WHO

MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON PROSTATE CANCER OVERVIEW-SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT

In Nigeria, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy among men and a hospital prevalence of 182.5 per 100,000 male admissions was recorded in 2010 in Osun State.1

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the prostate. Males have a little gland called the prostate that resembles a walnut that secretes seminal fluid, which feeds and carries sperm.

In it’s early stage, prostate cancer may not show any symptoms, but may result in indications and symptoms like: difficulty urinating, a weaker stream of pee, blood in the urine, blood in the semen, bone pain, weight loss without attempting, and erectile dysfunction when the cancer becomes advanced.2

Options for treating prostate cancer rely on a number of variables, including how quickly the disease is developing, if it has spread, your general health, and the potential advantages or disadvantages of the treatment. Some of the treatment options include; surgery to remove the prostate, radiation therapy, freezing or heating prostate tissue, and hormone therapy.

Around 1 in 8 males will receive a diagnosis of prostate cancer at some point in their life. However, only 1 in 41 of these will die as a result. This is because treatment is effective, especially in the early stages. Routine screening enables doctors to detect many cases of prostate cancer before they spread.

Individuals and organizations are encouraged to create awareness of the need for routine check-ups to prevent advanced-stage prostate cancer.

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 #MensHealth #ProstateCancer

 

References: 

  1. https://afju.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s12301-019-0010-5 
  2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353087

 

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MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS

Urinary Tract Infections(UTIs) are common infections caused by bacteria that enter the urethra and infect the urinary system. These germs are usually from the skin or the rectum. While the infections can affect any region of the urinary tract, bladder infections (cystitis) are the most prevalent form. Another kind of UTI is pyelonephritis, or kidney infection. Though less frequent, they are more dangerous than bladder infections.(Centre for Disease Control,CDC).
Causes of UTIs:
Bacterial Invasion: The majority of UTIs are caused by bacteria entering the urethra and traveling up to the bladder.
Risk Factors: Women are more prone to UTIs due to a shorter urethra. Other risk factors include sexual activity, urinary tract abnormalities, a weakened immune system, and catheter use.

Symptoms of UTIs:
Painful Urination: A burning sensation during urination is a common symptom.

Frequent Urination: The urge to urinate more often than usual.

Cloudy or Strong-Smelling Urine: Changes in urine color and odor may indicate an infection.

Pelvic Pain: Discomfort or pressure in the lower abdomen.

Diagnosis:
If you suspect a UTI, a healthcare professional will typically perform a urinalysis to check for bacteria and white blood cells. In some cases, imaging tests may be ordered to identify any structural issues in the urinary tract.

Treatment:
Antibiotics: The primary treatment for UTIs involves a course of antibiotics to eliminate the infection.

Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate symptoms.

Hydration: Drinking plenty of water can help flush out bacteria from the urinary system.

Prevention:
Hygiene Practices: Wipe from front to back after using the toilet to prevent bacteria from entering the urethra.

Stay Hydrated: Adequate fluid intake promotes regular urination, helping to flush out bacteria.

Urinate After Intercourse: Emptying the bladder after sexual activity can reduce the risk of UTIs.

Conclusion:
Urinary tract infections are a common health concern, especially among women. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and preventive measures is crucial for prompt diagnosis and effective treatment. If you suspect a UTI, consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and care.
#MondayHealthBurst
#UrinaryTractInfection

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 ON MOTHER-TO-CHILD TRANSMISSION (MTCT) OF HIV

AIDS is the leading cause of death for women of reproductive age, and women are disproportionately affected by HIV, according to UNAIDS.
HIV infection in pregnancy threatens maternal immune health and can lead to perinatal transmission of HIV in utero, intrapartum, or through breastfeeding postpartum. A woman living with HIV can transmit the virus to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding (known as mother-to-child transmission or MTCT).

