List of 6 Foods for the Healthy Heart

List of Foods For The Healthy Heart

Studies showed that Heart disease is the leading killing disease in countries like the United States, Canada and United Kingdom. 

This disease includes: Coronary heart disease, Cardiomyopathy, Cardiovascular disease, Ischaemic heart disease, Heart Failure, Hypertensive heart disease, inflammatory heart disease, Valvular heart disease and the like. 

However, we can reduce the risk of heart disease as much as 85 percent by turning into healthy lifestyle.  Be active everyday and exercise regularly; refrain from vices like smoking, alcoholic drinking and drugs; eating well and balance diet; and proper stress management.

As an added tip, here is the list of healthy foods which are good for the heart. These are readily available in the market, affordable and taste delicious.

Grilled Salmon

Grilled Salmon (Salmonidae):

Freshly cut and grilled salmon is savory and delicious.  It is the best source of vitamins B6 and B12, omega-3 and other important nutrients. We all knew that the omega-3 fatty acids in oily fish like salmon and trout help reduce coronary artery disease. We must eat at least two four-ounce servings of fish a week as being recommended by experts.  Following the recommended dietary tips will lessen the risk of heart diseases.

Turmeric (Curcuma Longa)

Turmeric (Curcuma Longa)

This is a flowering plant that belongs to the ginger family which rhizomes yellow or orange in color.  This herb is the main ingredient of curry powder which has medicinal value and powerful anti-inflammatory effect on the body. So, this is good for against inflammatory heart disease. It has also claims of strong vitamin C and E. Don’t forget to include this in your cuisine for the needed health benefits.

                                                         Beans (Leguminosae)

Beans (Leguminosae)

We all knew that fiber is needed by our body to eliminate clogging and enhance good blood circulation.  Beans have tons of fiber in beans which help reduce high cholesterol that causes major risk factor for cardiovascular problems. Bean is rich in fiber, protein folate, iron, potassium, manganese, magnesium copper and other nutrients.

Pomegranates (Punica Granatum)

Pomegranates (Punica Granatum):

Studies proved that Pomegranate juice has four times the antioxidants than tea or coffee.  It is good fighter of heart disease and rich of nutrients and phytochemicals (beta carotene).  Also great source of vitamin C, Vitamin B5, potassium, antioxidant,

(Punicalagins & polyphenols).

Dark Green Vegetables

Dark Green Vegetables:

Full of nutrients, Folate, Vitamin A, C, K, Calcium and other important nutrients are found in dark green and leafy vegetables that can slash your risk of high blood pressure.  Some of these veggies are: broccoli, spinach, Arugula, Chicory, Collard Greens, Dandelion Greens, Kale, Mustard Greens, Spinach, Swiss Chard, etc.  Think about this and plan you delicious menus.

Olive Oil (Olea Europaes)

Olive oil (Olea Europaea):

Olive oil is rich heart disease fighter nutrients such as monounsaturated fats, omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids that reduce risk of coronary heart disease.  It is also good source of Vitamin E and Vitamin K, important nutrients and other anti-oxidants.  Be in habit of using olive oil in cooking, sautéing veggies and salad dressing.  Enjoy your dishes.

Be vigilant of what you eat.  Check and take care of you heart and your health.  Live healthy and happy ;)

Swine Flu: Influenza A(H1N1)

What is Influenza A(H1N1)?

Influenza A(H1N1) is a new strain of virus that has resulted from the re-assortment of four viruses from swine (pigs), birds and human beings. It can further cause pneumonia which can be fatal. As of the moment, there’s no vaccine yet that has been discovered to protect humans.

What are the Sign and Symptoms of Influenza A(H1N1) in Human beings?

1. Symptoms like that of the flu such as:

• Fever
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Muscle pain
• Joint pain
• Lack of appetite
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Cough

2. In some cases, it has been reported to have diarrhea nausea and vomiting.

What are the Mode of Transmission of Influenza A(H1N1)?

• Exposure to droplets from the cough and sneeze of the infected persons.
• By touching mouth, nose or eyes after getting in contact with the infected person (s) or contaminated object (s).

