Cholesterol: How To Lower it

Cholesterol - Definition:

Cholesterol is a waxy, fatty substance found in the blood. Cholesterol is also present in every cell in the body including the brain, nerves, muscles, skin, liver, intestine and heart. Cholesterol isn’t all bad. In fact, cholesterol is an essential fat. 

Cholesterol is essential to the formation of bile acids, vitamin D, progesterone, estrogens, androgens , mineralocorticoid hormones (aldosterone, corticosterone), and cortisol. It provides stability in every cell of our body. 

Cholesterol can’t dissolve in the blood. It must be transported through bloodstream.  To travel through the bloodstream, cholesterol has to be transported by helper molecules called lipoprotein, which got their name because they’re made of fat (lipid) and proteins.  

Two important kinds of lipoproteins are low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL).

HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) – “The Good Cholesterol”

High density lipoproteins are the smallest and densest lipoproteins, and contain a high proportion of protein. They are synthesized in the liver as empty proteins and they pick up cholesterol and increase in size as they circulate through the bloodstream. This is a good cholesterol.

To counteract the disease process, a type of white blood cells macrophages go into artery walls and the apoA on the HDLs interacts with cholesterol transport proteins located in the outer cell membrane of the macrophages. Through this interaction, HDLs draw cholesterol out the macrophages and bring it back into solution in your blood and then to your liver. 

Because HDL can remove cholesterol from the arteries, and transport it back to the liver for excretion, they are seen as "good" lipoproteins. 

The other functions of HDL are:

• HDLs can deliver triglycerides and cholesterol to your liver, where the triglycerides can be used for energy and the cholesterol can be used in the formation of bile.
• HDLs can also participate in some of your immune response to pathogen. For examples, they can bind to and neutralize bacterial toxins and suppress the development of infections.

LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) – “The Bad Cholesterol”

LDL is called low-density lipoprotein because LDL particles tend to be less dense than other kinds of cholesterol particles. LDL collects in the walls of blood vessels, causing the blockages of atherosclerosis. Here’s how high amounts of LDL cholesterol lead to plaque growth and atherosclerosis:

• Some LDL cholesterol tends to deposit in the walls of arteries. This process starts as early as childhood or adolescence.
• White blood cells swallow and try to digest the LDL, possibly in an attempt to protect the blood vessels. In the proses, the white cells convert the LDL to a toxic (oxidized) form.
• More white blood cells and other cells migrate to the area, creating low-grade inflammation in the artery wall.
• Over time, more LDL cholesterol and cells collect in the area. The process creates a bump in the artery wall called plaque. Plaque is made of cholesterol, the body’s cells and debris.
• The process continues, growing the plaque and slowly blocking the artery.

An even greater danger than slow blockage is a sudden rupture of the surface of the plaque. A blood clot can form on the ruptured area. And that can lead to a heart attack.

How To Reduce LDL Cholesterol

Right lifestyle choices that can lower cholesterol and your overall risk typically start with a diet and exercise plan. LDL cholesterol-lowering diet is low in saturated fat and dietary cholesterol. Regular aerobic exercise lowers LDL cholesterol even further and increase HDL or good cholesterol. If diet and exercise don’t lower LDL levels enough, drug treatment may be need. 

Remember, many factors besides cholesterol affect your risk of heart disease. Smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and lack of exercise are also important contributors. Lowering LDL cholesterol is a good start, and it’s more important to reduce these other risk factor as well.

Constipation: Symptoms and Remedies

Definition of Constipation

Constipation is difficulty or infrequently bowel movements and is a common digestive problem. In general, you may have constipation if the frequency of bowel movements less than three times a week as well as hard and dry stool. Fortunately, most cases of constipation are temporary. Simple lifestyle changes, such as exercising more, drink more and eat high-fiber, can reduce the occurrence of constipation. For some cases are chronic and needs remedies.

