HEALTH CARE

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammation of the epidermis layer. It causes the skin to become scaly, tough, itchy, and peel off easily. It usually recurs intermittently. Even though it is incommunicable, psoriasis lowers the sufferer’s quality of life. Nobody knows its causes for sure, but many researchers suspect that it is caused by an abnormality in the body’s immune system. However, it is known to be triggered by stress, infection, or cold weather. Anyone can suffer from psoriasis, including children. 

Jakarta, IO - Even though forensic medicine expert opinion plays an important role in the justice system, the methods used to formulate these opinions are not always standardized – let alone evidence-based. Expert statements are frequently made erroneously, using an ambiguous format or language that makes them unintelligible to law enforcement officers, judicial officials, and the layperson. They frequently form the basis of erroneous judgment, which is bad because court judgments change people’s lives forever. Therefore, it is crucial for expert opinions to be clearly formulated, evidence-based, and scientifically accountable. 

The “stiff-person syndrome” is a rare neurological illness marked by muscle stiffness and repeated episodes of muscular spasms. This “stiffness” characteristically does not hit frequently moving parts of the body, but oddly enough, around the torso area: neck, chest, stomach, hips, and back – before finally spreading to the limbs. Sufferers report a difficulty of standing up and/or walking in certain circumstances, such as going up and down the stairs, because this process requires sufficiently dynamic movement of these very areas. 

The prevalence of chronic kidney failure in Indonesia among adults is 10%, a steep increase from the 0.2% reported in 2013 and 0.38% in 2018. Prof. Dr. dr. Endang Susalit, Sp.PDKGH, FINASIM, gastroenterology and hepatology specialist and Head of Siloam Asri Hospital’s Kidney Transplant Team, reported that chronic kidney disease that treatments and low- protein diets cannot mitigate will develop into kidney failure. This will be a great drop in the patient’s quality of life, as they must undergo hemodialysis regularly all their lives.

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said the antibody or immunity level of the Indonesian people against Covid-19 has continued to increase.

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (“STI”). As this term implies, it is a disease transmitted through intimate sexual action, whether between two sex organs, or through anal / oral sex. If not treated properly, more serious complication may ensue. 

The number of the aged population in Indonesia continues to increase. By 2035, the total is estimated to be 48.2 million people. Nevertheless, various health issues occur at a later age, and increase the risk of frailty. “Frailty” is a multidimensional geriatric syndrome, caused by the decreased capacity of the body’s homeostatic physiological system reserve and functions. This causes the body to become more vulnerable towards stressors, which in turn lowers their individual physical capacity. 

According to the 2022 Global TBC Report, Indonesia has the second highest number of TBC sufferers worldwide, after India. Next in line are China, the Philippines, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In 2020, Indonesia was the third most tuberculotic country in the world. In other words, there has been a degradation in our health levels in 2021. The estimated number of cases was 969,000 (one person infected by the disease every 33 seconds), increasing 17% from the 824,000 cases recorded in 2020. The incidence level is 354 per 100,000 citizens, with a mortality rate of 55 per 100,000 sufferers. 

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (Type 1 DM) is a chronic metabolism disorder resulting from insufficient insulin levels, in turn related to autoimmune disorders. The number of Type 1 DM incidence is 2%-5% a year, and it occurs evenly worldwide. There is no national data concerning the prevalence of the disease in Indonesia, but data registered by the Indonesian Pediatricians Association (Ikatan Dokter Anak Indonesia – “IDAI”) shows that the 156 Type 1 DM child and teen sufferers diagnosed in 2009 have increased to 1,160 sufferers in 2014, and again to 1,368 sufferers by 2021. The increased prevalence of the disease means that we need to pay better attention to diabetes treatment for children and teens, including when fasting in Ramadan. 

Most tumors in the body, including the brain, are caused by genetic disorders. The diagnosis of a brain tumor can only be determined with certainty through an anatomic pathological examination, involving a biopsy using a contrast agent. It is defined as a tumor if the growth is benign or slow, whereas if it is difficult to control it is called cancer. When suspecting a brain tumor, the doctor will advise the patient to undergo examinations such as neuro-ophthalmology, electroencephalograms (EEG), and radiology. 

For health benefits, the WHO recommends moderate-intensity physical activity for 30 minutes, each time you practice, five times a week. It’s a relatively short period, but for many people it is torture, with excuses that they are lazy, busy at work and so on.