I AM always worried whenever I learn that somebody has suddenly died from Heart attack. Kindly let me know how to avoid this dreadful problem.
—- Slow (by SMS)
Some of the precautions against Heart Attack include quitting smoking. This is because smoking damages the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease. Quitting smoking can reduce this risk, and the benefits start within minutes of quitting. In fact, the American Heart Association reports that just one year after quitting smoking, the risk of heart disease decreases by 50%. It is also important to maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of heart disease. Losing even a small amount of weight can make a big difference. For example, losing just 10% of your body weight can lower your blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels. In addition, regular exercise can lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and maintain a healthy weight, all of which reduce the risk of heart disease. The World Health Organization recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week. It is equally good to follow a heart-healthy diet: A heart-healthy diet includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoiding processed foods, trans fats, and excessive sodium and sugar intake can reduce the risk of heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams per day. Since stress can also increase blood pressure and heart rate, which can damage the heart and increase the risk of heart disease, managing stress through techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and exercise can protect the heart. In addition, getting enough sleep is very important because poor sleep quality or not getting enough sleep can increase the risk of high blood pressure. It is advisable to aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Finally, regular visits to a medical doctor can help detect and manage risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
******
Can I eat bananas at night?
I love bananas so much that I can eat them anytime of the day. However, I want to know if it is good to eat Banana before going to bed?
— Molara (by SMS)
Bananas are a versatile fruit that can be eaten at any time of the day. They are packed with essential nutrients such as potassium, fiber, and vitamin C, which makes them an excellent addition to any diet. However, eating a banana at the wrong time can have adverse effects on your health. Nutritionists believe that the best time to eat a banana is in the morning, on an empty stomach. This is because bananas contain high levels of magnesium and potassium, which are essential for the proper functioning of the muscles and nerves. Eating a banana in the morning helps to replenish these essential nutrients, which may have been depleted during the night. It is also believed that it is safe to eat a banana before going to bed. This is because Bananas contain an amino acid called tryptophan, which is known to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. Additionally, bananas are a good source of magnesium, which can also help to relax the muscles and promote sleep. However, it is essential to note that eating a banana before bed may not be suitable for everyone, especially those who have acid reflux or are prone to heartburn. This is because bananas are acidic and can cause discomfort in some people. If you have any digestive issues, it is best to avoid eating a banana before bed.
******
Bleeding from the mouth
I am a football fan. Anytime I shout or scream after watching my favourite teams play, I usually bring out some blood from my mouth. Please let me know what the problem could be.
— Ibro (by SMS)
Bleeding from the mouth can be a sign of various medical conditions, some of which can be serious or even life-threatening. It’s possible that you may have burst a blood vessel in your throat or suffered an injury to the mouth or throat as a result of the shouting and screaming. It’s also possible that you may have an underlying medical condition that needs to be diagnosed and treated. You may need to reduce the amount of your screaming and shouting. If despite this reduction you still bleed from the mouth, it will be very important for you to seek a proper medical attention as soon as possible.
******
How do I know I have diabetes
Apart from frequent urination, kindly let me know how else I can know that I have Diabetes. I am a 40- year old female teacher.
— Gloria (by SMS)
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic medical condition characterized by high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Apart from frequent urination, other signs and symptoms of the disease could be; Excessive thirst due to frequent urination,
Fatigue, Blurred vision, Slow healing of cuts and wounds as well as Increased hunger due to the body’s inability to use glucose for energy.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to see a Medical Doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
*****
Is walking a good exercise for diabetics
I am diabetic. I want to know if it is safe for me to walk daily and regularly as a means of exercising?
—- Goke (by SMS)
Yes, it is generally safe for people with diabetes to walk. In fact, walking is considered one of the safest and most effective forms of exercise for people with diabetes. Regular exercise can help control blood sugar levels, improve cardiovascular health, and reduce the risk of complications associated with diabetes. However, if you have certain health conditions or complications from diabetes, such as peripheral neuropathy, foot ulcers, or heart disease, you should talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise program, including walking. He/she may recommend modifications to your routine or suggest other forms of exercise that may be more appropriate for you. It’s also important to monitor your blood sugar levels before, during, and after exercise, and to carry a source of fast-acting carbohydrates with you in case of a low blood sugar episode. Additionally, wearing comfortable and supportive shoes and checking your feet regularly for any signs of injury or infection can help prevent foot problems associated with diabetes.
