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Choose the right lifestyle – start anti-aging for your brain now

Individual differences in aging progress speed are significant. In a study, researchers examined the aging rates of 954 people between the ages of 26 and 38. The study evaluated 12 physical traits as indications, including body weight, kidney function, and the firmness of the dental bed. It was discovered that the disparity in these people’s physical ages grew significantly by the time they were 38 years old. Some of the 38-year-olds looked as if they were less than 30 years old, while those who were aging quickly had bodies that showed the biological signs of being 60 years old, looked a little brown, and lacked vigor despite only being 38 years old. There are nearly a thousand people in total, some of whom are between the ages of 26 and 38, and some of whom are aging physically by three years per year. People who age more quickly physically also have a faster decline in mental capacity.

 

The power of your brain to fight off aging can be considerably improved by making the appropriate lifestyle decisions early on. You will also have greater “strategic reserves” when dealing with pathological brain aging or even Alzheimer’s disease. These lifestyle decisions span the intellectual, social, and physical realms. The more healthy lifestyle choices someone makes, the more probable they are to fend off dementia’s “onslaught”.

 

If you want to slow the aging of your brain, you can book an online medical consultation, especially if you suspect you have early signs of Alzheimer.

 

So what are the factors that have an impact on the aging brain?

 

1.Age

Cognitive ability in the brain often reaches its peak between the ages of 20 and 30. Our cognitive abilities are essentially consistent when we are young adults, but as we age, our memories get worse and worse.

 

Moreover, brain plasticity declines with aging. The ability of the brain to continuously modify its neural circuits in response to external inputs is known as brain plasticity. It is entirely possible to live and learn as we become older, even though our capacity to pick up new information and adapt to changing situations will diminish to some level. This is because brain plasticity will always exist.

 

2.Secretion of hormones

Dopamine and brain aging are connected concepts. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is frequently found in the brain and is directly linked to many different processes, including motivation, reward, learning, and movement. All of the brain’s circuits secrete less dopamine as we age, which reduces brain plasticity and results in stiff motions, a reduction as in amplitude of arm swings, and other signs of aging.

 

3.Environmental aspects

Environmental elements, such lifestyle choices, are crucial for preserving brain health as we age. At age 11, half of a person’s IQ is determined by genetics, according to a 2012 study from psychologists at the University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom that was published in the journal Nature. The study followed more than 2,000 people over a long period of time. However, at the age of 70, genes only account for about a quarter of IQ and the rate of intellectual decline. Therefore, even those who are intelligent as youngsters risk becoming average if they don’t lead healthy lifestyles as they get older.

 

4.Air toxicity

Alzheimer’s disease incidence may increase as a result of air pollution. According to a demographic study that spanned 11 years, exposure to air pollution that was higher than the EPA’s guideline for the microscopic particles pm2.5 tripled the prevalence of dementia in older women and grew it by 20% in the general population. According to a different study that was published in the prestigious medical journal Lancet, those who lived 50 meters near a busy road had a 14% higher risk of dementia than those who lived 200 meters away, where there were more than ten times as many microscopic air pollutants. The very small airborne particles that can enter the cerebellar neurons through the nasal lining and cause an immune inflammatory response and protein plaque deposition in the brain, as well as a reduction in brain size and poor myelination of nerve fibers, may be the reason why air pollution increases the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease.

 

The most crucial question now is: what are the proven scientific ways to delay aging?

 

All types of education and learning

Learning is the most important stage in the battle against brain aging. This applies to all modes of learning, not just formal education. A bilingual individual, for instance, is someone who has simultaneously learned two languages. Comparing bilinguals to monolinguals, the age of dementia can be postponed by an average of 4 years. The rate of cognitive deterioration in the brain can be greatly slowed down by learning a second language.

 

People with more education lose intelligence at roughly the same rate before the cognitive decline node, while those with more education arrive at the mental decline node later than those with less education. Amazingly, though, the brains of those with higher levels of education also begin to decline significantly more quickly once the node is reached. In other words, having more education in your early years will delay but shorten the process of rapid mental decline that occurs in your older years. The more knowledge you have, the shorter the duration of dementia symptoms, according to James Fries, a professor at Stanford University.

 

Participate in society

The effects of aging on cognitive capacities can be slowed down by engaging in social activities. Social interaction in this context does not refer to WeChat friendships or online networking, but rather to in-person interactions with friends and family because these are the interpersonal skills that are known to safeguard brain function. In other words, your risk of developing Alzheimer’s declines with your social skills. Age-related cognitive deterioration is 70% slower in older adults who are actively socializing than in those who don’t. It’s interesting that this protective effect only occurs with positive socialization. Alzheimer’s disease was more likely to affect people who frequently communicated with their kids but weren’t content with how they connected with them.