The WHO estimates that every year, 1.3 million women and girls living with HIV become pregnant worldwide. Without treatment, 15% to 45% of HIV-positive mothers transmit the virus to their unborn children during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or breastfeeding.
Although HIV can be transmitted through breastfeeding, taking HIV medicines and having an undetectable viral load during pregnancy and throughout breastfeeding lower the risk of passing HIV to less than 1%.

To prevent MTCT, a combination of strategies is typically employed:

 Antiretroviral Therapy (ART): Pregnant women with HIV are prescribed ART drugs. These drugs can reduce the viral load in the mother’s body, lowering the risk of transmission to the baby.

 Scheduled Caesarean Section: In some cases, a scheduled caesarean section may be recommended to reduce the risk of transmission during childbirth, particularly if the mother’s viral load is high.

 Avoiding Breastfeeding: In regions where safe alternatives are available and affordable, mothers with HIV are advised to avoid breastfeeding, as the virus can be transmitted through breast milk.

 Safe Infant Feeding: If breastfeeding is necessary due to limited access to safe alternatives, it’s recommended that the mother continues taking ART, and the baby is also prescribed ART to reduce the risk of transmission.

 Preconception Planning: Women of reproductive age living with HIV should receive counseling and guidance on family planning and HIV prevention to ensure safer pregnancies.

 Testing and Monitoring: Regular HIV testing and monitoring during pregnancy are crucial to assess the effectiveness of ART and adjust the treatment as needed.

These strategies have significantly reduced the rate of MTCT of HIV. Still, it’s essential for pregnant women to receive proper medical care and follow the guidance of healthcare providers to minimize the risk to their babies.

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 ON SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES OF HEPATITIS B

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause both acute and chronic diseases. Having chronic hepatitis B raises your risk of getting liver cancer, liver failure, or cirrhosis, which permanently scars the liver.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 1.5 million people are diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B infection annually, which affects a total of 296 million individuals.

SYMPTOMS
Hepatitis B may occasionally go undetected without any obvious signs. This is common among children.
Acute hepatitis B symptoms can start to show about 1 to 4 months after contact with the virus. Some of these symptoms include:
• Weakness and exhaustion
• Appetite loss
• Vomiting
• Jaundice
• Clay-colored stool
• the aching in one’s joints

CAUSES:
According to MayoClinic, the causes of Hepatitis B include:
• Sexual contact: It is possible to contract hepatitis B if one engages in unprotected sexual activity with an infected individual. The virus can be transmitted through bodily fluids such as blood, saliva, semen, or vaginal secretions.
• Sharing of needles/Accidental needle sticks: HBV easily spreads through needles and syringes contaminated with infected blood. Sharing IV drug paraphernalia puts one at high risk of hepatitis B.
• Mother to child: Pregnant women infected with HBV can pass the virus to their babies during childbirth. However, the newborn can be vaccinated to avoid getting infected in almost all cases. It is advisable to discuss with a healthcare provider the option of getting tested for hepatitis B if you are pregnant or planning to conceive.

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 ON SARCOMA – CAUSES AND TREATMENT

Sarcoma, a rare form of cancer, encompasses a variety of malignancies that arise in the body’s connective tissues, such as bones, muscles, tendons, blood vessels, and soft tissues. Commonly observed symptoms are as follows:

  • Painless lump
  • Weight loss
  • Trouble in breathing
  • Pain in the affected bones
  • Swelling
  • Fatigue
  • A limp when the sarcoma is in your leg.

While the precise causes of sarcoma remain unclear, several factors can contribute to its development. Here are some potential causes and risk factors associated with sarcoma:

  1. Genetic factors: Genetic mutations or inherited conditions can increase the likelihood of developing sarcoma in certain cases.

 

  1. Radiation exposure: Previous exposure to high levels of ionizing radiation, particularly during cancer treatment or nuclear accidents, has been linked to an elevated risk of sarcoma. This is more common among individuals who have undergone radiation therapy for other types of cancer.

