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You’ve probably been hearing about the flu for a while now — especially how important it is to get your flu shot. But maybe you’ve also known friends or co-workers who recently became sick to their stomachs, saying they had a “stomach flu.”

Do you know what a “stomach flu” actually is? Is it really a type of flu at all? Today we’ll briefly explain what each illness is and what the symptoms of each are so you can get a better idea of what you might be suffering from.

What is the Flu?

The flu is the common name for influenza viruses. According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu is a contagious respiratory illness that affects anywhere from 5 – 20% of the U.S. population each year and hospitalizes more than 200,000 patients yearly due to complications.

A “Stomach Flu” is Actually Not the Flu

Sometimes when people have stomach problems, from serious cramping and nausea to vomiting, they say they have the “stomach flu.” But technically, there is no such condition. The flu is a respiratory illness and usually doesn’t affect the digestive system. What people refer to as a “stomach flu” is actually called gastroenteritis. According to WebMD.com, that means there’s an “irritation and inflammation of the stomach and intestines… caused by a virus, bacteria, parasites in spoiled food or unclean water, or another trigger.”

A true flu will actually seem more like a serious and hard-hitting cold than a stomach or other digestive issue. Here are some of the symptoms of each to help you better determine what you really might have so you can treat your illness accordingly until you’re able to visit your doctor for a proper diagnosis.

Symptoms of the Flu

• Fever
• Headache
• Extreme tiredness
• Dry cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle aches

The CDC also notes that while stomach symptoms may appear, those symptoms are more common among children, and they are “rarely the main symptoms of influenza.” [source]

Symptoms of Gastroenteritis (or the “Stomach Flu”)

Because gastroenteritis can be caused by both viruses and bacteria (among other triggers), symptoms can vary. But according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC) of the National Institutes of Health, here are some symptoms of viral gastroenteritis. [source]

• Watery diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Fever
• Chills
• Abdominal pain

According the New York Times, bacterial gastroenteritis has similar symptoms but also potential bloody stools and loss of appetite. Bacterial gastroenteritis is also a common result of food poisoning from bacteria in spoiled or undercooked foods. [source]

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As you can see, some symptoms of gastroenteritis are shared with influenza viruses like headaches and fevers. The abdominal pain might also seem similar to the muscle aches of a flu, and since being ill in general can make someone feel worn out, it’s possible some people confuse that with the serious exhaustion common to the flu.

If you’re ill for a prolonged period of time, are concerned that you may become seriously dehydrated or that you may be suffering from other complications of either disorder, please seek medical attention right away. It’s never a good idea to simply guess as to what’s wrong with you. Your healthcare professional may be able to prescribe an antiviral or antibiotic medication that can help, or alert you to any further treatment needed.

* Disclaimer. The author is not a medical professional and information is not designed to serve as medical advice. Facts provided in this article are strictly for informational purposes. Please seek the assistance of a qualified healthcare professional if you become ill.

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Our body and mind have an intricate and interesting inter-dependable relationship. We know how exercise helps us to feel better and confident of ourselves, and recreational physical activities like playing sports, hiking or even body massage, rejuvenates us and relaxes our mind. These are some of the ways by which the body influences our mind and attempts to alter the mental state. However, we sometimes forget that this is a two-way process, and we can also influence our body by inducing changes to our mental state.

It is a known fact that when we face difficult situations, undergo overwhelming circumstances, or indulge in incessant worrying, we experience a negative state of mind in the form of anxiety, stress and anger. It has been proved through research that these mental attributes have a detrimental effect on our body, in addition to our mental health, and cause increased muscle tension in the body. The physical effect of this mental setup is not only limited through various signs and symptoms like having headaches and back pain, but also manifests as constipation, skin disorder, and other physical disorders.

Grave effects of mental ill health include developing abnormal blood pressure, acquiring diabetes, building up heart disease, or increasing the chances of getting a stroke. Depression, one of the mental ill health states, is responsible for increase in mortality from these major physical diseases. A disturbed mind may even trigger practices or habits that lead to gaining of weight, setting up of irregular metabolism, or even exhibiting psychosomatic illness in the body. However, the kind of effect one experiences is a matter of subjectivity, and varies from person to person. Conclusively, there is no denying that mental health affects one’s physical health.

