Cervical Cancer

Cervical Cancer Cervical Cancer Symptoms Women Need to Observe For early screening and detection of cervical cancer, women should look out for a number of cervical cancer signs and symptoms: 1. Abnormal pain or bleeding: Irregular bleeding is considered the most common symptom in women with cervical cancer. Bleeding or pain may occur between menstrual periods, after sexual intercourse, or in postmenopausal women. It is recommended that you visit a doctor immediately if you experience abnormal pain or bleeding. Minor bleeding irregularities can be easy to ignore in younger women. It is always important to advise your doctor if you experience vaginal bleeding after sex or between periods. 2. Abnormal discharge: An unusual discharge from the vagina is another serious sign of cervical cancer. When cancer starts to grow in the cervix, the uterine wall cells begin to produce a watery discharge. It is possible that the discharge may look yellowish, pale, or brownish, and it may contain some blood. It may also occur after menopause and between your menstrual periods. It is also a good idea to contact your doctor immediately when an abnormal discharge is noticed. 3. Urination discomfort: Problems or discomfort with urinating is often a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI). Women have a high risk of urinary tract infections, and 50% experience repeat infections that sometimes occur every year. However, in other cases, urination discomfort is a sign that cervical cancer has spread to the bladder. A hint of blood may also be seen in the urine. This is a clear warning sign of cervical cancer, and your doctor should be informed immediately. 4. Genital warts: Small genital warts can be considered a red warning flag for HPV, which can significantly increase the risk of cervical cancer in women. There are many different types of HPV, but HPV-6 and HPV-11 are known to cause 90% of every form of genital warts. 5. Unusually heavy and long menstrual periods: Women with cervical cancer and irritation of the cervix will also have abnormally long and heavy menstrual periods. 6. Lack of urinary control: When the cervix swells, the bladder and kidneys may be compressed. As a result, urine flow is obstructed and you may not be able to control your bladder. Women with cervical cancer will have that sudden urge to urinate. As mentioned, patients with cervical cancer will also see blood in the urine. 7. Pain during sex: Sexual intercourse should always be an enjoyable experience. Many of the cervical cancer signs and symptoms often point to something possibly less serious; however, pain during sex is considered a symptom during the late stages of cervical cancer. 8. Anemia: Feeling constantly fatigued and weak is often a sign of anemia. Your heart rate may also increase from your normal activities. You may also experience other common symptoms of anemia, such as shortness of breath after mild exertion, headaches, dizziness or fainting, concentrating problems, cold extremities, frequent colds, and pale skin, lips, and nails. Anemia is a common symptom of abnormal bleeding, which is also a cause of cervical cancer. 9. Weight loss: Weight loss is a typical goal of obese or overweight individuals trying to maintain a healthy weight. On the other hand, unexpected and sudden weight loss can be a sign that the body is fighting off disease. Many cancers are known to suppress or lower your appetite. When the cervix swells, the stomach is compressed. As a result, the person will experience weight loss and a reduced appetite. 10. Constant pain in the back, hips, and legs: The swelling of the cervix will also compress the internal organs and the blood vessels. As a result, it is difficult for blood to flow to the legs and pelvis. The person will then experience body swelling and pain in the pelvis, legs, ankles, hips, or back. What is Cervical Cancer? Cervical cancer is a disease where cancerous cells form on the cervix. The lowest part and opening of the uterus. The cervix connects the vagina and the uterus. Cervical cancer usually develops slowly over time. Before cancer appears in the cervix, the cells of the cervix go through a series of changes in which cells that are not normal begin to appear in the cervical tissue. When cells change from being normal cells to abnormal cells, it is called dysplasia. The abnormal cervical cells may go away without treatment, stay the same, or turn into cancer cells over many years. What puts me at risk for Cervical Cancer? Cervical cancer is almost always caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection that is spread through sexual contact. There are more than 80 types of human papillomavirus and about 30 of these can infect the cervix. HPV types 16 and 18 are most often linked to cervical cancer.           Most of the time, the body’s immune system can fight the HPV infection before cancer forms. Only a very small number of women infected with HPV develop cervical cancer. In women who are infected with HPV, other risk factors add to the increased risk of cervical cancer: Giving birth to many children Among women who are infected with HPV, those who have had 7 or more full-term pregnancies have an increased risk of cervical cancer. Using oral contraceptives for a long time Among women who are infected with HPV, those who have used oral contraceptives (“the Pill”) for 5 to 9 years have a risk of cervical cancer that is 3 times greater than that of women who have never used oral contraceptives. The risk is 4 times greater after 10 or more years of use. In women who stop taking oral contraceptives, over a 10 year period, the risk of cervical cancer returns to that of women who never used oral contraceptives. Smoking cigarettes Among women who are infected with HPV, those who either smoke cigarettes or breathe in secondhand smoke have an increased risk of cervical cancer. The risk increases with the number of cigarettes smoked per day and how long the woman has smoked. Current and former smokers have 2 to

