Braving the Cold: Unmasking the Top Winter Health Challenges

Common Summer Diseases and How to Prevent Them

Summer is a season of sunshine, vacations, and outdoor activities. However, it also brings a higher risk of certain diseases. Knowing about these common summer illnesses and understanding how to prevent them can help you enjoy the season without falling sick.

1. Heatstroke

One of the most serious summer-related conditions is heatstroke. When your body temperature rises rapidly and the body fails to cool itself, it can lead to heatstroke. Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, confusion, and high fever.

Prevention Tip:

Stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight during peak hours, wear light clothing, and take frequent breaks if you are outdoors.

2. Dehydration

Hot temperatures increase the risk of dehydration, especially if you are sweating a lot. Dehydration can cause fatigue, dry mouth, dizziness, and low blood pressure.

Prevention Tip:

Drink water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Include fruits with high water content like watermelon, cucumber, and oranges in your diet.

3. Food Poisoning

Food tends to spoil faster during summer due to heat, leading to foodborne illnesses. Eating contaminated or improperly stored food can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.

Prevention Tip:

Always eat freshly cooked food, store perishables properly, and maintain good hygiene while preparing meals.

4. Diarrhea

Due to contaminated food and water, diarrhea becomes a common complaint during the summer. It can lead to severe dehydration if not treated in time.

Prevention Tip:

Ensure you consume clean drinking water. Avoid eating street food or anything that appears stale.

5. Sunburn

Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause sunburn, resulting in red, painful, and peeling skin. Severe sunburn can even lead to fever and chills.

Prevention Tip:

Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and stay in the shade as much as possible.

6. Prickly Heat (Heat Rash)

Sweating can clog skin pores, causing tiny, itchy red bumps, commonly known as prickly heat. It mostly affects the back, neck, and chest.

Prevention Tip:

Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothes and keep your body cool. Use a mild powder to prevent excessive sweating.

7. Typhoid

Typhoid fever is caused by consuming contaminated water or food. Symptoms include prolonged fever, weakness, abdominal pain, and constipation.

Prevention Tip:

Drink only purified water and maintain good food hygiene practices. Vaccination against typhoid is also recommended in some cases.

8. Jaundice

Contaminated water and poor sanitation increase the risk of hepatitis A during summer, leading to jaundice. Symptoms include yellowing of the skin and eyes, fatigue, and abdominal pain.

Prevention Tip:

Practice proper hand hygiene, avoid roadside food, and drink clean, safe water. At manipaltrutest.com, we encourage you to take preventive health check-ups during the summer to ensure early detection and proper management of seasonal illnesses.

Summer diseases can spoil the joy of the season, but most of them are preventable with a few simple precautions. Staying hydrated, eating fresh food, maintaining personal hygiene, and protecting yourself from the sun can go a long way in keeping you healthy.
Remember, your health is your best companion for all the adventures you plan this summer! Visit manipaltrutest.com for more health tips and health check support.

Complete Guide to STD Panel Testing and Benefits

Your doctor might have prescribed STD panel testing. So, where should you get the testing done? Find a reliable clinic to undergo the test. You will require a valid doctor’s prescription to order the test. The lab technician will want to know the samples to be taken for the test. It helps the doctor to check to determine positivity for STD diseases. Men and women may contract infections like HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, and Syphilis.

How to test?

• Your doctor might prescribe a variety of examinations to diagnose the problem. Usually, they specify the test based on the patient’s personal requirements and sexual history. Some common testing procedures are:
• Urine and Blood examination: These are common tests conducted to determine the presence of STDs. The lab technician might prick the finger or the arm to draw blood. On the other hand, you may have to pee into a cup for a urine sample. However, based on the STD type, the tests might not offer accurate results compared to other testing methods.
• Physical exam: The doctor might conduct a simple physical examination to identify bumps, blisters, or sore development in the body. Such irregularities might indicate sexually transmitted infections. Samples might be necessary from these parts to conduct the test and confirm the symptoms. 
• HPV and Pap Smear exam: The doctor could prescribe a Pap smear exam to determine cervical or anal cancer symptoms. Although such tests might not indicate an STD, abnormal Pap smear results may require further HPV tests. Remember, Pap smear examinations do not immediately indicate cancer or STD. Some abnormal results could be resolved without treatment. 
• Swabs: The doctor may apply swabs inside the mouth, in the urethral, or the vaginal areas. For pelvic examination, they use a cotton swab in the cervix or anal region. Swabs help diagnose infectious viruses or bacteria. The test helps identify the exact problems and avail the correct treatment.

Can you conduct STD tests at home?

Yes, you can buy home testing kits to conduct tests at home. It provides convenience, comfort, and privacy. However, they are prone to improper administration or possible contamination. Hence, the results derived could be false-negative or false-positive. Visit a reputed clinic to receive accurate results. You will have peace of mind and proper treatment.

