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People are always allergic to something — whether pollen, peanuts, or pet dander. But not all allergies are the same. Here’s a rundown of the most common kinds of allergies.

Allergic Rhinitis: Swelling and inflammation of nasal passages, congestion, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes caused by a variety of outdoor and indoor allergens.

Tips to stay safe :
● Stay indoors as much as possible when pollen counts are at their peak, usually during the mid-morning and early evening (this may vary according to plant pollen), and when the wind is blowing pollens around.
● Avoid using window fans that can draw pollens and molds into the house.
● Wear glasses or sunglasses when outdoors to minimize the amount of pollen getting into your eyes.
● Wear a pollen mask (such as a NIOSH-rated 95 filter mask) when mowing the lawn, raking leaves or gardening, and take appropriate medication beforehand.

Sinusitis: An infection of the sinuses sometimes related to or caused by allergic rhinitis or asthma. However, at least half of all chronic sinusitis isn’t caused by allergies.

Tips to stay safe :
● Antibiotics help eliminate a sinus infection by attacking the bacteria that cause it, but until the drugs take effect, they do not do much to alleviate symptoms.
● Topical nasal decongestants can be helpful if used for no more than three to four days.
These medications shrink swollen nasal passages, facilitating the flow of drainage from the sinuses.

Asthma: Inflammation of the lungs and airways and constriction of the bronchial tubes triggered by many of the same allergens as allergic rhinitis, and resulting in wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and coughing.

Tips to stay safe :
● Remove wall-to-wall carpets, curtains, and drapes particularly in the bedroom.
● Keep pets out of the bedroom, and preferably out of the house.
● Minimize household humidity.
● Use “mite-proof” cases on mattresses and pillows; wash bed linens frequently in hot water.
● Wear a mask when cleaning
● Keep the relative humidity in your home less than 50%

Food Allergies: Symptoms such as rash, vomiting and diarrhea, coughing, wheezing, facial swelling, hives, and others triggered by specific foods in some people. Food intolerances, such as lactose intolerance, are more common, but they are not considered allergies because they do not involve an allergic reaction.

Tips to stay safe :
● Checking ingredients before eating anything
● Always carrying an EpiPen

Bee Sting Allergy (Insect Venom Allergy): One of the most dangerous allergic reactions, especially for people who are severely allergic to bee stings. Causes swelling and inflammation around the site of the sting, and in severe cases, an anaphylactic reaction that involves the entire body. Symptoms include hives, swollen airways, wheezing, difficulty breathing and swallowing, increased pulse rate, and decreased blood pressure causing dizziness.

People with bee and insect venom allergies must carry an epinephrine (adrenaline) self-injection kit (brand names include EpiPen and Twinject) with them at all times in case they are stung.

Tips to stay safe :
● Avoid insects.
● Immediately inject epinephrine (adrenaline) if symptoms of anaphylaxis develop.
● Consider allergy shots (immunotherapy).

Medulance is a user-friendly way to request and track ambulances close to you. Medulance, India’s first, GPS based technology platform for fast and reliable first point medical attention.

India is currently home to a population of over one billion citizens, a concerning number of whom suffer from Mental Health issues. A study conducted by the World Health Organization in 2015 shows that one in five Indians may suffer from mental health issues in their lifetime, equivalent to 200 million people. Due to the stigma associated with mental illness, a lack of awareness, and limited access to professional help, only 10-12% of those suffering from mental health issues will seek help.

Sometimes, it will seem obvious when someone is going through a hard time, but there is no simple way of knowing if they have mental health issues. Sometimes you don’t need to know. It’s more important to respond sensitively to someone who seems troubled than to find out whether or not they have a diagnosis.

Although certain symptoms are common with specific mental issues, no two people behave in the same way when they are unwell. If you know the person well, you may notice changes in their behaviour or mood.

Signs of Depression

People who are depressed may:
● Have low confidence
● Lose interest in activities they normally enjoy
● Lose their appetite
● Get tired easily
● Be tearful, nervous or irritable.
● At worst they may feel suicidal.

Signs of Anxiety

People experiencing anxiety may:
● Have difficulty concentrating
● Be irritable
● Try to avoid certain situations
● Appear pale and tense
● Be easily startled by everyday sounds.

Panic Attacks

Panic attacks are usually a sign of anxiety. Someone having a panic attack experiences a sudden and intense sensation of fear. They may breathe rapidly, sweat, feel very hot or cold, feel sick or feel faint.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

OCD is a common form of anxiety involving distressing repetitive thoughts. Compulsions are the actions which people feel they must repeat to feel less anxious or stop their obsessive thoughts.

Here are some tips on how to help someone struggling with mental health issues:
● Listen without making judgments and concentrate on their needs at that moment.
● Ask them what would help them.
● Reassure and signpost to practical information or resources.
● Avoid confrontation.
● Ask if there is someone they would like you to contact.
● Encourage them to seek appropriate professional help.
● If they have hurt themselves, make sure they get the first aid they need.