Practical Health Tips

Practical Health Tips Practical health tips to help you start off towards healthy living. Eat a healthy diet Eat a combination of different foods, including fruit, vegetables, legumes, nuts and whole grains. Adults should eat at least five portions (400g) of fruit and vegetables per day. You can improve your intake of fruits and vegetables by always including veggies in your meal; eating fresh fruit and vegetables as snacks; eating a variety of fruits and vegetables; and eating them in season. By eating healthy, you will reduce your risk of malnutrition and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer. Consume less salt and sugar Most people get their sodium through salt. Reduce your salt intake to 5g per day, equivalent to about one teaspoon. It’s easier to do this by limiting the amount of salt, soy sauce, fish sauce and other high-sodium condiments when preparing meals; removing salt, seasonings and condiments from your meal table; avoiding salty snacks; and choosing low-sodium products.On the other hand, consuming excessive amounts of sugars increases the risk of tooth decay and unhealthy weight gain. In both adults and children, the intake of free sugars should be reduced to less than 10% of total energy intake. This is equivalent to 50g or about 12 teaspoons for an adult. WHO recommends consuming less than 5% of total energy intake for additional health benefits. You can reduce your sugar intake by limiting the consumption of sugary snacks, candies and sugar-sweetened beverages. Reduce intake of harmful fats Fats consumed should be less than 30% of your total energy intake. This will help prevent unhealthy weight gain and NCDs. There are different types of fats, but unsaturated fats are preferable over saturated fats and trans-fats. WHO recommends reducing saturated fats to less than 10% of total energy intake; reducing trans-fats to less than 1% of total energy intake; and replacing both saturated fats and trans-fats to unsaturated fats.The preferable unsaturated fats are found in fish, avocado and nuts, and in sunflower, soybean, canola and olive oils; saturated fats are found in fatty meat, butter, palm and coconut oil, cream, cheese, ghee and lard; and trans-fats are found in baked and fried foods, and pre-packaged snacks and foods, such as frozen pizza, cookies, biscuits, and cooking oils and spreads. Avoid harmful use of alcohol There is no safe level for drinking alcohol. Consuming alcohol can lead to health problems such as mental and behavioural disorders, including alcohol dependence, major NCDs such as liver cirrhosis, some cancers and heart diseases, as well as injuries resulting from violence and road clashes and collisions. Don’t smoke Smoking tobacco causes NCDs such as lung disease, heart disease and stroke. Tobacco kills not only the direct smokers but even non-smokers through second-hand exposure.If you are currently a smoker, it’s not too late to quit. Once you do, you will experience immediate and long-term health benefits. If you are not a smoker, that’s great! Do not start smoking and fight for your right to breathe tobacco-smoke-free air. Be active Physical activity is defined as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure. This includes exercise and activities undertaken while working, playing, carrying out household chores, travelling, and engaging in recreational pursuits. The amount of physical activity you need depends on your age group but adults aged 18-64 years should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity throughout the week. Increase moderate-intensity physical activity to 300 minutes per week for additional health benefits. Check your blood pressure regularly Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is called a “silent killer”. This is because many people who have hypertension may not be aware of the problem as it may not have any symptoms. If left uncontrolled, hypertension can lead to heart, brain, kidney and other diseases. Have your blood pressure checked regularly by a health worker so you know your numbers. If your blood pressure is high, get the advice of a health worker. This is vital in the prevention and control of hypertension. Get tested Getting yourself tested is an important step in knowing your health status, especially when it comes to HIV, hepatitis B, sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) and tuberculosis (TB). Left untreated, these diseases can lead to serious complications and even death. Knowing your status means you will know how to either continue preventing these diseases or, if you find out that you’re positive, get the care and treatment that you need. Go to a public or private health facility, wherever you are comfortable, to have yourself tested. Get Vaccinated Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent diseases. Vaccines work with your body’s natural defences to build protection against diseases like cervical cancer, cholera, diphtheria, hepatitis B, influenza, measles, mumps, pneumonia, polio, rabies, rubella, tetanus, typhoid, and yellow fever.If you are an adolescent or adult, you may ask your physician if to check your immunization status or if you want to have yourself vaccinated. Practice Safe Sex Looking after your sexual health is important for your overall health and well-being. Practice safe sex to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhoea and syphilis. There are available prevention measures such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) that will protect you from HIV and condoms that will protect you from HIV and other STIs. Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing Diseases such as influenza, pneumonia and tuberculosis are transmitted through the air. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, infectious agents may be passed on to others through airborne droplets. When you feel a cough or sneeze coming on, make sure you have covered your mouth with a face mask or use a tissue then dispose it carefully. If you do not have a tissue close by when you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth as much as possible with the crook (or the inside) of your elbow. Prevent Mosquito Bites Mosquitoes are one of the deadliest animals in the world. You can take simple measures to protect yourself and your

How to take care of your child’s teeth

How to take care of your child’s teeth Healthy teeth are important to your child’s overall health. They help your child eat and talk. Strong oral care helps set good dental habits as your child grows. Poor oral care can lead to infection, disease, or other teeth problems. Help make dental hygiene fun with these tips: Let children help choose their own toothbrush. They can pick one that has a favorite color or character. Let children help choose toothpaste. They can pick their favorite flavor. Read books or watch videos that talk about dental hygiene. Use a timer to make sure kids brush their teeth for 2 minutes. Or play their favorite song to help keep track of time. Reward children for good oral care. Do not give them food or sugary treats. Offer something healthy or simple instead, like apple slices or a gold star. Plan a fun activity following your child’s dentist visit. Path to improved health The role of fluoride Fluoride is important to your child’s dental health. It is known to reduce cavities in baby (primary) teeth and adult (permanent) teeth. It also helps make teeth strong by hardening the tooth enamel. Most children get fluoride in drinking water. Many cities are required to add fluoride to tap water. Water filters, such as Brita, do not remove fluoride and are okay to use. You should not use “reverse osmosis” water filters. If your water does not contain fluoride, your child may need to take an oral fluoride supplement. Talk to your doctor to see if your child needs this. Once your child starts going to the dentist, they will get a fluoride varnish or cleaning on their teeth. Too much fluoride can cause tooth stains and be harmful to your child’s health. Be sure your child does not swallow fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash. Follow all instructions for fluoride supplements. Brushing and flossing Dental hygiene should begin when your child is a baby. Start using a soft child-size toothbrush around the age of 1 or 2. You should brush your child’s teeth with water at least twice a day. You also can add a small dab of toothpaste that doesn’t have fluoride in it. This type of toothpaste is safe for your child to swallow. Once your child is old enough to spit out the toothpaste, you can switch to one that has fluoride. Only use a small amount. Teach your child to spread it among their teeth, gums, and tongue. Have your doctor or dentist show you the right way to brush your child’s teeth. Your child likely will need help brushing their teeth until they are 7 or 8 years old. Around this time, they can start using a larger sized toothbrush. You should switch out toothbrushes every 3 to 6 months or when the bristles look worn. Children should brush their teeth for 2 minutes. Flossing is another key part of your child’s oral care routine. Teach your child to floss at least once a day. You can buy floss that comes on a handle to make it easier. You should also teach your child to brush his or her tongue. This helps reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth. Be sure that your child knows to brush his or her teeth before bed, after all eating and drinking (except water) is done. Cavities Cavities are holes that form in your teeth. These can occur when bacteria (germs) build up in your mouth. Sugar in food and drinks turn into acid, which can eat away at your teeth. Cavities are common in children because their teeth can be harder to brush. Everyone in your family should take good care of their teeth. People who have cavities can pass the cavity-causing bacteria to unborn babies, infants, and children. Your child may be at risk for cavities if they: Have white spots or brown areas on their teeth. Have ongoing special health care needs. Do not go to the dentist often. Were born early (premature) or had a low birth weight. Diet Kids who eat a lot of sugary foods and drinks also are at high risk for cavities. It is important to make healthy food choices. Avoid too much sugar. Do not let your child have a lot of soda, fruit juice, or sweetened drinks. Limit sweet snacks and drinks between meals. If your child does have sugar, make sure they brush their teeth afterward. Chewing gum is safe for older kids. It can provide benefits, such as: Strengthening the jaw. Helping produce saliva. Washing away bits of food. Balancing acid that can cause tooth