What are Preventive Measures for Influenza A(H1N1)?

1. Use tissue to cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing
2. The tissue that had been used must be immediately and properly disposed.
3. Hands must be frequently sanitized through proper hand-washing soap and water.
4. Using alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
5. You must avoid close contact with the person who is exhibiting flu-like symptoms.
6.  Increase body resistance and strengthen your immune system by:

• Sleeping at least 8 hours regularly
• Managing Stress
• Drinking plenty of fluids
• Eating Nutritious foods

Important Note:
Influenza A(H1N1) is not transmitted by eating thoroughly cooked pork.

Be responsible!
Be vigilant!
Be healthy!
If you have any of the above-mentioned signs and symptoms, immediately consult a doctor!

5 Foods that Keep You Thin

Foods That Keeps You Thin

It's true: Apples can help you stay thin. (Thinkstock)

Take a look around any book store, and you'll find dozens of diet books lining the shelves. Despite their bright and cheerful covers, with their positive, upbeat claims, many of them are filled with information that promotes all the wrong messages.

"The word 'diet' is negative and implies people can go on and off them," said Jane Korsberg, a senior instructor in the department of nutrition at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland.

Korsberg is one nutritionist who thinks it would be better to re-think the whole concept of dieting.

"'Diet foods' are confusing to many people," she explained. "What diet is the 'diet food' geared for? Is it low-calorie, low-fat, low-sodium, low-sugar, gluten-free, et cetera?"

Besides, many of the foods that specifically target dieters seem to rarely satisfy. Take those 100-calorie snack packs; for example, made to help people control calories. Those often don't even work, Korsberg says. After all, few people actually stop at only one pack.

You don't need fancy plans or complicated point systems to be thin. All you need to do is make smart food choices, watch your portion sizes and stay active.

"Learning to eat properly for a lifetime is more beneficial," Korsberg said. "The emphasis should be on choosing healthful foods every day and changing lifestyles for the better."

So instead of sticking to diet fare, fill up on nutritious, wholesome foods. And if you need some recommendations, you can start with these five options, which are among the many delicious foods that make a good addition to healthy eating while keeping you slender.

Apples

Apples

Apples are a good source of dietary fiber. Dietary fiber not only contributes to a healthy digestive system and reduced cholesterol, but it also benefits smart eaters by yielding no calories while keeping them satisfied.

And there's something else about the fruit that might help you feel full. A study in the journal "Appetite" found that when women added either three apples or three pears to their daily meals, they lost more weight than people who added three oat cookies to their diets -- even though the fruit and the cookies contained the exact same amount of dietary fiber.

Although the reason behind this finding may be a mystery, there is something to be said for the findings. According to Alan Aragon, a nutritionist and author of "Girth Control: The Science of Fat Loss & Muscle Gain," crunchy foods in particular can trick a person into feeling fuller. The act of chewing may send satiety signals to your body, he says, making you think you've eaten more than you really have and keeping hunger at bay.

Almonds

Almonds

If you're looking for a tasty midday snack, a handful of almonds are a well-regarded option. A study in 2009 in "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" found that women who ate nuts at least two times a week were more successful at keeping weight off than those who didn't eat this food.

One particular favorite among some nutritionists is almonds, says Aragon. One ounce of this food contains only 167 calories, plus it packs roughly 6 g of protein and 3 g of fiber, both nutrients that can make you feel full. Furthermore, like apples, almonds are crunchy and require a lot of chewing, so they, too, can make you feel like you've eaten more than you actually did and keep you fuller longer.

Salmon

Salmon

If you're uncertain about fish, there's no need to fear. Seafood can be part of a healthy diet. And there's some evidence that the fat in foods such as salmon can boost satiety levels, says Aragon. For example, a study published in the "International Journal of Obesity" found that when dieters ate salmon a few times a week, they lost about two more pounds than those who didn't include seafood in their meals.

And in spite of the mention of salmon's fat content, the food is relatively low in calories. One 3-oz. serving has just 175 calories. Salmon is a good source of protein as well.