Symptoms of Constipation

Complain of no bowel movement in a day does not mean constipation. You may have constipation, if you have at least two of the signs and symptoms following here:

• Defecation is less than three times a week
• Hard stools
• Excessive straining during bowel movements
• Feel like clogged anus
• Sense of incomplete defecation 
• Needs to use manual actions to defecate, like massaging fingers on the lower abdomen

Causes of Constipation

Constipation most often occurs when the stool moves too slowly through the digestive tract, causes the stool becomes hard and dried. Typically, waste product of digestion (stool) is pushed through the intestines by muscle contractions. In the large intestine, most of the water and salt will be absorbed because they are important for body function. However, when there is not enough fluids, no food rich in fiber or if the colon muscle contractions slow then the stool will harden, dry and pass through the colon very slowly.

Factors that may cause slow movement of stool in the colon are:

• Inadequate fluid intake or dehydration
• Inadequate amount of fiber in consumed food
• Ignoring or delaying the urge / sensation to defecate
• Lack of physical activity (especially in older adults)
• Gestation
• Aging
• Frequent use or abuse of laxatives
• Problems with the colon and rectum such as bowel obstruction or diverticulosis
• Hemorrhoids and anal fissures which cause muscle spasms of anal sphincter

Complications

Although constipation is annoyed, but usually is not serious. If it continues, it can lead to certain complications such as:

• Hemorrhoids or fissures in the anus, may be caused when hard stool stretches the sphincter muscle
• Rectal prolapse, occurs when small amounts of rectal tissue is pushed out of the anus
• Lazy Bowel Syndrome, can occur if the frequent use of laxatives

Tests and Diagnosis

The doctor will look at your medical history and perform a physical exam and ask about all drugs consumed. Further testing is usually needed for people with severe symptoms or for parents with complaints of constipation that just happened.

Diagnostic procedures include:

• Barium enema x-ray, in this test the intestinal lining is coated with a contrast dye (barium) so that the rectum, colon and sometimes part of the small intestine can be seen clearly on x-ray
• X-ray of the anorectal area (defecography)
• Examination of the rectum, and sigmoid colon (sigmoidoscopy), this procedure will be lighted; flexible tube is inserted into the rectum to examine the rectum and lower part of the colon
• Examination of the rectum and entire colon (colonoscopy)
• Evaluation of anal sphincter muscle function (anorectal manometry)

Remedies for Constipation

In most cases, simple changes in diet and lifestyle can help relieve symptoms and manage constipation, include:

• Diets high in fiber: at least 20 to 35 grams of fiber each day; high-fiber foods for example nuts, seeds, fruits and fresh vegetables; limit foods that have little or no fiber such as cheese, meat and processed foods
  • Regular exercise: physical activity may help stimulate bowel activity
  • Sufficient fluid intake: drinking plenty of water will help soften the stool
  • Take time to defecate: do not ignore the urge to defecate
• Laxatives: use of drugs should be considered only if diet and lifestyle changes are not effective.

There are several types of laxatives:

• Fiber supplements, considered as the safest (FiberCon, Metamucil, Konsyl, and Citrucel)
• Stimulants cause rhythmic contractions in the intestine (Correctol, Dulcolax and Senokot)
• Lubricants allows stool to move through the intestine (Mineral Oil and Fleet)
• A stool softener serves to moisten the stool and helps prevent lack of fluids (Colace and Surfak)

If complaints of constipation still persist after lifestyle changes or medical treatment, the doctor may recommend a surgical procedure or manual.

Prevention

1. Consuming foods that are high in fiber, including fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grain cereals and breads from about 20 to 35 grams of fiber each day
2. Limit foods that are low in fiber such as ice cream, cheese and processed foods
3. Drink lots of water
4. Limit intake of caffeine: caffeine can worsen the symptoms of constipation by causing dehydration
5. Regular exercise such as walking, cycling or swimming to help stimulate bowel function
6. Do not ignore the urge to defecate, the longer the delay, the more water is absorbed from the feces so the stool becomes hard and tend to become constipation

Physical Exercise - Aerobic or Anaerobic Workout

Aerobic vs Anaerobic Exercise: What's The Difference?

