There are different strength exercises for kids, and knowing the right exercise for your kids is equally commendable.
Anything that keeps a child up and about is good for them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
constant bodily activity can aid kids to improve cardiorespiratory health, erect sturdy bones and muscles, manage weight, and lessen the dangers of developing health issues such as osteoporosis, and type 2 diabetes.
Overview of Strength exercises for kids
A well-balanced diet and exercise are key factors for the proper growth and development of young kids. With the Invention of modern gadgets, most kids are investing their time in them rather than spending their time outdoors.
These lifestyle changes make kids more vulnerable to various health issues and are overweight at the top list.
Exercising is not only vital for bodily fitness but is equally essential for a kid’s mental development.
Strength exercises for kids
Many kids have difficulty maintaining functional posture at home and in the classroom and overall body strength. This could be as a result of some reasons including ;
The rising trend of children being less physically active during the school day as academic demands in the classroom become more intense.
An increase in the number of kids with developmental delays.
Kids becoming more Interested in video games and television than a game of running in the yard.
There are different strength exercises for kids; let’s take a look at some of these exercises and how they can be performed.
Stretching
Running
Skipping
Superman
Swimming
Skating
Cycling
Skipping
Squats
Jogging
Dancing
Badminton
Lunges
Pushups
Basketball
Stretching
There are many advantages to stretching, including reducing the risk of injury, increasing range of motion, and keeping muscles flexible and strong. But most importantly, stretching has been proven to reduce stress.
Stretching can be performed in the following ways; Simply sit on the floor, bring the soles of your feet together in front of you, making the shape of your legs into butterfly wings then you breathe in as you lift your arms over your head, and you release the arms back down, you breathe out. It is a calming way to begin or end the day.
Running
As uncomplicated and plain as it may appear, pursuing one another is one of the best strength exercises for kids.
Running is specifically healthy for children as it aids them to develop sturdy bones while strengthening their muscles.
Skipping
Skipping is not only increasing the heart speed, working out the total body, and improving core strength, it is also an unexpected workout for little minds as well.
It engages both the left and right brain, leading to improves functioning while improving balance and coordination. Skipping is a fantastic brain booster.
Superman
Have a little one fly like the superhero and strengthen his back. Have him lay on his stomach on the floor and try to lift his arms off the floor so that his upper chest comes up too.
Swimming
Swimming can aptly be termed as one of the most loved strength exercises for kids. This water-based fun exercise should be carried out at least three to four hours after meals.
It is good for building endurance and better muscle strength and also beneficial for improving digestion
Skating
Regular practice aids in building focus and stability and is also essential in making strong thigh, shin, and hip muscles of kids.
It is a good aerobic exercise for kids and aids in keeping the body strong and in a good state of health.
Cycling
It aids in building better thighs, shin, and hip muscles and also aids in releasing the feel-good hormone in the body and keeping your kid in high spirits.
Cycling is essential in keeping blood sugar levels under control and thus extremely beneficial for kids suffering from diabetes.
Skipping
Apart from it being a great exercise, skipping is a good fun activity for kids. It aids in channeling the kid’s energy in the right manner and also continuous jumping movements help in strengthening calf, leg, and thigh muscles.
Kids who suffer from ADHD ( Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ) can benefit immensely from these strength exercises for kids.
Squats
Perfect for strengthening a kid’s lower body. Beginning in a standing position, with feet, hip, width apart.
Make sure their hands are on their hips and allow them to slowly bend their knees until their thighs are parallel to the floor.
Jogging
Jogging is a great strength exercise for kids as it aids in elevating a kid’s mood and equally helps in developing better immunity and aids the kid ward off various sicknesses. It is also beneficial for a kid’s brain and heart state of health.
Dancing
It is a great way of keeping kids Hale and hearty and also a great way of reducing obesity.
Daning is a fun activity that all kids love to indulge in. It involves the overall body workout and also has a way of indulging in outdoor exercise.
Badminton
It is a great way of improving hand-eye coordination in kids and It helps in improvement in social skills also as this game is played between 2 players.
Lunges
Lunges help in Keeping the upper body straight, tell the kid to step forward with one leg and lower the hips until the legs reach a 90-degree angle, make sure the shoulders are relaxed with the chin-up.
Pushups
Have the kid lie face down on the ground with his or her feet slightly spread apart.
Have his or her palms on the floor and allow them to slowly lift themselves u till his or her arms are fully extended.
Basketball
It aids in keeping the body weight in check and also keeps the body toned. When throwing the ball, it aids in improving the kid’s upper arm strength. Also, it improves stamina and endurance in kids.
Conclusion on strength exercises for kids
It is wise to inculcate exercising in a kid at an early stage in life as these habits stay along with a kid. It is also a known fact that children who have a healthy childhood tend to make healthy lifestyle choices later in their lives as well.
I always sleep with the light on; I am the only one in this category? Let’s learn more
You will learn over 10 things from this article if you are among the curious ones that are bothered with this question of “I always sleep with the light on”.
Overview on I always sleep with the light on
FAQs on I always sleep with the light on
Do I have to bother if I always sleep with the light on?
Does it have any benefit if I always sleep with the light on?
What can I do if I always sleep with the light on?
Sleep is a normal physiological state that is associated with loss of consciousness. During sleep, a lot goes on in the system in the preparation of tasks ahead. Getting the right sleep or knowing the best for you for a night of better sleep is worthwhile.
The quest for a healthy and better sleep precipitated this question of “I always sleep with the light on”.
Children sleep well than adults for many reasons, although adults need about 7 to 8 hours of sleep on a daily basis.
Getting enough sleep is not only about total hours of sleep. It is also important to get good quality sleep in order to get all the goodies sleep has to offer.
Below are some of the goodies a quality sleep has to offer
Boost the immune system
Helps in weight maintenance
Reduce stress and improve your mood
Think more clearly and do better in school and at work
Removes toxins and maintains the body temperature
Do I have to bother if I always sleep with the light on?
In the dormitory, the phrase “lights out” is used as a way to tell you it is time for sleep. Having the lights off at bedtime is much more than a common bedtime phrase, though.
The decision to sleep with the light on or off has the tendency of affecting one’s health or the quality of sleep.
Sleeping with lights on is detrimental and affects one in getting a good night’s rest. Subsequently, not getting enough quality sleep can lead to numerous health consequences.
If you always sleep with the light on, know it you might not be getting it right. Before you consider going to bed with the lights on have you considered the outcomes of such action?
Outcomes that might arise if I always sleep with the light on
There is usually difficulty obtaining a good sleep as a result of brain activities. When the lights are on, the brain detects activeness thereby, making it difficult for one to experience a deeper sleep that maximizes the effects of quality sleep.
Lack of quality sleep is faced with many challenges that affect individual well-being. If you do not have a good reason to leave the lights on before sleep then avoid it. Hope the above clarifies your curiosity on do I have to bother if I always sleep with the light on.
Does it have any benefit if I always sleep with the light on?
Is there any benefit associated with sleeping with the lights on? Definitely, there should be, that’s why above we mentioned that if you don’t have any good reason to sleep with the lights on, you should avoid that.
Sleeping with the lights on may be beneficial if you’re trying to take a quick nap during the day and don’t want to fall into a deep sleep. Lights sources may be of help for children who might find it difficult sleeping in the dark or are afraid of the dark.
In general, having the lights on might help you avert some dangers during emergency cases. Although there might be benefits that may arise from sleeping with the lights on, the benefits that not be compared to the detrimental effects of light on quality sleep.
What can I do if I always sleep with the light on?