Eggs

Eggs

There's no doubt that protein, like fiber, has impressive satiating powers. And while eggs seem to have a bad reputation in some circles, there can be no contesting their ability to help keep your weight in check.

Research has shown that eating eggs at breakfast can help you fight weight gain all day long. A study reported in 2008 in the "International Journal of Obesity" found that when dieters ate two eggs for breakfast for five days out of the week, they lost 65 percent more weight than dieters who consumed a bagel in the morning. Although protein is likely to fill you up whenever you eat it, some scientists suspect that having more in the morning can keep you feeling fuller all day long.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes

It's true that most veggies make for great diet fare. Non-starchy vegetables in particular, such as carrots, celery and spinach, are filled with fiber. Like other foods high in fiber, they can help keep you feeling satiated.

Plus, they're pretty self-regulating, says Aragon. You can't really overeat with nonstarchy vegetables. After all, how many baby carrots can a person eat without needing to dunk them in some ranch dressing?

So while there are many veggies that can help you stay slim, tomatoes might be a particularly good option because they're so tasty. And, besides, with that whole a-tomato-is-a-vegetable-no-it's-a-fruit argument, you might have forgotten all about eating them. One cup of cooked, red tomatoes contains just 43 calories, but tastes just as delicious as any number of high-calorie foods.

And that's at least half the secret, finding foods that are both healthy and tasty. The good thing is, they do exist. Over time, you'll discover what wholesome, filling foods you prefer, expanding your choices while shrinking your waistline. 

By: Kristin McGrath

Bird Flu (Avian Influenza AH5N1)

Bird Flu (Avian Influenza AH5N1)

The Bird flu or avian influenza is one of the most infectious diseases of birds. The degree of danger of this illness is ranging from mild to severe. Theirs is no exception for this disease in the family of birds as all species of birds are vulnerable to bird flu. All some of the species of birds are more resistant to infection, still they are all susceptible and carrier of this disease. And the fact, people are also greatly affected because some kinds of the bird flu can infect and cause illness to human beings.

What are the main causes who are the source of bird flu?

Bird flu is primarily caused by influenza or by the union of different subtypes of virus that affecting chickens, ducks, turkeys, and other kinds of birds. These viruses can cause mild disease at the start, however, they can mutate into another kinds viruses that are very dangerous because they are serious and highly pathogenic in nature.

At the moment, all epidemic outbreaks are highly pathogenic and the recent for of disease was caused by Influenza AH5N1 virus which was severe disease and dangerous to humans.

What is the way of transmission of bird flu to chickens and other birds?

Direct contact with discharges from infected birds, especially feces and respiratory secretions

The process how bird flu spreads within the country?

Domestic birds can get the infection when they:

• roam freely
• share water supply with wild birds
• use a water supply that might be contaminated by infected droppings
• Contaminated equipment, vehicles, feeds, cages, or clothing, especially shoes can carry the virus from farm to farm
• Wet markets where live chickens and other birds are sold under crowded and sometimes unsanitary conditions

How is bird flu transmitted to humans?

Bird flu is transmitted to humans from direct or indirect contact with infected wild ducks and chickens through infected aerosols, discharges and surfaces.

A person handling or taking care infected chickens or came near or inside a poultry or market where there are sick chickens can inhale the particles from dried discharges or feces with the bird flu virus.

Discharges can get in contact with the nose or eyes of a person handling infected chickens.

There is no reported case of bird flu in humans after handling dressed chicken. Since the virus is easily inactivated by heat, one does not get bird flu from thoroughly cooked chicken meat.
There is no evidence of human-to- human transmission.

Why are we concerned with bird flu?

There are a number of reasons why we are concerned with bird flu:

• Bird flu or Avian influenza (AI) causes serious illness and death in humans
• Avian and human influenza viruses can recombine to form a totally new influenza
• A virus which is capable of spreading from person to person and from which the human population do not have protection
• AI causes severe epidemics and mass death of chickens affecting the poultry industry.

What are the signs and symptoms of bird flu in chickens?

