What is Dehydration?

The immune system is a powerful and complex defense network made up of organs, white blood cells, proteins, and chemicals. It works tirelessly to shield your body from harmful microorganisms and internal threats. Beyond protection, it also plays a vital role in healing after infections and injuries.What does the immune system do? The immune system protects you from: •Harmful bacteria •Viruses •Fungi that cause infection •Parasites •Abnormal cells, such as cancer How does the immune system work? A healthy immune system can recognize what belongs to your body and what doesn’t. It springs into action to attack harmful microbes and stops when the threat is gone. It also "remembers" previous germs through antibodies—proteins that help neutralize future infections more efficiently. But the immune system isn’t always perfect. Weak immune system Some people are born with conditions that weaken immunity, but most immune deficiencies develop later in life—often linked to chronic illnesses such as cancer or Type 2 diabetes. A weakened immune system makes it harder for your body to defend against infections. Overactive immune system On the opposite end, an overly reactive immune system may respond too aggressively. It might attack your own healthy cells (autoimmune diseases) or cause allergic reactions to harmless substances. Sometimes, it continues to fight even after the threat is gone. Signs and symptoms of immune system disorders.Depending on the type of immune imbalance, symptoms can differ. However, common warning signs include: •Persistent fatigue •Fever without a known cause •Sudden weight loss •Excessive night sweats •Unexplained skin rashes or itchiness •Aching muscles or joints •Tingling or numbness in fingers or toes •Brain fog or trouble focusing •Hair thinning or loss •Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, groin, or armpits Common tests to evaluate immune system function Doctors often use blood tests to evaluate your immune health. These may include: •Antibody level testing •Complete blood count •Complement tests (such as C3 protein levels) How can I boost my immune system naturally? There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for enhancing immunity. Your immune system is intricate, and what helps one person may not work for another. The best approach is to focus on a healthy lifestyle—balanced nutrition, good sleep, regular activity, and stress reduction. But for tailored guidance, it’s always wise to consult a professional. When in doubt, seek expert care. If you’re experiencing symptoms or want to improve your immune health, visit Dalimed Medical Center. Our doctors will guide you through personalized testing and treatment to help you feel your best.

The amount of sleep a person needs depends on several factors, especially age. Although individual needs can vary, general recommendations are as follows: Infants (4–12 months) should get 12 to 16 hours per day including naps; toddlers (1–2 years) need 11 to 14 hours; children (3–5 years) require 10 to 13 hours. Kids aged 6 to 12 need 9 to 12 hours, teens (13–18 years) need 8 to 10 hours, and adults should get at least 7 hours of sleep each night. In addition to age, other factors can affect how many hours of sleep you need. For example: Sleep Quality: It’s not just about the hours you sleep — it’s also about the quality. If your sleep is regularly interrupted, you’re missing out on the restorative benefits of deep sleep. Poor quality sleep can leave you feeling groggy, even after a full night’s rest, because your body isn’t getting the full recovery it needs. Previous Sleep Deprivation: When you're sleep-deprived, your body requires more sleep to catch up. It’s like trying to recharge a phone that's been running low for too long — a single night of extra sleep might not be enough to fully restore your energy levels. Pregnancy: Pregnancy often brings hormonal changes and physical discomfort, both of which can interfere with sleep quality. Expecting mothers may find themselves waking up frequently due to discomfort or to visit the bathroom, making uninterrupted sleep harder to come by. Aging: As we age, sleep patterns tend to change. While older adults generally need the same amount of sleep as younger adults, their sleep tends to be lighter, and they take longer to fall asleep. Older adults often wake up more frequently during the night, disrupting their overall sleep cycle. Studies show that as we age, the amount of deep sleep — the restorative sleep phase — decreases, which can affect memory and overall well-being. For Kids: For children, consistently getting the recommended amount of sleep is crucial for health. Adequate sleep enhances focus, behavior, learning, memory, emotional regulation, and both mental and physical health. In fact, kids who sleep well are often more engaged in school and have better social interactions with their peers. For Adults: Getting less than seven hours of sleep a night over time can have serious health implications. Chronic sleep deprivation in adults has been linked to weight gain, obesity, a BMI of 30 or higher, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and even depression. In fact, research shows that just one night of poor sleep can impair your immune system and increase the risk of illness. If you’re worried about the amount of sleep you or your child is getting, it’s always a good idea to check in with your doctor. They can help you identify any underlying sleep issues and suggest ways to improve your rest.

