The document discusses sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which are passed primarily through sexual contact. Some STIs cause no symptoms but can still be transmitted to partners. Untreated STIs can lead to serious health problems. Those most at risk are those who have unprotected sex, multiple partners, or partners who use intravenous drugs. STIs are caused by microbes that thrive in warm, moist areas of the body. They are transmitted through sexual acts but some can also spread through blood or from mother to child. Common STIs in the US include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, AIDS, hepatitis, genital warts, and trichomoniasis.
A brief look into the inevitable process of aging, the various theories attempting to explain the aging phenomenon; normal physiological aging changes that play a role in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics w.r.t. drugs.
Age-Related Physiological Changes and Their Clinical SignificanceTrading Game Pty Ltd
Physiological changes occur with aging in all organ systems. The cardiac output decreases, blood pressure increases and arteriosclerosis develops. The lungs show impaired gas exchange, a decrease in vital capacity and slower
expiratory flow rates. The creatinine clearance decreases with age although the serum creatinine level remains relatively constant due to a proportionate age-related decrease in creatinine production. Functional'changes, largely
related to altered motility patterns, occur in the gastrointestinal system with senescence, and atrophic gastritis and altered hepatic drug metabolism are common in the elderly. Progressive elevation of blood glucose occurs with age on a multifactorial basis and osteoporosis is frequently seen due 'to a linear
decline in bone mass after the fourth decade. The epidermis of the skin atrophies with age and due to changes in collagen and elastin the skin loses its tone and elasticity. Lean body mass declines with ag'e and this is primarily due to loss and atrophy of muscle cells. Degenerative changes occur in many
joints and this, combined with the loss of muscle mass, inhibits elderly patients locomotion. These changes with age have important practical implications for the clinical management of elderly patients: metabolism is altered, changes
in response to commonly used drugs make different drug dosages necessary and there is need for rational preventive programs of diet and exercise in an effort to delay or reverse some of these changes.
A brief look into the inevitable process of aging, the various theories attempting to explain the aging phenomenon; normal physiological aging changes that play a role in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics w.r.t. drugs.
Age-Related Physiological Changes and Their Clinical SignificanceTrading Game Pty Ltd
Physiological changes occur with aging in all organ systems. The cardiac output decreases, blood pressure increases and arteriosclerosis develops. The lungs show impaired gas exchange, a decrease in vital capacity and slower
expiratory flow rates. The creatinine clearance decreases with age although the serum creatinine level remains relatively constant due to a proportionate age-related decrease in creatinine production. Functional'changes, largely
related to altered motility patterns, occur in the gastrointestinal system with senescence, and atrophic gastritis and altered hepatic drug metabolism are common in the elderly. Progressive elevation of blood glucose occurs with age on a multifactorial basis and osteoporosis is frequently seen due 'to a linear
decline in bone mass after the fourth decade. The epidermis of the skin atrophies with age and due to changes in collagen and elastin the skin loses its tone and elasticity. Lean body mass declines with ag'e and this is primarily due to loss and atrophy of muscle cells. Degenerative changes occur in many
joints and this, combined with the loss of muscle mass, inhibits elderly patients locomotion. These changes with age have important practical implications for the clinical management of elderly patients: metabolism is altered, changes
in response to commonly used drugs make different drug dosages necessary and there is need for rational preventive programs of diet and exercise in an effort to delay or reverse some of these changes.
All vital organs begin to lose some function as you age during adulthood. Aging changes occur in all of the body's cells, tissues, and organs, and these changes affect the functioning of all body systems. Living tissue is made up of cells. There are many different types of cells, but all have the same basic structure.
Ageing, also spelled aging, is the process of becoming older. The term refers especially to human beings, many animals, and fungi, whereas for example bacteria, perennial plants and some simple animals are potentially immortal. In the broader sense, ageing can refer to single cells within an organism which have ceased dividing (cellular senescence) or to the population of a species (population ageing).
In humans, ageing represents the accumulation of changes in a human being over time,[1] encompassing physical, psychological, and social change. Reaction time, for example, may slow with age, while knowledge of world events and wisdom may expand. Ageing is among the greatest known risk factors for most human diseases:[2] of the roughly 150,000 people who die each day across the globe, about two thirds die from age-related causes.
