Loéva 41 contraceptive methods

 Here’s a brief article about   contraceptive methods:

Contraceptive Methods:   

A Comparative Overview
Introduction:
                         Fifty years ago, on December 19, 1967, France took a significant step by legalizing the sale and use of contraceptive methods. This milestone legislation marked the beginning of a transformative era in contraception. 

In this article, we explore the evolution of contraceptive practices in France over the past half-century and compare them to global trends.
 

The Pill: A French Favorite
                                                    The birth control pill, commonly known as “the pill,” has become the most widely used contraceptive method in France.
-France: Over 83% of reproductive-age women in France use some form of contraception, with the pill being the dominant choice. Despite recent controversies surrounding this contraceptive model, it remains popular.

-Global Variations: In other parts of the world, contraceptive practices differ significantly. For instance:
Burkina Faso, Iraq, and Mozambique: In these countries, less than 50% of women in union use any form of contraception.

Sterilization: Globally, sterilization (either female or male) is the most common method among contraceptive users. In Mexico (2015), 54% of reproductive-age women opt for sterilization, while the figures are 43% in the United States (2006) and 32% in Brazil (2013). China, Spain, and Turkey also have varying rates of sterilization use.

Beyond the Pill: Diverse Approaches
While the pill dominates in France, other contraceptive methods play crucial roles elsewhere. These include intrauterine devices (IUDs), injectables, condoms, and natural family planning methods. The choice of method often reflects cultural norms, access to healthcare, and individual preferences.

An intrauterine progestin ring is a contraceptive device that provides long-term birth control. Here are the key details:

1. Function: The progesterone vaginal ring functions by diffusing a continuous flow of progesterone through the vaginal walls—approximately 10 mg per day. This progesterone then enters the bloodstream and regulates a woman’s fertility by:

   • Suppressing Ovulation: It prevents the release of eggs from the ovaries.
   • Thickening Cervical Mucus: This inhibits sperm penetration into the uterus.

2. Usage:

   • The ring is inserted into the vagina, where it releases progesterone.
   • It remains in place for a specified duration (usually several weeks).
   • Unlike the hormonal intrauterine device (IUD), which is placed directly in the uterus, the progestin ring is positioned in the vaginal canal.

3. Effectiveness:

   • The progestin ring is highly effective when used correctly.
   • It provides continuous contraception without requiring daily attention (unlike oral pills).

4. Advantages:

   • Convenience: Users do not need to remember to take a daily pill.
   • Reversible: Fertility returns promptly after removal.
     
   • Lower Hormone Dose: Compared to some other hormonal methods.

5. Considerations:

   • Prescription Required: A healthcare provider must prescribe and insert the ring.
   • Side Effects: These may include irregular bleeding, breast tenderness, and mood changes.
   • Monitoring: Regular check-ups are essential to ensure proper placement and effectiveness.

Remember that individual experiences may vary, and it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable contraceptive method for your specific needs.

Conclusion:
As we celebrate fifty years of legal contraception in France, it’s essential to recognize that contraceptive preferences vary globally. While the pill remains a French favorite, understanding diverse methods and promoting informed choices is vital for reproductive health worldwide.

 QUIZ (only one sentence is true)

1 After giving birth, a young mother experiences a period known as the postpartum phase during which her fertility is eliminated for six months.

2  Girls who take the pill can't catch infectious sexually transmitted deseases.

3 The good contraception is the one you can adapt to, without side effects and being effective to help with birth control and prevention of sexual infections.

Loéva 40 Brain Cerebrum

 The fascinating world of the cerebrum, --the largest part of our brain.

Sensory Processing:
Your cerebrum manages and processes everything your senses take in. 

These senses include:
Sight: Visual information is processed in specific areas of the cerebrum, allowing you to perceive the world around you through your eyes.
Sound: Auditory processing occurs here, enabling you to hear and interpret sounds.
Smell: The olfactory cortex, located in the cerebrum, plays a crucial role in processing smells.
Taste: The gustatory cortex processes taste sensations, allowing you to savor different flavors.
Touch: Sensations related to touch, pressure, temperature, and pain are also processed within the cerebrum.
Language:
Various parts of your cerebrum control your ability to read, write, and speak. Language centers are distributed across different regions, including Broca’s area (associated with speech production) and Wernicke’s area (involved in language comprehension).
Working Memory:
    Think of working memory as your mental sticky note. It helps you hold and manipulate information temporarily. For example, when you remind yourself to pick up something from the grocery store, you’re using your working memory.
Behavior and Personality:
The frontal lobe, a part of your cerebrum, manages your personality and behavior. It acts as a filter, preventing impulsive actions and guiding your social interactions.
In essence, the cerebrum orchestrates conscious thoughts, sensory experiences, language, and complex behaviors. It’s the epicenter of our cognitive abilities and it shapes who we are as individuals.

