What is the immune system?

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.

SPF stands for "Sun Protection Factor," and the number indicates how much longer your skin can be exposed to the sun before burning compared to no sunscreen at all. For instance, if your skin usually burns after 10 minutes, an SPF 30 might let you stay out for about 300 minutes. However, this is just a rough estimate. Variables like your skin tone, the time of day, the weather, and where you are in the world can all affect how quickly you burn.How Sunscreen Works?
Sunscreens protect you by either deflecting or absorbing UV rays. Different SPF levels offer varying degrees of protection from UVB rays:•SPF 15 filters out about 93% of UVB rays•SPF 30 filters about 97%•SPF 50 filters around 98%•SPF 100 filters close to 99%No sunscreen blocks UV rays completely, so reapplying regularly is essential.What SPF Level Should You Use?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you should go for an SPF of at least 30. Even people with darker skin, who have more natural protection thanks to melanin, still need sunscreen. Those with lighter skin should be especially diligent and reapply often. For infants and young kids, SPF 50 or higher is usually recommended due to their more delicate skin.SPF 30 vs. SPF 50 — Is There a Big Difference?
While SPF 50 technically blocks a bit more UVB rays than SPF 30 (about 98% vs. 96.7%), the difference is minor. In theory, SPF 50 gives you longer protection — up to 500 minutes versus 300 minutes — but real-world results vary depending on your skin, activity, and conditions. It’s more about how well and how often you apply it than the number itself.How to Apply SPF Correctly?
Put sunscreen on 15 minutes before going outside and cover all exposed areas. Adults should use about one ounce (a shot glass full) for full-body coverage. When it comes to your face, sunscreen should be the last step in your skincare routine. Be sure to apply it to your face, neck, and chest. If your clothes are thin or sheer, consider putting sunscreen under them on especially sunny days.How Long Does SPF 50 Last, and When Should You Reapply?
Even though SPF 50 theoretically gives you 50 times more protection than no sunscreen, it doesn’t mean you’re good to go all day. Reapply at least every 2 hours, and more often if you’re sweating or swimming. For sports or beach days, look for water-resistant formulas designed for active use.Best SPF for Your Face
Dermatologists recommend using facial sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher and broad-spectrum coverage. A good daily facial SPF can help prevent sun-related aging and skin damage. Make it part of your morning routine — apply it after your moisturizer.

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.