If there is no good reason why you do go to bed without putting the light out, it’s better you start practicing to sleep without the lights on.
Although there is no specific thing, one can do about going to bed with the lights on based on individual differences.
A reliable source, recommend you face away from the source of the light, while others consider using light shade, room-darkening blinds, lowering the lights in your home before bedtime, or keeping electronics out of your bedroom.
When do imaginary friends become a problem? This is a question every parent should be open to understanding.
However, only a proper understanding of what an imaginary friend is will give you the proper guidance on the things you do when you see your child acting he/she is having a relationship with something that is not visible.
The answer to this question on when imaginary friends become a problem depends on personality and some physical factors surrounding the child.
You are lucky to have come across this piece of information that would guide you properly on when to seek help if your child is having an imaginary friend.
There is a lot to be said but this article will be by giving you an insight into what imaginary friends are, the ways to live without them, and also when do imaginary friends become a problem.
Overview of when do imaginary friends become a problem
The knowledge on when doing imaginary friends become a problem will equip you on the clever approaches to take and when to ask for help.
Children are naturally imaginative, and exercising their imaginations is good for their emotional and mental health,” says Laura Markham, Ph.D.
To many parents, for children to have an imaginary friend is a healthy part of childhood play. Imaginary friends can also be considered as imaginary companions, someone they can talk to, interact with, and play with.
Having imaginary friends could be a symptom of developing social intelligence in a kid. For children to dream up peers, they must understand that people possess beliefs and desires and exhibit behaviors that differ from their own, a concept is known as “theory of mind,”
Imaginary companions are exhibited by many kinds of different stages of childhood development. Stephanie Carlson, a professor at the University of Minnesota’s Institute of Child Development says that the prime time for having imaginary friends is from the ages of 3 to 11.
When do imaginary friends become a problem?
When your child starts being aggressive on feeling the presence of the imaginary friend
When a child blames his or her shortcomings on the imaginary friend
Preference for imaginary friends over real friends
When the imaginary friend is scary
When the child starts hallucinating, such as hearing voices or seeing things
A sudden change of mood and behavior
When your child starts being aggressive on feeling the presence of the imaginary friend
It calls for concern when the imaginary friend causes your child to be aggressive and starts being violent. You should always make hay while the sun shines; seek help as soon as you can from a doctor trained for such conditions.
When a child blames his or her shortcomings on the imaginary friend
It is an act of irresponsibility when one does not take responsibility for his or her actions. One of the things children are to learn while growing is their ability to account for their actions, which are the primary things and character they exhibit.
When a child starts shying away from taking responsibility for their actions and starts blaming imaginary companion, they always seek help.
Preference for imaginary friends over real friends
To many what causes a child to develop this imaginary friend is loneliness, however, when a child is being engaged socially with other children and yet shows the preference of the imaginary friend to the real ones, the parents and guardians should always take charge and ask for help from the necessary professions.
When the imaginary friend is scary
Friends are to be encouraging and welcoming not discouraging and scary. Any friend that frightens you is not worth keeping because it does not say well of your mental state.
Therefore, any imaginary friend that serves as a terror to a child should at all cost be bridged and there should be immediate intervention by the parents and guardians.
When the child starts hallucinating, such as hearing voices or seeing things
When a child starts hallucinating and seeing things that take him or her away from reality, that child’s mind should be properly evaluated and the proper actions are taken.
Hearing voices should be seen as one of the answers to when do imaginary friends become a problem.
A sudden change of mood and behavior
When you notice your child has this sudden change of mood and behavior, after acting or discussing with the imaginary companion, it calls for concern and the problem should be carefully evaluated.
Benefits of imaginary friends in children
In considering when do imaginary friends become a problem, it is equally essential you note some of the benefits arising from having imaginary friends; some of these reasons are not limited to the ones listed below.
Children with imaginary friends have better social skills
They tend to be less timid than other kids
Better coping strategies
Increased emotional understanding
They develop better communication skills
Having a friend for fantasy play
Having someone to overcome loneliness
They develop better reasoning and cognitive skills
Among these benefits, no evidence shows the presence of an imaginary companion can be linked to future IQ, but research does show some commonalities among children who have them.
What you should do when you notice your child has an imaginary friend
Try to understand more about this unknown friend
Stand against the imaginary friend if it comes with negative energy that frightens your child
Ask questions to know what the child likes about this imaginary friend
Engage your child for healthy discussion on what the unknown companion teaches him or her
Conclusion on when do imaginary friends become a problem
Knowing when your child needs help in dealing with an imaginary friend is one of the clever approaches parents and guardians can take to make sure their child gets the mental health he or she deserves.
This unknown friend tends to disappear when the child becomes more engaged in social activities and mostly has the maximum age of 11 to stop experiencing such a relationship.
However, there is no fixed duration of time such relationship with an imaginary friend lasts, the time frame is dependent on different factors including but not limited to the personality of the child, level of social engagement, parents intervention, and the depth of this relationship.
When do imaginary friends become a problem, parents and guardians are advised to always seek medical attention from psychologists and pediatric doctors, and other mental health professionals for advice, directions, and feasible approaches to take.
The Ireland medical card is a health-beneficial card for eligible residents of Ireland.
This card is issued by the Republic of Ireland through the Health Service Executive (HSE) in the form of a plastic card issued to residents of Ireland who are entitled to free or reduced-rate medical treatment.
Medical card usage adoption can be traced back to 1953, not until 2005 when the HSE took over. Until the Irish financial crisis of 2008, persons aged over 70 were automatically entitled to free medical cards.
The removal of this entitlement was one of the strict measures of the budget of October 2008. After several protests, the benefit was reinstated to all who earn under €700 per week, more than three times the limit for younger people.
Ireland medical card is very essential for all who desire to take care of their health at ease. It entitles the holders to free visits to general practitioners (GPs), free or drastically reduced-price hospital and dental treatment, and prescribed medication.
Introduction to the Ireland medical card
In the midst of the benefits of Ireland medical cards, it is still unfortunate that many people don’t bother applying for a medical card as they think that it will be too complicated or that they probably won’t qualify for it.
If you are among those feeling weary, don’t worry you are fortunate to have come across this write-up. We have the right information to give you the necessary guidance you need to enjoy the best of the comprehensive health system of Ireland.
Most people who get a Medical Card do so because their income is below a certain level. It is also possible to get a Medical Card if the costs of meeting medical needs bring about financial hardship.
Ireland medical card holders are exempt from paying the Health Levy portion of social insurance. Also, in some cases could receive financial help with buying school books.
Benefits of Ireland medical card
The benefits of Ireland medical card include but are not limited to;
Subsidized medical bill
Alleviates medical bill stress
Might be exempted from paying state examination fees
Free GP (family doctor) services, including out-of-hours services
Prescribed drugs and medicines are free in most cases
Maternity and infant care services
In relation to the benefits of the medical card, these are also some of the coverage; if you have a medical card you don’t have to pay to see your doctor, or for medicines they prescribe.
A medical card also covers:
Public out-patient and in-patient services
Eye and ear tests
Dental checks
Medical cardholders may also be exempt from paying school transport charges
Who is eligible to apply for a medical card in Ireland?
If you are a resident of Ireland and over the age of 16 can apply for a medical card but if you are financially dependent on your parents or guardians, they need to apply on your behalf.
Also, if your only income is a means-tested Social Welfare Allowance, you will qualify. Otherwise, your income will have to come under the guidelines set by the HSE and these differ depending on whether you are aged over or under 70.
For those aged under 66, the weekly limit is €184 for a single person and €266.50 for a couple, with additional allowances for children.