The causes of ageing are uncertain; current theories are assigned to the damage concept, whereby the accumulation of damage (such as DNA oxidation) may cause biological systems to fail, or to the programmed ageing concept, whereby internal processes (such as DNA methylation) may cause ageing. Programmed ageing should not be confused with programmed cell death (apoptosis).
As person get older, many health problems become more likely to pass, including problems that bear on the body and brain. And though some of these problems are unavoidable, becoming a senior citizen does not doom someone to a life of wellness troubles. to avoid this, here is summary of several steps that can be taken in prosperous age to avoid later health problems.
By 2030 one-fifth of the U.S. population will be 65 or older. Older populations are "not what they used to be" and need not support the myths about old age. This powerpoint talks about the upside of growing older.
All vital organs begin to lose some function as you age during adulthood. Aging changes occur in all of the body's cells, tissues, and organs, and these changes affect the functioning of all body systems. Living tissue is made up of cells. There are many different types of cells, but all have the same basic structure.
Ageing, also spelled aging, is the process of becoming older. The term refers especially to human beings, many animals, and fungi, whereas for example bacteria, perennial plants and some simple animals are potentially immortal. In the broader sense, ageing can refer to single cells within an organism which have ceased dividing (cellular senescence) or to the population of a species (population ageing).
In humans, ageing represents the accumulation of changes in a human being over time,[1] encompassing physical, psychological, and social change. Reaction time, for example, may slow with age, while knowledge of world events and wisdom may expand. Ageing is among the greatest known risk factors for most human diseases:[2] of the roughly 150,000 people who die each day across the globe, about two thirds die from age-related causes.
The causes of ageing are uncertain; current theories are assigned to the damage concept, whereby the accumulation of damage (such as DNA oxidation) may cause biological systems to fail, or to the programmed ageing concept, whereby internal processes (such as DNA methylation) may cause ageing. Programmed ageing should not be confused with programmed cell death (apoptosis).
As person get older, many health problems become more likely to pass, including problems that bear on the body and brain. And though some of these problems are unavoidable, becoming a senior citizen does not doom someone to a life of wellness troubles. to avoid this, here is summary of several steps that can be taken in prosperous age to avoid later health problems.
By 2030 one-fifth of the U.S. population will be 65 or older. Older populations are "not what they used to be" and need not support the myths about old age. This powerpoint talks about the upside of growing older.
PASOS Y ESTRATEGIAS QUE INTEGRE RECURSOS DIDACTICOS TECNOLOGICOS
- Predisposición del personal administrativo, cuerpo docente, alumnado y padres de familia por intervenir en el proceso de transformación, algo que se hace imposible por la falta de tecnologías.
- Equipar la escuela con máquinas y accesos al INTERNET.
- Capacitación a los docentes para el uso y manejo de las NNTT en el aula o el centro de cómputos en la escuela.
- Informar sobre los beneficios que darán a la educación, contar con estas herramientas de trabajo para el manejo de información.
- Asignar responsabilidades para el mantenimiento de equipos y más medios tecnológicos con los que se cuente.
Prof. Serge Jurasunas Biological Aging vs. Chronological Aging Part 1.pdfSheldon Stein
Biological Aging VS. Chronological Aging - How to Build a Healthy Longevity - An Important Role for the Mitochondria
Part I
Professor Serge Jurasunas, M.D. (hc) N.D. M.D (Hom)
Topics in Part 1:
A Longer Lifespan No Longer Means a Healthier Lifespan
What are the Causes of Normal Aging or Premature Aging?
Mitochondria, Oxidative Stress, and Premature Aging
What are Mitochondria?
Brain Neurons
The Brain and Alzheimer’s
Unit vi ageing process and physiological changes m.sc ii yrsanjalatchi
Normal ageing is characterised by a decrease in bone and muscle mass and an increase in adiposity . A decline in muscle mass and a reduction in muscle strength lead to risk of fractures, frailty, reduction in the quality of life and loss of independence [45]. These changes in musculoskeletal system reflect the ageing process as well as consequences of a reduced physical activity. The muscle wasting in frail older persons is termed ‘sarcopaenia’. This disorder leads to a higher incidence of falls and fractures and a functional decline. Functional sarcopaenia or age-related musculoskeletal changes affect 7% of elderly above the age of 70 years, and the rate of deterioration increases with time, affecting over 20% of the elderly by the age of 80 Strength declines at 1.5% per year, and this accelerates to as much as 3% per year after 60 years of age . These rates were considered high in sedentary individuals and twice as high in men as compared with those in women . However, studies show that on an average, men have larger amounts of muscle mass and a shorter survival than women. This makes sarcopaenia potentially a greater public health concern among women than among men
Global Medical Cures™ | Womens Health- HEALTHY AGING
Dealing with menopause, understanding common signs of aging, and living with chronic health conditions.
