01Dec

World AIDS Day 2021: “End Inequalities. End AIDS.”

December 1, 2021 ebele 54

The world raises awareness about HIV/AIDS every first of December. The focus for this year is on ending inequalities that pose as obstacles to the termination of the AIDS “pandemic (UNAIDS)”

In a bid to raise more awareness and provide further education concerning HIV/AIDS, here are some facts about the infection –

HIV/AIDS no de show for face
Mos people infected with HIV do not know that they have become infected. However, some people may experience glandular fever-like illness with fever, rash, joint pains and enlarged lymph nodes) immediately after the infection
The term AIDS applies to the most advanced stages of HIV infection.
The majority of people infected with HIV, if not treated, develop signs of AIDS within eight to 10 years.
HIV is transmitted through penetrative (anal or vaginal) sex, blood transfusion, the sharing of contaminated sharp objects including needles in health-care settings and drug injection and between mother and infant during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding.

How can HIV infection be prevented?

Sexual transmission of HIV can be prevented by:

Monogamous relations between uninfected partners.
Non-penetrative sex.
Consistent and correct use of male or female condoms
Antiretroviral (ARV) therapy in the case of sex between an infected and an uninfected person (ARV can result in an undetectable viral load in infected persons
Pre-exposure prophylaxis taken by people who are not infected with HIV.
Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision reduces the chances of men acquiring HIV from women. However, circumcision is not a magic bullet. Circumcised men can still become infected by and infect their sexual partner
Additional ways to avoid infection:
If you are an injecting drug user, always use new needles and syringes that are disposable or that have been properly sterilized before reuse
Ensure that blood and blood products are tested for HIV, and that blood safety standards are implemented.
Pregnant mothers living with HIV/AIDS should not only begin antenatal care on time, but follow through with every medical instruction given by their caregiver.

There is no known cure for HIV yet. However, there is effective treatment, which, if started promptly and taken regularly, results in a quality and long life for someone living with HIV (similar to that expected in the absence of the infection).

Go for HIV/AIDS testing and counseling now, to be on the safe side.

13Aug

Your liver and you

August 13, 2021 ebele 50

The liver is a vital organ of the body. Some of its basic functions include the removal of toxins from the body, storage of vitamins and minerals, maintenance of healthy blood sugar levels, regulation of blood clotting, among other important functions.

How to maintain a healthy liver

Reduce the intake of toxins like tobacco, insecticides, aerosol products, illicit drugs, etc
Practice safe sex to avoid sexually transmitted diseases, including hepatitis C
Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B
Exercise regularly to reduce weight and keep fit
Eat healthy and avoid processed foods, red meat, sugar
Drink lots of water
Reduce alcohol intake as alcohol can damage the liver
Follow prescriptions correctly to avoid wrong drug usage and overdose as these can harm the liver
Inform your doctor/pharmacist about any over-the-counter medicines, supplements, and herbal remedies that you use.

Best foods for the liver

The liver needs the type of foods that will help to make it stronger and healthier, not the foods that will damage or shorten its lifespan. Here are some of the foods that are best for your liver –

Foods rich in fiber like oats, avocado, apples, beans, walnuts, sweet potatoes, dark chocolates, etc
Green vegetables
Green tea due to the presence of a type of antioxidant called catechins in them.
Water, water and more water
Fruits
Nuts
Olive oil.

These foods can help lower the risk of liver diseases, protect the liver from toxins and increase the level of antioxidants and detoxification enzymes.

21Jul

9 Habits that can damage your teeth and the ones that can protect them

July 21, 2021 ebele 48

Beautiful and healthy teeth are not just important for smiling. Good oral health is part of your overall health and wellness. A chip in your tooth can result in the removal of that tooth just as an accumulation of food debris can build up to cause tooth decay over time. Now, that will not be good for your oral health. Some of the dental issues you experience are a result of avoidable bad habits.

Here are some of these habits that can damage your teeth –

Opening bottle caps and packages with your teeth. The teeth are not tools for opening things, rather; keep an opener/scissors handy always.

Constant consumption of foods and drinks high in carbohydrates, sugar, and acids like candies, soda, artificial fruit juice, coffee, red wine, starchy foods, etc. Be sure to brush your teeth thoroughly after eating such foods and if possible, cut down on the intake in order to help your dental health.

Misuse of toothpicks can cause injuries to your gums or an artificial gap in the teeth when thrust deep in between teeth. If you must use toothpicks, use them minimally and carefully.

Chewing on ice. If you feel like chewing something, chew on a carrot or some healthy snack but do not chew on ice unless you plan to damage your teeth.

Tongue and lip piercing can get infected and compromise oral health or harbor bacteria. Consult your dentist before you pierce your tongue or lip.

Teeth grinding/gnashing (bruxism). Use a mouth guard if you grind your teeth while sleeping. Make a conscious effort to stop the habit during the day.

Man placing a mouthguard in his mouth to protect his teeth at night from grinding caused by bruxism,

Non-usage of a mouth guard during contact sports like boxing can damage one’s dentition. Make sure you use a mouthguard while playing contact sports. to protect your teeth.

Chewing on pencils, pens, and other unusual solid objects is a habit that can damage your teeth. You need to stop it.

Nail-biting not only places your teeth and jaw under pressure but also introduces germs into your mouth.

Other habits and foods that can save your teeth include –

Brushing of teeth at least twice daily (morning and before bed at night)

Eating a healthy diet

Drinking lots of water

Visiting your dentist regularly