Mental health can be roughly defined as the ability to enjoy life, have a resilient character, achieve balance in life, and have greater emotional and cognitive flexibility. Since such a person would enjoy good sleep, follow an adequate nutrition diet, and lead a lifestyle conducive to stress-free living, as stress is the main culprit that robs the body of its health status. A stable, calm, and peaceful mind is quintessential to maintain a good heart health, get rid of body toxins, and develop a strong immune system of the body.

Ways to eliminate stress in order to attain good mental health include developing healthy mental habits such as indulging in mindful exercises like meditation, visualization, and observing one’s thoughts, which helps one release the tension and clear the mind, making it relaxed and focused. Being optimist, practicing positive affirmations, and bearing positive attitude makes one more determined, positive, and powerful to endure or lessen body pains. It has been found that encouraging forgiving intentions or letting go, also reduces mental stress that helps reduce the body toxins and vulnerability to physical problems.

We can leverage this information and understanding to develop good mental health and thus improve our physical health. Somebody once said: “You become what you think about,” and it holds good in matters of health.

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You wake up one morning and you don’t quite feel like yourself. You think you might be coming down with something. Is it just a cold? The flu? Strep? A stomach virus? Or are you perhaps just sleep-deprived and not feeling your best? You have to make a decision, either to go to work or call in sick. If you’re contagious you could put your co-workers at risk and hurt productivity in the workplace. If you’re not, you could still work and not get behind on things you’ll have to catch up on later.

What should you do? Go to work or stay home? Here are some signs that it might be a better idea to call in sick rather than potentially affecting others with your illness.

Reasons You Should Probably Stay Home From Work

1. You can’t do your job. For example, if your illness requires you to take medication, will that medication affect your ability to work? If you’re a delivery driver and you’re on medication that makes you drowsy, it could be unsafe to drive. You might put yourself as well as others at risk.
2. Going to work might make you sicker. If you don’t rest at all to get well, you could become sicker and be out of work even longer. That’s not good for your company. And if you don’t get paid sick leave, it’s not good for you either. Losing one day’s pay would be preferable to several. Based on a report cited on MedicineNet.com, a 2006 study by the Society for Human Resources Management showed that around a third of companies don’t offer any paid sick time. So the temptation to get back on your feet is understandable. Just know that it might make things worse.
3. You’re contagious. In some cases you’ll know you’re contagious. For example, if you see a doctor and find out you have strep throat they’ll probably give you antibiotics. And for the first 24 – 48 hours after starting the antibiotic regimen, you can still be contagious. In that case, you know to stay home from work so you don’t infect others. Sometimes you won’t know you’re contagious though, so it’s best to take general precautions if you do go to work (some of which we’ll discuss below).

Don't spread illness in the workplace. - Credit: BigStockPhoto.com

Cold or Flu?

Many workers get colds during the fall and winter months. And they don’t consider it a good enough reason to stay home from work. But cold symptoms and flu symptoms can be very similar. And in the latter case, it’s very important to stay home rather than passing the flu virus around among your co-workers. Here are some symptoms of the flu according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that can separate it from the common cold. If you have these symptoms in addition to traditional cold-like symptoms, it might be a good idea to stay home and get well before going back to work.

1. Fever
2. Body aches
3. Extreme tiredness
4. A dry cough

If you do still go to work with a cold or other respiratory illness, there are some things you can do to help prevent the spread of that illness. For example, you should:

1. Avoid close contact with others.
2. Wash your hands frequently throughout the day.
3. Don’t touch your mouth or nose, especially with a respiratory illness.
4. Cover your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze.

No matter how tempting it might be to go to work to clear up projects or get paid, sometimes it just doesn’t make sense to do that and you’re better off staying home. Remember, it isn’t just about you. If you’re contagious or your illness or medications make you unable to do your job safely, you could also be a risk to others. When in doubt, take a sick day and see your doctor for an official diagnosis and treatment recommendation.

Legal drugs?

