03May

World Asthma Day 2022, ‘Closing Gaps in Asthma Care’

May 3, 2022 admin 168

Sometimes, ignorance creates a huge gap in Asthma care.

Here are some common misconceptions about asthma

Asthma is infectious.

According to World Health Organization, “The strongest risk factors for developing asthma are a combination of genetic predisposition with environmental exposure to inhaled substances and particles that may provoke allergic reactions or irritate the airways.” Asthma is not infectious.

People with asthma should avoid exercise

Exercise is actually good for people with asthma as it helps strengthen the lungs. However, a medical professional should recommend suitable exercise and the duration as well as help the patients manage the disease.

Everyone grows out of their childhood asthma

Asthma is a chronic disease and as such, can flare up at any time in the patient’s life. However, for some persons, asthma symptoms can reduce or disappear over time. Persons living with asthma should always be aware of the symptoms, have their asthma medications handy and be careful in case of reoccurrence.

Asthma is a childhood disease

Asthma can affect anyone irrespective of their age – adults or children

Asthma is not ‘sent’ by village people.

Inhaled substances and particles can trigger asthma allergy, not village juju.

Asthma is a death sentence

With proper management and asthma medications, persons living with asthma can live long and happy lives.

25Feb

HPV facts, meaning, vaccine and prevention

February 25, 2022 admin 175

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a viral infection transmitted via vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus.

HPV Vaccine with syringe and empty vial — Human Papilloma Virus vaccine

It is one of the commonest STIs yet among the least known
HPV has various strains
There is a vaccine for HPV, but no cure yet
However, the HPV vaccine does not protect against all the strains of HPV
HPV vaccination is not only for young people. It can still be effective for those aged 26 to 45. However, you need to consult your doctor if you are within this age range before taking the vaccine
HPV vaccine is best given between the ages of 11 and 13 years, that is before the young ones become sexually active
Most people with HPV do not have visible symptoms though some will present with genital warts
Even without visible symptoms, HPV carriers can still infect others.
Some strains of HPV are high-risk strains and have been associated with cancer
In some cases, the body fights off the virus naturally

You can reduce the risk of HPV by –

Vaccination, ideally given before a person becomes sexually active
Having one sexual partner who only has sex with you
Proper use of condom

04Feb

February 4, 2022 admin 163

World Cancer day 2022 – Close the care gap

The theme for World cancer day 2022 to 2024 is “Close the care gap”. Why is there a need to close the care gap? According to The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), “the campaign theme is all about improving access to quality cancer care for everyone – no matter who they are or where they live”. A huge cancer care gap exists in most parts of the world. This gap limits accessibility to cancer treatment and care leading to higher data rates from cancer-related complications.

The care gap exists in many forms. Some people lack access to quality cancer medical care and facilities, for some, there is no money to access the needed cancer healthcare where it is available. For others, they fight their cancer battles alone with little or no moral support. There is also the gap of inadequate/lack of information.

The location also poses a care gap in cancer care as people in developing countries and rural areas have a harder time accessing quality healthcare.

Dr. Omolola Salako a Clinical oncologist, Founder, and Executive Director of the Sebeccly Cancer Care and Support Centre asserts that the ratio of a clinical oncologist to new cancer patients in Nigeria is 1 to 1,250 compared to 1 to 137 in the US. This situation is direr because these few oncologists in Nigeria reside mostly in the cities.

How can you and I close the care gap?

There is little that each of us can do in our little ways. For one, if you know someone suffering from cancer, show them MAXIMUM support and care for the burden they bear is a heavy one. There was once a story about this friend to a cancer patient. The cancer patient had to shave off the remainder of her hair when the hair loss from chemotherapy became worse. Her friend stood by her to the point of also going bald for her friend’s sake. This gesture may not cure cancer, but it will surely boost the morale of that cancer patient to keep fighting.

One can also offer financial support. A lot of people do not have access to cancer screening and treatments because they are not financially buoyant. We see some individuals and NGOs undertaking free cancer screening exercises. This is a great way to close the care gap.

Have you ever gone for any cancer screening, like ever?

If you have never been screened for any type of cancer, then please do so, especially if you are above 30 or have a family history of cancer. This is the best way to personalize the ‘close the care gap’ theme. Cancer is best handled with early detection.

Technology cannot be left out in this journey to close the gap. In Nigeria, digital technology is gradually being employed in cancer treatment and care. Such innovations include the oncopadi and notitia. More of such innovations could be pivotal in changing the cancer narrative.

Possible cancer treatment options

Cancer can be prevented to a large extent. In some cases, especially when there is early detection, cancer can equally be treated.