Infection causes a wide spectrum of symptoms in birds, ranging from mild illness to a highly contagious and rapidly fatal disease resulting in severe epidemics.

• Decrease in activity
• Decrease in activity
• Drastic decline in egg production
• Facial swelling with swollen and bluish-violet colored combs and wattles
• Hemorrhages on internal membrane surfaces
• Virus isolation needed for definitive diagnosis
• Gasping for breath
• Muscle
• Weakness/paralysis
• Diarrhea
• Sudden deaths (mortality that can reach 100%)

What are the signs and symptoms of bird flu in humans?

Bird flu is very similar to other influenza viruses. Initial symptoms are:

• Fever
• Muscle weakness and/or pain
• Sore throat and cough
• Sore eyes (conjunctivitis) is seen in some patients
• Causes of death and complications are:
• Severe viral pneumonia
• Respiratory distress syndrome
• Multi-organ failure

Since there are so many cases of influenza, pneumonia or any other respiratory illness, when does one suspect that the patient is a case of bird flu?

The suspects that a patient with influenza or pneumonia or any other respiratory illness is a case of bird flu avian influenza if the patient has had direct or indirect contact through handling or having taken care or getting near sick chickens or other birds.

Laboratory confirmation of the bird flu infection and epidemiologic link with unusual death or epidemics of chickens will support the diagnosis of bird flu.

What is the treatment of bird flu?

Treatment for H5N1 infection is essentially the same as for other influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs, some of which can be used for both treatment and prevention, are clinically effective against influenza A virus strains in otherwise healthy adults and children, but have some limitations. Some of these drugs are also expensive and supplies are limited.

Is there a vaccine against bird flu?

No. The vaccine currently available against the circulating strains in humans will not protect from the disease caused by H5N1. However, it is recommended for individuals who are potentially exposed to bird flu like poultry handlers, workers and breeders to prevent recombination of avian with the human influenza virus.

How do we prevent bird flu?

The ban on importation of live chickens and other poultry products from countries affected with bird flu is a critical step to prevent the entry of bird flu into the country.

For poultry caretakers and handlers of chickens and other birds:

• Avoid contact of poultry with wild birds, in particular waterfowl
• Control human traffic into poultries
• Practice proper hand washing and cleaning and disinfection procedures in poultries
• Report to authorities any unusual death or illness of chickens and other birds
• Report to authorities any illness among the workers in poultry farms

For the general public:

• Thoroughly wash hands with soap and water before and after handling chicken meat
• Clean kitchen surfaces and utensils before and after use
• Cook chicken well by seeing to it that the boiling temperature is reached
• Do not sell live chickens in the market while there is a threat of bird flu.
• Do not let chickens roam freely. Keep them in cages or pens.
• Do not place chickens, ducks and pigs together in one area, cage or pen.
• Do not catch, get near or keep in captivity wild birds.
• Report to authorities any unusual death or illness of chickens and other birds
• Report to authorities any case of respiratory illness with history of exposure to sick or dead chickens and other birds

What should Local Government Officials do?

• Monitor and apprehend smuggling activities and illegal trading of poultry like game fowl, breeders and wild birds coming from countries affected by bird flu.
• Pass and enforce local ordinances on the ff:
• o prohibition of live chickens in the market while there is a threat of bird flu
• o not allowing chickens to roam freely
• o prohibition of placing chickens, ducks and pigs together in one area, cages or pens
• Provide correct information to the community.
• Advise public not to catch, get near or keep in captivity wild birds
• Coordinate with the local agricultural office for any unusual death or sickness of chicken and other fowl.
• Coordinate with the nearest health worker for any suspected case of bird flu.
• Coordinate with Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR) on smuggling, trading or capture of wild birds by an individual.

Is it safe to travel to countries affected with bird flu?

Bird flu is not transmitted from one person to another. Individuals at risk are those are directly or indirectly exposed to sick chickens and other fowl. The government thereby advises travelers to countries affected with bird flu not to go to bird parks (aviaries), poultry farms or market where live poultry is sold.