decay. Freshening breath. However, gum that contains sugar can cause cavities. Limit the amount of sugar gum your child chews or only give them sugar-free gum. Mouth safety Safety is another big part of dental hygiene. If your child plays sports, they should wear a mouth guard. This is a soft, plastic retainer that covers the teeth and sometimes the lips. It helps protect your child’s mouth from injuries. Talk to your dentist if you need a custom-fit mouth guard. From baby teeth to adult teeth In general, baby teeth start to appear between 4 and 7 months old. The first teeth to come in are usually the 2 bottom front teeth. Most kids have all 20 baby teeth by about 3 years of age. Children can lose their baby teeth as early as 6 years old and as late as 12 years old. During this process, your child has a mix of teeth as baby ones fall out and adult ones break through. Around this time, your dentist may talk to you and your child about possible teeth problems. Some kids need orthodontia treatment, such as braces. A full set of adult teeth is 32 teeth. This includes wisdom teeth, which most people do not get until their late teens or early adulthood. Things to consider It’s normal for babies to suck their thumbs, their fingers, or a

11 Ways to Keep Your Teeth Healthy

11 Ways to Keep Your Teeth Healthy Achieving healthy teeth takes a lifetime of care. Even if you’ve been told that you have nice teeth, it’s crucial to take the right steps every day to take care of them and prevent problems. This involves getting the right oral care products, as well as being mindful of your daily habits. Don’t go to bed without brushing your teeth It’s no secret that the general recommendation is to brush at least twice a day. Still, many of us continue to neglect brushing our teeth at night. But brushing before bed gets rid of the germs and plaque that accumulate throughout the day. Brush properly The way you brush is equally important — in fact, doing a poor job of brushing your teeth is almost as bad as not brushing at all. Take your time, moving the toothbrush in gentle, circular motions to remove plaque. Unremoved plaque can harden, leading to calculus buildup and gingivitis (early gum disease). Don’t neglect your tongue Plaque can also build up on your tongue. Not only can this lead to bad mouth odor, but it can lead to other oral health problems. Gently brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth. Use a fluoride toothpaste When it comes to toothpaste, there are more important elements to look for than whitening power and flavours. No matter which version you choose, make sure it contains fluoride. While fluoride has come under scrutiny by those worried about how it impacts other areas of health, this substance remains a mainstay in oral health. This is because fluoride is a leading defense against tooth decay. It works by fighting germs that can lead to decay, as well as providing a protective barrier for your teeth. Treat flossing as important as brushing Many who brush regularly neglect to floss. Flossing is not just for getting little pieces of food or broccoli that may be getting stuck in between your teeth, as Jonathan Schwartz, DDS. points out. “It’s really a way to stimulate the gums, reduce plaque, and help lower inflammation in the area.” Flossing once a day is usually enough to reap these benefits. Don’t let flossing difficulties stop you Flossing can be difficult, especially for young children and older adults with arthritis. Rather than give up, look for tools that can help you floss your teeth. Ready-to-use dental flossers from the drugstore can make a difference. Consider mouthwash Advertisements make mouthwash seem necessary for good oral health, but many people skip them because they don’t know how they work. Schwartz says mouthwash helps in three ways: It reduces the amount of acid in the mouth, cleans hard-to-brush areas in and around the gums, and re-mineralizes the teeth. “Mouthwashes are useful as an adjunct tool to help bring things into balance,” he explains. “I think in children and older people, where the ability to brush and floss may not be ideal, a mouthwash is particularly helpful.” Ask your dentist for specific mouthwash recommendations. Certain brands are best for children, and those with sensitive teeth. Prescription mouthwash is also available. Drink more water Water continues to be the best beverage for your overall health — including oral health. Also, as a rule of thumb, Schwartz recommends drinking water after every meal. This can help wash out some of the negative effects of sticky and acidic foods and beverages in between brushes. Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables Ready-to-eat foods are convenient, but perhaps not so much when it comes to your teeth. Eating fresh, crunchy produce not only contains more healthy fiber, but it’s also the best choice for your teeth. “I tell parents to get their kids on harder-to-eat and chew foods at a younger age,” says Schwartz. “So try to avoid the overly mushy processed stuff, stop cutting things into tiny pieces, and get those jaws working!” Limit sugary and acidic foods Ultimately, sugar converts into acid in the mouth, which can then erode the enamel of your teeth. These acids are what lead to cavities. Acidic fruits, teas, and coffee can also wear down tooth enamel. While you don’t necessarily have to avoid such foods altogether, it doesn’t hurt to be mindful. See your dentist at least twice a year Your own everyday habits are crucial to your overall oral health. Still, even the most dutiful brushers and flossers need to see a dentist regularly. At minimum, you should see your dentist for cleanings and checkups twice a year. Not only can a dentist remove calculus and look for cavities, but they will also be able to spot potential issues and offer treatment solutions. Some dental insurance companies even cover more frequent dental checkups. If this is the case for you, take advantage of it. Doing so is especially helpful if you have a history of dental issues, such as gingivitis or frequent cavities.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY AND OUR SERVICES

