Infrared Radiation and its unique ability to heat parts of the body

IRR

Infrared radiation is a convenient system to heat parts of our body. It has the advantage over direct contact in that radiation can heat directly the area where the blood capillaries and neuron terminals are. When heat comes from a direct contact source it has to heat the external layer of the skin, and heat is transferred to the deeper layer by conduction. Since heat conduction needs a temperature gradient to proceed, and there is a maximum temperature that can be safely used (around 42°C), this means lower temperature where warming is needed.

Infrared (IR for short) is the part of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum comprised between 0,78 μm and 1 mm wavelength. It is usually divided into three sections:

IR-A, from 0,78 to 1,4 μm.
IR-B, from 1,4 to 3 μm.
IR-C, from 3 μm to 1 mm.

IR radiation is more useful than the visible radiation for heating our body because we absorb most of it, compared to a strong reflection of visible light. Penetration depth of infrared radiation in our skin is dependent of wavelength. IR-A is the most penetrating, and reaches some millimeters, IR-B penetrates into the dermis (about 1 mm), and IR-C is mostly absorbed in the external layer of the epidermis(estratum corneum). For this reason the lamps used for therapeutic purposes produce mainly IR-A radiation.

Mechanism of action, and indications
Heat creates higher tissue temperatures, which produces vasodilation that increases the supply of oxygen, and nutrients and the elimination of carbon dioxide and metabolic waste.

Heat therapy is useful for muscle spasms, myalgia, fibromyalgia, contracture, bursitis.

Because heat is a vasodilator, it should be avoided in tissues with inadequate vascular supply, in case of acute injury, in bleeding disorders (because heat would increase bleeding), in tissues with a severe lack of sensitivity, in scars.

Heat therapy is most commonly used for rehabilitation purposes. The therapeutic effects of heat include increasing the extensibility of collagen tissues; decreasing joint stiffness; reducing pain; relieving muscle spasms; reducing inflammation, edema, and aids in the post acute phase of healing; and increasing blood flow. The increased blood flow to the affected area provides proteins, nutrients, and oxygen for better healing.

Heat therapy, also called thermotherapy, is the application of heat to the body for pain relief and health. It can take the form of a hot cloth, hot water, ultrasound, heating pad, hydrocollator packs, whirlpool baths, cordless FIR heat therapy wrap, and many others. It can be beneficial to those with arthritis and stiff muscles and injuries to the deep tissue of the skin. Heat may be an effective self-care treatment for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

5 Ways to Turn Your Workstation Into a Workout Station

Entrepreneurship means long hours. Standing and speaking, logging time in front of the computer, sitting in the car -- it all adds up. Using your workstation for frequent and sporadic exercises can be a great way to boost your energy naturally, spark your creativity and even improve your health.

Here are five easy ways that every entrepreneur can turn their workstation into a workout station.

1. Stretch. Taking a break at least every hour to stretch and move is crucial. Try a series of stretches to really help your physical stamina. Your back starts to tighten up and your shoulders start to slouch over the longer you’re seated in an office chair.

Set an alarm to remind you to stop and stretch. Start by doing a seated twist. Gently reach for the back of your chair or arm of your chair to the right. Hold it and take in a few deep breaths. After this deep breathing let it go and twist to the left following the same process.

Next, try interlacing your fingers and stretching your arms over your head. Do plenty of deep, slow breathing as you do this. Finally, try rolling your shoulders forward 10 or 20 times, backward 10 or 20 times and then softly rolling your neck back from side to side.

These are great ways to release built-up tension in your back, neck and shoulders caused by sitting.

2. Stand. Even if you can’t afford one of the electronic, adjustable standing workstations, you can still try standing for 30 minutes to an hour a day at your workstation. This is a great way to change your body’s posture and get the benefits of standing to keep your body aligned.

Just like a seated workstation, make sure your body is in a comfortable and neutral position and you aren’t straining, stretched out or crammed too close to the computer. However, enjoying the right standing position while working can be a great adjustment to the entrepreneurs often seated lifestyle.

Also try doing your next staff meeting or brainstorm standing up.

3. Roll. Take a tennis ball and keep it at your desk for sporadic use during the workday. Take off your shoes and put the ball under one foot at a time. Gently roll the ball under and around with your foot to stretch out the balls of your feet, roll and stretch your ankles and use various pressure to roll the ball forward and back to stretch out the soft tissue in your foot (called the fascia, which you’ve probably heard before from conditions like plantar fasciitis, when the soft tissue that runs from the toes to the heels gets stiff and makes walking painful).

4. Lift.  Try doing some dead lifts from the desk with a very low-weight item to stretch out the back and strengthen the core. Again, make sure this is a very low-weight (three to five pounds) object, such as a few books or a large water bottle that’s filled. Lifting slowly and controlled with the right breathing can really strengthen the core muscles in your body, which need to stay strong to support you during the hours of sitting process.

It doesn’t take a lot of reps or weight, but lifting done properly around your workstation can actually increase your mobility if you approach it correctly.