DISCLAIMER-
Global Medical Cures™ does not offer any medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or recommendations. Only your healthcare provider/physician can offer you information and recommendations for you to decide about your healthcare choices.
Elderly physical and physiological changes and nutrient requirementsT. Tamilselvan
This presentation deals with the challenges faced by elderly people during physical and physiological changes and the problems associated with old age, nutrient requirements during old age, nutrients influencing the aging process.It will give a brief overview of all these things mentioned above.
Aging is a natural phenomenon. it is the law of nature
this slide is about the various factors which independently or in combinations contribute to aging in humans
Dr Aubrey de Grey, né le 20 avril 1963, à Londres, est un scientifique anglais, ancien informaticien à l’université de Cambridge et autodidacte en biogérontologie. Il vit actuellement à San Francisco. Lors de la conférence FUTUR DE LA SANTÉ tenue le 10 octobre 2017, il a présenté les avancées de la technologie combinées à la génomique permettant de développer un moyen de régénérer les tissus cellulaires pour rajeunir et allonger l’espérance de vie humaine.
The prostate is an exocrine gland of the male mammalian reproductive system
It is a walnut-sized gland that forms part of the male reproductive system and is located in front of the rectum and just below the urinary bladder
Function is to store and secrete a clear, slightly alkaline fluid that constitutes 10-30% of the volume of the seminal fluid that along with the spermatozoa, constitutes semen
A healthy human prostate measures (4cm-vertical, by 3cm-horizontal, 2cm ant-post ).
It surrounds the urethra just below the urinary bladder. It has anterior, median, posterior and two lateral lobes
It’s work is regulated by androgens which are responsible for male sex characteristics
Generalised disease of the prostate due to hormonal derangement which leads to non malignant enlargement of the gland (increase in the number of epithelial cells and stromal tissue)to cause compression of the urethra leading to symptoms (LUTS
Flu Vaccine Alert in Bangalore Karnatakaaddon Scans
As flu season approaches, health officials in Bangalore, Karnataka, are urging residents to get their flu vaccinations. The seasonal flu, while common, can lead to severe health complications, particularly for vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions.
Dr. Vidisha Kumari, a leading epidemiologist in Bangalore, emphasizes the importance of getting vaccinated. "The flu vaccine is our best defense against the influenza virus. It not only protects individuals but also helps prevent the spread of the virus in our communities," he says.
This year, the flu season is expected to coincide with a potential increase in other respiratory illnesses. The Karnataka Health Department has launched an awareness campaign highlighting the significance of flu vaccinations. They have set up multiple vaccination centers across Bangalore, making it convenient for residents to receive their shots.
To encourage widespread vaccination, the government is also collaborating with local schools, workplaces, and community centers to facilitate vaccination drives. Special attention is being given to ensuring that the vaccine is accessible to all, including marginalized communities who may have limited access to healthcare.
Residents are reminded that the flu vaccine is safe and effective. Common side effects are mild and may include soreness at the injection site, mild fever, or muscle aches. These side effects are generally short-lived and far less severe than the flu itself.
Healthcare providers are also stressing the importance of continuing COVID-19 precautions. Wearing masks, practicing good hand hygiene, and maintaining social distancing are still crucial, especially in crowded places.
Protect yourself and your loved ones by getting vaccinated. Together, we can help keep Bangalore healthy and safe this flu season. For more information on vaccination centers and schedules, residents can visit the Karnataka Health Department’s official website or follow their social media pages.
Stay informed, stay safe, and get your flu shot today!
Pulmonary Thromboembolism - etilogy, types, medical- Surgical and nursing man...VarunMahajani
Disruption of blood supply to lung alveoli due to blockage of one or more pulmonary blood vessels is called as Pulmonary thromboembolism. In this presentation we will discuss its causes, types and its management in depth.
