Know About Zika Virus

The Zika virus was virtually unheard of until recently. But
links to birth malformations, and a prediction that 4
million people could be infected this year, have led to the
World Health Organization declaring it an international
public health emergency . We take a look at the risks, the
issues and whether there are any solutions.
What is the Zika virus?
Zika is a virus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, which
are found in tropical regions. Typical symptoms include a
fever, headache and rash lasting for up to a week. It can
also cause a mild form of conjunctivitis, which can help
distinguish the illness from dengue fever, another
mosquito-borne illness. In some cases it can lead to the
potentially fatal Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare condition
that affects the nervous system. But with about 80 per
cent of people affected not showing any symptoms, the
infection is often undiagnosed.
Why is infection with the Zika virus so bad for pregnant
women?
The reason for such concern is that the virus seems to
affect fetuses . Since the virus arrived in Brazil last year,
cases of microcephaly – a congenital condition that
causes babies to be born with a small head and
sometimes brain damage – have increased 20-fold.
However, it isn’t yet known how many of the cases are
linked to Zika infection. Nutrition, environmental
conditions and additional infections, for example, could
also play a role.
It can affect fetuses at all stages of pregnancy, although
infection is thought to be most dangerous during the first
and second trimester. Women living in Zika hotspots are
being advised by governments to hold off getting
pregnant, in some countries for up to two years . Some
have suggested the impacts of the virus could challenge
anti-abortion policies in this region.
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Why have I never heard of Zika before?
Before 2000, Zika mostly infected forest animals. Human
infections were rare and the virus didn’t cause any of the
suspected complications we are seeing today. One theory
is that it has mutated , making it capable of hijacking
human cells more easily.
The Zika virus is also new to the Americas. Previously, it
was limited to Africa and South-East Asia, typically in
areas that are also hotspots for dengue fever. But after
first making its appearance in Brazil last May, Zika has
been spreading across the Americas, with 25 countries
now seeing active transmission of the virus. The World
Health Organization believes it will spread to all countries
in the region except for Canada and continental Chile.
And that could happen soon, helped by this year’s El Niño
potentially increasing mosquito populations.
On 4 February, Spain confirmed a case of Zika virus in a
pregnant woman – the first in Europe. The woman had
recently returned from Colombia. According to the
Spanish health ministry, “the diagnosed cases of Zika
virus in Spain… don’t risk spreading the virus in our
country as they are imported cases”.
How is the Zika virus spread?
Several species of Aedes mosquitoes are known to carry
the Zika virus, including Aedes aegypti , the species that
transmits dengue. Although previously limited to specific
tropical regions, they now seem to be taking up residence
in higher latitudes, which could be due to global warming.
Zika can also be passed on through sex . The virus has
been isolated from the semen of an infected individual
and has been confirmed as the transmission method for a
case of Zika on the US mainland .
Is there a vaccine for Zika?
There is currently no vaccine available. It could take years
to develop one, although some vaccine developers claim
they could have one ready this year .
Until then, efforts are focused on relieving symptoms, if
any are present, and advising against pregnancy in those
at risk. Protective measures include using insect
repellents and mosquito nets, wearing long-sleeved shirts
and long trousers, and staying indoors.
Have there been outbreaks of Zika before?
The biggest outbreak until now affected about 28,000
people in French Polynesia in 2013 and 2014, before
spreading to other Pacific islands. Following the outbreak
in French Polynesia there was an unusual increase in
babies born with microcephaly . In 2007, there was a
smaller outbreak in Yap Island, Micronesia, where about
185 cases were identified. The Zika virus was new to both
of these regions.
The virus that emerged in Brazil seems to be closely
related to the strain seen in French Polynesia. One theory
being debated is that travellers to the 2014 Football World
Cup in Brazil may have brought the virus with them .
What is being done to control the current outbreak?
The WHO has asked for international help to develop a
vaccine. Other anti-Zika initiatives involve learning more
about the virus, diagnosing cases more quickly and trying
to control mosquito populations with techniques including
the release of genetically modified insects.
With the Olympic Games set to take place in Rio this
summer, there are concerns the event could spread the
virus further around the world. While cooler, dryer weather
at that time of year should reduce the mosquito
population, organisers are also searching venues for
standing water where mosquitoes could breed.
What’s the advice to those visiting areas affected by
Zika?
Pregnant travellers are being advised to avoid countries
affected by Zika, while those returning from a trip should
see a doctor. Conceiving after the virus has cleared from
the blood, which takes about a week, is thought to be
safe, although it’s always best to seek medical advice.
Health authorities in the UK are advising men who have
travelled to affected regions to use condoms for a month
after they return, or six months after recovery if they
experience Zika symptoms.

