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Medication must be taken with caution so you can reduce your chances of side effects and serious drug reactions. Drug interactions result in reduced effectiveness of drugs, unexpected side effects, or increase the action of a particular drug. Drug interactions fall into three categories: Drug-drug interaction: It is a type of reaction where two or more drugs interact to produce adverse reactions. Drug-nutrient/food interaction: The drug interacts with food, beverage, and/or dietary supplement to produce adverse effects. Drug disease interaction: It is a condition where the drug interacts with the person’s existing condition, doing more harm than good. Drug-food interactions are the most common interactions found to occur out of accidental misuse or due to lack of knowledge about the active ingredients involved in the drug. Some foods and drugs, when taken simultaneously, can alter the bioavailability of certain drugs, along with the body’s ability to utilize a particular food or drug. This may result in serious side effects. Some Common Food-Drug Interactions: 1. Grape Fruit Juices Caption: Grape and grape fruit juices in a glass Credits: pixabay Among all fruit juices, grapefruit juice (GFJ) tends to interact with different types of drugs the most. The furanocoumarins constituent of grapefruit juice is known to inhibit the intestinal CYP 3A4 enzyme. This enzyme is known to affect the liver’s ability to work with the drug. Drugs like Felodipine, midazolam, cyclosporine and Statins when taken along with grape fruit juices have shown to increase the oral bioavailability of these drugs to toxic levels. Grapefruit juice gives a boost to blood levels of erectile dysfunction drugs such as sildenafil (Viagra) triggering side effects like headache, Low blood pressure, and flushing. 2. High Fiber Diet Caption: High fiber diet like Oats and Wheat Credits: pixabay Dietary fiber such as wheat bran may lower the efficacy of drugs like Simvastatin, Ezetimibe, pravastatin, digoxin and fluvastatin. Consumption of pectin or oat bran together with Lovastatin decreases the absorption of the drug. 3. Alcohol Caption: two glass of alcohol Credits: pixabay Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) is available as an over-the-counter pain reliever. Acetaminophen consists of Tylenol and it should not be taken with alcohol as it may increase liver toxicity. 4. Dairy Products Caption: Dairy products like milk, cheese, butter and curd Credits: Pixabay Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese are rich sources of calcium that binds to the antibiotics to form an insoluble compound and thus delay its absorption. Antibiotics such as tetracycline’s and ciprofloxacin (Cipro) should be avoided along with dairy products. However, certain antibiotics like metronidazole (Flagyl) can be taken with water or milk to prevent an upset stomach. 5. Tyramine-Containing Foods Caption: Fermented products like pickles Credits: pixabay Foods containing tyramines, such as some malt beers, red wines, fermented products, pickles, aged cheeses, smoked fish, and dried fruits, should not be taken along with Monoamine oxidase inhibitors. This may result in high blood pressure or a hypertensive crisis. 6. Iodine-Rich Foods Caption: Iodine rich foods like eggs, meat, and salt Credits: Pixabay High-iodine diets like seafood and seaweed, iodized salt, eggs, meat, and dairy products may interfere with the action of antithyroid drugs and lower the remission rate of hyperthyroidism. 7.Vitamin K Rich Foods Caption: Leafy green vegetables are a rich source of Vitamin K Credits: Pixabay Foods like spinach, fenugreek, kale, and other leafy greens vegetables should be avoided if you are taking warfarin along with it. Vitamin K rich foods can antagonize the effect of warfarin and prevent the drug from working. 8.  Statins and Anything Statins should be taken without food or an empty stomach as concomitant administration of statins with food may alter statin pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics. This in turn results in an increased risk of adverse reactions such as myopathy or rhabdomyolysis.

Carcinophobia! The fear of cancer. There’s something about its unpredictable nature that makes it one of the most feared and dreaded diseases known to mankind. “Cancer” is a name given collectively to any disease where a group of cells of a certain body part start to rapidly divide continuously in an uncontrollable manner. It refuses to stop and eventually forms a mass of cells called a “tumor”. The problem doesn’t always stop there. To make things worse, the cells from these tumors migrate to other parts of a person’s body and start rapidly dividing to form a “secondary tumor”. The cells of the tumors that migrate to other parts are known as malignant tumors. If they remain constricted to one area, it is referred to as benign tumors. The reason why tumors are so dangerous is because they are excess, unwanted mass in the body that apply pressure on the vital structures such as nerve cells and blood vessels, causing serious damage to them. Despite its deadly nature, cancers are rather common. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancers are the second leading cause of death. About 1 in 6 deaths are due to cancer. It can target people from all walks of life. Influencers and public figures are no exception. Here’s a list of 6 Celebrities who battled different types of cancers: Caption : Rishi Kapoor Credit: foter Rishi Kapoor He was one of the most adored actors and a gem of Bollywood. His best work in the industry was in movies like Karz, Bobby and Amar Akbar Anthony. He suffered from Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) for two years and finally succumbed to it at the age of 67. AML is a type of blood cancer that originates in the bone marrow. It occurs when there are genetic changes in the DNA of the developing bone marrow. The normal cells are transformed into “leukemic cells” and it starts dividing and multiplying uncontrollably. Due to this, it leads to blockage in the production of healthy blood cells that are essential for the body. This includes red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs) and blood platelets. These leukemic cells move from the bone marrow and enter into the bloodstream, where they are then transferred to lymph nodes, liver, spleen and the central nervous system. Then it starts its multiplication process again. This is why blood cancers are so difficult to treat as they spread rapidly and vastly. What Is Acute Myeloid Leukemia? AML is most common in older people around 65+ years of age. According to research, only 1 in 4 AML patients survives 5 years beyond diagnosis. It is extremely