Couples presenting to the infertility clinic- Do they really have infertility...Sujoy Dasgupta
Dr Sujoy Dasgupta presented the study on "Couples presenting to the infertility clinic- Do they really have infertility? – The unexplored stories of non-consummation" in the 13th Congress of the Asia Pacific Initiative on Reproduction (ASPIRE 2024) at Manila on 24 May, 2024.
Anti ulcer drugs and their Advance pharmacology ||
Anti-ulcer drugs are medications used to prevent and treat ulcers in the stomach and upper part of the small intestine (duodenal ulcers). These ulcers are often caused by an imbalance between stomach acid and the mucosal lining, which protects the stomach lining.
||Scope: Overview of various classes of anti-ulcer drugs, their mechanisms of action, indications, side effects, and clinical considerations.
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These lecture slides, by Dr Sidra Arshad, offer a quick overview of physiological basis of a normal electrocardiogram.
Learning objectives:
1. Define an electrocardiogram (ECG) and electrocardiography
2. Describe how dipoles generated by the heart produce the waveforms of the ECG
3. Describe the components of a normal electrocardiogram of a typical bipolar leads (limb II)
4. Differentiate between intervals and segments
5. Enlist some common indications for obtaining an ECG
Study Resources:
1. Chapter 11, Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th edition
2. Chapter 9, Human Physiology - From Cells to Systems, Lauralee Sherwood, 9th edition
3. Chapter 29, Ganong’s Review of Medical Physiology, 26th edition
4. Electrocardiogram, StatPearls - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549803/
5. ECG in Medical Practice by ABM Abdullah, 4th edition
6. ECG Basics, http://www.nataliescasebook.com/tag/e-c-g-basics
Title: Sense of Smell
Presenter: Dr. Faiza, Assistant Professor of Physiology
Qualifications:
MBBS (Best Graduate, AIMC Lahore)
FCPS Physiology
ICMT, CHPE, DHPE (STMU)
MPH (GC University, Faisalabad)
MBA (Virtual University of Pakistan)
Learning Objectives:
Describe the primary categories of smells and the concept of odor blindness.
Explain the structure and location of the olfactory membrane and mucosa, including the types and roles of cells involved in olfaction.
Describe the pathway and mechanisms of olfactory signal transmission from the olfactory receptors to the brain.
Illustrate the biochemical cascade triggered by odorant binding to olfactory receptors, including the role of G-proteins and second messengers in generating an action potential.
Identify different types of olfactory disorders such as anosmia, hyposmia, hyperosmia, and dysosmia, including their potential causes.
Key Topics:
Olfactory Genes:
3% of the human genome accounts for olfactory genes.
400 genes for odorant receptors.
Olfactory Membrane:
Located in the superior part of the nasal cavity.
Medially: Folds downward along the superior septum.
Laterally: Folds over the superior turbinate and upper surface of the middle turbinate.
Total surface area: 5-10 square centimeters.
Olfactory Mucosa:
Olfactory Cells: Bipolar nerve cells derived from the CNS (100 million), with 4-25 olfactory cilia per cell.
Sustentacular Cells: Produce mucus and maintain ionic and molecular environment.
Basal Cells: Replace worn-out olfactory cells with an average lifespan of 1-2 months.
Bowman’s Gland: Secretes mucus.
Stimulation of Olfactory Cells:
Odorant dissolves in mucus and attaches to receptors on olfactory cilia.
Involves a cascade effect through G-proteins and second messengers, leading to depolarization and action potential generation in the olfactory nerve.
Quality of a Good Odorant:
Small (3-20 Carbon atoms), volatile, water-soluble, and lipid-soluble.
Facilitated by odorant-binding proteins in mucus.
Membrane Potential and Action Potential:
Resting membrane potential: -55mV.
Action potential frequency in the olfactory nerve increases with odorant strength.
Adaptation Towards the Sense of Smell:
Rapid adaptation within the first second, with further slow adaptation.
Psychological adaptation greater than receptor adaptation, involving feedback inhibition from the central nervous system.
Primary Sensations of Smell:
Camphoraceous, Musky, Floral, Pepperminty, Ethereal, Pungent, Putrid.
Odor Detection Threshold:
Examples: Hydrogen sulfide (0.0005 ppm), Methyl-mercaptan (0.002 ppm).
Some toxic substances are odorless at lethal concentrations.
Characteristics of Smell:
Odor blindness for single substances due to lack of appropriate receptor protein.
