Bipolar disorder is a major health problem in woman

Women are a vital part of family and they are the major source of income in many families. They keep balance household and office work bearing intense stress which leads to numerous mental health dilemmas. Mood disorder is more widespread in women when they live under such circumstances. Many researches indicate that certain mental disorders are more prevalent in women. Women frequently visit to mental health services as compared to men due to their hectic lifestyle. Many cases have been reported for the higher rates of depression and anxiety; women are more prone to obsessive compulsive disorder. women between the ages of 18 and 45 comprise the majority of mood disorder with major depression. These illnesses require immediate attention. If untreated, the effects can be devastating. The chronic manic and depressive episodes that characterize the ailment make it difficult to lead a normal life. It is observed that in the manic stage, patient may be agitated and become reckless. In the depressive phase, patient has difficulty to perform any type of task. The responsibility of health practitioner is to handle the cases carefully and must have deep knowledge to treat the patient.

 Bipolar disorder, also recognized as manic-depressive illness, is one of the most severe psychiatric diseases. It is a medical condition that involves changes in brain function leading to dramatic mood swings. During illness, a person may experience periods of elevated mood, periods of depressed mood. It negatively affects the patient's mood, activity, and thought processes. It is characterized by one or more manic episodes and typically by one or more depressive episodes, the disorder evident as an elevated, expansive, petulant mood and a multitude of behavioral symptoms. Mania patients are dangerous not only to themselves but to others also. Therefore if acute symptoms are observed, it is considered as emergencies in psychiatry. Bipolar II disorder is described by episodes of hypomania and, invariably, major depression. Patient of mood disorder may be more susceptible to emotional and physical stresses and the break-up of an important relationship, drug and alcohol use, changes in routine or extreme stimulation may cause a chemical imbalance that can cause a manic episode. The etiology of bipolar disorder is predominantly genetic. There is no e cause of bipolar. Genetic factors may be responsible for the condition of the disorder. The disorder is found uniformly in patients of varying socioeconomic backgrounds.

 The symptoms of bipolar disorder appear suddenly due to intense life stress, although onset may be steady. Episodes of mania, which can last from days to weeks or months, are generally lesser than episodes of depression. It typically emerges in adolescence or early adulthood, but may begin in childhood. There are individual differences. Some people cycle either speedily or more gradually from one mood to the other, while others experience ‘normal’ moods (mixed state) between episodes. Some people go for years without a recurrence, while others suffer from increasingly frequent episodes. As in depression, a small percentage suffer impaired mood constantly.

 Manic phase of bipolar disorder:

symptoms of the manic phase of bipolar disorder may include euphoria,  extreme optimism, inflated self-esteem, poor judgment, rapid speech,  racing thoughts, aggressive behavior, agitation, increased physical activity, risky behavior, spending sprees, increased drive to perform or achieve goals, increased sexual drive, decreased need for sleep, tendency to be easily distracted, inability to concentrate and drug abuse. Symptoms of the depressive phase of bipolar disorder may include sadness, hopelessness, suicidal thoughts or behavior, anxiety, guilt, sleep problems, appetite problems, fatigue, loss of interest in daily activities, problems concentrating, irritability, and chronic pain without a known cause.

 Health professional make diagnosis based on the clinical findings, after a complete medical history and physical examination. Doctors often use medications such as mood stabilizers to treat acute episodes of mania and depression, to reduce the cycling, and to prevent relapse. In physical exam, it is recommended to measure height and weight; check vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure and temperature; listen to the heart and lungs; and examining the abdomen.

 Some laboratory tests are done.  These are a complete blood count as well as thyroid tests and other blood tests. You may also have a urinalysis. Psychological evaluation of patient is done professional. A doctor will talk to you about patient’s thoughts, feelings and behavior patterns. Patient may also complete psychological self-assessments and questionnaires. Patient may be interrogated about substance or alcohol abuse. Family members or close friends may be asked to provide information about patient’s symptoms and possible episodes of mania or depression. Diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder are based on the precise type of bipolar disorder as well as the history and types of episodes, such as manic, hippomanic or depressed.