K2 is a mixture of herbs and certain cannabinoids that gets you high when you smoke it. Synthetic weed. It’s similar to marijuana except for:

• It’s way more potent
• It’s legal in most states

So since it’s legal, it must be okay, right? Not so fast…

Synthetic marijuana composition

What can someone add to the ingredients of the drug? Answer: practically anything. Over the years, there have been situations when illegal drugs purchased on the street were found to have harmful, even deadly ingredients added to them. It is not too farfetched to conjecture that something similar will eventually happen to users of K2.

Dr. Corey Herbert, a medical editor for TV station WDSU in New Orleans, is concerned about that very situation. He states “Every time you use supplements like this one or anything else, it’s really like playing Russian Roulette because you have no idea what is in that package.”

Long term effects

The drug’s creator, chemist John Huffman of Clemson University, stated his drug mimics the narcotic effects of THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. He also cautions that his lab had developed the drug for research purposes only, and that “their effects in humans have not been studied and they could very well have toxic effects.”

As a relatively new synthetic, the jury is still out as to whether or not there are any long term effects coincident with its usage. In ancient Rome, lead was sometimes sprinkled in wine for the effect it had on the user: stupor, disorientation, etc. We now know that ingesting lead can be deadly. Some even postulate the fall of the Roman empire can be attributed to the use of lead in that society.

For current comparisons, K2 and steroids can be viewed side by side. This latter drug was initially touted as a wonder chemical that could enhance athletic performance. But more recent reports of the adverse effects of steroids now make even a casual user think twice if the short term gains really supersede their long term effects. Can we expect cancer? Will the offspring of users experience birth defects? What about neurological impairments?

Testing for K2

It’s difficult if not downright impossible to find someone who has ingested the drug. This was evidenced recently by a drug testing company called Redwood Toxicology. A spokesperson said the possibility of being able to definitively conclude a person is under the use of K2 is very difficult.

The problem in nailing down a sure-fire test, urine-based or otherwise, is the moving target nature of the drug. Since the stuff was originally created in a lab and now other labs are producing it, any number of changes to its composition can be affected with very little ease.

The bottom line

Synthetic marijuana is still pretty new to us all. Little testing has been done, so it’s hard to say if it’s safe or not. What I do know is that a handful of states have already banned it. And we can expect more to follow. So if you’re considering trying out K2, your best bet is to leave it alone until more studies are completed.

What do you think about this new synthetic drug?

When it comes to Big Tobacco, what we have are lies, lies, and still more lies. The myths about tobacco abound in all shapes and sizes. But being aware of these untruths can make you a better and healthier (non)consumer. More importantly, being knowledgeable about these myths can even save you life. Here are seven myths coupled with the cold, hard truth about tobacco use.

Myth #1

Light Cigarettes Are Better for You

The words light, low, mild or similar terminology denotes a tobacco product that is less harmful than regular cigarettes. Don’t fall for it. Simply stated, smokers using light cigarettes do not reduce their risk of developing smoke related cancer and other diseases. Of course, the tobacco companies would love for you to believe otherwise. But as of June 22, 2010, federal law prohibits manufacturers from labeling their products using these or similar descriptive terms. You know that hurt the big boys when it passed.

Myth #2

Go Smokeless So You Don’t Get Cancer

Some people turn to smokeless tobacco under the false assumption that if you don’t inhale it, it can’t hurt you. While it might not give you lung cancer, smokeless tobacco has been shown to cause cancer of the mouth, decay in exposed tooth roots, gums to recede from teeth and sores in the mouth that can lead to cancer. This is a classic situation of picking your poison. No matter what you choose—poison is still poison.

Myth #3

Smoking uplifts your mind

Similar to alcohol use, there is sometimes a temporary feeling of relaxation. But, when the immediate effects wear off the body can plunge the user into a lower feeling than previously experienced. Some studies have shown that smoking can lead to full-blown depression and anxiety. Clear thinking is not a benefit of using tobacco products.

Myth #4

Limited use of tobacco products is not harmful

Nicotine is addictive so it’s going to eventually lead to increased usage. More cigarettes means even greater addiction, and the cycle ever increases. With each cigarette you smoke, you increase your risk of related-diseases.

