Not just verbal warning, actions need to follow!

By Mona Hassan

I was being told the Ministry of Health warned hawkers at the Bazaar Ramadan over the news yesterday to mind their cleanliness and that of the food they sell. Unfortunately when my friend stopped by the Bazaar at Kota Damansara Section 6 all her favourite sweetmeats were not covered and big blue bottle flies flew over and/or perched on all the uncovered food. Surprisingly when she complained about the flies the stall attendants behaved as if nothing has gone wrong.

Please may I suggest MOH send officers to spot check on all these bazaars regularly. These are the favourite shopping areas for Muslims and Non-Muslims alike. Here and now we are worried about the possible 2^nd wave of H1N1 and dengue on the rise. Please don’t let us have an epidemic of dysentery!!

A Taboo that may cost the male his life

The Taboo Subject - Prostate Gland cancer

Males are masters in suppression. This life experience is particularly evident when it concerns a male’s own body and supposedly deficiencies. However if his "manliness" is at risk the defensiveness overrules the response. The weakening organ is becoming the subject of male jokes or it becomes a TABOO issue.

A typical example for this reaction is the prostate gland. Over a long time it functions without ever showing a sign of negative reaction to the conscious mind. The walnut sized gland produces the secretion, which keeps the sperms nourished and active. The prostrate muscle contracts and leads it to ejaculation. The contraction of the organ which is highly concentrated with nerves is an essential stimulus for the orgasm of the male.

Nonetheless the mere thought about the prostate releases anxiety. As years go by the gland will grow to the size of a plum and may cause difficulties when releasing urine. Worse if cancer should develop, of which for example 12,000 males die annually of prostate cancer in Germany. It is amongst the most common cancer in males.

It is certainly a scary illness. Actually it is the typical suppressive and/or denial behaviour that makes it the real killer. In the early stages this problem can be very effectively be treated.

Early detection tests inclusive of PSA-test are widely available and can be done in most established clinics. Should there be an abnormality of the prostate gland comes the next difficult phase, decision on the mode of therapy/treatment needs to be made. After a thorough examination and a series of tests the Urologist and Oncologist will make recommendation to the treatment regime most applicable according to the individual situation. Procrastination should not be dragged on until the tumour cells has already spread to other parts of the body and making treatment more difficult.

The goal should be "detection as early as possible and treatment as soon as feasible".

Cancer diagnose is not a "death sentence". Not every tumour is life threatening. Some are aggressive, some grow slowly. In no case should a person make an ad hoc decision on which type of therapy/treatment to be applied. It takes an average of 4 weeks to get the opinion from at least two to three specialists. There are usually several options to choose from. The final decision must take the age, general health condition and personal mental frame into consideration.

Not every tumour must be treated. Some just need regular observation. This is particularly the case with very senior citizens who may unlikely ever suffer from the result of the tumour.

However the waiting has its limits. When a tumour turns aggressive, intervention is the only option. As long as the tumour is limited to the prostate gland chances for complete healing are very good. However once spread to other parts of the body a more comprehensive treatment regiment is required.

In some countries there is a tendency to subject elderly to radiotherapy while younger victims for radical prostate removal. In very early stages treatment with radioactive iodine capsules which are implanted in the prostate under ultrasonic methods have shown good results. At times both approaches from external and internal radio therapy follow one another. In cases of infiltration of the prostate capsule by the cancer cells radiotherapy is necessary in addition to operation.

In cases of operations the erectile nerves may be damaged and takes a period of time, up to two years to regain its former potency. Some patients may need medications to support the erectile function. However many patients are rather willing to sacrifice orgasm sex, and enjoy an otherwise healthy life.

Preventive measures

That prevention is better than cure is clear to everyone. But the application in one’s own life is a different subject altogether. We are at times more concerned about the regular service of a vehicle, proper tending to plants, regular attendance to hobbies than to a healthy lifestyle.

The male thinks about himself as "invincible" until he is being knocked out. It’s better to take precaution than to indulge in self deception.

Here some general points one should observe.

Well balanced diet

Diet that includes vegetable, fibrous food, at least twice weekly fish, limited red meat, sausages and fruits. Because a vitamin rich and low fat and low calories diet helps in the prevention of prostate cancer.

Smoking

Besides all other harmful effect of smoking it does in particular contribute to the development of prostate cancer

Alcohol

Alcohol seems to foster the development of cancer generally, but prostate cancer in particular.

Liquid

Sufficient consumption of liquid is regarded as a preventive measure of prostate and bladder cancer

"We should ask ourselves if following one’s religion in observation of health is all that WRONG"??

