31Aug

Typhoid fever: causes, symptoms, and preventive measures

August 31, 2021 admin 26

Typhoid fever is caused by salmonella typhi bacteria which can be spread via contaminated food and water or close contact with an infected person. For instance, if a food seller who is infected with typhoid fever defecates without properly washing his hands before handling his customer’s food, chances are that the customer might contract the typhoid fever when she consumes that food.

It is not enough to run water through the hands after using the toilet. The hands must be washed properly with soap.

Common symptoms of typhoid fever include –

Headaches
Poor appetite
Generalized aches and pains
High fever
Lethargy
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain and discomfort
Chest congestion

Sometimes, even when the symptoms are eliminated, people may still carry the typhoid bacteria, which means they can still spread it to others through their faeces.

How can I protect myself against typhoid fever?

Typhoid fever is common in places with poor sanitation and a lack of safe drinking water. Therefore, safe drinking water, improved sanitation and adequate medical care can help to prevent and control typhoid fever. However, in developing countries like Nigeria, it may be difficult to achieve the needed level of sanitation and access to potable water. Hence, some experts believe that vaccines are the best way to control typhoid fever.

Unfortunately, the vaccine may not provide total protection, so you need to always follow these guidelines –

Wash your hands thoroughly. Wash your hands before eating or preparing food and after using the toilet. Have an alcohol-based hand sanitizer handy for times when water is not available.
Avoid drinking untreated water. Contaminated drinking water is an easy way to contract typhoid fever. It is pertinent that the water you drink is safe. You can use water guard to purify water or boil your water if you cannot afford bottled water.
Thoroughly wash raw fruits and vegetables. Use salt and clean water to wash your fruits and vegetables always thoroughly, if possible, more than once.
Opt for hot foods. If you must eat outside, make sure it is served hot.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist. If you are in close contact with an infected person or you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms, please consult the experts.

13Aug

Your liver and you

August 13, 2021 ebele 22

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.

04Aug

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

August 4, 2021 admin 24

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 25

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.

21Jul

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

July 21, 2021 ebele 24

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

16Jul

Some common health and medication myths debunked

July 16, 2021 admin 25

Medication myths are common, even among the learned. This affects the way people use medications and of course, their efficacy. Following these myths may even result in the development of further health challenges.

Some common medication myths include –

Injections are more effective than oral medications.

This is a common myth among Nigerians. It is so prevalent that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC) has had to wade in and declare that tablets and capsules are as potent as injections.

Both injections and tablets are effective. The important thing is taking the right drug in the right dosage. When in doubt, consult your pharmacist to educate you on drug use.

2. I do not need to continue taking my medications since I already feel stronger.

The fact that you do not like taking medications does not mean you should abuse them. If your doctor prescribes certain medications for your ailment, you must take the full dosage. Even though you may no longer experience the symptoms, this does not mean the illness is completely gone. To avoid a relapse, please ensure you follow your doctor’s prescription to the letter.

3. Antibiotics are the solution!

For many people, every ailment’s solution can be found in antibiotics. Stomach upset? take antibiotics, painful menstruation? antibiotics, constant headache? antibiotics to the rescue.

Not only is that a form of drug abuse, but you are also putting your life at risk. When the need for antibiotics finally arises, your body may have become antibiotic-resistant. This will interfere with the efficacy of the antibiotics and hinder recovery.

4. Alcohol cannot interfere with medications

The fact is that alcohol interferes with certain medications and reduces their efficacy. It can also interact with these medications to cause certain complications in your body.

Alcohol may also intensify the side effects of certain medications.

5. Spicy foods, alcohol, and stress cause ulcer

This used to be the belief, but recent researches have shown that the bacterium, Helicobacter pylori is responsible for the development of ulcers. Lifestyle choices and spicy foods can only aggravate your ulcer but they are not the cause.

This article does not exhaust the list of common health and medication-related myths. Before you take any medication that was not prescribed by a medical professional, please consult your pharmacist.

Do you know any more health and medication myths? Add yours in the comment section.