Myth #5

Smoking is only harmful to the smoker

Second hand smoke is actually just as dangerous to those who inhale as to the primary offender. Many times children are the ones that are most affected by this situation. And the residual effects of smoking are borne by all of society in increased medical costs. And more recently, third-hand smoke has come into question. Apparently, however you are exposed to it, it can be deadly.

Myth #6

I can quit any time

False. As noted earlier, one of the ingredients in tobacco is nicotine, an addictive drug. Shear will power alone usually cannot quell the urge to light up another cigarette. Often, assistance from a medical professional is required to break the smoking habit. If you are a smoker, ask your doctor what might be the best way for you to put down that pack.

Don’t let these myths trick you into smoking apathy. The facts are simple—smoking of any type will inevitably have a negative impact on your health. Anyone who tells you otherwise is lying.

What other myths have you heard about smoking?

Photo credit: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=659 Salvatore Vuono

Your mind is racing. Your chest feels tight. You want to scream. You just don’t know how to deal with the anxiety. I don’t know a single person who hasn’t felt that way before. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to handle the everyday stress that results in those anxious feelings.

• Prepare- Nothing says “stress” like waking up at the last minute in a mad rush. Consider instituting a routine that places you awake and alert with plenty of time to get ready. Also, take a few minutes to prepare mentally for your day.

• Early Morning Exercise- Starting off your day with a workout gets your blood pumping. Working out not only gives you more energy, but it also puts you in a better mood. Never mind the fact that getting in shape just makes you feel better all around. However, try to stay away from end of the day workouts. The last thing you need is to rev up your engine right before bed.

• Yoga- Whether you believe in the inner peace stuff or not, it’s irrefutable that Yoga teaches you relaxation techniques. Yoga shows you how to breathe deeply and slowly, making you aware of each breath. It also teaches you slow moving stretches that relax your muscles. Eventually the movement and breathing techniques will translate into your everyday life, allowing you to remain calm during times of anxiety.

• Tea- The jury is still out on whether or not drinking tea actually reduces anxiety. While I’m not going to claim it does, I do see value in the ritual of drinking tea. Putting the kettle on, hearing it whistle, pouring a steaming glass of tea, and holding it in your palms while breathing deeply- there’s no anxiety in that scene. If you’re skeptical, give it a try and you’ll see exactly what I’m talking about.

• Ease Up on Coffee- I used to be one of those people that drank 2-3 cups of coffee before I even left the house in the morning. Needless to say, by the time I climbed behind the wheel, I felt jittery and ready to freak out on the first driver who even looked at me. While I never quit drinking coffee completely, cutting down to a one cup in the morning has drastically reduced the anxiety I feel on the road. So if you’re a coffee lover, remember “moderation.”

• Journaling- Even if you aren’t much of a writer, putting your thoughts on paper can help you sort out your feelings. That, combined with the alone time journaling requires, gives you the chance to really think about and your emotions and alter your reactions.

• Get Some Sleep- You can argue all you want, but you need your 8 hours. Anxiety proves much harder to deal with if your body is exhausted. Unfortunately, anxiety can also keep you awake at night. If that’s the case, try taking a hot bath before bed. Also avoid caffeinated drinks in the evenings. Establish a routine, such as journaling before bed, that helps you wind down. And turn the AC down a few degrees. The cool air will help.

Remember, if you think you have an actual anxiety disorder, you should see a professional.

What methods do you use to handle anxiety during your day?

It’s that time again. The time when everyone starts setting goals for themselves for the New Year. In 2010, millions of people throughout the world will set a resolution to quit smoking. Unfortunately, 85% or more of these people will fail to reach their goal.

If you want 2010 to be the year that you finally quit smoking, the good news is you can do it. You just have to start by making sure you avoid these common mistakes.

• Mistake #1: Not quitting for yourself—The first question you need to ask yourself is: Do I really want to quit. Too many people try to quit for the wrong reasons. For example, they quit because the person they’re in a relationship wants them to quit. This might work for a little while, but if the relationship ends or the partner stops putting pressure on them to quit, they’ll end up right back int heir old smoking habits. You have to quit for yourself.

