A stroke occurs when an artery in the brain is blocked or ruptured, leading to the death of an area of brain tissue due to loss of perfusion (cerebral infarction). Stroke symptoms occur and accelerate suddenly, as they require rapid intervention and professional medical treatment to treat them.
Globally, stroke is the second most common reason for death, especially among the elderly who are aged more than 65. Moreover, it occurs in women more frequently than men, with 60% of deaths in women.
FAST Symptoms
FAST (Face, Arms, Speech and Time to get) is a common terminology for the stroke’s symptoms, through which the patient might get diagnosed to get the required treatment.
- Face: drooping or numbness of part of the face and a feeling of weakness on one side.
- Arms: General weakness, or their imbalance and hanging down one when raising them.
- Speaking: Stuttering while speaking, where the patient finds sudden difficulty in speaking, pronouncing words and understanding the words of others.
- Time to call for help: Call 911, and take the patient to the hospital immediately if any of the above symptoms are present.
Other symptoms include a sudden loss of sensation on one side of the body, and blurred or loss of vision, especially in one eye. In addition to vomiting and nausea, loss of consciousness (temporary or permanent) or sudden severe headache.
Al Khalidi Stroke Program
Al Khalidi Hospital’s program is the first of its kind in the medical sector in Jordan and was launched in 2010. His vision was to ensure the implementation of international standards in treating this critical condition and to limit the aggravation of complications. The program also succeeded in saving the lives of many patients and performing various operations on them at a rate of 92%.
The program includes teams of specialists, resident doctors, and nurses specialized in caring for various critical cases. The ICU also contains a private pharmacy, which deals with critical cases and provides treatment as quickly and effectively as possible, ensuring the best health care.
30 Minutes Make a Difference
What distinguishes Al-Khalidi Hospital is its high professionalism in dealing with stroke cases, which takes place within 30 minutes of rapid response and procedures. In addition to the presence of neurologists, neurosurgery and interventional radiology specialists to help diagnose a stroke, as well as its preparations to call other specialists to deal with critical cases.
1. Diagnosing the stroke by the doctor according to symptoms (FAST).
2.Conduct the necessary tests
- Evaluate the patient’s general condition
- Vital Signs
- Laboratory tests
- Monitor heart condition
3. Conducting examinations using computed tomography (CT) scanning and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
4. Admitting the patient to the intensive care unit (ICU).
5. Transfer the patient to his room to monitor his condition.
The aortic valve is one of four heart valves and is the final one encountered by oxygenated blood as it leaves the heart. It opens with each heartbeat to allow blood to flow from the heart to the body and is located between the left ventricle and the aorta to ensure that oxygen-rich blood does not flow back into the left ventricle. In several scenarios, some issues can be developed causing narrowing of the valve, which prevents or slows the flow of blood from the heart to the body.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI)
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation is a minimally invasive medical procedure that aims to replace the valve without removing the damaged original valve, through a catheter tube. In most times, the catheter is inserted into a large blood vessel in the groin or through a small incision in the chest. In order to benefit from this procedure in the most optimized way, a special Transcatheter aortic valve was designed for this operation.
TAVI is conducted to treat aortic valve stenosis. This condition restricts blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body, leading to symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and dizziness.
When is TAVI the Optimal Option?
Some cases are more difficult than others, where ordinary heart surgery is dangerous because of its post-operation complications. This is where surgeons prefer the TAVI option to replace the aortic valve. These cases include elderly patients or those who suffer from chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, previous surgeries or other health-related concerns.
In addition to the fact that the operation takes one hour, the patient can leave the hospital the day after, without huge side effects. Also, surgeons use topical anesthesia rather than the general that is used in traditional heart surgery cases.
A Successful TAVI Case at Al Khalidi Hospital
We combine efforts to always be a leader in the medical sector, not only in Jordan but also across the region. Thus we implement modern medical procedures in our hospital constantly. Dr. Hussam Saleh Al-Surdi, a specialized cardiologist Head of the Interventional/ Structural Cardiology department at Rush University in Chicago, has conducted TAVI operation for a 90-year-old patient who suffered from stenosis of the aortic valve. The operation was a huge success where the patient experienced a great improvement and a short recovery period.
