What Does SPF Really Mean?

Have you ever wondered why children receive so many vaccinations, and why the timing seems so precise? It's not random; it's a carefully crafted plan designed to give our little ones the best possible start in life. In Armenia, this crucial timeline is developed by our own National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Ministry of Health, closely following the expert guidance of the World Health Organization. Vaccinations aren't just a suggestion; they are a fundamental pillar of public health, essential for ensuring optimal immune response and timely protection for every child.How the Schedule is Determined?The specific ages at which vaccines are administered are far from arbitrary; they are determined by science and smart planning. Think of it as a strategic defense against diseases. Two primary factors guide this vital timeline:•Immune System Readiness: Imagine giving a tiny shield to a developing knight. Vaccines work most effectively when a child's immune system is ready to build strong, lasting defenses against specific threats. Administering a vaccine at just the right moment ensures maximum benefit.•Risk of Exposure: It's also about anticipating danger. Vaccine timing perfectly aligns with periods when children are most vulnerable to certain diseases, offering protection precisely when they need it most.How and Where Your Child Gets Vaccinated?Access to these life-saving immunizations is straightforward in Armenia. Vaccines are provided completely free of charge through local antenatal clinics and polyclinics, all conveniently based on residence registration.Routine visits, which combine check-ups and vaccinations, typically follow a clear pattern:•0–1 year: Expect to visit every two months for comprehensive check-ups and vital vaccinations.•1–6 years: Annual or semi-annual visits are common, especially as school entry vaccinations become due.Beyond the Basics: Optional and Seasonal VaccinesWhile the standard schedule covers critical protection, Armenian children may also benefit from additional vaccines:•Influenza vaccine: Recommended annually during flu season to bolster defenses against seasonal outbreaks.•HPV vaccine: Often available around age 13–14, with catch-up programs designed for older teens and young adults. This is a powerful tool in preventing certain cancers.•Travel or risk-based vaccines: Depending on family travel plans or specific risk factors, vaccines like hepatitis A or rabies might be recommended.Why Every Dose Counts?Let's recap why the vaccine schedule is so incredibly important for our children and our community:•Timing is critical: Every single vaccine is strategically scheduled to maximize immune protection, giving your child the best defense possible.•High coverage works: Armenia has done a remarkable job! Thanks to sustained efforts and widespread vaccination, serious childhood diseases are kept under control across the nation. This collective effort protects everyone.•The public is in the loop: With new electronic systems, parents can accurately follow the schedule, ensuring their children remain fully protected.If you ever find that your child has fallen behind on vaccinations, or if you're simply unsure about the timing, please don't hesitate! Consult your pediatrician or local clinic immediately. Catch-up doses are always a possibility —because protecting your child and the entire community truly starts with staying up to date.

Hematuria, or blood in the urine, is a clinical symptom characterized by the presence of blood or red blood cells (erythrocytes) in the urine. It is a frequently encountered symptom in urological practice.Depending on the degree of expression, hematuria can be:1.Microscopic hematuria or microhematuria2.Gross hematuria (macrohematuria)What diseases can cause hematuria? Both microscopic and gross hematuria can be observed in a number of urological diseases, including:1.Urinary tract infection2.Urolithiasis (kidney, ureteral, or bladder stone)3.Benign prostatic hyperplasia (adenoma)4.Urinary tract trauma5.Recent urological interventions6.Urinary tract oncological diseases (cancer of the kidney, ureter, bladder, prostate, or urethra)What examinations are necessary if hematuria is present?•Urinalysis – to detect blood or red blood cells (erythrocytes) in the urine.•Blood creatinine – to assess kidney function and to identify or rule out chronic diseases.•Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) – to determine the nature of prostatic hyperplasia in men over 45 years old.•Urine bacteriological examination (urine culture) – to rule out inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract. It should be noted that some sexually transmitted infections can also cause hematuria. PCR testing is necessary to detect the latter.•Urinary tract ultrasound – a harmless and affordable examination that can detect urinary tract stones and neoplasms.•Cystoscopy – This is an invasive examination method and the most reliable way to evaluate the bladder walls (for bladder cancer, inflammation, foreign bodies, etc.).•Computed tomography (CT) of the urinary tract with contrast – this method provides more accurate information about the upper urinary tract in cases of hematuria. If there are contraindications, an MRI scan can be performed.•Urine cytology – the accuracy of this method is quite high in cases of aggressive urinary tract cancers. However, for well-differentiated cancers, the accuracy of urine cytological examination is low.The treatment of hematuria depends on its cause. Seeking timely medical attention is vital to detect potential health issues early and ensure effective treatment. Our experienced specialists at Dalimed medical center are ready to provide you with the best care and support.