difficult to treat due to its vast subtypes and rare mutation and hence there’s no one single approach and solution to this disease. Symptoms During the early stages, the person will experience weight loss, fatigue, fever and loss of appetite. Due to decreased production in RBCs that carry oxygen, the person will suffer from anemia and due to lowered WBC count, the body will be more prone to infection. Treatment The most common treatment for AML is chemotherapy which may be followed by stem cell or bone marrow transplant. Arun Jaitley He was a politician, attorney, and Former Minister of Corporate Affairs of India from 2014-2019. He passed away at the age of 66 after suffering from soft-tissue sarcoma. Soft-tissue Sarcomas They are a rare group of cancerous tumors of the soft tissues (tendons, lymph nodes, fat, muscles and nerves) in either the arms and legs or the central part of the body. It is a broad term cancer- There more than 50 different subtypes that are recognized by the World Health Organization and they all dictate different treatment plans. The most common type is liposarcoma that arises from fat cells in the thighs and undifferentiated pleiomorphic sarcoma, which is the most aggressive kind, forms a big ball-like tumor of non-differentiable cells. Symptoms The most common symptom is the formation of a lump followed by bone pain, muscle pain, abdominal pain and weight loss. Treatment Sarcomas are usually treated with the removal of the tumor by surgery. The process is known as “wide excision”. Here, the tumor, along with the tissue around it is removed to ensure that no cancerous cells are left behind. The use of radiation and chemotherapy is also discussed as appropriate. Irrfan Khan Irrfan Khan was diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer in 2018 and succumbed to it in 2020. Being one of the most admired actors of Bollywood and Hollywood, his death felt personal to all his fans. This rare type of cancer exists in those parts of the body where the neurological and the endocrine systems work together. The tumor is found in various parts of the body, the common occurrence of the tumor includes pancreas, intestines, lungs and rectum. They are common in people above the age of 60. The tumors can either be functional or non-functional. The functional tumors cause hormone disturbance and the non-functional tumors do not. This is why they get detected very late. Symptoms Usually symptoms are specific to the location of the tumor. General symptoms like fatigue, weight loss, and loss of appetite are common. Treatment Treatment may include surgical removal of the endocrine gland (pancreatectomy, hepatectomy), radiation, chemoembolization and radiofrequency ablation. Lisa Ray Caption : Lisa Ray Credit: foter Lisa Rani Ray is an Indian-Canadian actor, author, columnist, model, performer and social activist. In 2009, she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare cancer. After stem cell transplant in 2010, she announced that she was cancer-free. It is also known as Kahler’s disease and is a cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell in the bone marrow. These plasma cells are important for the production of antibodies and to fight infections. Multiple myeloma causes these cells to become cancerous, multiply and accumulate in the bone marrow. As a result, these cells produce cancerous proteins rather than antibodies during times of infection. Symptoms Bone pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, confusion, weakness and excessive thirst. Treatment Autotransplantation, stem cell transplant, radiation and corticosteroids. Credits: foter Caption: Mark Ruffalo Mark Ruffalo He is best known and identified for his work in “The Incredible Hulk”. Although it may come as a surprise to die-hard fans, Ruffalo battled with vestibular schwannoma. Astoundingly, he was diagnosed with this benign tumor after visiting the doctor to ease his anxiety after dreaming of cancer. Vestibular schwannoma is a slow growing tumor that is developed on the vestibular nerve leading to the inner ear and brain and is also known as acoustic neuroma. These nerve cells directly influence your hearing, balance and pressure. Thus, can cause deafness and unsteadiness. Treatment for acoustic neuroma include regular monitoring, radiation, and surgical removal. Caption : Sofia Vergara Credit: foter Sofia Vergara The Colombian-American actress, television producer, presenter and model was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2000. She made a full recovery after she had her thyroid surgically removed, and underwent radioiodine therapy. It is the most treatable form of cancer. Thyroid is responsible for regulating metabolism – hormones for your heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and weight. Thyroid cancer occurs when the cells of the thyroid undergo genetic mutation and form a tumor. Symptoms Throat pain, lump in your neck, difficulty swallowing, vocal changes and cough. Treatment Anti-thyroid agents and hormones, endocrine surgery, thyroid removal or radiation therapy. It takes a great deal of courage to battle any form of cancer. Through their fame and influence, these celebrities have helped spread awareness on rare conditions, giving the world a better chance of early diagnosis. Their bravery and words of encouragement will always be an inspiration.

Although mother’s can feel a spiritual connection with their baby. The first physical connection is first felt when the baby first kicks the mother’s womb that starts around the 16th week of pregnancy and is called ” quickening”. Pregnancy is a beautiful process of creating a new life. It has a big psychological impact on a woman. The rollercoaster of pain and joy and highs and lows that goes on for 9 months really prepares a woman for motherhood. Motherhood is all about taking responsibility and being accountable in order to raise your child to the best of your ability. Maternal bond has been historically proven to be important for the survival of both animals and human beings, not just physically, but emotionally too. When 10 mothers were asked about how if felt when their unborn baby kicked for the first time this is what they had to say : From these statements, it is very clear that each Mommy had her own unique experience and stories to share. The words used to describe the first kick varied from being ” strange” and “nervous twitches” to “miracle” and “inexpressible” One point that really comes across strongly is that most mothers were unaware of the feeling of a baby’s kick. They were more comfortable and calm during their second pregnancy, once they had the confidence and felt more experienced and could enjoy the moment better without having to feel cautious.