Physical exercise should become daily routine exercise. You also understand that performing exercise in regular basis is giving various benefits on your body. Upon hearing the word exercise, people tends to think in terms of aerobic exercise such as walking, jogging, running, aerobic dance, swimming, cycling, etc. We seldom heard about anaerobic exercise. So, what’s the difference between the two and what benefit each of the exercise give to our body? The following article hopefully provide information for you.

The words aerobic and anaerobic, literary speaking, refers to the presence or absence of oxygen. Most of our body cells prefer to get their energy by using oxygen to fuel metabolism. Exercise needs energy or fuel. During aerobic exercise, with adequate fuel and oxygen, muscle can contract repeatedly without fatigue. During anaerobic exercise, the muscle must rely on other source beside oxygen to fuel muscle contraction. Anaerobic metabolism produces waste molecules that can impair muscle contraction, this process is what commonly called as fatigue.

Aerobic Exercise - Cardio Workout

The word aerobic means “with oxygen”. Aerobic exercise gets the heart working faster and harder to pump blood through the heart, more than normal. When the blood is quickly pumped, body have to be oxygenated quickly, thus the increased respiration. Aerobic exercise as part of physical exercise strengthens the heart and boost healthy cholesterol level.

Generally, aerobic exercise is a low or moderate cardio workout perform in extended periods of time. Some of common aerobic exercise are running or brisk walk(with intensity where you should be able to talk while exercising without breathing too hard), swimming, cycling, etc. 

Performing physical aerobic exercise in a controlled and correct manner will provide many positive changes within human body. Mitochondria, as “ATP energy source manufacturer” will increase in number. The blood supply to muscle will increase and running smoothly. The will result in more effective energy production system in the muscle, the muscle will be more durable and is not easily exhausted. Other than that, aerobic exercise also inhibit the death of cells that makes someone looks well-preserved and physically stronger than people at the same age.

Anaerobic Exercise

The word anaerobic means “without oxygen”. This type of physical exercise does not requires oxygen for its main fuel. Anaerobic system provides energy quickly in a very large sum but in such a short period. Anaerobic exercise is a high (vigorous) intensity exercise and in short amount of time. Example of anaerobic exercise is sprint, weightlifting, and any activities in fitness room.

If anaerobic as part of physical exercise performed routinely, will increase the size of muscle(hypertrophy). This means larger muscle and stronger contraction. Other than that, there is also an increase in glycogen break down, thus the energy production through glycolysis pathway becomes more effective. Energy production system through glycolysis use limited amount of oxygen. This results in lactic acid built up which causes discomfort and fatigue at sustained level. But the muscle appears leaner and better aesthetically. Larger muscle mass will also result in increased muscle metabolism which requires more energy usage. This will help in losing weight.

Which One Is Better Physical Exercise: Aerobic or Anaerobic Exercise?

Each exercise, either aerobic nor anaerobic exercise give positive impact to your body in a different way. Basically, both are good. Purpose becomes an essential factor in choosing the type of exercise. If you to increase your fitness and endurance, aerobic exercise is your answer. If you to tone up and increase your resistance, do anaerobic exercise. Best way to do it is do the combination of both. Do these exercise in controlled manner, don’t overdo it. Any kind of exercise, if you do it excessively (overtraining) will give negative impact such as muscle injury, chronic fatigue, etc. Be safe and be healthy by Physical Exercise.

Stretching for Exercise

Definition of Stretching for Exercise

We often hear about the word “stretching" but we don’t really understand what it means, let alone the benefits of it. Stretching is a part of the exercise programs consists of several types of physical activity which is done prior to or at the conclusion of an exercise. It is a general term used to describe a therapeutic movement which aims to elongate shortened soft tissue structures pathologically and non-pathologically to increase the joint’s area of motion. Stretching is planned to improve physical abilities, to maintain or improve the body’s  health and fitness.

