Do you or anyone you know squint when reading the small print in a book or your laptop screen? You may be suffering from farsightedness. People with farsightedness (also called “hyperopia”) can have difficulty focusing on objects that are close.

Farsightedness is a relatively common condition, affecting approximately 10-30% of the world’s population. Farsightedness increases with age, with at least half of all persons over the age of 65 having some degree of farsightedness. Farsightedness often runs in families and is frequently present at birth. However, many children outgrow it.

What are the symptoms of farsightedness?
Symptoms of more severe farsightedness may include:
* Headaches
* Eyestrain
* Difficulty concentrating or focusing on nearby objects
* Fatigue or a headache after performing a close task such as reading

How is farsightedness corrected and diagnosed?

Farsightedness can be easily diagnosed with a basic eye exam given by an eye doctor.
Glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery can all be used to correct farsightedness. Depending on the extent of your condition, you may need to wear your glasses or contact lenses at all times, or only when you need to see objects up close, like when reading or sewing. With farsightedness, your prescription is a positive number, such as +3.00. The higher the number, the stronger your lenses will be.

If wearing contacts or glasses isn't for you, refractive surgery can reduce or even eliminate your dependence on glasses or contact lenses. However, it is advised that you talk to an eye doctor before you choose any method to treat farsightedness. And that you can do by getting in touch with our consultants at Afriglobal Medicare Limited at 8, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja or call 01-6291000, 01-6290998, 09022891059, 0700AFRIGLOBAL.

In the womenfolk, oral health could be a strong indicator of overall health. According to a new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, gum disease, and tooth loss are connected to a higher risk of early death in women past the age of menopause.

The Problem...
For older women, having a history of periodontal disease, a serious gum infection, presents a 12% higher risk of premature death from any cause, while the loss of natural teeth is associated with a 17% higher risk.

Periodontitis and edentulism (the word for when you lose your natural teeth) are thought to be related to chronic diseases of aging, including diabetes, arthritis, hypertension, lung disease.

Loss of all natural teeth -- complete edentulism -- was associated with a 17% higher risk of early death from any cause. Compared to women with intact teeth, the research shows those women with complete edentulism were older, less educated, visited the dentists less frequently and had more cardiovascular disease risk factors, such as family history, physical inactivity and poor diet.

The research says how many teeth you have in your mouth at a given point in time is more of a broad reflection of your overall, cumulative health status. The more natural teeth you may, the healthier your overall health status. We shouldn't forget, the teeth came out from the bones and are directly connected to the skeleton, the human frame itself.

The Solution...Oral health screening
Just like screening for high cholesterol or diabetes, the new findings in the oral research suggest that women should do a more consistent oral screening at the dentists to avoid health consequences later in life. In addition to lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise and smoking cessation, women might want to add dental visits to monitor for gum disease.

Now, this research doesn't say gum disease or tooth loss could lead to early death, it only shows there's an association between the state of oral health and premature death.

Yes you are right. Thank you Sir

kingphilip:
Very enlightening post and needs be seen by all and acted upon by all too

It's good to be in the know so as to be able to present the escalation of it and to curb it in the bud

Knowing your cholesterol ratio is important because it can help a doctor determine a person's risk of heart disease.

To calculate an individual's cholesterol ratio, Doctors divide the total cholesterol by the high-density lipoprotein level.
The optimal ratio is between 3.5 and 1. A higher ratio increases the risk of heart

Cholesterol levels are made up of three different types of cholesterol.

High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, which is considered "good" cholesterol. It makes up 20-30% of a person's total cholesterol level.

Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, considered "bad" cholesterol and makes up 60-70 percent of the total in the body.

Very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) is a precursor to LDL and makes up about 10-15 percent of a person's total cholesterol.

These percentages are important because when increase or decrease occur, they can affect the chances of a person developing heart disease

A good cholesterol ratio indicates that your body is working properly and is healthy. It signals that someone is in good health and is probably taking care of themselves

How to manage your cholesterol levels

Diet: Foods that are high in saturated fat, Trans fat, and carbohydrates raise cholesterol levels, so eating less of these types of foods will help manage and reduce it.

Weight: Many risks are associated with being overweight or obese, including increased cholesterol levels. Keeping a healthy weight helps all factors of health as well as reducing the risk of heart disease.

Exercise: Being active for at least 30 minutes per day raises the heart rate, helps with keeping a healthy weight, and reduces LDL cholesterol levels while increasing HDL cholesterol levels.
How Cholesterol level Affects Women.Cholesterol is mainly found in foods such as meat, poultry, and full-fat dairy products. People who eat animal products may have more cholesterol in their bodies at any given time than those who don't.
The liver will also increase cholesterol levels when a diet is high in fat and Trans fats. Having an increased amount of LDL cholesterol, caused by Trans and saturated fats, increases the risk for heart disease and diabetes.

LDL cholesterol coats arteries and causes a buildup of a substance called plaque on their walls. This leads to a condition known as atherosclerosis, which is a form of heart disease.

Both the body and heart are affected when this happens. The condition slows down the blood flow to the heart muscle and can block blood from even getting to the heart. This increases a person's risk of a heart attack

This post is a Cerebrospinal Meningitis Awareness & Prevention campaign forwarded to all Lagos State Hospitals on avoiding and preventing the spread of the deadly epidemic in Nigeria...

