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MONDAY HEALTH BURST

Endometriosis, Health, Health Communication, Monday Health Burst / cfhinitiative

ENDOMETRIOSIS – CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, AND TREATMENT

Endometriosis, sometimes called “Endo,” is a common health problem in women. It gets its name from the word endometrium, the tissue that normally lines the uterus or womb. Endometriosis happens when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (womb) grows outside of the uterus and on other areas in the body where it does not belong. It is especially common among women in 30s and 40s and may make it harder to get pregnant. Endometriosis is often found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, tissues that hold the uterus in place or outer surface of the uterus.

The cause of Endometriosis is yet unknown, However, there are several theories associated with the causes of Endometriosis. The widely accepted theory is that the womb lining does not leave the body properly during a period and embeds itself on the organs of the pelvis. This is known as retrograde menstruation. Other factors include

Genetic factors -Because endometriosis runs in families, it may be inherited in the genes.
Immune system problems -A faulty immune system may fail to find and destroy endometrial tissue growing outside of the uterus. Immune system disorders and certain cancers are more common in women with endometriosis.
Hormones -the hormone estrogen appears to promote endometriosis. Research is looking at whether endometriosis is a problem with the body’s hormone system.
Surgery -during a surgery to the abdominal area, such as a Cesarean (C-section) or hysterectomy, endometrial tissue could be picked up and moved by mistake. For instance, endometrial tissue has been found in abdominal scars.

Endometriosis is a long-term (chronic) condition. Symptoms can vary significantly from person to person and some women have no symptoms at all. Yet, the most common symptoms include: painful periods or heavy periods which gets worse overtime; pain in the lower abdomen, pelvis or lower back, pain during and after sex, bleeding between periods, difficulty getting pregnant, painful bowel movements or pain when urinating during menstrual periods. Most women with endometriosis get pain in the area between their hips and the tops of their legs. Some women experience this pain all the time.

Other symptoms may include persistent exhaustion and tiredness, discomfort when defecating, bleeding from the back passage (rectum) or blood in feces, and coughing blood in rare cases when the endometriosis tissue is in the lung. How severe the symptoms are depends on where in the body the abnormal tissue is, rather than the amount of tissue present. A small amount could be more painful than a large amount. It is worthy of note that Endometriosis is rare in women who are in the menopause stage.

There is presently no cure for endometriosis. Endometriosis can be a difficult condition to deal with, both physically and emotionally but treatments are available for the symptoms and problems it causes. The symptoms of endometriosis can often be managed with painkillers and hormone medication, which help prevent the condition interfering with daily activities. Still, there is no known cure for endometriosis. For women who are not interested in getting pregnant, hormonal birth control is generally the first step in treatment. Patches of endometriosis tissue can sometimes be surgically removed to improve symptoms and fertility also. However, Surgery is usually chosen for severe symptoms, when hormones are not providing relief or if there are fertility problems.

Monday Health Burst is an initiative of CFHI to address issues of basic health concerns. Join us every Monday for more interesting episodes

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SPEAK WEDNESDAY

Gender, Gender Based Violence, Health, Speak Wednesday, WHO, Women, Women Education, Women's Rights / cfhinitiative

CHILD MARRIAGE – THE MAJOR CAUSE OF THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC VULNERABILITY OF WOMEN AND GIRLS

Child marriage is a widespread violation of human rights. It is an impediment to social and economic development, and it is rooted in gender inequality. The low value placed on girls and women brings about the act and acceptability of child marriage in societies where the practice is common. According to UNICEF, Child marriage refers to any formal marriage or informal union between a child under the age of 18 and an adult or another child. Child marriage is principally practiced in the rural and poor communities where young girls are regarded as economic burden and quickly married off to assuage household expenses.

Child marriage has been a common practice among many ethnic groups in the world including Nigeria. However, it has contributed to series of negative consequences both for young girls and the society in which they live. It is a violation of human rights in general and of girl’s rights in particular. For both women and girls, child marriage has profound physical, intellectual, psychological and emotional impacts.

