Many genetic disorders result from gene changes that are present in essentially every cell in the body. As a result, these disorders often affect many body systems, and most cannot be cured.

However, approaches may be available to treat or manage some of the associated signs and symptoms.
Treatment of genetic disorder.

There are groups of genetic conditions called inborn errors of metabolism, which result from genetic changes that disrupt the production of specific enzymes, treatments sometimes include dietary changes or replacement of the particular enzyme that is missing.
Limiting certain substances in the diet can help prevent the buildup of potentially toxic substances that are normally broken down by the enzyme.

In some cases, enzyme replacement therapy can help compensate for the enzyme shortage. These treatments are used to manage existing signs and symptoms and may help prevent future complications.
Conditions that are characterised by defective blood cell formation, such as sickle cell disease, can sometimes be treated with a bone marrow transplant, however sickle Cell, can be prevented by knowing your genotype

Also, bone marrow transplantation can allow the formation of normal blood cells and, if done early in life, may help prevent episodes of pain and other future complications.

Having discussed some of the most prevalent stomach disorders around in our previous posts, we are believers in the maxim, 'prevention is better than cure' So what do we do to foster good stomach health and keep stomach disorders at bay?

1. Eat small meals.

2. Avoid carbonated drinks.


3. Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and cut down on fatty foods.

4. Quit smoking.

5. Lose weight.

6. After meals, take a walk or stay upright. Avoid bedtime snacks.

7. Avoid irritating foods.

8. Drink at least eight glasses of water or other non-caffeinated liquid per day.

9. Use acid-blocking medications, if needed. Load up on fibre to bulk your stools.

10. Eat at least 25 to 30 grammes of fibre per day.

11. Exercise 30 to 40 minutes, three to five times a week to help with total gastrointestinal health.

12. Walking, running, weight training/resistance training all help.

13. Go to the restroom when you have the urge.

I am pregnant, what next?

Getting pregnant is a wonderful thing but it's the beginning of a tasking-yet-beautiful journey into motherhood. Assuming the test have been done and they came back positive, what comes next when a woman discovers she's pregnant?

Calculate your baby's due date:
This helps you create a plan to have a healthy pregnancy

Choose a doctor or midwife:
This helps get your pregnancy off to a healthy start by scheduling your first prenatal

Clean up your diet:
Remove unhealthy foods and add healthy foods. You'll thank yourself for taking this step as the pregnancy progresses

Decide when to announce your pregnancy
Some women wait until after the first trimester, when the risk of miscarriage drops, while others announce it right away. Some wait to tell their co-workers or boss to avoid being treated differently at work, while others want their colleagues to understand the coming changes (so the workload can start reducing in the case of someone that handles rigorous tasks.

Figure out your finances
They're worth every penny, of course, but babies cost money. And you'll need every penny you can get to prepare for the delivery and life after that.
Pay attention to your health
A healthy lifestyle is always important – but when you're living for two, it's that much more vital. So make sure you're getting enough folic acid, start taking a prenatal vitamin.

Avoid pregnancy don'ts and watch your habits
Some things are dangerous during pregnancy. These include certain foods, alcohol, cigarette smoke, too much caffeine and some medications. Please stay away from them.

Brace yourself for body changes
Pregnancy affects every woman differently but knowing what to expect could help you put your particular physical changes in perspective. Be on the lookout for things like thicker hair, darkened skin, and acne breakouts – then, later in pregnancy, swollen ankles, stretch marks, and varicose veins.

Pick up a pregnancy book or two
Nothing prepares you for what's coming like a book or two. Pregnancy books are like personal tour guides during the gestation period, they help point out what's coming like famous landmarks

Is your stomach trying to tell you something?

People often have heartburn (a burning sensation deep in the chest) along with indigestion. But heartburn itself is a different symptom that may indicate another problem. Heartburn is a very common symptom created by acid reflux, a condition where stomach acid flows back up into the oesophagus (food pipe or gullet), creating a burning pain in the lower chest.

Why is treating heartburn a big deal?
Recurrent acid reflux results in the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD or GORD), which can have serious consequences for health as well as possibly indicating other underlying health issues.

