Category Archives : HEALTH

A non-communicable disease is a disease that cannot spread to any other person in a community from a person who has it; it remains with the person who has it. 
Heredity can play a role in a person acquiring a non-communicable but it remains within the family.  

Tobacco use
Smokers die about 10 years earlier than never-smokers, they have twice the risk of heart disease, 10 times the risk of lung cancer, several times the risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, oesophagus, pancreas, cervix, kidney and bladder.
The following health problems also occur more in smokers:-stroke, peptic ulcers, fractures and cataract.
Nicotine, one of the major constituents of cigarette smoke is highly addictive and produces withdrawal symptoms if discontinued. This is what makes it difficult for smokers to quit.

Alcohol consumption
While alcohol may have some benefits when taken in moderation, the risks of alcohol abuse are numerous. Virtually every organ of the body can be affected by excessive alcoholic intake with many deaths resulting from accidents, respiratory failure and breathing in of vomit.
 Alcoholism causes a lot of embarrassment to the immediate family due to violent behaviour which follows alcohol abuse and loss of consciousness in most embarrassing locations.
The problems of excessive alcohol consumption include Accidents/Violence, Cirrhosis of the Liver, Cancer of the liver, throat, mouth, stomach, intestines and breast, Heart Disease/High Blood Pressure/Stroke, Obesity, Impotence and Reduction of Body Resistance.
Alcohol damages the heart muscles which can lead to heart failure. It also raises blood pressure, disorganizes heart beat and can cause stroke.

Raised blood pressure
Untreated raised blood pressure can lead to heart disease, heart failure, kidney failure or/and stroke.

High cholesterol
High cholesterol levels due largely to improper diet can lead to heart and blood vessel diseases. Unmanaged, heart attack, stroke and other conditions can result.

Fatness
Obesity is associated with diabetes mellitus. Obesity increases resistance of body cells to the agent (insulin) which controls blood sugar. This situation eventually leads to high blood sugar- a condition known as diabetes. Obesity is also associated with heart and blood vessel diseases, also diseases of the joints.

Physical inactivity
Physical inactivity has been associated with high blood pressure, heart disease, blood vessel disease, cancers, fatness, stress and joint diseases. These are all non-communicable diseases.

Environment
Your environment is in three parts:- physical (air, soil and water), biological (plant and animals including the disease carrying germs) and social. 
Air pollution is involved in several non-communicable diseases like cancers and lung diseases.
Occupation also plays a big role in non-communicable diseases such as cancer of the bladder, cancer of the lungs and some cases of poisoning.

Life Style
Life style refers to alcohol intake, cigarette smoking, physical exercise, diet, vacations, number of hours of sleep, bedtime, socialization etc.

1.Constipation exists if bowel movements are difficult, infrequent.
Constipation, a condition characterized by infrequent and difficult bowel movements is common in older adults and the elderly. The large intestines becomes sluggish as we age, thus allowing more time for faecal material (stool) to more through; this increases absorption of fluid from the faeces,and it becomes dry and hard.

2.Constipation can be self- inflicted
When a person regularly refuses to go to toilet when the urge comes, that person is inhibiting his normal bowel reflexes and constipation can result. Refusal to obey the call of nature could be due to laziness, inappropriate sanitary location, social or occupational activities. The body after a time gets used to killing the urge and constipation results.
Certain medications such as calcium and iron supplements can cause constipation.
Also some conditions of the large intestine which make it to contract can also cause constipation.

3. Constipation causes piles and other conditions in the large intestine.
The rectum – a part of the large intestine and the anus are rich in blood vessels. These blood vessels by virtue of location are subject to pressure during passage of faeces (stool), pregnancy, violent coughing or sneezing. If there is a lot straining during the passage due to constipation, piles (haemorrhoid) can result. Piles can show itself inform of pain, bleeding and swelling just inside or outside the anus. Piles can lead to low blood level (anaemia).