WHO estimates that air pollution causes nearly seven million premature deaths each year. This is more than that through HIV/AIDs, violence, malaria, alcohol, drugs, and traffic accidents. This is because air pollution is responsible for increased mortality from heart diseases, strokes, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, and respiratory infections. But does air pollution also cause neurological disorders like Alzheimer, and Parkinson’s? Let’s find out. Alzheimer’s Disorder Alzheimer’s disorder is a gradual form of dementia. It is a chronic continuing condition. Dementia is an extensive term for conditions caused by diseases or brain injuries that affect thinking, memory, and behaviour. These changes can interfere with daily lifestyle. Alzheimer’s disorder accounts for about 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases. Usually, people with this disease get diagnosed after the age of 65. But, if it’s diagnosed earlier, it’s commonly known as early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Symptoms of Alzheimer’s include: · Memory loss · Trouble in problem-solving and planning · Confusing places and times · Vision changes · Conversations and words become frustrating · Judgment lapses · Mood swings · Loss in sense of initiative and spontaneity · Repeating questions · Trouble paying bills and handling money Presently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s. However, there are methods to slow down the progression of the disease. Its symptoms are gradual and its effects on the brain are deteriorating, they cause a slow decline. There is no expected outcome for people with Alzheimer’s. Few live a long time with little cognitive damage, while others may experience a more rapid onset of symptoms and faster disease progression. Each person’s journey with Alzheimer’s varies. Parkinson’s disorder Parkinson’s disorder or Parkinsonism is a central nervous system (CNS) disorder that affects movement, often including tremors. Caption: MRI scan of a fixed cerebral hemisphere. Credits: Flickr Nerve cell damage in the brain making dopamine levels to fall, causing Parkinson’s. Its symptoms include lack of coordination, uncontrollable shaking or tremor, and speaking problems. However, these may vary and can worsen as the disease advances. Other symptoms include: slowed movement (bradykinesia) problems standing up stiff limbs Parkinson’s disorder itself doesn’t cause death. Rather, its symptoms can be fatal. For instance, injuries due to a fall or difficulties linked to dementia can be fatal. Some people with Parkinson’s face problems swallowing. This causes aspiration pneumonia. It is caused when food, or other objects, are inhaled into the lungs. How Pollution Impacts the Brain Over the years, researchers have found links between pollution and neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Inhaled pollutants get deposited in the lungs. They then enter the blood and attack the brain, which absorbs up to 50% of the oxygen we breathe. This can lead to anxiety, dementia and other neurological disorders. Lately, researchers from Penn State University explored possible links between pollution and neurological diseases. This was done by observing the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF is a fluid that encloses the central nervous system, which forms the spinal cord and brain. It acts as a buffer that protects the CNS. Role of CFS in Neurological disorders Neurological conditions, like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, are defined by the growth of faulty proteins due to CSF clearance in the body. Pollution in the air that we breathe influences the CSF and, therefore, the connection with the brain. Caption: Meningitidis in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) seen by Gram stain. Credits: Commons wikimedia Researchers have already shown that a lower sense of smell is an early sign of neurological disorders. For instance, a study published in Neurology found out that poor results in an odour identification test can predict Alzheimer’s before the typical symptoms appear. Removing Sensory Nerves Further, researchers removed the olfactory sensory nerves using zinc sulfate. These nerves are the sole part of the CNS that comes into direct contact with the outer environment. Removing these sensory nerves damaged the ability to smell. Also, it reduced the flow of CSF from the nose. Thus, it was concluded that pollution damages the olfactory sensory nerves. This causes a change in the production or flow of CSF. As CSF is crucial for removing metabolic trash from the CNS, this plays a role in the development of neurological disorders. In another study, researchers from the University of Columbia examined data of nearly 6,70,000 adults in Vancouver. They calculated individual exposures to air and noise pollution, road proximity and green spaces at an individual’s residence. In the follow-up period, the researchers noticed 4,101 cases of Parkinson’s disease, 13,270 cases of non-Alzheimer’s dementia, 660 cases of Multiple sclerosis (MS) and 1,377 cases of Alzheimer’s disease. Specifically, for people with Parkinson’s disorder and non-Alzheimer’s dementia, staying close to a highway or major roads was linked with 7 per cent and 14 per cent increased risk of both disorders, respectively. Due to the relatively low number of MS cases in Vancouver compared to the other disorders, the researchers could not link air pollution with an increased risk of MS. They concluded that staying less than 150 meters from a highway or less than 50 meters from a major road is linked to a higher risk of getting dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. This is due to the increased exposure to air pollution near major roads and highways. While accounting for green spaces, it was found that the effect of air pollution on neurological disorders was lesser. This effect could be due to multiple factors. People who live near green spaces, are more likely to be physically fit and active and may also have more social interactions. In current times, the high proportion of pollution is responsible for the growing prevalence of neurological disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.

Weight loss is a difficult process for most people. It requires motivation, discipline and a lot of self-control. People who are trying to lose weight welcome all the help they can get from any source. Today we will look into coconut, banana and lemon for weight loss. Coconut Credits: Pexels Caption: Coconuts can be consumed in many forms. Eating coconut can help in weight loss because of the following properties: ●Low Carbohydrate Content: Weight loss diets often focus on reducing carbohydrate intake. They require replacing your food with substances that have fewer carbs. Coconuts can be consumed daily as a weight-loss food. They are also a part of the ketogenic diet that is followed by various individuals. ●Controlling Cravings: Cravings often have a bad effect on the overall diet that an individual follows. Coconuts contain medium-chain triglyceride fat and sugar. Medium-chain triglyceride fats help in feeling satisfied after eating. The sugar content provides energy. A combination of these two components helps in reducing the number of meals that are needed during a day. ●Metabolism: Coconuts help in boosting metabolism. Coconuts contain medium-chain fatty acids which metabolise faster as compared to other fatty acids. This increase in metabolism allows you to work out more and burn more calories. ●Coconut Oil for Weight Loss: Many experts suggest that using coconut oil can help with weight loss. It is particularly effective against belly fat. Long term use of coconut oil can help in reducing belly fat. It is a good alternative for other types of oils which can increase belly fat. ●Food Variety: Coconuts can be consumed in various forms and all of these forms have a weight loss action. They can be consumed while they still contain water, in the tender and ripe forms as well. This provides different types of eating options. Banana Bananas are rich in fibre, Vitamin C, potassium, good carbohydrates and minerals. Bananas can be used as a weight-loss food. This is how bananas help in weight loss: Credits: Pexels Caption: 1 banana a day can help in reducing weight. ●Good Carbohydrates: Bananas contain resistant starch which is considered a good carbohydrate. These carbohydrates help in weight maintenance and weight loss. Consumption of good carbohydrates is necessary for maintaining a balanced diet. ●Fibre Content: A high fibre content helps in better digestion as well as in reducing the number of meals that you consume. ●Workout Recovery: Bananas contain many nutrients which can help in recovering after a workout. This quick recovery allows you to increase your overall workout. The consumption of bananas is only helpful for weight loss if the consumption is limited. You should only consume one banana or one banana-based drink if you want to lose weight. If you take your banana in the form of a shake or a smoothie then drink them without sugar. Credits: Pexels Caption: Eating a banana after working out can help with the recovery. Lemon There are many studies which favor lemon as a weightloss agent. Lemon is most commonly consumed in the form of lemon water. It is also consumed with tea and various other products. Here is how lemons can help with weight loss: Credits: Pexels Caption: Lemon water is the most common way of consuming lemon. ●Better Digestion: Lemon contains acids which can help improve digestion. These acids slow down the process of digestion. The slowing down allows for better absorption of the nutrients that are required by the body. Incomplete digestion is one of the reasons for weight gain and lemon helps in tackling that problem. ●Boost of Energy: It can give a boost of energy to the body. It should be consumed first thing in the morning or after a workout. If lemons are taken in the form of lemon water, then it also provides rehydration which increases the amount of energy. ●Increased Metabolism and Calorie Burning: Studies suggest that consuming hot lemon water increases the metabolism rate and also helps in burning more calories. Lemon is very low in calories and can be consumed multiple times. ●Reduction in Food Intake: Lemon water helps in achieving a feeling of satiety. This allows for reducing the amount of food we eat and the number of times we eat. Having a glass of lemon water can help you battle the craving for eating constantly. ●Detoxification: Consumption of lemon helps in the removal of toxic substances from the body. This removal can help you improve your overall health. Improved overall health allows you to increase workout capacity and prevent illnesses. The best ways to consume lemons for weight loss are in the form of lemon water and lemon juice mixed with green tea. Takeaway Coconuts, bananas and lemons are all helpful as weight loss foods. This does not mean that only consuming these will cause you to lose weight. These are complementary practices that have to be clubbed with other changes you need to make to lose weight. It is also important to understand that their consumption has to be done the right way. Overeating these things in the hopes of losing weight can be harmful.

