How NCD affects progression of COVID-19

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause for global mortality rates and also responsible for 70% of global deaths. However, due to the COVID-19 outbreak infectious diseases have spiked mortality and morbidity rates across the world. According to new research studies there is an impact of Non-Communicable Diseases on progression and prognosis of infectious diseases such as COVID-19.

Is diabetes as incurable as we think it is?

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) diabetes ‘is a chronic, metabolic disease characterised by elevated levels of blood glucose (or blood sugar), which, over time,

Dealing with pregnancy loss

Hearing about the death of a baby before or after birth can cause a mother to plunge into the depths of depression. This is quite heartbreaking,

New study finds Nearly 100,000 people catching COVID-19 daily

A study by Imperial College London, says the pace of the epidemic is accelerating and estimates the number of people infected is now doubling every nine days.

urinary infections in children

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are a common malady encountered in children as well as adults. It is the cause of around 7-15% of the fever in children. Timely treatment of UTI is especially important because neglecting urinary infections in children may lead to kidney damage. Health Capsule consulted Dr.Maheshaka Wijayawardena, Consultant Paediatrician at Base Hospital, Wathupitiwala to obtain more information about this important topic.

Drinking hot water DOESN’T cure COVID

With an alarming rise in the number of COVID-19 infected individuals and successive deaths there is absolute panic rising among the citizens.

Obesity: A silent pandemic

While hunger and famine continue to consume some parts of the world, the others battle a burden of contrasting nature. Obesity is a medical condition described as excess body weight in the form of fat.

Antibodies ‘fall rapidly’ after COVID infection

The Imperial College London team found the number of people testing positive for antibodies has fallen by 26% between June and September.

261 more fresh Covid-19 cases reported

A total of 261 fresh Covid-19 patients were reported rising the total positive cases detected so far today to 541, the Government Information Department said.

Overcoming negative mental health impacts of COVID-19

As we are passing through quite an uncertain period in our lives, it is quite normal to experience bouts of stress, anxiety, depression and other advanced psychological stressors. This could vary from individual to individual. With unpleasant levels of stigmatization, those who contract the virus will be in denial and would not want to come out in public even after they are fully recovered.

Incidence of polio has been reduced

Reported to have paralyzed around 1000 children per day and reporting around 350 000 annual cases, polio was one of the most feared diseases in the 20th century.

What you should know about stuttering

International Stuttering Awareness Day (ISAD) falls on October 22 and this year’s theme is “Spread the Word – Education, Cooperation, Communication.” Stuttering may not be a huge issue for who those who don’t have it, but for the ones with the condition, saying their own name can be a night mare. This tends to end them up with various negative consequences, like mental break down, as a result of being bullied and teased on a daily basis.

Who is more likely to get ‘long-COVID’?

Medics warn on new COVID cluster

The emergence of a new COVID-19 cluster has reminded the citizenry that the pandemic isn’t over yet. People have been asked to take extra precautions since the virulence levels in the virus were found to be high. While reminding the citizenry to take preventive measures, medics also suggest increased surveillance and monitoring as means of detecting cases quickly. Here’s what medics observe regarding the emergence of the new cluster.

Coping with studies and exams

It’s the exam season and students must be busying cramping their brains with subject matter. But exams are perceived as a negative experience for children. Speaking to Mirror Health Capsule, Dr. Heshani Karunathilake, Medical Officer-in-charge of Yowun Piyasa, Mithuru Piyasa counseling centre Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Kalubowila explained how studies and exams could be transformed into an enjoyable experience.

Early detection of Breast cancer and its impact on women’s health  

The world over Breast Cancer is the commonest cancer in women. According to World Health Organisation (WHO) statistics 2.1 million women are affected each year. In 2018 an estimated 627,000 women died due to Breast cancer accounting to 15% all cancer deaths among women.

Bats should not be blamed for COVID outbreak

The precise origin of the virus that has wreaked such havoc across the world has not been pinned down.

1926 A chat service to make you feel better

Elevated rates of stress or anxiety, high levels of drug and alcohol dependence, loneliness, depression and suicidal behaviours are said to be direct impacts on mental health resulting from the pandemic.

Let’s keep our eyes healthy

“Cherished like the apple of his eye” – that figure of speech underscores the huge importance we place on our sense of sight. Eyes are precious to us. With that in mind, “The World Sight Day 2020” was celebrated yesterday (08) globally under this year’s theme, “Hope In Sight”.

Reintroduce, expand and sustain PCR testing

With the resurgence of COVID-19 medical experts have reiterated on the importance of testing oneself if any signs of fever, cough or cold prevail.

Countries gear up for better emergency preparedness

COVID-19 will not be the world’s last health emergency and there is an urgent need for sustainable health emergency preparedness to deal with the next one.

Pregnancy during a pandemic

With COVID-19 being one of the leading health issues globally, the need to safeguard oneself from being exposed to the disease is crucial and more so if you are an expectant mother. In discussion with Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist of the DGH Nawalapitiya, Dr. Kanishke Samaranayake, today’s Health Capsule will be focusing on how best pregnant mothers could cope with the pandemic.

Dengue fever in children

Dengue fever is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Sri Lankan children. Therefore it never hurts to refresh and update our knowledge on this potentially life-threatening disease, especially since the rainy season is upon us, allowing mosquito breeding grounds to thrive and paving the way to increase incidence of dengue fever. Today we will consult Dr. Maheshaka Wijayawardena, Consultant Pediatrician at Base Hospital, Wathupitiwala

End Gynaecomastia with a simple surgery

Male breast enlargement or ‘Gynaecomastia’ is defined as the presence of >2 cm of palpable, firm, subareolar gland and ductal breast tissue. The male breast comprises two main components, glandular tissue (firm and dense) and fatty tissue (soft). The ratio of glandular to fatty tissue in any breast varies from individual to individual and in gynaecomastia there may be an excess of both.

Importance of fertility care

Infertility affects millions of people of reproductive age worldwide – and has an impact on their families and communities.

Let’s be ‘Heart Smart’

World heart day, which falls on September 29, is a day of great importance that aims in spreading awareness on prevention of cardiovascular diseases that are abundant in the world. Since heart diseases are quite serious and can barge into your life unexpectedly, it is important that people make it their responsibility to follow preventive measures and lead a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Potential pandemic within next couple of years?

Having read several write-ups on pandemics, during the past couple of months, we now know what exactly the term ‘pandemic’ means and how debilitating it can be! While deviating a bit away from COVID-19, having dealt with it successfully, let’s get our eyes on an age-related neurological condition which has the potential of becoming a pandemic within the next few years, affecting us more than ever before. This will set the stage for an unprecedent

Early prediction of Renal Crystals

Kidney stones have become quite a painful health concern. A considerable number of people have been diagnosed with renal stone diseases during the recent past. Different advanced technologies are being used to diagnose and treat kidney stone diseases.

Tobacco responsible for 20% of deaths from CHD

Every year, 1.9 million people die from tobacco-induced heart disease, according to a new brief released by the World Health Organization, World Heart Federation and the University of Newcastle Australia ahead of World Heart Day, marked on 29 September.

Keeping a tab on Cholesterol from a young age

According to WHO records, increased cholesterol level is estimated to cause 2.6 million deaths (4.5% of total) and 29.7 million disability adjusted life years. Total cholesterol is a major cause of disease in both the developed and developing countries.