Category Archives : HEALTH

By Benedict Masade.

Introduction:

Cancer is a chronic illness which is fast increasing in incidence and is predicted to be a worldwide important cause of morbidity and mortality in the next few decades, especially in low and middle-income countries. WHO (2008) reported that about 24.6 million people live with cancer worldwide with approximately 12.5% of all deaths attributable to cancer and if the trend continues, it is estimated that by the year 2020, 16 million new cases will be diagnosed per annum with 70% from developing countries. Cancer has a wide variety of risk factors including: environmental and occupational exposures; Hepatitis B & C (liver cancer); Helicobacter pylori (stomach cancer); Human papilloma virus (HPV; cervical cancer); etc., however the most common risk activity and unhealthy diet.

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So much has been written on cholesterol in the last several years that it is essential we attempt to explain why. Dairy products such as milk and yogurt also contain cholesterol.
Cholesterol is not found in plants so it is not contained in fruits, vegetables and cereals such as oats and wheat but is manufactured in the liver and stored there from fat.   …

Tooth decay is the destruction of tooth structure and can affect both the enamel (the outer coating of the tooth) and the dentin layer of the tooth.
Tooth decay occurs when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches), such as breads, cereals, milk, soda, fruits, cakes, or candy are left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth digest these foods, turning them into acids. The bacteria, acid, food debris, and saliva combine to form plaque, which clings to the teeth. The acids in plaque dissolve the enamel surface of the teeth, creating holes in the teeth called cavities.

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Marriage is the union of a man and a woman, this union occurs at the family level (traditional), court level (legal) and off course at the religious level. I always joke that women tie their husbands with three strong ropes; so anyone who is contemplating divorce should think of the three ropes.
Even when single, life is quite stressful not to talk of a situation where two people from two very different backgrounds now have to share the same flat/house. Below are some of the stressors (causes of stress) in a marriage: …

Nutritional minerals are vital to health. Nutritional minerals make up about 5% of body weight or say about 2.8kg in a 70 kg. man. There are about twenty one (21) minerals in the body divided into two groups: macrominerals (7) and microminerals (14). …

Diseases which affect human are divided into two groups; communicable and non-communicable diseases. Non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, cancer are encouraged by poor lifestyle while communicable diseases such cholera, typhoid, Ebola etc are promoted by poor environment, poor sanitation, lack of good water and poor personal hygiene. Consequently, communicable diseases are more common in poor countries of the world while the non-communicable diseases are commoner in the rich countries. …

1. Prostate Cancer is Common and affects only Men.

Prostate cancer affects only men because women do not have prostate gland. Over the last couple of years, more cases of prostate cancer have been detected because of the widely available diagnostic test- Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) and greater awareness. Also greater willingness by those at risk to discuss the disease and go for future and regular test. This has been accompanied by reduced mortality rate.

2. It affects Men older than 65yrs in most cases.
Prostate cancer is associated with age and occurs more in men above the age of 65years. It is the cancer whose incidence increases most with age. The cause of prostate cancer is unknown but age and heredity play a role.

3. Diagnosis by Rectal examination PSA and Biopsy.
The prostate gland is situated just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It is therefore felt on rectal examination. An enlarged, hard and irregular prostate glands informs the decision of the physician to ask for Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test and if necessary, a Biopsy.

4. Treatment by Surgery and/or radiotherapy.
The choice of treatment depends on the stage of the cancer, extent and spread of the tumor. The age of the person is equally important. If the person is in his eighties for example and in good health, the physician may decide to do nothing.
In some cases, the tumor may be very aggressive and this will also inform the decision of the physician. In some men, prostate cancer may remain confined for many years without causing any health problem. The way to go is therefore a decision of the physician and the patient.
Surgery, drugs and radiotherapy are used.

5. Prevention by Screening, foods and Early Treatment.
It is advised that all men above 40years go for yearly rectal examination. A baseline rectal examination and Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) level can be established on the first examination. If the urologist notices any changes, this could lead to biopsy.
Such annual screening tests are normally done until the age of 75years. Development of prostate cancer after the age is not likely to be the cause of death of that particular person.
Progression of the cancer is slow in most cases.
Certain fruits have been associated with prevention of prostate cancer; such fruits include avocado pear and tomatoes. The latter is said to contain lycopene which helps to prevent cancer of the prostrate. Avocado pear contains phytochemicals which help to do same.