Who doesn’t like pouring themself a tall glass of beer at the end of a long day? There aren’t many better ways to destress yourself after all! But can your favourite brew also be your favourite medicine? You may have heard someone being asked to drink beer if they are dealing with kidney stones. Today, we find out how legit that claim is. But first, let’s learn more about those pesky kidney stones. Kidney Stones A kidney stone is a painful medical condition. Renal calculi, or kidney stones, are hard masses of crystals. They are usually formed in your kidneys. However, they can originate anywhere along your urinary tract. Stones are generally formed when your urine is concentrated, making minerals crystallize and stick together. Excess body weight, diet, medical conditions, and certain supplements are among the many causes of kidney stones. Symptoms Kidney stones usually don’t cause symptoms until it moves within your kidney or passes into your ureters, the tubes connecting the bladder and kidneys. Caption: Severe Stomach pain is a common sign of kidney stone. Credits: Pxfuel If it stays in the ureters, it can block the flow of urine and cause the ureter to spasm and the kidney to swell, which can be very painful. In addition, you may experience these symptoms: Pain in the back and side Pain in the groin and abdomen Fluctuating pain Burning sensation while urinating Other signs include: Red, pink, or brown urine Foul-smelling urine Persistent urinating Vomiting and nausea Fever Pain caused by a kidney stone may fluctuate while shifting to a different location through your urinary tract. Untreated kidney stones can increase the risk of chronic kidney disease. Passing of Kidney Stones Stones usually take multiple weeks to a few months to pass, based on the size and number of stones. Pain medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), naproxen (Aleve) or ibuprofen (Motrin IB, Advil) can help ease the discomfort until the stones pass. You can also take an alpha-blocker, which loosens the muscles in the ureter and helps pass stones easily and with minimal pain. However, if the stones are too large to pass, or if the pain becomes too severe, they can be surgically removed through ureteroscopy. Here, a small endoscope is passed up the ureter while you are under general anaesthesia. A laser breaks the stones, and they are removed Alcohol and Kidney Stones Kidneys filter harmful substances like alcohol. Alcohol contains a high purine content, a chemical which forms kidney stones and uric acid. Uric acid is generally released from the body in the form of urine, however, the presence of excessive purines can cause the acid to accumulate and thus result in a kidney stone. When you consume too much alcohol, the performance of the kidneys get compromised, and they cannot flush out the purine. It then gets collected in the kidneys, resulting in kidney stones. Caption: Can beer limit the risk of kidney stone? Credits:  Pxfuel People have different theories about beer and kidney stones, as to whether it can be helpful to pass kidney stones, or rather harmful. A study on beverages and their impact on kidney stones was conducted. Researchers studied 194,095 people over eight years. This study was conducted to observe any correlation between the type of fluid people drank, the quantity of the fluid they drank, and its effect on kidney stones. At its completion, 4,462 people had a kidney stone at one point or another. A point to be noted is that none of these people had a history of kidney stones. Researchers found that sugar-based fruit punch, colas and non-colas, increased the risk of kidney stones, up to 33 per cent. Further, beer, caffeinated and decaf coffee, red and white wine, tea and orange juice reduced the risk of kidney stones significantly. Beer reduced the risk of kidney stones up to 41 per cent, and similarly wine up to 33 per cent. Thus, based on this study, drinks like beer and wine can help prevent kidney stones! Wine breaks down into beneficial antioxidants. However, they should be consumed with certain moderation, like any beverage you consume. You can drink the recommended 12 ounces a day for beer and five ounces a day for wine. If you drink in excess, it may cause kidney issues that can lead to dehydration, which is one of the biggest reasons for kidney stones. Due to dehydration, calcium oxalate stones can form, leading to the formation of crystals. Drinking excessive beer, also means that you’re putting on a lot of empty calories, that can lead to weight gain. Being obese or overweight are also causes of kidney stones. What If You Already Have Kidney Stones? And now for the part you’ve been waiting for! In the unfortunate event that you get kidney stones, can beer help you pass them? The short answer is yes. Beer is a diuretic, which means it promotes urine production. If you drink beer, you tend to urinate a lot and this could help flush out your kidney stones, especially if they are less than 4.5 mm in size. By drinking more water and limited beer everyday, you can clear some of the uric acid and the crystals that are present in your kidneys. It can also help prevent dehydration in the body. However, bigger stones could be too much of a challenge for beer. A bigger kidney stone can block and cause damage to your kidneys, as the ureter can only stretch to 5 mm. All in all, it is wise to have more water and moderate amounts of beer to help pass your kidney stones.