******
Abnormal noise in my ears
I was diagnosed with a ringing sensation in my ears a few weeks ago. Despite all efforts, the situation has not improved. Kindly let me know what else to do. I am just 35 years old.
— Nkiru (by SMS)
Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the absence of an external stimulus, and it affects millions of people worldwide. It can be a very frustrating and disruptive condition. While tinnitus itself is not dangerous, it can be a symptom of an underlying condition that requires medical attention. One of the most common causes of tinnitus is exposure to loud noise. This can include prolonged exposure to loud music, working in a noisy environment, or even a single traumatic event such as an explosion. When the delicate hair cells in the inner ear are damaged by noise, they can send false signals to the brain that are interpreted as sound, leading to tinnitus. Another common cause of tinnitus is age-related hearing loss. As we age, the hair cells in the inner ear naturally deteriorate, leading to a gradual loss of hearing. This can also lead to tinnitus, as the brain tries to compensate for the lack of sound input by creating its own noise. Other potential causes of tinnitus include head and neck injuries, ear infections, and certain medications. In some cases, tinnitus may be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition, such as a brain tumor or cardiovascular disease. While tinnitus itself is not dangerous, it can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. The constant ringing or buzzing in the ears can make it difficult to concentrate, sleep, or enjoy everyday activities. In some cases, tinnitus can also lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Fortunately, there are a number of treatment options available for tinnitus. These range from simple lifestyle changes, such as avoiding loud noise and reducing stress, to more advanced therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy and sound therapy. In some cases, medication may also be prescribed to help alleviate symptoms. You may need to consult a specialist doctor in a Specialist or Teaching Hospital nearest to you. By understanding the causes of tinnitus and seeking appropriate treatment, individuals can reduce the impact of tinnitus on their lives and improve their overall quality of life.
******
What causes blood clot embolism
One of my friends who is about 30 years of age and amazingly healthy just died all of sudden of blood clot embolism within few days. I am very distressed. Kindly let me how this could have happened and how it can be avoided
—- Yusuf (by SMS)
Although a blood clot embolism in a healthy 30- year old is quite unusual, it could have been caused by many factors. These include, a problem with the blood vessels such as an underlying undiagnosed malformation. It could also come from a hole in the heart wall between right and left sides. It is important for blood to clot outside at the site of an injury because we need a mechanism that prevents us from bleeding to death from the slightest injuries. However, blood is not expected to clot inside the blood vessels. This unfortunately may be triggered by damage to the inner lining of blood vessels. And because of that a clot can form in the event of damage to that lining even if the vessel is not ruptured. For instance, atherosclerosis, in which plaques of cholesterol, fat and calcium stick to the lining of blood vessel can lead to damage to that lining causing clotting at that site. If the clot gets loose it can travel in the body and cause a heart attack, a stroke or pulmonary embolism. Another cause of clots is deep vein thrombosis which typically occurs in the veins of the legs from a variety of causes, from trauma to obesity to predisposition. Prevention includes diet and exercise including avoidance of excessive weight loss. In some cases, anticoagulant medications may be necessary.
*****
Eating late and weight gain
I want to know if it is true that eating after 8pm can make one gain a lot of weight.
— Janet (by SMS)
The idea that eating after 8 pm leads to weight gain is a myth. While it is true that your body’s metabolism slows down at night, leading to less calorie burn compared to during the day, weight gain is determined by the total number of calories consumed throughout the day and the energy expenditure through physical activity. It’s important to note that when it comes to weight management, it’s the overall balance of calories consumed and expended that matters, regardless of the time of day. So if you eat a healthy and balanced diet within your daily calorie needs, and incorporate regular exercise into your routine, it’s unlikely that eating after 8 pm would result in weight gain. That being said, if eating late at night causes you to exceed your daily calorie needs or makes you feel uncomfortable or disrupts your sleep, then it may be a good idea to avoid eating late at night or to choose healthy and low-calorie snacks if you are hungry. It’s important to listen to your body’s needs and to maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