Those between the ages of 66 and 69 have a slightly higher rate of €201.50 for a single person and €298 for a couple.
Ireland medical card application
The Ireland medical application is fairly straightforward and simply involves filling out an application form, supplying proof of income and any relevant outgoings, and getting the form signed by an eligible GP.
You can apply online here or by downloading the relevant form here and posting it to the Client Registration Unit, PO Box 11745, Dublin 11.
You can also collect an application form from your local health office or call an HSE customer care team member on 1890 252 919 and ask them to post an application form to you.
Ireland medical card application assessment
Your eligibility and application are assessed based on different factors mostly on the financial threshold. The financial threshold is the amount of money that you can earn a week and still qualify for a card. It is specific to your own financial circumstances.
They also look at your household income after tax, PRSI and the Universal Social Charge (USC) have been deducted, and also certain expenses are taken into account.
If you were recently told that you did not qualify for a card but your circumstances have now changed, you can submit a new application. You should only do this if you believe you may now be eligible.
Ireland medical card is essential for effective and efficient healthcare service delivery to the residents of Ireland at an affordable rate or at no cost.
We advise you to check your eligibility before proceeding with your Ireland medical card application. It is also of utmost importance to note that the links provided in this article are for seamless application and relevant information you might need for a seamless application.
Don’t be left out because of the fear of uncertainty that you will be rejected.
The different iris medical council requirements are to be met for a seamless registration with the council.
Ireland is a wonderful place to study and practice medicine, however, nothing good comes easy. A lot of hard work is required and also you have to be ready financially to pursue your medical career in Ireland.
All does not end in passing exams, there is a need for you to register with the medical governing body in Ireland in order to practice there.
Most people are left with the curiosity to know the Irish medical council registration requirements thus the essence of this article.
Your eligibility to practice as a medical doctor in Ireland is determined by the Irish medical council. You will need to pass through them and also provide authentic Irish medical council registration requirements.
Introduction to the Irish medical council registration requirements
The Medical Council is the regulatory body of the medical profession in Ireland. It was founded in 1978 and since then has been striving to uprightly maintain the register of medical practitioners licensed to practice, and has the power to place restrictions on or revoke such licenses, if the need arises.
As a doctor that aspires to practice in Ireland, you are responsible for every information, you provide to the council.
The Irish medical council registration requirements are dependent on the different categories an applicant belongs to.
Different Categories on the Irish medical council registration requirements
The medical categories in Ireland are based on the country/region of training;
1st category
2nd category
3rd category
4th category
1st category
This is the first category and it is for Irish medical school graduates.
2nd category
EU citizens who graduated from a European Union medical school and/or their qualifications are recognized under EU Directives.
3rd category
Non-EU citizens who graduated in an EU medical school and/or their qualifications would be recognized under EU Directives if they were EU citizens.
4th category
Doctors who do not come under any of the above categories. The Pre-Registration Examination System (“PRES”) must be passed by Category 4 applicants for trainee specialist or general registration unless they are exempt.
Applicants for general registration can be exempt from the PRES the IMC recognizes the equivalence of their internship.
Routes of registration into the medical council of Ireland
Irish medical council registration requirements are dependent on the categories and each category determines the route of registration.
Below is the registration route;
General registration
Specialist registration
General registration
Irish medical council registration requirements for the general route;
Among the Irish medical council registration requirements is the language certification. Any of the following language tests are acceptable depending on your country of residence.
Academic IELTS certificate (dated within the last two years) with an overall band score of 7.0 and a minimum score of 6.5 in each module.
OET (Category – Medicine) dated within the last two years, with a minimum grade of B in each module.
Cambridge ESOL Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) – CEFR Level C1 or C2
Work Certificate/certificate of conformity
An internship experience certificate is among the Irish medical council registration requirements. It should also be verified through EPIC.
A Certificate of conformity stating that your training is in accordance with the EU directive 2005/36/EC (this does not apply to you if you completed your training in the UK).
Certificate of Good Standing
Certificate of good standing should be applied when all your documents have been sent to Irish Medical Council directly to the Irish Medical Council, from each medical council you have worked under within the last five years.
Specialist registration
See below;
Doctors who completed specialist training in the EU/EEA
If you have been trained in the EU or EEA, you will have your qualifications automatically recognized by the Irish Medical Council. You will be asked to create an account on the Irish Medical Council’s website to complete an online application form.
The following list of supporting documents is required:
Notarised copy of your passport.
Translated and notarised copy of your original medical degree.
Translated and notarized copy of your original Certificate of Specialist Training (if you are applying for the Register of Medical Specialists).
Certificate of conformity stating that your training is in accordance with the EU directive 2005/36/EC.
Certificate of good standing to be sent directly to the Irish Medical Council, from each Medical Council you have registered and worked within during the last five years.
Doctors who completed specialist training outside of the EU/EEA
If you have either trained outside of the EU or EEA or have gained part of your training and experience in the EU or EEA, you will need to apply for specialist registration.
Notarised copy of your passport.
Translated and notarised copy of your original medical degree.
Translated and notarized copy of your original Certificate of Specialist Training (if you are applying for the Register of Medical Specialists).
Certificate of conformity stating that your training is in accordance with the EU directive 2005/36/EC.
Certificate of good standing to be sent directly to the Irish Medical Council, from each Medical Council you have registered and worked within during the last five years.
IELTS certificate dated within the last two years with an overall band score of 7.0 and a minimum score of 6.5 in each module.
Irish medical council registration fee
In the quest to know the Irish medical council registration requirements, it would also interest you to know the Irish medical council registration fee.
Don’t make the mistake of following the wrong website of the medical council of Ireland. Many have fallen prey and end up regretting their actions.
Conclusion on the Irish medical council registration requirements
The different requirements are essential for a seamless registration with the medical council of Ireland. You are recommended to provide authentic information in your application process.
Read the instructions on the Irish medical council website carefully and adhere to the instructions.
Have you ever wondered how you can recover from burnout as a medical student?
Stressing out while in medical university is a common occurrence. Since it appears to be expected, people may miss the signs and symptoms of a much more severe condition called burnout.
Burnout is far more dangerous than day-to-day stress. It is often overlooked or dismissed as typical university stress.
You walk up and have no desire for attending lectures or doing any given assignments. Even the thought of doing anything related to your medical education is irritating. You feel pressured, and exhausted, and have zero motivation for studying.
If this describes you, you may be suffering from academic burnout.
The first thing to remember is that it is more frequent than you would believe and that the sooner you treat it, the better.
Read the article and learn what burnout is, how to recognize the symptoms and recover from it.
What is burnout?
The term “burnout” was used for the first time in 1974 by American psychologist Herbert Freudenberger. Burnout was officially recognized in 2019 by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as an occupational phenomenon.
Although it is not classified as a medical condition or mental disorder by the WHO, burnout is the reason behind many people’s depression, low productivity, and feelings of hopelessness.
Academic burnout is an adverse emotional, physical, and mental reaction to extended study sessions that causes weariness, frustration, a loss of enthusiasm, and reduced academic performance.
It’s the result of weeks or months of studying the same topic or working on the same project without resting properly.
What causes burnout?
The reason behind burnout can never be just one. Most of the time, many different factors contribute to high levels of stress. Therefore if not appropriately managed and neglected, the pressure can lead to academic burnout.
Many medical students find the first 2 years of their education challenging and full of unexpected difficulties, such as the amount of information they should memorize. Here are a few aspects of the medical student’s life that can cause burnout.
Bad time management
As a medical student, you will have a significant number of lectures and assignments daily. You will feel pressured by a particular deadline or grade you want to achieve.