Acute intestinal infections belong to the group of infectious diseases that are caused mainly by the penetration of viruses or bacteria. Their most common clinical sign is diarrhea or diarrhea. Infections of bacterial origin, especially in the summer months, are recorded much more often. Acute intestinal infections are most dangerous for young children, as well as the elderly, due to their vulnerable immune system. Diarrhea is one of the main causes of morbidity, mortality and malnutrition in children. According to statistics, more than 11 million intestinal infections are recorded every day in the world, as a result of which about 1.5 million children die annually. Acute diarrhea is characterized by at least three or more watery stools per day, and its duration does not exceed 14 days. It is noteworthy that the younger the child, the more complex and dangerous the course of the disease can be. How is the infection spread? There are several ways in which the infection can spread: •eating poor-quality food, especially raw or contaminated foods, •consuming contaminated water or food while traveling, •direct contact with animals, •using swimming pools, •swimming in the sea without proper hygiene, •using highly polluted water or lack of clean drinking water. All of these factors contribute to the rapid spread of bacteria, viruses, and parasites. The main symptoms of diarrhea are: •frequent and watery stools, •vomiting or nausea, •cramping or sharp pains in the abdomen, •high fever, •headache or dizziness. Parents should also carefully monitor the appearance of the stool: color, consistency, frequency, and the presence of blood or mucus. In young children, diarrhea can lead to serious complications, primarily dehydration. Why is dehydration dangerous? Dehydration is a condition in which the body loses more fluid than it can replace. Children, especially those under 5 years old, become dehydrated much faster than adults. This is because the water content in a child’s body is very high, about 75–80%, and children are often unable to express their thirst. Signs of dehydration include: •frequent diarrhea, •repeated vomiting, •constant thirst, •dry skin, •rapid breathing or panting, •decreased urine output or dry diapers, •general lethargy or behavioral changes in the child. Dehydration can be classified into mild, moderate, and severe. If not treated in time, it can lead to shock, organ failure, and even death. How to protect your child? The best way to prevent dehydration is to drink fluids in a timely manner. First of all, it is important to continue breastfeeding, and for older children, not to stop feeding. It is necessary to use oral rehydration solutions with a combination of water, salts and glucose. In addition, it is important to follow strict hygiene rules: wash your hands before preparing food and after using the toilet, as well as use only safe water. To prevent diarrhea caused by rotavirus, a state immunization program is in place in a number of countries. Vaccinations significantly reduce the number of severe cases, and it is advisable for parents not to avoid rotavirus vaccination. If you notice signs of diarrhea in your child, do not self-medicate. Trust the specialists, pediatricians, who will monitor the child's condition, conduct the necessary diagnostics and clarify the treatment plan. Thanks to timely assistance, you can avoid possible complications and ensure the child's speedy recovery.

Tick bites occur when a tick attaches itself to your skin to feed on your blood. You may not even notice the bite unless you find the tick still attached. While the bite itself is often painless, it can transmit dangerous infections. What are ticks? Ticks are tiny, wingless parasites—some as small as a poppy seed. Found in wooded or grassy areas, they latch onto people or animals and feed for hours or days. They burrow their heads into the skin, and as they feed, their bodies swell. Why are tick bites dangerous? While not every tick bite leads to illness, ticks can transmit bacteria, viruses, and parasites into your bloodstream during feeding. Tick-Borne Diseases Ticks can spread several serious illnesses, including: •Lyme disease (most common in the U.S.) •Anaplasmosis •Babesiosis •Ehrlichiosis •Rocky Mountain spotted fever •Tick paralysis •Alpha-gal syndrome (red meat allergy) •Tularemia •Powassan virus And so on. What are the symptoms of a tick-borne illness? Common signs include: •Fever or chills •Muscle aches •Fatigue •Headache •Rash (bullseye or red/purple spots) •Nausea, vomiting •Swollen lymph nodes •Red meat allergy If you’ve been in tick-prone areas and develop symptoms, inform your healthcare provider—even if you didn’t see a tick. What to do if you find a tick biting you? 1.Clean the area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. 2.Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to your skin and pull gently. Avoid squeezing the body. 3.Take a photo or save the tick in a sealed container for identification. 4.Wash the area again thoroughly. 5.Contact a healthcare provider, especially if you develop symptoms or aren’t sure how long the tick was attached. When should you seek medical care? Contact your provider if: •The tick was attached for hours or appears swollen •You develop a rash or flu-like symptoms •The bite becomes painful, swollen, or blistered You can reduce your risk of tick bites with the following steps: •Avoid tall grass and woods. On hikes, stick to the center of cleared trails. •Use tick repellent. •Cover your skin: Wear long pants, sleeves, and socks when in tick-prone areas to minimize skin exposure. •Check yourself for ticks: Look closely at common hiding spots—like your scalp, underarms, and behind knees. Have someone help check hard-to-see areas. •Inspect your pets: Ticks can enter your home via pets. Check them regularly after outdoor time, and ask your vet about preventive treatments. •Plan for travel: Before visiting areas where tick-borne diseases are common, consult a travel health clinic or the CDC. A vaccine for tick-borne encephalitis may be recommended.