Meningitis is an acute inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and the spinal cord known as the meninges. Meningitis can occur when fluid surrounding the meninges becomes infected by bacterial or viral infections. The most common symptoms of cerebrospinal meningitis include fever, headache and neck stiffness.

Other symptoms include confusion or altered consciousness, vomiting, and an inability to tolerate light or loud noises. Young children often exhibit only nonspecific symptoms, such as irritability, drowsiness, or poor feeding.

As the new strain of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (Neisseria Meningitides Type C), has been detected and spread to 16 states across the country. This current outbreak of Cerebrospinal Meningitis started in Zamfara State in November 2016. A total number of 2524 people have been reportedly affected while the death toll has risen to 328 deaths. So far, a total 131 meningitis samples have been confirmed in the laboratory, out of which a majority are Neisseria Meningitides type C.

Actions so far taken include the dispatch of control teams constituted to coordinate all responses aimed at controlling CSM outbreak. Among the steps issued by the Federal Ministry of Health on avoiding contracting cerebrospinal meningitis include;

* Avoiding overcrowding
* Sleeping in well-ventilated places
* Avoiding close and prolonged contact with persons suspected to be suffering from CSM
* Proper disposal of respiratory and throat secretions
* Strict observance of hand-washing
* Don't sneeze into elbow joint/sleeves and ensure to wash hands after
* Reduce handshaking, kissing, sharing utensils or medical interventions such as mouth-to-mouth resuscitation
* Vaccination with relevant serotype of the meningococcal vaccine
* Avoid self-medication if CSM is suspected.

It's important that all individuals acquaint themselves with the basic understanding of cerebrospinal meningitis, how it is transmitted and prevented. Individuals should promptly seek medical/health care as soon as CSM or CSM-Like illness is suspected around them.

The Federal Ministry of Health has allayed fears among Nigerians, saying the public should remain calm as Cerebrospinal Meningitis is both preventable and curable. Please share this post to save a life, every Nigerian life matters...thank you.

*Alert On Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM)*
*Forwarded to All Lagos State Hospitals by HCH*
*FG Advises on Meningitis, Affects 16 States*
As the new strain of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM), Neisseria Meningitides type C continues to spread in epidemic proportion for the first time in Nigeria, the federal government has issued a public advisory urging key prevention mechanisms.

Among the prevention mechanisms advised by Health Minister, Prof Adewole is:
• Avoidance of overcrowding
• Sleeping in well-ventilated places
• Avoidance of close and prolonged contact with a case/s
• Proper disposal of respiratory and throat secretions
• Strict observance of hand hygiene and sneezing into Elbow joint/sleeves
• Reduce handshaking, kissing, sharing utensils or medical interventions such as mouth resuscitation
• Vaccination with relevant serotype of the meningococcal vaccine and
• Self-medication should be avoided.

According to the Minister, the country is currently experiencing an outbreak of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) that has spread across the country and mostly affecting States in the upper parts of the country which fall within the African Meningitis Belt.
Other Countries that are facing similar outbreaks at the moment include our West-African Neighbours like Niger, Chad, Cameroun, Togo, and Burkina Faso.

The larger African Meningitis Belt consists of 26 Countries that stretch from Senegal, Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau to the west coast to eastern countries of Eritrea and Ethiopia
He noted that this is not the first time or the worst Epidemic ever faced by Nigeria but this round of the epidemic has come with a difference, as all previous epidemics were caused by Neisseria Meningitides type ‘A’ but this year we are recording Neisseria Meningitides type C in epidemic proportion for the first time.
In the past, the worst CSM epidemics experienced in Nigeria occurred in 1996 when about 109,580 cases and 11,717 deaths were recorded, followed by the one in 2003 (4,130 cases and 401 deaths) than in 2008 (9,086 cases and 562 deaths) and in 2009 when 9086 cases and 562 deaths were recorded.

Following the successive outbreaks, the World Health Organisation(WHO) instituted the mass vaccination campaign using a new conjugate vaccine the MenAfriVac-A in about 16 out of the 26 Vulnerable countries (including Nigeria). It resulted in a reduction of over 94% incidence of the disease in most countries, thus significantly reducing the risk of type A.
Some key lessons learned from the MenAfriVac-A mass vaccination campaign and the recent happenings across the sub-region are that, although type A was successfully displaced, other strains which were hitherto less significant can actually assume epidemic proportions.
Thus Efforts must continue towards preventing a rebound of the type-A and also preventing a potential replacement by all other strains, said the Minister.
Current Situation in Nigeria
As at Friday, March 31, Ninety (90) Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Sixteen (16) States of the Federation are so far affected including Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Nassarawa, Jigawa, FCT, Gombe, Taraba, Yobe, Kano, Osun, Cross Rivers, Lagos and Plateau have been affected by the new strain of CSM.
A total number of 2524 people have been reportedly affected while the death toll has risen to 328 Deaths. So far, a total 131 samples have been confirmed in the Laboratory, out of which a majority are Neisseria Meningitides type C. This current outbreak started in Zamfara State in the 50th week of 2016 (i.e. November 2016)

Actions were so far taken:
Control team constituted to coordinate all responses aimed at controlling the outbreak. Membership includes FMOH, NCDC, NPHCDA, WHO and other partners (MSF, UNICEF, CDC and EHealth Africa):
Coordination meetings hold regularly; All initial five States have commenced Emergency Operation Center EOC/EPR meeting; Mapping of resources at State level to identify ongoing activities.