In advance, you will spend lots of time reading your notes, medical books, online lectures, and studying in general. If you don’t organize your study schedule accordingly, you won’t have enough time to exercise, sleep, and take care of your health. This is a recipe for academic burnout.
You can keep up with this plan for a few weeks or even months, but you will damage your mental and physical health in the end.
It is good to have specific goals and ambitions to achieve them, but it is also essential to be realistic about your abilities.
Medical students are bound to be precise, trustworthy, and devoted to their education. However, staying healthy comes before your MD degree.
Lack of free time and social life
Following the previous paragraph, when you overwork yourself, you will start to cancel plans with friends, quit hobbies, and not give yourself time to relax.
You have to find the balance between medical education and social life. You need a support system of family and friends. Spending time with new people, visiting new places will bring you positive emotions.
Sacrificing exercise, family time, mental and physical care will not help you achieve your dreams. It will bring you to the edge of burnout, which can last for 2 weeks or up to a few months.
Studying abroad worries
Every year thousands of students decide to study medicine or dentistry in Europe in English. That is an excellent opportunity for them for several reasons: affordable medical education worldwide recognized degrees, and lower living costs.
However, as with everything other in life, there are pros and cons of studying medicine abroad. Some of the hardships that international medical students face are:
Accommodation worries
Homesickness
Money matters
Culture shock
Language barrier
How to recognize the symptoms of burnout?
Some of the most common warning signs are:
Feeling sleepy no matter how much sleep you get
Having trouble getting motivated to go to class or start assignments
Lacking originality and inspiration for projects and class discussions
Loss of faith in your capabilities
Not being able to meet important deadlines
High levels of stress and exhaustion
Insomnia
Inability to pay attention in class or during lectures
You’re bored or dissatisfied with subjects that you used to like
How to recover?
The first step of the recovery process is to notice the symptoms and take them seriously. In most cases, you can practice self-treatment to fight burnout. However, if you find yourself unable to manage the situation, don’t lose time and ask for professional help.
Here are some tips that can help you recover from burnout:
Change your goals
Be realistic with the goals that you are setting for yourself.
Learn how to manage your time properly
You can create a study schedule with all important academic deadlines. Try to stick to it and don’t cram. It is essential to have free time for the things that you like to do. You should include daily activities as fitness, cooking, listening to music, etc.
Eat healthily and drink water
Make new friends
The main goal is to become a doctor but make it fun and enjoy some quality time with friends and fellows from university.
Don’t compare yourself with others
Take small steps
If you are experiencing burnout, it is because you have neglected your health and overworked yourself for a very long time. The path to recovery will take time too. Be patient, and the change will come.
Many medical students have experienced burnout. It is nothing scary, but you have to be mindful of your health.
Implement the suggested tips and make your study medicine journey a positive experience.
The knowledge about the principles of health education is worthwhile and cannot be over-emphasized.
Health according to WHO is the state of all-around well-being of an individual not necessarily the absence of diseases or infirmity.
When we talk about all-around wellbeing, it comprises all aspects and dimensions of health ranging from but not limited to, the social, physical, mental, and intellectual well-being of an individual.
Introduction to the principles of health education
Health education on the other hand is the basis for individuals and people to learn how to behave in a manner conducive to the maintenance, or restoration of health and promotion.
This education is based on sound theories in order to uplift and uphold a standard of quality health.
What are the dimensions of health?
There are 6 dimensions of health which are:
Physical health
Intellectual health
Emotional health
Spiritual health
Social health
Environmental health
This dimension of health makes the definition of health complete.
Principles of health education
There are 12 known principles of health education which are listed below:
Comprehension
Credibility
Feedback
Good human relations
Interest
Known to unknown
Leadership
Learning by doing
Motivation
Participation
Reinforcement
Lead by example
Comprehension
Comprehension is among the principles of health education. What matters more in teaching is the ability of those that are being taught to comprehend when is being taught. You cannot be a good teacher when what you teach is not understood by anyone.
In health education, the mental capacity of people that are taught should be considered first and foremost, and knowing a better approach towards passing information that your audience will understand should be every teacher’s priority.
Credibility
Knowing how reliable your information is will help build credibility. Not mincing words with your teachings. Credibility deals with the extent of confidence your audience has in your teachings.
Feedback
In health education, knowing your audience’s view will help in building an effective platform for modification and amendments. Always listen to the audience.
This is one of the essential principles of health education that must be considered in all courses.
Good human relations
Your interaction with your audience will go a long way in how they listen to you as the health educator. Having the right attitude and coordination will also give room for improvement and adoption.
Interest
Try and know what the people are lacking or what they are not doing right. As a health educator, your interest should be the people’s interest. Check out the particular health need of the people at that point in time and try to address them.
Having an interest outside, the general interest of the audience is not and will not be appreciated by the people.
Known to unknown
Among the principles of health education, known to the unknown is important for effective communication and comprehension.
Start with the language and what the people know about the particular area of health to the level they know little or nothing.
In nutshell, a health educator starts from simplifying the simple things to simplifying the complex things.
Leadership
Being a good leader goes beyond mere communication skills. A health communicator should have good leadership qualities as such leading with humility and understanding the problems of the people being led and mapping effective functional guidelines to execute plans for improvement and adoption.
Learning by doing
Always create an avenue for what you teach to be practiced. Because you can say you can do it till you have done it. Let your audience imbibe what you teach them by practicing it.
Motivation
Motivation can be said to be the act of awakening desire for success or the ability to strive in order to achieve a set goal.
A health educator should be motivating in his words and actions as such propelling the audience to do that which is difficult or hard for them to do.
Participation
The people involved in a particular health teaching should not be left behind. Active participation of the audience in the planning and execution of health plans should be encouraged to its peak. That will give the audience a better sense of belonging and motivation in learning and adoption.
Reinforcement
Teach your audience what you have taught them before make them become acquainted with what they think they already know through the act of reinforcement.
Lead by example
Be careful with what you do because your attitude might be Manuel others read. Lead by example and practice what you teach so doing your audience can adopt your healthy lifestyle.
Importance of health education
From the principles of health education, one can easily deduct the importance, however, it is also of utmost importance we bring to you the importance of health education.
Below are some of the reasons and importance of health education:
To train the people with skills, knowledge, and attitude
Health education help people understand that health is an asset in the community
Infectious disease prevention
To develop desirable health practices
It imbibes health consciousness in the school and the community
To provide a healthful environment for physical and mental growth
New Zealand healthcare system problems are related to those of other countries’ health issues.
However, the important thing to be considered should not be the existence of the healthcare system problems but rather a proper understanding of these problems and a clever approach to solving them.
The government of New Zealand through the health ministry works across the health sector to deliver better health outcomes for New Zealanders.
The Ministry leads New Zealand’s health and disability system and has overall responsibility for the management and development of that system.
Introduction to the New Zealand healthcare system problems
Different countries are faced with different challenges in their healthcare system. In New Zealand also there are healthcare system problems, which are what we are going to look at in this article.
That does not change the fact that New Zealand’s healthcare system problems are considerable compared to most countries.
It is known as one of the best in the world while there are still improvements to be made in the healthcare system, the government of New Zealand through its health ministry has worked to make healthcare affordable and accessible.
New Zealand operates on a universal health care system, which implies that the government handles the public healthcare system from its budget to the agency that oversees it.
This allows healthcare to be free to access, as it is funded publicly through taxes and by the national government. It is also to note that the universal health care system has its own pros and cons.
However, the government does not handle the responsibilities for providing health services, leaving this up to regional and private healthcare centers in the system.