What causes heartburn?
Heartburn is most common after eating a large meal but specific triggers for heartburn differ from person to person. Common heartburn causes are;

alcohol, particularly red wine

black pepper, garlic, raw onions, and other spicy foods

chocolate

Citrus fruits and products, such as oranges and orange juice

coffee and caffeinated drinks, including tea and soda

peppermint

tomatoes

pregnancy (in women)

medicines (painkillers, aspirins, steroids)

Preventing heartburn

To prevent heartburn after meals:
Don't overeat. Eat five or six small meals each day, instead of several large meals.
Don't eat before bedtime. Allow 2 hours to digest your food before lying down. Lying down makes digestion difficult and makes heartburn more likely.

When it comes to healthy diet, you don't have to eat less, you just have to eat right.

Here are few "EatRight" tips you should maintain.

1. You must stop junk food, it affects your heart and causes diseases without you knowing.

2. Reduce intake of salt. Cholesterol and salt can affect your kidney, set off your blood pressure and cause stroke.

3. It is healthier to eat more fish, vegetables and fruits than to eat meat, hamburgers or take soft drinks.

4. You can swap that bottle of soft drinks to Oranges, Pineapples or Apples. fruits give more vitamins and minerals than what 3 bottles of soft drinks can give.

5. You are what you eat. If you don't have good health, check what you consume daily.

6. Learn to take at least one type of fruits daily. It will help increase your body metabolism.

Why you should take more fruits:

A. Bananas are great for athletes because they give energy

B. Mangos protect several kinds of cancer.

C. Pineapple help fight arthritis

D. Oranges help maintain great skin and vision

E. Strawberries can fight cancer and ageing

F. Apples helps develop your body resistance against infection

G. Cherries helps calm your nervous system.

Is your stomach trying to tell you something? Believe it or not, 1 in 4 persons suffer from one digestive disorder or the other yearly. With an alarming rise in all manner of digestive disorders, the condition of our intestines is turning into a crisis.

Many of us are far too busy with the stress of life that we pay little attention to what really goes on inside us.

The stomach can have many different conditions and diseases that can cause pain, discomfort, digestion problems and even death.

This week, we shall be beaming the searchlight on some of the commonest digestive disorders wreaking havoc in today's society; the symptoms of these maladies, when and where to get help.
Dyspepsia aka indigestion.

Does any of your colleagues complain of indigestion a lot? Then he needs to pay attention to this post. One of the most common stomach problems is upset stomach or dyspepsia or indigestion.

Dyspepsia is a term used to describe one or more symptoms, including a feeling of fullness during a meal, uncomfortable fullness after a meal, and burning or pain in the upper abdomen.

Who is at risk for indigestion?
People of all ages and of both sexes who consume excess alcohol, who use drugs that may irritate the stomach, such as aspirin and other pain relievers, and people with emotional problems such as anxiety or depression.

Symptoms of dyspepsia
Belly pain or discomfort
Bloating
Feeling uncomfortably full after eating
Nausea
Loss of appetite
Heartburn
Regurgitation
Excessive belching

Common causes of dyspepsia include;
An inability to digest milk and dairy products (lactose intolerance)
Gallbladder pain (biliary colic) or inflammation (cholecystitis)
Anxiety or depression
Swallowed air
Stomach cancer
Side effects of caffeine, alcohol, or medicines

Did You Know the most Common Ailments treated by doctors in Nigeria? Read on to know how to best to avoid them;

The number one ailment treated by doctors in Nigeria is the 'almighty' Malaria

1. Malaria: The leading cause of death in Nigeria. It is transmitted through mosquito bites and can be easily prevented by using an insecticide-treated mosquito nets or spraying your room with a good insecticide and keeping drains and gutters clean.

If you suspect you may have malaria with symptoms like a high fever, joint pain, headache and fatigue, see a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

2. Hypertension: Also known as high blood pressure, is a condition where the blood pressure in the arteries are elevated, requiring the heart to work harder than usual to circulate blood through the vessels.

High blood pressure is present when the pressure is 140/90mmHg and above and is a major risk factor for strokes and heart failure.

High BP can be prevented by ensuring you are not overweight, reducing your intake of salt and alcohol, managing your stress levels and eating a diet with more fruit and vegetables.

3. Acute diarrhea: The scourge of shanties in Nigeria's urban centers, Diarrhoea is a common water and food-borne disease caused by consuming food and drink infected with bacteria, parasites and other diseases of the digestive tract.

Diarrhoea symptoms include loose stools, a high fever, abdominal cramps and occasional vomiting.