Behavioral and emotional influences of smell.
Transmission of Olfactory Signals:
From olfactory cells to glomeruli in the olfactory bulb, involving lateral inhibition.
Primitive, less old, and new olfactory systems with different path
Report Back from SGO 2024: What’s the Latest in Cervical Cancer?bkling
Are you curious about what’s new in cervical cancer research or unsure what the findings mean? Join Dr. Emily Ko, a gynecologic oncologist at Penn Medicine, to learn about the latest updates from the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) 2024 Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer. Dr. Ko will discuss what the research presented at the conference means for you and answer your questions about the new developments.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN HEALTHCARE.pdfAnujkumaranit
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. It encompasses tasks such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, perception, and language understanding. AI technologies are revolutionizing various fields, from healthcare to finance, by enabling machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence.
Tom Selleck Health: A Comprehensive Look at the Iconic Actor’s Wellness Journeygreendigital
Tom Selleck, an enduring figure in Hollywood. has captivated audiences for decades with his rugged charm, iconic moustache. and memorable roles in television and film. From his breakout role as Thomas Magnum in Magnum P.I. to his current portrayal of Frank Reagan in Blue Bloods. Selleck's career has spanned over 50 years. But beyond his professional achievements. fans have often been curious about Tom Selleck Health. especially as he has aged in the public eye.
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Introduction
Many have been interested in Tom Selleck health. not only because of his enduring presence on screen but also because of the challenges. and lifestyle choices he has faced and made over the years. This article delves into the various aspects of Tom Selleck health. exploring his fitness regimen, diet, mental health. and the challenges he has encountered as he ages. We'll look at how he maintains his well-being. the health issues he has faced, and his approach to ageing .
Early Life and Career
Childhood and Athletic Beginnings
Tom Selleck was born on January 29, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in Sherman Oaks, California. From an early age, he was involved in sports, particularly basketball. which played a significant role in his physical development. His athletic pursuits continued into college. where he attended the University of Southern California (USC) on a basketball scholarship. This early involvement in sports laid a strong foundation for his physical health and disciplined lifestyle.
Transition to Acting
Selleck's transition from an athlete to an actor came with its physical demands. His first significant role in "Magnum P.I." required him to perform various stunts and maintain a fit appearance. This role, which he played from 1980 to 1988. necessitated a rigorous fitness routine to meet the show's demands. setting the stage for his long-term commitment to health and wellness.
Fitness Regimen
Workout Routine
Tom Selleck health and fitness regimen has evolved. adapting to his changing roles and age. During his "Magnum, P.I." days. Selleck's workouts were intense and focused on building and maintaining muscle mass. His routine included weightlifting, cardiovascular exercises. and specific training for the stunts he performed on the show.
Selleck adjusted his fitness routine as he aged to suit his body's needs. Today, his workouts focus on maintaining flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular health. He incorporates low-impact exercises such as swimming, walking, and light weightlifting. This balanced approach helps him stay fit without putting undue strain on his joints and muscles.
Importance of Flexibility and Mobility
In recent years, Selleck has emphasized the importance of flexibility and mobility in his fitness regimen. Understanding the natural decline in muscle mass and joint flexibility with age. he includes stretching and yoga in his routine. These practices help prevent injuries, improve posture, and maintain mobilit
Ozempic: Preoperative Management of Patients on GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Saeid Safari
Preoperative Management of Patients on GLP-1 Receptor Agonists like Ozempic and Semiglutide
ASA GUIDELINE
NYSORA Guideline
2 Case Reports of Gastric Ultrasound
micro teaching on communication m.sc nursing.pdfAnurag Sharma
Microteaching is a unique model of practice teaching. It is a viable instrument for the. desired change in the teaching behavior or the behavior potential which, in specified types of real. classroom situations, tends to facilitate the achievement of specified types of objectives.
1. THE AGING PROCESS
Although biologists largely agree that an organism's life span is determined and limited by the
laws of natural selection, no single theory prevails about the mechanisms by which a species rids
itself of one generation to make room for the next. According to one theory, called the error
theory, aging is caused by the accumulation of small flaws in genetic information passed on as
the body cells reproduce. Nevertheless, aging may be defined as irreversible biological changes that
occur in all living things with the passage of time, eventually resulting in death. Even though, all
organisms age, rates of aging vary considerably. Fruit flies, for example, are born, grow old, and die
in 30 or 40 days, while field mice have a life span of about three years. Dolphins may live to age 25,
elephants to age 50, and Galápagos tortoises to 100. Maximum life span though is the greatest age
that a member of a species has been known to reach, whereas average life span is the average age
at which that organism is expected to die. Average life span, which is the more useful concept,
reflects in part the relative hospitality of the environment, among other considerations.