• Mistake #2: Not writing your goal down on paper—A lot of people say they’re going to quit smoking, but they never truly mean it. Just saying you’re going to do something is fleeting. Actually writing down your goal and posting it on the fridge or somewhere else where you’ll see it every day forces you to actually work to meet your goal. It holds you accountable. Write down your goals, and track your progress every single day.

• Mistake #3: Giving up after a setback—What happens if you end up caving into temptation and smoking a cigarette while you’re trying to quit? Most people end up giving up after one small setback, assuming they just can’t beat the habit. Don’t give up so easily. If you do give into temptation, pick yourself up and start again. Getting tripped up by obstacles is a part of the quitting process. If you’re able to move past it, you’ll be stronger for it.

• Mistake #4: Not getting support from family and friends—Smoking is a tough habit to kick. Few are successful. That’s why you need all the help you can get to get past this dangerous addiction. Don’t be shy. Let your friends and family know about your goals, and ask them for their support. You’ll likely find that they’re glad to help. They’ll be there to help you get past tempting situations or to pick yourself up should you fall. If you don’t have any friends or family who can help, join a support group. There are even online support groups for quitting smoking.

• Mistake #5: Placing yourself in tempting situations—At some point, you’re going to have to face a situation where you’re tempted to smoke, but you should do your best to avoid these situations whenever possible. This is especially true for when you’re first beginning your quest to stop smoking. For example, if going to the bar with your friends makes you want to smoke, perhaps you should avoid doing so. Suggest going somewhere else, or just skip on hanging out there until you’ve truly gotten past your habit. The better you are at avoiding these obstacles, the less likely it is that you’ll get tripped up. However, you will face temptation at some point, so be ready to work past it.

Have you tried to quit smoking in the past? What worked for you? What didn’t? Share your thoughts in the replies.

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Searching for your cell phone ……… again? Not able to find your car keys? Whatever the reason you keep forgetting stuff, you don’t have to live with it anymore, irrespective of what your age is.  You can be in your 30s, 40s, 50s or more; you have no excuse to let your brain fog.

According to experts, you can keep boosting your memory at all ages, if you start taking care of this most complicated and important organ of your body.

Here are some tips to a simple lifestyle that will keep your memory sharp for years.

If you are in your 30s, here’s a list of things you ought to do:

Floss Daily – Did you know that oral plaque is bad for the brain? It can cause immune reaction that can reduce the functioning of the arteries that deliver vital nutrients to the brain cells.  You will have to floss each and every day without fail.

Exercise Your Brain Along With The Body – You know that exercising the body is essential to keep it fit but what about exercise for the brain?  When you exercise, your brain is also energized and is at its best.  You can play some language or music lessons on your iPod while in the gym.  If you don’t want to do it in the gym, then do a crossword or some such mental activity as soon as you come out, as your brain is all fresh during and after an exercise session.

Eat Lots Of Fish – Just as water is therapeutic, fish that live in water are great for the brain. Foods that are high in DHA, a type of omega-3-fatty acids are excellent.  They include yogurt, salmon, trout etc.  DHA empowers the brain by reducing any arterial inflammation and repairing the nerve sheath.  This helps with memory loss, depression and Alzheimer’s disease.

Now if you are older and in the 40s, you don’t have to fret.  Here’s how you can keep your brain sharp and young:

Play Your Kids’ Games – According to neuropsychologists, playing games like the Rubik’s Cube keeps the brain sharp at any age.  This is because of the need to concentrate and think of how to go about it and use your spatial skills; all of which are needed for improvement of the brain.  If you don’t like Rubik’s Cube, then play something that requires you to think and play.  You may even play Bridge on a regular basis if you have a group of friends.

Build Up A Speeding Heart – Making sure your heart rate increases at least thrice a week for 20 minutes at a stretch.  This is considered excellent for the brain, as the brain receives plenty of oxygen that helps with new cell growth. While walking and jogging are great; aerobics works wonders.  Any form of exercise will help with the cognitive functioning of the brain as you grow older.

Well, you would be thinking there’s nothing you can do in your 50s.  You could not be more wrong:

According to researchers, certain nerves present in your fingertips stimulate the brain and they need to be exercised, but in the most fun way…by using chopsticks to eat, rolling a pen between your fingers or knitting.  Think and you’ll find plenty of ways to stimulate those nerves.