Rabies

Rabies

If bitten by a stray animal, what should be properly done?

1. You must wash immediately the wound caused by the bite with soap and clean water. If the are antiseptics available at the moment, you must apply the medicine in the wounded area.
2. After washing the wound, you bring the bitten patient to a physician, authorized medical representative.
3. or Animal Bite Center nearest the in area for the proper consultation and immediate immunization. Antibiotics and Anti-tetanus vaccines must be given as soon as possible especially when advised by the attending doctor.
4. You must also consult and ask for the opinion of the veterinarian for the needed animal management of the biting dog.

What is the needed post-exposure treatment Rabies?

The post-exposure treatment is required to be given to persons who were bitten or has been exposed to rabid animals. First, the wound must be given the needed first aid and treatment. After the wound treatment an active vaccination or immunization must be given and then a passive immunization shall be administered on rabies immunoglobin.

Active and passive immunization defined

Active immunization or vaccination

Active immunization or vaccination is being induced to the human body in order to develop the required antibodies against rabies. The effect of this vaccine will usually last for one (1) up to three (3) years upon introduction.

Passive immunization or vaccination

Passive immunization or vaccination on the other hand is being introduced to the person with Category III exposure in order develop antibodies and protection against rabies. The Category III exposed people are those with bite in the head and neck, with single but deep bite or multiple bites, the mucous membranes had been contaminated, licks of the eyes, lips and mouth. This immunization must be immediately administered to the bitten person within the first seven days of his/her active vaccination. However, please note that the immunoglobulin effect in the body is only short or within a short period of time.

Is Rabies curable?

No, it so very unfortunate that rabies is not curable. The victim of the rabies will dies within the first day up to the third day of the manifestation of the signs of brain involvement.

Is Rabies preventable?

Yes rabies can be prevented by way of proper and right time administration of vaccine and immunoglobin to the victim of an animal bite. But before taking into the step of vaccination and immunization, you must always remember you must clean immediate the wound from animal bite by washing with soap and water as the first important preventive measure of rabies.

What is “tandok” and is it an effective preventive measure for Rabies?

No, “tandok” is not an effective prevention against rabies. The “Tandok” is an old belief of our folklores as rabies preventive measure by way of placing the horn of a deer over the wound caused by an animal bite. Our folks believe that the deer horn will suck the rabies virus out the wound. As per the research showed that “tandok” has no records that it has treated anyone and the victims died from rabies and / tetanus brought bout by the animal bites.

Is vinegar and rubbing of garlic at the wound bite effective and useful ways of preventing Rabies?

No, vinegar and garlic are not useful in preventing rabies. . They should be applied on the bite wound because these can further aggravate by wound condition for the introduction of more dirt to the wound and lead to swelling and irritation. To reduce rabies infection simply wash the bite wound with soap and water promptly to prevent the rapid penetration and spread of the virus in the body.

If a dog bites you, do you need to kill the dog immediately?

No, you should not kill the dog immediately especially if the dog is apparently healthy. Instead, all you have to do is to put the dog a leash or inside the cage so that you can observe its condition within 14 days.

How’s the observation period differs from incubation period?

The “observation period” by the obvious literal meaning is the observation period where in this span of time the dog or the cat that has bitten a victim is being observed if it will show any signs or symptoms that it has Rabies. The allotted days for this period of time is usually 14 days starting from the day the animal has bitten the victimized person. According to the studies made, the dog or the cat that has bitten the victim will die within the 14 days period if it is rabid. It has not transmitted the rabies virus or the animal is not rabid if the dog or the cat that has bitten the person is still alive after the observation period of 14 days.

If a rabid person bite another person, does he/she needs to be given anti-Rabies immunization?

Yes, the Rabies virus can be transmitted if a rabid person bites another person and should be immediately given anti-Rabies immunization.

Measles

Measles

What is measles and why is it dangerous?

Measles is a highly contagious disease which is caused by a virus called Paramyxovirus (from genus Morbillivirus). This disease mostly affects the respiratory system of the children. The transmission of the virus is airborne and through direct contract with infected person that is why t spreads easily and rapidly.