A common misconception about caffeine is that it is another word for “coffee”. Coffee is a type of caffeine but not all caffeine products are coffee. Caffeine is a stimulant of the central nervous system. This means that it is a psychoactive drug that blocks the action of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that induces sleep. This is why a cup of coffee instantly wakes you up in the morning. Besides coffee, this drug can be found in teas, chocolates, alcohols, cocoa, soft drinks and energy drinks. Despite caffeine products being popularly consumed, some of its properties are surprisingly not known. The effects of caffeine on the blood sugar level and diabetes is a commonly debated topic among researchers. What is Diabetes? The endocrine function of the pancreas is to produce a hormone known as insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is responsible for controlling the levels of sugar in your blood or stores it for future use. To produce energy, the body cells cannot absorb the required amount of sugar directly. The attachment of the sugar to the body cells can only be stimulated by the release of insulin. In case of diabetes, the human body either cannot produce insulin (type 1) or becomes resistant to insulin (type 2). Thus, the sugar in the blood can neither be stored or utilised in the form of energy, leading to high blood sugar levels. Insulin Resistance And Sensitivity Insulin resistance and sensitivity are one in the same. When someone is insulin resistant, it means that they have low sensitivity. It could be caused by high fructose intake, oxidative stress, inflammation and genetics. Credit: pexels Alth tag : blood test Effects of Caffeine on Diabetes Caffeine is known to affect insulin sensitivity, meaning how well the body will respond to insulin. Therefore, it is more associated with type 2 diabetes. Some studies claim that caffeine increases the body’s sensitivity to insulin. Though, a majority of them lean towards the conclusion that it reduces sensitivity. This is because caffeine raises levels of hormones like adrenaline that prevents cells from processing sugar and limits the body’s production of insulin. In addition, it blocks adenosine and further raises the sugar levels. Loss of sleep due to caffeine consumption may also be another reason why it reduces sensitivity. Credit: pexels Caption: loss of sleep due to caffeine On the other hand, despite all the unpromising studies on the effects of caffeine, the consumption of coffee has surprisingly proven to be beneficial for diabetes. Harvard researchers reported in their 20 year study that people who increased their coffee intake had a 11% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Although the surprising success was unclear, other studies seem to back up this theory. Researchers believed the reason behind this success was the additional antioxidant nature present in coffee. Inflammation can increase the chances of diseases including diabetes and antioxidants can suppress this inflammation. Moreover, it contains some minerals like magnesium that could also prevent type 2 diabetes. Time of Consumption Insulin sensitivity is also triggered at different times of the day for a diabetic patients. Thus, adding the consumption of caffeine and making the body even more resistant to insulin would have harmful side effects. In some cases like the ” Dawn Phenomenon”, there is an abnormal increase in the blood sugar levels during early-morning around 2am – 8am. Around this time, the person should avoid intake of any caffeine products and drink their coffee after this period has passed. Credits: pexels Caption : Cup of coffee Should You Drink Coffee? The downside in the consumption of caffeine is that it can often become a habit and the person could soon become dependent on it. We must also take into consideration the temptations of a diabetic and how difficult it is for them to deal with being tempted by food products that they are advised to not consume. The main problem arises when the person prefers to drink coffee with sweeteners, creamers and extra flavours. These products are purely carbohydrates and they highly increase the blood sugar level. In conclusion, as long as the coffee consumed by diabetics is unsweetened, it can be consumed upto 200 milligrams a day. Credit: Flickr You Could Switch To Decaf : Alternative If you’re still not convinced or assured and want to eliminate caffeine completely from your diet, decaf is always a good option. Decaffeination is the process where caffeine is completely (or almost completely) eliminated from products like coffee, teas, chocolates and cocoa. Even if there was a little amount of caffeine left, it would have next to no impact on blood sugar levels.

The average body temperature differs slightly from person to person. Most experts suggest that the normal body temperature is around 98.6ºF (37ºC). This might vary by up to up to 0.9ºF (0.5ºC) since it is common to have a higher-than-normal body temperature after intense physical activity or on a hot day. However, a body temperature of above 100.4ºF (38ºC) could indicate a fever. While usually this is normal, it might reach an uncomfortable point. This leads us to the question of how to reduce body heat? In this article, we discuss 5 Evidence-based tips for reducing body heat and explain the most common causes of high body temperature. Keep reading! What Causes Body Temperature to Rise? Apart from natural causes, the human body sometimes counters the risk-factors caused by external factors by increasing body heat. These factors include infections as well as viruses. Such fevers are caused by a substance called pyrogen. Pyrogens are of several different types. They are found in the bloodstream and produced by bacteria such as E. Coli. Apart from fever, they can also produce sepsis or swelling. Pyrogens make their way to the hypothalamus in the brain, which is in charge of regulating body temperature. (CS) It’s an inflammatory response to the illness wherein to destroy the harmful proteins in pathogens to keep them from multiplying. While, this is important, it often has some side effects. As you may have noticed several times, high fever may be accompanied by other symptoms. This includes: Sweating, seizures, dehydration, headache, weakness, and loss of appetite. Side Effects of Excessive Body Heat It’s normal for your body to heat up in response to pathogens, but things can get uncomfortable. Mood Increased body heat causes, excessive sweating, and increased irritability, this can easily transform your mood from good to bad in a matter of a few minutes. Sleep As if bad mood wasn’t enough, you might end up spending the night tossing and turning if you’re dealing with excessive body heat. This in turn, would make your mood and productivity even worse the following day. Concentration High fever could make one want to stay in bed all day and postpone all their chores, errands and responsibility to the following day. Imagine having to work on those reports when your head is hot as lava. Other potential side effects of a soaring body temperature include muscle aches, chills, fatigue and a loss of appetite. How to Lower Body Heat Quickly? The most important thing to remember in this situation is to keep yourself hydrated. Water has the ability to regulate the internal temperature of the body in response to the external changes. Water is required for sweating and sweating is essential for releasing all that extra heat. At the very least, you have to ensure that you hit your daily minimum water intake goal (at least 2L a day but it may vary from person to person). Additionally, you can try the following easy and effective remedies: Hydrate with Fruits There are plenty of fruits that are high in water content. These include: cantaloupe watermelon strawberries oranges grapefruit lemons (yes, scientifically, lemons are fruits) Eat These Vegetables Just like fruits, certain vegetables have a high-water content. These include: celery cucumber cauliflower zucchini tomatoes lettuce Cabbage Eggplant Spinach Bonus tip: Eating some of these vegetables raw will benefit you more greatly. Aloe Vera This natural cooling agent has been thought to effectively reduce your body temperature. Its gel and leaves offer several other benefits to our bodies as well. You can apply Aloe Vera gel to your skin for a cooling effect. For the best benefits, keep it in the refrigerator before application. Take More Showers/Baths Taking a lukewarm shower has been shown to effectively lower body heat and help reduce the effects of a fever. You can also sit back and relax while placing your feet into a cold bath, adding a few drops of peppermint essential oil will add an extra cooling effect. Include Fenugreek into Your Diet Fenugreek is useful in getting rid of excess fluid and helps detoxify the body. Drinking fenugreek tea boosts sweating, which is the main channel for the body to get rid of heat. Wear Cotton Sounds silly but, it’s scientifically proven that natural fabrics such as cotton and linen reduce the high heat of your body naturally. You should also consider wearing baggy clothes as opposed to body-hugging ones. Drink Coconut Water Coconut water and its vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes work like mafic for your body. It hydrates your body, balances the temperature by producing electrolytes naturally, and reenergizes your system when you have heat stress. Usually, your body temperature should back to normal after enough rest and proper use of the above home remedies. If that doesn’t happen, it’s best to run it past your doctor.