Some cancer treatment options are –

Chemotherapy
Surgery
Hormone therapy
Immunotherapy
Radiation therapy
Stem cell transplant.

Cancer screening

Cancer screening centers are not as common as they should be and this presents another care gap. We advise that you visit Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching hospital Nnewi if you are in the Southeast, to get most of your cancer screenings done. Check this link for other cancer screening centers in Nigeria.

If you know of any other certified cancer screening centers within Anambra state and the South East, please share in the comment section.

How you can reduce the risk of cancer

Paxs Pharmacy uses this World Cancer Day to remind individuals to do everything within their powers to reduce their cancer risk and take action, beginning with these recommendations:

1. Make time for exercise – 30 minutes is all you need. We suggest that you start simply, maybe with a 30-minute walk, five days per week. Stretch, move around, or even dance in between your sedentary job. These efforts can make a statistical difference.

2. Maintain a healthy weight. Cancer of the breast, bowel, pancreas, esophagus, gall bladder, kidney, and female reproductive organs have all been linked to obesity. To make things easier for you, Paxs Pharmacy offers BMI calculations to quickly assess your weight and offer practical advice on how to attain or maintain a healthy weight.

3. No smoking. Ever. The use of tobacco products is the single biggest risk factor for lung cancer and has been linked to other types of cancer as well. This also applies to alternative tobacco products, such as e-cigarettes, which health officials warn may cause health problems, including cancer, due to the nicotine and chemicals they contain.

4. Get regular cancer screenings. While screening cannot reduce the risk of cancer, early detection increases the chances of successful treatment. Women should follow current screening guidelines for early detection of the breast and uterus. Men should do the same for prostate cancer.

5. Consider immunization against certain diseases. Cancer prevention includes protection from certain viral infections. Consider talking with your doctor/pharmacist about getting immunized against hepatitis B, and the human papillomavirus, or HPV.

Together, we can help reduce this cancer menace in our society by joining the campaign to close the care gap. Until we achieve health equity, cancer and other diseases will continue to torment mankind irrespective of where you reside or your race.

HAPPY WORLD CANCER DAY FROM PAXS PHARMACY

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.

16Nov

Access to diabetes care

November 16, 2021 admin 62

It has been 100 years since the discovery of insulin as a recourse for people living with diabetes, yet a lot of old and young people have their lives snuffed out by diabetes. This situation is worse when there are late diagnoses, monitoring, treatment, and management of diabetes which impedes the fight against the ailment.

It is estimated that about 6 million Nigerians are living with Diabetes mellitus (DM) but more worrisome is the fact that two-thirds of persons living with diabetes are not even aware of that health status. Of that figure that is detected, a large percentage does not receive proper/adequate treatment. The cost of treatment and care for DM is not affordable for the common man, likewise the recommended food for better management of the disease. In addition to that challenge, many people living with diabetes have no access to the type of information they need to live healthier and longer lives. Of course, there is the group that will rather resort to self-care than heed the advice of their professional healthcare providers.

People who are not aware that they are diabetic face greater challenges because they live in dangerous ignorance. This group of people go about their businesses with no diabetes care or treatment at all. They are at the mercy of the disease until they are diagnosed, if ever. Often, by the time the disease is diagnosed in such persons, it has already gone too far and probably done some damages to their body. In such a scenario, it is more difficult to control and manage diabetes.

What happens when persons living with DM do not have access to proper diabetes care?

A lot of complications can arise when persons living with diabetes lack access to diabetes care. According to Mayoclinic, the longer you have diabetes — and the less controlled your blood sugar — the higher the risk of complications.

Uncontrolled diabetes can have adverse effects on various parts of the body including the heart, eyes, kidneys, nerves, gums, and teeth.

Increased risk of heart diseases such as stroke, heart attack and the narrowing of arteries.
Vision impairments like glaucoma can occur in a person living with diabetes, especially when there is little or no treatment and care.
Kidney damage (nephropathy) can result from uncontrolled diabetes.
Foot damage is a common complication associated with diabetes when the nerve on the foot is damaged or there is reduced blood circulation to the foot. This may lead to infections and sometimes, amputation when there is a cut or blisters on the leg.
Nerve damage (neuropathy) is another danger of diabetes common among people that have lived with the ailment for a number of years.
Living with diabetes exposes one to the risk of dental problems including swollen and bleeding gums.

How to improve access to diabetes care/treatment and prevent diabetes complications

It cannot be overemphasized that access to quality treatment is critical to the survival of persons living with diabetes. Persons living with diabetes can prevent/prolong the onset of complications from diabetes.