Case Management and Infection Prevention & Control (IPC):
• Functional Isolation centers/units have been identified in all States and efforts are on to strengthen them.
• Antibiotics and management supplies available and being used as per protocol in all States for treatment
• A number of cases currently on admission or treated since the onset of the outbreak are being collated across LGAs and States.
• Micro plan concluded in Zamfara for possible vaccination in week 14

Surveillance:
• Active case searches in the affected LGAs and register review ongoing
• Outbreak/rumor investigations ongoing
• Clinician sensitization and training proposed in selected area
• CSM guidelines including Laboratory protocol under review.

Laboratory:
• Lumber puncture kits provided by WHO with plans for additional local sourcing.
• Pastorex used for testing CSF samples in the field (total of 131 cases positive) in all States
• Public health in Lagos State supporting the culture of positive samples from states.
• MSF facilitating sample analysis in Oslo by PCR
• Some PCR/Culture results are pending

Communication and Social Mobilization:
• Community health education is ongoing as part of State team responses with support from UNICEF
• Most States (especially Katsina and Zamfara) are doing radio jingles with support from UNICEF
• IEC materials are being developed by NCDC, NPHCDA, and UNICEF

Challenges:
• Low CSF collection rates (CSF sample versus reported cases)
• Weak logistics for sample transportation for prompt laboratory diagnosis
• Weak coordination between SMOH surveillance officers and treatment Centres, and delayed reporting of suspected cases to National level.
• Weak/non-functional EPR committees in some States and LGA levels
• Low availability of supplies (Ceftriaxone, Lumber Puncture Kits, TI media etc.) at the national level

Next Steps:
• Update CSM surveillance and management database especially for States with scanty epidemiological data
• Dissemination of targeted IEC materials to frontline health care workers in all States
• Redistribution of the treatment Antibiotic from non-active to actively reporting states to enhance case management
• Reactivate EPR committees at State and LGA levels in all States
• Support Katsina and Sokoto on preparation of ICG request
• Conduct detailed investigation on cases of Men-A in Zamfara and Katsina States
• Preparation for 2017/2018 CSM season to commence by October 2017. Very Important consideration shall be given to a Vaccine with wider spectrum of Antigens
• Arrange for cross-border surveillance locally in Nigeria and internationally with Republic of Niger and Benin
Early Diagnosis, Treatment, and Isolation:
• Very important that all individuals should acquaint themselves with at least the basic knowledge/understanding of CSM and how it is transmitted and prevented
• Strictly adhere to the advice of Health workers on how to protect oneself as enumerated above
• Prompt seeking for medical/health care as soon as CSM or CSM-Like Illness is suspected
• All Hospitals to ensure that appropriate Diagnoses are made including laboratory confirmation and immediate reporting through the surveillance system
• Commence early treatment as soon as the diagnoses of CSM is made
• Restrict mingling with other people once one is diagnosed as a case of CSM
• All Secondary and Tertiary Public Health Facilities should provide free treatment to all CSM Patients
The Federal Ministry of Health has allayed fears among Nigerians saying, “the public should remain calm as the disease Cebro-spinal Meningitis (CSM) is both preventable and curable”.

It, however, alerted that the cumulative number of people and locations affected may continue to increase but the actual rate of increase has begun to decline in some states indicating that the end of the epidemic is in sight.

Public health facilities have been directed to provide free treatment for all Cases of Cerebrospinal Meningitis.
It said more doses of the CSM vaccines are currently being expected in the country to be deployed to all affected states while available vials are being deployed to Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina and FCT.

Today, we recognize the contributions of doctors to individual lives and communities in our country. We celebrate you.
Tag a doctor

#NationalDoctorsDay

Newborn babies are immune to many diseases because they have antibodies they got from their mothers. However, the duration of this immunity may last only a month to about a year.

If a child is not vaccinated and is exposed to a disease germ, the child’s body may not be strong enough to fight the disease. Before vaccines, many children died from diseases that vaccines now prevent, such as whooping cough, measles, mumps and polio. Those same germs exist today, but babies are now protected by vaccines, so we do not see these diseases as often.

Children under 5 are especially susceptible to disease because their immune systems have not built up the necessary defences to fight infection. By immunising on time (by age 2), you can protect your child from disease and also protect others at school or daycare.

This immunisation schedule has been adapted according to the CDC and WHO (with recommendations for Nigerian Children).Note this is a guide and each doctor will recommend their schedule based on your child, risk factors and other factors.

In the image above are the vaccines children shouldn't miss from infancy for any reason whatsoever if they are to enjoy a clean bill of health growing up.

Thank you

hisgrace090:
Nice information. Note taken.