Acute diarrhoea can be prevented by washing the hands before eating and after using the toilet, drinking only clean fresh water and avoiding food cooked in poor hygienic conditions.

In the case of emergencies involving any of these common Nigerian ailments. Please contact professionals at Afriglobal Medicare Limited at 8, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja Lagos or call 01-6290998, 09022891059, 0700AFRIGLOBAL

There're lots of medical theories and practicals that seem Weird but True.

Today, we will unveil few weird but true facts about your teeth.

1.For healthy teeth, don't brush after eating.

2.The plague found on your teeth is home to more than 300 different species of bacteria.

3. The average person spends about 48 secs/day brushing their teeth, but dentists recommend at least 2/3 minutes.

4. Like your fingerprints, everyone has a unique set of teeth. Even identical twins have different "dental fingerprints".

5. Tooth enamel is the hardest substance human body, however, we do not recommend using your pearly whites to open bottles.

6. 50% of people surveyed say that a person's smile is the first physical trait they notice.

7. The average woman smiles about 62 times per day, while a man, about 8 times per day.

Please like and share

Did You Know 50% of Nigerians do not know the existence of blood diseases in a human body?

Anaemia, bleeding disorders such as haemophilia, blood clots, and blood cancer such as Leukemia, lymphoma, are common blood disorders in Nigeria.

The components of blood that can be affected by blood disorders.

Red blood cells carries oxygen to the body's tissues and are affected by Anemia, iron deficiency anaemia, anaemia of chronic disease, autoimmune hemolytic anaemia, thalassemia, sickle cell anaemia, polycythemia vera, malaria and lots more

White blood cells, fight infections and are affected by lymphoma, leukaemia, multiple myelomas and lots more.

Platelets, which help blood to clot are affected by Thrombocytopenia, heparin, Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and lots more

Blood disorders can also affect the liquid portion of blood, called plasma.

Diagnosis and treatment of blood diseases depend on the blood condition and its severity.

If you notice any symptoms related to blood disease, visit Afriglobal Medicare to run a haematology test with our qualifies haematologist.

Colonoscopy is an exam of your colon, or large intestine which helps our doctors find the cause of unexplained symptoms such as changes in bowel activity, pain in your abdomen, unexplained weight loss,ulcer, tumors, and bleeding in your large intestine.

Our Doctors at Afriglobal Medicare can also use colonoscopy as a screening tool for cancer External. Screening is testing for diseases when you don't even have symptoms, this may find diseases at an early stage, when a doctor has a better chance of curing the disease.

To find out more about colonoscopy, click here >> www.afriglobalmedicare.com/colonoscopy/ or follow us on twitter for questions and answers on any health issues you have @afriglobalmed

The biggest chance of surviving cancer lies in early detection. At Afriglobal Medicare we are dedicated to being of service in the areas of diagnosis. We believe that early detection saves lives.Tell people about testing today.

Afriglobal Medicare for cancer check at an affordable price. 0700Afriglobal, 01-6291000

This week, the spotlight is on one of the most important health issues plaguing the modern world, the issue of cancer, the deadliest health problem we face in the 21st century. As the world looks forward to February 4th, we bring you some information you should have at your fingertips about the deadly cancer disease.

• Cancer is the name for a group of more than 100 diseases which afflict the human body in which cells begin to grow out of control.
• Cancer can start almost anywhere in the human body. Many cancers form solid tumours which are masses of tissues.
• Cancerous tumours can be either, malignant or benign.
 Malignant tumours spread into nearby tissues, causing damages along the way.
 Benign tumours, on the other hand, can sometimes be quite large. However, when removed, do not grow back.
• Some cancers are genetic in nature, that is, they can be inherited from parents.
• There are several stages of cancer development, each depicting levels of advancement or severity.
• Knowing the stage of cancer helps the doctor determine what treatment approach to administering to the disease.
• Cancer can be treated with;
 Surgery
 Drugs generally referred to as Chemotherapy
§ Radiation (It can be used alone or in
the combination with chemotherapy or surgery
·
The most common cancers around the world are;
Breast Cancer (afflicting women)
Lung Cancer (Both sexes)
Colon Cancer (Both sexes)
Prostrate Cancer (afflicting men)

In Nigeria, there are about 100,000 cases of
cancer recorded every year with 40% of the cases being female

The most common cancer problems afflicting
Nigerian women are; Breast cancer and Cervical cancer.