 

Loéva : miscarriage

 A word not seen yet in the articles about women and babies: sometimes a pregnant woman happens to lose her baby; that is what miscarriage is

wether the baby is a stillbirth or whatever; when something goes wrong...or was wrong with the fetus, or embryo:

A miscarriage, also known as a spontaneous abortion, 

occurs when an embryo or fetus is lost before it can survive independently. 

 

It typically happens during the first 20 weeks of gestation. The term “miscarriage” encompasses all forms of pregnancy loss and outcomes that occur before 20 weeks of gestation. About 80% of miscarriages occur in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Here are some key points about miscarriage:

1. • Chromosomal abnormalities account for about 50% of first-trimester miscarriages.
   • Risk factors include being an older parent, previous miscarriages, exposure to tobacco smoke, obesity, diabetes, and certain medical conditions.
   • 
     

2. Types of Miscarriage:

   • Missed miscarriage: Pregnancy loss without noticeable symptoms, confirmed by ultrasound.
   • Complete miscarriage: Uterus is empty after bleeding and passing fetal tissue.

3. Diagnosis and Tests:

   • Diagnosis involves checking the cervix, testing blood levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and using ultrasound.
   • 
     

4. Prevention and Treatment:

   • Good prenatal care can help prevent miscarriages.
   • Avoiding drugs, alcohol, infections, and radiation reduces the risk.
   • Most miscarriages resolve without specific treatment within the first 7 to 14 days.

Remember that experiencing a miscarriage does not mean you did something wrong—it is often beyond your control. Seek medical attention promptly if you suspect a miscarriage.

LOEVA 39 ENDOCRINOLOGY AND METABOLISM part two: Diabetes mellitus

INSULINE is required for the glucose to be used by the muscle; a lack of insuline translates into a condition, a desease called diabetes mellitus;

Insulin plays a crucial role in facilitating the utilization of sugar (glucose) by muscle cells.

When you consume food, especially carbohydrates, your blood glucose levels rise.Insulin acts as a key regulator in this process. It binds to specific receptors on the surface of muscle cells, initiating a cascade of events. 

• Once the insulin molecule docks onto the receptor, it signals the muscle cell to open up glucose transporters (such as GLUT4).
• These transporters allow glucose to enter the muscle fibers from the bloodstream. Essentially, insulin acts as a “key” that unlocks the door for glucose to move into the muscle cells.

and questions from the physician about this problem.

-Do you follow a diabetic diet with low refined sugars ? 

-How about your appetite ? Has your appetite increased ? decreased ?

-Has your weight remained constant ?

-Have you lost weight ?

-Are you often thirsty ?

-Do you drink excessive volumes of water ?

-How much urine do you pass each time you go to the toilet ? a big amount, or reduced quantity, a few drops ?

-Do you happen to faint ? Do you often faint ?

-You have had a blood test recently: how high is your sugar level?

-Have you had your "A one c" tested? (A1c is A1c hemoglobine: ""l'hémoglobine glyquée"" in french.)

quiz:

1 After physical activity, muscle cells become less receptive to insulin, preventing efficient glucose uptake.

2  The more you eat sugars, the better you feel and the more energetic, and full of stamina, without risk of any side effects. Sugar is essential for the brain, the brain only needs sugar.

3  In conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes, there can be defects in insulin signaling or reduced insulin sensitivity. As a result, muscle cells may struggle to take up glucose efficiently, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.

 

LOEVA 38 ENDOCRINOLOGY AND METABOLISM part one

 Thyroid gland:

sometimes the patient suggests he has lost weight, his weight does not remain constant despite not being on a slimming diet or feeling ill or depressed or whatever...

Questions arise from that loss of weight and the doctor asks..

-Do your clothes feel looser? Have you lost weight ?

-Have you a good appetite ?

-Has your appetite increased ?

-Has your appetite remained unchanged ?

