Here’s an article review about Space Medicine. This Article narrates how to make astronauts fit and healthy while they are on space.

One major difficulty in keeping astronauts healthy is the change in bodily processes caused by weightlessness. Astronauts feel light headed when newly landed on a planet, thus they feel the world is turning around. Weightlessness modifies sense of balance, which is caused by deficit of blood volume.

Slight changes are as well noticed like difficulty in sensing limbs or body part movements, slower wound healing and frail immune system. Doctors however have only recommended exercise to counter these adverse conditions. Astronauts practiced two hours a day exercise and have medications to help solve these problems. These however were only applicable on short term space exploration, but different approach should be made on long term space activities.

Artificial gravity is one approach which is possible in ordinary laboratory centrifuges. The force emitted when they spin is similar to gravity. This is produced when substances are pushed outward away from the axis of rotation. However, when applied on a space ship, this would entail much cost. Thus, researchers developed a human powered centrifuge which is fundamentally an exercise track in which an astronaut pedals a bicycle up and around a 360 degree cycle. This would provide an alternating exposure to artificial gravity.

Another problem encountered is exposure to radiation. Spaceships were long term exploration is required would contain shields that can absorb cosmic rays. Hydrogen is one best substance that can obstruct high-energy radiation. Materials with high hydrogen content like polyethylene is mostly utilized.

Oddly, only 30 percent however of radiation could be blocked by these shields, thus, astronauts still need to deal with 70 percent of the radiation. These are made through medications.

Radiation-produced particles can bring harm when absorbed by the body. Best supplement would be antioxidants like Vitamins A and C.

NASA Scientists have as well readied alternatives when radiation have caused harm to the body. Like developing a system that could instruct damaged cell to destroy itself.

Importantly, diagnosis and treatment of these diseases are given highly consideration. Smart devices are being developed, mostly miniature once which can readily be operated by astronauts, in case doctors joining explorations as well get sick. There were also devices developed which can operate by itself and are contained in a light weight easy to use parcel.

Robotically assisted surgery may also give vital role, as robots make more perfect and steady movements than ordinary doctors. As wounds may be slower to heal in space, precise operation is as much needed.

Telemedicine is another tool, where certain a high solution digital image is taken of the body portion where disease has developed, and is sent to an expert through internet for diagnosis and recommendation on treatment.

A lot of technologies needed on long term space exploration already exist in our community. However, scientists are looking into ways how these could be made lighter, efficient and easy to manage. They as well aim to change the way medicine is practiced here on earth, through the medical advances developed for people in space. Read more