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Home care guide for people in home isolation

  India is currently facing an onslaught from COVID-19, and the current surge is all the more reason why this guide is essential. And if that's not enough, India is also facing an oxygen shortage at the moment. And that's apart from the fact that the double mutant variant B.1.617.2, is highly contagious and deadly, which accounts for the 4k death rate per day in India. That's why these guidelines are important. In the event that either your loved ones or you are diagnosed with covid-19, you need to self-isolate the concerned individual right away. If you're planning to self-isolate your loved ones or yourself at home - kindly follow these precautions as your life may well depend on it.   Guide to self-isolation ●        It is important that you monitor your health and that of your loved ones. A clinical thermometer should come in handy as you can use one to check the body temperature each day. Once all the signs are there, you need to obt...

Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure

  When a human heart beats, it pumps blood into the rest of the body through blood vessels. While pumping blood, there is a force created on the vessel walls – this is called blood pressure. Though blood pressure can vary throughout the day, most doctors consider a systolic reading of below 90 mm Hg or a diastolic reading of less than 60 mm Hg as below normal. Low blood pressure is also known as hypotension. When low blood pressure is experienced, there is a reduced supply of blood to vital organs such as the kidney, brain and heart. Chronic low blood pressure can be considered dangerous if particular symptoms accompany it. Some signs to look out for are: Dizziness, Light-headedness or Feeling Faint A moderate bout of low blood pressure can cause dizziness or light-headedness, which could cause a risk of injury from a fall.    Nausea Most people who have low blood pressure show no symptoms. If nausea is being experienced frequently or at regular intervals, get your b...

Types of Thermometer and Their Accuracy

  There are various types of thermometers used in the medical field. Let us examine some of them today.   Digital Touch Thermometer  Digital touch thermometers determine body temperature using heat sensors. We can use them orally, under the armpits, or up the rectum. Note that taking oral temperatures as the base, such a  digital thermometer  gives a reading half a degree lower in the armpits and half a degree higher in the rectum when measured in Celsius. They give accurate readings in less than a minute.   Oral Thermometer  Oral thermometers are those that work only when placed in the mouth under the tongue. They can be both digital and analog (mercury). The average body temperature varies from 36.1 to 37.2 degrees Celsius. Oral readings are generally very accurate, and we can use them for anyone above the age of three.    Digital Tympanic Thermometer Tympanic or ear thermometers measure the temperature through the ear canal. Th...

10 Lifestyle Changes for Those with High Blood Pressure

If you have just received news that your blood pressure is high, it might be time to make some immediate lifestyle changes. Here are ten of the healthy lifestyle methods you need to follow to keep your blood pressure in check. Weight Loss Blood pressure is directly linked to obesity. The more your weight, the higher your chances of high blood pressure. Being overweight also is a contributing factor to sleep apnea, which can further raise your blood pressure. Losing 1 kg of weight can lead to a decrease in 1mm Hg of blood pressure. Regular Exercise Thirty minutes of daily exercising can reduce your blood pressure by 5-8 mm Hg. However, physical activities need to be regular to have effect. Stopping the activities can lead to an increase in blood pressure again. Healthy Diet Follow the DASH diet. DASH is an acronym for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. Your diet should contain whole grains, fruits, vegetables. Dairy products should be low fat which have l...

Care and Maintenance Tips for Your Ophthalmoscope

  A direct ophthalmoscope is an essential item used by doctors to see inside the fundus of a patient’s eye. The general construction The ophthalmoscope consists of a handle and a head. The handle contains the batteries and the head is often designed as a detachable addition. The head includes a bulb, a set of apertures for the light and a set of lenses. The magnified view provided by an ophthalmoscope is about fifteen times larger. Light from a bulb is reflected at ninety degrees and projected onto the iris as a spot. This allows the illumination of the retina. The reflection is achieved with the help of a mirror or a prism. The user of the ophthalmoscope can then study the illuminated retina. An ophthalmoscope can be adjusted according to the need. A disc on the head contains lenses of different powers and can be adjusted according to the patient. There is a reflecting prism just above the mirror, which is where the user has to focus. Many, though not all, ophthalmoscopes...

Essential protective gear while stepping out during COVID-19

  The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we live our lives, work, and socialise. Protecting ourselves from the virus has become imperative. The only way to remain protected even as offices, schools, colleges, malls, and other institutions open up is to use essential protective gear. ·         Face mask – Face masks are possibly the most important protective gear that you will need when you step out. In fact, most shops, institutions, airlines, cabs etc. have made face masks mandatory for everyone.   The face mask should cover your nose and mouth preventing any infection from droplets when you speak, cough, or sneeze. While single-use disposable face masks are preferable, any mask with two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric also offers adequate protection. If you wear a reusable or washable mask, it is important that it be washed in detergent and dried in sunlight before you use it again. ·      ...

How Effective are Hand Sanitizers?

  Hand sanitizers have gained a lot of popularity and prominence, especially after the pandemic which has made everyone realize the importance of hygiene. So much so that you can’t enter a hospital, store, mall, or just any place without getting your hands sanitized at the entrance. However, the real question is if hand sanitizers are really effective. Hand soaps and hand sanitizers are two terms, often used interchangeably. However, they are meant for different purposes and circumstances. While hand sanitizers are great to have on hand when on the go, healthcare professionals are of the opinion that nothing can beat a thorough hand wash with regular soap and water.   The effectiveness of hand sanitizer   Isopropanol (rubbing alcohol) or ethanol (the principal ingredient in alcoholic drinks) is the key ingredient in most hand sanitizers. Having a long history of being effective against some bacteria and viruses, alcohol in the right quantities can help with disinf...