Hypertension

There are five main classes of medicines that are used to lower blood pressure. There are various types and brands of medicine in each class. The following gives a brief overview of each of the classes. However, for detailed information about your own medication you should read the leaflet that comes inside the medicine packet.

 

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors

ACE inhibitors work by reducing the amount of a chemical that you make in your bloodstream, called angiotensin II. This chemical tends to narrow (constrict) blood vessels. Therefore, less of this chemical causes the blood vessels to relax and widen, and so the pressure of blood within the blood vessels is reduced.
There are various types and brands of ACE inhibitors: captopril, cilazapril, enalapril, fosinopril, lisinopril, perindopril, quinapril, ramipril, and trandolapril. An ACE inhibitor is particularly useful if you also have heart failure or diabetes. ACE inhibitors should not be taken by people with certain types of kidney problems, people with some types of artery problems, and those who are pregnant. You will need a blood test before starting an ACE inhibitor. This will check that your kidneys are working well. The blood test is repeated within two weeks after starting the medicine, and within two weeks after any increase in dose. Then, a yearly blood test is usual.

 

 

 

 

 

Angiotensin receptor blockers

These medicines are sometimes called angiotensin-II receptor antagonists. There are various types and brands: candesartan, eprosartan, irbesartan, losartan, olmesartan, telmisartan and valsartan. They work by blocking the effect of angiotensin II on the blood vessel walls. So, they have a similar effect to ACE inhibitors (described above).

 

Calcium-channel blockers

Calcium-channel blockers affect the way calcium is used in the blood vessels and heart muscle. This has a relaxing effect on the blood vessels. Again, there are various types and brands: amlodipine, diltiazem, felodipine, lacidipine, lercanidipine, nicardipine, nifedipine, and verapamil. Calcium-channel blockers can also be used to treat angina.

'Water' tablets (diuretics)

Diuretics work by increasing the amount of salt and fluid that you pass out in your urine. This has some effect on reducing the fluid in the circulation, which reduces blood pressure. They may also have a relaxing effect on the blood vessels, which reduces the pressure within the blood vessels. The most commonly used diuretics to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in the UK are thiazides or thiazide-like diuretics. Examples are bendroflumethiazide, chlortalidone, cyclopenthiazide, and indapamide. Only a low dose of a diuretic is needed to treat high blood pressure. Therefore, you will not notice much diuretic effect (that is, you will not pass much extra urine). You will need a blood test before starting a diuretic, to check that your kidneys are working well. You should also have a blood test within 4-6 weeks of starting treatment with a diuretic, to check that your blood potassium has not been affected. Then, a yearly blood test is usual.

 

Beta-blockers

Again, there are various types and brands of beta-blockers: acebutolol, atenolol, bisoprolol, metoprolol, oxprenolol, pindolol, propranolol, sotalol, and timolol. They work by slowing the heart rate, and reducing the force of the heart. These actions lower the blood pressure. Beta-blockers are also commonly used to treat angina, and some other conditions. You should not normally take a beta-blocker if you have asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or certain types of heart or blood vessel problems.

ZOGA-100 (Sildnafil Citrate Tablets 100mg)

Indications & Usage:-
Sildenafil is indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. The studies that established benefits demonstrated improvements in success rates for sexual intercourse compare with placebo.

Properties:-
The physiological mechanism of erection of the penis involves release of Nitric Oxide (NO) in the corpus cavernosum during sexual stimulation. NO then activates the enzyme guanylate cyclase, which results in increased levels of cyclic, guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), producing muscle relaxation in the corpus cavernosum & allowing inflow of blood.
Sildenafil has no direct relaxant effect on isolated human corpus cavernosum, but enhances the effect of nitric oxide (NO) by inhibiting phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). which is responsible for degradation of cGMP in the corpus cavernosum. When sexual stimulation causes local release of NO, inhibition of PDE5 by Sildenafil causes increased levels of cGMP in the corpus cavernosum, resulting in smooth muscle relaxation & inflow of blood to the corpus cavernosum. Sildenafil at recommended doses has no effect in the absence of sexual stimulation.
Studies in vitro have shown that Sildenafil is selective for PDE5. Its effect is more potent on PDE5 than other known phosphodiesterases (>80-fold for PDE1,>1,000-fold for PDE2, PDE3 and PDE4). The approximately 4000-fold selectively for PDE’s versus PDE3 is important because that PDE is involved in control of cardiac contractility, Sildenafil is only about 10-fold as potent for PDE5 compared to PDE6, an emztme found in the retina: this lower selectivity is thought to be the basis for abnormalities related to colour vision observed with higher doses or plasma levels.