Do you have nausea ? (= do you feel like vomiting ?)

Have you diarrhea ?

Are you loosing the same amount of blood during your periods ? or more, or less ?

Do you sleep well ?

Do you have muscle weakness, cramps ?

Do you feel irritable?

Do you get a tremor of the hands ?

Do you complain of intolerance to cold weather ? or to hot weather ?

Do you sweat a lot? or very little ?

Have you ever noticed a lump in your neck ?

Do you ever fell palpitations=Do you feel your heart beat fast and strong ?

How long does the attacks of palpitations last ?

How long have you been complaining of palpitations ?

How often do you get them ?

All these symptoms can be related to dysfunction of the thyroid gland: when the thyroid is hyperactive the patient does not sleep well, he feels warm, complains of intolerance to hot weather, has a tremor of the hands, sweat a lot, feels palpitations, suffer from diarrhea, looses weight;

on the contrary, when the thyroid is hypoactive (hypothyroidism) , the patient suffers from constipation, feels cold, weak, and limp, feels like he has no stamina; he puts weight on.

QUIZ

a People with underactive thyroid puts weight on, feels cold;  people who have a thyroid that is not functioning well, =hypothyroidism, =underactive thyroid; gain weight, feel cold, and sometimes depressed and sluggish (mou; lent)

b Patients who lose weight without any explanation, who feel nervous all the time, eat a lot and feel hungry, are likely suffering from heart problems such as tachycardia or arrhythmia.

c  A patient whose thyroid gland can be checked by the physician because the patient says he feels like there is something wrong with his neck, maybe there is a lump, a tumor....that patient must have echoscan and have his hormons checked as well. 

Because anyone can develop a cyst in their thyroid gland and this cyst can interfere with the functioning of the gland; it can produce thyroid hormones even.

(la grammaire anglaise est ainsi faite que un pluriel suit un singulier: anyone can develop a cyst in their thyroid gland ; est correct et les exemples sont nombreux et quotidiens... 

LOEVA 37 paediatrics part two

 

IMMUNIZATIONS

Has the baby been immunized ?

BCG, Diphteria, Tetanus, Polyomyelitis, Pertussis, Typhoid

Small pox (variole in french); MMR  ror in french for MEASLES MUMPS RUBELLA rougeole oreillons rubéole

Covid vaccination is not mandatory, for the time being, as far as I know -maybe in the future?

All the babies get their immunizations early second third fourth month etc and periodically

 

DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES

How old was your baby ...???

-when he first smiled

-held his head steady 

-turned his head to sound

-grasped an object

-sat up unsupported

-transfered objects from one hand to the other

-stood with support

-crawled

-used his first words

-used his first sentences

-dressed himself

-got toilet trained.....(toilet trained is an expression I find in a book: how old was your baby, your infant, chour child when he got toilet trained???

---control of bowels

---control of bladder

-got his first tooth

-Does he sleep well?

-Does he wet his bed at night? 

 

SOCIAL HISTORY

Does he attend school? play school, primary school?

Does he like school?

Does he get well at school?

Are there behavioural problems?

Does he have tantrums? Does he get angry and cross?

Is he hyperactive? 

Does he mix well with other children?

Has the child been separated from his mother?

Who usually looks after the child?

 

CHILDHOOD DESEASES

Has the child had...?:

chickenpox- benign, but nowadays children get vaccinated as well agains this desease

measles; whooping cough, mumps, measles, scarlet fever, glandular fever, gastroenteritis, 

otitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis

epileptic fits

febrile convulsions

Has the child had his appendix removed? 

Loéva 36 TONSILS = amygdales

 
Children exposed to cigarette smoke are more vulnerable to tonsillitis. 

Tonsillitis is one of the most common ailments (desease) encountered at childhood. 

 In case of chronic tonsillitis the children may lose weight, they may be irritable, lethargic and weak in studies.

Surjery is suggested when a child is prone to tonsillitis, with several episodes a year, or when a child has tonsillitis that doesn't respond to antibiotics.

Loéva 35 High blood pressure (HBP) or hypertension

 

High blood pressure (HBP), also known as hypertension, can be influenced by various factors. Let’s explore the role of salt and butter in relation to blood pressure:

1. Salt (Sodium):

   • High sodium consumption can elevate blood pressure. Many people unknowingly consume too much sodium, especially from highly processed foods and fast foods.
   • The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends limiting sodium intake to no more than 2,300 milligrams per day.
   • Foods high in salt include: burgers, pizza, sandwiches, cold cuts and cured meats, canned soup, tacos and burritos.