Glaucoma is a chronic eye disease that, over time, can damage the optic nerve, leading to vision loss. It is often called the "silent thief" because in many cases, it begins without obvious symptoms until the patient notices serious vision changes. As your physician, I must emphasize that its insidious, silent nature is precisely why proactive screening is critically important for preserving your precious sight.What is the Optic Nerve? The optic nerve connects the eye to the brain, transmitting vital visual information. Think of it as the high-speed data cable for your vision. When this nerve is damaged, the brain cannot properly process what is seen. If glaucoma is left untreated, vision can gradually worsen and even be completely lost. From a medical standpoint, this explains why the damage is so devastating; it's not just about what the eye "sees," but what the brain can interpret from that signal.How Does Glaucoma Occur? Inside our eye, a clear fluid forms that nourishes and cleanses various parts of the eye. This is your aqueous humor, essential for maintaining ocular health and pressure. When this fluid cannot drain naturally from the eye, the pressure inside the eye increases. This elevated pressure, like a clogged drain, then damages the delicate optic nerve. This mechanism is one of the main causes of glaucoma.However, it is crucial to note that sometimes glaucoma can also develop in people whose intraocular pressure is normal. This phenomenon, known as normal-tension glaucoma, highlights the complex nature of this disease, extending beyond simple pressure readings. For this reason, there are indeed different types of glaucoma.Types of Glaucoma1.Open-angle glaucoma (the most common form): This type develops slowly and typically without pain. Often, people do not notice changes until there is already significant vision loss. As a doctor, I reiterate: its gradual progression is why routine eye examinations are absolutely paramount, particularly for those at risk.2.Angle-closure glaucoma: This form is rarer, but it develops suddenly and rapidly. It can be accompanied by severe eye pain, redness, sudden worsening of vision, and even nausea. This is an ophthalmologic emergency requiring urgent treatment. If you experience these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention; your vision depends on it.Who is at Higher Risk? Several factors can increase your risk of developing glaucoma:•People with a family history of glaucoma•Individuals over 40 years old•Those with consistently high intraocular pressure•Those suffering from diabetes or high blood pressure•People of Black or Asian descent•Individuals who use steroid medications for a long timeHow is Glaucoma Diagnosed? Glaucoma can only be detected through a thorough eye examination. Self-diagnosis is simply not possible. This examination typically includes the following:•Eye pressure measurement•Optic nerve examination•Visual field testing (determining the boundaries of vision)•Examination of the eye's internal structuresCan Glaucoma Be Cured? Glaucoma cannot be completely cured, but with proper treatment, it is possible to slow down or even stop the damage to the optic nerve. The goal of medical intervention is to preserve your remaining vision and prevent further damage. We focus on management, not cure, to safeguard your sight.Treatment options include:•Eye drops to lower pressure•Pills (medications)•Laser intervention•Surgery, if other methods do not helpWhy is Early Diagnosis Important? Since glaucoma often has no symptoms in its initial stages, many people do not even suspect they have the disease. Detecting it at an early stage means starting treatment in time and preserving your vision. Remember: vision lost due to glaucoma cannot be restored, but it is possible to preserve what is still there. Therefore, always remember to visit an ophthalmologist regularly, even if you do not notice any vision problems. Your vision is an irreplaceable gift; protect it with routine care.

In men, testosterone is one of the main androgenic steroids produced in the Leydig cells of the testes. Testosterone secretion is regulated by luteinizing hormone (LH) and stimulates the development of primary and secondary sexual characteristics, spermatogenesis, skeletal muscle growth, and erythropoiesis.In women, testosterone is synthesized mainly by the ovaries and adrenal glands. It regulates bone and skeletal muscle mass and function.The majority of circulating testosterone (97-98%) is bound to proteins. It is specifically bound to sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and nonspecifically to albumin.In men, decreased testosterone production is due to functional insufficiency of the testicles (hypogonadism). Testosterone production decreases with age. Certain medications, chemotherapy, and disorders of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis can also cause testosterone levels to decrease.Increased testosterone production may be seen in women with androgen-secreting tumors, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or idiopathic hyperandrogenemia.Rarely, elevated testosterone levels are found in women with end-stage renal disease.High testosterone levels can also be a result of elevated SHBG, which can be caused by hyperthyroidism, liver disease, or the use of estrogenic medications (hormonal contraceptives).Testosterone circulates in the blood in three forms: total, free, and bioavailable. Free testosterone is testosterone that is not bound to sex hormone binding globulin and albumin. The total amount of albumin-bound and free forms is called "bioavailable testosterone." Total testosterone is the sum of the three forms of testosterone.Symptoms of low testosterone in men include:1.Decreased sexual desire2.Erectile dysfunction3.Low sperm count, fertility problems4.Fatigue5.Decreased muscle mass6.Increased body fat, weight gain7.Loss of body or facial hair8.Shrinkage of testicles9.Enlarged breasts (gynecomastia)10.Loss of bone mass (osteoporosis)11.Excessive sweating12.Sleep problems13.Mood swings, depression, irritability, anxiety14.Difficulty concentrating, poor memory, “brain fog”Symptoms of high testosterone in men include:1.Acne and oily skin2.Increased body and facial hair3.Mood swings. irritability, aggression, mood swings, anxiety, and sometimes depression.4.High sex drive5.Increased muscle mass6.Headaches7.Sleep disturbances8.High blood pressure (hypertension)9.Swelling of the feet and ankles and weight gain10.Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia)11.Low sperm count and infertility12.Increased risk of stroke and pulmonary embolismSymptoms of high testosterone in women include:1.Excessive body and facial hair (hirsutism)2.Thinning hair on the scalp3.Acne4.Oily skin5.Deepening of the voice6.Irregular menstrual cycles7.Increased muscle mass8.Enlargement of the clitoris9.Breast shrinkage10.Mood swings11.Ovarian CystsRegular testosterone testing helps detect hormonal imbalances in time and begin appropriate treatment. We invite you to take the test at Dalimed Medical Center, where we offer high-precision equipment and a caring approach to every patient.