For information as to:

Mobile Doctor

Mobile Nursing in Malaysia

Mobile Oxygen and other related Services kindly contact:

www.hnp-mobilenursing.com Or nursing@hnp-mobilenursing.com

or 03 78777202

The various benefit of the Banana! One should know.

I had, many a times, arguments with patients and their families in respect to the benefits of the banana fruit. Malaysia has a huge variety of bananas. However a lot of people do not recognise the value of these SUPER FRUITS and would rather purchase imported apples and pears and grapes etc. than the bananas (pisang) which are available everywhere. Many people claim that banana causes constipation and avoid giving to the elderly. In fact while it helps in managing purging, it is equally beneficial for constipation because of its high fibres which retains liquid and prevents hardening of stool besides other beneficial effects on the intestinal lining.

Energize Yourself

No matter whatever you call it but if you want a quick fix for fading energy levels, there’s no better snack than a banana. Banana containing three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose shared with fibred banana gives a direct, continual and considerable enhancement of energy.

The banana fruit is a chief source of calcium, phosphorus, manganese, vitamins A, B6 and C, pyridoxine, nitrogen, folic acid and many other nutrients and enzymes. These help to maintain the health of the skin, the eye and the mucous membranes, detoxify infectious bacteria, add to the body protein, build resistance to allergy and relieve constipation.

The lack of B6 in a diet can cause weakness, irritability and insomnia. The potassium found in banana helps to regulate blood pressure and may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke. Potassium is also essential for helping muscles to contract properly during exercise and reduces cramps.

A medium-sized banana provides 400 mg of potassium -11% of daily requirement, and contains 110 calories and 4 grams of fibre. Bananas also contain plenty of carbohydrates which are the body's main source of energy. They are also easy to digest.

Healthy Banana

Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and prevent morning sickness.

Banana vs. Ulcer
Banana is the only fruit that can be taken by ulcer patients without any harmful effects. It can act as a dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. The ripe banana is very beneficial in ulcerative colitis. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the intestines. Mash banana with salt cures dysentery.
Banana vs. Allergy
It contains only useful amino acids and do not cause any allergic reactions. It is low in protein and salt but has a high content of carbohydrates. It is beneficial in all kinds of kidney disorders.

Banana vs. Anaemia
Anaemia sufferers are also benefited, as augmented by taking banana. It is high in iron, so it can stimulate the production of haemoglobin in the blood.

Banana – Shield against Other Diseases
A drink of mashed banana in a glass of coconut water with either honey or glucose, this is a very nourishing drink for patients suffering from disease like tuberculosis jaundice, typhoid and smallpox. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, and the mixture soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Banana contains potassium and magnesium which help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal, it helps people trying to give up smoking.

According to survey by MIND, people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. Because banana contain trypotophan, by which body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and make you feel happier. And when I am stressed my mood can be re-balanced with the help of a high-potassium banana. If you take banana as a cooling fruit then that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers.

Students at Western University were helped through their exams by eating bananas at breakfast and lunch in bid to boost their brainpower. Because research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Banana Dishes

Green tipped bananas should be selected for cooking or ripening, yellow ones should be selected for eating and brown-specked ones should be selected for baking breads, muffins and cookies. As the bananas ripen, they will taste sweeter because the starch in the fruit will turn to sugar. Ripe banana can be served in fruit cups and salads, sandwiches, custards and gelatins; being mashed and incorporated into ice cream, bread, muffins, and cream pies. Banana Milk Shake, Banana Salad, Banana Cake and Banana Blueberry Muffins are few favorites banana dishes. Add diced banana in yogurt can make a change to the bland taste of plain yogurt and both of these are beneficial to health.

So, Go (for) "Banana"!!

For In formations as to:

Mobile Doctor

Mobile Nursing in Malaysia

Mobile Oxygen and other related Services kindly contact:

www.hnp-mobilenursing.com Or nursing@hnp-mobilenursing.com

or 03 78777202

Need to understand how the male 'thinks' in matters of health

Medicine for HIM

Patient man the ‘strong gender' weakens in regard to health. How do men manage, to pay more attention for their health

Some men wants it subtle. The pharmacist Peter Gerhold has specialized himself in herbal medicine. His motto: To approach health complains of his clients as gentle as possible. However at times he has to take a clear stand. "Specially elderly gentlemen often refuse stubbornly to visit a doctor. They rather go to the pharmacy to acquire uncommited consultation, although they can feel that something is not OK with their health". Some times because the blood pressure is to high, or blood sugar level above normal, at times I just take the phone and in my hand and offer the patient with information which specialist is having a clinic in the vicinity

In respect of health it shows the strong gender its very weak point: He has a higher health risk and dies much earlier as the female gender. Males who are today 65 have a good chance to reach 80 plus, while the females may reach close to 90.