 

        3. Environmental factors: Certain environmental elements, such as exposure to specific chemicals or toxins, may contribute to sarcoma development. For example, exposure to vinyl chloride, a chemical used in plastics manufacturing, has been associated with an increased risk of a specific type of sarcoma called angiosarcoma.

 

  1. Chronic lymphedema: Prolonged swelling of the limbs caused by damage or removal of the lymphatic system, often resulting from cancer treatment or surgery, can elevate the risk of developing lymphangiosarcoma, a type of sarcoma.

 

Treatment:

According to Mayo Clinic’s Publication in December, 2022; Surgery is commonly employed as the primary treatment for sarcoma, aiming to remove the cancerous cells. Additional treatments may be administered before or after surgery, depending on the type and location of the sarcoma, the aggressiveness of the cells, and the presence of metastasis in other parts of the body. The optimal therapy for each individual is determined based on these factors.

 

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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SPEAK WEDNESDAY – Combating Cyberviolence Against Women

The widespread usage of the internet and the quick development of technology have had various positive effects on society. They have, however, also contributed to a worrying development: cyberviolence against women. Women’s safety, privacy, and wellbeing are seriously threatened by this type of online assault. This, the UN identified as a kind of gender-based violence that exacerbates existing inequities.

According to UN Women, cyberviolence against women takes various forms, such as sexual harassment, stalking, intimate image abuse, trolling, doxing, and misogynistic hate speech. Additionally, technology is used to facilitate other forms of violence, including intimate partner or domestic violence and trafficking. These digital tools enable abusers to monitor, track, threaten, and perpetrate violence, while traffickers exploit technology to profile, recruit, control, and exploit their victims. Reports by UN Women and the UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women highlight the adverse impacts of cyberviolence, including psychological and emotional distress, fear, social isolation, and educational and professional consequences faced by victims.

Women at heightened risks of cyberviolence includes young women and girls, women in public life including women’s rights activists, women human rights defenders, women in politics, and women journalists.

Nigeria has taken significant steps to address cyberviolence against women through its legal system. The Cybercrime Act of 2015 criminalizes various forms of cyberviolence, including cyberstalking, cyberbullying, identity theft, and the distribution of sexually explicit materials without consent. This legislation plays a crucial role in protecting women from online abuse and provides a legal framework to prosecute perpetrators. Furthermore, legal frameworks like the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) recognizes cyberviolence as a form of violence against women. These legislative measures provide a foundation for protecting women from online abuse and prosecuting perpetrators.

Although Nigeria has made strides in addressing cyberviolence against women, stronger enforcement measures are required to guarantee that existing laws are implemented. 

Raising awareness and promoting legislative changes are essential components in the fight against cyberviolence against women, in addition to legal measures. Public campaigns, educational initiatives, and media outreach should emphasize raising awareness of the seriousness of the problem, encouraging appropriate online conduct, and creating an environment where women may feel respected and safe.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.

#SpeakWednesday #Cyberviolence #GenderBasedViolence #Women’sRights #GenderStereotype #GenderBias #GenderInequality

 

 

 

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MONDAY HEALTH BUSRT ON MEN’S HEALTH – CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

Cardiovascular disease refers to a class of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels.

According to WHO in the year 2021, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally, taking an estimated 17.9 million lives each year.

Risk Factors:

Men have unique risk factors for cardiovascular disease that may differ from those of women. Some common risk factors for men include:

  • Age: The risk of developing cardiovascular disease increases with age, particularly after the age of 45 for men.
  • High blood pressure: Men are more likely to develop high blood pressure compared to women, especially at a younger age.
  • High cholesterol: Elevated levels of LDL cholesterol (often referred to as “bad” cholesterol) and low levels of HDL cholesterol (often referred to as “good” cholesterol) can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in men.
  • Obesity: Excess body weight, especially around the waist, increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease in men.
  • Smoking: Men who smoke or have a history of smoking have a higher risk of heart disease compared to nonsmokers.
  • Diabetes: Men with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, as diabetes can damage blood vessels and contribute to other risk factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Symptoms:

The symptoms of cardiovascular disease in men can be similar to those experienced by women. However, men are more likely to experience chest pain or discomfort as the primary symptom of a heart attack. Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, pain radiating to the arm, jaw, or back, nausea, lightheadedness, and cold sweats. It is important to note that some men may experience “silent” heart attacks with minimal or no symptoms.