Pharmacokinetics & Metabolism:-
Sildenafil is rapidly absorbed, maximum plasma concentrations are reached within 30-120mins. 90mins after dosing, less than 0.001% of the administered dose may appear in the semen of patients.
The major circulating metabolite result from N-desmethylation of Sildenafil and is itself further metabolized. After either oral or intravenous administration, Sildenafil is excreted as metabolites predominantly in the faeces (approximately 80% administered oral dose) & to a lesser extent in the urine (approximately 13% of administered oral dose).

SAPROZOLE {Omeprazole}

INDICATION:

Saprozole is indicated in the treatment of:

Heartburns (Pyrosis)

Stress ulceration

Gastric & duodenal ulcers

Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome

Acid related disorders

Prophylaxis in long-term NSAID therapy and acid aspiration.

Saprozole can prolong the elimination of Diazepam and Phenytoin and other drugs that are metabolised by oxidation in the liver. Monitoring and possible dose reduction is recommended where necessary. No interaction with Theophylline has been reported but interactions with other drugs metabolised via Cytochrome P450 enzyme system (e.g. Warfarin) is possible. No interaction with concomitantly administered antacid has been reported.

ZERAMAX

{Clotrimazole, Betamethasone & Neomycin Sulphate cream}

Anti-fungal, Anti-bacterial and Anti-inflammatory

Clotrimazole is used to treat yeast infections of the vagina, mouth, and skin such as athlete's foot, jock itch, and body ringworm. It can also be used to prevent oral thrush in certain patients.

The primary mechanism of action of clotrimazole is against the division and growing of fungi. Clotrimazole alters the permeability of the fungal cell wall and inhibits the activity of enzymes within the cell. It specifically inhibits the biosynthesis of ergosterol and other sterols required for cell membrane production.

Betamethasone is used to treat the itching, redness, dryness, crusting, scaling, inflammation, and discomfort of various skin conditions.

Betamethasone works by Interfereing with bacterial protein synthesis by binding to 30S ribosomal subunit, causing misreading of genetic code. Inaccurate peptide sequence then forms in protein chain, causing bacterial death.

Neomycin sulfate is a broad-spectrum antibiotic agent effective against gram-negative and gram-positive organisms, prescribed topically to treat skin infections.

Neomycin works by affecting the bacteria's production of certain proteins that are necessary for their survival. It causes the bacteria to produce abnormal and faulty proteins. This ultimately kills the bacteria and clears up the infection.

Pregnancy-associated malaria

Pregnancy-associated malaria (PAM) or placental malaria is a presentation of the common illness that is particularly life threatening to both mother and developing fetus. PAM is caused primarily by infection with Plasmodium falciparum, the most dangerous of the four species of malaria-causing parasites that infect humans. During her first pregnancy,  a woman faces a much higher risk of contracting malaria and of associated complications.

Malaria infection during pregnancy is a significant public health problem with substantial risks for the pregnant woman, her fetus, and the newborn child. Malaria-associated maternal illness and low birth weight is mostly the result of Plasmodium falciparum infection and occurs predominantly in Africa. The symptoms and complications of malaria in pregnancy vary according to malaria transmission intensity in the given geographical area, and the individual’s level of acquired immunity.

WHO recommends the following package of interventions for the prevention and treatment of malaria during pregnancy:

• use of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs);
• in areas of stable malaria transmission of sub-Saharan Africa, intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP);
• prompt diagnosis and effective treatment of malaria infections.

