Health

BENEFITS OF DONATING BLOOD

Health /

Why should you donate blood?
Donating blood is a selfless act that can have numerous benefits, not just to save the lives of the recipients, but for the donors themselves. Here are some of the key benefits of donating blood.

1. Lower Risk of Heart Attack: Studies have shown that regular blood donation can significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks by up to 88%. By maintaining healthy iron levels and reducing oxidative stress, blood donation promotes cardiovascular health and helps safeguard against heart disease.

2. Decreased Risk of Cancer and Hemochromatosis: Donating blood not only benefits your heart but also lowers the risk of certain types of cancer. Moreover, individuals with hereditary hemochromatosis, a condition characterized by excessive iron absorption, can benefit from blood donation as it helps reduce iron overload and associated complications.

3. Calorie Burn: Did you know that donating a pint of blood, approximately 450ml, can burn around 650 calories? This unexpected benefit makes blood donation a unique way to contribute to your fitness goals while saving lives.

4. Stimulation of Blood Cell Production: One of the remarkable benefits of donating blood is that it stimulates your body to produce fresh blood cells. This process enhances blood circulation, improves oxygen transport, and promotes overall health by supporting the production of new red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

5. Fulfillment and Emotional Well-being: Donating blood goes beyond physical health benefits; it also provides a profound sense of fulfillment and emotional well-being. Knowing that your selfless act has potentially saved lives and made a positive impact on others can be immensely rewarding and uplifting.

Consider donating blood as a way to improve your own health while making a significant difference in the lives of others. Contact us to learn more about eligibility and how you can participate in this life-saving act.

#DonateBlood #HealthBenefits #SaveLives

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MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON MALARIA – CAUSES AND PREVENTION

Health, Monday Health Burst /

Malaria is a serious and potentially deadly disease that affects millions of people around the world every year.

In 2022, the World Health Organisation (WHO) in their World Malaria Report, recorded 619,000 Malaria deaths globally. 31% of those deaths (19,890) occurred in Nigeria.

Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite called Plasmodium, which is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female mosquitoes.
The Plasmodium parasites P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, and P. malariae are some of the several species that cause malaria and the most prevalent and deadly strain of the illness is P. falciparum.

Some factors that contribute to the risk of malaria transmission include;
High population density, limited access to healthcare, and poor sanitation.

According to WHO, severe infection is more likely to occur in newborns, children under five, pregnant women, travelers, and those with HIV or AIDS.

Malaria can be prevented by;

The use of antimalarial drugs.

The use of insecticide – treated mosquito nets.

Wearing of protective clothing

The use of insect repellent.

Elimination of mosquito breeding sites like stagnant water and dirty environment.

Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the disease from becoming severe or even fatal.

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.

#MondayHealthBurst #Malaria #CausesandPrevention

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MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON ENDOMETRIAL CANCER

Health, Monday Health Burst, WHO, Women /

Endometrial cancer is a type of uterine cancer that affects the inner lining of the uterus.

As recorded by the World Cancer Research Fund International, endometrial cancer is the sixth most commonly occurring cancer in women and the fifteenth most common cancer overall, with four hundred and seventeen thousand new cases recorded in 2020.

Approximately 3 in 100 women will be diagnosed with uterine cancer at some point in their lives. More than 80 percent of people with uterine cancer survive for 5 years or longer after receiving the diagnosis according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

The symptoms of endometrial cancer include; vaginal bleeding after menopause, change in the length or heaviness of menstrual period, pelvic pain, and vaginal bleeding between periods or spotting.

Mayo clinic stated that doctors do not know the exact cause of endometrial cancer, but it occurs as a result of mutations in the DNA. This mutations lead to the growth of abnormal cells which unlike the healthy cells doesn’t die but accumulate to form tumor and later spread to other parts of the body.

Some of the factors known to increase the risk of having the cancer are; not bearing children, a late natural menopause ( after the age of 55), Tamoxifen- a hormone therapy, obesity, being tall, physical activity, and consumption of coffee (WCRI).

The treatment for endometrial cancer is majorly surgery to remove the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries depending on the cancer stage. Other treatment include radiation, hormone therapy and chemotherapy.

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.