The biggest chance of surviving cancer lies in
early detection. Early detection saves lives, tell people about testing early

No woman should die from cervical cancer, a preventable disease, yet it is still responsible for approximately 265,000 deaths each year.1 Advanced screening and diagnostic tests are key to improving disease prevention strategies.
What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers today thanks to vaccination, screening and early treatment. Nonetheless, it remains one of the most common and deadliest cancers in women worldwide. Approximately 530,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year.

1 Almost all cervical cancers – more than 99%– are caused by a persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.

2 Finding and treating pre-cancerous disease early, before cancer develops, is an important prevention strategy.

3 The Pap test - a well established screening tool with limitations. The Papanicolaou test (also known as Pap smear or Pap test), was invented in the 1940s by Dr. George Papanicolaou, and for decades it was the only test for early detection of cervical cancer. Where it has been utilized, the Pap test has helped reduce the number of women affected by or who die from cervical cancer by at least 80 % in the last 70 years, but it has limitations due, in part, to the subjective interpretation of the test.

4 In Pap tests, a healthcare professional uses special tools to scrape cells from the surface of the cervix. The cells are then sent to a laboratory for cytological analysis where a trained cytotechnician looks for abnormalities under a microscope. Abnormal cells can be difficult to differentiate from normal cells and can be missed. One third of cervical cancers occur in women who have had normal Pap test results.

5-7 Screening for HPV- a new strategy for cervical cancer prevention
During the 1980s, a link between HPV infection and cervical cancer was identified, and in 1996 the World Health Organization publicly recognized that HPV is the most important risk factor in the development of cervical cancer.

HPV is a common virus; approximately 80% of women (and men) will have had an HPV infection by age 50.8 The vast majority of HPV infections are transient and are taken care of by the immune system without a long-term impact on health. However, in some women the infection becomes persistent and may lead to cervical disease and eventually cancer if untreated.3
There are more than 100 types of HPV. Some types carry more risk than others, and at least 13 HPV types are considered high-risk for cervical cancer. In fact, 70% of cervical cancer cases are caused by two specific genotypes--HPV 16 and 18.3
Doctors can now screen women for the presence of HPV using advanced HPV testing that looks for the specific high-risk HPV genotypes most likely to cause cervical cancer. The high-risk HPV test can be used for primary screening.9,10
In an analysis of more than 60,000 women, high-risk HPV testing was substantially more sensitive in detecting cervical disease than Pap tests (96.1% vs. 53.0%), a finding later confirmed by a study that included more than 47,000 women.11-13
While there is no cure for an HPV infection, it is possible to stop disease progression and treat pre-cancer or cancer. A woman positive for high-risk HPV will need to be managed according to recommended clinical guidelines. A woman who tests negative for high-risk HPV can be confidently reassured that she has a very low risk of developing cervical cancer before the next round of screening.

New biomarker tests determine who needs further intervention
HPV infections are common and not all women who become infected with HPV will develop cervical pre-cancer or cancer.3 Women who have abnormal Pap results or positive HPV tests often have a follow-up test called a colposcopy, during which a woman’s cervix is closely examined and a biopsy may be taken to look for abnormal cells. But sending all HPV-positive women for follow-up colposcopy is not practical or cost-efficient and may result in unnecessary treatment of women. Therefore, it is important to determine which women who test positive for HPV are at a greater risk for cervical disease and would benefit from a follow-up colposcopy and biopsy.

A new biomarker-based test identifies those women who have HPV infections that may transform infected cells into cancer cells.14,15 Women who test positive for this particular biomarker would benefit the most from immediate intervention like colposcopy, while women who test negative are at low risk for developing cervical disease.

For women who have colposcopies, a diagnostic confirmation test uses advanced biomarker technology to confirm the presence or absence of precancerous lesions. This improves the ability of pathologists to diagnose cervical disease and clinicians to make treatment decisions.
While diagnosing cervical pre-cancer or cancer with a biopsy can be difficult and false positive or false negative results are possible, biomarker tests are typically very sensitive and accurate and can identify women who have pre-cancer or cancer that is often missed by standard tests.

What does your urine say about you?

The major function of the urinary system is to remove waste products from our bodies and help regulate the volume and composition of blood by the production and excretion of urine.
Urine analysis provides a summary of a patient’s health. A doctor must correlate the urine test results with the patient’s symptoms and medical findings to carry out diagnoses.