The maximum life span for humans in some documentation has been authenticated to be at 122
years though there might be some probable changes in the recent past.
Among humans, the effects of aging vary from one individual to another. Although some
people never reach the maximum life span, and others are beset with illnesses if they do, more and
more people are living healthy lives well into their 90s and older. The study of the different aging
processes that occur among individuals and the factors that cause these changes is known as
gerontology. Geriatrics is a medical specialty concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment
of diseases in the elderly.
Several general changes take place in the human body as it ages: hearing and vision decline, muscle
strength lessens, soft tissues such as skin and blood vessels become less flexible, and there is an
overall decline in body tone.
Most of the body's organs perform less efficiently with advancing age. For example, the
average amount of blood pumped by the heart drops from about 6.9 liters per minute at age 20 to
only 3.5 liters pumped per minute at age 85. For this same age range, the average amount of blood
flowing through the kidneys drops from approximately 0.6 liters per minute to 0.3 liters. Not all people
experience decreased organ function to the same degree some individuals have healthier hearts and
kidneys at age 85 than others do at age 50.
The immune system also changes with age. A healthy immune system protects the body against
bacteria, viruses, and other harmful agents by producing disease-fighting proteins known as
antibodies. A healthy immune system also prevents the growth of abnormal cells, which can become
cancerous. With advancing age, the ability of the immune system to carry out these protective
2. functions is diminished. The rate of antibody production may drop by as much as 80 percent between
age 20 and age 85. This less-effective immune system explains why a bout of influenza, which may
make a young adult sick for a few days, can be fatal for an elderly person. Thus, it is as important for
an older person to be vaccinated against the flu and pneumonia as it is for young people to be
vaccinated against childhood diseases.
Most of the glands of the endocrine system, the organs that secrete hormones regulating such
functions as metabolism, temperature, and blood sugar levels, retain their ability to function into
advanced age. However, these glands often become less sensitive to the triggers that direct hormone
secretion. In the aging pancreas, for example, higher blood sugar levels are required to stimulate the
release of insulin, a hormone that helps the muscles convert blood sugar to energy.
The ovaries and the testes, the endocrine glands that regulate many aspects of sexual reproduction,
alter during the aging process. As a man ages, the testes produce less of the male sex hormone,
testosterone. A woman's ovaries undergo marked changes from about age 45 to age 55 during a
process known as menopause. The ovaries no longer release egg cells, and they no longer generate
the hormones that stimulate monthly menstrual cycles. After women have gone through menopause,
they are no longer capable of having children without the aid of reproductive technology. The physical
changes associated with aging do not have a significant impact on sexual activity. Most healthy people
maintain an interest in sex all of their lives.
One of the myths of aging is that intelligence diminishes with age. Early studies that used intelligence
tests designed for children revealed that older people scored lower than young adults. However, these
tests relied heavily on skills commonly used in school classrooms, such as arithmetic, and required the
test to be completed within a specific time limit. Older people may require more time to answer
questions, and more recent studies based on untimed tests and other measures of intellectual activity,
such as problem solving and concept formation, show that there is relatively little decline in mental
ability in healthy people at least up to age 70.
The aging brain does undergo a progressive loss of neurons, or nerve cells, but these losses represent
only a small percentage of neurons in the brain. The speed of conduction of a nerve impulse declines
with age, but it drops only about 15 percent over the age span from 30 to 85 years. Although
intelligence is generally not affected by the aging process, studies show that some older people may
find it difficult to deal with many stimuli at once. For example, an older individual requires more time
to sort out all of the information when many highway signs come into view simultaneously. Traveling
at 97 km/h, an elderly driver may miss the information he or she needs or may act on the wrong
information. But if older individuals recognize this limitation and adjust their behavior accordingly,
they can continue driving safely well into old age.