4.Constipation can be managed by change in life-style and Laxatives.
A change in bowel habits helps in the management of constipation – like using the toilet every morning even if the urge is not there. After a while, the body gets used to the routine and the constipation will begin to ease. Other non-medication methods include regular physical exercise and relaxation.
Laxatives are used as a last resort for serious cases of constipation; some of them absorb water while in the large intestines thus increasing the bulk of the faeces. Increase in bulk stimulates bowel movements.

5.Constipation can be prevented.
Eating fibre-rich food can help to prevent constipation. The fibre-rich foods include cereals, whole grain bread, other fibre-rich carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables and beans.
Fibre-rich foods increases the bulk of faeces. Drinking plenty of water regularly also helps to prevent constipation-as water in the intestines increases the bulk of faeces and also softens it.
Use of the toilet every morning whether the urge is there or not help to tame the body to want to use the toilet every morning. This habit helps to prevent constipation.
It is also said that eating nuts stimulates bowel movement and this prevent constipation.

STROKE can be defined as a sudden interruption of blood flow to the brain due to blockage or rupture of the brain arteries resulting in partial or complete paralysis of one half of the body accompanied by speech disturbances and impairment of memory or level of consciousness. Three types of stroke are commonly encountered; they are: Thrombotic, Haemorrhagic and Embolic. Both the thrombotic and the embolic involve clot formation within the arteries of the brain or from the left side of the circulation such as the heart, aorta or its main branches. In thrombotic stroke, complete occlusion of an artery within the brain occurs. In the embolic variety, blood clot formed outside the brain (e.g. in the heart, legs, etc) is carried to the brain where it blocks an artery in the brain. In the haemorrhagic stroke, tiny tears occur in worn-out blood vessels with leakage of blood into the tissue.

Thrombotic stroke is frequently heralded by brief transient neurological complaints (such as weakness in the legs or arms) in the days, weeks, or months preceding the onset of the fixed neurological damage. These brief early warnings tend to be similar. The fixed neurological disability usually develops in a step-wise fashion over a period ranging from minutes to hours (a stroke in evolution). Once the thrombosis is secure, the neurological damage stabilizes (a completed stroke).

This type of stroke in adults may occur at any time, but a disproportionately large number seem to appear at night during sleep or soon after waking. The reason for this is unknown. The clinical features, including the warning symptoms include the following: headache, transient weakness of limbs or speech, bizarre behaviour, poor memory, forgetfulness, intellectual deterioration; numbness of one half of the body, epileptic attacks, partial blindness in one eye or both, dizziness, giddy turns, double vision, hand tremors and vomiting.

STROKE can be defined as a sudden interruption of blood flow to the brain due to blockage or rupture of the brain arteries resulting in partial or complete paralysis of one half of the body accompanied by speech disturbances and impairment of memory or level of consciousness. …

TUBERCULOSIS is a chronic disease caused by several species of the germ, mycobacterium collectively called the tubercle bacillus. Tuberculosis in man is usually caused by the human and bovine varieties of the bacillus M. Tuberculosis and M. bovis respectively. It is one of the most widespread of all diseases and is found throughout the world.

During the 19th century, casualties from various battles numbered some 19 million persons, but during the same period, the tubercle bacillus slew 34 millions. In the US alone in 1970, the number of infected persons was estimated at 16 million. The disease is steadily becoming less common as well as less dangerously especially in the more advanced countries with high living standards and active public health measures. The disease however will remain a major problem in many developing countries.
Tuberculosis infection results in the great majority of cases from the inhalation of the tubercle bacilli. The most likely source of the organism is the sputum of a patient with tuberculosis of the lungs. When a patient with pulmonary tuberculosis coughs, he infects the air in the immediate environment with millions of the germs which are subsequently inhaled by a susceptible person. The bacilli may be inhaled from sputum which has dried and had been changed to dust. Infection may also result from ingestion of organisms transferred to the mouth on fingers or articles such as feeding utensils which have been contaminated by an infected person. Bovine tuberculosis results from drinking unpasteurized milk of tuberculosis cattle.