Benefits of Stretching

• Stretching does not take long and does not required any difficult movement. Still, there are many people out there who regard it as unimportant. In fact, stretching is very important and has many benefits, including:
• Stretching makes our body moves more efficiently. During the training session, muscle will get shortened as a sign of fatigue. It will inhibit the body's ability to generate speed and power and becomes more inefficient to exercise. Stretching will 'overcome' this problem by keeping the muscles long and repairing the elasticity / flexibility of the body tissue.
• Stretching will strengthen your body. Any stretching done prior or between exercise session can increase muscle strength to 20%.
• A correct way of stretching can prevent injury.
• Stretching can increase physical’s ability and endurance during exercise.
• Stretching can improve blood circulation to the muscles which will increase its blood volume so that muscles can work optimally.
• Stretching can prevent the occurrence of DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness), which is a condition when the muscle felt sore after exercising. Usually this thing happens to people who does not exercise regularly.
• Stretching help us to avoid severe muscle damage due to the unexpected movements during exercise. It so happens because stretching activates elastin (a component in the muscle). It cause the muscle easily adaptable to any movement that can potentially cause an injury. 
• Doing the stretching at the end of exercise can reduce pain that may happen due to some collision during exercise.
• During recovery process after an injury, stretching is needed to work the muscle and to prevent muscle atrophy.
• Stretching can help to prevent the accumulation of metabolic waste due to some muscle tissue damage which usually caused by vigorous exercise involving some impact. 

The Right Time For Stretching

Stretching can be done whenever you like, either you are doing an exercise or not. Do it before and after every exercise. Any stretching conducted prior to exercise, such as cardio exercise, strength training, or sport games, can warm the muscle and make it more pliable.  

Ideally, a stretching is started with warm up moves followed by gentle stretching to more specific type of stretching, continued with core exercise and cooling down, and ended with another stretching. Do not perform any stretching before you do some warming up. A high-intensity stretching done before your exercise, when the muscle is still “cold” and tense, rather than give any benefit, it will make the tendon is more prone to injury.

For warming up, start with dynamic stretching. It is a slow, controlled motion or low-intensity aerobic exercise, like cycling, walking, or jogging. The purpose of warming up is to limber up any stiff muscle which can cause injury. To do this stretching, move all your joints one by one. For example, rotate the shoulders, bend and pull the legs one-by-one behind your thigh or glutes. Hold every movement for 10-30 seconds, or until you feel a gentle stretch on your muscle. This movement will trigger the release of natural lubricant that can protect surface of bone on each of those muscles.

Blood Donation - Whole Blood or Plasma Blood Donation

Definition of Blood Donation

Blood donation is a process of taking blood from a person voluntarily for blood transfusion or other purpose. Everyone can become a blood donor if they meet the requirements.

Requirements for a blood donation

If you want to donor your blood, for whole blood or plasma donation, refer to the requirements here:

• Physically and mentally healthy
• Age 17 - 65 years
• Body weight at least 45 kg
• Normal pulse rate: 60-100 times per minute
• Normal Body temperature 36.6 - 37.5o C
• Normal blood pressure: Systole: 100-140 mmHg. Dyastole: 60-90 mmHg.
• Hemoglobin level at least 12.0 g / dl for women, and 13.0 g / dl for men.
• Interval donor minimum of 12 weeks or 3 months from the previous blood donors (maximum of 5x in a year).

