Plumbism in Children

Plumbism is a medical term. It is used to refer to lead poisoning. Plumbism occurs when lead blood level is equal or greater than 10 Mgm per decilitre. At this level cognitive deficits may become visible. Lead poisoning in childhood results from the indigestion of lead-based paint or plasters etc.

Children are the most easy lead poisoning targets. This is most likely to occur in children who live in houses containing paint or plaster in poor condition or houses undergoing renovation; Children living near lead smelting or processing plants; having parents or other household members working in lead related occupations; having diet deficit in iron,calcium, or zinc; having developmental delays and those who eat non-food objects throughout childhood.

The other most common sources of plumbism or lead poisoning are toys, cribs, furniture, crayon, plaster putty, soil, paint,contaminated food stuffs, calcium supplements, floor, some cosmetics, crafts like ceramic glaze, paint pigments,stained glass making material, dust, burning painted wood, and some occupations such as auto repairing, mining, smelting, battery manufacturers, construction painting,pipe fitting,plumbing,welding.

SYMPTOMS OF PLUMBISM

Irritability
Insomnia
Aggressiveness
Lack of Focus and attention deficit disorder
Hyperactivity
Poor appetite
Speech delay
Learning Difficulties
Anemia
Abnormal pain
Seizures
Behavior and cognitive disorders
Developmental delays

PREVENTION

To prevent plumbism especially affected, diet rich in iron, calcium and zinc must be provided. the treatment which is given only after the source of exposure is removed, is known as chelation therapy. Furthermore, to keep the disease at bay, certain measures can be taken. They include

> Cleaning up any paint or plaster chips; keeping all floors window frames, and sills by cleaning them with an all purpose cleanser.

>The hands of the children must be washed often, especially before eating and at bed time. The play area of children must also kept clean.

> Keeping them away from chewing window sills or other painted surfaces.

>Frequent vacuuming that reduces household dust.

>Damaged painted surfaces must be repaired immediately or covered with duct tape or paper and the base soil in play area must be covered with grass.

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First Image of BLEEDING HEART

Scientists have produced the first images of a heart attack taken from inside a human heart.

The team from Imperial College say their breakthrough could radically improve treatment for victims of heart attacks.

It allows doctors to see just how much internal bleeding is occurring in the patient, and means more effective treatment can be given.

Blood red: a cross-section of the heart

For the new study, researchers captured images of bleeding inside the heart in 15 patients from Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust who had recently suffered a heart attack, using Magnetic Resonance Imaging machines.

Computer analysis of the MRI scans revealed that the amount of bleeding can indicate how damaged a person's heart is after suffering an attack.

'Our study gives us a new insight into the damage that heart attacks can cause,' said Dr Declan O'Regan, who led the study.

Dr Declan O'Regan led the study which produced the first images of a heart attack taken from the inside of a human heart

'This new scanning technique shows us that patients who develop bleeding inside their damaged heart muscle have a much poorer chance of recovery. We hope this will help us to identify which patients are at most risk of complications following their heart attack.'

Heart disease is Britain's biggest killer; every six minutes someone dies following a heart attack. Heart attacks happen when an artery feeding blood to the heart becomes blocked, depriving the heart muscle of oxygen.

Currently, most people treated for a heart attack are fitted with a metal tube called a stent to keep the blocked artery clear.

Recent research has shown that some people experience bleeding inside the heart muscle once blood starts to pump into it again.

Dr Stuart Cook, from the Medical Research Council's Clinical Sciences Centre at Imperial College London, said: 'The more we understand about what happens during and after a heart attack, the greater the chances are of scientists finding new ways to combat the damage that heart attacks cause.'

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Whats Passion Fruit??

Passion fruit is a small egg-shaped tropical fruit, which is also known by the name of Purple Granadillas. Passion fruit contains several seeds and has wrinkled purple brown rind on maturing. The seeds and the pulp inside, both are edible, making it easier to consume the fruit. Moreover, the pulp of the fruit has a distinct aroma and has a slightly sweet taste. In tropical countries, passion fruit is primarily used for juicing. The fruit is about 1 - 3 inches wide, with a smooth and waxy coating outside. Apart from its pleasant taste and appearance, the fruit is known for its various health benefits. To know about the nutritional value and benefits of Passion fruit, read on.

Nutritional Value of Passion Fruit

Given below is the nutrient value per 100 g of Passion Fruit
* Total Fat -1g
* Sodium - 28mg
* Total Carbohydrates - 23g
* Dietary Fiber - 10g
* Sugars - 11g
* Protein - 2g
* Vitamin A - 1272 IU
* Retional Activity Equivalent - 64 mcg
* Beta Carotene - 743 mcg
* Beta Cryptoxanthin - 41 mcg
* Vitamin C - 30 mg
* Vitamin E - 0.02 mg
* Vitamin K - 0.7 mcg
* Riboflavin - 0.13 mg
* Niacin - 1.5 mg
* Vitamin B6 - 0.1 mg
* Folate - 14 mcg
* Food Folate - 14 5.6 mcg
* Dietary Folate Equivalents - 14 mcg
* Calcium - 12 mg
* Iron - 1.6 mg
* Magnesium - 29 mg
* Phosphorus - 68 mg
* Potassium - 348 mg
* Sodium - 28 mg
* Zinc - 0.1 mg
* Copper - 0.086 mg
* Selenium - 0.6 mcg
* Total Fat - 0.7 mg
* Saturated Fat - 0.059 mg
* Monounsaturated Fat - 0.086 mg
* Polyunsaturated Fat - 0.411 mg


Health & Nutrition Benefits of Eating Passion Fruit

* The juice of passion fruit reduces cancer cell growth. Though research is underway on this issue, the phytochemicals in the fruit juice are considered to inhibit cancer cell growth.
* The phenolic acids and flavonoids present in the fruit are supposed to possess heart-protecting function.
* The phenolic profile of the fruit is known for its anti-microbial activity.
* Passion fruit is a good source of antioxidants, both water soluble and fat soluble ones.
* Passion fruit is considered good for products which require pasteurization.
* The fruit is quite high in carbohydrates and simple sugars, which improves athletic performance.
* It contains plant sterols, which help in lowering the levels of cholesterol.
* Passion fruit is a reservoir of Vitamin C, Vitamin A and Potassium.
* The seeds of the fruit are very vital sources of fiber.
* It is supposed to possess somniferous properties, which when taken before going to bed, help the person to relax and have a restful sleep.
* It is very good for attaining optimum health and to reduce weight.

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