IPTp reduces maternal malaria episodes, maternal anaemia, placental parasitaemia, low birth weight, and neonatal mortality. Furthermore, all pregnant women should receive iron and folic acid supplementation as a part of routine antenatal care.

How to Help Someone Having an Asthma Attack

How to Help Someone Having an Asthma Attack

* During a bout of asthma, patients find it easier to breathe while sitting up than lying down. So help them get into a comfortable sitting position.

* Most asthma patients know what they need to do to deal with an attack. So it is best to ask them. Ask if they have an inhaler and where it is. If they don't have one, ask them if you should call for help.

Many asthma patients carry not only an inhaler, but a written instruction card as well. An asthma attack can temporarily rob the patient of his ability to speak.

In such situations, an instruction card explaining what needs to be done can be invaluable. If there is such a card, just do as it says.

* Help them use the inhaler. An inhaler is designed to deliver a specific dose of asthma medication. The medication relaxes the patient's airways and helps restore normal breathing.

Medication is so important that in case the patient doesn't have his or her inhaler available, most doctors say that it is ok to use someone else's. Nothing else you can do has nearly the same effect as taking the right medication.

In general, you should give two to four puffs of the inhaler and then wait for about five minutes for the next dose.

Position the mouthpiece of the inhaler between the patient's lips. Let him know when you are about to give a puff so that he can breathe in at the same time.

Wait for several seconds before you deliver another puff. Or until he lets you know he is ready for the next one.

You can use a spacer to help the person inhale the medicine over the course of several breaths, instead of one breath. This device sits between the inhaler and the person's mouth and can hold the medicine in place between breaths.

If a spacer is not available, you can make one by rolling up some paper to create a tube.

* Once you've given medication, observe the patient for several minutes. Is it getting easier for him to breathe?

* If it appears that they are not responding to the medication within ten minutes, call an ambulance. And continue to deliver about four puffs of medication every five minutes while waiting for the ambulance.

The medication will help prevent the asthma attack from getting worse even if it doesn't seem to provide immediate relief.

* Stay calm throughout the episode. This will help the patient remain calm as well. If he panics, it will worsen the asthma attack and make it far more difficult for him to breathe.

So talk to him calmly, to reinforce the feeling that everything is under control. This is vitally important.

Being aware of these asthma treatment basics will help you deal effectively with many emergency situations.

How Is Smoking Related to Diabetes?

Diabetes is a group of diseases in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal. Most of the food a person eats is turned into glucose (a kind of sugar) for the body’s cells to use for energy. The pancreas, an organ near the stomach, makes a chemical called insulin that helps glucose get into the body’s cells. When you have diabetes, your body either doesn't make enough insulin or can't use the insulin very well. Less glucose gets into the cells and instead builds up in the blood.

There are different types of diabetes. Type 2 is the most common kind of diabetes in adults and accounts for about 90–95% of all diagnosed cases. Fewer people have type 1 diabetes, which most often develops in children, adolescents, or young adults.

Type 1 diabetes used to be called juvenile-onset diabetes. It is usually caused by an auto-immune reaction where the body’s defence system attacks the cells that produce insulin. The reason this occurs is not fully understood. People with type 1 diabetes produce very little or no insulin. The disease may affect people of any age, but usually develops in children or young adults. People with this form of diabetes need injections of insulin every day in order to control the levels of glucose in their blood. If people with type 1 diabetes do not have access to insulin, they will die.

Type 2 diabetes used to be called non-insulin dependent diabetes or adult-onset diabetes, and accounts for at least 90% of all cases of diabetes. It is characterised by insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency, either or both of which may be present at the time diabetes is diagnosed. The diagnosis of type 2 diabetes can occur at any age. Type 2 diabetes may remain undetected for many years and the diagnosis is often made when a complication appears or a routine blood or urine glucose test is done. It is often, but not always, associated with overweight or obesity, which itself can cause insulin resistance and lead to high blood glucose levels. People with type 2 diabetes can often initially manage their condition through exercise and diet. However, over time most people will require oral drugs and or insulin.