There are numbers of complications on children who suffer from measles which includes: pneumonia, encephalitis, blindness, deafness, ear infection, diarrhea and dehydration.

Measles and its complications are severe illness that can cause death on the infected person.

Who are the people that can be infected with measles?

• Those who are not vaccinated against measles regardless of age, whether young or old.
• Those children who were vaccinated but not injected with boaster vaccine may still be infected as they may not necessarily develop enough protection against measles.
• Those who thought that they had already infected with measles because of like symptoms but actually those where other diseases like rashes which maybe mistaken for measles.

What are the most common signs and symptoms of measles?

An infected person or child with measles usually has blotchy rashes all over the body for 3 days or even more. Also, she/he has fever and any one or all of the following:

• Cough
• Runny nose
• Reddish eyes

How do you prevent measles?

Measles can be prevented through measles vaccination starting 9 months of age.

My child has already received vaccine against measles. Is she exempted from being infected with measles?
NO. The measles vaccine she gets again will increase her protection against measles.

My child had measles previously, is he exempted from being vaccinated again?

NO. There are many conditions that are mistaken as measles-like diseases. The vaccination will not harm a child and will even serve to increase his immunity against measles.

Is there any overdose, if my child receives this measles vaccine again?

NONE. What has been received by your child are Antibodies. These antibodies will live in the blood and will provide protection against the disease but it decreases as the child grows older. Please note that there is no vaccine overdose for the measles vaccine so it will not do any harm to your child. Because the measles vaccines are antibodies they are even known as to enhancer to the overall immunity against other diseases.

What are the common effects to my child after receiving the measles immunization?

Nothing so far but some children may experience slight fever which usually last for 1 to 2 days from day of vaccination.

When slight fever will occur, the best thing with you child is to give Paracetamol medication to be taken every four hours. To lower the temperature and avoid dehydration you must give you child plenty of fluids. Just continue the breastfeeding of you child (if you are on breastfeeding) and make sure the child gets enough sleep and rest to avoid stress.

Post vaccination notes

Please be reminded that all children who turn 9-11 months must receive one dose of the measles vaccine together with the vaccines against other diseases of childhood like polio, diphtheria, pertussis, etc.

You must report to the health centers / health workers is you suspect that you child is having measles to be properly attended.

And in return the health workers who receive reports of suspected measles must investigate the case/s for accurate statistics and avoid and/or prevent the spread of the disease in the early stage.

Leprosy

Leprosy

What is leprosy?

Leprosy is a chronic and infectious disease that mainly affects nerves and skin of human infected people. It is primarily caused by Mycobacterium leprae or the commonly called M. leprae which looks like a rod in shape bacillus.

How to minimize if not eliminate the stigma and discrimination of people who are infected by leprosy?

First, we should never define the infected people through their disease and never call them by the derogatory word “lepers”. We should never look down these people and their families. Instead we should give them and their families the needed support and accepting them for who and what they are in equilibrium with our treatment with other people. We should always bear in our minds the every person in this universe is create and born equal, with the same human rights and dignity.

How long will leprosy eventually disappear?

Leprosy requires a lengthy period of incubation which is about or between five (5) to twenty (20) years depending on the patient’s condition. Surveys said that the incidence of leprosy is diminishing a years go by. There are only fair number of new cases are diagnosed and like to grow less and less.

Will a person that has already body deformities can still be cured of leprosy?

General the leprosy disease can still be cured at any point of the stages of the illness. When we cured, it means that all the bacteria in the body that are causing the leprosy disease were totally eliminated and killed, thus stopping the infection. Only the bacteria can be all killed and terminated. However, the damaged and deformities in the body can not be anymore restored. It is because the leprosy is detected and treated only after permanent damages in the nerve damage has occurred and this is irreversible. The residual disabilities and deformities will be left as the proof of the disease. The disability or deformity can be prevented when the disease will be diagnosed in the early stage and treatment has been promptly and properly administered. Please note that any of the residual disabilities and deformities of leprosy will not be anymore a source of leprosy infection to another person.