Avoid Blood Donation

Blood donation is not recommended for you with the following conditions:

• Heart disease and lung cancer
• Suffering from cancer
• Suffering from high blood pressure (hypertension)
• Suffering from diabetes (diabetes)
• The tendency of abnormal bleeding or other blood disorders
• Suffering from epilepsy and frequent seizures
• Suffering  from Hepatitis B or C
• Syphilis
• Drug Addiction
• Addiction to alcohol
• Having or at high risk for HIV / AIDS
• Doctors recommend not to draw blood due to health reasons

You have to wait for blood donation if you have:

• Moderate fever or influenza, wait for 1 week after recovery
• After tooth extraction, wait for 5 days after recovery
• After the small surgery, wait for 6 months.
• After major surgery, wait for 12 months
• After the transfusion, wait for 1 year
• After tattoo, piercing, acupuncture and transplantation, wait for 1 year
• If close contact with patients with hepatitis, wait for 12 months
• Pregnant, wait for 6 months after giving birth
• Breastfeeding, wait for 3 months after stopping breastfeeding
• After diagnosed as malaria, wait for 3 years after free from symptoms of malaria
• After visiting malaria-endemic areas, wait for 12 months
• When you live in malaria-endemic areas for 5 years in a row, wait for 3 years after coming out of the area
• Typhoid, wait for 65 months after recovery
• Taking a vaccine, wait for 8 weeks
• There are allergy symptoms, wait for 1 week after recovery
• There is a skin infection in the area to be pierced, wait for 1 week after recovery
• After 6 months from abroad.

Health Benefit from Blood Donation:
Not only human care each other, if you join blood donation you will get health benefit:

1. Maintain a healthy heart: total iron in the blood is more stable and lower the risk of heart disease.
2. Increase the production of red blood cells: blood donations will help the body get new blood supply to donate blood every  thus stimulate the manufacture of new blood.
3. Helps weight loss: one method of burning calories with the diet and donate blood (450 ml blood) will help the process of burning calories 650
4. Getting psychological health: elderly people who regularly become a donor will feel stay energized and fit.
5. Detect serious disease: initial standard procedure is our blood akandiperiksa of various diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B and C, syphilis, and malaria.

Take your action when you want to join for blood donation

Before Blood Donation

• Enough sleep (6-8 hours) at the night before donation
• Enough balanced diet (plenty of vegetables and fruits)
• Drink at least 2 liters of water per day
• It is advisable to drink 500 ml of water just before donor

During the Blood Donation

• Wear comfortable clothes, which is part of the arm can be raised up the elbow
• After the donation, take a break in the lounge while enjoying snacks provided by the organizers

After Blood Donation

• Drink plenty of water at least 2 liters per day
• If you experience dizziness, feeling of floating, or nearly fainting after blood donation, stop your activities. Immediately sit or lie down until your condition is ok.
• Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous physical exercise for at least 24 hours to prevent injury / accident.

This is what you should know well inform before joining in any activities of blood donation.

Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever Signs Symptoms and Prevention

Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF)

Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) generally peaks between January and March of every year and it usually coincides with a change in season.

The cause of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is a dengue virus. The virus is primarily transmitted to humans by an infected female Aedes mosquito, more particularly Aedes Aegypti. These mosquitoes typically breed in standing water of mostly man-made containers in or close to the home. Aedes aegypti is a daytime feeder; its peak biting periods are early in the morning and in the evening before dusk. Female Aedes aegypti bites multiple people during each feeding period.

Prevention of Dengue

Killing mosquitoes through fogging or mosquito repellents is not an absolute method of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever prevention since neither of these will affect the larvae stage. Therefore the most appropriate method to prevent dengue fever is to eradicate the larvae as follows:

• Drain water storage containers (tub, drum, etc) once a week.
• Close water storage containers tightly after use to avoid mosquitoes from entering and breeding.
• Change water in flower vases and pots every day.
• Discard or bury any plastic containers, bottles, cans, or any used items which could collect rainwater.
• In the event that it is not possible to drain the water weekly from reservoirs or storage containers, sprinkle larvacide (i.e. Abate powder) into the water to kill the larvae. Repeat this once every 2-3 months. 
• Another alternative is keeping larvae-eating guppy fish in the storage containers.
• Continuously and actively observe, monitor, and eradicate the larvae.