Experts recognize likely causes for this. Man are health provision lazy. And they are less prevention conscious. In any health related seminar one can note that females are outnumbering the males.

A study has shown that the participation in courses about physical activity, only 22 % and on issues related to stress, only 16 % were male participants. The male is in despair!

But why are the health courses and seminars so little the "bosses of creation"? Alone the mere word, course or seminar, is creating resistance. It has a lot to do with the approach. Particularly the elder generation has a very technical approach to there body. The body has to function, that is its purpose. Also men compare themselves more in terms of competition and success. And as such terms like "health management, or training" more appealing. The contend of such presentations have to be modified in its terminology to appeal to men. While a women prefers an experimental approach, the male looks for the competitive way to measure himself with others.

The acquired self-image in the head

Also the visit to the doctor is more difficult for males out of fear of a bad diagnostic result. As main breadwinner in the family have they be under heavy pressure and perceive that in case of illness their job be endangered or income stopped. Many however are convinced that 'doctors will always find something wrong'. That is why they suppress illnesses. They are not taking time for their illness, as long as possible the body has to function or has to get back to function respectively. Even though a seemingly harmless infection or affliction should be given time to cure properly.

It is a typical behaviour of males that they deny body symptoms and will only see a doctor when the pain and symptoms becomes massive. This might also be a result of a deficit in consciousness of their body. Males have been coached to be strong and courageous. "Sickness is regarded as a sign of weakness. Many males are feeling in case of an illness a comparatively helplessness. It can only be hoped that these fellows will ask for more professional help to express their fears and concerns to avoid becoming depressive.

A further reason to avoid visit to a doctor are wrong pictures they maintain. Most males associate problems with the prostate gland with potency and incontinence.

However in most cases are these just harmless prostate enlargements which respond well to medications. Many males are just too afraid of the examination. They have often a weird expectation of it, due to various stories circulating around. Although some experience the examination as unpleasant , mostly they do not experience pain and the procedure last for only 30 seconds. Often they will later express their surprise and say that, "if I had known that the examination was so simple, I would have had it done much earlier".

Five weaknesses of the male

Psych More and more males develop depressions. Latest discovery revealed that HIS suffering exhibits itself in untypical symptoms like range and fury attacks. The illness is therefore often been undiscovered

Cardiovascular 55 % of heart infarct death are males. They develop problems much younger than females. Frequent causes are high blood pressure, stress, overweight and lack of exercise. People with hypertension should check their blood pressure on a regular interval at home.

Intestine If intestinal cancer is discovered at an early stage are the chances for cure very good. Unfortunately do in particular males not go for regular tests, even if they are simple and painless.

Prostate Prostate carcinoma is the most common for of tumour in men. The trickiness is that they cause in the beginning hardly any complains. In benign cases of enlargement medications are very successful.

Penis About 25 % of all over 65 years old suffer from erectile dysfunction. But only 20 % of those afflicted will go to see a doctor. While it is very easy for a urologist to discover the reason and provide adequate treatment.

Do you need advise in respect to:

*Mobile Doctor

*Mobile Nursing

*Mobile Oxigen supply

or other related problem with mobile nursing care than contact:

www.hnp-mobilenursing.com or nursing@hnp-mobilenursing.com or + 03 78777202

How to cope with people with dementia

Dementia: to deal effective with the issue

This theme should be taken out from the taboo image it still has, particularly in Asian countries.

Hardly any family is free from the reality of having a member become demented in their old age. In most cases the family will choose to take care of them themselves, till they reach the point of physical and psychological exhaustion. In this field relatives perform remarkable duties in the care-taking. However it is equally important that the families have the right support to cope with the difficulties.

To know more: and react correctly

If you know how the brain organs illness manifests itself on a relative, then you can anticipate what is to be expected as time goes by.

Initially we notice the increasing signs of forgetfulness, the short term memory declines. At a later stage the person will lose the sense of orientation and the ability to read, define objects and recognize friends.

Without help he cannot manage the daily affairs anymore. Familiar things would suddenly become strange. This causes fear and anxiety to the disorientated person, which in turn makes him suspicious and aggressive or withdrawn. We must recognize that all these behaviour changes are symptoms of the disease and not an attempt to hurt or provoke the people around them, even if at times it presents itself in such a picture.

