What is dehydration & what are its causes?

Dehydration occurs when there is too much water lost, failing to intake enough water as it requires or a combination of both. Without getting enough water, your body can’t function suitably. You may face mild, moderate, or severe dehydration depending on how much fluid is missing from your body.

Causes of dehydration

The immediate causes of dehydration include not getting enough water, too much water loss from the body, or sometimes a combination of both.

Many a time it becomes impossible to drink enough water since we are too busy, lack the facilities or strength to drink, or are in an area without access to drinking water (hiking or camping). Other causes of dehydration are:

•    Diarrhea – It is the most common cause of dehydration-related deaths. The large intestine absorbs water from the food matter, and diarrhea stops this function, this leads to dehydration.

•    Vomiting – It also leads to loss of fluids in the body and makes it impossible to restore water by drinking it.

•    Sweating – The process of body cooling brings out a significant amount of water. Hot and humid weather and vigorous physical activity can further lead to the fluid loss in the form of sweat.

•    Diabetes - High blood sugar levels cause urination, i.e. fluid loss.

•    Uncontrolled diabetes causes frequent urination; other causes includes alcohol and medications such as blood pressure medications, diuretics, anti-psychotics, and. Antihistamines.

•    Burns – The water seeps into the damaged skin, and the body fluid is lost.

Sign & Symptoms of dehydration in adults and young children

Mild or moderate symptoms of dehydration include:

•        Thirst

•        Dry or sticky mouth

•        Not peeing very much

•        Dark yellow pee

•        Dry, cool skin

•        Headache

•        Muscle cramps

Other severe symptoms of dehydration include:

•        Not peeing or having very dark yellow pee

•        Very dry skin

•        Feeling dizzy

•        Rapid heartbeat

•        Rapid breathing

•        Sunken eyes

•        Sleepiness, lack of energy, confusion or irritability

•        Fainting

Symptoms of dehydration in babies and young children

•        No tears when crying

•        Dry mouth and tongue

•        Dry diapers for 3 hours

•        Sunken eyes, cheeks, soft spot on the top of the skull

•        Sleepiness, lack of energy, or irritability

The cause of severe dehydration may require medical emergency and needs to be treated immediately to avoid any serious complications.

Common Causes of hip pain

Similar to other types of chronic pains, hip pain is a commonly experience problem by women than men. Since, hip pain can have a number of different causes, determining the correct cause is the key to get the best treatment. It isn’t always felt in the hip itself, but may instead be felt in the groin or thigh.

Pain in the hip can be a result of a number of factors. Abnormalities of the bones, nerves, skin, joints, tissues, muscles, and blood vessels of the hip can all lead to hip pain. Sometimes diseases that affect other joints in the body, such as inflammation due to arthritis, trauma or injury, bone fracture, etc. it may also occur due to other painful infections condition of the skin such as shingles.

Having problem with the back or spine may cause hip pain. Depending upon the cause of hip pain, the pain may occur when walking, running or engaging in any other physical activity. The treatment for hip pain completely depends upon underlying its cause.

Some of the commonly occurring causes of hip pain are;

Ø  Arthritis – Osteoarthritis is among the common causes of chronic hip pain that worsen the condition as you age. The condition is characterized by the breakdown of the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones where they meet to form joints. This may result in pain, stiffness, the loss of movement and the formation of bony overgrowths called spurs. Stiffness may be worse after periods of inactivity.

Ø  Hip Fracture – Hip fracture is a common condition among elderly individuals, especially those suffering from osteoporosis (low bone density). Hip fractures caused due to a sudden, severe hip pain injury then, it may require immediate medical attention. This may lead to further complexities, such as a blood clot. A hip fracture usually requires surgery and a physical therapy to recover.

Ø  Bursitis - Trochanteric bursitis, is another common cause of hip pain that occurs when a liquid-filled sac near the hip joint becomes inflamed. There are a number of factors that may lead to cause trochanteric bursitis, such as hip injury, posture problems, overuse of the joints, or other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Ø  Hernia – An inguinal hernia appears when tissue, such as part of the intestine, protrudes through a weak part in the abdominal muscles. The resulting swelling can be painful, particularly when you cough, bend over or lift heavy objects. Pregnant women can be at risk to inguinal hernias because of the added force on the wall of their tummy.