Compared to most developed countries, healthcare in New Zealand receives more government funding than private funding. Most of the funding comes from taxation, that’s why the New Zealand healthcare system problems are bearable to most countries’ health systems.
The government also provides financial compensation for injuries. The Accidental Compensation Corporation (ACC) is a government agency that works with the national government to provide financial compensation for injuries during work and other events.
New Zealand healthcare system problems
There are some challenges that are being faced by the New Zealand healthcare system; however, knowing these problems will give a better insight into curbing them.
Below are some of the New Zealand healthcare system problems;
Chronic diseases and communicable diseases
Aging population
Health care costs overwhelm government budgets
Healthcare may raise taxes
Insufficient medical technology
Geographical disparity
Chronic and communicable diseases among the New Zealand healthcare system problems
Among the New Zealand healthcare system problems is the issue of chronic and communicable diseases.
For instance, obesity affects about 10 percent of New Zealand children and 30 percent in the pacific region. Some of New Zealand’s population groups do not benefit from the health and disability system as much as others.
Disabled people generally experience worse health than the rest of the population. 29% of disabled people rated their health as fair or poor compared with only 4% of non-disabled people.
Aging population among the New Zealand healthcare system problems
This is a serious challenge facing most healthcare systems globally because people must grow old and that will stress the operation of the health system.
This is good for individuals and their families, but it does mean social and health services will have to adapt, and it challenges the health system to find ways of providing services that are still affordable and convenient for the aged.
Keeping an older person healthy and independent can involve more health and social services than are needed for younger people. Older people are also more likely to have a disability and to have more than one health condition.
Health care costs overwhelm government budgets among the New Zealand healthcare system problems
These above challenges may raise the government budget in order to meet up to the health care cost.
This is a serious challenge to the development of other sectors because the monetary budget which may be used for other things will be channeled to the healthcare system in order to meet the health care demand.
Healthcare may raise taxes among the New Zealand healthcare system problems
Since the healthcare system is universal as earlier stated, an increase in taxation will be imposed on the citizens in order to have a smooth running healthcare system.
This is also a general challenge faced by most countries with a universal healthcare system.
Insufficient medical technology among the New Zealand healthcare system problems
The New Zealand healthcare system problems would not be complete when the shortage of medical technology and equipment is not stated. This challenge is pronounced because the government is overwhelmed with other problems that need an immediate response.
The geographical disparity among the New Zealand healthcare system problems
Though New Zealand has access to all its region there is still unequal distribution of the merits arising from the health sector.
Geographical disparities in health between Maoris and non-Maoris have been evident for all of the colonial history of New Zealand.
Explanations for these differences involve a complex mix of components associated with socioeconomic and lifestyle factors, availability of health care, and discrimination according to Ellison.
Approaches by the New Zealand government in solving some of these problems
In the face of the ranging healthcare challenges, the New Zealand government through its health ministry is not relenting in making sure that the health system stands uprightly in its operations and giving the people standard health care which is affordable and convenient through;
The health services with a strong focus on primary care and a widely supported focus on wellness
An outstanding unique public health and no-fault accident compensation system, which serves the whole population throughout their lives
A publicly-funded, universal health system with a committed and highly trained workforce
A strong desire for health and social services to work better together
A growing best practice evidence base developed through research
The Māori and Pacific health providers, connected to their communities and modeling integrated approaches to health
The local decision-makers in district health boards (DHBs) who are well-positioned to respond to community needs and integrate services
Conclusion on the New Zealand healthcare system problems
The challenges faced by the New Zealand healthcare system are not limited to the ones above. However, these issues not listed here are directly or indirectly linked to the ones here.
Amidst the healthcare system problems, New Zealand still has one of the best healthcare functions and effective systems.
The universal health care pros and cons are of great importance. This article gives a great insight into universal healthcare pros and cons.
Universal health care refers to any action that a government takes to provide health care to as many people as possible at cheaper or no cost directly.
Some governments do this by setting minimum standards and regulations and some by implementing programs that cover the entire population.
The healthcare system has universal healthcare pros and cons however, the cardinal aim of a universal healthcare system is to cover medical bills for all bona fide citizens. Universal health care pros and cons cannot are essential for all to know.
Introduction to universal health care pros and cons
However, lower-income or those diagnosed with specific serious health conditions would have access to government-funded care. Essentially, it would be an expansion of the current Medicaid system with a few additional caveats.
Universal health care is a system that provides quality medical services to all citizens. The federal government offers it to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.
Before we proceed is essential you consider what pros and cons mean. Pro is a Latin root word meaning for. If you make a list of pros and cons, you are listing the reasons for doing something and the reasons not to, respectively.
In a nutshell, the universal healthcare pros and cons are the advantages and disadvantages of the universal healthcare system
Therefore, universal health care pros and cons are an essential part of any health system.
Universal healthcare pros and cons
We will look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of the universal healthcare system. There is a saying that no matter how good a system tends to be, there is always something missing.
This health care system is adopted by many countries for even cheaper health service delivery for the citizens yet, it faces many criticisms from individuals and organizations.
Universal healthcare pros or advantages
The right to health care is a recognized human right
Lowers overall healthcare costs
It Could Increase Demand for Medical Services
Administrative costs subsidy
Standardizes service
A right to health care could make medical services affordable for everyone.
Creation of healthier workforce
Early childhood care prevents future social costs
Guides people to make healthier choices
A right to health care could save lives
Providing all citizens the right to health care is good for economic productivity.
A right to health care could improve public health
Providing a right to health care could benefit private businesses.
A right to health care could stop medical bankruptcies
The right to health care is an internationally recognized human right
In 2005, the United States and the other member states of the World Health Organization signed World Health Assembly resolution 58.33, which stated that everyone should have access to healthcare services and should not suffer financial hardship when obtaining these services.
According to a peer-reviewed study in the Lancet, “ right-to-health features are not just good management, justice, or humanitarianism; they are obligations under human-rights law.”
Lowers overall health care cost in “universal health care pros and cons”
In a universal health system, the government controls the prices through negotiation and regulation thereby lowering the health cost.
This is a pro of the universal health system. Low-class individuals can have access to quality health care not considering their status.
It Could Increase Demand for Medical Services
The biggest benefit to this type of system is that it could make medical services affordable for more patients. In turn, this means more people seeking out healthcare who might have attempted self-care or no treatment at all.
For those in certain specialty practices, this has a good chance of meaning an increase in the number of patients. Why? Those who currently don’t have coverage for certain niche types of care would now be able to seek medical advice.
This is a great prospect for practitioners who want to keep their schedules full and their billing on pace with clinic goals.
Administrative costs subsidy
The cost of administration in a universal system is affordable therefore lifting burdens on the shoulders of young doctors.
For instance, doctors only deal with one government agency. For example, U.S. doctors spend four times as much as Canadians dealing with insurance companies.3
Standardizes service
In a competitive environment like the United States, health care providers must also focus on profit. They do this by offering the newest technology. They offer expensive services and pay doctors more. They try to compete by targeting the wealthy.
A right to health care could make medical services affordable for everyone.
According to a Gallup Poll, paying for health care is the biggest financial problem for US households.
A 2018 survey published by Becker’s Healthcare found that 22% of Americans found paying their deductible was “very difficult” or “impossible” and 64% reported that they delayed or did not seek medical care due to cost.
The cost of US family health insurance premiums increased 80% in the United States between 2003 and 2013. The cost of health insurance premiums for people who do not get coverage through work increased by 105% between 2013 and 2017.
