Raghuraman

While you are traveling, on a holiday or moving to a new location there is a risk that one can run in to some sudden health problems. These can come when least expected and can become a big nuisance. However there are a few tips and ready solutions which can come to the rescue until one is able to reach each a medical centre or doctor.  The following will give much needed preventative measures and first aid help.

Some common medical emergencies are:

- Blood pressure sudden changes

- Tension

- One sided headache

- Cold

- Back pain

- Indigestion

Blood Pressure

Possible causes are excessive salt intake combined with excess weight and tension. The arteries use a particular level of pressure to carry the blood throughout the body, which is 120/80. When the arteries shrink or when there is a block the pressure increases and can become 120-135/80-99. Therefore it is possible that systolic pressure can go to 135 and diastolic pressure to 95. If not attended to, this can lead to paralysis, stroke and kidney function problems

Exercise is a very beneficial in this case. Therefore simple solutions include regular walking (30-45 minutes every day), use steps to climb instead of taking the lift, walk or cycle to the market instead of using a car or motor bike. Also, try doing some physical jobs at home including cleaning house, cooking, polishing etc

Tension

When you have one law for yourself and another law for others you are a likely candidate for mental tension. Another cause is over expectation. When you have tension, the WBC count in the blood can get affected and body resistance will be lowered. The symptoms are frequent headaches, increased blood pressure, frequent urination, forgetfulness, lack of concentration and tired feelings.

Suggested solutions are to think often about your achievements and success. Try not to view everything negatively (remember the cup half full story), do not compare yourself with others and spend more time with family members and friends. Focus on some exercise every day (45 -90 minutes), learn and attempt prayers, yoga and meditation. Think differently and develop self confidence. Read about achievers, take failures as a lesson for success and plan for an orderly day. As we can often invite tension in our daily lives, we have a responsibility to drive it out also.

One-sided headache

When we get a striking pain in one side of the head it can become unbearable if left unattended. Some get it regularly, for some it is only occasionally. Those with sugar problems can also get this if they do not eat properly and in good time. Symptoms are include blurred vision, seeing spots, numbness in legs and arms, and even vomiting.

Remedies include:

- Soak a towel in hot water, wring it out well and use it to massage the shoulder and back

- Drink a cup of tea without milk (you can also take two aspirins)

- Forget any recent incidents from home or work and try to rest in a cool, well ventilated place away from light

- If the pain is very severe doctors recommend use of a Sebilium tablet (check with your doctor)

Cold

For a normal cold Paracetamol tablets can be taken for 3 days. You can also get relief with massages of vapor rub (Vicks). Avoid cold drinks and  expensive cold remedy tablets as they are no better than Paracetamol tablets. One should also increase the intake of vitamin C and A, This can be done by taking plenty of cabbage, soya beans, orange, and carrots with your food. Drink warm soups.

Good food and rest will help a lot to reduce the impact of a cold virus. For further relief, inhale the vapor from a spoon of Vicks in hot water and covering your head with a towe.

Back Pain

There could be many reasons for back pain. Major causes include: continued and prolonged sitting in one sedentary posture (suffered by office workers), sudden lifting of heavy weighing objects, standing for long periods, wearing high heel shoes and being over weight with a high BMI index. Women are more likely to suffer from this when there is no physical activity, during pregnancy when weight increases or during the menopause phase when estrogen secretion increases.

Solutions for this pain include:

- Rest and good rest! Try sleeping on the floor with legs raised onsupports.

- A cold compress with ice cubes inside a folded cloth for 15 minutes, 4 times a day. Do not place ice directly on the skin.

- If pain persist after 48 hours, try hot water baths or keeping a hot water bottle

- Gentle massage over the pain area can be done, but do not press hard over the back bone

- Medicines can be tried including aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen or paracetamol (only take one of them)

If the back pain continues for over two weeks you are advised to see a doctor. Pain can often be cured once the cause is identified.

Indigestion

The usual symptoms are a curling pain in the stomach, a burning sensation in the lower chest area, one sided headache, and belching. However, it is possible that these are symptoms could indicate some other complaint so be wary. The causes of indigestion include over-eating, eating foods high in oil content, eating excessively spicy foods, eating uncooked meat and excessive tea, tobacco or alcohol. People with mental tension, fast eaters or those with dental problems are prone to indigestion.

Solutions include:

- The risks are greater when you travel as you are away from home eating a different food, so eat moderately and slowly, chewing the food well

- Avoid eating spicy or masala foods. Avoid chocolates, onion, garlic, lime and tomatoes.

- Avoid over dried, fried foods or cold foods

- Stop eating at least two hours before going to bed

- Do not smoke

- Avoid tight clothes

- Try doing yoga, meditation when you feel tension

- Drink digestive Ayurvedic products: jeera water, ginger water etc

- Take anti-acids (Ranitidin or omipprazol tablets), this will reduce excessive secretion of acids in the stomach

All of these are temporary solutions,  if the problem continues  see a doctor at the earliest opportunity.