Korak ka zdravlju

MD Goran Petkovic

Cardiologists have successfully implanted new biological heart valve at the Center for heart disease and diabetes of Bochum University Hospital, DanOnhauzen.

The new implant was made from bovine pericardium and constructed to be fitted with an easier surgical technique, and replaced damaged heart valve, said Professor Jan Gumert, project manager.

Biological valve implantation is not always necessary. In most cases, defect of cardiac valve can be adjusted, but if surgery is inevitable, than biological valve has advantage primarily because of its durability. After surgery, patients do not need to use blood clotting medication. Such therapy is required in case of artificial valve implantation, said Professor Gumert.

Source text: DeutscheWelle

Prevention of urinary tract infections
MD Senka Mihajlovic

You should always take all the antibiotics recommended by doctors to treat the infection. Symptoms may subside after 1 to 2 days of therapy, but the microbes are still present in urine and will multiply, if not fully eradicated by therapy.
Inform your doctor about signs of inflammation as soon as possible, because it is more difficult to control inflammation if it occurs for a longer period.

Practice frequent urination - every 2-4 hours and urinate immediately after intercourse. Urination clears bacteria from urethra, preventing microorganisms to come into bladder.

Drink lots of fluids - eight glasses of water a day. More fluids flush bacteria from the urinary tract. Drink two glasses of water before and after intercourse.
Avoid using harsh soaps, foaming bath, powders and sprays in the genital region, because chemicals could irritate urethra, and promote inflammation or bacterial infection.

Avoid clothes like tight pants, as they cause irritation of urethra and prevent airing of the genital area. Wear cotton rather than synthetic underwear. Humidity in genital area is suitable for bacterial growth. Cotton allows better air circulation in the genital region.

Take vitamin C or cranberry juice in large amounts, as vitamin C is helping to slowdown growth of bacteria. Cranberry juice and blueberries prevent the adherence of bacteria to the bladder wall. For this purpose it is recommended to take 2-3 glasses of juice daily during 8 weeks.
If infection persists, it is better to choose a shower than a bath, since bacteria present in water bath can easily enter the urethra. Women with frequent urinary infections may benefit from regular use of vaginal cream Estradiol.