What you need to know about Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is a common cancer around the world.

Colon cancer is best described as the appearance and advancement of disease cells in the tissue of the 
digestion tracts, in particular the colon and the rectum; both included in the lower digestive framework.

Dangerous growth cells
grow in packs known as polyps,
which dangers spreading cancer cells to far off parts of the body. Keeping in mind the end goal to

avert threat, restorative

experts underscore the significance

furthermore, advantage of ahead of schedule finding and

starting treatment as quickly as time permits

to support the best conceivable conditions

for full recuperation and come back to ordinary

life.

Step by step instructions to Prevent Colon Cancer – know  the signs & manifestations

Indications of colon growth include:

Drawn out blockage or the runs

Appearance of blood in the stool

Unexplained weight reduction

Weakness – indications of iron lack

(found in routine blood tests)

As indications keep on developing, some may experience bloating, stomach agony, or queasiness. Sentiment intense

stomach agony may show the

advancement of Ileus ; block of the

insides, a condition that requires

prompt clinical treatment and is

frequently triggered y by colon cancer.

As already specified, timely diagnose
makes it possible to achieve full

recuperation. In this way, upon presentation

of essential side effects connected with suspected harm, one ought to look for
prompt medicinal help. Present day
hardware is used to analyze colon

cancer early and to assess harm to

the colon. Determination may include fecal blood tests, high-affectability
immunochemical tests, and screening to identify intestinal dying.

Colon Cancer Treatment

Luckily, a few treatment techniques

have been produced to treat colon

growth utilizing methods that are

negligibly intrusive and work to keep up the respectability and structure of sound tissue of the digestive system and help patients proficiently achieve full recuperation. Current  systems frequently include progressed  surgical methodology that uproot harmed areas of the digestive tract and rejoin solid tissue, also types of   focused on medication treatment (chemotherapy) also, radiation treatment. Treatment for colon disease might likewise be powerful at the point when two or more strategies are consolidated, keeping in mind the end goal to achieve ideal results.

World Malaria Day: Defeating Malaria

The 25th day of April every year is devoted to celebrating Malaria day globally. The theme for this year is "Invest in the future, defeat malaria.

Malaria is one of the leading causes of death globally. Statistics show that between 1-3 million people die annually in which Nigeria takes about 300,000 thousand of this figure. Hence, there is the need to combat this killer in our society.

I spoke with a specialist recently, he talked explicitly on the measures we need to put in place to avoid malaria and safeguard our future ( as the theme of the year is).

Surprisingly, all he said are what we all know but maybe indifferent to;

Using treated Mosquito net.

Having nets all around our houses

Shutting the door during the day so that Mosquitoes that are outside won't have access inside the house.

He commended the effort of the Government by giving out treated mosquito nets to women that just deliver in general hospitals but however said they (the government) need put in more effort by clearing drainages and providing more infrastructures.

So many lives have been cut short as a result of malaria, why not put in place all that is  highlighted and more so we can put a stop to this killer in our society?

Happy Celebration.

Chicken's Sudden Inflate, Cause?

Recently, I noticed that one of our chickens had tripled in size, and it was finding it hard to breath. No jokes, it increased in size like 3times more than its 'siblings'. You could see all the body organ through the balloon.

Since it couldn't breath well, I had to find a sharp object,  needle and I punctured the balloon all over its body (stomach region, neck etc). The air deflated and the chicken has been fine since that day.

What could be the cause?
Seen something similar before?

Self Medication: People’s Perspective.

So this article will be in two parts. The first which I will be treating now will dwell on people’s perspective. The one to come next will be Health Specialists’ Perspective.

PART  A

Self-medication has cut so many promising lives short. That has not discouraged people from practicing it.  The big question is WHY?

To begin with, what is self medication? To a layman’s understanding, it is when you self-diagnose yourself and use drugs on your own will with a purpose without consulting any specialist.
In the practical sense, it means, you get sick, rather than visit a health specialist so that you can be diagnosed and necessary drug be prescribed to you, you stay home and do all processes all by yourself.
So many factors make people to imbibe in self-medication. I took my time to ask lots of people to tell me their opinion on self-medication, and the reason why they engage in it rather than visit a pharmacist.