The occurrence of tuberculosis is highest among low socioeconomic groups. 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.

A confirmed diagnosis of TB can only be carried out in a clinical laboratory. But from answering the following questions, you can estimate your risk of having the disease. Encircle the letter ‘Y’ if the answer is yes or if statement is positive. Encircle letter ‘N’ if the answer is No or if the statement is negative.

1).  Are you a city dweller? Y /N
2). Have you lived in the city for up to or more than ten years? Y/ N
3).  Are you up to 50 years or above? Y /N
4). Do you live in a poorly ventilated house? Y/ N
5). Do you live in an over-crowded room (rooms)? Y/ N
6). Is your diet deficient in protein and vitamins? Y/ N
7). Do you work in dusty environment? Y/ N
8). You have not had BCG vaccination? Y /N
9). Do you earn less than N160.00 per day? Y/ N
10). Do you have frequent fever? Y /N
11). Have you noticed any gradual loss of weight in you? Y/ N
12). Do you have persistent cough? Y/ N
13). Have you ever had close contact with a known tuberculosis patient? Y/ N
14). Does your cough occasionally or normally contain blood? Y /N
15). Do you now have or have you ever had blood-stained sputum? Y/ N
16). Are you easily fatigued? Y/ N
17). Do you have recurrent chest pain? Y/ N
18). Do you have difficulty in breathing? Y/ N
19). Do you now live with a family member who has chronic cough? Y/ N
20).Do you live in a dusty area? Y /N

To find out the chances that you now have or may develop active tuberculosis in the future, add up all the items you have circled Y. 
The following table indicates the likelihood of having TB.

15 – 20 Extremely likely
10 – 14 Moderately likely
05 – 09 Average
00 – 04 Very unlikely.

Garlic (Allium sativum), a herb used widely as a flavoring in cooking, has also been used as a medicine throughout ancient and modern history to prevent and treat a wide range of conditions and diseases.Garlic belongs to the onion genus Allium, and is closely related to the onion, rakkyo, chive, leek, and shallot. It has been used by humans for thousands of years and was used in Ancient Egypt for both culinary purposes and its therapeutic benefits. The only natural herb known to contain enough power potent enough to fight Cancer cells in the human body is ‘GARLIC’.  Recognised by its unpleasant smell, Garlic is very rich in sugars, proteins, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iodine, silicone, vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B3, sulphur compounds, and oil soluble nutrients.
 Compounds found in Garlic include SULPHUR  which is responsible for its pungent smell. However, the quality of Garlic cannot be overridden due to this smell, ALLICIN, a natural antibiotic found proven to be stronger than tetracycline and penicillin. AJOENE is another compound found in Garlic which impedes the formation of blood clots in the arteries. Garlic is also very rich in SELENIUM. This indispensable element is used in the neutralization of free radicals which helps to prevent several illnesses.
 Selenium is an antioxidant, helping to slow the effect of cell oxidation and Aging. Combined with vitamin A and E, the rejuvenating power of Seleniun and Ajoene are increased.
 Another compound found in Garlic is called SAPONIN. This compound also helps to lower blood pressure, thus preventing stroke.
 Below are the numerous health benefits of Garlic.

1.Reduction of Fat in the Blood 
It has been demonstrated and proven that Garlic promotes a decrease in low density lipoprotein (dangerous) from about 22% to 7% and increases high density protein (favorable) from 15% to 31%. In addition, it lowers cholesterol and triglycerides by 15% to 20%.

2.Prevents Hypertension
Garlic acts as a vasodilator which helps to widen the blood vessels, making blood flow smoother. This helps to lower blood pressure. Experiment shows signs of this effect in more than 75% of people and patients.

3.Heart Relaxant
Garlic regulates the rhythm of the heart, helping to avoid Arrhythmia (irregular heart beat). This could be beneficial to people who have accelerated heart rate and Cardiac Arrhythmia.