Creation of a healthier workforce in universal health care pros and cons
Studies show that preventive care reduces the need for expensive emergency room usage.
Without access to preventive care, 46% of emergency room patients went because they had no other place to go. They used the emergency room as their primary care physician. This healthcare inequality is a big reason for the rising cost of medical care.
Early childhood care prevents future social costs
These include crime, welfare dependency, and health issues.6 Health education teaches families how to make healthy lifestyle choices, preventing chronic diseases.
Guides people to make healthier choices
Governments can impose regulations and taxes to guide the population toward healthier choices. Regulations make unhealthy choices, such as drugs, illegal. Sin taxes, such as those on cigarettes and alcohol, make them more expensive.
A right to health care could save lives
According to a study from Harvard researchers, “lack of health insurance is associated with as many as 44,789 deaths per year,” which translates into a 40% increased risk of death among the uninsured.
Another study found that more than 13,000 deaths occur each year just in the 55-64-year-old age group due to lack of health insurance coverage.
Providing all citizens the right to health care is good for economic productivity.
When people have access to health care, they live healthier lives and miss work less, allowing them to contribute more to the economy.
A study by researchers at the Universities of Colorado and Pennsylvania showed that workers with health insurance miss an average of 4.7 fewer work days than employees without health insurance. According to an Institute of Medicine report, the US economy loses $65-$130 billion annually because of diminished worker productivity, due to poor health, and premature deaths, among the uninsured
A right to health care could improve public health
According to a study in The Lancet that looked at data from over 100 countries, “evidence suggests that broader health coverage generally leads to better access to necessary care and improved population health, particularly for poor people.”
In the United States, people are 33% less likely to have a regular doctor, 25% more likely to have unmet health needs, and over 50% more likely to not obtain needed medicines compared to their Canadian counterparts who have a universal right to healthcare.
Providing a right to health care could benefit private businesses
If the United States implemented a universal right to health care, businesses would no longer have to pay for employee health insurance policies. As of 2017, 56% of Americans were receiving health insurance through their employer.
According to the Council on Foreign Relations, some economists believe the high costs of employee health insurance place US companies at a “competitive disadvantage in the international marketplace
A right to health care could stop medical bankruptcies
According to the National Bankruptcy Forum, medical debt is the #1 reason people file for bankruptcy in the United States.
In 2017, about 33% of all Americans with medical bills reported that they “were unable to pay for basic necessities like food, heat, or housing.”
If all US citizens were provided health care under a single-payer system medical bankruptcy would no longer exist, because the government, not private citizens, would pay all medical bills.
Universal healthcare cons or disadvantages
Healthy people pay for the sick
Longer wait times
Health care costs overwhelm government budgets
The government may limit services that have a low probability of success
A right to health care could increase debt and deficit.
Providing a right to health care could raise taxes.
Providing a right to health care could worsen a doctor shortage
Healthy people pay for the sick
Healthy people pay for others’ medical care: Chronic diseases make up 90% of health care costs. The sickest 5% of the population creates 50% of total healthcare costs, while the wealthiest 50% only creates 3% of costs. Equally, People have less financial incentive to stay healthy: Without a copay, people might overuse emergency rooms and doctors.
Longer wait times in “universal health care pros and cons”
There are long wait times for elective procedures: The government focuses on providing basic and emergency health care.
Medicaid is an example of a federally funded single-payer health care system that provides a right to health care for low-income people.
According to a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, 9.4% of Medicaid beneficiaries have had trouble obtaining necessary care due to long wait times, versus 4.2% of people with private health insurance.
Health care costs overwhelm government budgets
Health care costs overwhelm government budgets. For example, some Canadian provinces spend almost 40% of their budgets on health care. In the same vein, doctors may cut care to lower costs if they aren’t well paid by cost-cutting governments: For example, doctors report Medicare payment cuts will force them to close many in-house blood testing labs.
The government may limit those services with a low probability of success
This includes drugs for rare conditions and expensive end-of-life care. In the United States, care for patients in the last six years of life makes up one-fourth of the Medicare budget.
A right to health care could increase debt and deficit
Spending on Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, all government programs that provide a right to health care for certain segments of the population, totaled less than 10% of the federal budget in 1985, but by 2012 these programs took up 21% of the federal budget and are predicted to reach 30% of federal spending by 2028.
According to former US House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI), government health care programs drive “the explosive growth in our spending and debt.
Providing a right to health care could raise taxes
In European countries with a universal right to health care, the cost of coverage is paid through higher taxes.
In the United Kingdom and other European countries, payroll taxes average 37% – much higher than the 15.3% payroll taxes paid by the average US worker.
According to Paul R. Gregory, Ph.D, a Research Fellow at the Hoover Institution, financing a universal right to health care in the United States would cause payroll taxes to double.
Providing a right to health care could worsen a doctor shortage
The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) predicts a shortfall of up to 104,900 doctors by 2030.
If a right to health care were guaranteed to all, this shortage could be much worse. Doctor shortages in the United States have led to a 30% increase in wait times for doctor appointments between 2014 and 2017.
Types of universal health care systems in ” universal health care pros and cons “
There are essentially three ways to provide universal health care.
Private insurance
Single-payer system
Socialized medicine
Private insurance
The third system is to allow private insurance companies to regulate them and mandate that everyone purchase some type of health insurance plan.
Switzerland has regulated health insurance and the Affordable Care Act, which was passed in 2010, is an attempt to build a mandated health insurance system in the United States
Single-payer system
The second solution is to have a single-payer system, like Canada. Under a single-payer system, the government provides health insurance for everyone, but doctor’s offices and hospitals are still private businesses or nonprofits.
This type of system allows people more choice between doctors and hospitals with different approaches to care, but it also costs more than socialized medicine.
Socialized medicine
In this case, all hospitals would be owned by the government and all doctors and nurses would be government employees.
However, both doctors and patients have less choice in the range of treatments and procedures that are available to them.
In the universal health care pros and cons, it is essential you know that what works for A might not be suitable for B.
Countries with a universal health care system
There are over 70 countries with universal health care systems everyone ought to know;
Is coronavirus airborne? During this dreaded period of coronavirus pandemic, many questions have been asked with numerous not answered.
some of the unanswered questions about coronavirus transmission are made known.
Is essential you understand the basics of transmission of airborne diseases as you read through.
Airborne diseases are those diseases that are transmitted via air from person to person or from animal to animal.
Introduction to airborne diseases
Air serves as the carrier of the disease-causing agent (pathogen). For instance, in malaria infection, the vector of the pathogen (plasmodium) is female anopheles mosquitoes, while in the case of airborne, air serves as the vector (although vectors are living things).
In traditional medicine, a vector is an organism that does not cause disease itself but spreads infection by conveying pathogens from one host to another.
The pathogens transmitted may be any kind of viruses, fungi, and bacteria.
These pathogens may spread in aerosols, dust, or liquids. The aerosols might be generated from sources of infection such as the bodily secretions of an infected animal or person.
Infected aerosols may stay suspended in air currents long enough to travel for considerable distances; sneezes, for example, can easily project infectious droplets to a distance of over 14 feet.
Most airborne pathogens cause inflammation in the nose, throat, sinuses, and lungs as such causing respiratory difficulties.
Sinus congestion, coughing, and sore throats are examples of inflammation of the upper respiratory airway due to these airborne agents.
Airborne diseases can also affect non-humans. For example, Newcastle disease is an avian disease that affects many types of domestic poultry worldwide, which is transmitted via airborne contamination.