“Self medication is good and we all practice it. You have a slight headache and rush to the hospital?? Why? What you can just take Paracetamol for and you will be perfectly okay? Do you know that there are some headaches that you do not even need to visit hospital for? All you need is too rest and you will be perfectly fine. But you know, Pharmacists and doctors will tell you self-medication is bad. You know the reason? If everyone starts engaging in self-prescription, they (health specialists) will be out of business.”

“Self medication is good only when you are familiar with the symptom(s) of the ailment you have, if you are not familiar with it, my brother, run to Hospital oooo”.

I think I quite buy the idea. If you are familiar with the symptoms, treat yourself, otherwise, rush to a hospital.
Wait a sec. Some ailments do have the same symptom. What do you do in this case? For example, Headache is a sign of many ailments. Oh, I’m no more buying that idea, it’s wicked.

“Sometimes, even Doctors get it wrong. It is always helpful to make your own personal research, and sometimes, challenge their (specialists) knowledge in a respective manner. When you have certain symptoms it’s always helpful to Google it before going in to see the Doc. That way, you have a little bit of information when he is discussing with you or if the doctor diagnoses certain illness, you should make your own personal research too. Check again with the pharmacist any medication to be sure you have the right need for what is diagnosed.” I have to cut in here. I’m totally buying this idea and it’s final. Continuation “ I took one of the kids once to see Doc and their prescription was for hears instead of mouth, it was only because i asked at Pharmacy that I went back an she corrected her mistake.”
So, that’s it. Different strokes for different folks. And people learn more from experience. I believe people have their reasons for doing whatever they do. The last opinion above stresses that self medication/diagnose is bad, but that you shouldn't trust the specialist 100% as you have your own assignment to do as well.
People also have various kinds of allergies, you have to read or check with the doc or pharmacist the medicine does not consist those things you're allergic to, don't assume they know you know yourself better than anyone else.
And to the Nigerian factor, I feel peoples self medicate because it takes time to book an appointment with your Doctor. It takes a lot of of time to see a Doctor here unlike in developed countries.

So, what is your opinion on Self Medication?

Remember the other part is coming, from Specialists’ perspective.

Happy Weekend :)

When Doctors Prescribe Different Drugs For Same Ailment

Many a times, one gets indisposed and the need arises to visit a  Doctor to diagnose and prescribe  drugs to cure the ailment.

But what if, after a short while, you start seeing the symptoms of the previous ailment in your body? But this time, you visit another Doctor. You get there and he/she prescribes a new set of drugs for you different from the ones prior prescribed by the first Doctor.

The feeling of fear starts setting in at this point. And deep down your heart, you have literally stabbed the previous Doctor multiple times for wrong prescription. But after a while, you begin to wonder if it was the first Doctor that is quack or the new one. Well, to cure your dilemma, a friend of mine visited some health specialists and they made it known that in fact, none is quack between the two Doctors, and that it depends on individual school of thought vis-a-vis  the result of the diagnosis.

A Pharmacist changed the wheels to another direction totally. He said it is their job to prescribe drugs not the Doctors' because they (Pharmacists) are the ones who produce the drugs in the first place.

So, the button line is that, Pharmacists can prescribe different drugs for the same ailment,
1. it depends on their schools of thought.

These are my personal opinion
What if the medication for the first diagnose is no longer in the Market?

Another thing you should also consider is that some illnesses have same symptoms. You may have same symptom for totally different illnesses.

Eating Safe Foods

The World's Health Day was celebrated few days ago. The focus for the year is on Food Safety - The Global View.

As we all know, food is very essential in our lives. What you eat constitutes 80% of your Health. Don't quote me.

It is estimated that more than 2million people die as a result of contaminated food and water.

So, there is the need to watch what we eat. 

Eating the right food at the right time doesn't mean you should spend excessively, but it has to do with the "content" of your food; how it is prepared, the quantity etc.

I had a chat with a Professor of Epidemiology recently and he revealed to me various factors that get food contaminated.

Improper Transportation
Improper Storage
How it is displayed etc.

I then went further to ask him that what are the foods to be avoided?

He smiled and said All foods are meant to be eaten, but you should take note of these ones, for your health.

Food that is not well processed.
Food that is not clean.
Food that is not well cooked.
Food not well displayed, this is the type that we see at public places.
Lastly, expired foods.

I'll stress more on Expired food. 90% of Nigerians don't bother to check the expiry date of foods they buy (don't quote me still). I happen to be one of the victims. I only check the expiry date when the food tastes unusual in my mouth.
We should always endeavour to check before eating.

So that's it. Eat safe foods and stay healthy. :)