2. Butter:

   • While butter itself is not a direct cause of high blood pressure, it is a source of saturated fat.
   • Saturated fats can contribute to elevated blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease.
   • Consuming too much saturated fat from sources like butter can impact overall cardiovascular health.
   • It’s essential to maintain a
     balanced diet that includes healthy fats and limits saturated fat intake.

In summary, both excessive salt intake and consuming foods high in saturated fats (like butter) can play a role in the development of high blood pressure. Managing these factors through dietary choices is crucial for maintaining optimal blood pressure levels. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and recommendations.

Loéva 34 ENT (orl) pictures

 

Loéva 32 THE EYEBALL pictures

 

Loéva 31 ENT specialist is for Oto rhino Laryngo logue: EAR NOSE THROAT ; l'ORL in french

The ENT Specialist is a doctor who treats diseases that affect the ears, nose and throat.

30 Cholesterol and Triglycerides

 A   IMAGE  CHOLESTÉROL :apports exogènes (=par l'alimentation), mais surtout par synthèse hépatique.

Cholesterol is a crucial component in our bodies.
Where it does it come from ?:

 1  Liver and Intestines: Approximately 80% of the cholesterol in our bodies is produced by the liver and intestines. These organs synthesize cholesterol. Cholesterol plays a role in building cell membranes, creating vitamin D, and forming hormones like testosterone and estrogen.
2  Dietary Sources: The remaining 20% of cholesterol comes from the foods we eat. Specifically, animal-based foods contain dietary cholesterol. For instance, meat, poultry, and dairy products all contribute to our cholesterol intake. However, it’s important to note that these same foods can also be high in saturated and trans fats, which can impact overall cholesterol levels.

TRANSPORT IN THE BLOODSTREAM: Cholesterol, along with other fats like triglycerides, circulates in the bloodstream.
Since both cholesterol and triglycerides are insoluble in water, they require lipoproteins (protein molecules) to transport them. The main types of lipoproteins involved are:
Chylomicrons: These large particles transport dietary triglycerides and cholesterol from the intestine to the liver and other body tissues.
Very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL): Produced by the liver, VLDL is metabolized into low-density lipoproteins (LDL) by muscle and adipose tissues. LDL particles carry most of the cholesterol in circulation.
High-density lipoproteins (HDL): HDL plays a crucial role in transporting cholesterol back to the liver, preventing its deposition in arteries. HDL also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
    Testing and Healthy Ranges: Doctors measure lipoprotein levels to assess a person’s overall risk of heart disease and stroke. High levels of LDL cholesterol are often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, while high HDL cholesterol is considered beneficial (“good” cholesterol).
    Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels involves factors like weight management and limiting saturated fat intake.
Remember, cholesterol doesn’t usually cause noticeable symptoms, so
regular testing is essential to monitor your levels and take preventive measures against heart disease and stroke.

Loéva 29 généralités A FEW POINTS

 je pense à des généralités

la formation les groupes de mots, bien voir celui qui est l'important, l'autre ou les autres étant juste adjoints

souvent la liaison n'est pas aussi évidente qu'en français avec des conjonctions sous-entendues mais non écrites

the french medications english doctors say are not as effective as theirs...

the french prescription drugs NHS doctors say are just bullshit..

LOEVA 28 neurology: ALZHEIMER'S DESEASE

     Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative condition that primarily affects memory, but also other cognitive functions related to language, reasoning, and learning.

     It typically progresses toward loss of autonomy and is a major cause of disability and dependence among older individuals . 

The disease,slowly and progressively, destroys brain cells, impacting memory, thinking, judgment, and personality.

     Its symptoms evolve over time and vary from person to person:  common symptoms include memory impairment, language difficulties (aphasia), challenges in performing certain actions (apraxia), loss of object or person recognition (agnosia), and impaired executive functions (the ability to adapt behavior to a given context) .
     The precise causes of Alzheimer’s disease are not fully understood, but ongoing research sheds light on its biological mechanisms.
In France, it is estimated that around 1.2 million people may be affected by Alzheimer’s.     Researchers continue to explore treatments and prevention strategies for this challenging condition.