 

Engage in physical exercise

Physical activity can delay the aging of the brain. Long-distance running, jogging, swimming, and other forms of aerobic exercise can encourage the release of neurotrophic factors in the brain, improve cognitive function, lower the risk of depression and stroke, and lessen the signs and symptoms of dementia. Muscle cells release “Irisin” during exercise, which not only encourages lipolysis and weight loss but also penetrates the brain and encourages the development of neurotrophic factors, enhancing cognitive function and lowering the risk of dementia.

 

Diet

Dieting, or restricting calories, can considerably lengthen life expectancy. Long-term calorie restriction can also delay or prevent several aging-related disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease. A protein in the body called mTOR is blocked when animals consume only six or seven parts, which improves autophagy, the body’s method of removing cellular waste. As a result of this process, the body recycles and repairs damaged cell components and produces less reactive oxygen species, which lessens the likelihood that these species would assault other organs and DNA, extending life.

 

Antibiotics may have an anti-aging impact because inflammation is linked with aging. Scientists have extended the lifespan of two-month-old mice—the equivalent of a 60-year-old human being—by 10% by administering antibiotics; antibiotic treatment of Alzheimer’s also produced notable improvements in brain function. You shouldn’t take antibiotics by yourself at home because they can seriously harm your health and depress your immune system.

 

Should you be unable to visit a clinic in person, the MyCLNQ app is here to help you by connecting you to a professional immediately. Download the app today for easy access to various health services, such as online medical consultation and virtual ART test in Singapore.

 

 

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Dealing With Long COVID: Ways To Manage The Symptoms

Those infected with COVID-19 generally recover over time, especially under the Home Recovery Programme. However, if your initial infection was weeks or months ago, yet you are still experiencing the symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue, you may be among those who have long COVID.

Chronic COVID or long-haul COVID is a condition wherein affected individuals experience the long-term effects or symptoms of the infection and are not 100% fully recovered. Feeling fatigued and dealing with shortness of breath can be frustrating for those with long COVID. So, how can these effects linger, and what are the ways to feel better?

Understanding long COVID

Although long COVID does not have a universal clinical definition, the CDC states that some of those infected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus may experience its long-term effects, classified as post-COVID conditions or long COVID.

Research on long COVID and its impact is still ongoing, but there are a few known facts about it:

• Those infected with COVID-19 can experience long COVID, even persons who only experienced mild symptoms or none.
• Long COVID typically manifests in persons who had a severe COVID infection.
• Unvaccinated persons infected with the virus are at a higher risk of long COVID.
• It is possible to test negative for COVID-19 or not know you were infected, yet still experience long COVID symptoms.

One study showed that 1 in 8 people infected with COVID-19 would experience the symptoms up to three months post-infection. It is also possible for those reinfected for the second or third time to develop long COVID.

Fatigue and breathlessness in long COVID

Fatigue and breathlessness are the most common symptoms in those experiencing long COVID. Everyone gets tired sometimes, but fatigue is different in that you are overly tired to the point that your normal functioning is impaired.

For example, you may have difficulty waking in the morning or making it through a regular day, affecting your professional and personal life. A recent study shows that nearly 70% of those initially infected with the virus still experience fatigue 3 to 12 months post-infection.

Similarly, shortness of breath or dyspnea is when you feel your chest tightening, making taking deep breaths difficult.

If you have long COVID, everyday movements like walking around or taking a flight of stairs may be enough to get you winded. Breathlessness after having COVID-19 could also mean that the infection has caused damage to your respiratory system.

There is also a growing concern about dyspnea and the added stress it puts on your heart and cardiovascular system as it has to do more work.

For instance, when hyperventilating, your expected blood pressure and expected heart rate will be higher than that of a person breathing normally. Increases in these two could be stressful for persons already experiencing cardiovascular issues.

Treating these long COVID symptoms

Suppose you are sure that your tiredness and shortness of breath are not run-of-the-mill conditions. In that case, it is vital to confirm it first by getting an online medical consultation and speaking with a healthcare provider. For fatigue, several lifestyle changes can help manage it:

• Getting quality sleep
• Limiting or avoiding alcohol consumption
• Eating a proper diet
• Managing stress
• Regular exercise
• Taking breaks throughout the day

If you are dealing with dyspnea or other respiratory conditions 6 to 8 weeks after your initial COVID infection, it is recommended to consult a specialist as soon as possible.