A breast cancer patient can feel a wide range of emotions such as fear, shock, sadness, grief and anger. These feelings are normal. Low mood normally improves after a few days. But can breast cancer patients experience depressive tendencies as well? The psychological worry among breast cancer patients is common and is related to worse clinical outcomes. Anxiety and depression affect about 40% of breast cancer patients. Depression is also linked to a higher relative risk of mortality in breast cancer patients. Breast cancer patients also appear to be at greater risk for depression than patients with other serious conditions like diabetes, arthritis, chronic lung disease or heart disease. Increased Vulnerability In 10% to 30% of women, a breast cancer diagnosis can cause increased vulnerability to depressive conditions. These include major depressive disorder (MDD), mood disorders related to general medical conditions and adjustment disorders with depressed mood. The highest risk of getting a depressive condition is in the year after the breast cancer diagnosis. For instance, breast asymmetry is typical after breast-conserving surgery. Women with breast asymmetry face feelings of self-consciousness and increased fears of cancer recurrence. More distinct asymmetry can lead to greater depressive disorders. But amidst 90 patients undergoing bilateral prophylactic surgery, the depression rate hadn’t changed over one year after the procedure. At high doses, chemotherapy can also lead to depressive disorders. Self-blame for developing breast cancer is dangerous and can affect your mood. Caption: Self-blame should be avoided. Credits: Pexels In 2007, a study showed that higher levels of self-blame is linked to higher levels of depression and decreased quality of life. Women often blamed themselves for multiple reasons like: delays in medical consultation poor coping skills inability to express emotions anxiety about their health and treatments Aggravated Symptoms and Side Effects Few signs and symptoms of depression in breast cancer patients include: Dull, hopeless, or sad mood almost daily Loss of pleasure or interest in activities Major weight gain or weight loss Changes in sleep Less energy or extreme tiredness daily Feelings of worthlessness, helplessness or guilt Trouble remembering, focusing, or making decisions Suicidal thoughts Wide mood swings to periods of high energy and agitation Increased side effects from breast cancer treatments, and the experience of these effects such as pain, cognitive impairment, hot flashes, and sexual dysfunctions intensify depression. Somatic symptoms of depression can be aggravated by breast cancer treatment side effects or mistaken for the effects of the treatment. When the symptoms are mistaken, depression and the need to treat it can get overlooked. Genetics and Breast Cancer Few breast cancer patients can have a genetic predisposition to depression. A study was conducted where researchers analyzed 125 post-menopausal women, 80 of whom underwent surgery for early-stage breast cancer and 45 were healthy. The patients provided genetic data from saliva or blood samples, which were then assessed for SLC6A4 (gene) polymorphisms. Caption: The SLC6A4 gene is located in chromosome 17. Credits: Wikipedia The physical function domains from the Medical Outcome Study Short Form 36 and the Beck Depression Inventory scores were used to compute outcomes. Results showed that breast cancer patients were more likely to experience and have aggravated depression symptoms compared with those without breast cancer. Breast cancer patients also had a worse physical function. After a year, physical function remained a significant factor of depressive symptoms in healthy and breast cancer-laden groups. The long allele (LA) genotype was linked to increased depressive symptoms in all study participants and was observed at a higher rate in breast cancer patients. Depression Screening Tools Factors that can cause psychiatric disorders in breast cancer patients are: ·       Previous psychiatric illness ·       Family history of psychiatric illness ·       Younger age (less than 45 years) ·       Having young children ·       Limited social support ·       Substance use ·       Pain ·       Physical disability ·       Poor family coherence ·       Financial strain Several depression screening tools are available. Let’s look at 3 commonly used tools with breast cancer patients. · National Comprehensive Cancer Center Distress Thermometer This distress thermometer can be used by breast cancer patients to assess their overall distress level over a week, using a visual analogue on a scale from 0 to 10. It has been approved for many cancer populations and in different parts of the world. A score of 7 has both good specificity and sensitivity for finding depression in breast cancer patients. One must consider a complete psychiatric evaluation for scores above 7. Caption: NCCN Distress thermometer. Credits: Meteor Profile of Mood States Questionnaire This questionnaire is reliable and contains 65 questions often used in studies of breast cancer and mood dysregulation. Its subscales include tension-anxiety, depression-dejection, anger-hostility, confusion-bewilderment, fatigue-inertia and vigor-activity. With the help of a 5-point Likert scale, breast cancer patients can rate their symptoms over the past week. Subscale scores are then added to the total mood disturbance score. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) This is a reliable and sensitive 14-item scale that is often used to study depression and anxiety in breast cancer patients. This scale has two 7-item subscales namely, depression and anxiety. Responses are marked on a 5-point Likert scale. The patients need to respond quickly and avoid thinking too long about their answers. Depression can also lead to poor adherence to breast cancer treatment. A study determined that compared with non-depressed patients, those with depressive disorders were three times more likely to not adhere to breast cancer treatments. Depressive symptoms such as poor concentration and a lack of motivation can create difficulty remembering daily treatment goals or understanding treatment recommendations. Psychotherapy and psychotropic methods are used to treat depression in patients without carcinoma and are also effective for breast cancer patients.