Aside the emotional and mental distress, intolerance, school drop-out, Fistula diseases, early widowhood, frustration and hatred for the man accompanied with child marriage, child marriage is inherently linked to low educational level, social isolation, severe health risks which results in increased gender inequality and vulnerability to poverty for girls, young women, families and the society at a large.

It is essential that efforts be aligned towards providing easy access for girls to entrepreneurial opportunities. In 2020, CFHI through Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) and Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria (CCFN) funded projects empowered 453 women with non- interest loans to start or expand their businesses, thereby increasing their social economic capital while empowering them with financial literacy and accountability. CFHI did not only provide loans, but also provided 97 startup kits to adolescents who were trained in different skills including sewing, barbing, hair dressing, baking, furniture making, Computer, among others. Thirty-three (33) newly enrolled adolescents are still in training.

As we celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science tomorrow, the promotion of girl education should be a priority for NGOs and the Government. This is an ideal solution to the issue of girl-child marriage.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues of gender based violence and gender bias. Join us every Wednesday on all our social media platforms for more episodes.

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MONDAY HEALTH BURST

Female Genital Mutilation, Gender, Health, Health Communication, HIV/AIDS, Hygiene, Mental Health, Monday Health Burst, Stop FGM, Women's Rights / cfhinitiative

EFFECTS OF FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION (FGM)

According to World Health Organization, more than 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM) in 30 countries in Africa, mostly in the Middle East and Asia. All forms of FGM are associated with increased health risk in the short- and long-term. Below are some of the health risks.

Short-term health risks of FGM

Severe pain. Cutting the nerve ends and sensitive genital tissue causes extreme pain. The healing period is also painful.

Shock. Can be caused by pain, infection and/or haemorrhage.

Genital tissue swelling. Due to inflammatory response or local infection.

Infections. May spread after the use of contaminated instruments (e.g. use of same instruments in multiple genital mutilation operations), and during the healing period.

Excessive bleeding (haemorrhage). Can result if the clitoral artery or other blood vessel is cut.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The direct association between FGM and HIV remains unconfirmed, although the cutting of genital tissues with the same surgical instrument without sterilization could increase the risk for transmission of HIV between girls who undergo female genital mutilation together.

Urination problems. These may include urinary retention and pain passing urine. This may be due to tissue swelling, pain or injury to the urethra.

Impaired wound healing. Can lead to pain, infections and abnormal scarring.

Death. Death can result from infections, including tetanus, as well as haemorrhage that can lead to shock.

Mental health problems. The pain, shock and the use of physical force during the event, as well as a sense of betrayal when family members condone and/or organize the practice, are reasons why many women describe FGM as a traumatic event.

Long-term health risks of FGM

Infections:

Chronic genital infections. With consequent chronic pain, and vaginal discharge and itching. Cysts, abscesses and genital ulcers may also appear.
Chronic reproductive tract infections. May cause chronic back and pelvic pain.
Urinary tract infections. If not treated, such infections can ascend to the kidneys, potentially resulting in renal failure, septicaemia and death. An increased risk of repeated urinary tract infections is well documented in both girls and adult women who have undergone FGM.

Painful urination. Due to obstruction of the urethra and recurrent urinary tract infections.

Vaginal problems. Discharge, itching, bacterial vaginosis and other infections.

Menstrual problems. Obstruction of the vaginal opening may lead to painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea), irregular menses and difficulty in passing menstrual blood, particularly among women with Type III FGM.

Excessive scar tissue (keloids). Excessive scar tissue can form at the site of the cutting.

HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus). Given that the transmission of HIV is facilitated through trauma of the vaginal epithelium which allows the direct introduction of the virus, it is reasonable to presume that the risk of HIV transmission may be increased due to increased risk of bleeding during intercourse, because of FGM.