Medulance is a user-friendly way to request and track ambulances close to you. Medulance, India’s first, GPS based technology platform for fast and reliable first point medical attention.

The incidences of prostate cancer risks have shown significant variation across the globe. Though the prevalence and characteristics of prostate cancer risks have been extensively studied in many countries, data regarding the actual incidence of prostate cancer in India is limited.

Prostate cancer is primarily a disease of the elderly with more than three-quarter of the cases occurring in men above 65 years of age. This disease has become a major health problem globally during the last few decades. Studies have shown that prostate cancer is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer in men worldwide and the fifth most common cancer overall. It is disheartening to note that approximately 4.04 million years of healthy life are lost globally due to prostate cancer alone. It is also the sixth leading cause of cancer deaths in men. Worldwide, prostate cancer is projected to have the most substantial proportionate increase in cancer cases in men by 2020.

A risk factor is anything that increases a person’s chance of developing cancer. Although risk factors often influence the chance to develop cancer, most do not directly or by themselves cause cancer. Some people with several known risk factors never develop cancer, while others with no known risk factors do. Knowing your risk factors and talking about them with your doctor may help you make more informed lifestyle and health care choices.

The following factors may raise prostate cancer risks:
● Age: The prostate cancer risks increase with age, especially after age 50. More than 80% of prostate cancers are diagnosed in men who are 65 or older. Older patients who are diagnosed with prostate cancer can face unique challenges, specifically concerning cancer treatment.
● Family History: Prostate cancer that runs in the family, called familial prostate cancer, occurs about 20% of the time. This type of prostate cancer develops because of a combination of shared genes and shared environmental or lifestyle factors. Hereditary prostate cancer, meaning the cancer is inherited from a relative, is rare and accounts for about 5% of all cases. Hereditary prostate cancer occurs when changes in genes, or mutations, are passed down within a family from 1 generation to the next.

Prostate Cancer risks may be suspected if a man’s family history includes any of the following characteristics:
● 3 or more first-degree relatives with prostate cancer
● Prostate cancer in 3 generations on the same side of the family
● 2 or more close relatives, such as a father, brother, son, grandfather, uncle, or nephew, on the same side of the family, diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 55.

If a man has a first-degree relative—meaning a father, brother, or son—with prostate cancer, his prostate cancer risks are 2 to 3 times higher than the average risk. The prostate cancer risks increase even further with the number of relatives diagnosed with prostate cancer.

● Other genetic changes: Other genes that may carry increased prostate cancer risks include HPC1, HPC2, HPCX, CAPB, ATM, and FANCA. However, none of them has been directly shown to cause prostate cancer or be specific to this disease. Research to identify genes associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer is ongoing, and researchers are continually learning more about how specific genetic changes can influence the development of prostate cancer. At present, there are no genetic tests available to determine a man’s chance of developing prostate cancer.
● Eating habits: No study has proven that diet and nutrition can directly cause or prevent the development of prostate cancer. However, many studies that look at links between certain eating behaviors and cancer suggest there may be a connection. For example, obesity is associated with many cancers, including prostate cancer, and a healthy diet to avoid weight gain is recommended.

Factors that can lead to avoidance of Prostate Cancer risks are –
● Regularly eating foods high in fat, especially animal fat, may increase prostate cancer risk. However, no prospective studies, meaning studies that look at men who follow either high-fat or low-fat diets and then measure the total number of men in each group diagnosed with prostate cancer, have yet shown that diets high in animal fat raise prostate cancer risks.
● A diet high in vegetables, fruits, and legumes, such as beans and peas, may decrease the risk of prostate cancer. It is unclear which nutrients are directly responsible. Although lycopene, the nutrient found in tomatoes and other vegetables, has been shown to be associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer, the data so far have not proven a relationship.
● Currently, no specific vitamins, minerals, or other supplements have been conclusively shown in clinical trials to prevent prostate cancer. Men should talk with their doctors before taking any supplements to avoid prostate cancer risks.
● Specific changes to eating behaviors may not stop or slow the development of prostate cancer. It is possible such changes would need to be made early in life to have an effect.

Medulance is a user-friendly way to request and track ambulances close to you. Medulance, India’s first, GPS based technology platform for fast and reliable first point medical attention.

Foodborne illness, more commonly referred to as food poisoning, is the result of eating contaminated, spoiled, or toxic food. The most common symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you have food poisoning, chances are it won’t go undetected. Symptoms can vary depending on the source of the infection. The length of time it takes for symptoms to appear also depends on the source of the infection, but it can range from as little as 1 hour to as long as 28 days.