Prevention:

To reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, men can take several preventive measures, including:

  • Adopting a healthy lifestyle: Engage in regular physical activity, eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products, and maintain a healthy weight.
  • Quitting smoking: If you smoke, seek assistance to quit, as this will significantly reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
  • Managing blood pressure and cholesterol: Regularly monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. If they are elevated, work with your healthcare provider to develop a plan to manage them effectively.
  • Controlling diabetes: If you have diabetes, follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations to manage your blood sugar levels and minimize the risk of cardiovascular complications.
  • Managing stress: Find healthy ways to cope with stress, such as exercising, practicing relaxation techniques, or engaging in hobbies and activities you enjoy.
  • Regular check-ups: Visit your healthcare provider for routine check-ups and screenings to assess your cardiovascular health and identify any potential issues early.

A healthcare expert should be consulted for tailored guidance and to go over any worries you may have about cardiovascular disease or your general health.

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 – COMMON CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS OF ANEMIA

Anemia is a condition characterized by a reduction in the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood. This can result in a decreased capacity of the blood to transport oxygen to the body’s tissues and organs. Anemia can manifest in different forms and symptoms and can be caused by various factors.

According to a 2023 report from the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) report, 55 percent of adolescent girls and women suffer from anemia in Nigeria.

Some common causes of anemia include:

Iron deficiency: This is the most common cause of anemia worldwide. It occurs when the body doesn’t have enough iron to produce adequate amounts of hemoglobin.

Vitamin deficiency: Lack of specific vitamins like vitamin B12 or folate can impair the production of healthy red blood cells.

Chronic diseases: Conditions such as kidney disease, liver disease, cancer, or autoimmune disorders can interfere with the production of red blood cells.

Blood loss: Excessive bleeding from menstruation, trauma, surgery, or gastrointestinal conditions like ulcers or hemorrhoids can lead to anemia.

Inherited disorders: Certain genetic conditions like sickle cell anemia or thalassemia affect the structure or production of red blood cells.

The symptoms of anemia can vary depending on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. However, common symptoms include:

  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pale skin
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Headaches
  • Chest pain (in severe cases)

It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan if you suspect you have anemia or are experiencing related symptoms.

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 ON ENDOMETRIAL CANCER

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 ON PSYCHOLOGICAL BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING IN CHILDREN

                                               

                                               

The impact of breast feeding on the growth of a child cannot be overstated. Breastfeeding is responsible for intimacy and bonding between mother and child. This intimacy and bond created during breastfeeding, can provide long lasting physical and psychological benefits. Research has shown that there is a connection between the breastfeeding experience of a child and the cognitive development later in life.

An assessment carried out by Bernard et al (2013), on the cognitive and motor development in 2 and 3 year old children showed that improved problem solving abilities in children were associated with prolonged duration of exclusive breastfeeding. Another study showed that there was a reduced risk of cognitive impairment among children when breastfed immediately after birth (Diepeveen et al., 2017).

According to WebMD, breastfeeding has a deep and lasting effect on the behaviour, mental health, thought and understanding in children. For instance, babies who are breastfed are likely to have stronger critical thinking and reasoning skills, better memory, early language ability, and enhanced motor skills.

Breastfeeding is encouraged to be practiced by every mother as its benefits extend to almost every area of a child’s growth, that is, physical, emotional, social and psychological growth.

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.

#Breastfeeding #UNFPA #WHO #ChildHealth #PsychologicalBenefitsofBreastfeeding #MondayHealthBurst

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