 If treatment is not given at time, bipolar disorder can result in severe emotional and even and financial problems that affect every area of patient’s life. Complications that bipolar disorder may cause are suicide, substance and alcohol abuse, legal problems, financial problems, relationship troubles, isolation, poor work or school performance. Psychotherapy is the best way to treat bipolar disorder treatment. Several types of therapy may be useful. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a common form of individual therapy for bipolar disorder. The focus of cognitive behavioral therapy is recognizing unhealthy, negative beliefs and behaviors and replacing them with healthy, positive ones. In addition, patient can learn about bipolar disorder and its treatment and what may trigger his bipolar episodes. He also learns effective strategies to manage stress and to cope with upsetting situations. Family therapy is given. Family therapy can help to recognize and reduce stressors within family. It can help family improve its communication style and problem-solving skills and resolve conflicts. Group therapy provides a discussion to communicate with and learn from others in a similar situation. It may also help build better relationship skills. Electroconvulsive therapy is mainly for people who have episodes of severe depression with suicidal tendencies or for people who haven't seen improvements in their symptoms despite other treatment. Electroconvulsive therapy is a process in which electrical currents are passed through brain to activate an attack. The seizure causes changes in brain chemistry that may lead to improvements in mood.

 There are numerous factors which trigger mental imbalance in woman. Lots of pressures usually placed on women by family as well as social members. They are challenged with significant gender prejudice and other related factors of poverty, hunger, malnutrition and overwork. An extreme expression of gender disparity is sexual and domestic violence perpetrated against women. This socio-cultural sadism contributes to the high incidence of mental disorder experienced by women. women are more likely to be diagnosed with recurring affective disorder, eating disorders, panic disorders, puerperal psychosis and phobias than men and suicide attempts of woman are frequently observed in society These differences have implication for the treatment and continuing support of women with mental illness.

Women suffer different types of mental problems during their course of life. During their childbearing years women may need mental supports related to pregnancy and post-partum depression, especially if they have severe mental ailment. Women struggle throughout their life span with body image and eating disorders, although eating disorders are more common among younger women. Several feminist theorists have recently argued, women's health is not only determined by biological factors and reproduction, but they have mental illness through heavy workload, nutrition, strain, war, immigration. It is established that the common mental disorders affecting women are the Anxiety Disorders, including, panic, , social phobia, and generalized anxiety disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Depression, Eating Disorders and Schizophrenia..

Guidelines for choosing good financial planner to manage funds

usinesspersons and executives need to hire financial planner to manage their finances. When choosing good planner, people must assess that financial planned must have numerous skill to effectively handles funds such as they must have good educational background, experience, ethics knowledge, and effectual communication skills. 

Many individuals and couples hire a financial planner as their financial life has turned much more complex than decades ago. They need expert help to deal with the instability in equity markets or to guarantee that they do not take on excess leverage in today's increasing EMI culture. In intricate business environment, executives are very busy therefore it is better to recruit an expert to manage their finances. 

-Many people espouse the do-it-yourself (DIY) approach for financial planning. Nonetheless, when some problem emerges, they lack the objectivity required to recognise their mistakes. They may focus excessively on some areas at the expense of others. 

-It is advised by experts that a planner can add considerable value. They need to plan in advance. A planner will also focus on sequence planning, a much-ignored area that can ensure smooth transfer of wealth from one generation to the next. 

-People may choose someone who can meet their goals and needs. 

-It is important to select a financial planner that should be able to empathise with what your family and you desire to achieve. In addition to normal goals such as buying a vehicle and house, saving for children's education and marriage and retirement planning, many people have goals that are important to them. Some may want to engage in charity while others may want to contribute towards their parents' post-retirement expenses. Therefore the planner should be able to aid his customers accomplish both standard and particular goals. 

-Planners must possess skills and experience in specific areas than in others. It is suggested to hire planner whose expertise matches your needs. It does not help if your primary goal is wealth creation while your planner is highly trained at debt management.

 

-A good planner is one who carefully evaluate his client's current financial situation and develop a plan that will help the latter achieve his goals based on the resources available. He should also act in the client's interest at all times. "The financial planner should be ready to relinquish the profits he earns from products if the client wishes to purchase them online.

 

-While selecting financial planner, it is imperative to assess professional qualification. It is desirable to go with one who has the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) degree.