The urinary system consists of two kidneys, two ureters, one bladder, and one urethra. Changes in the volume, colour, turbidity, smell, density and other physical characteristics of urine are measured during urine analysis. However, physical characteristics of normal urine include observations and measurements of colour, turbidity, odour, specific gravity, pH and volume.

Average urine colour differs, depending on how much water one drinks. Fluids such as water dilute yellow pigments contained in urine. Which means that the more you drink water, the purer your urine will become, and when you take less of water, the colour of your urine becomes concentrated.

Features of a normal urine.
The colour of a normal urine is usually light yellow the less the intake of water to the system, the more the colour of the urine becomes more concentrated. However, the yellow colour of urine is due to the presence of a yellow pigment.
Deviations from normal colour can be caused by dehydration or bacterial infection
There is really nothing like abnormal urine as all urine samples produced with unusual colour, odour, turbidity, pH etc. are usually as a result of changes in the body system.

At Afriglobal Medicare limited, we recommend patients with symptoms related to body fluid, to take Urine test whenever they discover unusual changes in their urine, for accurate diagnosis. Urine should be collected in a clean container, stored in a cool place, and tested as soon as possible.

Book an appointment with our Pathologist today. visit Afriglobal Medicare at 8 Mobolaji Bank-Anthony Way Ikeja, Lagos-Nigeria, or call 01-6290998

The recent alarm on rising global incidence of cancer by the World Health Organisation (WHO) should worry African countries, including Nigeria, where the disease is most prevalent.

Available statistics show that cancer killed 7.6 million persons in 2008 worldwide, and there is indication that the figure could double to 13 million by 2030.
According to WHO, cancer accounts for 13 percent of all deaths registered globally and 70 percent of that figure occurs in middle and low income countries.

In Nigeria, about 10,000 cancer deaths are recorded annually while 250,000 new cases are recorded yearly. It is also worrisome that only 17 percent of African countries are said to have sufficiently funded cancer control programmes, while less than half of all countries in the world have functional plans to prevent the disease and provide treatment and care to patients.

WHO indicates that the shortage of functional cancer control plans is especially alarming in developing countries, which already account for more than two-thirds of the new cancer cases and deaths each year.

According to Dr. Andreas Ullrich of WHO’s Department of Chronic Diseases, the situation might get worse in metropolitan areas of the developing world as populations age and increasingly feel the impact of exposure to major risk factors such as tobacco, certain chemicals and infections.

Ullrich also explains that up to a third of all cancer deaths are linked to “modifiable risks” like tobacco, obesity and harmful use of alcohol. Despite the seeming gloomy cancer outlook, Dr. Oleg Chestnov, of WHO’s Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health Unit, assures that cancer should not be “a death sentence anywhere in the world, as there are proven ways to prevent and cure many cancers.”

Also, there are vaccines that can prevent some infections linked to cancer including hepatitis B, which can cause liver cancer and human papillomavirus, which can cause cervical cancer.

However, Ullrich explains that if detected early, many types of cancer can be cured. We commend the WHO for the timely alert and urge the nation’s health authorities to step up cancer awareness, prevention and treatment. Most cancer treatment centres in Nigeria today lack modern diagnostic equipment for diagnosing the condition. Generally, there is lack of awareness on the disease, especially the causative factors, preventative measures, likely treatment options and facilities where such treatments are available.

In Nigeria, members of the public still see cancer as a disease of the wealthy, the elderly and developed countries. Many sufferers of the disease in the country still regard it as their fate and, as such, a death sentence. Cancer is not just a health issue; it has far-reaching social and economic implications.

It also does not discriminate. It is a global epidemic that affects all ages with low and middle income countries bearing a disproportionate burden of it. There are many types of cancer.

In Nigeria, breast and cervical cancers are commonest among women while prostate cancer is more prevalent in men. Since there is low awareness of the disease in the country as at now, more efforts should be directed in the area of massive awareness creation for the general populace.

Nigerians should be enlightened on what causes the condition, preventative measures and available treatment options. The disease should no longer be treated as a death sentence or something that has to do with fate. The public should be sensitized on predisposing lifestyle factors like smoking, drinking, obesity, lack of exercise and exposure to carcinogenic products and elements.

There is also the need for regular medical check up considering the fact that early detection of the disease is paramount to its cure.