Furthermore, there are some activities that might keep us away from adult mosquitoes as cause of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever, such as:

• Install mosquito nets on windows or other ventilation,
• Eliminate places for adult mosquitoes to hide, such as clothes hanging on the backs of chairs, doors, etc.
• Provides sufficient room lighting and ventilation.
• Use mosquito nets around bed when sleeping.

The Use of Larvacide (Abate powder) to Prevent Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever

Again, to prevent Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever we can apply abate powder. It can be purchased at the local pharmacy. Water treated with Abate is safe to drink if standard disinfecting precautions are taken. One gram of Abate powder should be added to every 10 liters of water, therefore 10 grams of powder is necessary for 100 liters of water and so forth. If you are unable to measure the exact amount, you can use a spoon. One pressed-tablespoon (where the top surface is leveled) will be equal to 10 grams of Abate.

Signs and Symptoms of Dengue Fever

Everyone is at risk for Dengue Fever. Be alert of the following signs and symptoms of Dengue:

• High fever (40˚ C) for 2 – 7 days
• Headache
• Joint and muscle pain
• Pain behind the eyes
• Stomach problems, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Skin rash
• Occasional nosebleeds or passing of black stools
• Occasional pain in the epigastric or upper stomach area
• In severe cases the patient my appear anxious and be sweating while having cold hands and feet

What should be done if symptoms and signs occur?

If Dengue Fever symptoms and signs occur, do take following actions:

• Keep well hydrated.
• Sponge down with a moist cold towel.
• Take fever reducing medication (paracetamol or acetaminophen – NO ASPIRIN or NSAIDs).
• Urgently seek medical attention from the doctor, clinic, or hospital, especially if the patient appears cold and clammy.

The important thing is how to prevent and avoid from mosquito bites as transmitter for Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever.

Mosquito Bite Prevention for Travelers

Mosquito Bite Prevention for Travelers

Mosquitoes spread many types of viruses and parasites that can cause diseases like Chikungunya, dengue, Zika, and malaria. If you are traveling to an area where malaria is found, talk to your healthcare provider about malaria prevention medication that may be available.

Protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites. Follow this instructions:

Keep mosquitoes out of your hotel room or lodging

• Choose a hotel or lodging with air conditioning or screens on windows and doors. 
• Sleep under a mosquito bed net if you are outside or in a room that is not well screened. Mosquitoes can live indoors and will bite at any time, day or night. 
• Buy a bed net at your local outdoor store or online before traveling overseas.
• Choose a WHOPES-approved bed net (like Pramax*): compact, white, rectangular, with 156 holes per square inch, and long enough to tuck under the mattress. 
• Permethrin-treated bed nets provide more protection than untreated nets. 
• Permethrin is an insecticide that kills mosquitoes and other insects. 
• Do not wash bed nets or expose them to sunlight. This will break down the insecticide more quickly.

For more information on bed nets can be found HERE

Cover up!

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. 
• Mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing. Treat clothes with permethrin or another Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insecticide for extra protection. 

Use only an EPA-registered insect repellent

• Consider bringing insect repellent with you. 
• Always follow the product label instructions. 
• Reapply insect repellent every few hours: Do not spray repellent on the skin under clothing. If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second.

For more information visit HERE

Natural insect repellents not  registered with EPA

In the United States, the EPA has not evaluated for effectiveness most of the commonly known natural insect repellents.

Examples of ingredients used in unregistered  insect repellents include: citronella oil, cedar oil, geranium oil, peppermint and peppermint oil,  pure oil of lemon eucalyptus, soybean oil.  CDC recommends that you use an insect repellent containing an active ingredient shown to be both safe and effective.

