1.Bird Flu infection is preventable
Poultry farm workers and responders to bird flu outbreaks are advised to do the following:
a. Practice hand hygiene.
b. Use appropriate personal protective equipment.
c. Self monitoring for 7 (seven) days after exposure to infected poultry or objects contaminated by avian influenza A virus-excretions/secretions.
d. Responders to outbreaks should take prophylactic antiviral medication during the outbreak control response.
e. A vaccine for humans against the H5N1 virus has been developed but not yet in universal use.
The general public must avoid poultry farms that are infected, practice hand hygiene and cook poultry thoroughly though spread is not through eaten poultry. Do not handle vegetables and fruits after handling chicken without first washing your hands thoroughly.
2.Syphilis Spreads from Person to Person.
The disease spreads from person to person from the infected sore on the penis, inside the vagina and the mouth. The bacteria are also present in the saliva, semen, vaginal discharge and blood.
Thus, spread can be through sexual intercourse (oral, vaginal or rectal), kissing and other forms of foreplay. The bacteria easily penetrate the skin and the inside lining of the mouth, vagina and anus.
An infected pregnant woman can pass the disease to the unborn child- the bacteria pass through the placenta to the child in the womb.
Also the disease can spread through the transfusion of infected blood.
Finally the disease can be contracted by accidental contact by care-giver or other close contacts of an infected person touching infected materials or sore.
3.Cucumber Reduces cholesterol and Regulates Heart Function.
Cucumber juice is said to contain a substance which is needed by the cells of the pancreas for producing insulin which has been found to be beneficial to diabetic patients.
Researchers found that a compound called sterol in cucumbers may help reduce cholesterol levels.
Cucumbers also contain a lot of potassium, magnesium and fiber. These work effectively in regulating heart function. Cucumbers are therefore useful in both low blood pressure and high blood pressure.
4.Make Realistic Resolutions to ensure fulfillment
Do not make a resolution you will not be able to fulfill due to work or resources. Also, be realistic in the number of resolutions you make in a year. There are many health resolutions you can make in a year but let them be few, not more than seven and they should be realistic.
5.Avoid Prolonged Use of Antibiotics/Painkillers etc.
Prolonged use of heavy doses of some drugs such as antibiotics, painkillers(aspirins), anti-depressants and some used to control high blood pressure could cause or worsen ringing or buzzing in one or both ears. Also always inform your doctor whenever a prescription is to be written for you if you already have the condition so that he/she can avoid the drugs that can aggravate the condition.
6.Pneumonia infection is preventable
Pneumonia is an airborne disease, it spreads through droplets, dust containing the causative agents, and contact with articles contaminated by discharge from sneezing or coughing.
In a crowded place, one can easily breathe in droplets from sneezing and/or coughing or come in contact with contaminated articles.
You can avoid pneumonia infection through vaccination, good lifestyle, and proper hygiene, good nutrition and good accommodation; living in overcrowded and poorly ventilated house thus puts you at risk of contracting pneumonia.
7.The occurrence of tuberculosis is highest among the poor.
Mortality is much higher among the poor than the rich. Poverty with its associated evils of poor inadequate housing and overcrowded housing together with mal-nutrition and in particular deficiency of first class protein contribute to the risk of acquiring tuberculosis.
Poor health resulting from other infections particularly infections with parasitic worms predisposes a community to tuberculosis. Both sexes are equally affected in infancy and childhood, but the prevalence is higher in males than in females especially among the elderly. Death rates increase with age. There is no established genetic predisposition to tuberculosis.
8.Pregnant Women Should Avoid Caffeine
Caffeine is not advisable in pregnancy, it affects the intake of iron which can lead to low blood level. Moreover, the growing baby in the womb cannot breakdown caffeine into harmless substances, consequently as the pregnant woman drinks/takes caffeine containing substances, the baby also takes them. Thus the infant could have withdrawal symptoms as infants are not usually given caffeine substances.
Heavy caffeine intake can lead to delivery of low birth weight babies.
Experiments in animals have shown that caffeine can cause abortion.
Women should please note that caffeine is in some non-prescription drugs, tea, coffee, chocolate and soft drinks.
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