Its 2022… Tuberculosis… Still the deadly disease!

    Is persistent cough giving you sleepless nights? Are you having flu-like systems? Maybe it is time to get yourself checked for Tuberculosis! Yes, this can be a tough pill to swallow, but Tuberculosis is a possibility that cannot be denied. 

Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly infectious disease, but sadly also very common. From being known as one of the oldest diseases known to mankind, it continues to spread its terror even today. Globally, more than 1 in 3 is infected with TB. It claims around 1.5 million lives every year.1 It mainly affects the lungs. Although it may affect other body organs like kidneys, brain or spine. It can be in an active or latent form. Once infected, the disease spreads very slowly and it may take up to several weeks for any symptoms to show.  

Causes of Tuberculosis: 

Tuberculosis is caused by the Mycobacterium Tuberculosis bacteria. These bacteria can spread from one person to another by air. When an infected person sneezes or coughs, the microscopic droplets are released in the air and if a healthy person breathes these droplets, they are likely to catch it. Although it is a contagious disease, it is not very simple to catch it. You need to be a close contact of the infected person. Like a co-worker, family member, or living with a TB patient. There are types of Tuberculosis. Mainly latent TB and Active TB. 

Latent TB: The TB-causing bacteria are present in your body, but you do not show any symptoms, as they are inactive. This latent TB can turn into active TB and so it is crucial to treat it.  

Active TB: When the TB-causing bacteria infect and make you sick. This can also spread very easily from one person to another.  

Tuberculosis Symptoms and Signs: 

Below are a few signs and symptoms of Tuberculosis.  

• Coughing a lot, especially over a long period of time (more than three weeks) 
• Coughing is accompanied by coughing out mucous and blood. 
• Chest pain while coughing 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Sudden weight loss 
• A feeling of fatigue or tiredness 
• Night sweats and chills 
• Loss of appetite 

Anyone can get TB, irrespective of gender, age or socioeconomic background. There are some people are at risk of Tuberculosis. Some of the risk factors could include: 

• Weakened immune system 
• Diabetes 
• Malnutrition 
• Certain kidney diseases 
• Certain types of cancer 
• Using tobacco 
• Living in countries where TB rates are high like Latin America, Russia, Africa, and Asia. 

• Living with a patient with TB or working in the healthcare sector 

 

Treatment: 

If you have any of the symptoms coupled with risk factors, it is best to consult a doctor. Based on the signs, the doctor will suggest Tuberculosis tests. It is best to receive treatment as soon as possible. Delaying the treatment may give rise to other health complications in the body.  

The doctor will conduct the following to check for TB 

• A physical examination to check for lymph nodes and swelling.  
• Skin test: a simple injection is given and the skin’s reaction is tested. 
• A chest X-ray to see the condition of the lungs 
• Sputum testing: a microscopic test to check the sputum in the cough, to understand the intensity of the infection 
• Blood tests, to confirm the spread of Tuberculosis. The tests also help to know the type of TB 

The treatment consists of anti-TB drugs and antibiotics. The treatment can take very long and may last for about 8-9 months. 

 

Prevention and protection from Tuberculosis: 

The best way to prevent Tuberculosis is vaccination. Vaccines lower the chance of contracting Tuberculosis. The Tuberculosis vaccine is one of the most used and administered vaccines.   

A person with Tuberculosis should be given adequate care and love along with medicines. The caretakers should take proper precautions and wear protective gear while looking after the patient.  

Living in the modern era, one must use every tool available today. A preventive health check-up is mandatory to rule out any possibility of Tuberculosis. Tuberculosis takes nearly a year to recover completely and hence it should be treated as soon as the infection sets in. A comprehensive health check-up will tell the doctor the intensity of the infection. That would help in starting the course of medicine. We at Indus have several high-quality and affordable health packages to suit your need. Our team will be happy to assist you and customize a package for you. Talk to us and book your appointment to good health today! 

What Are The Most Threatening Diseases Caused By Obesity And How To Prevent Them?

                                       

What is obesity?

Having a body mass index of more than 30 is classified as being obese  and called obesity. Extra body weight hampers the functioning of your body, therefore your  health. A healthy weight is needed for the smooth and efficient functioning of your muscles, bones, heart, and brain. Obesity can put you at the risk of many fatal health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers. Apart from that obesity also impacts the quality of life.

Keep reading this article to know more about the two severe health conditions caused by obesity, and lifestyle tips to prevent them.

Cardiovascular diseases

Your weight is directly connected to the risk factors of heart diseases. Blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides, all tend to increase with the increase in body weight. They in turn increase the risk for various cardiovascular diseases like stroke, coronary heart disease, and cardiovascular death.

 

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the result when the blood glucose or blood sugar is too high. As per research, most of the people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are overweight. Having diabetes and being overweight increases the risk for heart diseases, kidney failure, eyesight issues,  and many other diseases.