5. Squeeze. Those little stress balls exist for a reason! Typing and writing all day can lead to hands that need care. Stop what you’re doing throughout the day and stretch your hands. Try squeezing a stress ball or even your tennis ball gently and releasing to increase your hand and finger strength.

Interlace your fingers and stretch them gently to provide an alternate stretch and relief from typing.

Take good care of your hands and the rest of your body during your workday and they’ll be sure to return the favor.

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Vertigo Medical Treatment

Vertigo Medical Treatment:

The choice of treatment will depend on the diagnosis.

• Vertigo can be treated with medicine taken by mouth, through medicine placed on the skin (a patch), a suppository, or drugs given through an IV.
• Specific types of vertigo may require additional treatment and referral:
  • Bacterial infection of the middle ear requires antibiotics.
  • For Meniere's disease, in addition to symptomatic treatment, people might be placed on a low salt dietand may require medication to increase urine output.
  • A hole in the inner ear causing recurrent infection may require referral to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist for surgery.
    
• In addition to the drugs used for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, several physical maneuvers can be used to treat the condition.
  • Vestibular rehabilitation exercises, also referred to as Epley maneuvers as mentioned before, consist of having the patient sit on the edge of a table and lie down to one side until the vertigo resolves followed by sitting up and lying down on the other side, again until the vertigo ceases. This is repeated until the vertigo no longer occurs.
  • Particle repositioning maneuver is a treatment based on the idea that the condition is caused by displacement of tiny stones in the balance center (vestibular system) of the inner ear. The head is repositioned to move the stones to their normal position. This maneuver is repeated until the abnormal eye movements are no longer visible.
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ডায়াবেটিস পুরোপুরি সারিয়ে তোলা যাবে বিশেষ পদ্ধতিতে

ডায়াবেটিস পুরোপুরি সারিয়ে তোলা যাবে বিশেষ পদ্ধতিতে:

ক্যালিফোর্নিয়া, ৭ ফেব্রুয়ারি- ইঁদুরের ওপর সফল পরীক্ষা চালানোর পর ডায়াবেটিস থেকে পুরোপুরি সেরে উঠার চিকিৎসা বের করার ক্ষেত্রে যুক্তরাষ্ট্রের একদল বিজ্ঞানী অনেক দূর এগিয়েছেন বলে গার্ডিয়ানের এক প্রতিবেদনে বলা হয়েছে। টাইপ ১ ডায়াবেটিসে আক্রান্তদের শরীরে বিশেষ পদ্ধতিতে কোষ প্রতিস্থাপনের মাধ্যমে এ রোগ পুরোপুরি সারিয়ে তোলা যাবে বলে আশা করছেন বিজ্ঞানীরা।

সাধারণত শৈশব কিংবা যৌবনের প্রথমভাগে মানুষের এই ধরনের ডায়াবেটিস দেখা দেয়। তারপর জীবনের বাকিটা সময় ইনসুলিন গ্রহণের মধ্য দিয়ে তাদের চলতে হয়।

গার্ডিয়ানের প্রতিবেদনে বলা হয়, যুক্তরাষ্ট্রের ক্যালিফোর্নিয়ার একদল বিজ্ঞানী গবেষণাগারে ইঁদুরের দেহে স্টেম সেল প্রতিস্থাপনের মাধ্যমে গ্লুকোজ নিয়ন্ত্রণে সফলতা পেয়েছেন। এ পদ্ধতিতে মানুষের ক্ষেত্রে টাইপ১ ডায়াবেটিস চিকিৎসায় সফলতা আনা সম্ভব বলে তারা মনে করছেন।

গবেষণার বিস্তারিত তুলে ধরে প্রতিবেদনে বলা হয়, প্রথমে ইঁদুরের চামড়া থেকে কোষ সংগ্রহ করা হয়, যাকে ‘ফাইব্রোব্লাস্ট’ বলা হয়। এরপর এসব কোষের জিনবিন্যাসে পরিবর্তন ঘটিয়ে এন্ডোডার্ম কোষে রূপান্তর করা হয়। সেগুলোর আরো রূপান্তর ঘটিয়ে প্রাথমিক অগ্ন্যাশয় কোষের মত করা হয়, যাকে পিপিএলসি বলা হয়। এই পিপিএলসি ইনসুলিন নিঃসরণকারী বিটা সেলে পরিণত হয় কি না সে পরীক্ষা করে সফল হন বিজ্ঞানীরা।

এরপর রক্তে উচ্চ মাত্রার গ্লুকোজ সম্পন্ন ইঁদুরের দেহে পিপিএলসি প্রবেশ করানো হয়। এর সপ্তাহখানেক পরে ওই ইঁদুরের রক্তে গ্লুকোজের পরিমাণ উল্লেখযোগ্য হারে কমে আসে।