The correct approach: active nursing

Even if it takes a long time and patience: let the affected person do the daily chores such as personal hygiene for himself even if it is time consuming, let them continue to assume responsibility for their own care-taking. This will stimulate a sense of perceiving respect and dignity. Give as much help as is needed and as little as is necessary.

Accept professional help

It is very difficult for any relative to cope with the physical and psychological aspect of the situation created by the disease.

The risk to wear oneself out, because the fact that one has to take care of the person with dementia around the clock, is very real. You may be the ‘personal expert of the afflicted person’ but do not attempt to deal with it all alone. "Only who takes care of oneself can take care of others" (don’t let your battery run flat). Use the support which is offered by mobile nursing services available in your area.

You are not alone

Don’t become irritated because the person is asking the same question five times already, nor should you assume self reproach. This is a classical behaviour which almost all care-takers of dementia afflicted persons have to cope with. It is important for the care giving-relative, to take sufficient time off, to take care of his own needs

and wishes. This should be done on a regular basis and to ensure its implementation. One should consider having an external care-giver employed for these ‘off’ times.

Understand language deficiencies

As a result of his dementia the affected person has increasing problems to understand other people as well as make himself understood by others. He is asking the same questions repeatedly and tells the same stories or insists, undeterred, the wrong thing. Do never attempt to correct it as it will unwittingly lead to unproductive conflicts and stress. Just overlook it and emphasis on the positive aspects. When he can no more express himself with words, he will likely do it with aggression or apparently inappropriate laughing or shows signs of depression, restlessness or crying, these can be better understood considering his condition.

Empathetic communication

Since the dementia afflicted person can no longer adapt himself, it is better that you adjust to his condition. This includes also distancing yourself from the role he played for you or you played for him. This can be very difficult; however some approaches will make it easier. Since you know his past, his abilities and skills, you can always refer to them and get him engaged in this way in a conversation. The more empathetic you can approach him the easier it will be for both and the atmosphere will be more relaxed the between you and the demented person. This makes many things much easier.

Also adjust one’s own speaking

There is no general rule as to how to communicate with a demented person. However some points should be considered. Do not adapt a ‘baby language’. Use short and simple sentences; speak slowly, lovingly and in a clear voice.

Communicating without spoken words

Show yourself to the afflicted person; do not speak to him from afar. Maintain eye contact and address him with his name. This way you get his attention. Interfering noise should be switched off, however with his consent. Instead of words, pantomime and gesture can also be used. Show your affection in body contact such hugging and kissing.

Support remaining skills

A housewife would of course like to be busy in the kitchen. A gardener in the garden...., Give the person the feeling that he is still needed and foster his still functioning skills as long as is possible. Accept the imperfection and don’t be too precise. As the Germans put it, "let five be a regular number".

Recollect the past: photo album

Psychologists use the biography as a form of therapy for demented persons. Listen to the life story and show interest in his past supports the self esteem. It is helpful to have a photo album for the afflicted person. This is a supportive approach to discover which episodes of his past that still have high relevance.

Dementia should not be a taboo theme

Support, may it be from medical or social side is only possible if we deal openly with the dementia of an afflicted person. Take the courage to share with your relatives and friends of the dementia of your loved one. Neither you nor the afflicted person is responsible for this condition. Although he might slowly withdraw from mixing with others, tactfully persuade to have him keep up some contact and not to isolate himself. Family parties and social events are good opportunities for this.

The early provisional steps

It would be extremely helpful if the afflicted person has made legal arrangements for himself. In case of the lack of written documentation, even the next of kin may not have the legal right to represent the person. Early arrangements of who and how in any eventuality should be documented. This includes the aspect of liability of the affected person.

Beware of damages which may be hidden in the liability claim.

Monetary provision

Enquire from the pension office as to how far monetary support is given in the management of the sick persons. Some supply free gadgets and equipments or pay totally or partially needed adjustments to the living environment: such as ramps for wheelchairs, holding rails supports etc. You may also be entitled for financial support for relieve care, or medical nursing. Often families are not aware of the help they are entitled to by various organizations and social institutions.

Are you looking for:

* MOBILE DOCTOR

* MOBILE NURSE

* MOBILE OXIGEN SUPPLY

* OTHER RELATED SERVICES than contact: www.hnp-mobilenursing.com

or nursing@hnp-mobilenursing.com or Call: + 03 78777202