How Electronic Games Help – They are not only meant for your grandchildren, they are wonderful as brain exercises for you too. You need to give some juice to your brain. According to health specialists, video games have the capacity to stimulate different parts of the brain that we normally don’t use for our regular activities.  How about playing Brain Challenge for the Wii?

Don’t Pop Too Many Medicines – You may suffer from problems like body aches when you exercise too much or insomnia and other issues.  Although, you can get rid of the immediate discomfort by popping the pill, in the long-run, it can only prove to be harmful.  Be vary of sleeping pills as they can cause confusion and cognitive impairment at your age.   Many such medicines have anticholinergic effect and hinder nerve cell communication. It is advisable to go with relaxation techniques and other alternative methods.

Here are some foods that are great for the brains of all age groups; both young people and the older generation.  These foods contain natural chemicals that fight cognitive decline:

-         Cocoa

-         Coffee

-         Red wine

-         Walnuts

-         Blueberries

-         Asparagus

-         Egg yolks

-         Rosemary

-         Tomato sauce

At every stage of your life, there are bound to be some changes in your overall physical and mental faculties; however it is in your hands to stay physically active and mentally sharp for as many years as possible.  You don’t want to waste your life suffering from mental illnesses, do you?

Credit: Dikiy (via Flickr)

Media portrays the changing fashion in all its glory and potentially influences health-related behaviors, especially so in young adults when peer pressure is the strongest.  One such health behavior is smoking. A recent survey in Canada reveals that the young men and women between the ages of 20-24 have the highest smoking rate.

While the younger generation pays a deaf ear to the harmful effects of smoking; researchers say that lighting a single cigarette can have serious adverse effects on young adults.

Harmful Effects Of Smoking

Researchers at McGill University Health Center found that smoking one cigarette increases the stiffness of the arteries in 18 to 30 year olds by a whopping 25%.

For us to be able to help our children get out of this habit, it is important to gain knowledge of what happens in our body when arteries become stiff.

The main function of the arteries is to carry fully oxygenated blood to the various parts of the body. The arteries have valves in them that stop the blood from flowing in a wrong direction. The arteries begin at the heart and they have to function properly to keep us healthy. There are serious health problems related to the non-functioning of arteries, such as plaque buildup that happens due to too much consumption of fatty foods, high blood pressure, lack of exercise, cholesterol, weight, diabetes and age.  On the other hand, when arteries become stiff or rigid, they increase resistance in the blood vessels, making the heart work harder.  The stiffer the artery the greater the risk for stroke or heart disease.

You may wonder what’s new with these results, as we always knew that smoking was bad for the health and the heart.  This study emphasizes the fact that even smoking just a few cigarettes a day can have a major impact on the health of the arteries. You can no longer say; just a couple of cigarettes per day are acceptable.  It is not!

Electronic Cigarettes: The Solution?

In such a scenario, the electronic cigarette (E-cigarette) is considered to be perfect solution by many today. It was invented in 2003 by a Beijing-based company.

An electronic cigarette is also known as a personal vaporizer.  It is a battery device that contains cartridges filled with nicotine, other chemicals and flavor, and provides doses of this nicotine solution through vaporization.  In addition to delivering nicotine, this vapor also provides the exact flavor of inhaled tobacco smoke as well as the same feeling and sensation of actually smoking a cigarette, but without the use of tobacco, smoke or combustion.

Most electronic cigarettes look similar to a cigarette or a cigar or a pipe, and the most common design is one that looks like a ballpoint pen.  They come with refillable and replaceable parts; however, there are also several disposable electronic cigarettes available today.

What Is The FDA’s Take On E-Cigarettes?

There was a recent announcement by the FDA that their laboratory analysis revealed that electronic cigarettes contain carcinogens and toxic chemicals such as diethylene glycol, which is an ingredient used in antifreeze.  This analysis was done with a sample of cartridges from two leading electronic cigarettes brands.  They found diethylene glycol in one sample and in the other, carcinogens.