How Is Smoking Related to Diabetes?
Smoking increases your chance of having type 2 diabetes. No matter what type of diabetes you have, smoking makes your diabetes harder to control.
For example, smoking as well as use of other tobacco products (such as snuff) can interfere with how your insulin works (a situation called "insulin resistance"). Snuff is finely ground tobacco that can be dry, moist, or in tea bag-like pouches.
If you have diabetes and you smoke, you are more likely to have serious health problems from diabetes. Smokers with diabetes have higher risks for serious complications, including:
• Heart and kidney disease
• Poor blood flow in the legs and feet that can lead to foot infections, ulcers, and possible amputation (removal of a body part by surgery, such as toes or feet)
• Retinopathy (an eye disease that can cause blindness)
• Peripheral neuropathy (damaged nerves to the arms and legs that causes numbness, pain, weakness, and poor coordination)
If you are a smoker with diabetes and decide to quit smoking or using any type of tobacco product, the health benefits begin right away. People with diabetes who quit have better control of their blood sugar levels. Studies have shown that insulin resistance can start to decrease 8 weeks after quitting. And recovery from surgery can happen faster.

Health Benefits of Spinach

Spinach is perhaps the most amazing green vegetable. It's jam packed with vitamins and minerals and is a powerful weapon to protect your eyesight, your bones and prevent you from having cancer. Medical science is still discovering new benefits of eating spinach.


Like other dark greens, spinach is an excellent source of beta-carotene, a powerful disease-fighting antioxidant that's been shown, among other things, to reduce the risk of developing cataracts. It fights heart disease and cancer as well.

As a dark, leafy green, spinach possesses several important phytochemicals, including lutein, which helps prevent age-related macular degeneration. Spinach also contains lipoic acid, which helps antioxidant vitamins C and E regenerate. Because of its role in energy production, lipoic acid is being investigated for regulating blood sugar levels.

Served raw, spinach is a good source of vitamin C, another powerful antioxidant. Overcook it, however, and you lose most of this important vitamin. Though spinach is rich in calcium, most of it is unavailable, because oxalic acid in spinach binds with calcium, preventing its absorption. The abundant potassium in spinach is available, and it will promote heart health. When you cook spinach, it cooks down tremendously. Because cooking concentrates nutrients and fiber, a serving of cooked spinach gives you even more bang for your buck than a serving of raw.

Nutritional Facts of Spinach:

Nutrients Amount per Cup (180g) (%Daily Value)
Vitamin K 1110.6%
Vitamin A 377.3%
Manganese 84%
Folate 65.7%
Magnesium 39.1%
Iron 35.7%
Vitamin C 29.4%
Vitamin B2 24.7%
Calcium 24.4%
Potassium 23.9%
Vitamin B6 22%
Tryptophan 21.8%
Vitamin E 18.7%
Fiber 17.2%
Copper 15.5%
Vitamin B1 11.3%
Protein 10.7%
Phosphorus 10%
Zinc 9.1%
Choline 8.3%
Omega-3 fatty acids 7%
Vitamin B3 4.4%
Selenium 3.8%
Calories 2% (41 calories)

WHFoods Recommendations:
Among the World's Healthiest vegetables, spinach comes out at the top of our ranking list for nutrient richness. Rich in vitamins and minerals, it is also concentrated in health-promoting phytonutrients such as carotenoids (beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin) and flavonoids to provide you with powerful antioxidant protection. Enjoy baby spinach in your favorite salads or make a salad made exclusively of baby spinach. Spinach is one of only three vegetables that we recommend boiling to help reduce its concentration of oxalic acid. We recommend boiling for just 1 minute to minimize loss of nutrients and flavor.

CANCER

Cancer, also called malignancy, is an abnormal growth of cells.

There are more than 100 types of cancer, including breast cancer, skin cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, and lymphoma.