গবেষক দলের সদস্য কে লি বলেন, “স্টেম সেল প্রতিস্থাপনের এক সপ্তাহের মধ্যেই ইঁদুরগুলোর ‘সুগার লেভেল’ কমতে থাকে। ধীরে ধীরে সাধারণ মাত্রায় চলে আসে। তখন আমরা প্রতিস্থাপিত কোষটি বের করে নিয়ে আসি। এরপর আবারো দ্রুত গ্লুকোজ বাড়তে থাকে।”

কে লি বলেন, পিপিএলসি প্রতিস্থাপনের আট সপ্তাহের মাথায় এগুলো পুরোপুরি ইনসুলিন নিঃসরণকারী বিটা সেলের মতো কাজ করতে থাকে। এভাবেই মানুষের ক্ষেত্রেও ডায়াবেটিস নিরাময় সম্ভব বলে তারা মনে করছেন।

Fever in Babies

Fever in Babies

Welcoming a new baby into your home can be an exciting but nerve-wracking time. The nerves are understandable, considering that newborns don't come with instruction manuals. And when they get sick, it can induce even more anxiety.

A fever in babies can be one of the scariest symptoms for parents, especially when that fever is high or the baby is only a few weeks old.

In this article, you'll learn what causes infant fevers and what to do when your baby gets a fever.

What Causes Infant Fevers?

A fever isn't an illness -- it's a symptom of one. A fever usually indicates that the body is fighting an illness.  If your baby has a fever, in most instances it means he has picked up a cold or other viral infection. Although they are less common in infants, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, ear infection, or a more serious bacterial infection, meningitis, may be causing a fever.  

Other causes of fever in babies include:

·         Reaction to a vaccination

·         Becoming overheated from being dressed too warmly or spending too much time outside on a hot day

Fever in Babies: What Are the Signs?

One common sign of fever in babies is a warm forehead, although not having a warm forehead doesn't mean that your baby doesn't have a fever. Your baby may also be crankier and fussier than usual.

Other symptoms associated with fever in babies include:

·         Poor sleeping

·         Poor eating

·         Lack of interest in play

·         Less active or even lethargic

·         Convulsions or seizures

How Do I Take My Baby's Temperature?

You can take a child's temperature a few different ways, such as via the rectum (rectally), mouth (orally), ear, under the arm (axillary), or at the temples. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends only using digital thermometers in children. Mercury thermometers should not be used because they pose a risk of mercury exposure and poisoning if they break.

Rectal thermometers provide the most accurate temperature readings, and can be easiest to take in an infant. Typically, babies can't hold an oral thermometer in place, and the reading of an ear, temporal, or underarm thermometer are not as accurate.

To take a rectal temperature, first make sure the thermometer is clean. Wash it with soap and water or wipe it off with rubbing alcohol. Lay your baby on the belly or on the back with legs bent toward the chest. Apply a little bit of petroleum jelly around the thermometer bulb and gently insert it about 1 inch into the rectal opening. Hold the digital thermometer in place for about two minutes until you hear the "beep." Then gently remove the thermometer and read the temperature.

At What Temperature Does My Baby Have a Fever?

A baby's normal temperature can range from about 97 degrees Fahrenheit up to 100.3 degrees Fahrenheit. Most doctors consider a rectal temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher as a fever.

When to Call Your Doctor

According to the AAP, call your doctor if your baby:

·         Is under age 3 months and has a fever; if your baby is between ages 1 and 2 months and has a fever, it is considered an emergency. Seek immediate medical care.

·         Is lethargic and not responsive

·         Has problems breathing or eating

·         Has a rash

·         Shows signs of dehydration, such as fewer wet diapers, dry mouth, no tears with crying, or sunken soft spot on the head

·         Has a seizure

It can be difficult for doctors to tell whether a newborn has a simple virus (like a cold), or a more serious infection (like UTI, pneumonia or meningitis). That's why doctors will sometimes order special tests (such as blood or urine tests, and/or a chest X-ray and spinal tap) to pinpoint the exact cause of an infant fever, and to look for more serious infections in young babies.

What Should I Do If My Baby Has a Fever?

If your baby is under age 1 month and has a fever, contact your child's health care provider right away. For older babies, try these tips:

·         Bathe your child with lukewarm water -- always check the temperature of the water on your wrist before washing your baby.

·         Dress your baby in a light layer of clothes.

·         Give your baby enough fluids to avoid dehydration. Those fluids should be breast milk, formula, an electrolyte solution, or water, depending on the baby’s age. Contact your baby's health care provider for guidelines. A dehydrated baby may have fewer wet diapers, no tears with crying, or a dry mouth. 

·         If your doctor says it is OK, you can give your baby children's Tylenol or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin). Never give babies aspirin for a fever because of the risk for a rare but potentially dangerous condition called Reye's syndrome. Also, do not give a baby under age 6 months Advil, Motrin, or other medicines that contain ibuprofen. Be sure to ask your doctor about the dosage and read the package instructions before giving your baby a fever-reducing medicine. 

If you are concerned about your baby's fever, call your health care provider for advice and reassurance.

5 Steps to Lower Back Pain Relief

Lower back pain

Lower back pain (a.o. sciatica, herniated disk) - It's causes, symptoms and treatment