 

-The financial planner must be experienced. After all it is a matter of your finance management.

 

It is good to ask some questions for finally choosing financial planner:

 

1. What are your charges for offering services?

 

2. Can you describe about licenses, credentials or other certifications do you have?

 

3. What types of clients do you specialize in?

 

4. How often you converse with clients?

 

Above all, people must check whether they have a good reputation and take a proactive approach.

 

There are some conducts that people must avoid while choosing financial planner to manage their funds:

 

People must avoid financial planner who is more focused on selling products. The planner should spend a substantial amount of time on need analysis and on setting the right strategic direction.

 

Most importantly, people must not hire financial planner who is not willing to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). Also avoid those planner that involve in unethical practices like asking for fee in cash, bulldozes you to purchase a specific product, or does not maintain proper accounts.

 

People must avoid those planners who focus on selling products or promise a very high rate of return on portfolio.

 

Financial planners can also have different training, qualifications and experience. Many financial planners have passed courses and exams in financial planning, and hold designations granted by an education provider. Others are also registered with their securities regulator to sell investments or provide investment advice.

 

 

People around the globe need wise financial planner who can take care of their finances in effective way. Therefore, it is important to follow above guidelines to make final decision.

Tear jerking Story based on true incidents

It was lunch break. We were gossiping in college campus. Unexpectedly my junior, Neena came and became motionless. Since she was very much attached to our group so whenever she had any problem whether it is related to academic course or something personal, she always used to take advice from us. We asked her “what the matter was. Why are you looking so depressed?” But she couldn’t explain her sorrow at that moment. After a while, we were back to our classroom as tutorials were about to start. Neena was a student of electronic engineering so she returned to her department.

 After few days, we met her and again, she was looking very upset. She just gave a fake smile and went to attend the classes. That caused us to be worried about her. After my classes were over; I gave a ring to her. She picked up the call. I asked, “Is there something serious going on in your life”? She started crying and somehow she told, yes, “I am not in a better shape these days. I have an affair with Zezzy, my college mate. But our families have cultural differences. I talked to my parents but they didn’t allow me to marry with him. Zezzy didn’t yet talk to his parents but he is afraid as his family will also have same opinion. I can’t breathe without Zezzy. He understands my silence, my troubles”. And she again started howling. “First of all, you introduce Zezzy to me. Only after that we all will try to resolve the issue. I am also ready to talk to your family in this regard”? I said. She thanked me for having concerned about her.

 When our IVth semester’s final examinations were completed, we organized a river bank party. Neena and Zezzy also joined us. We enjoyed the party and came closer to Zezzy. He was best guitarist and played a touchy song in the party. We all appreciated his talent and asked to continue it. Next day we all left for our homes. There was a semester break of 15days. Neena was residing near my town so she accompanied with me. On the way, she told me, “Zezzy will prove to be best husband. My parents must have to agree with our union”. I assured her that parents always think for the benefit for their children but you must not go against your parents because their blessings are highly important for happy married life. 

After vacation, we all came back to college. The next semester was very hectic so we all were busy in preparing files, attending seminars and giving presentation. Neena was still upset and her performance was decreasing day by day. I talked to her 2-3 times a week but she never responded in positive manner.  After few weeks, suddenly Neena rang me on my cell and informed me that she and Zezzy were going to a nearby hill station and they will resolve the marriage problem. I was quite happy that both had nicely compromised with the situation. 

A day after, we stunned to hear the heartbreaking news. Neena had consumed potassium cyanide and she was no more. Her body was found in river bank. But Zezzy was missing. After that police was involved in this case to find out the cause of suicide. They found suicide note in Neena’s room. In suicide note she mentioned that “she will be responsible for her death. As our cultural differences are barrier to our marriage therefore I am leaving my body and our sole will unite in Heaven. We are consuming potassium cyanide with our choice”. Police quickly understood that Zezzy instigated her to commit suicide and he must be alive. They started search operation but could not trace him. After a decade, Neena’s parents still are hoping for justice from police for their daughter. That is hard truth. It was a planned murder. My daughter was very courageous and ambitious, they said. 

Writer’s guidance: Such incidents frequently happen in our surroundings. We all must educate our teens about male- female relationship without any hesitation. When we behave like a friend, they will share their thoughts. And we can reduce such incidence. 