If there is a health issue that should give Nigerian men con, it is that of Prostate Cancer. Prostate cancer is a disease which only affects men. Prostate cancer is mostly a very slow progressing disease. In fact, many men die of old age, without ever knowing they had prostate cancer - it is only when an autopsy is done that doctors know it was there.

Why should Nigerian men be concerned about Prostate cancer? It is the leading cancer diagnosis and cause of cancer-related deaths among men. It is also the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Nigerian men, and even though true prevalence rate in the Nigerian community is unknown, published data reveals;
• Hospital prevalence rate of 127 per 100,000 male admission.
• Approximately 64% of newly diagnosed patients died within 2 years.
• Estimated number of new cases per year - 6,236.
• Estimated number of deaths per year: 5,098 (based on GLOBOCAN 2002 database by compiled by Ferlay et al. for the International Agency for Research on Cancer).

The scariest data about Prostate cancer in Nigeria? Estimated age-standardized rate of new cases per year: 23.3/100,000.
What should Nigerian men then know about Prostate cancer?
1. Researchers do not know exactly what causes prostate cancer.
One of the disturbing things about Prostate cancer is no one even knows how it really starts besides risk factors which researchers are studying how these factors cause prostate cells to become cancer. Prostate cancer can develop for months or years before it begins causing symptoms for some men.

2. Who is at risk of getting Prostate cancer?
Having a risk factor, or even several, does not mean that you will get Prostate cancer but researchers have found several factors might affect a man’s risk of getting it.
• Age
Prostate cancer is most common in men over 65 but the likelihood of developing it increases after age 50.
• Race: African and African-American men have a higher risk than other races to have it
• Family history: Men with a family history of prostate cancer have an increased risk of developing the cancer.
• Obesity: Overweight and obese men are more likely to have prostate cancer than men of a healthier weight.

3. What Are the Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?
The most common symptoms of prostate cancer include:
• trouble urinating
• increased frequency of urination
• decreased force when urinating
• blood in the urine and semen
• swelling in the legs
• discomfort in the pelvis or rectal region
• pain with ejaculation
Prostate cancer can develop for months or years before it begins causing symptoms for some men.

4. What Are Traditional Treatments?
The good news is Prostate cancer can be treated in one of the following treatment options:
• Removal of the prostate gland (radical prostatectomy)
• Radiation therapy – high-energy radiation that can shrink and kill cancer cells
• Chemotherapy – drug treatment that uses chemicals to kill cancer cells
• Hormone therapy – stops the body from producing testosterone, which prostate tumors use to grow
• Brachytherapy – radioactive seeds are placed in or near the tumor to shrink and kill it
• Cryosurgery – freezing tissue to kill cancer cells
• Ultrasound therapy – heating the prostate tissue to kill cancer cells.

So what should men do about Prostate cancer?
The earlier prostate cancer is found, the better. Early-stage prostate cancers can often be treated, but advanced-stage prostate cancer becomes harder to treat. Based on individual risk for the disease, lifestyle, and age, it is wise to talk to a doctor, who recommend screening and where to get it done.

To consult our consultants on the deadly Prostate cancer issue, please call Afriglobal Medicare on 01-6291000

If there is a health issue that should give Nigerian men con, it is that of Prostate Cancer. Prostate cancer is a disease which only affects men. Prostate cancer is mostly a very slow progressing disease. In fact, many men die of old age, without ever knowing they had prostate cancer - it is only when an autopsy is done that doctors know it was there.

Why should Nigerian men be concerned about Prostate cancer? It is the leading cancer diagnosis and cause of cancer-related deaths among men. It is also the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Nigerian men, and even though true prevalence rate in the Nigerian community is unknown, published data reveals;
• Hospital prevalence rate of 127 per 100,000 male admission.
• Approximately 64% of newly diagnosed patients died within 2 years.
• Estimated number of new cases per year - 6,236.
• Estimated number of deaths per year: 5,098 (based on GLOBOCAN 2002 database by compiled by Ferlay et al. for the International Agency for Research on Cancer).

The scariest data about Prostate cancer in Nigeria? Estimated age-standardized rate of new cases per year: 23.3/100,000.

What should Nigerian men then know about Prostate cancer?

1. Researchers do not know exactly what causes prostate cancer.
One of the disturbing things about Prostate cancer is no one even knows how it really starts besides risk factors which researchers are studying how these factors cause prostate cells to become cancer. Prostate cancer can develop for months or years before it begins causing symptoms for some men.

2. Who is at risk of getting Prostate cancer?
Having a risk factor, or even several, does not mean that you will get Prostate cancer but researchers have found several factors might affect a man’s risk of getting it.
• Age
Prostate cancer is most common in men over 65 but the likelihood of developing it increases after age 50.
• Race: African and African-American men have a higher risk than other races to have it
• Family history: Men with a family history of prostate cancer have an increased risk of developing the cancer.
• Obesity: Overweight and obese men are more likely to have prostate cancer than men of a healthier weight.

3. What Are the Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?
The most common symptoms of prostate cancer include:

• trouble urinating
• increased frequency of urination
• decreased force when urinating
• blood in the urine and semen
• swelling in the legs
• discomfort in the pelvis or rectal region
• pain with ejaculation

Prostate cancer can develop for months or years before it begins causing symptoms for some men.