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY AND OUR SERVICES OT is a profession that empowers people of all ages to overcome barriers in their everyday lives so they can do more and live better. This includes day-to-day activities at school, in their home, at work or in their community. We work holistically and therefore consider components of the person, environment and occupation (the activity). OT may work on components of function such as muscle strength, range of motion, postural control, balance, coordination, endurance, bilateral integration, midline crossing, memory, problem solving and many more.  Our services are available but not limited to the conditions mentioned below. How to identify if your child may need to visit an OT: Developmental Delay: This refers to a child who has not gained the developmental skills expected of him or her, compared to others of the same age. Delays may occur in the areas of motor function, cognitive abilities, play, and social skills. For example:  Not yet crawling by 9 months.  The child may present with weak gross motor skills such as jumping, balancing or not being able to sit upright at a table.  With regards to fine motor skills you may notice a weak pencil grip or cutting may be challenging.  We also look at visual perceptual skills which are of utmost importance for successful participation at school and in day-to-day activities. Your child may find it difficult to find something in a busy background, may lose their place often when reading, difficulty copying from the board etc. Learning difficulties or poor school performance: This could include –  Handwriting challenges Reading skills Attention and concentration skills  Difficulty following instructions Decreased self-esteem/confidence, poor socialisation skills etc Difficulty with independence Is your child having difficulty with feeding themselves, bathing, brushing their teeth, toileting challenges or even dressing and undressing? We will assess and work on all the underlying skills needed for those tasks Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) / Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) / Sensory processing challenges Difficulty calming down and focusing Easily distracted  Clumsy or often bumping into things Seems tired, not interested or lacks energy  Developmental Dyspraxia / Developmental co-ordination disorder Difficulty learning new skills or performing non-habitual motor tasks Difficulty performing tasks that require simultaneous use of both hands Difficulty adjusting to changes in routine Autism: a lifelong, nonprogressive neurological disorder typically appearing before the age of three years. The word “autism” means a developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and non-verbal communication and social interaction. Decreased social interaction skills and participation Obsessive/restricted interests Repetitive behaviours Sensory processing challenges (Eg. Unexpected reactions to sensory input) Avoids eye contact Difficulty with emotional regulation  Difficulty executing self-care tasks Down Syndrome: A genetic disorder caused by an additional copy of chromosome 21. Features that may affect functional independence include: Low muscle tone Mild to moderate intellectual disability  Developmental delays Weak fine motor skills due to short fingers and small hands Brain Injuries:  Traumatic Brain Injuries: Injuries that occur due to physical force/trauma to the head – road accidents, assaults, falls, incidents at work etc Non-traumatic brain injuries: Lack of oxygen to the brain (stroke or heart attack), tumor, infections such as meningitis or degenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s or dementia.  Spinal cord injuries: Depending on the site and level of injury, movement and sensation may be altered to a certain extent Other services offered: Indirect therapy Consultations: If you as the parent, teacher or family have specific concerns with regards to your child or family member’s functional abilities at home, school or work we can help you identify useful strategies that may aid independence and successful participation.  Family training/education Often after an injury or illness your family member will be dependent on you for support during most activities. This may include mobilising in and out of bed or around the home, self-care (bathing, dressing, feeding, toileting), medication compliance etc  Parent/guardian training with regards to supporting your child at home. We may introduce you to techniques or strategies that can be incorporated into your child’s daily routines that will reinforce some of the skills worked on in therapy and in turn influence your child’s progress positively.  Home programs: Through the use of home programs, we are able to encourage parents, families and teachers to get involved with meeting the client’s goals. Home programs are effective as it encourages the transference of skills and provides additional practice opportunities.