Many older people experience problems with memory, and up to 10 percent of the elderly have
memory problems significant enough to interfere with their ability to function independently. Memory
problems were once considered an inevitable effect of the aging process, but researchers have
determined that many of the brain-related changes often observed in elderly people, including
3. memory loss, are actually a result of such diseases as Alzheimer’s disease and diseases associated
with blood vessels and blood flow in the brain, such as stroke. Memory loss is sometimes treatable,
and certain memory-aiding strategies have been found to help reverse the short-term memory loss
experienced by many older people.
Another myth about aging is that people tend to grow sour and mean-spirited with age. Research
shows that personalities really do not change much over time. A mean-spirited, grumpy old person
was probably that way when he or she was 30. And, as humans age, most still like to do the things
they did when they were young. For example those who were athletic in their youth may continue to
enjoy athletic activities as they age.
An older person's social environment, however, can have a marked impact on personality. The social
isolation that often exists among older people can dramatically influence mental attitudes and
behavior. Some documentation show that in the United States, 33 percent of all older people live
alone, most of them widowed women over the age of 85. About 5 percent of elderly Americans live in
some type of long-term care facility, and almost 25 percent of all older Americans live under or near
the federal poverty level. These people have little or no money for recreational activities. This poverty
and isolation often leads to clinical depression and other problems, such as alcoholism.
Although the exact causes of aging remain unknown, scientists are learning a great deal about the
aging process and the mechanisms that drive it. Some of the most promising research on the aging
process focuses on the microscopic changes that occur in all living cells as organisms’ age. In 1965
American microbiologist Leonard Hayflick observed that under laboratory conditions, human cells can
duplicate up to 50 times before they stop. Hayflick also noted that when cells stop normal cell division,
they start to age, or senesce. Since Hayflick’s groundbreaking observations, scientists have been
searching for the underlying cause, known as the senescent factor (SF), of why cells stop dividing and
thus age.
Different theories have been proposed to explain how SF works. One theory is based on the
assumption that aging, and diseases that occur more frequently with advancing age, are caused by
structural damage to cells. This damage accumulates in tiny amounts each time the cell divides,
eventually preventing the cell from carrying out normal functions.
One cause of this damage may be free radicals, which are chemical compounds found in the
environment and also generated by normal chemical reactions in the body. Free radicals contain
unpaired electrons and so carry an electric charge that makes them highly reactive. In an effort to
neutralize their electric charge, free radicals constantly bombard cells in order to steal electrons in a
process called oxidation. Free radicals are thought to greatly increase the severity of or perhaps even
cause such life-shortening diseases as diabetes mellitus, strokes, and heart attacks. Researchers have
observed that free radicals exist in smaller amounts in those species with relatively long life spans.
Increasing human life span may depend on our ability to prevent free radical damage, and scientists
are currently examining the role of chemical compounds, called antioxidants, that prevent or reverse
oxidative damage in the aging process.
4. Another theory suggests that SF is genetically regulated i.e. cells are genetically programmed to carry
out about 50 cell divisions and then die. Researchers have identified at least three genes that are
involved with human cellular senescence. They have also discovered a protein on the surface
membranes of senescent cells that inhibits production of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), the essential
molecule that carries all genetic information.
Another theory proposes that extra, useless bits of DNA accumulate over time within a cell's nucleus.
Eventually this so-called junk DNA builds up to levels that clog normal cell action. If this idea is
correct, scientists may be able to find ways to prevent accumulation of junk DNA, thereby slowing
down the process of senescence in cells.
Other studies focus on cell division limits. Each time a cell divides, it duplicates its DNA, and in each
division the sections at the ends of DNA, called the telomeres, are gradually depleted, or shortened.
Eventually the telomeres become so depleted that normal cell division halts, typically within 50 cell
divisions. Scientists have found that an enzyme produced by the human body, called telomerase, can
prolong the life of the telomeres, thus extending the number of cell divisions. In laboratory studies,
cells injected with telomerase continue to divide well beyond the normal limit of 50 cell divisions.
These promising results have triggered worldwide attention on telomerase and its relationship to
aging.
A number of other studies are underway to investigate the effects of aging. Scientists have found, for
example, a possible explanation for why women have longer average life spans than men. The
difference seems to be biologically determined, and male and female sex hormones are probably
responsible. The blood levels of female sex hormones drop sharply during menopause. At that time,
the incidence of heart disease and high blood pressure in women increases to match the incidence in
men, suggesting that the presence of female sex hormones offers some protection against heart
disease.
