Flu sends up to 84,000 Americans to hospitals in just 3 months

Flu sends up to 84,000 Americans to hospitals in just 3 months

An estimated 69,000 to 84,000 Americans were hospitalised due to the flu in the last three months, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on Friday.

The nation saw one of the worst flu outbreaks in nearly a decade during the 2017-2018 season, with more than 900,000 cases of hospitalisations and over 80,000 deaths, the CDC estimates here.

Between Oct. 1, 2018, and Jan. 5, 2019, about 6 million to 7 million people were reported to have contracted the flu, according to data collected by the health agency.

Flu sends up to 84,000 Americans to hospitals in just 3 months Health regulators have been trying to combat flu outbreaks in the United States, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first new flu medication in nearly two decades last year.

The CDC last month signalled the start of the flu season (click here), saying that 24 states and Guam were reporting widespread cases, with the H1N1 virus being the predominant strain.

The dominant flu strain during the last season, H3N2, has been linked with severe disease and death, particularly among children and the elderly.

The agency continues to recommend vaccination as the best way to reduce the risk of flu and advised people who are at high-risk category to approach hospital for treatment with a flu antiviral drug.

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When life gives you Lemons, use them for health benefits

When life gives you Lemons, use them for health benefits

Lemons are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and a variety of advantageous plant compounds. The nutrients in lemons assist in major health benefits.

According to a study, it is observed that lemons may maintain heart well being, weight control, & digestion related matters.

Below mentioned are some vital health benefits of lemons:

1. Maintains Heart Health

Since lemons are very well known as rich source of vitamin C, which means that one lemon contains almost 31 mg of vitamin C, which is 51% of the reference daily intake (RDI) by an individual.

It is believed that intake of fruits and vegetables which are prosperous in vitamin C, diminishes the menace of heart related diseases including stroke or hypertension.

Not only vitamin C plays an important role for maintenance of heart health, but also its fiber content & plant compounds are contributors for a better health. A study reveals that consuming 24 grams of citrus fiber extract on daily basis for a period of one month helps to lessen blood cholesterol levels.

2. Assist in Weight Loss

Lemons are widely consumed when it comes to weight loss natural remedies, some theories are also related to this.

One of the general theory explains that the soluble pectin fiber in lemons enlarges in your stomach, due to which there is feeling of full stomach for a long time.

Another best weight loss remedy suggests that consumption of hot water with lemon in an empty stomach adds to quick weight loss.

3. Averts building of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are lumps of different sizes that are formed when waste products crystallizes. Building of kidney stones is very common nowadays, and once an individual gets them, they often get them frequently.

Citric acid is useful in order to avoid building of kidney stones by escalating urine volume & its pH.

It is recommended that intake of just half cup (4 ounces or 125 ml) of lemon juice per day is reasonable to supply sufficient citric acid so as to avert stone shaping in kidneys.

4. Fight Against Anemia

Iron deficiency anemia is very common in every healthy body, it only starts when a person lacks adequate iron from the foods intake.

lemons are vital source of iron as well, they do prevent anemia by perking up your absorption ability of iron from plant based foods.

Normally your gut absorbs iron easily from various foods such as meat, chicken, and fish. But, absorbing iron from plant based foods is comparatively not easy, it can be only improvised by more consumption of vitamin C & citric acid.

5. Lessen Risk for Cancer

It is observed that a healthy diet rich with fruits & vegetables assist in prevention of some types of cancers. People who consume most citrus fruit have lower chance of cancer.

Some studies reveals that the plant compounds in lemons, including limonene and naringenin plays significant role as anticancer effects. These compounds prevents malignant tumors that are usually developed in the tongues, lungs, and colons of rodents.

6. Reduces Acne

Acne breakouts are very common after teenage in majority of the youngsters & adults.

Acne is usually treated by medications, but some natural home remedies which are based on lemons are also vital for reducing acne.

The ingredients for making acne free masks including lemon are very easy to be found in our kitchens.

Tip 1: Use same portion of lemon juice along with same portion of rose water, mix them well and keep it in fridge.

Apply this mixture with the help of cotton on the area of acne breakout, regular usage of this before sleeping at night will reduce acne & lessen blemishes.

Tip 2: Take 1 tsp of gram flour, 1 tsp of lemon juice, 1 tsp of milk & 1 tsp of honey. Mix them well and apply on the area where acne is present.

This mixture will help to control oil, which plays vital role in acne breakout.

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The truth about the apple cider vinegar diet

The truth about the apple cider vinegar diet

Did you know that there is an ‘apple cider vinegar diet’ for weight-loss and some people actually follow it? In fact, Medicinally, the liquid has been used for centuries for does it really work for weight-loss?