There are 2 parties and mixed sayings that caffeine is good for the body and heart’s health. On one hand, what’s true for sure is that the normal average of caffeine has its benefits, on the other hand, too much is never recommended as it carries some disadvantages. In this regard, do you know how the caffeine can be good for you?
The Caffeine Benefits
Coffee, tea, energy and soda drinks and chocolate have caffeine in diverse amounts. Some studies have shown that caffeine can be beneficial, especially in coffee as it contains special ingredients, enhancing these benefits.
- Heart Health
250 ml of coffee (3-4 cups) daily helps reduce heat failure by 11%. In addition, it reduces the percentage of calcium in the blood vessels feeding the heart, hence maintaining heart health and helping prevent heart diseases.
- Improving blood circulation
There are many studies, one presented at American Heart Association Meetings in 2013, that drinking a cup of coffee enhances the small blood vessels’ functions. Adding to that, another study included 27 good-health adults who were asked to drink one cup of coffee with caffeine. Results concluded that their blood flow was improved clearly in their finger, a non-invasive technique to measure blood circulation at a microscopic level. Mainly, the blood circulation of people who drank caffeinated coffee improved by 30% within 75 minutes, compared to those who drank it decaffeinated.
There are other benefits, including enhancing the brain’s ability to perform its functions, improving mood and concentration as well as increasing energy levels.
Consulting before caffeine
It should be noted that caffeine can cause side effects in some cases, which require doctor consultation. Some of these cases are:
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Caffeine allergy
- Some diseases, and the usage of certain medications
Too Much is Never Good
Despite its benefits, it is necessary to not drink huge doses of caffeine, more than 4 cups daily, as it causes serious issues:
- Increase blood pressure
- Headache
- Tension and anxiety
- Heartburn
- Accelerated heartbeat
- The shiver
In case you desire to reduce the consumption of coffee or cut it off completely, then you need to do it gradually, because complete and sudden withdrawal of caffeine from the body may cause many annoying symptoms such as headaches and low mood.
Digestive system health is the basis for enjoying a healthy lifestyle, and fiber plays a huge part in maintaining its health and getting proper nutrition. Especially if you are an athlete, a person who seeks to achieve a healthy life or constantly suffers from digestive problems; such as indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome and other annoying problems. It is necessary to consume fiber in the quantities recommended for adults and children, as increasing fiber consumption suddenly in your system, or not combining its consumption with drinking sufficient amounts of fluids; like water and milk, may lead to some minor problems and pain.
Where to Find Fiber?
Did you know that fiber is a type of indigestible carbohydrate? Carbohydrates are usually converted into sugar molecules, except for fiber, which passes undigested. Fiber is found in plant foods, which will achieve a balance in the body, digestion, and the body’s consumption of sugars, in addition to achieving a greater feeling of satiety.
It is worth noting that there are two types of fiber: soluble fiber, which dissolves in water, and insoluble fiber.
Fiber benefits all groups of people, especially athletes, those suffering from stomach problems, and the elderly, as with age, the body naturally tends to carry excess weight, and the work of your digestive system slows down, which leads to weight gain over time.
Benefits of Fiber
There are lots of benefits for the body from fiber, among which are:
- Facilitating excretion, while resisting the problems of constipation and diarrhea.
- Reducing cholesterol levels.
- Improving blood sugar levels, by slowing down the absorption of sugar.
- It makes you feel full and thus helps you achieve a healthy weight.
- Longer life, as fiber, especially in grains, contributes to reducing the risk of death due to all types of cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
- Reducing high blood pressure levels.
- Maintaining the health of the heart and arteries.
- Improving digestive health; those who suffer from peptic ulcers in the colon and rectum, intestinal irritation syndrome, hiatal hernia, and others.
- Improving the health of beneficial bacteria in the intestines.
- Enhancing bone tissue density, especially in childhood and adulthood.
- Improving skin health and some skin problems such as acne.
- Reducing inflammation.
Resources Rich in Fiber
There are many resources of food rich in fiber, making it essential to include it in your daily food. Here are some of them:
- Vegetables; such as broccoli, tomatoes and carrots
- Fruits; such as apples, berries, bananas, plums, etc.