09Jul

What is COVID-19 and how can I protect myself?

July 9, 2021 admin 19

What is COVID-19 and how can I protect myself?

A new virus called the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was identified as the cause of a disease outbreak that began in China in 2019. The disease is called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Public health groups, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and WHO, are monitoring the pandemic and posting updates on their websites. These groups have also issued recommendations for preventing the spread of the virus.

How does the coronavirus spread?

Data has shown that the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mainly spreads from person to person among those in close contact (within about 6 feet, or 2 meters). The virus spreads by respiratory droplets released when someone infected with the virus coughs, sneezes, breathes, sings or talks. These droplets can be inhaled or land in the mouth, nose or eyes of a person nearby.

Sometimes the COVID-19 virus can spread when a person is exposed to small droplets that stay in the air for several minutes or hours — called airborne transmission. It’s not yet known how common it is for the virus to spread this way.

It can also spread if a person touches a surface with the virus on it and then touches his or her mouth, nose or eyes, but this isn’t a main way it spreads.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

COVID-19 symptoms can be very mild to severe. Some people have no symptoms. The most common symptoms are fever, cough and tiredness.

Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, muscle aches, chills, sore throat, headache, chest pain, and loss of taste or smell. This list is not all inclusive. Other less common symptoms have also been reported. Symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure.

Can COVID-19 be prevented?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given emergency use authorization to some COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S. A vaccine might prevent you from getting COVID-19 or prevent you from becoming seriously ill from COVID-19 if you get the COVID-19 virus.

What can I do to avoid becoming ill?

If you haven’t gotten a COVID-19 vaccine, there are many steps you can take to prevent yourselves from getting the COVID-19 virus and spreading it to others. The CDC and WHO recommend following these precautions:

Keep at least 6 feet (2 meters) of distance between yourself and people outside your household.
Avoid crowds and indoor places that have poor ventilation.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Wear a mask in public places, especially when social distancing is difficult.
Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw away the used tissue. Wash your hands right away.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Clean and disinfect surfaces you often touch on a daily basis.

If you have a chronic medical condition and may have a higher risk of serious illness, check with your doctor about other ways to protect yourself.

Should I wear a mask?

The CDC and WHO recommend that people who haven’t been vaccinated wear cloth face masks in public when social distancing is difficult. People who haven’t been vaccinated should continue to wear face masks in indoor public spaces and outdoors where there is a high risk of COVID-19 transmission, such as at a crowded event or large gathering. This advice is based on evidence that people with COVID-19 can transmit the COVID-19 virus before they realize they have it.

Using masks in public may help reduce the spread from people who don’t have symptoms. Non-medical cloth masks are recommended for the public. Surgical masks may be used if available. In some locations, surgical masks and N-95 respirators are in short supply and should be reserved for health care providers.

After you’re fully vaccinated, the CDC recommends that it’s ok not to wear a mask except where required by a rule or law. If you are fully vaccinated and have a condition or are taking medications that weaken your immune system, you may need to keep wearing a mask. You’re considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after you get a second dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine or 2 weeks after you get a single dose of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.

In the U.S., everyone also needs to wear a mask while on planes, buses, trains and other forms of public transportation.

Can I travel?

If you’re planning to travel, first check for travel advisories and use appropriate precautions when in public. You also may want to talk with your doctor if you have health conditions that make you more susceptible to respiratory infections and complications.

What can I do if I am or may be ill with COVID-19?

If you develop symptoms or you’ve been exposed to the COVID-19 virus, contact your doctor for medical advice. If you need to go to the doctor or hospital, call ahead so health care providers can take steps to ensure that others aren’t exposed.

Take the following precautions to avoid spreading the COVID-19 virus:

Stay home from work, school and public areas, except to get medical care.
Avoid public transportation, taxis and ride-sharing if possible.
Wear a cloth face mask around other people.
Isolate yourself as much as possible from others in your home.
Use a separate bedroom and bathroom if possible.
Avoid sharing dishes, glasses, bedding and other household items.

With

Pritish K. Tosh, M.D.