4. What Are Traditional Treatments?
The good news is Prostate cancer can be treated in one of the following treatment options:

• Removal of the prostate gland (radical prostatectomy)
• Radiation therapy – high-energy radiation that can shrink and kill cancer cells
• Chemotherapy – drug treatment that uses chemicals to kill cancer cells
• Hormone therapy – stops the body from producing testosterone, which prostate tumors use to grow
• Brachytherapy – radioactive seeds are placed in or near the tumor to shrink and kill it
• Cryosurgery – freezing tissue to kill cancer cells
• Ultrasound therapy – heating the prostate tissue to kill cancer cells

So what should men do about Prostate cancer?
The earlier prostate cancer is found, the better. Early-stage prostate cancers can often be treated, but advanced-stage prostate cancer becomes harder to treat. Based on individual risk for the disease, lifestyle, and age, it is wise to talk to a doctor, who recommend screening and where to get it done. To consult our consultants on the deadly Prostate cancer issue, please call Afriglobal Medicare on 01-6291000

What to do when you notice the symptoms of clinic depression in family and friends? The spate of suicide attempts being recorded across the nation in recent times has assumed a rather worrisome dimension. Depression ranges in seriousness from mild, temporary episodes of sadness to severe, persistent depression. Feeling depressed is a normal reaction to loss, life's struggles, or even heartbreak. But when these feelings become overwhelming, involve physical symptoms, and last for long periods of time, that's when it's time to seek medical help.
Not getting treatment can be life threatening as research has it that more than one out of every 10 people battling depression commits suicide. How do you know if you or a person around you is clinically depressed?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, symptoms of depression may include the following:
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
• Fatigue and decreased energy
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness
• Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
• Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
• Irritability, restlessness
• Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
• Overeating or appetite loss
• Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment
• Persistent sad or anxious
• Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts

Depression carries a high risk of suicide. Anybody who expresses suicidal thoughts or intentions should be taken very, very seriously.
Warning signs of suicide with depression include:
• A sudden switch from being very sad to being very calm or appearing to be happy.
• Deep sadness, loss of interest, trouble sleeping and eating.
• Losing interest in things one used to care about.
• Making comments about being hopeless, helpless, or worthless.
• Putting affairs in order, tying up loose ends, changing a will.
• Talking about suicide (killing one's self).
• Visiting or calling people one cares about

If you or anyone you know is showing any of the warning signs of suicide with depression, seek professional medical help or call the National Suicide Preventive Initiative on 08062106493 or 08092106493.

Tuberculosis is an infectious bacterial disease characterized by the growth of nodules(tubercles) in the tissues, especially the lungs. It spreads from person to person through microscopic droplets released into the air. This happens when in contact with a person that has Tuberculosis which can be through coughs or sneezes, spits, laughs or sings.

If you notice any of these signs and symptoms of Tuberculosis contact us immediately:

Long lasted coughing

Coughing of blood

Fatigue

Chest pain when breathing or coughing

Night’s sweats and fever

Is Tuberculosis curable?

Yes, it is treatable and curable if earlier detected. However, drug treatment requires that antibiotics should be taken for a long time, usually, six to nine months or more.

How do I get rid of Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis can be totally cured by taking prescribed medicine from for a period of time depending on what your doctor recommends for you.

Can you die if you have Tuberculosis?

A TB infection doesn’t mean you’ll get sick. There are two forms of the disease:

Latent TB: You have the germs in your body, but your immune system stops them from spreading. They become inactive. That means you don’t have any symptoms and you’re not contagious. But the infection is still alive in your body and can one day become active. To prevent this, doctors will often prescribe antibiotics. Without treatment, 5% to 10% of cases develop into active TB.

Active TB disease: This means the germs multiply and can make you sick. You can spread the disease to others.

Did you know, according to recent research, that heart disease is the number one killer in the world today? Did you also know that sexual problems, snoring, and bleeding gums are pointers to a failing heart?

When the heart and arteries begin to fail, symptoms manifest in otherwise unrelated parts of the body, like the neck, the feet, and even the mouth. Consistent snoring, believe it or not, could be a pointer to heart disease.

Here are six of the most common – and most surprising – symptoms of heart disease Nigerians (and indeed other people) need to be aware of because keeping an eye out for them can lead to early detection and save lives.

SYMPTOM 1: SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION
Many people think of sexual dysfunction as a problem of the reproductive organs or the brain. A lot even say sexual dysfunction is a spirit problem in our part of the world.

However, especially in males, sexual dysfunction is a common symptom of the arterial disease.
A buildup of plaque in the arteries can cause men, middle-aged and old, to have a hard time achieving – or maintaining erection. Same may not be said of women but menopausal women should be wary of likely changes in blood pressure and cholesterol levels which are linked to drop in libido.

SYMPTOM 2: SNORING OR SLEEP APNEA
Few things are more frustrating in life than trying to sleep next to a snoring person.However, despite the annoyance of snoring, research has shown that snoring can actually be a sign of heart disease.

Snoring is a common sign of sleep apnea – as is morning sleepiness after a full night’s sleep. Sleep apnea – periods of time during sleep where someone stops breathing – is associated with many physiological changes that increase the risk of both heart attack and stroke.

