POCKET ENCYCLOPAEDIA

BE AWARE OF NIPAH VIRUS What is the Nipah Virus? The NiV is an emerging zoonotic pathogen (a virus transmitted to humans from animals) with disturbing abilities. First detected in Kampung Sungai Nipah, Malaysia, in 1998, pigs were the intermediate hosts. No cases were reported after in Malaysia and Singapore. However, the natural hosts are fruit bats (Pteropodidae family, Pteropus genus). In 2004, people in Bangladesh contracted the infection after consuming contaminated fruits or products like raw date palm juice by saliva or urine of fruit bats. WHO has listed this virus in its ‘Blueprint priority’ diseases category. How does it spread? The virus spreads directly from human-to-human through close contact with people’s secretions and excretions. Eating partially-eaten fruits by infected bats and partially-cooked meat of infected animals can also trigger the virus. Drinking date palm sap/toddy/juice can also cause the infection. Influenza viruses a...

WHEN YOU SUDDENLY FEEL FEAR AND MOOD SWING IT IS ANXIETY Anxiety is a general term for several disorders that cause nervousness, fear, apprehension, and worrying. These disorders affect how we feel and behave and can cause physical symptoms. Mild anxiety is vague and unsettling, while severe anxiety can seriously affect day-to-day living. It is important to know the difference between normal feelings of anxiety and an anxiety disorder that requires medical attention. Anxiety disorder The duration or severity of an anxious feeling can sometimes be out of proportion to the original trigger, or stressor. Physical symptoms, such as increased blood pressure and nausea, may also become evident. These responses move beyond anxiety into an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders occur when a reaction is out of proportion to what might normally be expected in a situation. Types Anxiety disorders can be classified into six main types. These include: Generalized anxiety ...

HEALTH SUPPLEMENTS What is biotin? Also known as vitamin H, biotin is one of the B complex vitamins that help the body convert food into energy. The word “biotin” comes from the ancient Greek word “biotos,” which means “life” or “sustenance.” B vitamins, and specifically biotin, help keep your skin, hair, eyes, liver, and nervous system healthy. Biotin is also a crucial nutrient during pregnancy, as it’s important for embryonic growth. Most people get the biotin they need from eating a healthy diet, but there have been many claims that getting more biotin can regulate your blood sugar, promote healthy hair, skin, and nails, and help pregnant moms have healthier babies. How much biotin is enough, where can you get it, and what can it really do for you? Recommended daily allowance Between 30 and 100 microgram (mcg) per day of biotin is often recommended for adolescents and adults. Because it’s water-soluble, extra biotin will simply pass through your body when y...

WORLD’S HEALTHIEST FRUIT CUM FOOD Cranberries are a favorite part of Thanks giving celebrations, consumed as cranberry sauce, cranberry drinks, and dried cranberries added to stuffing, casseroles or dessert. Fast facts on cranberries: Cranberries are a popular and healthful food, associated with Thanksgiving. They are low in calories and high in vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin K. They also contain proanthocyanidins (PACs), an antioxidant that may help prevent a range of diseases. Since they are a good source of vitamin K. Uses Of Cranberry Juice Cranberry fruit extract is used in making various sauces and cranberry juice cocktail. About one liter of juice can be extracted from 1500 grams of fresh cranberries. Cranberry juice cocktails are approximately 30% pure cranberry juice mixed with artificial sweetener or fructose. Dried cranberries can be enjoyed with breakfast cereals or can be added to muffins. Here are some ways that cranberries can enhance...

MOST COMMON PROBLEM OF HEADACHE (MIGRAINE) Migraines are pulsating headaches, often on one side of the head. Physical activity may intensify the pain, but symptoms can vary from person to person and from one attack to the next. Migraine attacks are classified as primary headaches because pain is not caused by another disorder or disease. Migraine attacks are often accompanied by symptoms other than head pain, including nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine symptoms and severity can vary tremendously from person to person. What are the different types of migraine? There are several types of migraine recognized by the International Headache Society. The most common migraine types in adults are migraine with aura and migraine without aura. Menstrual migraine, often referred to as hormonal migraine, is the most common type of of migraine without aura. Hemiplegic migraine and basilar migraine are the most common types of migraine with aura. Retinal migra...