Photo by Bruce Tang on Unsplash A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. Recognizing the warning signs and acting fast can prevent severe complications and save lives.   What Is a Stroke? A stroke occurs when your brain does not receive sufficient blood flow. There are two main types of strokes: • Ischaemic stroke: the most frequent type, occurs due to an arterial blockage. • Haemorrhagic stroke: occurs when there is a rupture of a brain artery, resulting in internal bleeding.   Recognizing Stroke Symptoms – The FAST Method One of the easiest ways to remember the warning signs of a stroke is the FAST method: F – Face Drooping: which might present as uneven smiles or one side of the face that doesn’t move when asked to smile. A – Arm Weakness: with one arm drifting downward when the person raises both arms. S – Speech Difficulty: Listen for slurred or strange speech. Ask the...

  Photo by Usman Yousaf on Unsplash Ever had a headache that left you wondering if it was just stress or something more serious? Headaches come in many forms, and knowing the difference can help you decide whether to seek help or simply relax and treat it at home.   Understanding Headaches A headache refers to pain or discomfort in your head or neck area. While almost everyone experiences headaches at some point, they can vary greatly. The types include: Tension Headaches: are the most common type, and often caused by stress or muscle tension. You might feel a steady ache or pressure around your forehead or the back of your head. Migraines: are usually more intense lasting at least 4 hours and can come with other symptoms like nausea, sensitivity to light, or even vision changes. Cluster Headaches: are severe, often occurring on one side of the head, and tend to come in groups over a period of time.   When to Worry: W...

  Photo by Steven HWG on Unsplash In many homes, we chalk memory lapses up to aging or ‘just being tired.’ But what if these are early signs of something more serious? This June, Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, we’re demystifying Alzheimer’s and showing how everyone can protect their brain health.   What Is Alzheimer’s Disease? Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, a progressive brain disease that gradually destroys memory and cognitive function. Unlike normal aging, Alzheimer’s involves buildup of abnormal protein plaques (amyloid) and tangles inside brain cells, leading to cell death and shrinking of key brain regions. Patients may initially struggle with short-term memory but eventually lose the ability to recognize even loved ones. Rising life expectancy and growing elderly populations mean more families will face Alzheimer’s, even if awareness remains low.   Common Myths About Alzheimer’s Myth: “Memory loss is an inevitable par...

  Photo by CDC on Unsplash Did you know that pneumonia is one of the leading causes of illness around the world? This is a lung infection that can strike anyone, from children to the elderly. It has specifically been implicated as the single largest cause of death among children worldwide.   What Is Pneumonia? Pneumonia is an infection that affects the tiny air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs. These air sacs are typically filled with air in a healthy individual but can become fluid or pus filled in pneumonia, making breathing difficult. Pneumonia can be caused by various microorganisms but most commonly is caused by bacteria.   Risk Factors include: ·        Young children & the elderly as their immune systems are not as strong. ·        People with chronic illnesses like HIV, asthma, and heart disease which make it harder to fight infections. ·        Smokers &...

  Photo by Maxim Tolchinskiy on Unsplash Data has shown that a majority of the global population breath in air that is beyond the WHO guideline limits. Air pollution isn’t just about exhaust smokes in big cities, it’s a silent threat that affects our lungs and overall health every day. What Is Air Pollution? Air pollution refers to contamination of our indoor and outdoor atmospheric environment by harmful particles and gases filling the air we breathe. These pollutants come from: Man-made activities: Vehicle emissions, factories, and power plants. Natural Sources: Wildfires, dust storms, and volcanic activity. Even though they are not always visible, these pollutants are in the air and they can harm your body.   How Air Pollution Affects Your Lungs When you breathe in polluted air, tiny particles enter your lungs and can cause problems both immediately and later on. Short-term effects include: Coughing and throat irritation. ...

Photo by Mathew MacQuarrie on Unsplash The effect of smoking goes beyond physical effects like yellowing teeth and bad breath. A single cigarette might seem like a small indulgence, but over the years, smoking can wreak havoc on your body. In this article, we explore how smoking affects your health, the diseases it can cause, its impact on those around you, and practical steps to help you quit.   How Smoking Affects Your Body Over Time Smoking doesn't just hurt your lungs; it affects nearly every part and function of your body: Lungs & Respiratory System: Over time, smoking damages your airways and air sacs. This can lead to chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and even lung cancer. Your lungs lose their ability to clear out harmful substances, making you more susceptible to infections. Heart & Blood Vessels: Smoking increases your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. The chemicals in cigarette smoke can damage the l...

  Hypertension (high blood pressure) is estimated to affect billions of people worldwide. It is often referred to as “the silent killer” because of its symptom-less presentation in majority of cases. In this article, we’ll break down what hypertension is, why it’s dangerous, and what you can do to keep your heart healthy.   What Is Hypertension? Hypertension simply refers to a condition where the pressure within your blood vessels is too high. Numerically, hypertension is diagnosed if, when it is measured on two different days, the systolic blood pressure readings on both days are ≥140 mmHg and/or the diastolic blood pressure readings on both days are ≥90 mmHg. ·        Systolic pressure - refers to the pressure within your blood vessels when your heart beats. ·        Diastolic pressure - pressure within the blood vessels when your heart rests between beats. When either number is consistently elevated, yo...