Symptoms of coronavirus
Often, airborne pathogens cause inflammation in the nose, throat, sinuses, and upper airway lungs. Upper airway inflammation causes coughing congestion and sore throat.
Sinus congestion, coughing, and sore throats are examples of inflammation of the upper respiratory airway due to these airborne agents.
Airborne infections usually occur by the respiratory route, with the agent present in aerosols (infectious particles <5 µm in diameter).
This includes dry particles, often the remainders of an evaporated wet particle called nuclei, and wet particles. This kind of infection usually requires independent ventilation during treatment. e.g., tuberculosis.
The airborne disease can spread when people with certain infections cough, sneeze, or talk, spewing nasal and throat secretions into the air. Some viruses or bacteria take flight and hang in the air or land on other people or surfaces.
I know this question “Is coronavirus airborne?” still rings in your head, wait patiently we are heading there.
When you breathe in airborne pathogenic organisms, they take up residence inside you. You can also pick up germs when you touch a surface that harbors them, and then touch your own eyes, nose, or mouth like in the case of covid-19.
Because of the mode of transmission of airborne pathogens, they are very difficult to contain.
coronavirus is not airborne but airborne precautions are recommended
Is coronavirus airborne?
Is it high time this question of “is coronavirus airborne?” is answered From the evidence gathered so far, covid-19 is not airborne
Unlike tuberculosis and chickenpox, which circulate in the air, the transmission of COVID-19 occurs primarily through respiratory droplets which can spread the virus and can cause infection in others through contact.
Droplet transmission occurs when a person is in close contact (within 1 m) with someone who has respiratory symptoms (e.g., coughing or sneezing) and is therefore at risk of having his/her mucosae (mouth and nose) or conjunctiva (eyes) exposed to potentially infective respiratory droplets.
Transmission may also occur through fomites in the immediate environment around the infected person.
Therefore, the transmission of the COVID-19 virus can occur by direct contact with infected people and indirect contact with surfaces in the immediate environment or with objects used on the infected person (e.g., stethoscope or thermometer).
Airborne transmission is different from droplet transmission as it refers to the presence of microbes within droplet nuclei, which are generally considered to be particles <5μm in diameter, can remain in the air for long periods of time, and be transmitted to others over distances greater than 1 m.
When someone coughs, sneezes, or talks, these droplets can infect another person if they get into their airways.
Droplets typically do not travel more than six feet (about two meters) and do not linger in the air.
A social distance of 6 feet intends to protect you against infecting another person or becoming infected. Still, the CDC is now recommending the use of facemasks in public.
Although COVID-19 is not considered airborne, there may be some instances in which the virus can act as an airborne disease. These include certain clinical settings in which people are receiving intensive medical treatment.
In usual situations, SARS-CoV-2 is spread through respiratory droplets after a person coughs or sneezes, but these droplets are larger than what is considered airborne.
The things we know about coronavirus are changing spontaneously because there is no total understanding of this virus, is essential, and recommended airborne precautions are taken. Those uncertainties prompted this write-up of “Is coronavirus airborne?”
To prevent transmission, WHO recommends a comprehensive set of measures including:
Identify suspect cases as quickly as possible, test, and isolate all cases (infected people) in proper facilities
Quarantine all close contacts of infected people and test those who develop symptoms so that they can be isolated if they are infected and require care
Use fabric masks in specific situations, for example, in public places where there is community transmission and where other prevention measures, such as physical distancing, are not possible
Practice the use of contact and droplet precautions by health workers caring for suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients, and use airborne precautions when aerosol-generating procedures are performed
Continuous use of a medical mask by health workers and caregivers working in all clinical areas, during all routine activities throughout the entire shift
At all times, practice frequent hand hygiene, physical distancing from others when possible, and respiratory etiquette; avoid crowded places, close-contact settings, and confined and enclosed spaces with poor ventilation; wear fabric masks when in closed, overcrowded spaces to protect others; and ensure good environmental ventilation in all closed settings and appropriate environmental cleaning and disinfection.
I know this question of “Is coronavirus airborne?” is a thing of the past…
The economic benefits of universal health care coverage impact a country’s economic prospects in several aspects.
Universal healthcare improves health outcomes by ensuring that everyone has continuous access to care regardless of pre-existing conditions, ability to pay, or any other factors. This continuity is particularly important for the management of chronic conditions.
Universal health care is the action that a government takes to provide health care to as many people as possible at cheaper or more affordable.
Some governments do this by setting minimum standards and regulations and some by implementing programs that cover the entire population.
Introduction to the economic benefits of the universal health care system
There are many economic benefits of the health care system, however; the cardinal aim of a universal health care system remains to cover medical bills for the citizens.
Although, lower-income or those diagnosed with specific serious health conditions would have access to government-funded care. Essentially, it would be an expansion of the current Medicaid system with a few additional caveats.
Universal health care is a system that provides quality medical services to all citizens. The federal government offers it to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.
Universal health care allows everybody the opportunity to access a full range of health services including promotion, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care.
These services should be of good quality. Because the emphasis here is on everybody getting the treatment they need, the objective includes an important equity dimension.
From a reliable source, evidence suggests that the implementation of a universal health care system benefits a country’s economy.
Is no doubt that the progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) involves complicated challenges, it is easy to lose sight of the fact that moving toward UHC is a political process that involves negotiation between different interest groups in society over the allocation of health benefits and who should bear the costs.
A study, carried out by the consultancy firm KPMG, looks at the effects of UHC on the economy of South Africa. The results show the economic benefits of introducing UHC in 2011 have so far outweighed the costs associated with introducing the system and funding it with increased taxes.
In this vein, for the past few decades, civil society organizations (CSOs) have frequently played a crucial role in representing the views of the poor and the vulnerable in these negotiations, pushing for a more equitable distribution of both the responsibility for funding the system and the benefits received.
CSOs have been working vehemently in remodeling the health systems at the national level, increasing grass root’ involvement in the decision-making process, and in creating accountability mechanisms.
Also, CSOs have achieved most when they have been able to develop robust positions based on solid arguments and compelling examples.
Economic benefits of universal health care
Below are some of the economic benefits of a universal health care system
Creation of productive and healthier workforce
Lower mortality rates
Promotes health care equality and rights
A right to health care could stop medical bankruptcies
Lowers overall health care costs
Standardizes service
Early childhood care prevents future social costs
Providing a right to health care could benefit private businesses.
Creation of productive and healthier workforce
A healthier workforce is productive and raises healthy families; thus, healthy workers are a key strategy, for a better health system.
This contributes to sustainable development, which is the key to poverty reduction and is fundamental to public health, for it is increasingly clear that major diseases (e.g. AIDS, heart disease) need a healthier and more productive workforce to control the diseases.
Studies show that preventive care reduces the need for expensive emergency room usage.
Without access to preventive care, 46% of emergency room patients went because they had no other place to go.
They used the emergency room as their primary care physician. This health care inequality is a big reason for the rising cost of medical care.
This, in turn, is one of the economic benefits of universal health care
Lower mortality rates
Lower mortality rates are also one of the economic benefits of universal health care. Its effects could be either directly or indirectly.
Low mortality also has important implications for the process of economic growth.
Recently there has been an increase in the number of research studies that examine how reduced mortality affected economic decisions.
Another study focuses on two of these decisions, namely fertility and human capital investment, given the importance of these for economic growth and given the fact that the most significant component of mortality decline has been a reduction in infant and child deaths.
Increased life expectancy implies a higher rate of return on human capital investment and hence, declining child and youth mortality provide an important incentive to increase investment in the education of each child.
Researchers have emphasized the role of human capital investment as the prime engine for economic growth.
