Experts claim the ‘discreet protection’ can safeguard people from HIV and unwanted pregnancy by ‘melting’ inside the body. Researchers at the University of Washington (UW) developed the condom from tiny microfibres through a method called ‘electrospinning’ . The cloth-like fibres can be woven from medicine into extremely thin ‘webs’ . They are then designed to dissolve after use, either within minutes or over several days. The team was given $1 million to develop the technology, which uses an electric field to charge fluid through air to create the very fine , nanometre-sized fibres . ‘Our dream is to create a product women can use to protect themselves from HIV and unintended pregnancy,’ Kim Woodrow, a UW assistant professor of bioengineering, said.

 ‘We have the drugs to do that. It’s really about delivering them in a way that makes them more potent , and allows a woman to want to use it,’ Woodrow said. ‘This method allows controlled release of multiple compounds. We were able to tune the fibres to have different release properties ,’ co-author Cameron Ball said. 

With inputs from IANS

Scene 2: Nowadays I don’t have time to eat a proper meal, so I should start having more multivitamin and supplement capsules.

Scene 3: Tomorrow’s big exam requires a night-out, so let me try the magic tablets that increase a person’s focus and learning speed.

Scene 4: I am very nervous about the presentation tomorrow, should I consider taking an anti-anxiety medication to calm my nerves?

Scene 5: Its 1 am and sleep is nowhere in sight, perhaps a couple of sleeping pills will do the trick.

Have you experienced any or all of the above scenarios? Individually, each circumstance can lead to the harmful slippery slope of random over-medication and combined these situations may have dangerous results.

The term “popping pills” refers to the accidental or intentional intake of more-than-recommended dose of a drug. A drug is a chemical substance that changes the way a body functions and is used for medical (treat diseases), performance enhancing (modify physical features) or recreational (alter mental behavior) purpose. The most frequently overused or abused drugs include over-the-counter or prescribed painkillers, anti-depressants, vitamins, supplements, weight loss aids and performance enhancing drugs. 

Why is over-medication a problem?

 A person’s ability to “handle” any medication depends on his or her weight and health status as well as the strength of the drug. All medications have a limit in terms of the amounts in which they can be consumed over a given period of time. Overdosing occurs when a person takes one or more drugs in quantities that the body is unable to process and may lead to fatal disruption in the functioning of the brain or heart and other side effects.

Accidental medication overdose in children is tragic and often preventable.

The table below outlines commonly over-used drugs and their serious side-effects.

If you notice any of the aforementioned symptoms stop taking the pills and immediately contact a medical care professional.

How is drug over-dosage diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves a careful evaluation of the patient’s medical and personal history in terms of health conditions, list of medications, diet and lifestyle habits. Often medications taken in combination with alcohol or certain foods increase the level of damage. Blood and screening tests are performed to determine the level of drugs present in the body, changes in critical elements such as calcium and potassium as well as the extent of injury to the liver and kidney.

How is drug over-dosage treated?

Immediate course of treatment includes removing the drug from the patient’s body. Vomiting is induced – only in a conscious patient – to eliminate remaining drug from the stomach. Activated charcoal may be applied to soak-up the left over drug. The patient’s stomach may be “pumped”, that is, the contents are removed via a tube and the stomach is rinsed with salt water. Faster clearance of the drug from the body is aided by inducing urination or defecation.

Other emergency actions include restoring breathing and blood pressure. Intravenous (IV) fluids such as saline (salt water), dextrose (sugar water) and electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and bicarbonate solution) are given to re-establish the body’s fluid and mineral balance. Hemodialysis, filtering of the blood through a machine, may be performed to remove drugs from the blood – especially if there is extensive damage to the kidneys.

Antidotes, medications that neutralize or reduce effects of the overdosed drug, are specific to the overdosed drugs. Some examples of antidotes are N-acetylcysteine for acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose and Naloxone for narcotic (heroin, morphine, codeine) poisoning.

The patient also requires a psychological assessment to determine underlying mental conditions that may have resulted in excessive use of medications.

Community-based awareness and education programs are essential in the prevention of (accidental or intentional) medication overdose. Overuse of medications and supplements can be stopped by building an understanding of how drugs affect the body plus safe approaches to increasing mental and physical well-being.

Learn about overdosing on drugs or medications:

• Drug Overdose
• Painkiller Overdose
• Getting Too Much of Vitamins And Minerals
• Performance-enhancing drugs: Know the risks
• Side Effects of Diet Pill Still Concern Regulators
• Information for Consumers (Drugs)
• Safe Use Initiative Fact Sheet
• National Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse (NCAPDA) 

 A blackhead is an overactive oil gland that’s clogged with sebum, dead skin cells, tiny hair strands and sometimes bacteria, that combine to make a plug. Light and air contact at the opening of the pore oxidizing it, turning it black. Hence, the name ‘blackhead’.

