Health

                                                DRUGS AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE

DRUG:

Any substance which can prevent or cure disease or enhance physical or mental welfare

Any chemical agent that alters the biochemical or physiological processes of tissues or organs

DRUG ABUSE:

This is the misuse of any substance under intentional control outside therapeutic indications, in excessive doses, or over an unjustified period of time.

SUBSTANCE:

Any psycho-active material which when consumed affects the way people feel, think, see, taste, smell, hear, play, behave, etc.

It could be a medicine, industrial product or even biological degradation product e.g. fermented sewage (pit toilet), smelling gutter or it could also be a psychoactive substance may not be a drug e.g. petrol, solution (adhesive) or paint, etc

COMMONLY ABUSED PSYCHO-ACTIVE SUBSTANCES

1. ALCOHOL: - Succudie, ogogoro, goskolo, burukutu, cannabis, dry pawpaw leaves, heroin, amphetamines, etc

2. TOBACCO:- this could mean smoking cigarette or cigar, snuffing or chewing tobacco.

- Stimulants (Chinese capsule, coffee, cola nut, etc)

- Solvents (glue, petrol, solution, paint, etc)

- Transquilizers (Diazepam, cough syrups containing coadine)

- Cocaine

FACTORS PREDISPOSING TO PSYCHO-ACTIVE SUBSTANCES USE

1. INDIVIDUAL FACTORS

- Defective personality e.g. Social deviants

- Low self-esteem

2. FAMILY FACTORS

- Use of psycho-active substance by parents.

- Poor relationship with parents or other family members.

- Parental deprivation e.g. Separation, divorce, death of parents.

3. SOCIAL FACTORS

- Peer pressure

- Advertisement or media influence

- Societal values which permit or encourage the use of psycho-active substances

- Availabilities of substances in the society

- Economic challenges.

EFFECTS OF PSYCHO-ACTIVE SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Substance abuse causes impaired judgment which can lead to:

- Loss of responsibilities

- Family brokenness

- Inability to achieve goals

- School dropout

- Promiscuity

- Road traffic accidents

- Increase crime rates

- Abnormal behaviour i.e. madness

- Sleep disturbance

- Poverty

- Drug dependency

- Impairs the functions of some vital body organs like liver, kidney, brain, etc leading to ill-health and death.

EFFECTS OF PSYCHO-ACTIVE SUBSTANCES ABUSE ON HIV TRANSMISSION

Use of these substances impairs sense of judgment making the individual do things he/she would not ordinarily do if he was not under the influence of these drugs.

Examples:

- Sharing of needles by injection drug users (IDUs) has a risk for HIV transmission.

- Getting involved in high risk behaviour that can transmit HIV.

PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF PSYCHO-ACTIVE SUBSTANCE ABUSE

* Educating people on the dangers of substance abuse

* Legislation to prohibit/regulate production, sale, advertisement, trafficking and consumption of these substances.

* Social and religious groups to get involved in prevention of substance use.

* Improving relationships between parents and their children.

* Early detection and rehabilitation of individuals who are addicted to these drugs.

* Provision of facilities for counseling adolescents and youth on the dangers of drug abuse.

* Limit cultivation of tobacco and cannabis.

* Provide those who grow these crops with alternate sources of income.

Adolescents’ alcohol and substance used is common in our homes, street, area, state and the entire country at large with a large proportion of users show a problematic pattern to the nation.

REMEMBER!                           REMEMBER!!              REMEMBER!!!

PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE, STAY FREE FROM DRUGS AND DRUGS ABUSE.

JESUS LOVES YOU!

 

 

What Is Constipation?

Being constipated means your bowel movements are tough or happen less often than normal. Almost everyone goes through it sooner or later.

Although it’s not usually serious, you'll feel much better when your body is back on track.

The normal length of time between bowel movements varies widely from person to person. Some people have them three times a day. Others have them only once or twice a week.

Going longer than 3 or more days without one, though, is usually too long. After 3 days, the stool or feces become harder and more difficult to pass.

What Are the Symptoms?

You may have:

• Few bowel movements

• Trouble having a bowel movement (straining to go)

• Hard or small stools

• A sense that everything didn’t come out

• Swollen belly or belly pain

• Throwing up

Why Does It Happen?