4.Anti-Diabetic
Garlic is a huge help with people living with diabetes and helps to prevent it as well because it helps to lower the glucose in the blood. This is due to the fact that it increases the secretion of Insulin. Insulin is in charge of regulating normal sugar levels in the blood.

5.Lung Decongestant
Garlic works as a great lung decongestant helping to loosen the harmful, infectious secretion of bronchial tubes. In addition, it helps to prevent cold and flu. There are claims that Garlic plus some Chili pepper work as good expectorants.

6.Anti-Rheumatic 
    Ground garlic mixed with hot aloe lotion calms and eases pain caused by inflamed and aching joints.

7.Useful In Menopause.
    Garlic is known to help reduce post menopausal symptoms especially hot flash.

Untreated or poorly treated diabetes especially Type 2 has well known complications some of which are discussed below. They can be reduced by adequate control of the condition, regular check-up and prompt treatment of any complications as they set in.

 

1. Coma:

The most common sudden complication of Diabetes is coma due to very low blood sugar. This could arise if a diabetic failed to eat after taking insulin injection or exercised vigorously immediately after taking insulin. Excess insulin can also cause it.

 

2. Damage to the eyes:

After about fifteen (1%) years, about two (2) percent of diabetics may become blind while about ten (10) percent may become partially blind, and about 75 percent less degree of damage. Cataract is also a known complication. These complications can be prevented by regular eye checks and proper treatment.

 

3. Damage to the kidneys :

This could lead to renal failure.

 

4. Damage to some nerves:

This will show itself in form of tingling/ peppery sensations in the legs and feet. The skin could also become less sensitive leading to sores from injuries. These sores may refuse to heal and in some cases the leg may have to be amputated to save the life of the person.

 

 

5. Damage to the Heart and Blood Vessels:

Diabetes can lead to the hardening and narrowing of the blood vessels. This could eventually lead to stroke, heart attack or heart failure. The situation is worse in smokers and fat people. Owing to poor blood supply to the feet due to the narrowing of the vessels, wounds in the feet heal very slowly.

 

 

6. Infections:

Diabetics are prone to skin infections and also urinary tract infections. Vaginal infections are also common.

Nose bleeding demands immediate action geared towards its arrest. As stated before now, the causes of nose bleeding are multiple but a lot can be done at home.

Nosebleed is commonly from the front of the nose called the Little’s area; the area has a lot of blood vessels which help to normalize the air entering our body.  Occasionally it could be from the back of the nose but this is more common in the elderly.

Nose bleed could be very scary but it is rarely fatal, most of nose bleeds could be managed at home. Follow the steps described below and in most cases the bleeding will stop.


1.Put the person in a sitting position
Put the person in a sitting position with the head tilted slightly forward to prevent blood from running down the throat.

2.Tilt the head slightly forward
Bleeding, especially from the back of the nose can go into our stomach and that will cause vomiting or into our airway and that could affect our already compromised breathing.  Tilting the head slightly forward will prevent this.

3. Loosen any clothing around the neck
Any one bleeding from the nose is already frightened, uncomfortable and the airway is moderately blocked, loosening anything around his neck will help in no small way.

4.The nose should blown
The nose should be blown to expel any blood clot. Ask the person to breathe through the mouth.

5.Pinch the nostrils between the second finger and the thumb
The nostrils are then firmly pinched between the second finger and the thumb continuously for about ten minutes particularly near the tip of the nose.

6.If bleeding continues, an ice –bag should be applied
If bleeding continues, an ice –bag should be applied to the bridge of the nose. If bleeding still continues, medical attention should be urgent.

7.See a doctor.
Very often, actions 1-6 will stop nose bleeding in children, and, except in case of injuries, you do not need to see a doctor. However, an adult must seek medical advice to exclude any diseases. 

Moreover, should the person become unconscious, put him in a semi-prone position with the face turned forward while awaiting medical attention.