#EndometrialCancer #UNFPA #WHO #NCI #MondayHealthBurst

 

                                                             

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MONDAY HEALTH BURST – VIRAL HEPATITIS IN NIGERIA

#ViralHepatitis, Health, Health Communication, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C /

Viral hepatitis is one of the most communicable diseases in the world. It is spread through contaminated blood, intravenous drug abuse and sexual contact with an infected person. In highly endemic areas like sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, hepatitis B is most commonly spread from mother to child at birth (perinatal transmission). In addition, infection can occur during medical, surgical and dental procedures, tattooing, or through the use of razors and similar objects that are contaminated with infected blood. Annually, viral hepatitis affects 400 million people worldwide, causing acute and chronic liver diseases and killing about 1.5 million people (4,000 people daily), mostly from hepatitis B and C. Yet, it is entirely preventable.

Infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the main cause of liver cancer. According to Centre for Disease Control (CDC), viral hepatitis causes 80% of all liver cancer deaths. In Nigeria, liver cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths, accounting for over 11,000 deaths yearly and 32 deaths every day. Liver cancer is less common among children and teenagers and more common with adults. The average age of occurrence in Nigeria is about 46 years compared to the developed world where the average age of occurrence is in the mid-60s. Also, liver cancer is more common in men with a male: female ratio of about 2 in 1 according to National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Liver cancer is rare in children and teenagers.

Every year, July 28 is marked as World Hepatitis Day (WHD). It is a day dedicated to increase the global awareness and understanding of viral hepatitis and the diseases that it causes. This is because research shows that with better awareness and application of its preventive measures, this life-threatening disease could be eliminated, and 4,000 lives could be saved daily.

Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) takes advantage of this special event annually to work towards eliminating viral hepatitis across different states in Nigeria. Aside awareness creation in communities by CFHI, other successful ways employed to curb this menace is to reach out to key populations in Abuja, Nasarawa and Imo states with sensitization programs, vaccination and referrals. These key populations include female sex workers, drug addicts, inmates in correctional centres, worship centres, and people living in hard-to-reach communities. CFHI also carries out street interviews to know the level of awareness of people towards hepatitis and has over the years reached out to over 1000 people.

During the sensitization campaigns, participants are shown different ways of preventing the transmission of viral hepatitis, which include avoiding sharing of needles and other items such as toothbrushes, razors or nail scissors, avoiding tattoos or body piercings from unlicensed facilities and screening of blood donation products, practicing safe sex by minimizing the number of partners and using barrier protective measures (condoms), reducing alcohol intake, obesity, and avoiding aflatoxin prone foods like tree nuts (almonds, cashews, and walnuts), peanut, rice, corn, dried fruits, cereals, among others.

During the street interviews by CFHI, about 40% of the respondents were unaware of what hepatitis really is, neither do they know the means of transmission and preventive measures; 30% agreed to have heard about hepatitis, but never cared much about it; 20% were either infected or affected by HBV or HCV; and 10% had proper knowledge of viral hepatitis and were vaccinated.

To significantly reduce the current hepatitis epidemic, screening and early diagnosis still remains a major tool in preventing transmission of viral hepatitis and other health problems that may result from viral hepatitis infection. There is need for massive awareness and widespread availability of these interventions. With CFHI already facilitating health education, screening as well as vaccination against hepatitis at the grassroots and among key populations, a larger number of persons in Nigeria will be reached with more support.

Follow us on all our social media handles for updates on the commemoration of World Hepatitis Day, 2022.

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Period Poverty_MHM

SPEAK WEDNESDAY – PERIOD POVERTY AND POOR EDUCATION

Gender Based Violence, Gender Equality, Girl Education, Health, Menstrual Health and Hygiene, Reproductive Health, Sanitation, Speak Wednesday, Women, Women Education, Women's Rights /

The backdrop in girls’ education due to lack of menstrual hygiene in Nigeria should no longer be gender issue, but of national concern.

The National Democracy and Health Survey in 2013 has shown that girls make up 60 per cent of the 110.5 million out-of-school children in Nigeria, and 1 in 10 African girls misses school due to their period, according to UNICEF. In order words, they could miss school for four days or more during which the period lasts, and since they cannot manage their period safely without a good sanitary product, such children are most likely to drop out of school in the long run. Moreso, the hike in menstrual products has left most Nigerian girls and young women with no choice but to use unclean napkins, tissue, leaves, newspapers, or nothing at all, during their menstruation.

The old African proverb says “educate a girl, educate a nation”. To curb this damaging menace caused by period poverty, the Nigerian government should borrow a Leaf from Kenya’s policy which introduced the right to free, sufficient and quality sanitary towels, and basic sanitation facilities for schoolgirls; treating access to sanitary pads as a basic human right. This and the total removal of tax on menstrual products will help to make the girl child stay in school during their monthly flow.