Promotes health care equality and rights
A promoted health care equality and rights benefits cannot be over-emphasized.
“The right to the highest attainable standard of health” implies a clear set of legal obligations on states to ensure appropriate conditions for the enjoyment of health for all people without discrimination.
The right to health is one of a set of internationally agreed human rights standards and is inseparable or ‘indivisible’ from these other rights.
This means achieving the right to health is both central to, and dependent upon, the realization of other human rights, to food, housing, work, education, information, and participation.
A right to health care could stop medical bankruptcies
According to the National Bankruptcy Forum, medical debt is the #1 reason people file for bankruptcy in the United States.
Medicare-for-All would end medical bankruptcy. People would no longer have to pay outrageous amounts or go into debt in order to receive treatment.
In 2017, about 33% of all Americans with medical bills reported that they “were unable to pay for basic necessities like food, heat, or housing.”
If all US citizens were provided health care under a single-payer system medical bankruptcy would no longer exist, because the government, not private citizens, would pay all medical bills.
Lowers overall health care costs
Lower health care cost is of economic benefits because many people both inside and outside the sphere of health policy take it for granted that cutting health care costs is an admirable even necessary pursuit.
Nearly everyone has gone on record in support of health care cost containment. The burgeoning managed care sector is based on the premise that a large part of managing care is managing its costs.
Improvements in health status may have a positive economic impact on households through increased productivity, and reduced absenteeism. Although there have been numerous debates on the economic benefits of universal health care on the ground that it lowers the overall health care cost.
Standardizes service
A standard health service is of economic importance because health is an important determinant of economic development; a healthy population means higher productivity.
In a competitive nation like the United States, health care providers must also focus on profit. They do this by offering the newest technology.
They offer expensive services and pay doctors more. They try to compete by targeting the wealthy people thereby neglecting the poor.
A study suggests that a standardized health service facilitates healthy labor, their incentive to develop new knowledge is higher because they expect to benefit in the long run.
Early childhood care prevents future social costs
Early childhood care, prevents future social cost and equally improve economic growth.
This is because high-quality early childhood programs can increase the number of skilled workers in the future, which then magnetizes investments and jobs in the local economy, increasing local earnings, and such can be considered one of the economic benefits of universal health care.
Providing a right to health care could benefit private businesses.
Providing the right to health care is one of the economic benefits of universal health care because the private sector is the engine of the growth of any economy.
Private businesses drive economic growth, create jobs, and pay the taxes that finance the services and investments of the nation.
Is no doubt that in developing countries, is the private sector creates 90 percent of jobs, funds 60 percent of all investments, and generates more than 80 percent of the revenues of the government.
What are the benefits of aloe vera? This question has been a trending question for over a century. But today, idealmedhealth brings the ideal answer to this question and the essentials you need to know.
Carefully read through and equip yourself with the knowledge you can’t get elsewhere.
Introduction on the benefits of aloe vera
Aloe vera belongs to the kingdom Plantae, family Asphodelaceae, genus, and species Aloe vera respectively.
Although, there are different aloe plants vera is unique because of its gel and latex which are of high medical importance.
Vera originates from the Arabian peninsula but has spread all over the world with its projected leaves from where some active bioactive ingredients like emodins, mannons, lectins, and anthraquinone c-glycosides can be found.
It had been popularly grown as an ornamental plant and gained the Royal Horticultural Society‘s Award of Garden Merit.
How to harvest aloe vera in the benefits of aloe vera
Aloe vera can be simply harvested following this uncomplicated procedure once the plant is mature after a few years.
Firstly, you remove 4-5 leaves at a time, choosing thick leaves from the outer sections of the plant, and equally consider healthy leaves for a better result after extraction.
Secondly, cut the leaves close to the stem where most of the beneficial nutrients are found.
Thirdly, wash and dry the leaves thoroughly for a few minutes after which you trim the edges separating the interior gel from outside of the leaf.
This is where you have to be more careful, the interior gel is equally useful after the separation. Allow the yellow sap to drain from the leaf into a container if you intend to use the latex. Finally cut the plant into slices or when you want a smooth aloe gel.
After the separation of the aloe from the exterior part of the leaf, you can put the aloe into a blender or use a pestle and mortar after which you strain the substance to remove the pulp and proceed to what you intend to do.
benefits of aloe vera
6 benefits of aloe vera
This is where that big question [WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ALOE VERA?] is answered. So give it undivided attention as you read through.
Aloe vera has many uses although there has been no well-known scientific backup of the medicinal uses of Aloe vera in traditional medicine, it has gone a long way in alleviating the medical challenges of people who use it rightly. Let us look at some of the uses
1] As ornamental plant:
Because of the greenish color, stemless nature of the plant, and the wonderful arrangement of the leaves, different households use it for beautification.
In the benefits of aloe vera, having it as a flower in your household is worthwhile.
2] As burn treatment:
Due to its soothing, moisturizing, and cooling properties, aloe vera is often used to treat burns of lower degrees. This is among the amazing benefits of aloe vera everyone is expected to know.
A 2013 study, showed that out of fifty participants there was a significant improvement in those who used aloe vera gel to treat burns compared to those that used %1 silver sulfadiazine cream than people who used aloe vera gel to treat superficial and partial thickness burns showed better results than the group that used a %1 silver sulfadiazine cream.
3] Improvement of the digestive system:
Aloe vera consumption may benefit your digestive tract and help to alleviate stomach ailments, including irritable bowel syndrome. equally, aloe vera can inhibit the growth of H. pylori bacteria which is an ulcer pathogen.
Its effect on improving the digestive system is among the benefits of aloe vera.
4] Promotes oral health:
Aloe vera toothpaste and mouthwash, are natural options for improving oral hygiene and reducing plaque that can lead to halitosis.
5] Helps in acne removal:
Fresh aloe vera helps to reduce the effect of acne vulgaris when applied to the face. Acne or pimple can be managed and cured using aloe vera the right and applying it at the right time.
6] Relieves anal fissures:
There is a high chance of recovery from anal fissures. when applying an aloe vera cream to the affected area several times throughout the day.
According to a 2014 study, using a cream containing aloe vera juice powder was effective in treating chronic anal fissures. People used the aloe cream three times a day for six weeks.
Improvements were shown in pain and wound healing.
Equally, Aloe latex contains aloin, which is an anthraquinone that gives aloe vera its laxative properties and may help in the alleviation of constipation.
FAQs on the benefits of aloe vera
See below;
What is aloe vera juice?
Aloe vera juice is a soft and sticky liquid made from the flesh of the aloe vera plant leaf by crushing the entire leaf of the aloe vera plant, followed by various steps to purify and filter the liquid. It’s commonly known to treat sunburns. But drinking this healthy in juice form provides you with a number of other health benefits.
What are the side effects of drinking aloe vera juice?
On a general note, topical usage of aloe vera is safe, and there are many health benefits associated with taking aloe vera juice, however one can experience some side effects while using it. Although the side effects are mild and withdrawal would likely ease the situation; The side effects include but are not limited to: Allergies, diarrhea, redness of the skin, and irritation.
Is it good to drink aloe vera juice every day?
The answer to this question is dependent on your physiological state. If you have problems with frequent constipation, taking aloe vera juice would help a lot. It can also help normalize the healthy bacteria in your gut, keeping your healthy intestinal flora balanced.
Conclusion
The benefits of aloe vera can not be over-emphasized. You stand to get the best out of it when you use it in the proper way.
As earlier stated there has not been any scientific backup on some of the benefits of aloe vera but the local traditional doctors have confirmed its medicinal importance.
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