Sexual health problems. FGM damages anatomic structures that are directly involved in female sexual function and can therefore also influence women’s sexual health and well-being. Removal of, or damage to, highly sensitive genital tissue, especially the clitoris, may affect sexual sensitivity and lead to sexual problems, such as decreased sexual desire and pleasure, pain during sex, difficulty during penetration, decreased lubrication during intercourse, and reduced frequency or absence of orgasm (anorgasmia). Scar formation, pain and traumatic memories associated with the procedure can also lead to such problems.

Childbirth complications (obstetric complications). FGM is associated with an increased risk of caesarean section, postpartum haemorrhage, recourse to episiotomy, difficult labour, obstetric tears/lacerations, instrumental delivery, prolonged labour, and extended maternal hospital stay. The risks increase with the severity of FGM.

Obstetric fistula. A direct association between FGM and obstetric fistula has not been established. However, given the causal relationship between prolonged and obstructed labour and fistula, and the fact that FGM is also associated with prolonged and obstructed labour, it is reasonable to presume that both conditions could be linked in women living with FGM.

Perinatal risks. Obstetric complications can result in a higher incidence of infant resuscitation at delivery and intrapartum stillbirth and neonatal death.

Mental health problems. Studies have shown that girls and women who have undergone FGM are more likely to experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, depression and somatic (physical) complaints (e.g. aches and pains) with no organic cause.

Pain. Due to tissue damage and scarring that may result in trapped or unprotected nerve endings.

Though FGM may be normative and considered to be of cultural significance in some settings, the practice is always a violation of human rights, with the risk of causing trauma and leading to problems related to girls’ and women’s mental health and well-being. (WHO,2020)

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Speak Wednesday

ChildNotBride, PictureStory, Speak Wednesday, Uncategorized, VVF / cfhinitiative

HEALTH CONSEQUENCES OF UNDERAGE MARRIAGES

There are several types of vaginal fistulas, but the most common amongst underage girls is the Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF)

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SPEAK WEDNESDAY

Gender, Gender Based Violence, Health, Health Communication, Speak Wednesday, Teenage Pregnancy, WHO, Women, Women Education, Women's Rights / cfhinitiative

EFFECTS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ON CHILDREN

Domestic violence unlike other forms of violence is the most entrenched and pervasive form of violence in our society today. According to Center for Disease Control and Prevention, homes where violence between partners occur, there is a 45% to 60% chance of co-occurring child abuse, a rate 15 times higher than the average. This is to show that even when children are not physically attacked, they witness 68% to 80% of domestic assaults.

The effects of domestic violence can be devastating and long lasting especially on children. Witnessing abuse and living in an environment where someone else, usually a care giver is a victim of abuse, can be psychologically devastating for a child. Such children often believe that they are to blame, live in a constant state of fear, and are 15 times more likely to be victims of child abuse.

Wikipedia states that Children in homes where one parent is abused may feel fearful and anxious. They may always be on guard, wondering when the next violent event will happen which can cause them to react in different ways, depending on their age and this may include but not limited to delays in cognitive and emotional development, extreme withdrawal or aggressiveness, anxiety disorders, internalizing and externalizing behavior problems. These children are also at higher risk for health problems as adults, these can include mental health conditions, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, poor self-esteem, among others.

Children who are witnesses to domestic violence have a greater likelihood of repeating the cycle of violence as adults by entering abusive relationships or becoming abusers themselves. For example, a boy who sees his mother being abused is a lot more likely to abuse his female partner as an adult. A girl who grows up in a home where her father abuses her mother is according to research more than six times as likely to be sexually abused as to a girl who grows up in a non-abusive home.

How successful a child is at recovering from abuse or trauma depends on several factors. Children can be resilient or sensitive to issues of abuse. Having good support systems or good relationships with trusted adults and healthy friendships can aid in easy recovery. The sooner a child gets help, the better his or her chances for becoming a mentally and physically healthy adult.

Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) through its psychosocial support programs has reached thousands of children who are vulnerable and exposed to any form of violence. Also, Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues of gender-based violence and gender bias.

Join us every Wednesday on all our social media platforms for more episodes.

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MONDAY HEALTH BURST

2 Comments / Attention Deficit, Health Communication, Hyperactivity Disorder, Mental Health, Monday Health Burst / cfhinitiative

ATTENTION DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDERS (ADHD) IN CHILDREN

ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. ADHD symptoms can appear as early as between the ages of 3 and 6 and can continue through adolescence and adulthood. Symptoms of ADHD can be mistaken for emotional or disciplinary problems or missed entirely in quiet, well-behaved children. Adults with undiagnosed ADHD may have a history of poor academic performance, problems at work, or difficult or failed relationships.
It is normal for children to have trouble focusing and behaving at one time or another. However, children with ADHD do not just grow out of these behaviors. A child with ADHD might: daydream a lot; forget or lose things a lot; squirm or fidget; talk too much; make careless mistakes or take unnecessary risks; avoid tasks needing extended mental effort; have trouble taking turns or have difficulty getting along with others which can lead to academic failure and judgment by other children and adults; the tendency to have more accidents and injuries of all kinds; the tendency to have low self-esteem; increased risk of alcohol and drug abuse and other delinquent behavior.
There are 3 subtypes of ADHD: Predominantly inattentive (Majority of its symptoms fall under inattention); predominantly hyperactive/impulsive (Majority of its symptoms are hyperactive and impulsive) and combined (This is the combination of inattentive symptoms and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms).
Among the cause(s) and risk factors for ADHD, current research shows that genetics plays an important role. However, other factors include: Brain injury, exposure to environmental toxins during pregnancy, such as high levels of lead found mainly in paint and pipes in older buildings at a young age, premature delivery and low birth weight. Also, studies show that ADHD is more common in males than females. Females with ADHD are more likely to have problems primarily with inattention.
Diagnosis of ADHD requires a comprehensive evaluation by a licensed clinician, such as a pediatrician, psychologist, or psychiatrist with expertise in ADHD. Research shows that, ADHD is best treated with a combination of behavior therapy and medication. For preschool-aged children (4-5 years of age) with ADHD, behavior therapy, particularly training for parents, is recommended as the first line of treatment before medication is tried.
Monday Health Burst is an initiative of CFHI to address issues of basic health concern. Join us every Monday on all our social media platforms for more episodes.

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MONDAY HEALTH BURST

2 Comments / Drug Abuse, Health, Health Communication, Mental Health, Monday Health Burst / cfhinitiative

Schizoaffective Disorder in Adolescents
Schizoaffective disorder is part of a cluster of diagnoses called the schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders. Schizoaffective disorder is a neuropsychiatric or mental disorder in which a person experiences a combination of schizophrenia symptoms and mood disorder symptoms (typically either major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder).
The symptoms and behavior of children and adolescents with schizoaffective disorder may be different from those of adults with this illness. The following symptoms and behaviors can occur in children or adolescents with schizoaffective disorder: Changes in weight or appetite, Suicidal thoughts or attempts, agitation, sleeplessness, and paranoia; depressive symptoms, including sadness, fatigue, trouble concentrating, and loss of interest in daily activities; and/or psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations, delusions, and confused thinking. Without treatment, the disorder may lead to difficulty functioning at work, at school, and in social situations.
Adolescents schizoaffective disorder is very hard to accurately diagnose, as it is difficult to distinguish from schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mood disorders. Many adolescents with schizoaffective disorder are often initially misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.
The greatest risk factor for developing a schizoaffective disorder is generally family history of the same illness or other forms of psychosis, there are a few other risks associated with the development of a schizoaffective disorder in Adolescents, which includes but not limited to drug abuse (Overuse of mind-altering substances such as; methamphetamine, cannabis, cocaine, alcohol, amphetamines, and psychedelics. Some drugs, like ecstasy, can produce lasting or persistent psychosis even after single use in certain individuals) and trauma ( An extremely stressful event triggering latent symptoms. Though trauma is entirely subjective. A horrific event witnessed by multiple persons may only leave one or two struggling with traumatic mental health issues afterwards).
There is no effective cure, but symptoms can be managed and reduced to the point where a normal life without dire consequences can be possible. Adolescents are highly adaptive, and with some therapeutic intervention and possibly the use of medication, most adolescents with schizoaffective disorder can find relief. However, the disorder cannot be completely removed from a person’s mind. Managing it is an ongoing process, and there can be setbacks at times.
Monday Health Burst is an initiative of CFHI to address basic health issues. Join us every Monday on all our social media platforms for more health-related articles.