Important Note:  This story is penned by writer. Any resemblance is just a coincidence. Writer is not responsible for any disagreement.

Choice of vegetarian foods to boost brain power

Nutritious foods good for human’s mental as well as physical health. Carefully planned vegetarian food is best way to fulfil nutritional needs of humans. In order to prevent brain disorders like Alzheimer disease in later age, it is time to make best choice of foods in diet and stay active and healthy.

Vegetarian foods reduce risk of heart disease, diabetes and some cancers.

There are several types of vegetarian foods that make person healthy. Lacto-vegetarian diets include dairy products, such as milk, cheese, yogurt and butter.

Vegetarian foods that boost brain power:

Several vitamins such as B vitamin - B6, B12 and folic acid are highly beneficial for brain as these vitamins reduce levels of homocysteine in the blood. Elevated levels of homocysteine increase risk of stroke, cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.

It is mentioned in some reports that small amount of pumpkin seeds a day may be beneficial for brain as it contain amount of zinc, vital for enhancing memory and thinking skills.

People can also make food choice of eating broccoli which is a great source of vitamin K. It enhances cognitive function and improve brainpower. Cauliflower is rich sources of choline, a B vitamin known for its role in brain development. Choline intake during pregnancy enhance the brain activity of animals in utero, indicating that it may boost cognitive function, improve learning and memory. It may even lessen age-related memory decline and brain's susceptibility to toxins during childhood, as well as conferring protection later in life.

Sage is considered to improve memory and although most studies focus on sage as an essential oil, it could be worth adding fresh sage to diet too.

It is well known that nuts boost brain power. Nuts are a great source of vitamin E which help to prevent cognitive deterioration, particularly in the elderly group.

Another good food is the Celery, good sources of luteolin, a plant compound that is said to lower the rates of age-related memory loss. Luteolin calms inflammation in the brain believed to be the primary cause of neuro-degeneration. By inhibiting the action of inflammatory cytokines as earlier mentioned, luteolin can prevent the onset of degeneration in the brain.

Tomatoes are good for brain. It is found in medical reports that lycopene, a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes. It help to protect against the kind of free radical damage to cells which occurs in the development of dementia, mainly Alzheimer's

It is recommended to include Green leafy vegetables in diet to strength brain. These may be such as spinach, kale, and collards have been shown to slow cognitive decline.

Blue berry contains an antioxidant anthocyanin that may be particularly healthy for brain. Therefore, people must take to remain fit.

It is universal fact that good nourishment is essential for healthy growth of human body and people can live long life. Therefore best choice of food must be made to empower brain and enjoy the natural world.

Avoid Distractions While studying

Distractions really frustrate students that come in many forms, sizes and sounds. External distractions are noise, people talking, TV, music, phone alerts, and anything else that diverts attention from studies. Internal distractions like hunger, fatigue, illness, stress, worries, and other distracting thoughts can interrupt student’s concentration as much as external distractions.

Students need concentration for preparing for competitive examinations because there is cut throat competition and they have to succeed in their exams. To accomplish such giant goals, they require soothing and comfortable environment. During studies, various distractors occur and immensely affect the performance. These distractions pose a serious threat to their learning productivity.

Following are the some tips to avoid distractors when preparing for competitive examinations

Ø  Studying Without Noise: Noise and other distractions significantly reduce ability to concentrate on, and therefore engage with and retain, complex academic material. To manage such distraction, it is suggested to study in good environment.

Ø  Put your phone on silent mode and place it at the other end of the room. These are major distractor while study.

Ø  Turn off your Internet access.  Internet may create obstacle while studying complex formulas or other material.  Therefore it is better to turn off internet.

Ø  Inform family members and others for privacy as you are preparing for important competitive examination.

Ø  Get proper sleep to refresh yourself. Good health of students increases concentration on studies. If students do not have proper sleep, they may feel tired and it greatly impact on their studies.

Numerous studies show that candidates maintain their peak focus for an average of 1-2 hours a day. Thus, they may want to be highly productive within those few precious hours. Results reveals that most people focus very well in the late morning. 