Government should set up a comprehensive cancer control programme. Let the Federal Ministry of Health spearhead nationwide campaigns targeted at reducing the cancer scourge in the country. States and local governments should also join hands with the federal government in the fight against cancer in all its ramifications.

Let's discuss Do's and Dont's about pregnancy .
Add yours if you've had any experience.

1. During pregnancy, Don't go more than three hours without eating. This will pump steady streams of nutrients to your baby.

2. Don't forget to drink at least 12 8-ounce glasses of fluid a day to stay hydrated and keep your blood sugar level steady .

3. Do get Omega-3 fatty acids. A diet rich in omega-3s can boost your baby's brain and neurological development.

4. Pregnant women should avoid exposure to products & foods that may contain chemical such as bisphenol A and Phthalates.

5. Don't get exposed to radiation and radioactivity. This could cause miscarriage, birth defects or other complications

6. Practice safe exercises, it may prevent pregnancy related diabetes and high blood pressure.

Feom your experince, share more things you think pregnant women should and should not do.

Besides just toning your muscles and reducing the fat in your waistline, running is immensely beneficial to the human body in many ways. Though rigorous initially, running helps you burn extra calories from your body, helps the heart, the brain, and other organs function optimally and keep you youthful.

So if running is so good, why do people frown at it? At the beginning, it may hurt their ankles, knees, hips, and lower back, resulting in the hanging up of your running shoes. And that's the crux of the matter. No one likes the hurting that accompany running. So how do you start running without hurting, straining or over-exerting yourself? Here are a few tips to help the average person cope with the rigours of running without tweaking a muscle or losing interest too soon.

Create time for running
This is the hard part for most Nigerians, especially the ones working 8am-5pm. All the commute hours leaves you little time for exercises but if you're able to walk for 20 minutes, this will be a cakewalk. You might want to keep the weeknights and weekend open for this. It takes about 12 weeks to develop a great running regiment, so prepare for that.

Start small
You might not even do any running in your first week, you'll start with walking. Let your feet and other parts get warmed up for what's coming over the next few weeks. Start with a 5-minute walk (4 minutes fast, 1 slow). Repeat up to 4 times (if you're not out of breath). Do this for a week.

Challenge yourself
When you found you're comfortable with the 5-minute walk, you're ready to start light running, so up the tempo. Run for a minute and walk for 2 minutes. Repeat 7 times a day. Do this for another week.

Keep upping the tempo.
When you realize your ankles and feet have adjusted, you can try running for 3 minutes and walk for a minute and repeat 5 times. You'll find out over some weeks you've adjusted to the rigours, you can take it up from there.

Remember the key is to work up some sweat and not over-exert your heart. By 12 weeks constant running, you'll notice a change in yourself, you might lose weight or some clothes would start having a different fit. You'll love the result.

Running isn't an expensive venture, all you need are a pair of good running shoes, socks, a towel and water bottle and you're good to go. However, before you start running, get checked out by a doctor, especially if you have any health risks, such as heart or lung problems, major diseases, pregnancy, or the like. Put a call through to our professionals at Afriglobal Medicare on 01-6291000 or visit http://afriglobalmedicare.com/shortcodes/appointment-box/. Good luck with the running.

Immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend your body against germs. Immune system helps your body to recognise "Foreign invaders" and to destroy them.

This prevents your body from fighting infections and diseases, making it easier for your body to catch virus and bacteria infections .

Immune deficiency disorders are either congenital or acquired.

A congenital immune deficiency disorder is one you were born with. This is affected by aging, malnutrition, exposure to radiation and severe burns

Acquired are those you get later in life as a result of malnutrition, diabetes, radiation, chemotherapy and severe burns .

You may have Congenital or Immunodeficiency disorder without knowing what has been wrong with your health.

Congenital disorders can prevent your body from fighting infections and diseases just like AIDS, but can also be treated.

Causes of Congenital immunodeficiency disorder can be diabetes, malnutrition, severe burns & radiation however, doctors agree that people with congenital immunodeficiency disorders can lead full and productive lives if earlier detected and treated.

To diagnose immune deficiency disorders.
1. Have a body examination to find out your medical history
2. Determine your T cell count
3. Determine your white blood cell count
4. Determine your immunoglobulin levels

For more information, visit Afriglobal Medicare today to book a health check plan on www.afriglobalmedicare.com

As Lassa fever made a recent return to 7 states in Nigeria, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), has urged increased focus on prevention and preparedness nationwide.