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SPEAK WEDNESDAY

Female Roles in Nation Building, Gender, Gender Based Violence, Health, Health Communication, Mental Health, Postpartum Depression, Speak Wednesday, Teenage Pregnancy, WHO, Women, Women Education, Women's Rights / cfhinitiative

EFFECTS OF TEENAGE PREGNANCY

Effects of Teenage Pregnancy

Teenage pregnancy is pregnancy in a woman 19 years of age or younger. A woman can get pregnant if she has vaginal sex with a man at any age after she’s begun having regular monthly periods.

Teenage pregnancies are a global problem that occurs in high, middle, and low income countries. However, there is a higher prevalence in marginalized communities, commonly driven by poverty and lack of education and employment opportunities. According to World Health Organisation (W.H.O), approximately 16 million girls aged 15 to 19 years and 2.5 million girls under 16 years give birth each year in developing regions and the leading cause of mortality for this age group is complication during pregnancy and childbirth. Many girls face considerable pressure to marry early and become mothers at a tender age. Teenage pregnancy increases when girls are denied the right to make decisions about their sexual and reproductive health and well-being.

Studies show that teen mothers face significant levels of stress that can lead to increased mental health concerns. In addition to higher rates of postpartum depression, teenage mothers have higher rates of depression. Pregnant teens also have a higher chance of becoming anemic which is a reduction in the number of red blood cells (RBCs). This can make you feel weak and tired and can affect your baby’s development. They also have higher rates of suicidal ideation than their peers who aren’t mothers. Teen mothers are more likely to experience posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than other teenage women, as well and this is attributed to the fact that they are more likely to have gone through mental and/or physical abuse.

Many pregnant teens drop out of school, and some never complete their education which means that a large proportion of mothers who get pregnant as teenagers live in poverty and are not able to realize their full potential. Their children are not left out also, born to a teenage mother, they have greater risk for lower birth weight and infant mortality; less prepared to enter kindergarten; are more likely to be incarcerated at some time during adolescence; are more likely to drop out of high school; are more likely to be unemployed or underemployed as a young adult.

When teenagers engage in sexual relationships, they do not think about the consequences. That is why it is pertinent to invest much in the issue of reproductive health with more emphasis on adopting the right attitudes about responsible sexual behavior.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues of gender based violence and gender inequality. Join us every Wednesday on all our social media platforms for more episodes.

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SPEAK WEDNESDAY

Health Communication, Speak Wednesday, WHO, Women, Women's Rights / cfhinitiative

FINANCIAL ABUSE OF WOMEN IN MARRAIGES

Did you ever think there is such a thing as “financial abuse”? When most people think of domestic abuse, the first thing that comes to mind is likely physical or verbal abuse, but research shows that financial abuse occurs just as frequently in unhealthy relationships as other forms of abuse.

According to Wikipedia, Financial abuse also known as economic abuse is a form of abuse when one intimate partner has control over the other partner’s access to economic resources, which diminishes the victim’s capacity to support themselves and forces them to depend on the perpetrators financially.