Cancer signs and symptoms:
Cancer is a group of diseases that can cause almost any sign or symptom. The signs and symptoms will depend on where the cancer is, how big it is, and how much it affects the organs or tissues. But some general signs and symptoms of cancer are:

Unexplained weight loss
Most people with cancer will lose weight at some point. When you lose weight for no known reason, it’s called an unexplained weight loss. An unexplained weight loss of 10 pounds or more may be the first sign of cancer. This happens most often with cancers of the pancreas, stomach, esophagus (swallowing tube), or lung.

Fever
Fever is very common with cancer, but it more often happens after cancer has spread from where it started. Almost all patients with cancer will have fever at some time, especially if the cancer or its treatment affects the immune system. (This can make it harder for the body to fight infection.) Less often, fever may be an early sign of cancer, such as blood cancers like leukemia or lymphoma.

Fatigue
Fatigue is extreme tiredness that does not get better with rest. It may be an important symptom as cancer grows. It may happen early, though, in some cancers, like leukemia. Some colon or stomach cancers can cause blood loss that’s not obvious. This is another way cancer can cause fatigue.

Pain
Pain may be an early symptom with some cancers like bone cancers or testicular cancer. A headache that does not go away or get better with treatment may be a symptom of a brain tumor. Back pain can be a symptom of cancer of the colon, rectum, or ovary. Most often, pain due to cancer means it has already spread (metastasized) from where it started.

Skin changes
Along with cancers of the skin, some other cancers can cause skin changes that can be seen. These signs and symptoms include:
• Darker looking skin (hyperpigmentation)
• Yellowish skin and eyes (jaundice)
• Reddened skin (erythema)
• Itching (pruritis)
• Excessive hair growth

How Is Cancer Diagnosed?
The earlier cancer is diagnosed and treated, the better the chance of its being cured. Some types of cancer -- such as those of the skin, breast, mouth, testicles, prostate, and rectum -- may be detected by routine self-exam or other screening measures before the symptoms become serious. Most cases of cancer are detected and diagnosed after a tumor can be felt or when other symptoms develop. In a few cases, cancer is diagnosed incidentally as a result of evaluating or treating other medical conditions.
Cancer diagnosis begins with a thorough physical exam and a complete medical history. Laboratory studies of blood, urine, and stool can detect abnormalities that may indicate cancer. When a tumor is suspected, imaging tests such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, and fiber-optic endoscopy examinations help doctors determine the cancer's location and size. To confirm the diagnosis of most cancers , a biopsy needs to be performed in which a tissue sample is removed from the suspected tumor and studied under a microscope to check for cancer cells.

Cancer prevention
At least one-third of all cancer cases are preventable. Prevention offers the most cost-effective long-term strategy for the control of cancer.

Tobacco
Tobacco use is the single greatest avoidable risk factor for cancer mortality worldwide, causing an estimated 22% of cancer deaths per year. In 2004, 1.6 million of the 7.4 million cancer deaths were due to tobacco use.
Tobacco smoking causes many types of cancer, including cancers of the lung, esophagus, larynx (voice box), mouth, throat, kidney, bladder, pancreas, stomach and cervix. About 70% of the lung cancer burden can be attributed to smoking alone. Second-hand smoke (SHS), also known as environmental tobacco smoke, has been proven to cause lung cancer in nonsmoking adults. Smokeless tobacco (also called oral tobacco, chewing tobacco or snuff) causes oral, esophageal and pancreatic cancer.

Physical inactivity, dietary factors, obesity and being overweight
Dietary modification is another important approach to cancer control. There is a link between overweight and obesity to many types of cancer such as oesophagus, colorectum, breast, endometrium and kidney. Diets high in fruits and vegetables may have a protective effect against many cancers. Conversely, excess consumption of red and preserved meat may be associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. In addition, healthy eating habits that prevent the development of diet-associated cancers will also lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Regular physical activity and the maintenance of a healthy body weight, along with a healthy diet, will considerably reduce cancer risk. National policies and programmes should be implemented to raise awareness and reduce exposure to cancer risk factors, and to ensure that people are provided with the information and support they need to adopt healthy lifestyles.