It does not improve on its own and can lead to life-threatening complications. Your doctor will recommend you with a surgery to fix an inguinal hernia that's painful & enlarging.

Ø  Meralgia paresthetica – It is a condition marked by tingling, numbness and burning pain in your outer thigh. It is caused due to the firmness of the nerve that supplies sensation to the skin surface. Obesity, tight clothing, and pregnancy are common causes of meralgia paresthetica, it may also occur due to local trauma or a disease, such as diabetes. You can relieve from this condition by, wearing loose cloths.

Ø  Bone cancer - It is a rare condition that begins in a bone. Bone cancer can start in any bone in the body, but it commonly affects the long bones that make up the arms and legs.

30 Little Things about Pregnancy, Childbirth and First Time Mom Experience

Pregnancy is undoubtedly the best time of life, which is full of discovery and surprises. For many moms-to-be, the journey includes some common and uncommon symptoms for which you may be unprepared. After all, motherhood is the great joy and privileges. 

In today blog we’ve gathered and disclosed 101 significant and insignificant tips and advice about Pregnancy, Childbirth and First Time Mom Experience.

About Pregnancy

1.    Don’t think too about planning your pregnancy; most couples take a few months to plan their pregnancy.

2.    Pregnancy during summers can be very stressful and especially if you are in your third trimester. Try to keep yourself cool by eating healthy and soothing food.

3.    Drink plenty of fluids, at least eight to 8 - 10 glasses a day avoid consumption of caffeine and artificial coloring drinks.

4.    Take all you recommended medication or supplement as directed by your obstetrician or midwife.

5.    Eat five or six well-balanced meals each day.

6.    Avoid consumption of drinks that contains alcohol.

7.    Don't smoke or allow yourself to be exposed to secondhand smoke.

8.    Doing moderate exercise can be an excellent way for the stress buster. You can also choose to take up pregnancy exercise classes to walk at least 15 to 20 minutes every day.

9.    Walk in cool, shaded areas or indoors can help you prevent from overheating and dehydration.

10.    Get an adequate amount of sleep, i.e. at least 8 – 9 hours a night. In case if you are unable to sleep at night take naps during the day time and you must also see your physician for advice.

11.    Wear comfortable loose fitting clothes

12.    Wear comfortable footwear, to prevent fatigue and swelling of feet, legs, and ankles.

13.    Avoiding traveling as much as possible, it is always advisable to prefer a four-wheeler over a two-wheeler.

14.    Never take any medication without seeking advice from your doctor, this may show some adverse effect on you or the baby.

15.    Educate yourself; this will help you prepare yourself better for delivery.

16.    Avoid doing every task such as Heavy lifting, climbing on step stools or ladders, using harsh chemicals, standing for extended periods of time, etc.

17.    Track your body weight regularly

18.    Say yes to craving; just be careful to limit portions.

19.    It is important to keep a clear mind and check on your emotional stress when you are expecting.

20.    Practice meditation and deep breathing exercises regularly, proper and sufficient oxygen supply is mandatory for enhancing the growth of the baby.

About childbirth

21.    Keep your bags ready well in advance.

22.    Prepare yourself, pay attention in those birthing classes.

23.    Decide which birthing method you want to use and find a supportive labor partner.

24.    Allow the baby come on his or her, own time, unless, of course, your medical circumstances warrants an induction.

25.    Don't labor on an empty stomach, Eat something before you get there.

About first-time-mom

26.    New mom always gets tons of advances, hence it necessary to figure out what works for you.

27.    It is complete alright if you skip a couple of your daily activities. Instead of, stressing yourself over something not so important.

28.    Start making a list of thing and question that you need and get answered by your doctor, so that you don’t forget anything important.

29.    Enjoy your nap time, your sleep is equally important to keep you fit and active for the rest of the day. 

30.    Pay attention to yourself and love your body. 

Breast Lift with Implants - Procedures and Side Effects

What is a Breast Lift with implants?

This procedure features a breast lift with a breast enlargement in a single operative session. The lift is used for repositioning the breast on the chest, while the implant is used to give, or restore, upper pole fullness of the breast. This method may be carried out for cosmetic purposes, or as part of a reconstructive process.

Breast lift procedure steps

A breast lift procedure is attained through different patterns and techniques.