Other methods to improve your lung function include:

• Regular exercise
• Oxygen therapy
• Prescribed medication

Conclusion

If you are ever concerned about having long COVID, do not hesitate to consult your doctor, but note that it is still challenging to pinpoint precisely how COVID has affected your body. Nonetheless, working closely with your doctor will ultimately improve your condition, but it will take some time.

If you need medical help to deal with long COVID, seek a doctor through the MyCLNQ app today. As the leading app for telemedicine in Singapore, MyCLNQ lets you consult a doctor online for any of your health concerns, engage the services of a private ambulance, and purchase medical products on your smartphone.

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Hypertension: What To Know And Lifestyle Changes To Curb It

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a widespread health concern in Singapore. As per the 2019 Singapore National Health Survey, 1 out of 6 six (15.6%) Singapore residents aged 18 to 74 years reported that they had hypertension — all of which were, at that time, on prescribed medication.

Hypertension is quite a common issue that typically develops among individuals over time, with symptoms not noticeable until several years later. However, even without showing visible signs, one can still have high blood pressure that damages blood vessels and organs.

A brief summary of hypertension

Hypertension develops when arteries (your blood vessels) create resistance to blood flow, narrowing blood pathways. This causes the heart to pump blood with more force, increasing blood pressure.

How do I know if I have hypertension?

As mentioned above, you cannot detect hypertension during the early stages due to the lack of symptoms. However, early detection is essential. For those with a family history of blood pressure, it’s best to monitor yours as early as possible.

Significant changes to your blood pressure should be taken note of, so consult your readings with your doctor. When at home, even providers of telemedicine in Singapore can give you an accurate diagnosis.

What can I do if I have hypertension?

Thankfully, even if you are diagnosed with hypertension, you can lessen and curb harmful symptoms by sticking to some specific lifestyle changes.

• Develop a diet that’s good for the heart

A heart-healthy diet is essential to reduce the risk. Cut down on fatty foods, red meats, fried and cholesterol-heavy foods, and salty foods (salty foods contain sodium). Limit food with refined sugars as well.

In turn, add fruits and vegetables to your diet. Whole grains and lean proteins like fish will also be able to substitute meats and dairy.

• Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption

Tobacco can damage internal body tissues, including the arteries that deliver blood across the body. Excessive alcohol consumption can also heighten blood pressure. That is why doctors may advise smokers with hypertension to quit smoking.

• Increase physical activity

Living a sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of hypertension, while exercise naturally lowers it. A well-exercised body can strengthen your cardiovascular system, allowing your heart to pump blood with less internal pressure. Make sure to exercise in reasonable amounts and do not overdo it.

• Reach an optimal weight

If your doctor recommends it, set weight loss goals. Follow through on exercise habits and use an appropriate body-mass index to help decrease blood pressure.

• Manage stress

Avoid exacerbating hypertension with stress. When you do experience stress symptoms, release it through healthy, productive ways. Meditation, deep breathing, massages, or yoga are excellent activities for not just hypertension relief, but also for mental health.

Conclusion

Since hypertension is hard to detect, it’s advised to monitor blood pressure regularly to catch early signs. Should you catch the slightest symptoms and suspect it is related to hypertension, it is better to be safe than sorry. Hence, in this case, you should contact providers of telemedicine in Singapore for a check-up and diagnosis.

Should you be unable to visit a clinic in person, the MyCLNQ app is here to help you by connecting you to a professional immediately. Download the app today for easy access to various health services, such as online medical consultation and virtual ART test in Singapore.

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Arthritis: What Are The 5 Things You Should Learn About It?

Arthritis is one of the most common joint disorders affecting around 350 million people worldwide. This disorder often causes pain and inflammation, making it difficult for you to move or stay active. If you are constantly experiencing joint discomfort along with swelling, redness, and stiffness, there is a high chance that you have arthritis.

Although arthritis can be treated and is usually not a cause of panic, it is still necessary for you to book an online medical consultation, especially if it already causes chronic pain that lasts at least 3 months long.

To fight off arthritis, gaining a deeper understanding of the disorder is essential. Below are some of the most important things you should know about arthritis.

1. There are over 100 types of arthritis

The word “arthritis” is an umbrella term for numerous conditions related to the joints. Although 100 seems like a huge number, this is the number of arthritis types that can affect you.

Of these 100 types of arthritis, there are classified into two major categories: degenerative arthritis and inflammatory arthritis. The first one is wear-and-tear on the joints, while the latter involves inflammation around the joints that can cause damage. 

2. Injury increases the risk of arthritis

Arthritis can be caused by several risk factors, including family history, age, sex, and obesity. However, aside from these, another major precursor for this type of joint disorder is physical injury.