Therefore, detection and treatment of sleep apnea can lower a person's risk of heart problems. So, next time you hear the person next to you snoring, perhaps suggest they see a doctor – instead of just complaining about the noise.

SYMPTOM 3: BLEEDING, SORE OR SWOLLEN GUMS
Few people would ever think bleeding gum problems could be linked to heart disease.
However, unhealthy gums are a symptom of periodontitis, a serious gum infection that damages the gums and can destroy the jawbone.
Periodontitis can actually lead to an increase in inflammation across the body and over-activity of inflammatory pathways is a strong risk factor for the development of atherosclerotic heart disease and heart attack.
That's why we recommend that people follow up regularly with their dentist for oral hygiene and they should also regularly brush and floss their teeth

SYMPTOM 4: SHOULDER OR NECK CONSTRICTION OR ACHING
Not all people go through classic heart attack symptoms like chest pain. Instead, many heart attack sufferers feel an uncomfortable sensation, achiness, pain or pressure in their neck, jaw or shoulders.
For some, that discomfort is the only sign of heart pain or a heart attack. So, no one should ever ignore neck pains, it may be much more than that as science points out.

SYMPTOM 5: SWOLLEN FEET AND LEGS
The feet and legs can swell for a variety of reasons – including something as minor as heat. However, swollen legs and feet can also be a big sign of congestive heart failure
This is particularly true in cases where a person has unusual shortness of breath with little activity – or when trying to sleep.
While it’s also true that some swelling occurs naturally throughout the day, and tends to resolve overnight, persistent swelling is problematic. And people who have constant or worsening swelling of the feet or legs should see a doctor for an evaluation of heart failure.
SYMPTOM 6: INDIGESTION OR HEARTBURN

Heartburn and indigestion are quite common – and rarely ever serious. But in some instances, the seemingly benign burning or aching sensations in the upper abdomen can be a sign of heart pain or heart attack.
Persistent gastrointestinal distress – such as intractable hiccups – can also be a warning sign of a heart attack.

Did you know self-medication, and irregular checkup, have been identified as some of the biggest causes of renal failure in Nigeria?

It's a sad fact that Nigerians, engage in self-medication instead of seeking professional medical help. Many Nigerians would rather turn to non-prescription and over-the-counter drugs for the solution to their health issues than consulting a physician.
Sadly, 17,000 new cases of kidney failures were being diagnosed yearly, with only 2,000 of them having access to life-saving dialysis in Nigeria.

To prevent kidney failure and other serious ailments, it is best to avoid self-medication.

The risks that are associated with self-medication include:
Inaccurate diagnosis.
Using inappropriate medications that cause side effects.
Masking the symptoms of a serious condition.
Delaying medical advice.
Inaccurate dosage, leading to accidental overdose.
Self-medicating can lead to severe health conditions or even death.

If you or a loved one is experiencing pain, discomfort, or is ill for an extended period of time, then it is time to visit a medical professional.
Please do not self-medicate, consulting a medical professional isn't only the wise thing to do, it's the cheaper option. Health is wealth, don't throw it away by self-medicating

Measles is a highly infectious, acute viral illness caused by the Morbillivirus. The virus lives in the mucus in the nose and throat of infected people and spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes.

Although many regard measles as a relatively minor disease, it can cause serious complications, particularly in very young children. One in every 15 children with measles develops pneumonia, and one in 1,000 develops inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). For every 10 children who contract encephalitis, one will die and up to four will have permanent brain damage.

Causes
Measles is transmitted easily through the air in respiratory droplets, usually through coughing or sneezing. The measles virus is highly contagious and can survive in the air or on hard surfaces such as door handles for up to two hours.

Symptoms
The symptoms usually take between 10 and 14 days to manifest after infection and they include:
a blotchy red rash,
fever,
coughing,
a runny nose,
Tiredness
inflamed red eyes
Photophobia (discomfort when looking at light)
Prevention
Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease, and the two-dose vaccination is recommended as part of routine childhood immunization.

Immunization against measles is achieved using the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) and MMRV (measles-mumps-rubella-varicella) combination vaccines.

The first dose is given at 12 months of age as the MMR vaccine, and the second dose is given at 18 months of age as the MMRV vaccine. By 2014, 85% of the world's children received a dose of measles vaccine by their first birthday

Traditional X-ray methods broke the ground and have been useful in medical diagnosis for over 120 years. However, technology has come a long way and it's only natural things change in the field of medical diagnosis too.

Digital radiography provides so many advantages over the conventional film that it’s easy to see why practices are making the transition to digital dental X-ray systems in waves. X-rays tend to get a bad wrap for radiation and health concerns – but when done digitally, there are many benefits;

1. Less Exposure to radiation: Digital x-rays use no less than 70% radiation than traditional film x-rays. Digital image receptors are much more sensitive to low levels of radiation compared to film/screen, therefore require less quantity to produce a diagnostic radiographic image.

2. No chemical developers: Nobody likes dealing with harmful developing chemicals and fixing solutions. Digital radiography eliminates the need for automatic film processors, taking with it the odor, wait times and space they require.