- Grains; such as beans, lentils and peas.
- Whole grains; such as oats and bulgur.
- Nuts and seeds; such as almonds, chia seeds, quinoa, etc.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that the 7th of April is World Health Day, as a reminder of its establishment on April 7th in 1948. Through a journey that lasted for 79 years, the World Health Organization has provided the needed care, improving public health and delivering it to whoever needs it. In this matter, whole countries have united to establish the WHO, so all people in the world would have access to the highest level of health care.
This day calls for the global unit to provide care for all, protect individuals and stay updated on the new medical issues. Many people are unable to cover health expenses, as they give the greatest importance to daily expenses. such as food, drink, and housing, and they can’t afford taking care of their health. Therefore, this day is based on promoting the idea of comprehensive health and care as a confirmation of the basic idea and vision of the World Health Organization.
The goals of World Health Day
Focusing on health economics and health care.
Meeting all health needs for all parties and classes.
Increasing awareness about environmental health; the general health that is related to natural environmental aspects, affecting human health.
The previous themes focused on nurses, midwives, depression and general health coverage. This year, the theme goes in parallel with WHO’s vision, including “the global efforts for health for all” and “my health, my right”.
Challenges in the health sector
The biggest challenge has always been providing health to the 3rd world countries, and providing national funds to fill the gaps in health systems and secure their infrastructure. Therefore, when this investment is secured and efforts are made to achieve it, such as international agencies, governments and societies, this would lead to saving a greater number of lives, and achieving abundance and efficiency in health care, until 2030.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization.
Al Khalidi Hospital is a symbol of healthcare
Al Khalidi Hospital is a main platform for calling for everyone’s right to health and a home for all those who need proper healthcare. It emphasized the importance of health for all through its participation in many initiatives, such as the Gift of Life Amman Gola, which focused on helping less fortunate children with heart diseases. In addition to the awareness efforts through which the hospital seeks to hold conferences and sessions that call for establishing patients’ rights and meeting their needs. The hospital is also working within its strategic plan to continuously expand the scope of its services, search for modernity in medical devices, attract experts in various fields, care for patients across the Middle East, and facilitate procedures for them, to enhance their sense of comfort and ensure that they are in safe hands.
Hope is a word that carries possibilities and new beginnings. Throughout our time as a leading healthcare provider, we have held hope within our hands and hearts, bringing it back to life again and again. Because every heartbeat counts, every life matters, and children are our cornerstones, it was one of our greatest and most meaningful experiences to embrace the GOLA mission at Al Khalidi Hospital.
GOLA makes a difference with Al Khalidi Hospital
In a heartwarming collaboration aimed at bringing healing to less fortunate children across the Middle East, Al Khalidi Hospital proudly partnered with the Gift Of Life Amman “GOLA” Foundation on its 37th mission this year. Specializing in providing open-heart surgeries for children with heart disease, the foundation has been a beacon of compassion and care in the region since 2007.
This partnership exemplifies a shared commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need. Through their combined expertise and resources, they have embarked on a mission to provide critical medical interventions for children facing the challenges of congenital heart defects.
During this mission, which took place at Al Khalidi Hospital, a dedicated team of surgeons, including Dr. Khaled Salaymeh, pediatric surgeons Dr. Francesco Santoro, and Dr. Elena Ribera, have worked tirelessly to perform a variety of open-heart surgeries. These procedures not only alleviate the immediate health concerns of the young patients but also offer them the chance for a brighter and healthier future.
Each surgery performed during this mission represents a triumph of compassion over adversity, offering renewed hope and healing to children who may otherwise not have access to life-saving medical care. The smiles on the faces of grateful parents and the laughter of children on their road to recovery serve as a testament to the power of collaboration and kindness.
Al Khalidi cares for all
Following its slogan and vision of providing care to all those in need throughout the entire journey, partnerships like this one remain integral to its commitment to social responsibility and humanitarianism. Hence, the hospital has officially opened its Pediatric Intensive Care Unit to ensure the best care is given to its pediatric patients.
The support that the hospital showed during this mission can’t be anything but notable and very much appreciated. Fifteen children benefited from the operations, but we helped more than fifteen lives, as one life extends beyond one person; it includes mothers, fathers, and loved ones, whom we are committed to always helping.