If you fall, break your finger, or blow out a knee, your risk of developing arthritis becomes relatively higher. This is because any injury can disrupt the mechanics of your joint. So, to avoid arthritis, it is essential to constantly watch your step and immediately see a virtual doctor in Singapore if you have a trouble spot.

 3. Arthritis affects more than just the hands and knees 

The areas usually affected by arthritis are those in or around joints. Joints are parts of your body where bones meet, such as your knees and hands.

However, apart from these two areas, arthritis can also cause pain or discomfort in your other body parts, including your hips, back, neck, and shoulders. Essentially, you can develop arthritis in any joint.

4. Arthritis does not only develop among the elderly

There is a popular misconception that arthritis is only an illness that affects the elderly. However, this joint disorder does not discriminate when it comes to age.

Just like adults, children can get arthritis too. As a matter of fact, more and more young and active Singaporeans are being reported to be suffering from osteoarthritis, a form of degenerative arthritis that occurs most frequently in the hands, hips, and knees.

5. There is no cure for arthritis

At present, there is still no known cure for arthritis. Nonetheless, treatments for the disease have greatly improved over the years. Today, for many types of arthritis, particularly inflammatory arthritis, there is already a clear advantage in starting treatment early on.

An early and effective treatment plan can help you manage the disorder and prevent it from affecting your lifestyle. The standard treatments for arthritis are medications, physical therapy, and surgery.

Conclusion

Arthritis is a manageable disease you can overcome through early diagnosis and regular treatments. Knowing the essential facts about arthritis can increase your chances of responding more quickly and intelligently.

Again, arthritis is not usually a cause of panic. Still, it is always best to undergo an online medical consultation once the disease symptoms start taking a toll on your well-being.

Luckily, consulting a doctor has already been made more accessible and more convenient than ever with the inception of the best app for telemedicine in Singapore – MyCLNQ.

MyCLNQ is a comprehensive tool that can help you with all your healthcare needs, from supervised ART test booking to engaging a private ambulance service in Singapore. By downloading this app, you can already have your medical consultations anytime, without much hassle.

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Not All Plant-Based Diets Are The Same: Find How?

A plant-based diet entails ingesting components derived from plants as your main food sources. According to studies, people who frequently eat a lot of wholesome plant-based meals are less likely to suffer from chronic conditions like cancer, type II diabetes, heart disease, or inflammation. Unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins (like folic acid), minerals (like potassium), fiber, and protein are just a few of the nutrients that are abundant in plants and good for the body’s health. Additionally, consuming a plant-based diet is frequently directly linked to a lower risk of obesity and the emergence of many chronic diseases.

But not all plant-based diets are the same, and some practices related to them might be more detrimental than beneficial. Everything you need to know about following a wholesome plant-based diet is covered in this article.

 

Q: What is a plant-based diet?

A: A plant-based diet, expressed simply, consists mostly of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains (such cooked oats and brown rice), with a small amount of lean meats and low-fat dairy products.

 

Q: What constitutes an unhealthy plant-based diet?

A: Overly processed foods are the main culprit because they frequently contain extra salt and sugar during processing. As a result, these foods are distinguished by their high calorie content, added sugar, salt, and fat, low nutritional value, and use of low-cost industrial additives in their processing.

However, we cannot generalize, and not all food processing is detrimental. If we want to know whether a food is a healthy plant-based food, we need to look at food labels more carefully to see what ingredients are added to the food during processing. For instance, frozen and canned veggies are a good addition to the organism’s diet.

Here are some typical harmful plant-based diets for your reference.

• Commercially produced breads, pastries, cakes and cookies.
• Carbonated beverages.
• Prepackaged snacks.
• Flavored dairy beverages.
• Breakfast cereals.
• Energy bars.
• Ready-to-eat sauces, soups, pasta pots and desserts.

 

Q: What is the difference between a plant-based diet and the vegetarian diet we usually refer to?

A: A vegan diet entails total abstinence from all foods derived from animals, including honey and other non-directly animal-derived goods. The main distinction between a plant-based diet and a vegetarian diet is that the former does not demand that you fully give up meat, which is also full of healthy nutrients like protein, vitamin B, iron, and zinc.

However, there are high and low levels of meat. For example, red meat frequently includes high quantities of saturated fatty acids, while processed meats, like as burgers and hot dogs, contain high levels of sodium.

Consumption of red meat and processed meats, such as burgers and hot dogs, is often directly associated to an individual’s higher risk of cancer, heart disease, and mortality, compared to consumption of white meat, such as chicken and fish, will often lessen the chance of death.

A balanced plant-based diet therefore calls for a small amount of lean meat and low-fat dairy products in addition to a large variety of unprocessed fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes.