3. Time and productivity savings: Beyond the convenience and patient comfort perks, digital x-ray technology displays viewable images in as little as three seconds, saving time for both the patients and technicians.

4. Achievability: Storage of images occurs on servers, rather than entire warehouses of archived hard copies that need to be manually purged every 7 years.

Using digital imaging is more environmentally friendly, as it alleviates the need for chemicals and film paper to be disposed of. These facts aren't lost on us at Afriglobal Medicare and that's why we put the best and environmentally friendly technology for the treatment of clients above all other considerations.

The liver is second biggest (after the skin) and one of the most important organs in the human body. The liver performs many essential functions related to digestion, metabolism, immunity and the storage of nutrients within the body. These functions make the liver a vital organ without which the tissues of the body would quickly die from lack of energy and nutrients. Fortunately, the liver has an incredible capacity for regeneration of dead or damaged tissues.

However, the liver, like everything in the human body, isn't totally immune to diseases, infections and diseases like hepatitis, cirrhosis (scarring), cancers, and damage by medications or toxins, can bring the liver down.

So, how does the average joe keep protect his liver?

1. Healthy Lifestyle - Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly help the liver to work well. Eat foods that have a lot of fiber such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain bread, rice, and cereals.

2. Limit the Amount of Alcohol You Drink - A glass of wine, they say, keeps the doctor away. That said, too much alcohol can damage or destroy liver cells. Liver damage can lead to the build-up of fat in the liver (fatty liver), inflammation or swelling of your liver (alcoholic hepatitis), and/or scarring of your liver (cirrhosis).

3. Manage Your Medications - When medicines are taken incorrectly - by taking too much or the wrong type or by mixing – the liver can be harmed. Learn about medicines and how they can affect the liver, follow dosing instructions and talk to a doctor or pharmacist often about the medicines you are taking. Self-medication is harmful.

4. Avoid exposure to toxins - How do you even come in contact with toxins in the first place? Paint jobs, chemical containers, and aerosol products are some of the ways everyone is exposed to toxins. Limit direct contact with toxins from cleaning and aerosol products, insecticides, chemicals, and additives in cigarettes. Do not smoke (let it go if you do).

Chronic kidney disease, also known as chronic kidney failure, explains the gradual loss of kidney function.
Your kidneys filter wastes and excess fluids from your blood, which then excretes in your urine.
When kidney disease reaches an advanced stage, dangerous levels of fluid, electrolytes and wastes can build up in your body.

Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of chronic kidney disease increase over time if kidney damage progresses slowly.

These signs and symptoms include:
Vomiting, Loss of appetite, Fatigue, and weakness, Sleep problems, Nausea, Changes in how much you urinate, Decreased mental sharpness, Swelling of feet and ankles, More itching

Afriglobal Medicare Test types for Kidney diseases.
Blood tests: Kidney function tests look for the level of waste products, such as creatinine and urea, in the blood.

Urine tests: We analyze a sample of your urine which may reveal abnormalities that point to chronic kidney failure to help identify the cause of the diseases.

Imaging tests: We conduct ultrasound tests to assess your kidneys' structure and size.

If you have a medical condition that increases your risk of kidney disease, Request an appointment with Afriglobal Medicare.
We are likely to monitor your blood pressure and kidney function with urine and blood tests during regular office visits.

kandywandy23:
Sugar is good for the body but at the level required. See the reason why you should run away from excessive sugar consumption here http://www.kandywandy.com/2016/12/94-health-reason-to-run-away-from-sugar.html

http://www.kandywandy.com

Yes, you are right. Excess Sugar is not good for the body

frankloloko:
next time make it more detailed to drive traffic .

Thank you

phemsie:
thank God. mine is pale straw

Yes, though the more you take two cups of water first thing in the morning, the better you will feel

Emescot:
Thanks for this information... The first 4 colours are the only colours i see when i urinate so am normal

Yes you are normal. Please always try to take two cups of water every morning

Paulpaulpaul:
The surest cure of Acute diarrhea is Agbo jedi or opa-eyin

Some people still say it doesn't work for them.
Sometimes it depends on the patient's body type.

ufuosman:
Nice write up.

Thank you

viyon02:
The treatment could be expensive for now

Not thathe expensive

SurefireAsoOke:
Nice one afriglobal. It good you're here on Nairaland to support good health.

Thank you.

It is generally Known that smokers are liable to die young. although a lot of people know about this and have not been able to quit smoking.

These are the changes that happen in your body system once you say no to smoking.

1. In few hours the level of carbon monoxide, which reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, begins to decline.

2. Your body will stop producing as much phlegm, and you don’t cough or wheeze as often.

3. The workload on the heart is decreased and cardiac function is improved.

4. Your sense of smell returns to normal.

5. In few months, you will experience significant improvements in lung function.

6. Within one year, the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke minimizes drastically.

7. Within five years, many kinds of cancer shows decline in coming up on your health.

8. In 10 to 15 years, the risk of lung disease, including bronchitis and emphysema, are decreased.

9. Medications start working better.

10. Your nose begins to regenerate, improving taste and smell.
You will have decreased risk for impotence and infertility.