Lassa fever is curable when there is rapid laboratory testing to confirm the disease, leading to early commencement of treatment.

To prevent Lassa fever in your community, keep foods safe and away from rats and rat excreta. Should you suspect the presence of Lassa Fever in your community, do call the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) toll-free on 0800-970000-10. Stay safe Nigeria.

Do you exercise regularly? If your answer is yes, you're on the right path to healthy living. If no, you might want to reconsider your options, regardless of your lifestyle or whether your occupation is of physical nature or not.

If you want to live a healthy and fulfilling life into old age, you have to consider taking exercising more seriously. The health benefits of regular exercise and physical activity are hard to ignore. Everyone benefits from exercise, regardless of age, sex or physical ability.

According to research stats obtained from http://www.nhs.uk/, it's medically proven that people who do regular physical activity have:

35% lower risk of coronary heart disease and stroke
50% lower risk of type 2 diabetes
50% lower risk of colon cancer
20% lower risk of breast cancer
83% lower risk of osteoarthritis
30% lower risk of depression
30% lower risk of dementia
30% lower risk of early death
30% lower risk of falls (among older adults)
68% lower risk of hip fracture

To stay healthy, adults should try to be active daily and aim to achieve at least 2 hours, 30 minutes of physical activity over a week through a variety of activities. Do you need to register in a gym to start exercising? The answer is no. For most people, the easiest way to start exercising is to make physical activity part of everyday life; like brisk walking instead of driving around everywhere. However, the more exercise you're involved in, the better.

Engaging in sporting activities for fun such as swimming, jogging, and playing tennis will make you even healthier, just make sure you don't over-exert yourself. Keep fit, keep healthy and keep enjoying the benefits of good health.

You can always reach out to our medical professionals for more on health checks and survival tips on http://afriglobalmedicare.com/shortcodes/appointment-box/ or call 01-6291000. Thank you.

Glaucoma is an eye disease or disorder that is defined as a characteristics optic neuropathy, or disease of the optic nerve, possibly, if untreated, leading to the damage of optic disc of the eye.

The resultant visual field loss due to lack of communication between the retina and the brain, which can lead to blindness.
In most cases, glaucoma is associated with higher-than-normal pressure inside the eye which If untreated or uncontrolled, it can cause peripheral vision loss and can then lead to blindness.

The most common type of glaucoma is known as “primary open-angle glaucoma”. This type of glaucoma gradually reduces your peripheral vision without other symptoms which by the time you notice it, the permanent damage already has occurred. It affects millions of Nigerians today without individuals knowing of its existence in their eyes and it is also the second leading cause of blindness in Africa.

How will I know I have Glaucoma?
Glaucoma, called the "silent thief of sight," because most types typically cause no pain and produce no symptoms until noticeable vision loss occurs, However, glaucoma often progresses undetected until the optic nerve already has been irreversibly damaged, with varying degrees of impaired or permanent vision loss.

Acute angle-closure glaucoma, symptoms that occur suddenly can include blurry vision, halos around lights, eye pain, nausea and vomiting. If you have these symptoms, make sure you see an eye care practitioner or visit Afriglobal Medicare so that measures can be taken to prevent permanent vision loss.

Glaucoma Treatments
Glaucoma treatment can involve surgery, lasers or medication, depending on the severity of the condition is. However, patients can start with eye drops to lower the IOP before visiting our healthcare centers for full treatment. However, because glaucoma often is painless, people may become careless about the strict use of eye drops that can control eye pressure and help prevent permanent eye damage.
If you find that the eye drops you are using for glaucoma are uncomfortable or inconvenient, never discontinue them without first consulting your eye doctor about a possible alternative therapy.

For more information, prescription and diagnosis, call Afriglobal Medicare on 01-6290998, twitter: @afriglobalmed, facebook.com/afriglobalmedicarelimited.

Many Nigerians do not give good meaning to what is known as "Balanced diet".
Research proves that 70% of Nigerians eat more starchy foods than protein foods.

However, eating too much starch has the same effects as eating too much sugar because starches are made of many glucose molecules.
If you have a medical condition that involves blood sugar regulation issues such as diabetes, hypoglycemia or polycystic ovarian syndrome, note that the starches in your diet could be worsening your health.

Most people believe that Bread, Potatoes, Yam, Rice, and Noodles are healthier than popularly known "Amala", Garri and wheat food, but your body does not really see the difference, since all of these foods are broken down to sugars.