Whiteheads are follicles that are essentially clogged with the same constituents of blackheads. However, they do not turn black as they have only a small, microscopic opening to the skin surface. Since air doesn’t come in contact with the inner components, oxidization does not take place hence retaining the white colour.

What causes blackheads and whiteheads?

• Hormonal changes, particularly during puberty, pregnancy and menstrual cycles, can cause the sebaceous glands beneath the skin to produce excess oil. This excess oil tend to clog your pores forming blackheads.
• Many skin products can clog pores and add oil to the skin. Cosmetics can be particularly oily, and people who use them frequently may be more prone to breakouts. Look for products labeled “non-comedogenic,” meaning that they do not clog pores.
• Excessive perspiration can also be a factor, particularly if you spend a lot of time in a
  humid environment. The excess sweat absorbs into your pores and hair follicles, leading to breakouts.

How can they be prevented?

It all comes down to a good skincare regime. The best skin care is once-a-day cleansing with a mild soap or facial scrub to aid in the removal of excess sebum and dead skin cells. Make sure you cleanse all the way down your neck, behind the ears and into the hairline as missing these areas can cause breakouts. Avoid oil-based makeup as these can contribute to the buildup of oil in the follicles. Water-based makeup labeled as non-comedogenic can be used safely. However, remember not to scrub too vigorously as it can irritate the skin even more.

Can I squeeze them?
It is always best to see a skincare specialist or a dermatologist, as they can remove blackheads effectively without causing any trauma to the skin. However, if you want to extract blackheads yourself, do so with caution. For treatment products that clear and decongest the skin, try overnight clearing gels, antibacterial skin wipes and oil-absorbing mattifiers that can be used throughout the day.

What are the treatments available?
Medications for acne are available both over the counter and by prescription. Topical medications include benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, retinoids and antibiotics. They work by reducing your skin’s oiliness, altering the rate of skin cell shedding or killing the bacteria associated with acne. Systemic medications, which include oral antibiotics, hormone therapy and corticosteroid injections, work to clear acne from inside the body and are typically necessary for moderate to severe cases.
Birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy are sometimes effective for blackheads caused by hormonal imbalances, such as those that occur during adolescence or menopause. Chemical peels help by peeling away the top layer of skin, but this treatment offers only temporary relief.

If you want to stick to the parlour routine, go to a reputed beauty parlour and get a cleanup done. Rather not fall into the trap of frequent beauty treatments and restrict it to one two visits a month. Steaming and applying packs etc on your face too often will tire and disturb the natural balance of your skin. Avoid doing facials if you have too many blackheads/ whiteheads as massaging will only worsen the problem. Do not touch your face frequently. Let time do the healing. Avoid eating oily and fatty foods. Instead, emphasize on raw veggies, increase your liquid intake and get adequate sleep.

Nowadays, peel-off facial masks are easily available in the market to get rid of blackheads & whiteheads. At times they are more effective than normal cream, gel or sheet mask at removing embedded blackheads, dirt, oil, make-up and other residue that clog the pores. But before you start off with any product, it’s best to consult your dermatologist as he/she would know what’s best for your skin-type. Do not use your peel-off masks more than once every three days, unless you have extremely oily skin. Otherwise, you run the risk of over-exfoliating, which can cause stress to the facial skin, loosen your muscle tone, make your skin rather sensitive, and produce skin pigmentation or the development of a new set of skin problems.

Remember, there is no overnight miracle for treating whiteheads and blackheads. With proper skin care and continuous treatment however, you can expect to see a brighter, clearer complexion in as little as a few weeks.

For more health-related videos check out our YouTube Page 

Oral contraceptive pills are one of the most important and reliable methods of contraception. They contain hormones and work by suppressing ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary). 

Contraceptive pills classified depending on their composition. In India there are two types of pills available. Broadly classified into two types:

Combined Pills: Contains a combination of estrogen and progestin. These are the synthetic form of the same hormones present in the female body. These pills are also useful in reducing the intensity of menstrual discomfort.

Another type of pill available is the Mini Pill.

They contains only progesterone, they are milder in action and have lesser side effects. The down side to this pill is that it has to be taken at the same time everyday or it won’t work.

 Is this method foolproof?

If used correctly and consistently, the pill is projected to be about 99.7 to 99.9 % effective in preventing pregnancy. The failure rate of hormonal methods of contraception, including the pill is usually lower than non-hormonal methods such as condoms and Intrauterine devices.

Oral contraception is, today, the most widely used method of birth control. Although you may be tempted to try this method do make sure that you consult your physician.

Also read:

• Birth control dos and don’ts  
• Birth control – how likely are you to get pregnant (Video)

So, what is the best method of contraception?

There is no “best” method of birth control. Each method has its pros and cons.