Marketing Of These Products

These e-cigarettes are targeted at young adults who can buy them online or in shopping malls.  The worst part of the whole thing is that no health warnings are given on these products. They also come in different flavors, such as mint and chocolate that would appeal to youngsters.

In conclusion, it is important for everyone to understand that health experts express their concern that these cigarettes could easily increase tobacco use an nicotine addiction in youngsters.

Learning all this worries me because when I was in South Africa recently, I noticed my friend’s son smoking an e-cigarette.  Guess what! That was a gift from his mother who gave it to him in an attempt to get him to stop smoking cigarettes.

As of now things are not really clear about e-cigarettes; although, they are claimed by manufacturers to be a blessing in disguise.  It helps to keep our eyes open and see what FDA and other experts have to say in the future when further tests are conducted. Our children’s health is out responsibility!

Image: Shawn Kelly

It is nothing short of a miracle for blind people to regain their vision and see again, and this may become a reality sooner than you think, thanks to a microchip the size of a small grain – or should we say, thanks to the researchers who spend years on research just to make this happen.

Researchers are exploring the possibility of using microchips to bring back sight for the blind. They are closer to creating a retinal implant that will have the capability of bypassing all the damaged cells and offer visual input directly to the brain.

This eye-implant is meant for people with retinitis pigmentosa or age-related macular degeneration, which are the two main causes of blindness.  This retinal implant takes complete control of the damaged retinal cells by providing electrical stimulation to the nerve cells that normally carry visual input to the brain from the retina.

This microchip may not be able to restore vision to normalcy but it would help blind people navigate a room or walk down a sidewalk more easily.  Even a blurry picture of their loved one or the ability to maneuver on their own, is a blessing for a completely blind person.

This research is being conducted at MIT by a team consisting of scientists, ophthalmologists and engineers. According to one of the researchers, Shawn Kelly, “Anything that could help them see a little better and let them identify objects and move around a room would be an enormous help.”

Image: Shawn Kelly (Side View)

Patients who received the microchip implant will have to wear special glasses fitted with a tiny camera that sends images to the microchip implanted in the eyeball. The glasses also come with a coil that transmits power to the coils surrounding the eyeball.  When the microchip receives visual information, it activates electrodes that stimulate all the optical nerve cells near the retina that carry signals to the brain, totally bypassing all the damaged layers of the retina.

The one thing that perplexed researchers was to understand the kind of vision this direct electrical stimulation can produce. This research team started to work on answering this question about ten years ago, by fixing electrodes to the retinas of six blind patients for many hours.  On activation of the electrodes, patients could see several “drops of blood” or “clouds,” and this number corresponded exactly with the number of electrodes that were stimulated.  Without this electrical stimulation, the six patients could see nothing.  These tests proved to be a turning point in the research and helped researchers understand that stimulation of the retina does actually produce some vision in blind patients.

This is what motivated researchers to go ahead and create an implantable chip.  Their ultimate goal is to create a chip that would work for at least 10 years.

The road was full of hurdles and researchers had to face several issues trying to come up with an implant and procedure that does not harm the eye.  Initially, they attached the electrodes directly to the top of the retina from inside the eye, but they soon realized that this carried the risk of damaging the delicate retina.  Now, this implant is attached to the outside of the eye instead of inside, and the electrodes are implanted behind the retina.  This location reduces retinal tearing and also does not need extensive invasive surgery.

Human tests have not begun yet and this has only been tested on Yucatan miniature pigs, which have the same sized eyeballs as humans.  They have been implanted in these pigs for about 10 months successfully, and now researchers are ready for human clinical trials.

The prototype is scheduled to be tested in blind patients within the next three years.

This latest quest of MIT will be of interest to thousands of people like Rob Spence, who is a Canadian film maker.  He has been looking to put a tiny wireless video camera into his empty right eye socket, in order to see the world around him.  A retinal implant may just prove to be the perfect solution for him and many others like him.

The most important thing for blind people is to be able to recognize faces.  Kelly says, “If they can recognize faces of people in a room, that brings them into the social environment as opposed to sitting there waiting for someone to talk to them.”  Hopefully, millions of blind people will be able to very soon.