Use an insect repellent with one of the following active ingredients:

• DEET, brand name examples are Off, Cutter, Sawyer, Ultrathon.
• Picardidin, also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin: brand name examples are Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus, Autan (outside the United State).
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD), brand name example is Repel
• IR3535, brand name examples are Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Expedition and Skin Smart

If you are travelling with a baby or child:

• Always follow instructions when applying insect repellent to children. 
• Do not use insect repellent on babies younger than 2 months of age. 
• Instead, dress infants or small children in clothing that covers arms and legs, or cover the crib, stroller, and baby carrier with mosquito netting. Adults: Spray insect repellent onto your hands and then apply to a child’s face. Do not apply insect repellent to a child’s hands, mouth, cut or irritated skin.

Treat clothing and gear

• Use permethrin to treat clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, tents) or purchase permethrin-treated clothing and gear. Read product information to find out how long the protection will last. 
• If treating items yourself, always follow the product instructions. 
• Do not use permethrin products directly on skin. 

Zika Fever - Sign Symptoms,Treatment and Vaccination

What do we know about the Zika Fever? Is it dangerous?

Zika Fever as mentioned on the latest data from the World Health Organization (WHO) is caused by Zika Virus. Zika virus has become a global health emergency situation due to Zika outbreak that occurred in the Americas region.

Brazil has reported 4,000 cases of microcephaly, in which the fetus is born with a smaller head size than normal size. The local Ministry of Health has stated the connection of these conditions with the Zika virus, although related studies on this are still ongoing. Other data from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) said that Zika has spread out to 24 countries and US territories. Zika virus infection was also reported in Cape Verde at the end of 2015. In addition to the above data, the Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology in Indonesia stated that it was found the Zika virus in Jambi, Sumatra, but this has been denied by the Ministry of Health of Indonesia. Through the official website of Ministry of Health of Indonesia, they have clarified and confirmed that Zika virus was not found in the territory of Indonesia.

Zika Virus Transmission

Zika virus is transmitted to humans through mosquito bites. Common symptoms usually include fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes. The disease is generally mild in scale with symptoms that last for several days to a week. In some patients do not even show any symptoms. Deterioration that requires special care in hospital is rarely.

In fact, Zika virus have been discovered since 1947 and small spreading out in the world including Southeast Asia, Africa, and America. Increasing a public awareness of this virus recently is caused by potential relation between exposure of the virus and birth defects. However, there has been no data showed effects from Zika virus infection in pregnant women and abnormal development of the fetus. Further scientific research is needed regarding this relationship.

Zika Fever Vaccination

There is no vaccine for Zika virus until now. Therefore avoiding mosquito bites is the main preventive measures for Zika fever.

Prevention for Zika Fever:

In addition to avoiding mosquito bites as mentioned above, some prevention efforts for Zika Fever as follows:

• Use insect repellent products
• Close the body skin by wearing long sleeves and light colored
• Empty, clean or close tightly every media that hold water to reduce mosquito breeding sites
• Use nets / mosquito nets while sleeping.

There are no travel restrictions in connection with this case Zika Fever. But it's good for women who are pregnant or plan to pregnant to reconsider travel plans to locations with cases of Zika.

Based on data from CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), locations / countries with cases of Zika Fever are:

AMERICAS

• Barbados
• Bolivia
• Brazil
• Colombia
• Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, US territory
• Costa Rica
• Curacao
• Dominican Republic
• Ecuador
• El Salvador
• French Guiana
• Guadeloupe
• Guatemala
• Guyana
• Haiti
• Honduras
• Jamaica
• Martinique
• Mexico
• Nicaragua
• Panama
• Paraguay
• Saint Martin
• Suriname
• U.S. Virgin Islands
• Venezuela

OCEANIA / PACIFIC ISLANDS

• American Samoa
• Samoa
• Tonga

AFRICA

• Cape Verde

Be aware and consult to your doctor soon if you have some signs and symptoms of Zika Fever.