Birth control is a personal choice, and is unique to every individual. To get started here are a few things you should consider:

• Your overall health, by this we mean be aware of any medication or substance that might cause you untoward reactions.
• How often you have sex
• If you want to have children someday
• How well each method works to prevent pregnancy
• Possible side effects
• Your comfort level with using the method

Birth control works best if used correctly every time you have sex. Be sure you know how to use the method you have chosen. Don’t fight shy. Just ask your physician.

Also read:  Prescription birth control – The Pill

The survey found that female sterilisation is the most preferred method of family planning while percentage of male sterilisation continues to remain negligible. The health secretary P.K. Pradhan stated that although a few men have come forward for the procedure, there is still a lot to be done in order to make family planning a reality. The survey also found stark differences within states on parameters like total fertility rate, current usage of family planning, mean age at marriage, delivery care and immunisation. More than half of currently married woman aged 15-49 years are not using any method of family planning in Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Bihar. As many as 98 districts have reported less than 50 percent current usage of any method of family planning. Only 12 districts of 284 surveyed districts feature in 70 percent and above category.

The survey found that in 164 districts, a woman bears more than three children on an average with the highest (six) born to a woman in Shrawasti (Uttar Pradesh) and lowest (two) in Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand. The survey found that marriages among females taking place below legal age (18 years) are rampant in rural areas as compared to urban areas. “In rural areas every fourth marriage in Rajasthan, every fifth in Bihar and Jharkhand takes place below the legal age. It has been noted that higher proportion of males are getting married below legal age (21 years) as compared to females in these states.

Source: IANS

• Withdrawal method
• Fertility awareness method

The withdrawal method refers to the man ‘withdrawing’ when he is about to ejaculate. This method is quite unreliable. 4% of accidental births occur because of failure of this method.

The fertility awareness method refers to the woman keeping a close track on her ovulation time and avoiding sexual contact during those days.

Behavioral methods of birth control are 100% free of charge-but they don’t always work. Learn the pros and cons right here.

Also read: 

• Ovulation – pregnancy percent by day (Video) 
• Birth control – how likely are you to get pregnant (Video) 
• Condoms – all your queries answered

 This Valentine’s Day sex is on the table. There is no point denying it.  And it is very important to know everything about all the different birth control methods before you decide to have sex.  The decision to choose when to procreate has its basis not only on having heirs but also on financial stability, maturity of the couple involved and the readiness to take on a different gamut of responsibilities.

There are many birth control methods to choose from. As a couple, you need to decide on what form of birth control to practise. These are few things you can keep in mind –

• Consult your gynaecologist to get complete and error free information about the various methods of birth control – either as a couple or individually. If you are choosing to consult a gynaecologist individually, remember to share the information with your partner. It is, after all, the collective responsibility of the couple.
• There is no hard and fast rule that you have to follow only one method of birth control throughout the life of your sexual relationship. You can try a combination of methods, to see what suits you best. But try only one method at a time.
• Birth control can be achieved either by preventing fertilization or by preventing the implantation or by abortion. The couple needs to be aware what each type is and more so, how effective each type is. They also need to be aware if it has any side effects on their health – especially for the women.
• Condoms and diaphragms help in preventing fertilization. They are used during sex and either prevent the sperm from fertilizing the egg. Diaphragms can be used multiple times and has to be cleaned between uses. Depending on usage and storage, diaphragms can be replaced between every year to three years. Condoms, on the other hand, mustn’t be reused as the latex can undergo degradation and may even form tears. There are female condoms available as well.
• Prescriptive birth control methods, like oral contraceptives also aid in preventing the fertilization. It should be ideally followed under medical supervision. Ensure you follow the recommended course for the desired results while using this method.
• If you choose to use Behavioural methods be aware that they are not fool proof. Though, withdrawal method can act as birth control methods, it can result into pregnancy if there is pre-ejaculation. Natural family planning method like following the menstrual cycles to have intercourse can act as birth control method as well. Though any miscalculations about the cycles can lead to pregnancy.
• Sterilization methods are quite popular and effective as a birth control technique. Either the woman can choose to undergo tubal ligation or the man can undergo vasectomy. It involves surgeries and can be reversed if desired.
• Morning-after pills have become a popular method of birth control method. Used after unprotected sex, these pills guarantee to curb unwanted pregnancy. Though convenient and easy to use, this has to be used as little as possible since popping in too many of these pills can have an adverse effect on the health of the woman.
• If you are uncomfortable using a particular method of birth control, communicate the same with your partner. Some methods of birth control can have side effects to the hormones and overall health of the person.
• Be able to differentiate the facts from the myths. Hence if you have any doubts about birth control methods, consult an expert like a doctor for clarifications.

So this Valentine’s Day it’s better to be safe, than sorry. Have a fun Valentine’s Day and a  more wicked night.