Q: How does a plant-based diet help us stay young?

A: A plant-based diet has long been known to be healthy. First off, a plant-based diet has a high proportion of fiber, so you can get enough of that. You can also get enough protein from the diet as a whole and enough antioxidants if you stick to a plant-based diet. From these angles, it can aid in maintaining a healthy metabolism and helping girls retain a nice body shape, so indirectly reducing the aging process.

 

Q: What particular groups of people ought to try plant-based diets?

A: A variety of demographics are suitable for experimenting with plant-based diets.

• People who should reduce their weight;
• People who may get diabetes;
• People with a cardiovascular disease risk factor.

 

Q: For people who are new to plant-based diets, how can they start to get used to them gradually?

A: In fact, as long as the intake of fruits and vegetables is progressively increased, switching to a plant-based diet is fairly simple. You can then decide whether to stick with a plant-based diet or switch to a vegetarian one.

 

Q: Are there any recommendations for choosing food?

A: All healthy dietary choices are similar to food choices. Naturally, choosing safe ingredients is the first step toward a plant-based diet. The second step is attempting to select foods that are unprocessed and as natural as possible. Potato fries and chips, for instance, are hardly plant-based, but they are healthier and adhere to the principles of the complete diet more so than choosing cooked organic/natural potatoes with skin.

 

If you need professional advice on a diet plan, feel free to ask professional diet experts on MyCLNQ APP. https://tinyurl.com/MyCLNQapp

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When To Worry About Finding Lumps And Bumps On Your Body

Bumps and lumps in the body certainly come off as unnatural and may cause one to worry about what they entail. Could it be caused by something concerning, such as cancer, or just a minor health issue?

To better understand what these lumps could mean and when one should and should not worry, it is essential first to know what to look for in a lump and understand what they are.

Are all lumps and bumps worrying?

Fortunately, most lumps are harmless and should not cause concern. Many medical or skin conditions can give rise to these lumps on the skin’s surface or below it.

Characteristics of a harmless lump

Lumps that are not a sign of a serious health issue usually possess the following distinct characteristics:

• Mobile, which means they move and change form when touched
• Soft
• Found on the uppermost or fat layer of the skin
• Grow in size and becomes painful with activity but diminishes with rest

Lumps from physical activity

Athletes of all kinds experience the occasional lump resulting from constant training and exercise, competitions, and other physical activity.

If your lump is connected to these same reasons or a specific trauma, it is recommended to follow the RICE method, which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation.

Should the lump improve over time, it is a reassuring sign that it is benign. Otherwise, it is best to seek help as soon as possible, preferably with means that allows you to consult a virtual doctor in Singapore so you can get advice immediately.

Cysts

A common condition that can cause lumps is cysts, sac-like pockets of membranous tissue that can appear anywhere on the body containing fluid, air, or other substances.

The usual cysts include ganglion cysts, rounded lumps housing a jelly-like fluid that typically appears on tendons and joints and Baker’s cysts, which bulge behind the knee.

When you should see a doctor

In rare cases, unexplained lumps and swellings could signify more serious health issues like cancer. Cancerous bumps generally appear spontaneously, are large in size, hard, and painless when touched while growing steadily over time.

These lumps that can be felt externally typically appear in the testicles, neck, breast, arms, and legs.

Adult soft tissue sarcoma

Adult soft tissue sarcoma is a rare type of cancerous bump that can form virtually anywhere on the body but generally develops in the arms, legs, chest, or region behind the abdomen named retroperitoneum. It is a disease wherein malignant cells form in the body’s soft tissues, and in its early stages, it rarely ever causes symptoms because they are still deep inside the tissue.

Soft tissue sarcoma can become rather large before they cause symptoms due to being embedded deep in the body. They commonly feel like bumps or masses and may be painful. If they develop in the abdomen, they may induce nausea, pain, and a sensation of being full.

Other causes

Aside from adult soft tissue sarcoma, other conditions can cause swelling and new lumps to appear as well. While they may not warrant immediate care, they still need to be monitored and may require you to book an online medical consultation for a doctor’s opinion.

These conditions are:

• Swollen lymph nodes
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Tendinitis

Conclusion

For the most part, lumps are nothing severe and pose no issue to your well-being. Nonetheless, it is important not to discount the small per cent wherein it could be due to a more severe case.

Get regular health screenings and consult a doctor about checkups via the MyCLNQ app today to stay on top of your health.

As the leading app for telemedicine in Singapore, MyCLNQ provides a one-stop service for all your medical needs, that ranges from private ambulance services to virtual ART tests in Singapore. Download the app to have easy access to our medical services today.