Financial abuse happens when an abuser uses control of finances to maintain power in a relationship. According to researchers, this form of abuse occurs in 99% of physically abusive relationships and women are mostly the victims. Victims of domestic violence often say that financial abuse is the main reason they stayed with an abusive partner. This is because the financial burden placed on them made survival on their own seem impossible. For instance, if an abuser is particularly violent and the victim needs to leave in order to stay safe, this is difficult without money or a credit card. Also, if the victims need to leave the relationship permanently, it is challenging to find safe and affordable housing. Provision of basic needs such as food, clothing, and transportation becomes really challenging. However, many forms of financial abuse are more subtle, like when an abuser hides financial information or withholds money for household needs.

Unlike other forms of abuse, financial abuse can be difficult to recognize because it varies from situation to situation since there is no one way to handle money in a relationship. However, there are concrete tactics an abusive partner may use to keep their partners trapped which includes among others: gives you “allowances” or “budgets” without your input; requiring you to account for everything you spend; pressures you to quit your job or sabotages your work responsibilities; feels entitled to your money or assets; spends your money without your knowledge and controls how all of the household finances are spent.

The effects of financial abuse are often devastating especially for women. They feel inadequate and unsure of themselves due to the emotional abuse that accompanies financial abuse. They also have to go without food and other necessities because they have no money. In the short-term, financial abuse leaves victims vulnerable to physical and emotional abuse and violence. Without access to money, credit cards, and other financial assets, it is extremely difficult to adequately plan.

Though it is not easy to break free from financial abuse, it is possible. Victims should evaluate their personal confidence level regarding finances, gain information about their assets and liabilities, gather important financial and personal documents such as copies of bank statements, birth and marriage certificates, and seek for financial independence through learning of new skills, savings, or getting a good job. Financial independence is essential in achieving healthy relationships.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues of gender based violence and gender inequality. Join us every Wednesday on all our social media platforms for more episodes.

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MONDAY HEALTH BURST

Gender, Health, Mental Health, Monday Health Burst, Postpartum Depression / cfhinitiative

POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION (PPD)

Postpartum depression (PPD) or postnatal depression is a complex mix of physical, emotional, and behavioural changes that happen in some women after giving birth. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), PPD is a form of major depression that begins within 4 weeks after delivery.

Symptoms of postpartum depression can be hard to detect. However, many women have these symptoms following childbirth: Difficulty sleeping, change in appetite, excessive fatigue, decreased libido, frequent mood changes, depression, low self-esteem, suicidal thoughts, panic, thoughts of hurting someone else, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The OCD obsessions are usually related to concerns about the baby’s health, or irrational fears of harming the baby.

There is no one cause of postpartum depression. A number of factors can increase the chances: A history of depression prior to becoming pregnant, or during pregnancy; Age at time of pregnancy; Ambivalence about the pregnancy; Number of children — the more children, the more likely it is for one to be depressed in a subsequent pregnancy; Having a history of depression or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD); Limited social support; Loneliness during pregnancy; Marital conflict; Sleeplessness; Anxiety; Hormonal imbalance — The dramatic drop in oestrogen and progesterone after giving birth may play a role. Other hormones produced by the thyroid gland may also drop sharply and make one feel tired, sluggish, and depressed.

The diagnosis of postpartum depression is based not only on the length of time between delivery and onset, but also on the severity of the depression. PPD often keeps one from doing their daily activities. Hence, when the ability to function is affected, it is important to consult a health care provider, such as Obstetrician-gynaecologist or primary care doctor, who will screen for depression symptoms and develop a treatment plan. This is because PDD symptoms worsen when left untreated. Though PPD is a serious condition, it can be treated with medication and counselling.
Postpartum depression is treated differently depending on the type and severity of a woman’s symptoms. Treatment options include anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications, psychotherapy, and participation in a support group for emotional support and education. For severe cases, intravenous infusion of a new medication called brexanolone (Zulresso) may be prescribed.

Monday Health Burst is an initiative of CFHI to address basic health issues. Join us every Monday on all our social media platforms for more health-related articles.

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