Alcohol use
Alcohol use is a risk factor for many cancer types including cancer of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, liver, colorectum and breast. Risk of cancer increases with the amount of alcohol consumed. The risk from heavy drinking for several cancer types (e.g. oral cavity, pharynx, larynx and oesophagus) substantially increases if the person is also a heavy smoker. Attributable fractions vary between men and women for certain types of alcohol-related cancer, mainly because of differences in average levels of consumption. For example, 22% of mouth and oropharynx cancers in men are attributable to alcohol whereas in women the attributable burden drops to 9%. A similar sex difference exists for oesophageal and liver cancers (Rehm et al., 2004).

Infections
Infectious agents are responsible for almost 22% of cancer deaths in the developing world and 6% in industrialized countries. Viral hepatitis B and C cause cancer of the liver; human papilloma virus infection causes cervical cancer; the bacterium Helicobacter pylori increases the risk of stomach cancer. In some countries the parasitic infection schistosomiasis increases the risk of bladder cancer and in other countries the liver fluke increases the risk of cholangiocarcinoma of the bile ducts. Preventive measures include vaccination and prevention of infection and infestation.

Environmental pollution
Environmental pollution of air, water and soil with carcinogenic chemicals accounts for 1–4% of all cancers (IARC/WHO, 2003). Exposure to carcinogenic chemicals in the environment can occur through drinking water or pollution of indoor and ambient air. In Bangladesh, 5–10% of all cancer deaths in an arsenic-contaminated region were attributable to arsenic exposure (Smith, Lingas & Rahman, 2000). Exposure to carcinogens also occurs via the contamination of food by chemicals, such as afl atoxins or dioxins. Indoor air pollution from coal fires doubles the risk of lung cancer, particularly among non-smoking women (Smith, Mehta & Feuz, 2004). Worldwide, indoor air pollution from domestic coal fires is responsible for approximately 1.5% of all lung cancer deaths. Coal use in households is particularly widespread in Asia.

Occupational carcinogens
More than 40 agents, mixtures and exposure circumstances in the working environment are carcinogenic to humans and are classified as occupational carcinogens (Siemiatycki et al., 2004). That occupational carcinogens are causally related to cancer of the lung, bladder, larynx and skin, leukaemia and nasopharyngeal cancer is well documented. Mesothelioma (cancer of the outer lining of the lung or chest cavity) is to a large extent caused by work-related exposure to asbestos.
Occupational cancers are concentrated among specific groups of the working population, for whom the risk of developing a particular form of cancer may be much higher than for the general population. About 20–30% of the male and 5–20% of the female working-age population (people aged 15–64 years) may have been exposed to lung carcinogens during their working lives, accounting for about 10% of lung cancers worldwide. About 2% of leukaemia cases worldwide are attributable to occupational exposures.

Radiation
Ionizing radiation is carcinogenic to humans. Knowledge on radiation risk has been mainly acquired from epidemiological studies of the Japanese A-bomb survivors as well as from studies of medical and occupational radiation exposure cohorts. Ionizing radiation can induce leukaemia and a number of solid tumours, with higher risks at young age at exposure. Residential exposure to radon gas from soil and building materials is estimated to cause between 3% and 14% of all lung cancers, making it the second cause of lung cancer after tobacco smoke. Radon levels in homes can be reduced by improving the ventilation and sealing floors and walls. Ionizing radiation is an essential diagnostic and therapeutic tool. To guarantee that benefits exceed potential radiation risks radiological medical procedures should be appropriately prescribed and properly performed, to reduce unnecessary radiation doses, particularly in children.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and in particular solar radiation, is carcinogenic to humans, causing all major types of skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma. Globally in 2000, over 200 000 cases of melanoma were diagnosed and there were 65 000 melanoma-associated deaths. Avoiding excessive exposure, use of sunscreen and protective clothing are effective preventive measures. UV-emitting tanning devices are now also classified as carcinogenic to humans based on their association with skin and ocular melanoma cancers.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF PLANTAIN

PLANTAIN
Plantains look similar to bananas, but they are vegetables instead of fruits and should be cooked to eat them. Plantains are nutritious and offer several health benefits in addition to their delicious flavor.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF PLANTAIN
Fiber
One plantain supplies several grams of fiber to your diet, Victor Preedy, Ronald Watson and Vinood Patel say in their book, "Flour and Breads and Their Fortification in Health and Disease Prevention." Fiber is an important nutrient because it helps decrease your chances of suffering from heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers, such as colon cancer. Fiber also helps prevent constipation by keeping your intestinal tract working the way it should.