How to prevent obesity and related health conditions?

The main step towards preventing obesity is to make healthy lifestyle choices. Follow these tips for maintaining your body weight and lead a better quality of life.

• Add some moderate level exercises such as walking, biking or swimming for at least 30 minutes per day. Include cardio or HIIT in your routine if that is suitable for you. 

• Consume nutritious meals. Include more fruits, seasonal vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and lean protein on your plate.

• Find out your ideal diet plan, know if a high-fat, high-calorie diet suits you more, or the reverse.

• Get enough sleep; it is important for weight loss and good health.

• Adopt prevention in your life. Make annual full body preventive health checkups a habit. They are important for assessing the status of your current health. Checkups are essential for early detection and timely treatment. 

Click here to book your complete body health checkup at a modern facility.

The Warning Signs of 5 Most Serious Health Issues and Diseases

Health is the most important aspect of life. Having a healthy mind and body is real wealth. However, in this fast paced world, increasing stress, changing environment, and sedentary lifestyles put you at risk of many severe health conditions. But understanding the warning signs of these severe diseases can help you in delaying, managing or preventing them.

Find out the early warning signs of the 5 most severe health conditions, and their preventive tips.

Coronary Artery Disease: Plaque formation in the coronary arteries block the passages that supply blood to your heart, and lead to coronary artery disease. Shortness of breath, nausea, too much sweating, dizziness, continuous palpitations are the signs of coronary artery disease. 

 

Type 2 Diabetes: Diabetes is caused by inadequate insulin production in your body resulting in the increase of blood sugar levels. Sudden increased hunger, unexplained increase in appetite, thirst, having a dry mouth, feeling fatigued, sudden weight loss, and/or frequent urination indicate the start of diabetes. 

 

Stroke: When a part of the brain is cut off from the blood supply it can lead to stroke - a medical emergency. Sudden confusion, face drooping, numbness on one side of the body, and/or headache along with not being able to talk, see clearly are the indications of stroke.

Respiratory Infections: Having cold, cough, runny nose, congestion, and/or sore throat are the symptoms of respiratory infection like flu. If left untreated, it can lead to serious respiratory diseases like bronchitis and pneumonia. 

Alzheimer's Disease: Alzheimer's causes memory loss and a reduction of cognitive abilities  affecting normal daily life activities. The common symptoms of Alzheimer’s are perpetual  confusion, forgetfulness, and non ability to perform everyday tasks.

 

What can you do to prevent these diseases

Healthy lifestyle is the most important factor in preventing the most severe health conditions. That includes a nutritious diet, adequate sleep, low stress and regular exercise. Smoking also increases your risk for many serious diseases. Other important factors in prevention of diseases are to keep your blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol under control.

 

Importance of annual preventive full body health checkups for early detection

A full body health checkup reports the current functioning of your organs and body’s health. It is also an important tool for early detection of diseases. Early detection helps in treatment and cure. As most of these diseases do not show signs in their starting stages, they often go ignored until they become tough to treat. Hence, early detection of these 5 severe diseases through health checkups are vital in keeping you healthy and also saving lives. Get your complete body health checkup now.

Tips For Working Women To Stay Healthy

  

Women are great at multitasking - they juggle between their home and career beautifully. However, working and caring for their family members, they often forget to take care of their own health. Sleep, nutrition and exercise are mostly neglected by them.

 

Follow these easy to practice tips for a healthy and happy life.

 

1. List down all your responsibilities and priorities them: Being busy does not mean that you forsake your needs. Prioritizing all your tasks can help you to take out time to take a break, eat properly, and exercise.

2. Keep yourself hydrated: Good hydration is a requirement for your body’s functioning. Water protects organs, tissues, cells, lowers the body temperature, and lubricates the joints. Ensure at least 8 to 10 glasses of water each day. 

3. Workout every day: Exercising is needed for the efficient functioning of your body and organs. It boosts your endurance, muscle strength and energy. Take out time to take walks after your lunch in the office. It will also refresh your mind. 

4. Consume a balanced and nutritious diet: Eat fresh fruits, seasonal vegetables, and grains to fulfil your nutritional requirements. Eat at regular intervals and control your portion size. Stay away from junk foods, smoking and alcohol.

5. Get adequate rest: Sleep is necessary for repairing your cells and energizing you for the next day. Catching on enough sleep helps you focus better at work, and gives you strength for the day.

6. Understand your health status: Knowing and understanding your current health and body’s functioning goes a long way in maintaining a healthy body. Preventive health checkups are needed to know about your current health and also helps in early detection of diseases, and treating them. Get your full body health checkup done now.

Warm Up Your Health With Top 10 Winter Health Tips

Winters are here! So is the season of colds. Holidays, work, stress, and bad weather –who has the time to keep their health in check??