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5 Dangerous Myths About Monkeypox You Should Not Believe

If you’ve been following the news these past few weeks, you’d know that another disease is now creating fear among many people worldwide. This disease is called “monkeypox,” and more than 30,000 cases have already been reported worldwide. Because of this, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recently declared monkeypox a global health emergency.

Since the monkeypox outbreak raised the alarm across the globe, numerous people have been curious to discover what this virus is, how it spreads, and the effective ways to prevent its transmission. While plenty of information about monkeypox is readily available, many still fall victim to misinformation. This is mainly because several myths about monkeypox are spreading rapidly online.

To ensure that what you know about this disease is factual, here are 5 of the most widespread and harmful monkeypox myths that should be debunked.

Myth #1: Monkeypox is a new virus 

Because most people have only heard about monkeypox recently, there’s a common misconception that it’s a new virus, like COVID-19. However, monkeypox was first discovered in the research monkeys as early as the 1950s. Its first human case was reported in 1970 in Congo, Africa.

Since then, the monkeypox virus has been thoroughly studied, and medical literature has all the details about its spread and prevention.

Myth #2: Monkeypox is spread through air 

The myth that monkeypox is airborne has been the source of panic for many people. However, according to medical experts, monkeypox is not airborne but transmitted through direct, personal contact with an infected and infectious person. This includes shaking hands, consuming with the same utensils, kissing, and having intimate contact.

Moreover, since the virus is believed to live on surfaces for weeks or months, a person can also potentially catch monkeypox from touching objects an infected person uses, such as a toilet seat, clothes, and bed linens.

Myth #3: Only gay and bisexual men are affected by monkeypox

This is perhaps the most common and discriminatory myth about monkeypox that you’ll read online. Many believe that monkeypox is a disease affecting only the LGBTQ+ community, specifically gay and bisexual men. However, the truth is that anyone can contract monkeypox.

Although the people with the highest risk of catching monkeypox right now are those men who engage in sexual intercourse with men and have several sex partners, this doesn’t mean that the disease is exclusively a gay sickness. As the WHO experts clarified, anybody can get monkeypox through close contact with an infected and infectious person.

Myth #4: Rash is the only symptom of monkeypox 

The most common monkeypox symptom you’ll likely hear about is a rash. While the virus certainly causes painful skin lesions, a rash isn’t the sole symptom that can manifest if you have monkeypox.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has mentioned that the usual signs of this disease include the following:

• Fever
• Headaches
• Chills
• Sore throat
• Muscle aches and back pain
• Extreme tiredness or fatigue
• Stuffy nose or cough
• Swollen lymph nodes
• A blister- or rashes that look like pimples on or around the anus, genitals, chest, hands, feet, mouth, or face that may be painful and itchy.

According to medical experts, the early symptoms of monkeypox are often similar to that of a common cold. However, once a rash develops, this disease can be transmitted most easily by mere skin-to-skin contact.

Hence, if you notice a rash developing on any of the body parts mentioned earlier, it’s highly advised that you book an online medical consultation immediately. 

Myth #5: There is no treatment for monkeypox

Although there’s still no targeted treatment or cure for monkeypox, it can nonetheless be treated with antiviral medications like TPOXX, which is the one used for treating smallpox.

However, these medications aren’t always readily available, so it’s best to contact your virtual doctor in Singapore or the local health department to learn about available treatments.

Furthermore, most cases of monkeypox show that this virus is self-limiting since most of its infections self-resolve in about two to four weeks.

If diagnosed early on, you can easily manage the symptoms of monkeypox at home with oatmeal baths and over-the-counter pain relief medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. While monkeypox sores can be uncomfortable and painful, severe illness is rare.

Conclusion

Misinformation is ultimately the primary source of panic for many people worldwide. While there is an abundance of factual information about monkeypox, many people still fall for the monkeypox myths that are being carelessly spread online.

Knowing these common myths and the truths behind them can provide stronger protection against this disease to yourself and your family members.

If you suspect you’re at risk of getting the monkeypox virus, do not hesitate to seek the professional advice of a virtual doctor in Singapore immediately. Through the reliable telemedicine app called MyCLNQ, you can now quickly and conveniently see a doctor online for your symptoms and potential health risks.

Considered a highly trusted telehealth app in Singapore, MyCLNQ will provide you with all the medical-related services you need anytime.

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Gallstones Or Kidney Stones? How To Tell The Difference

Gallstones and kidney stones are two health complications that share a few similarities, primarily because they are caused by the solidification of compounds in two key body organs, leading to the blockage in the flow of fluids.