Usually, distractions are type of alert that calls attention on to something that could be potentially precarious. They may disrupt study in many forms such as sounds, emotions, wayward thoughts, and circumstances. Luckily, candidates can train their brain to automatically stop them from disrupting them and diverting their focus. 

It has been observed that technically advanced devices create more distraction while studying such as smartphones, I-pads, tablets, laptops and high-speed Internet. Therefore while preparing for competitive examination it is significant to remain away from these gadgets.

Woman day Special: "Women voice: Acknowledge our invisible talent"

In ground-breaking transformation in human society, women are still lagging behind.

The modern global dialogue about women’s privileges and involvement in political and other arenas has been heated up since many decades. But in reality, women are not given justice.

It is the sweltering question today: Why women voice is subdued, their talent is not esteemed by so called intellectuals.

Though in present scenario, women are succeeding in business, education, sports and much more but common perception about their role is not changed in the psyche of male dominating society.

In developing nations, role of women is different from industrialized nations. Many of them are at home, do the household chores and care for their children.

People in society consider themselves as broadminded and show that they have great respect for women. Some of them really do and it is appreciable. In huge scale, women prowess is not exploited and cherished. It is waning signal of any society.

When we heard that women cricketer made 6 sixes in six balls, it was not a news. Women cricketer also felt that being a woman, her talent is not being recognized as much as men.

It is well documented in burgeoning studies that women are the most dormant segment of India population and presently become active participants in all walks of life. Women are becoming not only a significant unit of the society but also influencing the course of social change in society. The modern society now begin to recognize the individual identity of women. She is believed to have her aspiration, abilities and qualities as a man does have and it is also established that she should have the opportunities to develop her faculties and to express them according to her own choice.

Women has a power to turn the convoluted scenario to pleasurable and flourishing. Her talent must be acknowledged and they should be given equal status in social structure.

It is proven in many researches that generally, women are inherently honest and can handle even intricate situation with logical mind (Not applicable to all). Talent is intertwined in today’s women as they are groomed with highly educated parents and other social figures.

Let’s make resolution on the occasion of women’s day: 

Listen women’s inner sound. They have extraordinary talent, strong emotional power which can build healthy society and in turn to nation.

Basic principles and management of Pediatric care

Pediatrics is an important field of medical science which deals the health problems and medical care of infants, children, and adolescents, and the age limit usually ranges from birth up to 18 years of age. In some places, it covers the health issues until completion of secondary education, and until age 21 such as in United States. A medical consultant who specializes in this area is called as a paediatrician. Paediatricians work both in hospitals, mainly those working in its specialized subfields such as neonatology, and as primary care physicians who specialize in children.

An accepted component of well child care is the measurement of growth parameters at each health visit. Height, weight and circumference are measured and plotted at each check-up. Professionals who interact with children should be familiar with basic developmental stages and child’s progress through them. Children with complex health care for chronic illness and disability require range of services to achieve an acceptable quality of life. As a result, case management has become important aspect of paediatric care as it helps to ensure that these services are coordinated and delivered in effective way. Paediatric case managers play various role such as locating, accessing and coordinating services.

 Family centred care and care management are major practices in paediatric care. Major elements of Family centred care include the following assumptions:

1.      The family is the constant but health care system and personal change.

2.      Family diversity, strengths and individuality are recognized.

3.      Information is exchanged in complete and unbiased manner.4.      Family to family support is encouraged.

Management of Paediatric Care:

Paediatric Care Management is vital element of the home healthcare industry. Paediatric Nurses and doctors are qualified to perform numerous specialized services in several critical situations such as:

1.      Basic Newborn Care

2.      Adolescent AIDS

3.      Autism Spectrum Disorder

4.      Childhood Cancers and Blood Disorders

5.      Diabetes

6.      Epilepsy

7.      Neuromuscular Disorder

8.      Sensory Disorders

9.      Occupational and Physical Therapy Needs

10.  Speech and Language Therapy

11.  Post-Surgical Care

12.  Wound Care

Home care can be a more suitable technique of care management for children that range from new-born to adolescence and their families instead of hospitalization and residential treatment centre options. Many healthcare services can be offered in the child’s own home such as intravenous therapy, tube feeding, tracheotomy and ventilator care, ambulatory patient care, pain and medication management, incontinence care, meal preparation, personal hygiene assistance, and vital sign management and reporting 

Since last many years, home healthcare for paediatric patients had constantly increased, and is the preferred option for continuous care in the United States. Home healthcare for children is the best way to “optimize each child’s health and function while minimizing recurring or continued hospitalizations through the facility of comprehensive, profitable, family-centred health care reduced in a fostering home environment.