Like Michelle Obama rightly said, when girls are educated, their countries become stronger and more prosperous. It is time to embrace this fact and work towards creating a world where everyone irrespective of gender can thrive without limitations.

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.

#SpeakWednesday #MenstrualRightsAwareness #MenstrualHygiene #MenstrualEquality #GirlsInSchool #EquityAndJustice #MHDay2022 #WeAreCommitted
#reusablesanitarypad

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SPEAK WEDNESDAY – PREDIABETES

Diabetes, Health, Healthy Dieting, Monday Health Burst, Prediabetes /

PREDIABETES – YOUR CHANCE TO PREVENT TYPE 2 DIABETES

According to Centre for Disease Control (CDC), prediabetes is a serious health condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal, yet not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. If one has prediabetes, it shows that the cells in the body do not respond normally to insulin. Hence, the pancreas makes more insulin to try to get cells to respond and eventually will not be able to keep up. The blood sugar then rises, setting the stage for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.

Studies have shown that 1 in 3 American adults have prediabetes. In Nigeria, the prevalence of prediabetes is also high with hypertension emerging as the possible driving force. Though the exact cause of prediabetes is unknown, family history, genetics, lack of regular physical activity and being overweight with excess fat around the abdomen appear to be important factors. Other factors include ever having gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or giving birth to a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds and having polycystic ovary syndrome.

Often times, one could be with prediabetes for years with no clear symptoms, so it often goes undetected until serious health problems such as type 2 diabetes show up. However, some people experience increased thirst, frequent urination, excess hunger, fatigue, blurred vision, and darkened skin on certain parts of the body (neck, armpits, elbows, knees and knuckles).

To reverse prediabetes, keep an active lifestyle by getting at least 150 minutes a week of brisk walking or a similar activity, avoid refined carbohydrates, cut back on sugar, eat healthy foods, drink less alcohol, get sufficient sleep, reduce food portion size. More so, periodic screening is key to detecting and reversing prediabetes. Simple Blood Sugar Test done in time could stop prediabetes from developing into type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

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HEALTH CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH DRUG ABUSE

Health, Health Communication, Monday Health Burst /

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fourth edition (DMS-4) defines drug abuse as “a maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.” Drug abuse also known as substance abuse refers to the use of certain chemicals to create pleasurable effects on the brain. Drugs most often used include alcohol, amphetamines, cannabis, cocaine, hallucinogens, and opioids.

Globally, some 35 million people are estimated to suffer from drug use disorder according to the latest World Drug Report, released by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The report also estimates the number of opioid users at 53 million, up 56 per cent from previous estimates, and that opioids are responsible for two-thirds of the 585,000 people who died as a result of drug use in 2017. According to a survey led by Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Center for Research and Information on Substance Abuse, over the past year alone, nearly 15% of the adult population in Nigeria (around 14.3 million people) reported a “considerable level” of use of psychoactive drug substances—it’s a rate much higher than the 2016 global average of 5.6% among adults. It showed the highest levels of drug use were recorded among people aged between 25 to 39, with cannabis being the most widely used drug.

Addiction to any substance, whether legal or illegal, can in some cases lead to serious health conditions. The effects of drug abuse according to Medical News Today 2018 publication, depend on the type of drug, any other substances that a person is using, and their health history. Abusing a drug, or misusing prescription medication, can produce other short-term effects, such as changes in appetite, sleeplessness or insomnia, increased heart rate, slurred speech etc. On the other hand, experts have linked chronic drug use with the following health conditions:

  • Cardiovascular disease: Stimulants, such as cocaine and methamphetamines, can damage the heart and blood vessels. The long-term use of these drugs can lead to coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, and heart attack.
  • Respiratory problems: Drugs that people smoke or inhale can damage the respiratory system and lead to chronic respiratory infections and diseases.
  • Kidney damage: The kidneys filter excess minerals and waste products from the blood. Heroin, ketamine and synthetic cannabinoids can cause kidney damage or kidney failure.
  • Liver disease: Chronic drug and alcohol use can damage the liver cells, leading to inflammation, scarring, and even liver failure.
  • Overdose: Taking too much of a drug or taking multiple drugs together can result in an overdose.

Drug addiction is treatable and starts with detox under medical supervision. Family and friends can begin the healing process through group therapy, counselling, and talking to others in peer support groups or meetings and drug addiction forums.

