don’t need alcohol to have fun, relax, or socialize. It helps us learn the skills we need to manage our drinking. That means that for the rest of the year we are better able to make decisions about when we drink and how much, so we can avoid slipping into drinking more than we really want to.

 These benefits are just beginning. The longer you go without alcohol; the more health improvements you will experience. This will include for-the-better changes in your overall health, relationships, job or schoolwork, finances, and more.

Try your best to have patience as your mind and body heals and you relearn a life without alcohol—and take pride in how far you’ve already come.

AMERICAN SPINE CENTER
Timing: 9 am until 9 pm, Saturday to Thursday.
Contact us: 800-100-999
Location: Al Razi Building 64, Block F, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE.

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Love Your Liver Month

January is often a time that people take stock after the Christmas period but this year it is even more important as the numbers at risk have also increased during the Covid pandemic. Many people have increased their alcohol consumption and gained weight during lockdown – the two biggest risk factors for developing liver disease.

The liver is just as vital an organ as the heart, but people often fail to appreciate the importance of keeping it healthy.  This is why the “Love Your Liver” campaign is so vital to raise awareness of how important it is to look after your liver.

The liver has over 500 functions including:

  1. Fighting infection and disease
  2. Destroying poisons and drugs (including alcohol)
  3. Cleaning the blood
  4. Controlling the amount of cholesterol
  5. Processing food once it has been digested

Why you should love your liver

The liver is a fascinating organ and its importance is often underrated. It’s an amazing multi-tasker and has over 500 vital jobs to do to keep you alive. It’s just as important as other organs like your heart and lungs, but they tend to steal most of the limelight. In the UK, liver disease is on the rise. The three major preventable causes are drinking alcohol, obesity, and viral hepatitis.

When it’s damaged, the liver can repair itself, but only up to a point. Sadly, people with liver disease often don’t have any symptoms until the disease has progressed and it’s far too late for treatment. That’s why it’s so important to know the risk factors and to keep your liver happy and healthy for life – before long-lasting damage can occur. Take your first steps towards better liver health today.

This January, let’s show our livers some love by doing something healthy.

Take a pledge to love your liver and make a change that will benefit your liver health.

AMERICAN SPINE CENTER
Timing: 9 am until 9 pm, Saturday to Thursday.
Contact us: 800-100-999
Location: Al Razi Building 64, Block F, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE.

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