Common causes of food poisoning will typically include at least three of the following symptoms:
• Abdominal cramps
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• loss of appetite
• Mild fever
• Weakness
• Nausea
• Headaches

Most food poisoning can be traced to one of the following three major causes:
1. Bacteria that cause food poisoning Bacteria is by far the most prevalent cause of food poisoning. When thinking of dangerous bacteria, names like E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella come to mind for a good reason.
Salmonella is by far the biggest culprit of severe food poisoning cases in the United States. According to the CDC, an estimated 1,000,000 cases of food poisoning, including nearly 20,000 hospitalizations, can be traced to salmonella infection annually. Campylobacter and C. botulinum ( botulism) are two lesser-known and potentially lethal bacteria that can lurk in our food.

2. Parasites that cause food poisoning
Food poisoning caused by parasites is not as common as food poisoning caused by bacteria, but parasites spread through food are still very dangerous. Toxoplasma is the parasite seen most often in cases of food poisoning. It’s typically found in cat litter boxes. Parasites can live in your digestive tract undetected for years. However, people with weakened immune systems and
pregnant women risk serious side effects if parasites take up residence in their intestines.

3. Viruses that cause food poisoning
A virus can also cause food poisoning. The norovirus, also known as the Norwalk virus, causes over 19 million cases of food poisoning each year. In rare cases, it can be fatal. sapovirus, rotavirus, and astrovirus bring on similar symptoms, but they’re less common. Hepatitis A virus is a serious condition that can be transmitted through food.

What’s good to eat when you have food poisoning?
It’s best to gradually hold off on solid foods until vomiting and diarrhea have passed and instead ease back to your regular diet by eating simple-to-digest foods that are bland and low in fat,
such as:
● Saltine crackers
● Gelatin
● Bananas
● Rice
● Oatmeal
● Chicken Broth
● Bland Potatoes
● Boiled Vegetables
● Toast
● Soda without caffeine (ginger ale, root beer)
● Diluted fruit juices
● Sport drinks

What’s bad to eat when you have food poisoning?
To prevent your stomach from getting more upset, try to avoid the following harder-to-digest foods, even if you think you feel better:
● Dairy products, especially milk and Cheese.
● Fatty foods
● Highly seasoned foods
● Food with high sugar content
● Spicy foods
● Fried foods

You should also avoid:
● Caffeine (soda, energy drinks, coffee)
● Alcohol
● Nicotine

Medulance is a user-friendly way to request and track ambulances close to you. Medulance, India’s first, GPS based technology platform for fast and reliable first point medical attention.

Even seemingly minor animal bites can be dangerous. The threat of animal bites is posed not only by feral but also domesticated animals. It is imperative for everyone to have basic first aid knowledge in cases of animal bites. First Aid in the case of animal bites can prove to be imperative in preventing the situation from worsening.

All animals carry germs in their mouths, and these germs can enter your body through even the smallest bite mark. The risk of infection and disease is a top concern when dealing with an animal bite, and it is beneficial to learn as much as possible about the animal that bit you.
● If the animal is domestic, ask the owner of the pet is current with its vaccinations.
● If it is a wild animal, trapping it may be beneficial so that it can be tested for rabies and other illnesses.

Clean the Injury.
Because bacteria can enter the body through even the smallest wound, cleaning the wound promptly is essential.
Cleansing the Affected Area Washing the area with soap and water is beneficial, but using an antibacterial cleaning agent may be better. Ideally, this should be done as soon as possible to minimize the risk of infection after being bitten.

Seek Medical Attention If Necessary Many animal bites are relatively minor and would not require medical attention. However, there are a few instances when medical attention is needed. In some cases, getting medical treatment quickly is highly beneficial.

For example:
● Deep wounds or wounds that will not stop bleeding after pressure is applied may require stitches or sutures.
● If the animal that bit you is wild and there is a concern about rabies, medical treatment is a wise idea.
● If the animal that bit you is potentially poisonous, such as with a snake, you may also need immediate medical attention.
● Other Things to Consider With an Animal Bite
With your visible inspection of the wound, you may be able to learn more about the wound.

Some animal bites, for example, may result in a broken animal tooth getting embedded in your skin, and this may need to be removed by a medical professional.
In addition to teeth, other foreign objects may also get embedded in the wound, and you can typically see or feel these with your inspection.
If the wound is deep, a medical professional may need to look for these.
With deeper wounds, there is also a potential for nerve damage or blood vessel damage.

It may not be possible for you to diagnose these so that any deep wound may dictate the need for medical treatment.
● Watch the Wound As It Heals.
● Whether you have a minor or deep wound, pay attention to the wound as it heals to identify signs of infection.
● Some of the common signs of infection are warm skin around the wound, redness or streaking around the wound, fever, swelling, pain, and pus. These are all signs that the wound is potentially infected.
● A doctor can diagnose an infection for you and may prescribe an antibiotic or another treatment option for you.

Whether an animal bite appears to be minor or severe, it is important to take proper steps to care for the wound. Because even a small bite that appears to be superficial can lead to a major infection, it is best to take such incidents seriously and treat all animal bites with care.

Medulance is a user-friendly way to request and track ambulances close to you. Medulance, is India’s first, GPS-based technology platform for fast and reliable first point medical attention.