The most appropriate method is determined based on:

•        The degree of breast sagging

•        Breast size and shape

•        Skin quality and elasticity as well as the amount of extra skin

•        The size and arrangement of your areolas

Step 1 – Anesthesia

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best option for you.

Step 2 – The incision

There are 3 common incision patterns:

•        Around the areola

•        Around the areola and vertically down from the areola to the breast crease

•        Around the areola, vertically down from the breast crease and horizontally along the breast crease

Step 3 – Reshaping your breasts

•        The primary breast tissues are lifted and reshaped to recover breast contour and firmness.

•        The nipple and areola are repositioned to a natural and youthful height.

•        Enlarged areolas are reduced by excising skin at the perimeter.

•        Excess breast skin is detached to correct loss of elasticity.

Step 4 – Closing the incisions

After your breasts are reshaped, and excess skin is separated, the remaining skin is tightened, and the incisions are closed.

Step 5 – See the final output

The results for breast lift surgery are instantly visible.

Complications and risk factors linked with Breast lifting with implants;

•        Unfavourable scarring

•        Bleeding or hematoma formation

•        Infection

•        Prolonged healing

•        Changes in nipples or breast sensation ( temporary or permanent)

•        Skin discoloration & pigmentation changes

•        Swelling & bruising

•        Damage to - nerves, blood vessels, muscles and lungs (temporary or permanent)

•        Breast asymmetry

•        Fluid accumulation

•        Excessive firmness of the breast

•        Undersensitive or oversensitive nipple or areola

•        Blood clots

•        Slight risk of deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications

•        Unbearable Pain

•        Bad reaction to anesthesia

•        Need for revisional surgery

What is Medicare part B?

Medicare Part B is healthcare insurance. That helps you pay for your doctor visits and medical care you receive as an outpatient. You are an out-patient as you get care in a hospital or consulting room and are not admitted for an inpatient stay. Part B also includes the majority of doctor’s services that you may receive as an in-patient. Other hospital services are covered under Part A.

Let’s find out what is covered under Medicare Part B?

•        Doctor's visits (including an annual physical exam)

•        Laboratory services including - blood tests, urinalysis, etc.

•        Medical health care as an outpatient

•        Some preventive care, like flu and pneumonia shots

•        Outpatient health check services

•        X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, EKGs, and some other diagnostic tests

•        Prescription drugs, like chemotherapy drugs

•        Durable medical equipment for use at home such as oxygen, wheelchairs, walkers, etc.

•        Emergency room services

•        Skilled nursing care and health aid services on a part-time or intermittent basis

•        Other diagnostic screenings, such as colorectal and prostate cancer screenings and mammograms

•        Ambulatory surgery center services

What's not covered under Medicare Part B?

Medicare Part B does not help with the cost of:

•        Dental, vision or hearing care but in very rare conditions.

•        Care received outside the USA except in very specific situations.

•        Custodial care - helping with eating, bathing or dressing.

What doctors or health professionals can you see?

You can see any qualified provider in the US who accepts Medicare assignment and who accepts new patients. You can get medical help in any state or region. Original Medicare Part B offers the same benefits across the US.

Coverage limited with Medicare Part B

Medicare Part B insurance helps pay for any medically necessary care to look after an illness or physical condition.

Part B also covers some precautionary care to help you live a healthier life. There may be limits on coverage for some services.

What is preventive care?

Preventive care includes screenings and tests that assist discover health problems at an early stage so that they can be treated well. Other services, such as flu shots and health education, may help prevent health problems.

Medicare Part B covers these preventive services:

•        Bone mass measurement (bone density)

•        Alcohol misuse counseling

•        Cervical and vaginal cancer screening

•        Lung cancer screening

•        Diabetes self-management training

•        Breast cancer screening (mammogram)

•        Cardiovascular disease (behavioral therapy)

•        Flu shot

•        Tobacco use cessation counseling

•        Diabetes screening

•        Colorectal cancer screening

•        Hepatitis B shot

•        Glaucoma test

•        Prostate cancer screening

•        Depression screening

•        Cardiovascular screening

•        Obesity screening and counseling

•        Pneumococcal shot

•        Medical nutrition therapy services

•        “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit

•        Yearly “Wellness” visit

•        HIV screening

•        Hepatitis C screening

•        Sexually transmitted infections screening and counseling