Blood glucose test — Patient being tested for blood sugar level

The first step is to always know your blood glucose level. You can walk into any certified healthcare facility, including Paxs Pharmacy to check it as often as possible. The knowledge of your glucose level is vital in diagnoses and treatment of diabetes. If you can, please purchase the blood sugar test kit so that you can easily test your sugar level at home.
Encourage your family and friends to check their blood glucose level. Diabetes is not a disease for the aged. Young people can also suffer from diabetes and its complications, especially when it is undetected and uncontrolled.
Request for blood glucose test whenever you are in the hospital for any health challenges even if you have no obvious symptoms of diabetes.
If you are diagnosed with diabetes, please do not indulge in self-care, rather, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and advise to the letter.
Healthy feeding goes a long way to curtail the effects of diabetes and reduce the sugar level. Ask your doctor, pharmacist or nutritionist about the best food for diabetics as well as the quantity and right time to consume them.
As your healthcare provider will tell you, exercise is an integral part of treatment regimen for diabetes. He/she will advise you on the most suitable type of exercise for you.
There are various medications for diabetes, but you cannot just go to the market and buy any of your choice. Your healthcare provider, based on your health history and blood glucose level will prescribe the right medication. Do not take insulin because your cousin is taking insulin. Make sure you follow professional prescription.
Another reason you must employ the services of professionals when tackling diabetes is that your doctor or pharmacist knows when to check your cholesterol and blood pressure as these factors also affect treatment and control of diabetes.
Quit smoking and drinking alcohol
Pay attention to your feet for cuts and boils. Also be on the lookout for any changes in your body like increased urination, vision problems, increased fatigue, thirst and sweating.

As individuals, we owe it to ourselves and our loved ones to live our best lives in the healthiest way available to us. Take charge of your health, live healthy.

28Sep

World Rabies Day 2021

September 28, 2021 admin 57

What Facts Do You Know About Rabies?

Over 59,000 people globally die of rabies annually. 95% of that population is located in Africa and Asia according to World Health Organization (WHO). WHO observed that cases of rabies are prevalent in ‘poor and disadvantaged populations who often have limited access to healthcare.

What is rabies?

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system. It can infect any warm-blooded animal including dogs, bats, foxes, raccoons, and sometimes, cats. These animal carriers can in turn transmit it to humans making it a zoonic disease.

99% of the time, rabies is transmitted from animal to man through dog bites. However, it can also spread through saliva and scratches from an infected animal. Fortunately, it cannot spread through closed skin. For instance, if you have no scratches or wounds on your body, an infected dog can lick your skin and you will still be safe.

Rabies can be fatal if not properly handled speedily. Unfortunately, the incubation period in humans can vary between 20 days and 60 days

How then can you protect yourself and your loved ones against rabies?

Early treatment of rabies can help prevent a fatality. Here are some steps you can take to prevent contracting rabies/avoiding death from the disease –

If you own a pet like a dog, the first step is to ensure that you vaccinate your pet as often as required. This will go a long way in reducing human infection.

Where there is an open wound inflicted by a rabid animal, wash the wound with soap and a copious amount of water immediately. Then rush to a medical facility as soon as possible. This prompt action can save lives.

Go for rabies vaccination –

1. If you live in areas prone to rabies or you intend to travel to such an area. Health workers will give you a pre-exposure vaccine in the right doses as a precaution against rabies.

2. If you have been in contact with a rabid animal, the medical personnel will determine the best course of action to take which may include post-exposure vaccination.

If you come in contact with a rabid pet like a dog or cat that is not yours, immediately look for the owner so you can ascertain the vaccination status of the animal. Otherwise, run to the nearest medical facility.

If your pet is infected by another animal, take it to a veterinary doctor as soon as possible. Note however that an infected animal can only transmit rabies after the onset of clinical signs.

What are the signs/symptoms of rabies?

The early signs/symptoms of rabies in man and animals usually include –

Changes in behavior like aggression, withdrawal or even getting too friendly.
Fever
Headache
Feeling generally unwell
Feeling scared or anxious

Advanced signs/symptoms may include –

Hydrophobia (fear of water)
With time, the infected animal/human may develop hypersensitivity to light and sound.
This could be followed by seizures.
In some cases, the patient may become too vicious and unfriendly.
Typically, when the rabies infection enters its final stages, paralysis of the nerves that control the head and throat sets in.
Inability to swallow and hyper-salivation (production of excess saliva) will begin and inevitably, the paralysis will progress until the victim eventually goes into respiratory failure followed by death.

According to WHO, Rabies is one of the neglected tropical vaccine-preventable diseases. Nigeria, like most poor and disadvantaged areas, is prone to rabies. If you must own a pet in Nigeria, make sure you constantly take it for medical checkups and do not allow it to stray.