So your goal is to get a little healthier and you begin with an exercise session. Your first session goes great, and you’re proud of yourself. That’s before you get so so bad that you can’t get out of bed the next morning. You wonder, “What happened? Did I do too much?” To understand that, let’s first understand DOMS. DOMS The side-effect of muscular stress during exercise is muscle soreness. The muscle soreness is known as DOMS or Delayed Onset and is fully normal. DOMS normally begins within 5 to 8 hours after a new activity. It could last up to 1 or 2 days after the workout. Muscle pain is one of the primary causes of muscle soreness. This is due to muscle inflammation. The muscle soreness is delayed as it takes time for some physiological and metabolic processes to manifest as muscle pain. DOMS pain is worse 2-3 days after intense exercise. The pain usually improves on its own after about 3 days. You will better resist DOMS by gradually building your training. Causes of Muscle Soreness Mild soreness after a workout session is usually not a bad thing. This is simply an example of the taxed muscle. Stress on the muscles leads to the microscopic breakdown of muscle fibres, which can cause discomfort. This muscle breakdown serves a purpose. In that, when those fibres rebuild, the muscle is larger and stronger. Few types of workouts could cause more sorrow than others. eccentric exercise, for example, generates more soreness when dropping the weight in a hamstring curl and descending, when it stresses the muscles. Caption: Skeletal muscle fibers. Credits: Flickr This indicates that the next time you work out, your muscles will be more suited for the pain. You may experience muscle soreness after one of the following: Starting a workout program or exercise for the first time Adding a new exercise or activity to your workout Increase the duration of a workout, such as increased repetition numbers, increased weight or speed. Do the same work without enough breaks over and over again. Several people develop muscle soreness, including professional athletes and bodybuilders. The good news is that regular muscle pain is a sign of strengthening. It isn’t a matter of concern. And, it sounds like a soreness of the muscles is fine. It can be tricky here, though. The muscle soreness is mild to moderate and natural and harmless. High muscle soreness can, on the other hand, be dangerous and harmful. It is important to recognize the distinction between mild exercise-led muscle pain and excess or muscular injury pain. How Much Pain Is Too Much? If you do not perform everyday duties or tasks because of the pain you suffer, so the practice was too much. Caption: Don’t let muscle soreness affect your daily life. Credits: Pexels In addition, the workout was too much as the pain continues for over 3 days. If you experience 1 or 2 weeks of the same soreness, you should visit your physical therapist to determine if there is neuromuscular or mechanical damage. Also, chronic muscle soreness shouldn’t be ignored. It’s usually a symptom that the muscle isn’t firing properly within the chain, and muscle or tendon strain can result. Always seek a professional’s guidance if you experience any of these signs. Is Your Soreness the Normal Kind of Soreness? It’s not natural if you feel soreness  before or after the workout. The soreness that happens after a workout is a sign of a fitness problem. It should be considered a symptom that stops movement from the body prior to significant injury to muscles or the joint. In multiple cases, the muscles wear down so much that you become very ill and cause damage to the kidneys. Seek medical care after a training that induces muscle soreness if you feel something like: Severe pain Swollen limbs Restricted joint motion due to severe swelling Decreased production of urine or dark-coloured urine Is Muscle Soreness A Good or Bad Sign of Working Out? In a word, both. Being sore, especially in a portion of a muscle that feels new is a great sign. It means that those dormant fibres are working and are responding. However, if you’re sore in a part of the body that doesn’t normally experience muscle soreness, take note. If it still feels that way after 3 days (the longest DOMS usually lasts), visit your physical therapist. Foam rolling and massage can help with DOMS. Foam rolling can be uncomfortable, but it gets waste products from muscle and soft tissues like lactic acid. However, don’t roll directly above joints or bones. Stick to soft tissue such as your hamstrings, calves and glutes. Caption: Start your workout with simple exercises. Credits: Pexels The best way to get rid of muscle soreness is to perform a few gentle exercises, such as light stretching or walking. The more you walk the quicker soreness goes away, it can sound counter-intuitive. A hot bath or heating pad may also temporarily reduce the pain. However, ice gives better relief in the long-run as it helps to decrease the inflammation and swelling in your muscles. Don’t think about quitting your exercise regime due to muscle soreness. Instead, give your best through the first few days without getting disheartened. It will get better and your muscles will become stronger.

Dengue fever is a viral disease which is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito. According to the National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme, India had more than 67000 cases of dengue fever along with 48 deaths in the year 2019. It is an endemic disease which is active in different parts of the country. It is caused by the bite of a mosquito which contains viruses which belong to the Flaviviridae family. These mosquitoes thrive when there is water logging in the form of puddles, containers and water tanks. Improper sanitation and garbage disposal facilities also contribute to the transmission of the disease. Dengue fever usually has a cycle of 5 to 14 days. Dengue Fever Symptoms in Kids The symptoms of dengue in kids that are of more than one year old are similar to adults. The following symptoms can be observed in kids suffering from dengue. ●High Fever: The fever is more than 39°C in most cases. The onset of the fever is sudden. Credits: Pexels Caption: A high fever is the most common symptom of dengue. ●Fatigue: Fatigue is a common symptom of dengue. In kids, you can check for fatigue by noticing the energy levels. Continuous tiredness and not wanting to do physical tasks can be signs of fatigue. ●Skin Rash: The skin rash associated with dengue fever is red and is first observed on the limbs and chest. ●Swollen Glands: The lymph nodes which are present in the neck are swollen. ●Joint and Muscle Pain: There can be severe pain in joints and muscles. ●Nausea and Vomiting: Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of dengue fever. ●Bleeding Gums: Sudden bleeding in gums, especially in individuals who do not suffer from dental problems, is a symptom of dengue fever. ●Mild Bleeding: Mild bleeding can occur through the nose, and internally. Internal bleeding is characterized by the formation of bruises on the skin. Dengue Symptoms in Infants It is difficult to notice symptoms in infants as compared to individuals in other age groups. In addition to a high fever, look out for the following signs in infants: ●Reduction in urine output: Check the frequency of urination of an infant. If there is no urine output for 6 hours, it could be a symptom of dengue. ●Bleeding: Bleeding can occur through the nose, gums and in the abdomen. To watch out for abdominal bleeding you have to monitor the stool and vomits of an infant. Abdominal bleeding persists in the form of coffee-coloured patches in the vomit whereas in the stool it is blackish. Bleeding a sign of a serious