It has always been a major factor in many chronic diseases and difficult health conditions, such as heart diseases, strokes, and certain types of cancer; including cancer of the uterus, breast, kidney and prostate. The world faces many fears about it and its consequences, and hence the so-called World Obesity Day arose, which is dedicated to spreading awareness about obesity, and educating the world and youth about its risks. This event is held for one day, but with continuous global efforts.
Obesity day 2024: let’s talk about obesity and…
Every year, on 4th of March, World Obesity Day is held to emphasize that it goes beyond its “usual” meanings that are related to lifestyles, however, it becomes a concern, and in some cases, a disease that must be aware of, reducing its complications and health issues.
“Let’s talk about obesity and…” is the 2024 theme, under which the world’s direction is to talk more about obesity and raise awareness in this regard, in addition, promote the concept of health and the serious diseases that obesity causes. As a result, the world has opened the door of discussion between all parties, to have a deeper perspective, concluding a real solution.
In a collective global drive to eliminate the blame and inconvenience associated with those affected by obesity, and to ensure that the problem of obesity is addressed globally, we must work to create healthy and sustainable environments where people can live longer and healthier lives. Because young people are the most influential, they played a major role during this year in developing the concept of creating a healthy environment, capable of reducing diseases such as obesity, reducing air pollution and achieving stability in our climate.
Obesity in 2035
There are many fears from this issue. Here are some predictions from recent studies in this regard in 2035:
● 1.9 billion people will be affected by obesity.
● $4.32 trillion estimated global economic impact of overweight.
● Childhood obesity rates are expected to increase by 100% between 2020 and 2035.
● It is expected that 1 in 4 people will suffer from obesity.
Al Khalidi’s role
The hospital’s role in this matter can only be noted as a pioneering among others in the regard, by opening several departments related to nutrition, meeting all the medical needs, and strengthening its departments with qualified personnel. Adding to gastric sleeve, Al Khalidi has generated the BariClip surgery, the biggest revolution in obesity surgeries, and made a great success offering a noninvasive method with outstanding results, with zero pain to patients dreaming of getting rid of obesity.
The percentage and statistics of cancer deaths continuously increase, indicating several causes, among which are the importance of early diagnosis, choosing the right treatment plan and the proper follow-up.
Notably, most of these cases are in low-middle-income countries that face a lack of provision of appropriate care and treatment, and in some countries, they may be almost non-existent. Here lies a dangerous indication, reminding us that methods of reducing these numbers are within our reach, but the ways to secure and enhance them vary from one country to another.
81.1 million; this is the number of cancer cases according to the last statistic of World Cancer Research Fund International (WCRF) worldwide in 2020. Moreover, according to WHO, 459000 deaths occur in the Middle East yearly.
World Cancer Day
On every 4th of February, the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) organizes World Cancer Day, aiming to save millions of cancer patients by raising awareness and providing treatment equally, regardless of color, gender, race, and geography.
“Close the Care Gap” is a 2024 theme, which was generated as an opportunity to spread awareness and adopt the culture of early detection.
Close the Care Gap
Margret Harris, the spokesperson for the WHO, highlighted that cancer patients around the world don’t receive the same level of medical care, which in some cases reaches 15% in some low- or middle-income countries. Adding to that, the number of cancer deaths in Africa might exceed more than malaria and tuberculosis combined! and as long as the population density of these countries increases, death numbers could also rise in the coming years.
This is where the significance of the theme lies in secure treatment for all. This includes providing radiology, tomography, nuclear medicine centers and all necessary medical services and facilities. It is all based on the methodology that cancer treatment needs a comprehensive approach across sectors to be implemented. Alongside providing the scientific evidence to cover methods of prevention, early detection, treatment, and palliative care.
Needless to say, the high death numbers are heartbreaking, yet, it is the awareness that is bet on. With recognizing the equal right to treatment, rates will decrease, and cured cases increase. Keeping in mind that diagnosing cancer in the early stages elevates the chance of recovery, especially breast, colon, and cervical cancer, also reduces mortality rates and financial costs in parallel.
I believe that these facts emphasize our role in combining efforts, to remind the world that low-cost health care is patients’ basic right, with advanced health services, a clear curing plan and their needs delivered.