 

Apple cider vinegar comes from apples that have been crushed, distilled and fermented. Its high levels of acetic acid and other compounds may be responsible for its supposed health benefits. Most experts prescribe one to two teaspoons before or with meals.

Studies in obese rats and mice suggest that acetic acid can prevent fat deposition and improve metabolism. 

The most widely quoted study of humans is a 2009 trial of 175 people who consumed a drink containing zero, one and two tablespoons of vinegar each day.

After three months, those who consumed vinegar had modest weight loss (two to four pounds) and lower triglyceride levels than those who drank no vinegar. 

Another small study found that vinegar consumption promoted feeling fuller after eating but by causing nausea.

Neither of these studies specifically studied apple cider vinegar though. In all, the scientific evidence that vinegar consumption (whether of the apple cider variety or not) is a reliable, long-term means of losing excess weight is not compelling.

On the other hand, a number of studies suggest vinegar might prevent spikes in blood sugar in people with pre-diabetes or Type 2 diabetes by blocking starch absorption.

If you are really trying to lose weight, adding apple cider vinegar to your diet probably won’t do the trick. 

Bear in mind that the popularity of diets frequently has little to do with actual evidence. If you hear about a new diet that sounds too good to be true, a healthy dose of skepticism is necessary.

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Govt committed to provide efficient health services: President

Govt committed to provide efficient health services: President

ISLAMABAD, Dec 26 : President Dr. Arif Alvi has said that the government is committed to provide efficient, equitable, accessible and affordable health services to the people.

The President said this during his visit to National Institute of Health in Islamabad Wednesday.

He was briefed on the major initiatives undertaken to transform NIH by Executive Director of the Institute Prof. Dr. Aamer Ikram.

Federal Health Minister Aamer Mehmood Kiani, Secretary Health Capt. (R) Zahid Saeed, Director General Health Dr. Assad Hafeez were present on the occasion.

Health Minister Aamer Mehmood Kiani said NIH is a national asset and has enormous potential.

The NIH is contributing towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals. One of our major targets was reviving the production of measles vaccine at NIH.

This was critical in backdrop of growing incidence of the disease and epidemics of the disease in different parts of the country. 

With concerted collective effort we were able to achieve this objective, he said.

Another major issue was upgradation of laboratory facilities, a task that had been successfully undertaken. By Allah Almighty’s grace BSL-3 laboratory that conforms to global standards was our first initiative at NIH.

Prof. Dr. Aamer Ikram said the production of number of vaccines including measles, tetanus and diphtheria has been started.

Landmark initiatives have been taken to bring NIH at par with international standards, he said.

Production of measles vaccine for children which was stalled for 7 years has been made functional, Rs. 751 Million have been approved for production of Sera which is a major step forward and would meet critical demand of vaccine and Sera, shared Prof. Aamer Ikram.

It is expected that the institute will be able to meet half of the country’s requirement for anti snake venom by June 2019. 

We are currently producing around 40 thousands doses annually which is a fifth of the country’s requirement.

He said we cannot export vaccines without conforming to current Good Manufacturing Practices. 

We have prepared a policy in this regard which will be launched soon. This will enable us to export vaccines.

Today, the institute is undertaking successful implementation of five years road map of International Health Regulations and Global Health Security Agenda alongwith implementation of Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response System in the country.

The transparency and Good Governance at the institute has facilitated collaboration with internationally reputed health organizations that are supporting the reform process.

It is for the first time that master plan of NIH has been prepared. The institute has been designated as National Public Health Institute which broadens its mandate to prevent and control diseases.

We will leave no stone unturned to take this institute further as the leading public health institution of the region, resolved Prof. Dr. Aamer Ikram.

He said one million doses of measles vaccines have been produced whereas two million will be ready by June 2019.

The President went round various divisions of the institute and lauded the efforts of Executive Director NIH.

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Budget allocation for health increased to two per cent: President Alvi

Budget allocation for health increased to two per cent: President Alvi

ISLAMABAD,  DEC 17 -  President Dr. Arif Alvi on Monday said that budget allocation for health has been increased to 2% from the current 0.9% of the GDP towards the attainment of Universal Health Care (UHC) and sustainable development health related goals.

Talking to Regional Director, World Health Organization Dr. Ahmed Salim Saif Al-Mandhari and Regional Director, UNICEF SEARO Ms. Jean Gough, who called on him in Islamabad, Arif Alvi said that increase in the spending on social sector is priority of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government.

According to a statement released from his office, the president said that the incumbent government has recently taken a major initiative in expanding the health card scheme for the poor to include 80 million more individuals across Pakistan.