condition. ●Sweating: Abnormal sweating can be an alarming sign in an infant. If you notice wet clothes then that is a sign of extreme sweating. ●Shivering: Shivering can be a sign of dengue fever. It is often accompanied by cold hands and feet. ●Not Accepting Oral Fluids: Infants are usually fed in the form of oral fluids. If the infant is not accepting oral fluids or there is a decrease in the overall food intake it can be an alarm sign. ●Irritability and Crying: Irritability and crying can be a sign of pain being suffered by the infant. Abdominal pain is a common symptom of dengue fever. Infants usually express feeling pain through an increase in irritability and excessive crying. Diagnosis and Treatment The diagnosis of dengue is done through to main tests. ●NS1 Antigen Tests: The NS1 antigen tests identify the presence of dengue non-structural protein which is consistent with dengue fever. ●Dengue Platelet Count Test: Dengue fever decreases the number of platelets that are present in the blood. This decrease is significant and is used as an identification factor in determining the presence of the dengue virus. The decrease in platelets can be fatal. Credits: Pexels Caption: NS1 antigen tests are done to confirm the presence of dengue. There is no cure or vaccine for dengue fever. The treatment focuses on reducing fever through antipyretics and managing pain through analgesic drugs. In extreme cases with extremely low platelet counts, platelets are administered. Prevention of Dengue The prevention of dengue focuses on decreasing insect bites as dengue can only be spread through mosquito bites. The following ways can be used to prevent dengue: ●Insect Repellants: Various insect repellants are available which are applied on the skin. These repellants ensure that mosquitos and other insects do not bite the person. They are available in liquid, spray, gel and cream forms. ●Long-Sleeved Clothing: Long-sleeved clothing reduces the target area a mosquito has to bite an individual. This can be very helpful in reducing the number of mosquito bites. ●Prevent Water Logging: Dengue causing mosquitoes to thrive in waterlogged places. The reduction in these reduces the number of mosquitoes that are present near you. The less the mosquitoes the lower the chances of getting bit. Credits: Pexels Caption: Mosquitoes thrive in puddles of water. ●Insecticides: Insecticides are agents which can kill insects. Insecticides are available in various forms. The most common forms include using an insecticide liquid which can be sprayed at places. This liquid kills the mosquitoes present. Another popular method is using mosquito killing machines which attract them. The mosquitoes are killed upon contact. Takeaway Dengue is a serious but preventable condition. The focus should be on preventing mosquito bites so that the transmission does not occur. If you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms then you should seek medical help. The doctor will prescribe you supplemental therapy and ensure that the disease is managed.

The malaria parasite is ancient. The organism has been present and infecting various species since human beings even existed. Malaria is a life threatening infectious disease which is caused when a plasmodium parasite enters your bloodstream, typically from the bite of an infected mosquito. Now what makes it a life threatening disease is not only its nature but it’s spreadability. In 2018, there were about 228 million cases reported worldwide and about 405,000 deaths. Malaria in India: National Institute of Malaria Research In India, WHO estimates 15 million overall cases of malaria, to which 20,000 add every year. In contrast, only 2 million cases and 1,000 deaths are being reported. This makes India contribute to 77% of malaria in the whole of South East Asia. In fact, the situation is so grim that India has a national research centre dedicated solely for the purpose of control and cure for this disease. The centre is known as the National Institute Of Malaria Research and was established in 1977. It’s goal is to completely eliminate malaria by 2030. Life Cycle of Malaria: A Sneaky Parasite The life cycle of malaria is very interesting and follows a devious path by infecting the female Anopheles mosquito and the human body, back and forth. First, when the parasite-infected mosquito bites a person, it injects plasmodium sporozoite into the person’s blood stream. Once it enters the body, it multiplies and modifies to infect red blood cells. In doing so, they enter the red blood cells and ‘hide’ from the immune cells so that their invasion cannot be detected. Credit: pixabay Caption : infected malaria biting a person The parasite then continues to multiply and destroy the red blood cells. Once the red blood cells burst, the parasites are free to infect other red blood cells. At this point, symptoms begin to show. To ensure that the cycle of life of this parasite continues, a second stage takes place. Some parasites leave the usual cycle and get modified into gametes. However, these gametes cannot fuse in the human body. They can only do so in the mosquito. Thus, when another mosquito bites the infected person, the gametes fuse in the mosquitoe’s midgut wall and form oocytes. Credits: flickr Caption : parasite entering RBCs The oocytes eventually develop into sporozoites and get transmitted into the human body during the next bite. Importance of Prevention: Deadly Nature of Malaria After understanding the nature of the life cycle, it is understood that malaria can spread widely, quickly and uncontrollably. This is why the disease is so difficult to control as it reproduces so quickly that cases can multiply in just a matter of days. What makes this disease so deadly is that it mainly targets the red blood cells and affects its behaviour. Red blood cells perform countless functions of the human body like the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body. Once the person is infected, it causes deadly symptoms like shivering, high fever, loss of blood and could even lead to coma. Moreover, the body starts to swell due to over inflammation of cells. World Malaria Day: A Call For Awareness Credit: Wikimedia commons Malaria is treatable. However, if not diagnosed quickly, it can transition into being extremely fatal, very quickly. This is the reason why countries with underdeveloped healthcare systems, like India, report so many deaths due to malaria. This is why awareness is so important as it only takes one mosquito to infect your body and put you in a potentially fatal predicament. One of the biggest pushes for malaria awareness was the announcement of the annual World Malaria Day. It is celebrated on the 25th of every April and was established by WHO in May 2007. The main goal of the day was to promote and provide comprehensive information and education of malaria and also ways to prevent it. This international establishment also paves way for organisations and corporations to extend their help and cooperation in trying to eradicate Malaria. They can contribute in terms of funding for research and promoting global awareness. Every year, the World Malaria Day focuses on one theme and promotes it. For example: Zero malaria starts with me Ready to beat malaria End Malaria for good Invest in the future: defeat malaria Moreover, it provides us information about the yearly progress of research on malaria and also informs us about new innovative ideas on how to prevent and treat it. Progress : Malaria- free Countries Credit: Wikimedia Commons no more Malaria According to the WHO, malaria- free countries include : Algeria Austria Australia Japan Srilanka Bahamas Morocco Qatar UAE Croatia Denmark Finland France Germany Greece Canada New Zealand