Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease caused by Leptospira bacteria that may affect both humans and animals. It spreads through the urine of infected animals that can seep in the water or soil.
The bacteria may survive for weeks or months and get into contact with humans through skin or mucous membranes.
Wild and domestic animals alike can be carriers of this bacteria strain. The common carriers include cattle, pigs, horses, dogs, wild animals and rodents.
Multiple cases of leptospirosis occur during flood periods when contaminated soil and water can spread widely in flooded areas. Bacteria enters the body through open wounds, cuts or breaks in the skin that are exposed to contaminated water or through the mucous membranes in the eyes, mouth and nose.
Consuming food and drinks that are contaminated can also lead to infection.
Signs or symptoms of leptospirosis include high fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, jaundice and red eyes. A contaminated person may not exhibit any symptom at all and may become sick within 2 days to 4 weeks after exposure.
The disease may be effectively treated with antibiotics and may last from a few days to 3 weeks or longer. In severe cases where the strain is virulent and the patient’s health is poor, the illness can lead to liver or kidney failure, meningitis, hemorrhages or internal bleeding and in some cases death.
Early and preventive treatment of the disease is essential in the patient’s quick recovery. It is important to be aware of possible exposure to Leptospirosis contaminants and inform your physician about it at the onset of the illness for early detection and proper treatment of the disease.
chemical imbalances in the brain, either hereditary or situational
alcohol or drug abuse
traumatic life events such as death, abuse, or loss
stressful situations
social isolation
medical conditions such as cancer, hypothyroidism, prolonged pain
sleeping disorders
“feeling hopeless”
SYMPTOMS
Agitation, restlessness, and irritability
Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
Feelings of worthlessness, self-hate, and inappropriate guilt
Dramatic change in appetite
Extreme difficulty concentrating
Fatigue and lack of energy
Inactivity and withdrawal from usual activities
Trouble sleeping or excessive sleeping
Thoughts of death or suicide
TESTS
A doctor would create a patient profile to determine what factors are causing depression. This would include events, past or present, that may significantly affect a person’s perception. Laboratory tests would also be conducted to rule out medical conditions or illnesses that may be causing the mood disorder. To check the degree of depression, Beck’s Depression Scale may be used.
TREATMENT
Antidepressant Drugs(always consult your doctor before taking any medication)
St. John’s wort – an over-the-counter herb which may help relieve mild depression
Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, fluvoxamine, citalopram, and escitalopram
Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as desvenlafaxine, venlafaxine, and duloxetine
tricyclic antidepressants
bupropion
monoamine oxidase inhibitors
antipsychotic medications for those with psychotic symptoms, such as delusions or hallucinations
Counseling
Talk therapy
Support Groups
Clinical Procedures
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)- seizures are electrically induced in anesthetized patients for therapeutic effect and treatment for severe depression which has not responded to other treatment
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) – uses high frequency magnetic pulses that target affected areas of the brain
PREVENTION
Take medications correctly and learn how to manage side effects
Exercise more, seek out other activities that bring you pleasure
Maintain good sleep habits
Avoid alcohol and illegal drugs
Talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling
Surround yourself with caring people who have positive-outlooks
Volunteer or get involved in activities in the community
The advancements in technology have been a godsend to many individuals, children included. Along with the advent of the Internet and the evolution of gadgets (computers, laptops, notebooks, tablets, and smartphones), life has become so much easier and enjoyable for a number of people.
Families who live far apart from one another can now talk to each other in real-time, thanks to social networking sites and applications such as FaceTime, Viber, WeChat, etc. Online resources such as dictionaries, encyclopedias, e-books, and e-magazines have made it easier for students to do research work for their assignments and school projects. Video streaming sites, torrent sites, MP3 sites, and gaming sites make it possible for just about anybody to enjoy some downtime and entertain themselves without having to leave the house. Moreover, advanced technology has allowed people to work remotely from the comforts of their own home; thus, they have more time to devote to their families.
image via http://greatkids.outdoors.org
Indeed, it’s impossible to ignore how technology has swiftly changed our lives. However, despite these advantages, some of the simpler and priceless things in life are being set aside. Due to over dependence on technology, kids would rather stay indoors and fire away on their gaming consoles that spend a nice day playing outside. Parents fare no better. They, too, stay cooped up inside their rooms or dens watching movies or browsing the Internet.
Studies have shown time and again how crucial quality time between parents and children is to the overall development of children. Hence, before things take a turn for the worse, it would be a good idea for parents to start spending time with their kids. A great activity that both parents and kids would enjoy is biking.
Nowadays, there is such a thing known as urban bicycling. As the name suggests, this bicycling is done in an urban environment as opposed to the usual route one takes when riding a bike – through inner streets or residential areas where traffic is sparse. While the idea seems quite intimidating especially since safety for children becomes an issue, urban bicycling actually offers many benefits not only to the parents but also to the children.
For one thing, children are naturally curious and riding their bikes throughout the city is a great way for them to explore the environment. In a way, it expands a child’s spectrum beyond his classroom and home. While biking around with their parents, they become exposed to people and places between their homes and schools. Since urban roads are rife with street signs and other signage, children learn to read and understand these, which is another benefit to urban cycling.
A third benefit is that children learn to read maps, navigate through traffic, and interact with pedestrians and motorists. Fourth, bicycling is a good form of exercise. Fifth, it teaches children the value of green living. They would be in a better position to understand how car pollution adversely affects the environment and how bicycling fares differently.
There are kid-friendly urban group rides being organized in different areas these days. Moreover, in some areas, there are designated bike routes throughout the city where kids can ride with their parents. Efforts are being made to ensure that risks of serious injury are significantly reduced. Besides, if parents were bicycling with their children, their safety would always be paramount.
Hence, if you want your kids to explore a world other than their computers and video games, try urban bicycling. It’s a cool hobby for the whole family.