We, therefore, advice that you keep an eye on both your starch intake to keep blood sugar levels under control.

For more information, visit Afriglobal Medicare at 8 Mobilaji Bank-Anthony Way Ikeja, Lagos-Nigeria or call 01-2691000/ 01-6290998
www.afriglobalmedicare.com

Recent research has shown that 80% of the world population take more of sugar drinks and beverages than in the 1980s, this is due to the presence of more Beverages and Drinks companies in the world, leading to the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages which has increased five-fold since the 1950s.

Did you know that 75% of processed foods and drinks contain added sugar? This show the pervasiveness of sugar in our everyday diet.
Recent studies has also pointed out a link between sugar-sweetened beverages and cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes.

Health care research found out that sugar-sweetened beverages promoted by soft drink companies as “sugar-free”, generally known as “Diet drinks” are artificially sweetened beverages said to be harmful to health.

Take note that soft drinks, fruit juices, flavoured water, and ready-to-drink coffee and tea are all artificially sweetened and have no energy content.

Get regular cancer screenings
early detection saves thousands of lives every month. Your family history and certain risk factors sometimes indicate that a person's screenings should start at a younger age. Ask your doctor, or visit Afriglobal Medicare at www.afriglobalmedicare.com for more enquiries

Watch your weight
Those extra pounds can cause big trouble. They strain your heart, raise your blood pressure and significantly increase your risk of a heart attack. Eat more high-fiber, nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, and fewer high-fat foods.

Get regular checkups
Think of your doctor as an ally who helps keep you well, not just the person who treats you when you're sick. Regular checkups and screenings are vital, especially if you or your family are predisposed to certain medical conditions. Wondering about which screenings and immunizations you need? Ask your primary healthcare provider or visit Afriglobal Medicare offices at 8 Mobolaji Bank-Anthony Way Ikeja, Lagos-Nigeria Lagos, Nigeria

Quit smoking
it’s no secret that nicotine use has been linked to a variety of life-threatening illnesses, from cancer to heart disease and stroke.

Avoid excessive drinking
while drinking in moderation is usually fine, heavy drinking can lead to liver damage and other serious health risks.

Become safety-minded
Disability-causing incidents can spring up when you least expect them. Stay alert for possible dangers. Drive defensively. Wear your seatbelts. At work or play, always use the recommended safety equipment.

Cultivate your mental and emotional health
Good relationships and a positive mental attitude really help. Maintain contacts with family and friends. Stay active and involved through work, recreation and perhaps volunteer work in your community. Yes, it's a 24/7 world but no one can work 24 hours a day.
For more Information, Visit Afriglobal Medicare for assistance or call Afriglobal Medicare on 0902 289 1059 www.afriglobalmedicare.com

Could You Have Cataracts? Here’s How To Deal With It

You use the lens of your eye every day, for everything from reading to driving to watching your favourite television programmes. With age, the proteins inside your lens can clump together turning them from clear to cloudy. Certain behaviors can put you at a higher risk for getting a Cataract, these include:

• Too much time in the sun without eye protection.
• Smoking.
• High blood sugar.
• Using steroid medications.
• Exposure to radiation.

But you aren’t alone. Millions of Nigerians over the age of 40 have cataracts in one or both eyes, and many of them have had corrective surgery for the condition. If you have any of the following symptoms, talk to your eye doctor soon.

Cataracts start small and initially may have little effect on your vision. Things might seem a little blurry — this effect usually increases over time. The world will seem cloudy, blurry, or dim.
There are three main types of cataracts, affecting different parts of the lens:
• Posterior subscapular cataracts.
• Nuclear cataracts in the center of the lens.
• Cortical cataracts on the side of the lens, which appear as small streaks.

Those with nuclear cataracts may briefly see their vision improve. This sensation is sometimes called "second sight."
As cataracts become more advanced, they begin to darken with a yellow or brown tinge.
This begins to affect night vision and makes certain nighttime activities, such as driving, more difficult. In fact, a study from Curtin University in Australia found that treating cataracts reduced the risk of car accidents by at least 13%.

If you suspect you have cataracts, be very careful at night and don’t drive when your vision is compromised. For corrective remedy for cataracts, eye tests and other diagnostic services, do visit Afriglobal Medicare at 8, Mobolaji Bank-Anthony Way, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria or go to www.afriglobalmedicare.com.