 There are several Steps of Paediatric Transitional Care:

Following patient discharge, there are six main issues that primary care providers should be sure to address:

1.      Establish a partnership with the family to recognize the resources available in supporting the transition process and long-term achievement.

2.      Describe, locate, and involve a medical home.

3.      Guarantee that family members and other care providers are sufficiently trained for the challenges ahead.

4.      Help in the selection of a home nursing agency/providers of supplies and equipment.

5.      Recognize respite care providers.

6.      Freely communicate with the patient’s school district to ensure an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process for school services can be initiated.

Many health professionals have emphasized that parents and caregivers should know these responsibilities and be sure that their primary care provider is ensuring the best possible care for the young patients involved. Paediatric Home Care is a systematic, cooperative effort that must incorporate explicit care coordination, family-centred care, and advanced planning to ensure the best experience for the child, and all those involved in their care.

 Diagnosing HIV Infection in Infants and Children:

There is a need to address the care and treatment of HIV-exposed and infected infants and children. The aim of paediatric HIV/AIDS care and treatment is to maximize resources while guaranteeing provision of unbiased care.

 According to some medical studies, 90% of HIV infection in children is transmitted through the mother during pregnancy, labour and delivery, and after childbirth through breastfeeding. There is a need to detect HIV infection in infants and children at early stage since the disease progresses rapidly in children with 50% mortality by age two. Passively transferred maternal HIV antibodies make interpretation of positive antibody tests difficult in children under 18 months. In order to diagnose HIV infection in children under 18 months, there is a need to detect the virus or its components (i.e. virologic tests). DNA PCR is the preferred method of choice for HIV diagnosis in infants and children under 18 months. Use of Dried Blood Spots (DBS) for DNA PCR is reliable means of increasing access to infant HIV diagnosis since it is easier to obtain, store and transport for centralized testing. In children 18 months and older, rapid antibody tests reliably diagnose HIV infection.

 Major goals of early Diagnosis of HIV in Infants and Children are to distinguish HIV-infected infants early in order to provide them with lifesaving ART, not to exclude infection and to help early access to care and treatment which decreases morbidity and death. A child with suspected HIV infection generally indicates a family/family member with suspected HIV.

Counselling must be done to the parents and issues of consent, competence to consent, disclosure and confidentiality needs. HIV-exposed infants need regular follow-up since they are at risk of morbidity and mortality regardless of infection status.

Paediatrician also take care of patients with asthma. Children with acute asthma exacerbations normally present to an emergency department with signs of respiratory distress. The most severe episodes are possibly life-threatening. Effective treatment depends on the precise and rapid assessment of disease severity at presentation.

 It has been advised by medical experts that along with caring for a child’s primary health concern as well as the requirements of their families, caregivers must address their paediatric patient’s mental health needs. In addition to financial changes, the role of primary care providers must be expanded in promoting the socio-emotional health and well-being of their child and adolescent patients. Effective ways to recover the mental health status of children, and all potentially patients, is through Expressive Therapy techniques. These creative approaches utilize art, music, writing, and movement interactively to help better understand and manage patient’s emotions, promote relaxation, and overcome trauma. While most hospitals deliver children’s life services that integrate these techniques, most children with home care will miss out on the benefits of this type of therapy unless a professional Expressive Therapist is employed for private sessions.

 It is well recognized the significance of the paediatrician’s role to offer medical services for children with the most critical physical and psycho-social conditions. These families often tolerate severe strain in order to navigate many branches of the health system. These families particularly, need a high functioning paediatric medical home that can quickly and proactively offer best quality care as well as promote their ability to successfully self-manage their children’s requirements.

Important note: Above article is based on environmental inputs and reflects the analysis of the writer on the topic. It can be referred to as a general overview. Readers are advised to contact professionals in case of medical information. Any resemblance is just a coincidence. Writer is not responsible for any disagreement.