Some causes of constipation include:

Antacid medicines containing calcium or aluminum

Changes in your usual diet or activities

Colon cancer

Eating a lot of dairy products

Eating disorders

Irritable bowel syndrome

Neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis

Not being active

Not enough water or fiber in your diet

Overuse of laxatives

Pregnancy

Problems with the nerves and muscles in the digestive system

Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement, which some people do because of hemorrhoids

Some medications (especially strong pain drugs such as narcotics, antidepressants, or iron pills)

Stress

Underactive thyroid (called hypothyroidism)

What Should I Do If I Am Constipated?

Take these steps:

Drink two to four extra glasses of water a day, unless your doctor told you to limit fluids for another reason.

Try warm liquids, especially in the morning.

Add fruits and vegetables to your diet.

Eat prunes and bran cereal.

If needed, use a very mild over-the-counter stool softener like docusate or a laxative like magnesium hydroxide. Don’t use laxatives for more than 2 weeks without calling your doctor. If you overdo it, your symptoms may get worse.

When Should I Call My Doctor?

Call your doctor right away if you have sudden constipation with belly pain or cramping and you aren’t able to pass any gas or stool.

Also, make the call if:

Constipation is a new problem for you.

You have blood in your stool.

You are losing weight even though you are not dieting.

You have severe pain with bowel movements.

Your constipation has lasted more than 2 weeks.

You have pencil-thin stools.

Your doctor may recommend these tests to find the cause of your constipation:

Blood tests to check on hormone levels

Barium studies to look for any blockages in your colon

Colonoscopy to look for blockages in your colon

Can I Prevent Constipation?

In many cases, you can. These things can help:

Eat a well- balanced diet with plenty of fiber. Good sources of fiber are fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole-grain bread and cereal (especially bran).

Drink 1 1/2 to 2 quarts of water and other fluids a day (unless your doctor has you on a fluid-restricted diet). Fiber and water work together to keep you regular.

Avoid caffeine . It can be dehydrating.

Cut back on milk. Some people may need to avoid it because dairy products may be constipating for them.

Exercise regularly. Do something active for at least 30 minutes a day, most days of the week.

Go to the bathroom when you feel the urge.

ASTHMA TRIGGERS AND MANAGEMENT

If you have asthma, the airways in your lungs are usually inflamed. During an asthma flare-up these airways get even more swollen, and the muscles around the airways can tighten. This can trigger wheezing, cough, chest tightness and shortness of breath.

An allergist / immunologist, often referred to as an allergist, has specialized expertise to clearly identify your asthma triggers and to develop a treatment plan that can minimize flare-ups and improve your quality of life.

COMMON ASTHMA TRIGGERS

• Many people with asthma have

allergies, which can trigger asthma symptoms. Common allergens include house dust mites, animal dander, molds, pollen and cockroach droppings. Your allergist can identify what you are allergic to and recommend ways to avoid exposure to your triggers.

• Tobacco smoke is an irritant that often aggravates asthma. Your asthma may also be irritated by air pollution, strong odors or fumes .

• Many patients with asthma develop asthma symptoms when exercising. This is called exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) .

• Some medications can cause or worsen asthma symptoms. These include aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, and beta-blockers, which are used to treat heart disease, high blood pressure, migraine headaches or glaucoma.

• Emotional anxiety and stress may also increase asthma symptoms and trigger an attack. Proper rest, diet and exercise are important for your overall health and can help in managing asthma.

• Viral and bacterial infections such as the common cold and sinusitis.

• Exposure to cold, dry air or weather changes.

• Acid reflux , with or without heartburn.

ASTHMA MEDICATIONS

Asthma is a chronic disease, so it requires ongoing management. This includes using proper medications to prevent and control symptoms and to reduce airway inflammation.

There are two general classes of asthma medications, quick-relief and long-term controller medications. Your allergist may recommend one or a combination of two or more of these medications.

QUICK-RELIEF MEDICATIONS are used to provide temporary relief of symptoms and, at times, used before exercise. These rescue medicines are bronchodilators, which help to open up the airways so that more air can flow through. Bronchodilators are  administered by an inhaler or a nebulizer machine. Another type of medicine called an anticholinergic may be used at times.

LONG-TERM CONTROLLER MEDICATIONS are important for many people with asthma, and are taken on a daily basis to control airway inflammation and treat symptoms in people who have frequent asthma symptoms.

Inhaled corticosteroids and leukotriene modifiers can help control the inflammation that occurs in the airways of most people who have asthma. One medication may work better for you than another. Your allergist can help guide you.