You do! And you must!

Keeping up with the utmost health can be an issue for most of us. As the temperature falls low Winters are here flu, cough, dryness, lethargy, body aches, and even depression. Want to keep yourself fit and away from medications? Resolve to the following 10 winter health tips, and you can be ready to combat the harshness of winter.

Foods To Eat

· Drink warm liquids like warm water, soups, herbal teas, etc. to keep from dehydration.

· Eat fibrous foods.

· You will find many winter healthy eating recipes to treat yourself to. Try them.

Foods To Avoid

· Avoid processed food and choose freshly prepared meals to improve blood circulation and augment warmth in the body.

· Avoid eating cucumber, tomatoes, lettuce as these are cooling summer chows.

· Eliminate all kinds of sugar.

Sleep Well

Get at least 7-8 hours sleep daily.

Help Heartburn

· Don’t pack your stomach with too much food. 

· Take precautions in the winter season and avoid food that triggers acidity.

· Don’t sleep after your meals.

Winter Tips For Skin

· Drink lots of water.

· Moisturize skin daily and find yourself a winter skin beauty regimen.

Meditate

Treat the stress before it starts. Meditation is a great way to relax.

Winter Weight Loss Tips

· Go slow! Crashing your diet isn’t going to help. 

· Cut down on junkies and add fiber to your diet.

· Start with simple & small workout schedules to keep your calories down and aid weight loss.

Wash Your Hands

· Keep germs away from your hands, mouth, and eyes.

· You must have a hand sanitizer handy in case there is no soap and water around.

Quit Smoking

· Smoking weakens your immune system further.

· Thus, quit smoking when the temperatures go low to stay healthy.

Invest In Your Heath

We have shared some best winter health and wellness tips with you above. Here’s the most important of all – don’t ignore your sickness, schedule for a health checkup. 

Whichever healthy steps you choose from the above – healthy eating, sleeping enough, de-stressing yourself – remember they’re an investment that’s going to help you in future.

Health care in winter season should be considered. Fill in the inquiry form below to get more expert advice for better health and lifestyle.

Executive Wellness Program Benefits for the UAE Based Companies

With growing health awareness at every level - individual as well as organizational, many companies have initiated corporate wellness programs for their employees. UAE has been the business hub for several years now with many international brands having their offices and teams in UAE. Several companies in this region have begun with the health initiatives by having customized wellness programs for their teams.

People working in the corporate sector have to go through a rigorous schedule. Hectic work and immense stress have become common issues in this sector. Unhealthy employees will not work to theirfull potential, which ultimately leads to a drop in the productivity of the company. It will lead to an increase in absenteeism hampering the overall performance company. The executive wellness programs are very much useful in these cases. That is why comprehensive executive health checkup packages with benefits for employees and employers are grabbing the attention of all.

The companies can avail of special health checkups for employees that help them in having a health lifestyle. Corporate programs bring numerous benefits to employees as well as employers. 

Benefits of Executive Health Checkup

· Reduce Increased Health Risks

The primary purpose of the wellness programs is to have healthy employees. It is found that the companies having wellness programs have recorded reduced absenteeism. If the employees are healthy then the company will not have to spend too much money on his/her health. 

· Strong Relation Between Employees and Employer

Creating a bond between an employee and employer is really essential for a thriving company. The wellness program provided by the company is a sign of how the company takes care of their employees. It will nurture the relationship between these two which will later build a great community in the company.

· Improved Performance

Having poor health affects the productivity of the employee. There will be an increased absenteeismwhich is not profitable for the company. If an employee is fit, then we can expect 100% performancefrom him/her. Having said that, wellness program has not only the ability to improve employee’s health, but it will have a positive impact on his/her performance. 

· Reduction in Healthcare Cost

The company will assign a budget for employees’ healthcare. If employees are unhealthy then company will have to spend extra bucks on their wellbeing, which will compromise the allotted budget. In this case, the corporate health check up

 will save a lot of money from company’s pocket. Many wellness expert organizations offer customized wellness programs for corporate offices, which are cost-effective. In addition to this, the ROI i.e. return on investment in this program is excellent which makes it a healthy investment for every business. 

The employee’s health and workplace wellness are two pillars for a company’s success. If you want your company to boom at a faster pace, it is essential that you have strategies to enhance and maintain the health of your employees. 

Indus Health Plus has been working in this field for several years where the specialized team designs suitable health checkup programs for diverse corporate companies. These programs prove effective to keep the teams healthy and motivated.

Healthy Diet for Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

High blood pressure or hypertension is a condition when the blood exerts high pressure against the artery walls. High blood pressure is called a silent killer condition which can lead to other major health complications like kidney ailments, heart diseases, strokes, etc. The normal blood pressure range is between 120/80, the range between 120/80 - 140/90 is termed as ‘pre hypertension’ while the range higher than 140/90 needs instant treatment.