Time taken to receive the results

You have to deposit the samples to the clinic and wait a couple of days or a week to receive a detailed report. You are to show the report to your doctor. They will examine it thoroughly and determine if it is positive or negative. Fortunately, some STDs are curable. Hence, don’t panic. Talk to the doctor about potential treatment options.

When should you receive an STD test?

Sexually active men and women should get semi-frequent STD testing. Immediate testing might be necessary for diverse reasons. It can be having multiple partners or a new partner, neither of you using condoms, or your partner having an affair. It could also be that one of you exhibits STD symptoms. Whatever the case, visit a clinic at the earliest and get tested. 

Guide To Natural Colon Cleanse Diets & Homemade Drinks

Colon cleansing, also known as colon therapy or colon detoxification, is a practice that involves removing waste and toxins from the colon or large intestine. Proponents of colon cleansing believe that accumulated waste and toxins in the colon can lead to various health problems, such as constipation, bloating, gas, and fatigue. They claim that cleansing the colon can improve digestion, boost energy levels, and promote overall well-being.

There are several methods of colon cleansing, including:

1. Colon hydrotherapy (colonic irrigation): This procedure involves flushing the colon with water through a tube inserted into the rectum. The water helps to soften and remove waste and toxins from the colon.

2. Laxatives: Taking oral laxatives or using enemas can help stimulate bowel movements and eliminate waste from the colon.

3. Herbal supplements: Some people use herbal supplements or teas that claim to promote colon cleansing by enhancing bowel movements and detoxification.

4. Detox diets: These diets typically involve consuming only certain foods or liquids for a period of time to eliminate toxins from the body, including the colon.

Before considering any form of colon cleansing, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider to discuss the potential risks and benefits based on individual health needs and medical history. Additionally, practicing healthy habits like eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and maintaining regular physical activity can promote better colon health without the need for specialized cleansing procedures.

Here are 10 recommended food items for colon cleansing:

Home-made Foods:

1. Fiber-Rich Foods: Foods high in fiber, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, promote healthy digestion and help regulate bowel movements.

2. Probiotic Yogurt*: Yogurt containing probiotics can help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, aiding digestion and promoting overall colon health.

3. Leafy Greens: Vegetables like spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, supporting colon health and regularity.

4. Berries: Berries are packed with antioxidants and fiber, which can help cleanse the colon and support a healthy digestive system.

5. Flaxseeds: Flaxseeds are rich in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which can help promote bowel regularity and support colon health.

6. Legumes: Beans, lentils, and chickpeas are excellent sources of fiber and protein, promoting digestive health and aiding colon cleansing.

7. Broccoli: Broccoli is high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it a great food for colon cleansing and overall gut health.

8. Quinoa: Quinoa is a nutritious whole grain that is high in fiber and protein, supporting digestive health and colon cleansing.

9. Garlic: Garlic contains compounds that can support healthy digestion and promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, aiding in colon cleansing.

10. Water: Staying hydrated is key for colon cleansing, as water helps flush out toxins and waste products from the body, supporting a healthy colon.

These food items can contribute to colon cleansing by promoting healthy digestion, regular bowel movements, and a balanced gut microbiome. Including these foods in your diet can support overall colon health and improve your digestive system's functioning.

Home-made Beverages

Here are 10 homemade drinks that can help with body cleansing and their benefits. Check out the colon cleanse drinks at home.

1. Lemon Water: Lemon water is a powerful detox drink that helps to cleanse the liver and aid digestion. It is also a great source of Vitamin C and antioxidants.

2. Green Tea: Green tea is rich in antioxidants called catechins, which can help flush out toxins from the body and improve overall health.

3. Cucumber Mint Detox Water: This refreshing drink helps to flush out toxins, reduce bloating, and keep you hydrated.

4. Ginger Detox Tea: Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and aids digestion, making it a great choice for cleansing the body.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar Drink: Apple cider vinegar can help balance pH levels in the body, improve digestion, and promote detoxification.

6. Turmeric Golden Milk: Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can help cleanse the liver and support overall detoxification.

7. Detox Smoothies: Combining fruits and vegetables like kale, spinach, berries, and avocado in a smoothie can provide a nutrient-rich and cleansing beverage.

8. Dandelion Tea: Dandelion tea acts as a diuretic, helping to flush out toxins from the body and support liver health.

9. Aloe Vera Juice: Aloe vera juice can help cleanse the digestive system, improve nutrient absorption, and support overall detoxification.

10. Peppermint Tea: Peppermint tea aids digestion, reduces bloating, and can help with liver and gallbladder function, making it a great choice for cleansing the body.

However, certain healthcare professionals caution against the practice, as it can have potential risks and side effects, such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, bowel perforations, and changes in gut bacteria. It is strongly recommended to seek expert healthcare advice before you start considering taking the plunge. 

Remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day to support the detoxification process and stay hydrated. Additionally, it's essential to maintain a balanced diet and consult with a healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet or incorporating new cleansing drinks into your routine. 

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