ASTHMA MANAGEMENT PLAN

The better informed you are about your condition, the better control you will have over your asthma symptoms. To assist, you and your allergist will develop a personalized management plan. This plan includes:

• Ways to avoid your asthma triggers.

• Medications to prevent symptoms as well as medications to use for quick relief of flare-ups.

• An asthma action plan to identify when you are doing well and when you need to seek help.

• A partnership between you, your family, your allergist and other healthcare providers.

Together, you and your allergist can work to ensure that asthma interferes with your daily life as little as possible.

Healthy Tips

• Asthma triggers vary from person to person and so do strategies to reduce asthma flare-ups.

• Many people with asthma also have allergies, which can trigger asthma symptoms. Your allergist can identify what, if any, allergens you should avoid.

• Quick-relief rescue medications provide temporary relief of asthma symptoms, while long-term controller medications are taken on a regular basis to control airway inflammation or prevent frequent asthma symptoms.

• Your asthma medications may need to be adjusted as you and your asthma change, so stay in close touch with your allergist.

Feel Better. Live Better.

By visiting the office of an allergist, you can expect an accurate diagnosis, a treatment plan that works and educational information to help you manage your disease and feel better.

 

What Is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is a serious lung infection that affects people of all ages, but is particularly dangerous for older adults and young children.

The World Health Organization estimates that more than 160 million children around the world develop pneumonia each year, 20 million of whom are hospitalized and 2 million of whom die.

Who Is Affected?

Anyone may develop pneumonia, but those at greater risk of infection may have experienced or are currently experiencing conditions such as:

• Exposure to tobacco smoke
• Poor nutrition
• Asthma
• Diabetes
• Cold
• Influenza
• HIV infection
• Poor shelter
• Overcrowding
• Indoor or outdoor pollution
• Lack of appropriate breastfeeding for the first six months of life
• Inadequate zinc intake

What Happens?

After the germs reach the lungs, the lungs become inflamed and fill up with fluid. This causes breathing difficulties, which makes it difficult for enough oxygen to enter the bloodstream. The body's cells can't function as they normally would, and infection can't be flushed from the body. If untreated, the infection may continue to spread, leading to death.

Causes

Bacteria, viruses, or fungi that live in your nose, mouth, sinuses, or the surrounding environment can enter your lungs and create infections, including pneumonia. You can get the bacteria or viruses from people who are infected with them, whether they show symptoms or not.

The leading cause of severe pneumonia in children in developing countries is

Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, or pneumococcus. Another leading cause is Haemophilus influenzae type b, or Hib.

Other causes of pneumonia include influenza, staph infections, human respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus, herpes simplex virus, and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

Less common types of pneumonia can be acquired through the inhalation of food, liquids, gases, dust, and certain fungi.

Pneumocystis carinii (now renamed Pneumocystis jiroveci ) pneumonia (PCP) is a fungal infection that can affect people with weakened immune systems, including those with HIV/AIDS.

Symptoms

Symptoms of pneumonia can include:

coughing up mucus (green, brown, or slightly bloody), fever, fatigue, weakness, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, headaches, wheezing, diarrhea, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, chills, chest pain, chest retraction during respiration (children under age 5), convulsions, unconsciousness, hypothermia, lethargy, feeding problems (infants)

Milder forms of pneumonia that don't interfere with daily functions are commonly referred to as "walking" pneumonia.

Treatment

Treatment options are dependent on the type of pneumonia―viral or bacterial―with which a person is infected.

Bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotics.

Viral pneumonia is treated with antiviral medicines, if it is diagnosed early enough, and antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent against secondary infections or complications.

Usually, a doctor will examine the patient after a complaint of certain symptoms. This may involve chest X-rays and a blood test, but more testing may be arranged if the symptoms are bad or if doctors are trying to distinguish between other health problems. Many patients feel better shortly after prescribed medications. Additional treatment may be needed if the patient doesn't feel better after 2 to 3 days of treatment. A hospital stay may be necessary if symptoms are extreme or the patient has other serious illnesses. Recovery is aided by adequate sleep, avoiding overexertion, drinking plenty of fluids, and avoiding cigarette smoke.

Prevention

Practicing good hygiene and health habits help prevent pneumonia. Thorough and frequent hand cleaning, coughing or sneezing into an elbow or sleeve instead of hands, avoiding interaction with those who are sick, receiving proper nutrition, and getting adequate rest are all things you and your children can do to ward off the bacteria and viruses that can cause pneumonia. Avoiding tobacco smoke and other pollutants helps prevent pneumonia.