This issue can cause much pain and must immediately be treated if patients notice their telltale symptoms. Below, we share the critical differences between gallstones and kidney stones and how you can discern them.

Understanding the differences between the two

It is essential to first know about the specific organs affected by these two issues. The gall bladder is part of the digestive system, while the kidneys are an organ in the urinary system.

The purpose of the former is to store bile created by the liver, which facilitates the body’s digestion and absorption of fats. The latter focuses on filtering blood and produces the byproduct of urine.

Kidney stones are solid masses from the buildup of tiny crystals from minerals such as calcium, uric acid, and oxalate, which tend to form in the kidneys.

Meanwhile, gallstones are dense, pebble-like deposits of pigment or cholesterol that form inside the gallbladder. These stones can range from something as small as a single grain of sand to as large as the size of a golf ball.

Know your risk

The risk factors associated with gallstones are generally:

• A sedentary lifestyle
• Being overweight or obese
• High-fat and high-cholesterol diets
• Diabetes
• Existing gallbladder diseases
• Family history of gallstones
• Rapid weight loss

In contrast, there are no single definite causes for kidney stones, but there are several factors that could increase the risk of developing them. Kidney stones are formed when the urine has more crystal-forming substances than fluids it can dilute.

Moreover, if the urine also lacks enough substances that prevent these crystals from sticking together, it creates an ideal environment for kidney stones.

Recognise the symptoms

Many people who have gallstones rarely experience symptoms until the stones begin to block their biliary tract, which may lead to:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Back pain
• Pain in the upper right abdomen

This lack of early symptoms is also true for kidney stones. However, once they become large enough, they can stretch and irritate the ureter and block urine flow, resulting in sharp, cramping pain at the back and side near the kidney region. This intense pain can also be accompanied by:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Blood in the urine

How to prevent gallstones and kidney stones

Your diet plays a significant role in preventing the formation of these stones. As such, following a healthy and balanced lifestyle is the best way to avoid these complications. Your weight is another risk factor. If you are unsure if you need to lose some pounds, your body will typically provide subtle signs you need to exercise more.

Another excellent and easy habit to adopt for specifically preventing kidney stones is drinking plenty of water daily. For gallstone prevention, avoiding intense weight loss programs like severe calorie restriction is best, which could lead to quick and sudden weight loss.

Lastly, observing a healthy fibre intake in your diet also helps further reduce your risk. To know more prevention measures specific to your case, seek out a medical professional for an online medical consultation.

Conclusion

Gallstones and kidney stones can be found in everyone’s system. However, when they grow too large, they will cause the symptoms mentioned above possibly worsen. If you experience the main symptoms of these health complications, reach out to a virtual doctor in Singapore as soon as possible.

If you need to know what treatment is best for gallstones or kidney stones, consult with a doctor via the MyCLNQ app. As the leading app for telehealth in Singapore, MyCLNQ offers you quick access to all the medical support and prescribed medicine you need while staying at home.

abc

Why do mosquitoes always bite me?

 

Enjoying a night of relaxation outside with your very best friend. Oh! What ought to be a wonderful relaxing time is being ruined by the mosquitoes! But you might wonder, “Why am I the only one who gets bitten?” You may noticed that you are always the chosen one when mosquitoes start seeking for targets. So why is that the case? What can we do to keep mosquitoes away?

This article will outline the key characteristics that most significantly influence the attractiveness of different groups of individuals to mosquitoes:

1.Rapid metabolism, increased carbon dioxide exhalation

Mosquitoes rely heavily on the carbon dioxide released to locate their prey. Therefore, people with a quick metabolism and larger lung capacity are more likely to attract mosquitoes. Additionally, when we have performed physical labor or have just breathed strongly after exercise, we will release large amounts of carbon dioxide, which also increases the likelihood of being bitten by mosquitoes.

2.Lactic acid concentrations

According to research, lactic acid is another molecule that draws mosquitoes. After exercise, the body often creates a lot of lactic acid. As a result, the best recommendation is to wash your hands and body with soap as soon as possible after exercise, as soap is an alkaline cleaner that quickly neutralizes the lactic acid created by the body.

3.Skin microbes

Millions of skin microbes reside on our bodies, which is unquestionably beneficial for the health of our skin. However, they can have an impact on your attractiveness to mosquitoes. One could assume that individuals with higher levels of skin bacteria must be more alluring to mosquitoes. But it’s actually the other way around! According to studies, people with greater microbial variety are less appealing to mosquitoes and are therefore more likely to have fewer bites. So if you want to avoid getting bitten by insects, you might want to avoid or reduce your use of antibacterial soap。

4.Clothing color

Mosquitoes have dark preferences; they prefer damp, gloomy conditions, thus people who wear dark-colored clothing are more attractive to mosquitoes and become the primary targets of their assaults. Wearing white or light-colored clothing will therefore lessen your attraction to mosquitoes when you are outside.