How can anyone extend help in fighting against leprosy?

We are well informed and we have to recognize that leprosy is curable. The treatment of leprosy is provided free. It is a very wrong habit of stigmatizing people who are infected with leprosy. All we have to do is spread the message, the information about leprosy to our fellowmen so that they will be also knowledgeable about this disease and won’t look down those infected people.

Bacteria that Cause Leprosy

Leprosy is caused by Mycobacterium leprae or leprosy bacilli.

What is the mode of transmission of Leprosy?

The mode of transmission of Leprosy is through the air. It can be transmitted via the droplets coming from the nose and/or the mouth of the infected person who is not yet treated by way of close or frequent contact with the carrier.

Mode of Transmission

Airborne: inhalation of droplet/spray from coughing and sneezing of untreated leprosy patient

What are the basic signs and symptoms of leprosy?

The appearance of the patches on the skin is the first sign of leprosy. These patches on the skin are usually accompanied by numbness or loss of sensation in the areas affected.

Here are the basic signs and symptoms appearing on the person with leprosy:

• There will be a long standing skin lesions on the infection person that do not disappear with ordinary treatment
• The infected person will loss of feeling/numbness on the skin
• There will be loss of sweating and hair growth over the skin lesions on the infected person.
• There will be thickened and/or painful nerves in the neck, forearm, near elbow joint and the back of knees of the infected person.

Where can infected people ask for immediate treatment?

Basically the most possible and immediate way for the leprosy to be diagnosed in an infected person is through the nearest health center or health post as leprosy services have been integrated with general health services.

Immediate Treatment

The immediate treatment for Leprosy is Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT). The patient must go to the nearest health center for prompt treatment.

Prevention and Control of Leprosy

• All Leprosy cases should be treated in order to prevent spread of infection
• The young children should avoid direct contact with untreated patients
• People should always observe and practice personal hygiene
• People should maintain body resistance by healthful living through good nutrition, enough rest and exercises, and clean healthy environment

Is leprosy the same as Hansen’s disease?

Yes, the other name for leprosy is Hansen’s disease. It was named after the Norwegian doctor who discovered the M. leprae bacillus in 1873, who is Dr. G.A. Hansen. The use of the word “leper” is derogatory that is why Hansen’s disease is preferably used instead of leprosy in other countries like Brazil, Japan and the United States.

Is leprosy considered a very infectious disease?

Sometime, the leprosy disease is called the least infectious disease and this is contrary to the beliefs of many people. More than 85% of leprosy cases are noninfectious and do not spread the disease. Over 99% of people have a natural immunity or resistance to leprosy.

Is leprosy widespread?

There are about less than 300,000 people develop leprosy each year as per current reports. Also, there are more than 15 million people around the world have been cured of the disease since the MDT has been introduced in the early 1980s. Today, leprosy remains to be public health problem in some countries but it is only a handful.

What are there reasons, if any, in the isolation people with leprosy?

No. There is no medical or social justification as of today for isolating people infected with leprosy. People with leprosy can still continue with their normal way of life while they are receiving treatment. It would only stigmatize and reinforce age-old prejudices about the disease attempts of isolating people with leprosy.

Is treatment for leprosy expensive?

Treatment for leprosy costs nothing to the patient. The World Health Organization (WHO) has supplied MDT free to all patients in the world, initially with funding provided by The Nippon Foundation, and subsequently through MDT donated by Novartis and the ovartis Foundation for Sustainable Development whose medical support started since 1995.

How does leprosy lead to body deformities?

Leprosy can caused damages to the nerve of the infected person together with the other complications if it is not treated immediately on the early stage it was diagnosed.

The patients with leprosy lose their nerve feelings and together with the other complications. The patients with leprosy lose their feelings in their hands and feet, and then their muscles become paralyzed because the nerves supplying them have been impaired. Festering wounds or ulcers and susceptible to injuries are the results on people with leprosy disease. These deformed effects are not caused by the leprosy germs but by other organisms that brought about the secondary infections.