In developed nations, life expectancy has increased more in the 20th century than it has in all of
recorded history. A person born in the United States in 1995 can expect to live more than 35 years
longer than a person born in 1900. Today more than 34 million Americans are 65 or older, accounting
for about 13 percent of the population. By the year 2030, their numbers will more than double: One in
every five Americans will be over age 65. A person who lives 100 years or more—a centenarian—was
once a rarity, but today about 60,000 Americans are 100 years or older. By the year 2060, there may
be as many as 2.5 million centenarians in the United States. The number of super-centenarians—
people 105 years of age and older will probably be as commonplace in the next century as
centenarians are fast becoming now some researches indicates. This increase in life expectancy is the
result of better public health measures, improvements in living conditions, and advances in medical
care
In summary,the race isnot forthe swiftneitheristhe battle forthe strongbut wisdomisvital to
exercisingcontrol thanintelligence.Inasmuch as there maybe problemsrelatedtoaging,the secretto
life issatisfaction andcomfortinall decisionsinthe past,presentandthe future. AnAfricansocietyand
5. culture holdsthe elderlytobe atthe epicenterof all knowledge,wisdom, leadershipand customs. The
oldadage that says “a year oldera yearwiser”simplifiesthe reasoningbehindthe respectforthe
elderly inoursociety.However,agingcomeswithitmanychallengesasmentionedhereinof whichif
leftuncheckedmayleadtoserioushealthimplicationhencethe needtoguardourselvesjealouslyin
orderto have meaningful life insuchstagesof life.Totrustt inthe promise of the starto shine inthe
nightisone thingbut to believeinthe hippoorhyenathatwill nevershow- upatdawnis anotherthing.
In otherwordsoldage doesnotspell doomor eminence of deathbutjusta processof life.Itisbetterto
live yourlife the wayyoucan,then the fruits of actualizationwill come yourway.
JONES. H. MUNANG’ANDU (author)
Motivational speaker,healthcommentator &
Health practitioner
Mobile;0966565670/0979362525
6. Sexually Transmitted Infections
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), formerly known as venereal diseases, more than 25 infections
passed from one person to another primarily during sexual contact. Despite the prevalence of STIs,
studies show that many people are unaware of their risks for contracting an STI or the serious, and
sometimes deadly, health consequences that may result from an untreated infection.
Some STIs, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, may cause no symptoms. People who do not know they
are infected risk infecting their sexual partners and, in some cases, their unborn children. If left
untreated, these diseases may cause debilitating pain or may destroy a woman’s ability to have
children. Some STIs can be cured with a single dose of antibiotics, but many, such as acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), are incurable but treatable. People with these diseases remain
infectious to others for their entire lives.
Those most at risk for contracting STIs are people who have unprotected sex—that is, sex without
using a latex or polyurethane condom; those who have multiple partners; and those whose sex
partners include intravenous drug users who share needles. Additionally, young people may be more
likely to have unprotected sex and they may find it difficult to tell their sexual partners they are
infected with an STI. Young people may also be embarrassed or unable to seek treatment for STIs.
This means that they are not only more likely to pass the disease to other young people; they also
have a greater risk of suffering the long-term consequences of untreated STIs.
STIs are transmitted by infectious agents—microscopic bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, and single-
celled organisms called protozoa—that thrive in warm, moist environments in the body, such as the
genital area, mouth, and throat. Most STIs spread during sexual intercourse (vaginal or anal), but
other forms of sexual contact, such as oral sex, can also spread disease.
Some STIs are transmitted in ways other than by sexual contact. Certain viral STIs, such as AIDS and
some types of hepatitis, may be transmitted by contact with infected blood. For instance, viral STIs
may pass between people who share infected needles, and a person can become infected from a
transfusion of infected blood. Some STIs may pass from an infected mother to her child. Infection may
occur before birth, when the infectious agent crosses the placenta (organ in a pregnant woman’s
uterus that links the blood supplies of mother and baby) and enters the baby’s bloodstream. Infection
also may occur during childbirth, as the baby passes through the birth canal, or after birth, when the
baby consumes infected breast milk. STIs cannot be transmitted through shaking hands or other
casual contact, or through contact with inanimate objects such as clothing or toilet se ats.
7. The most common STIs in the United States include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, AIDS,
hepatitis, genital warts, and trichomoniasis.