Beta-carotene
Plantains are also a source of beta-carotene, which the Mayo Clinic says you need to produce sufficient amounts of vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for eye health as well as normal growth. A diet lacking in vitamin A can result in difficulty seeing in the dark, dry eyes, eye infection and unhealthy skin. Adding cooked plantains to your diet is one way to increase your intake of this important vitamin.

Calcium
Your bones, teeth, nails and muscles rely on an adequate intake of calcium to maintain their health and their strength. Alvarez says that plantains supply a good amount of calcium. Calcium contributes to strong bones, which helps prevent breaks and fractures as well as diseases, such as osteoporosis, as you age. Calcium also aids in keeping your teeth healthy so you are less likely to experience cavities, periodontal disease and teeth that fall out easily. Including plantains in your diet can help you consume more calcium.

Vitamin C
Plantains are also a source of vitamin C. Preedy, Watson and Patel say that one plantain supplies you with 20mg of vitamin C in each 3.5 oz. serving. This translates to between 40mg and 60mg of vitamin C, depending on the size of your plantain. Consuming enough vitamin C helps your body fight off infections that can lead to sickness and also promotes healthy gums, teeth and skin. Getting plenty of vitamin C also helps your body absorb the iron you consume from your food so you are able to produce red blood cells and provide oxygen throughout your body.

Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium

Generic Name : Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium
Therapeutic Classification : Antibiotics
Why it is prescribed (Indications) :
This combination medication contains semisynthetic antibiotic amoxicillin and β-lactamase inhibitor, prescribed for lower respiratory infections, otitis media, sinusitis, urinary tract infections, and skin and skin Structure infections.
When it is not to be taken (Contraindications):
Contraindicated in patients with previous history of cholestatic jaundice/liver dysfunction, and hypersensitivity.

♦ Pregnancy Category :


Category B : Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women OR Animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in any trimester.

Dosage & When it is to be taken :
Adults- The usual adult dose is one amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium tablet, 500 mg/125 mg every 12 hours or one amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium tablet, 250 mg/125 mg every 8 hours.
How it should be taken :
It comes as a tablet and capsule to take by mouth, with or without food.
Warnings and Precautions :
*Caution should be exercised in patients with history of liver or kidney disease, elderly, children, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
*Avoid long-term use of this medication; otherwise it may cause secondary infection.
♦ It may increase prothrombin time; monitor it regularly while taking this medication.
Side Effects :
Gastrointestinal- Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, stomach inflammation, mouth ulcer and intestinal bleeding.
Hypersensitivity- Skin rashes, itching, hives, angioedema and serum sickness-like reactions.
Liver- Elevated liver enzyme levels.
Genitourinary- Kidney inflammation, and blood in urine.
Central Nervous System- Agitation, anxiety, behavioral changes, confusion, convulsion, dizziness, sleeplessness and reversible hyperactivity.

Other Precautions :
*Avoid excess dosage.
Storage Conditions :
Store it at room temperature and in an airtight container.

http://www.medindia.net/doctors/drug_information/amoxicillin_clavulanate_potassium.htm

Hypertension

Hypertension is the term used to describe high blood pressure.

Blood pressure is a measurement of the force against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps blood through your body.

Blood pressure readings are usually given as two numbers -- for example, 120 over 80 (written as 120/80 mmHg). One or both of these numbers can be too high.

The top number is called the systolic blood pressure, and the bottom number is called the diastolic blood pressure.