When we talk about high blood pressure, we need to consider the factors which play a vital role. Have a look at some high blood pressure causes & risk factors. 

• Smoking and drinking too often
• Family history
• Stress 
• Lack of physical activity 
• Age
• Obesity 

Well, you can control your blood pressure in various simple ways. You can easily do it by doing some regular exercises. However, even if you are not able to devote enough time to exercise on a daily basis, some simple dietary changes can help in controlling the blood pressure levels. 

Here are some tips on having a healthy diet for high blood pressure.

You can try these foods, as they are easy to find, healthy, nourishing. 

Leafy Greens: Green leafy veggies like spinach, beet greens, turnip greens, collard greens, etc. are rich in potassium, which works well to get rid of extra sodium from the body through urine. An interesting way to include leafy greens in the daily diet is preparing veggies with nut milk or bananas.

Oatmeal: You can plan a quality hypertension diet with a bowl full of oatmeal. High in fiber, low in sodium and fat, consuming oatmeal for breakfast is an excellent way to keep control blood pressure levels and stay fueled for the rest of the day. 

Bananas: They are a rich source of potassium. Adding one banana into your everyday diet is a simple way to keep the blood pressure under control.

Carrots: Carrots are rich in beta-carotene and potassium. One glass carrot juice every morning helps to regulate blood pressure, kidney, and heart functions.

Avocados: Avocados are one of the best foods that help in lowering the blood pressure quickly. It is rich in oleic acid, which controls blood pressure and cholesterol levels. In addition to this, avocados contain vitamins A, B, K, and E and are highly loaded with fiber.

Watermelon: The amino acid, L-citrulline is great to balance blood pressure. Also, watermelon supplies body with fiber, vitamin A, lycopene, and potassium. Add this mouth-watering fruit to your high blood pressure diet.

It is also recommended to try DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan. This plan focuses on foods, which are heart healthy and low in sodium, cholesterol, rich in fiber, protein and nutrients. This may include- Vegetables, fish, fruits, whole grains, nuts and fat-free dairy products. The Dash diet can be successful in lowering the blood pressure because it contains less sugar and salt. 

Eating the right healthy foods may help you to control blood pressure; prepare a blood pressure diet chart so that you won’t forget the dos and don’ts of the diet plan. 

Remember, high blood pressure can be prevented, by avoiding foods that increase blood pressure and staying active. A regular full body checkup assists you to keep track of your blood pressure.

Corporate Health Checkup is a Healthy Investment with Productive Outcome

Corporate sectors have always been competitive and the people working in corporate sectors have to deal with work pressures, deadlines and challenges regularly, which may lead to stress and some health issues. Underperformance, persistent absenteeism, and occurrence of any disability are some of the common traits identified in employees today. In UAE, around 19% of people suffer from diabetes, 40.8% suffer from hypertension, and about 13% of the population is obese. Considering this, increasing numbers of companies are opting for health initiatives for their employees to ensure healthy and fit workforce. According to WHO research, regular health initiatives reduce the employee absenteeism by 27%, which can subsequently boost the productivity. The physical fitness of employees is affected not only by illness, but also by other environmental factors, like work stress, market competition, insecurities, and socialization. Having a healthy workforce is not only beneficial for the company but for employees too in the end. Let us see how. 

Benefits of corporate wellness programs

Improved Physical Health

When the company is investing in arranging healthy activities in the office, it will certainly lead the employees towards a healthy life. Being engaged in physical activities as a team improves employees’ overall health and they perform better. The worksites that have exercised the healthy activities have noticed reduced absenteeism in employees.

Improved Productivity

Healthy employees mean reduced absenteeism, which gradually helps to boost employees’ productivity. These activities will improve their physical as well as mental health making them more productive. As far as business benefits are concerned, a healthy employee’s performance will bring more profit to the company than other employees.

Strong bond

When the company starts providing employee’s wellness program, the bond between employees and company is strengthened.  Such programs build a better community in the company as the co-workers will start working in harmony. An employee will be happy with facilities he/she is getting from the company and will remain loyal in future.

Reduction in health care cost

The companies have to take care of the budget allotted for different activities. A customized corporate health checkup for employees will help in long-term savings. Customized wellness programs mean healthier employees who will need less health care. As matter of fact, these well-structured programs have found to be cost-effective for companies saving a considerable sum from their annual budget. The ROI i.e. return on investment in this program is quite promising making it a healthy investment for the company.

The employee health checkups play a major role in creating a more productive business. Taking help of leading preventive healthcare companies proves beneficial for the companies. 

Indus Health Plus offers customized corporate health checkups after analyzing the unique needs of a company. For more details about customized health checkup packages please contact us and be ready to save money and boost employee productivity now. Our team will take care of your needs.