More than 100 thousand kidney transplant operations were conducted in 2022 only, according to the global data organization, Statista. The number might seem high at first sight, however, the number of patients who are looking to have this surgery is much higher as it is considered the ultimate solution for kidney failure.
Overview of kidney transplant
Kidney failure is a condition that affects around 10% of the population globally, which is 800 million individuals. While the number increases year by year, kidney transplant raises as an option on the table.
A kidney transplant is the process of placing a healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor into a patient whose kidney no longer functions for any reason. When the kidney fails, the body’s ability to filter harmful materials and waste from the blood reduces, exposing the body to many dangerous diseases.
When does a kidney transplant become a necessity?
To address this question, we need to dive into the reasons that cause kidney failure, which the following are some of:
– Diabetes
High sugar levels in the blood make it difficult for the kidneys to do their job. As a result, they begin leaking albumin (proteins) into the urine. If this condition continues for years, the damage becomes irreversible, putting the patient in urgent need of a kidney transplant.
– High blood pressure
There are 2 ways by which high blood pressure affects the kidney; one is acute kidney failure caused by malignant hypertension that damages renal tissue, or it can develop over years from untreatable high blood pressure that destroys the blood vessels within the kidneys.
– Cancer
Kidney cancer can be untreatable in advanced stages which makes the transplant the only solution left. Other kinds like prostate cancer in men and uterine cancer in women can also be harmful to the kidneys.
Al Khalidi Hospital mastering kidney transplantation
Al Khalidi Hospital is very familiar with kidney transplant surgeries and we are happy to announce that all these surgeries have been successful so far. The hospital is equipped with the best knowhow and technology for such surgeries. For years Al Khalidi has been the go to for these complex cases. A lot of these patients are international patients who opt for Al Khalidi because of the hospital’s long experience and history.
For these patients Al Khalidi has a dedicated Customer Care Team that facilitates their travel logistics, such as visa applications, accommodation and transportation. The team also coordinates with the consultants to make sure all the required tests and documents are in place for both the donor and patient.
Obesity is a serious health condition that affects both adults and youth worldwide as it has negative health effects in the long run. Bariatric surgeries including sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass have proven to be highly effective. The BariClip in particular positively impacts individuals who are not lucky enough with non-surgical methods without resulting in side effects.
Sneak peek at the BariClip surgery
The BariClip is a 15-cm length bar tool of silicone-covered titanium positioned laparoscopically around the tummy wall surface to restrict the food capacity, achieving the same gastric sleeve surgery effects without removing parts of the stomach. The secret behind this technology is preventing the food from going to the rest parts of the stomach, making it smaller in one sort and causing a feeling of fullness constantly.
How did this technology revolutionize the bariatric surgery world?
For starters, no parts of the stomach are removed, which is a comfort for most patients who are scared of gastric bypass surgeries. Moreover the invasive procedures are not significant and associated with almost zero side effects.
In addition, most people think about the reversibility aspect when thinking about the BariClip; doctors can remove the device once needed or according to the patient’s desire.
The expected weight loss caused by the surgery is 30 – 35% of the patient’s original weight, whereas they experience more weight loss after sleeve gastrectomy as the average goes up to 70 – 80%.
Mainly the procedure doesn’t cause any changes to the Ghrelin hormones which manage cravings as well as limit the body’s food consumption, adding to the gastric communication with the mind. It is also notable that the estimated time for the BariClip device to last is 20 years, however, the lengthiest period that has been implemented is 9 years.
Al Khalidi Hospital – pioneers of the BariClip in the Middle East
Always aiming to be pioneers in the health industry and fully dedicated to providing the best medical care to their patients, Al Khalidi was the first to introduce the BariClip surgeries in the Middle East in collaboration with the top bariatric surgeons in Jordan.
The BariClip revolutionized bariatric surgeries with its amazing results and minimally invasive procedure. In a recent operation, the patient lost 17 kgs in 2 months with a very smooth recovery. “I was looking for an effective and safe solution for obesity away from sleeve gastrectomy then I found out that the BariClip is the best choice as no parts of the stomach were removed” – Ahmad’s testimonial, Al Khalidi patient.
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