• Normal blood pressure is when your blood pressure is lower than 120/80 mmHg most of the time.
• High blood pressure (hypertension) is when your blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg or above most of the time.
• If your blood pressure numbers are 120/80 or higher, but below 140/90, it is called pre-hypertension.

If you have pre-hypertension, you are more likely to develop high blood pressure.

If you have heart or kidney problems, or if you had a stroke, your doctor may want your blood pressure to be even lower than that of people who do not have these conditions.

Causes

Many factors can affect blood pressure, including:

• How much water and salt you have in your body
• The condition of your kidneys, nervous system, or blood vessels
• The levels of different body hormones

You are more likely to be told your blood pressure is too high as you get older. This is because your blood vessels become stiffer as you age. When that happens, your blood pressure goes up. High blood pressure increases your chance of having a stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney disease, and early death.

You have a higher risk of high blood pressure if you:

• Are African American
• Are obese
• Are often stressed or anxious
• Drink too much alcohol (more than one drink per day for women and more than two drinks per day for men)
• Eat too much salt in your diet
• Have a family history of high blood pressure
• Have diabetes
• Smoke

Most of the time, no cause of high blood pressure is found. This is called essential hypertension.

High blood pressure that is caused by another medical condition or medication is called secondary hypertension. Secondary hypertension may be due to:

• Chronic kidney disease
• Disorders of the adrenal gland (pheochromocytoma or Cushing syndrome)
• Pregnancy Medications such as birth control pills, diet pills, some cold medications, and migraine medications
• Narrowed artery that supplies blood to the kidney (renal artery stenosis)
• Hyperparathyroidism

Symptoms

Most of the time, there are no symptoms. For most patients, high blood pressure is found when they visit their health care provider or have it checked elsewhere.

Because there are no symptoms, people can develop heart disease and kidney problems without knowing they have high blood pressure.

If you have a severe headache, nausea or vomiting, bad headache, confusion, changes in your vision, or nosebleeds you may have a severe and dangerous form of high blood pressure called malignant hypertension.

Exams and Tests

Your health care provider will check your blood pressure several times before diagnosing you with high blood pressure. It is normal for your blood pressure to be different depending on the time of day.

Blood pressure readings taken at home may be a better measure of your current blood pressure than those taken at your doctor's office. Make sure you get a good quality, well-fitting home device. It should have the proper sized cuff and a digital readout.

Practice with your health care provider or nurse to make sure you are taking your blood pressure correctly.

Your doctor will perform a physical exam to look for signs of heart disease, damage to the eyes, and other changes in your body.

Tests may be done to look for:

• High cholesterol levels
• Heart disease, such as an echocardiogram or electrocardiogram
• Kidney disease, such as a basic metabolic panel and urinalysis or ultrasound of the kidneys

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to reduce blood pressure so that you have a lower risk of complications. You and your health care provider should set a blood pressure goal for you.

If you have pre-hypertension, your health care provider will recommend lifestyle changes to bring your blood pressure down to a normal range. Medicines are rarely used for pre-hypertension.

You can do many things to help control your blood pressure, including:

• Eat a heart-healthy diet, including potassium and fiber, and drink plenty of water.
• Exercise regularly -- at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise a day.
• If you smoke, quit -- find a program that will help you stop.
• Limit how much alcohol you drink -- one drink a day for women, two a day for men.
• Limit the amount of sodium (salt) you eat -- aim for less than 1,500 mg per day.
• Reduce stress -- try to avoid things that cause you stress. You can also try meditation or yoga.
• Stay at a healthy body weight -- find a weight-loss program to help you, if you need it.

Your health care provider can help you find programs for losing weight, stopping smoking, and exercising. You can also get a referral from your doctor to a dietitian, who can help you plan a diet that is healthy for you.

There are many different medicines that can be used to treat high blood pressure. See: http://www.kch.com.ng/product.list.php

Prevention

Adults over 18 should have their blood pressure checked regularly.

Lifestyle changes may help control your blood pressure.

Follow your health care provider's recommendations to modify, treat, or control possible causes of high blood pressure.