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Men’s Reproductive Health

Men, Men's Health, Reproductive Health /
Reproductive health is an important component of men’s overall health and well-being. Too often, males have been overlooked in discussions of reproductive health, especially when reproductive issues such as contraception and infertility have been perceived as female-related. Every day, men, their partners, and health care providers can protect their reproductive health by ensuring effective contraception, avoiding sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and preserving fertility (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, 2016). The recognized most common issues of male’s reproductive health are Contraception, avoiding sexually transmitted diseases and Infertility/fertility. One may ask why Men’s Reproductive Health is a matter of concern. According to Cummings (2020), research shows that a man’s health before conception can damage sperm in such a way that it affects his offsprings’ health. This may include behaviours such as alcohol and drug use, smoking and lifestyle choices, medications or his exposure to chemicals at home, work, and in the environment. There is increasing evidence that damaged sperm can affect pregnancy outcomes, from miscarriage and birth weight to birth defects and childhood illnesses. There is a growing body of study which is focused on damage in spermatozoa and the effects of ageing on male reproductive health. According to Selvaratnam and Robaire (2019) Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-damaged sperm is the cause of conditions ranging from spontaneous abortion to congenital malformations and genetic defects in children. it is important to pay more attention to men’s reproductive health because it has the potential to improve men’s lives and the lives of their children (Cummings, 2020).  Men can boost their reproductive health by having a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a balanced diet. This may include among others exercising regularly, getting enough vitamin C & D, relaxing and minimizing stress, getting enough zinc, quitting smoking and excessive drinking etc. Society can foster an environment where men pay better attention to their health by raising awareness towards acknowledging first that men have certain reproductive health needs and secondly that these needs need to be catered to. Also, Federal health agencies and professional medical associations can develop Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials to educate the public about men’s health and how it can potentially affect their children’s health.   Truly as stated by Cummings, paying more attention to men’s reproductive health has the potential to improve life for this generation and for generations to come.

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MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH

Health, Men's Health, Mental Health /

Men's Mental Health

Mental health refers to cognitive, behavioural, and emotional well-being. It is all about how people think, feel, and behave. People sometimes use the term “mental health” to mean the absence of a mental disorder. According to the World Health Organization (WHO): “Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.” Mental and behavioural disorders affect people of all countries and societies, regardless of age, gender and income and it is not uncommon in Nigeria, yet there is still considerable neglect of mental health, and those who visibly suffer from mental illness are largely stigmatized. With an estimated population of 200 million Nigerians, human resources for mental health are scant at best. The stigma and lack of awareness around mental health produce particularly marked results for men. It is an important yet overlooked health concern. According to Mental Health Foundation (2020), “Men are often expected to be the breadwinners and to be strong, dominant and in control. While these aren’t inherently bad things, they can make it harder for men to reach out for help and open up. Some research also suggests that men who can’t speak openly about their emotions may be less able to recognize symptoms of mental health problems in themselves, and less likely to reach out for support”. So, due to a number of factors including social norms, upbringing and the role models men are presented with, some men’s mental health issues have gone unrecognized for a long time. Worldwide, even though more women are reported to suffer depression than men, men are more likely to die by suicide compared to women. Nigerian men, like many across the world, often bottle up emotions that cause mental stress. These often lead to taking up unhealthy ways of dealing with stress such as smoking, drinking excessively or compulsive spending. (Nigeria Health Watch, 2020). According to a 2019 Mental Help publication, a range of factors can contribute to the development of mental health issues in men, such as:
  • Substance abuse: Men may be more likely to use drugs or alcohol as a means of coping with mental health issues, though such ‘self-medication’ can make things worse in the long run.
  • Poor working conditions or a high workload: Work stress and a lack of social support have been associated with a higher likelihood of mental health issues in men.
  • Traditional gender roles: This can include feeling pressure to be a provider or societal norms that discourage men from talking about their feelings.
  • Financial issues: Economic factors are a top cause of stress for many people and could play a role in the development of certain mental health disorders.
  • Loss of work: Unemployment and retirement are associated with an increased risk of depression in men. One in 7 men who lose their jobs become depressed.
  • Separation and divorce: Often, men tend to see themselves as being providers and the ones to keep the family happy. Depression is more prevalent and more severe among divorced men.
As a society, it is important that we increase awareness on mental health, especially for men-changing those traditional beliefs that come with mental health issues by breaking down the stigma around this topic. It is also critical to encourage men to be able to ask for help as it doesn’t in any way belittle their masculinity and the need for more safe spaces for men to talk about their mental health struggles be encouraged.

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