Budget allocation for health increased to two per cent: President Alvi

He emphasized that Pakistan is fully committed to polio eradication and has achieved tremendous progress in stopping polio virus transmission, reducing the cases to 8 so far this year.

Arif Alvi expressed gratitude to the international community for their support of the efforts being made in Pakistan and stated that the government is committed to the United Nations high level to achieve the SDG/ End TB targets to root out Tuberculosis by 2030.

He maintained that Pakistan is committed to strengthening family planning programme aiming to achieve pledges towards FP 2020 and SDGs which will also lead to improving maternal, newborn and child health indicators of Pakistan, reads the statement.

He also highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to fight against malaria, leishmaniasis, dengue and other vector borne diseases, posing threat to the health of millions and achieve the goal of elimination and effective control of these Diseases by 2030.

The President expressed desire to seek WHO’s support for coming up with “National Action Plan” in context of Universal Health Coverage, quality of care through family practice and nutrition, because of prevailing high malnutrition status in the country.

He said that Pakistan with the help of WHO wants to increase the coverage of routine immunization, achieve equitable access to immunization services especially in the slum and rural areas and to enhance the monitoring and accountability at all levels down to the district.

Arif Alvi also urged that media and religious scholars must play their constructive role in creating awareness among the masses regarding polio, population control and hygiene.

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How to make teeth white naturally from yellow

How to make teeth white naturally from yellow

ISLAMABAD, DEC 10 - We all dream of having perfect looking teeth which you see on the red carpet and all over the magazine covers.

However not all of us can afford to go to dentist to have our teeth professionally whitened, and that’s okay save your hard-earned cash because we have collected ten effective ways to naturally whiten your teeth without destroying your enamel or your bank account.

Before we get into the home remedies you should know that all of these methods must not be used at the same time.  “Pick one and Stick to it”.

How to make teeth white naturally from yellow

Plus if you have problems with your teeth at home whitening may not be for you, you can always check with your dentist before hand to make sure.

Taking proper care of your teeth every day is important for these remedies to work in effective way.

No. 1: Activated charcoal;

The activated charcoal has recently been gaining fame as an amazing home remedy for teeth whitening and it is no surprise since it is for sure one of the easiest and most inexpensive products to naturally whiten your teeth as an antioxidant this stuff truly works wonders by removing all the toxins and surface stains left by tea, coffee and food consumption.

Brushing your teeth with activated charcoal has been proven to lighten them by up to three shades pretty impressive, right!

So if you want to try it, here is what you should do.

Crush up on charcoal tablet into a powder, dip your clean wet toothbrush into it and brush your teeth as you normally do, just do not freak out when your teeth and mouth instantly become covered in the black stuff. It rinses away to reveal brighter, whiter teeth.

No. 2: powdered milk and toothpaste;

The dairy products specially milk significantly improve the health of your teeth, that is because milk contains both calcium and phosphorus which promote the remineralisation of tooth enamel you.

You can use power milk to brush your teeth, combine it with your toothpaste an even better effect, just put some toothpaste on your toothbrush add a bit of powdered milk on top and brush your teeth.

Do this one to two times a week to get your teeth pearly white and strong.

No. 3: baking soda and lemon juice;

Baking soda does a great job at removing surface stains from your teeth making them way wider as a result. Lemon contains Vitamin “C” which is known for lightening the teeth.

The right way to combine these two ingredients would be to put a pinch of baking soda on your tooth brush and then add a few drops of lemon juice over it to achieve a set of bright shiny teeth.

Just do not use this whitening method more than once a week.

No. 4: baking powder and lemon juice;

Baking powder eliminates stains on the surface of your teeth and lemon juice as we already said has multiple components that lightening teeth.

Just mix a teaspoon of baking powder and a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and brush your teeth with the paste this mixture will work wonders in just two minutes. 

But remember the golden rule, do not leave it on your teeth more than two minutes because it will damage your enamel.

After a couple of weeks of using this home treatment once or twice a week your teeth will be so blinding that you will have to warn people to put on some sunglasses before you smile at them.

No. 5: lemon juice and water;

Mixture of equal parts lemon juice and water will help restore whiteness to your teeth and completely disinfect your oral cavity.

Take one teaspoon of water and one teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and brush your teeth thoroughly with the combined liquids, and then rinse it out,  after that brush your teeth again and this time with your regular toothpaste , do this just once a week to lighten your teeth.

No. 6: a strawberry;

Pretty much everybody knows that strawberries are super delicious and healthy, but did you know that they are great for lightening your teeth as well.

That is because they are acidic which if you have not noticed by now is great for teeth whitening.

The easiest way to make use of it is to take a ripe strawberry and mash it up with a spoon and brush your teeth with this paste for a few minutes to get rid of yellow stains, you can do this once a month.

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