Take prompt action against rabies if you have any reason to think that you have been in contact with any rabid animal, including dogs, bats, and cats.

04Aug

World breastfeeding week 2021 – Protect breastfeeding: A shared responsibility in Nigeria and beyond

August 4, 2021 admin 58

August 1 to August 7 annually is mapped out as World breastfeeding week. This year, the theme which is “Protect breastfeeding: A shared responsibility” reminds us that each of us has a responsibility to protect breastfeeding. The onus is not just on the mothers, but also on fathers, employers, churches, healthcare providers, and so on. Provision of breastfeeding spaces for nursing mothers to conveniently breastfeed their babies is one of the ways to protect breastfeeding. Why should we all be involved in protecting breastfeeding? Simple – the costs of not breastfeeding are quite enormous

The World Health Organization (WHO) has provided some facts and guidelines on breastfeeding. Here are some of them –

The advantages of breastfeeding are enormous and cannot be over-emphasized. Here are some of the advantages as outlined by WHO –
– Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival. However, nearly 2 out of 3 infants are not exclusively breastfed for the recommended 6 months—a rate that has not improved in 2 decades.
– Breastmilk is the ideal food for infants. It is safe, clean and contains antibodies which help protect against many common childhood illnesses.
– Breastmilk provides all the energy and nutrients that the infant needs for the first months of life, and it continues to provide up to half or more of a child’s nutritional needs during the second half of the first year, and up to one third during the second year of life.
– Breastfed children perform better on intelligence tests, are less likely to be overweight or obese and less prone to diabetes later in life.
– Women who breastfeed also have a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancers.

If you are having any challenges with breastfeeding,please consult your doctor or registered midwife.

28Jul

World hepatitis day 2021 – Hepatitis can’t wait in Nigeria

July 28, 2021 admin 54

July 28^th is recognized globally as World Hepatitis Day to encourage the prevention, testing, and treatment of Hepatitis. The theme for this year which is – ‘Hepatitis can’t wait’ takes into cognizance the fact that people living with hepatitis can’t wait to get treatment, just as people that are unaware of their hepatitis status can’t wait to get vaccinated and tested.

Types of hepatitis

Hepatitis which is inflammation of the liver is caused by five main strains of the hepatitis virus – A, B, C, D, and E with hepatitis B and C constituting the greater health challenge. Hepatitis D virus is not considered a complete virus and can only affect people who already have hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B and C are prevalent in Nigeria. Unfortunately, most people living with hepatitis B and C infections do not show symptoms and can remain so until the infection causes significant damage to the liver.

Signs and symptoms of hepatitis

Chronic hepatitis (B, C, and D) takes a long time to develop. Hence, these signs and symptoms may not be easily noticed, but acute hepatitis (A and E) show these signs and symptoms faster –

Abdominal pains
Dark urine
Yellow eyes and skin (jaundice)
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Fever
Nausea and vomiting

Mode of transmission

A different virus is responsible for each type of hepatitis, thus, the different modes of transmission. Hepatitis B, C, and D can be transmitted by mother to child transmission, transfusion of unscreened blood, use of unsterilized equipment for surgical procedures, indiscriminate use of sharp objects in local circumcision, tribal marking, ear piercing, tattoos, or reuse of needles and syringes and other sharp objects. Unprotected sexual intercourse is also a means of transmission.

However, hepatitis A & E viruses are transmitted through food and water that are contaminated with the fecal matter of an infected person. Hepatitis A is highly contagious.

There is noninfectious hepatitis which is caused by excessive alcohol intake, an overdose of medications, and exposure to poisons.

Hepatitis can also develop as a result of autoimmune response, that is, when the immune system mistakes the liver for a harmful object and begins to attack it.

Dangers of hepatitis for those that do not know their status

One of the dangers is that people could go on to develop liver disease, including cancer. They could also continue to infect others around them, especially family members and sexual partners.

Note that Hepatitis B (HBV ) has no known cure for now while hepatitis C has no vaccine.

Prevention of hepatitis

Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B
Practice good hygiene
Be mindful of what and where you eat
Know your hepatitis status, especially pregnant women to reduce the incidents of mother-to-child transmission.
Implementation of blood safety strategies
Safer sex practices
Spread the word about hepatitis, not the virus.
If you notice the above-mentioned signs and symptoms, please consult your doctor or pharmacist. Same goes for people who are exposed to the risks of hepatitis. For instance, if you have unprotected sex, multiple sex partners, share sharp objects or been in contact with a person living with hepatitis, please visit a healthcare professional.