5.High body temperature

One of the main ways that mosquitoes identify their prey is through the compounds that the human body releases into the perspiration. Furthermore, mosquitoes have a set of internal temperature sensors that help them more easily recognize hot and damp items. Additionally, alcohol consumers and those with elevated hormone levels are well-liked by mosquitoes.

How can I stay away from mosquito stings?

Itching, redness, and even allergic reactions to the skin can result from mosquito bites. Furthermore, mosquitoes are dreadful disease carriers and can spread a variety of epidemic diseases, including Zika, lymphatic filariasis, yellow fever, epidemic BSE, and dengue, and malaria. According to statistics, mosquitoes may spread at least 80 different diseases. Therefore, precautions should be taken to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes:

• Bathe frequently to get rid of sweat and cut down on body odor.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with lighter hues, such light blue and green. Orange and yellow also appear to keep mosquitoes away.
• Apply repellent to the skin to ward off mosquitoes, such as mosquito repellent or natural repellents like citronella, lemongrass, and mint.
• If you can, limit your beer consumption.

abc

3 Things Everyone Should Know About The Stealth Omicron

At the beginning of 2022, many people worldwide became alarmed about a subvariant of the highly contagious COVID-19 omicron variant called BA.2, which is often referred to as the “stealth omicron.” This omicron variant appears to be taking over in some countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Denmark.

With the lifting of the mask requirements and social distancing in many Asian countries like Singapore, many people have already been trying to live the “new normal.” However, there are still several reasons to remain cautious, one of which is the looming threat of stealth omicron. To learn more about this highly transmissible COVID-19 subvariant, here is some essential information about the stealth omicron.

1. It is more contagious but less severe

The BA.2 omicron variant is a modified version of the BA.1 variant. This original omicron lineage still accounts for about 98% of COVID-19 cases worldwide.

However, in Denmark, the BA.2 or stealth omicron strain is reported to have already become the dominant subvariant of COVID-19 since the second week of January. According to many experts, there are indications that stealth omicron is 30% to 60% more contagious, especially for the unvaccinated.

However, fortunately, there are also reports indicating that the BA.2 variant isn’t more virulent when it comes to causing more severe disease. In an investigation conducted by the UK Health Security Agency last January, it was reported that there’s currently no sufficient evidence to say that the stealth omicron causes more severe illnesses. 

2. Its most common symptom is sore throat

Compared to the other variants of COVID-19, stealth omicron has been reported to cause more cases of sore throat and pharyngitis. Hence, the most common symptom of this omicron variant is a sore throat. Some of the other symptoms experienced by patients are pretty similar to the different strains of COVID-19, such as respiratory symptoms and febrile illness.

In some cases, patients with stealth omicron can also experience gastrointestinal symptoms, such as loss of taste or smell and diarrhoea. However, these cases become somewhat fewer with the newer variants.

Suppose you are experiencing these symptoms, along with body aches, headache, vomiting or nausea, and nasal congestion. In that case, you should book an online medical consultation right away, as you may have gotten the BA.2 variant. 

3. Vaccines and booster shots still work

Current data indicates that the available COVID-19 vaccines, such as Pfizer, Moderna, and Janssen, protect against the BA.1 and BA.2 variants of omicron. No data suggests that these vaccines don’t work against the current circulation COVID-19 variants. Hence, medical experts recommend that everyone get their primary series of vaccines and booster shots accordingly.

Getting a second booster is highly advised, especially for those over 50 years old or with a compromised immune system. If you fall under any of these classifications, you’re eligible for another mRNA booster to boost your protection against severe illness from COVID-19. While stealth omicron is more infectious than original omicron, existing vaccines can protect you from this highly contagious variant.

Conclusion

There’s a cause for concern regarding the BA.2 variant of omicron, mainly because it’s so contagious. However, considering it’s less severe than the other COVID-19 variants, there is relatively less reason for you to worry about critical illness and death. To ensure you’re protected from stealth omicron and the other strains of COVID-19, don’t hesitate to get your vaccines and booster shots now.

If you’re currently experiencing the common symptoms of COVID-19, you should take a tele-ART test in Singapore immediately. For a reliable, MOH-approved COVID tests conducted remotely, MyCLNQ is the best telemedicine app you can count on!

In just a few clicks in the app, you can already access a virtual ART test in Singapore and other medical services you may need, such as online medical consultations and private ambulances, at the convenience of your home.