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APHASIA, a little-known neurological disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate, became an international topic of conversation recently when the family of actor Bruce Willis announced he has the condition and would be retiring from acting. Prior to the announcement, many people had never heard of the condition, according to the most recent survey from the National Aphasia Association — even though it is more common than multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or muscular dystrophy — and affects around 2 million people in the United States, with nearly 180,000 people developing the condition each year. Health Matters spoke with Dr. Mitchell Elkind, an attending neurologist on t...

Lupus, formally known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues and organs. This chronic condition can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, brain, and blood cells. Lupus primarily affects women, with the majority of cases being diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 44, although it can occur at any age and can affect men as well. Symptoms and Challenges Lupus is often called the "great imitator" because its symptoms can mimic those of other diseases, making it challenging to diagnose. Common symptoms of lupus include extreme fatigue, joint pain and swelli...

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver, causing inflammation and potentially leading to severe complications. It is a significant global health concern, with an estimated 257 million people living with chronic hepatitis B infection worldwide. In this blog, we will explore the causes, symptoms, and prevention strategies for hepatitis B, shedding light on this important public health issue. What is Hepatitis B? Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), which is transmitted through contact with infected blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or other body fluids of an infected person. The virus can be transmitted through various means, including sexual contact, s...

Sleep is an essential part of our lives, allowing our bodies and minds to recharge and rejuvenate. However, for millions of people around the world, sleep is disrupted by a common yet often undiagnosed condition called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). In this blog, we will delve into the world of sleep apnea, exploring its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and available treatment options. By shedding light on this potentially serious condition, we hope to raise awareness and help individuals seek the support they need for a restful night's sleep and improved overall health.   1. Understanding Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by repetitive episode...

Body shaming is a harmful and hurtful practice that has become increasingly prevalent in modern society. It refers to the act of making derogatory comments or judgments about a person's physical appearance, often with the intention of belittling or humiliating them. Unfortunately, body shaming is all too common and can have serious psychological and emotional effects on the person being targeted. There are many different ways in which body shaming can occur. It might take the form of direct criticism, such as comments about someone's weight, height, or body shape. It might also involve more subtle forms of discrimination, such as exclusion from social events or opportunities because of a pe...

Birth control pills, also known as oral contraceptives, are a popular method of birth control that have been used for decades. They contain hormones that prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to reach the egg. While birth control pills are highly effective at preventing pregnancy, they also come with a range of pros and cons that are important to consider before deciding to use them. PROS OF USING BIRTH CONTROL PILLS: Highly effective: When taken correctly, birth control pills are over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. Convenience: Birth control pills are easy to use and can be taken at home, making them a convenient option for many women. Regul...

Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, is a type of surgical procedure performed on people who are severely overweight or obese. The surgery aims to reduce the size of the stomach or limit the amount of food that can be consumed, which results in weight loss. There are several types of bariatric surgery, including gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, adjustable gastric banding, and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. The choice of procedure depends on the individual's medical history, body mass index (BMI), and other factors. The benefits of bariatric surgery include: Weight loss: Bariatric surgery can result in significant weight loss, which can improve overall heal...

Dubai: The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has issued Ramadan nutrition tips and dos and don’ts for iftar and suhoor. The authority took to social media to also provide advice to avoid dehydration and digestive issues while fasting. IFTAR TIPS • Start your iftar with soup to replenish the fluids lost in your body while fasting • Break your fast with a few dates and a glass of water • Eat fruits daily, set a certain time after iftar to have fruits so you don’t forget • Avoid frying food and opt for baking, steaming or boiling it instead. You can also use an air fryer, if available • Avoid using sauces like mayonnaise, ketchup and mustard Don’t • Eat pickles and salty foods as they cause...

April is recognized as STD Awareness Month. The goal of this month-long observance is to raise awareness about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and encourage individuals to take steps to protect themselves and their partners. STDs are infections that can be transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. There are many different types of STDs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), and HIV. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), STDs are a significant public health problem in the United States. In 2020, there were over 2.5 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis reported to the CDC...

Sleep is an essential part of our lives, as it is the time when our body repairs and rejuvenates itself. However, many of us prioritize quantity over quality when it comes to sleep, often believing that more sleep is always better. While it is true that we need a certain amount of sleep each night, focusing on quality over quantity can be even more beneficial for our overall health and well-being. In this blog, we will discuss why quality of sleep is more important than quantity for a better life. Firstly, quality sleep is essential for physical health. During sleep, our body repairs and regenerates tissues, including the heart and blood vessels. A lack of quality sleep has been linked to a...