11. Years will be added to your life: people who quit smoking, regardless of their age, are less likely than those who continue to smoke to die from smoking-related illness.
#NoSmokingDay #Afriglobal

These two Medical Throw-Backs has made impact the history of Medicine.

1. Marie Curie, foremost researcher on Radioactivity.

But for Marie Curie's research work on radioactivity, the discovery of the X-ray machine might have taken a long course in history than it actually did. Marie Curie discovered two radioactive elements – polonium and radium, which are most indispensable in the field of medicine.
Marie Curie carried out the first research into the treatment of tumors with radiation, and later founded the Curie Institutes, which are important medical research centers.
She is the only person who has ever won Nobel Prizes in both physics and chemistry.


2. The First Teaching Hospital in Nigeria

The University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, holds the distinguished honour of being Nigeria's first Teaching Hospital.

Established by an act of parliament in November 1952 in response to the need for the training of medical personnel and other healthcare professionals for the country and the West African Sub-Region, UCH Ibadan, was commissioned with 500 beds in November 1957.

It remains one of Nigeria’s foremost medical Teaching Hospitals till date

1. Dark chocolate:
You can eat chocolate every day, but just a small piece will do. Opt for varieties made up of over 70 per cent cocoa to take advantage of the polyphenols and flavonoids to help protect your heart from the damage caused by cholesterol.

2. Yoghurt:
A single serving of yoghurt will give you a significant amount calcium which helps protect your stomach against harmful bacteria that could lead to infection or illness.

3. Oats:
Oats have been proven to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, making them a great choice for adults looking to reduce these levels.
1 ½ cups (375 mL) of cooked oatmeal or packets of instant oatmeal provide enough beta-glucan to lower blood cholesterol by about five percent and heart attack risk by about 10 percent.

4. Eggs: Eggs are a great source of high-quality protein. They are also known to fill you up, preventing you from snacking on unhealthy mini-meals throughout the day.

5. Oranges:
Eating one large, fresh orange will give you 100 percent of your daily recommended Vitamin C. Likewise, one cup of 100 percent pure orange juice will do the same. This tasty fruit is also high in fibre and folate, making it one of the best fruits to incorporate into your daily diet.Kick start your weekend with these few healthy diets.

1. Dark chocolate:
You can eat chocolate every day, but just a small piece will do. Opt for varieties made up of over 70 per cent cocoa to take advantage of the polyphenols and flavonoids to help protect your heart from the damage caused by cholesterol.

2. Yoghurt:
A single serving of yoghurt will give you a significant amount calcium which helps protect your stomach against harmful bacteria that could lead to infection or illness.

3. Oats:
Oats have been proven to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, making them a great choice for adults looking to reduce these levels.
1 ½ cups (375 mL) of cooked oatmeal or packets of instant oatmeal provide enough beta-glucan to lower blood cholesterol by about five percent and heart attack risk by about 10 percent.

4. Eggs: Eggs are a great source of high-quality protein. They are also known to fill you up, preventing you from snacking on unhealthy mini-meals throughout the day.

5. Oranges: Eating one large, fresh orange will give you 100 percent of your daily recommended Vitamin C. Likewise, one cup of 100 percent pure orange juice will do the same. This tasty fruit is also high in fiber and folate, making it one of the best fruits to incorporate into your daily diet.

Do you have questions about diseases & other health diagnostic issues?

Don't worry, we're here for you.

Afriglobal Medicare offers the best diagnostic services in Nigeria.

Tell us how you feel,
Or send us a message on twitter @Afriglobalmed, Facebook: Facebook.com/afriglobalmedicarelimited

Let's talk.

Tips to live a healthy lifestyle free of sickness and diseases

How healthy are you?
Do you have a healthy diet?
Do you exercise regularly?
Do you drink at least 8 glasses of water a day?
Do you get enough sleep every day?
Do you live a healthy lifestyle?

These guiding tips will help you live a lifestyle free of sickness and diseases.

Drink more water:
Most of us don’t actually drink enough water every day. Water is essential for our bodies to function. Did you know over 60% of our body is made up of water? Water is needed to carry out body functions, remove waste, and carry nutrients and oxygen around our body

Get enough sleep:
When you don’t rest well, you compensate by eating more. Usually, it’s junk food. Get enough rest and you don’t need to snack to stay awake. Also, lack of sleep causes premature ageing.

Meditate:
Meditation quietens your mind and calms your soul


Exercise daily:
Research has shown that exercising daily brings tremendous benefits to our health, including an increase of lifespan, lowering of risk of diseases, higher bone density, and weight loss. Increase activity in your life. Choose walking over transport for close distances. Climb the stairs instead of taking the lift.

Eat more fruits:
Fruits contain a plethora of vitamins and minerals. Do you know that oranges offer more health benefits than Vitamin C pills? Taking in synthetic supplements is not the same as consuming the foods directly from nature.

Eat more vegetables:
Like fruits, vegetables are important for good health. Experts suggest 5-9 servings of fruits/vegetables a day, but unfortunately, most people don’t even have 5 servings

Cut down on processed food:
Processed foods are not good because the most nutritional value is lost in the making of these foods and the added preservatives are bad for our health.