Increasing access to immunization, reducing indoor and outdoor air pollution, and becoming knowledgeable about warning signs to identify infection, specifically a cough, fast breathing, and/or difficulty breathing will help prevent infection.

Breastfeeding during the first six months is critical in preventing pneumonia. Breast milk contains a nourishing supply of nutrients, antioxidants, hormones and antibodies a child needs for growth and development.

 Health Benefits of Garlic

If history tells us anything about garlic, it is that the food has many well-known health benefits – the most popular being its anti-infection uses and overall power to boost the immune system. Garlic possess antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal properties allowing it to stand against all infections. Skin conditions caused by bacteria, virus, fungi or yeast can be treated by rubbing raw chopped garlic on the affected area.

Garlic has been studied not only for it’s ability to fight bacterial and viral infections, but also infection from other microbes including yeasts/fungi and worms. One particular substance found in garlic called ajoene has been used to help prevent infections with the yeast Candida albicans.

Other research has shown that crushed garlic can help prevent infection by the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa in patients with burns.

And of course, garlic is great for boosting the immune system, containing high levels of vitamin C and being identified as a serious anti-cancer food. Because of its high potassium content, it can aid in absorption of essential nutrients, and help avoid digestive problems and fatigue as well. Garlic can also help in lung and throat problems due to its pungent smell. Since consuming garlic can irritate the digestive tract because of its pungent smell, a signal travels to the brain to release watery fluid in the lungs to counter the pungent property, thereby helping clear the lungs out of cough and colds.

Garlic is a Powerful Cancer Fighter

Adding more to the health benefits of garlic list, garlic’s role in the prevention of cancer is perhaps one of the most notorious. Scientists believe that the exceptional anti-cancer properties may have to do with the way that garlic boosts the production of something known as hydrogen sulfide. It is the hydrogen sulfide production that researchers believe to be why garlic is so effective at preventing a wide variety of cancer including, prostate, breast, and colon cancer.

The Known Health Benefits of Dates(Daibino) – What the Date Fruit Has to Offer

Dates aren’t exactly a nutritional powerhouse when compared to some other foods like kiwi or sesame seeds, but the fruit does still offer numerous health benefits along with great taste. Here are some health benefits of dates.

1. Promoting Digestive Health, Relieving Constipation – Fiber is essential for promoting colon health and making for regular bowel movements. The insoluble and soluble fiber found in dates help to clean out the gastrointestinal system, allowing the colon to work at greater levels of efficiency. Some other benefits relating to fiber and colon health are reduced risks of colitis, colon cancer, and hemorrhoids. (Dates could even be coupled with other home remedies for hemorrhoids.)

2. Boosting Heart Health – In addition to promoting colon health, fiber is also known to boost heart health.

3. Anti-Inflammatory – Dates are rich in magnesium – a mineral known for its anti-inflammatory benefits. One study found that “inflammatory indicators in the body such as CRP (C-reactive protein), TNF (tumor necrosis factor alpha), and IL6 (interleukin 6) were all reduced when magnesium intake was increased.” Further, inflammation in the arterial walls was also reduced with magnesium intake. Based on magnesium’s anti-inflammatory properties and the findings of this study, magnesium can effectively reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and other inflammation-related health ailments.

4. Reduced Blood Pressure – Magnesium has been shown to help lower blood pressure – and again, dates are full of the mineral. Additionally, potassium is another mineral in dates that has several functions within the body, aiding with the proper workings of the heart and helping to reduce blood pressure.

5. Reduced Stroke Risk – After evaluating 7 studies published over a 14 year time period, researchers found stroke risk was reduced by 9% for every every 100 milligrams of magnesium a person consumes per day. The research can be found in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

6. A Healthy Pregnancy and Delivery – Further adding to the health benefits of dates, one study performed by researchers at the University of Science and Technology set out to discover how the date fruit impacted labor parameters and delivery outcomes. After studying 69 women for a year and 1 month, the researchers found that “the consumption of date fruit in the last 4 weeks before labour significantly reduced the need for induction and augmentation of labour, and produced a more favourable, but non-significant, delivery outcome. The results warrant a randomised controlled trial.”

7. Boosting Brain Health – Some studies, such as one found in JAMA Internal Medicine, found that sufficient vitamin B6 levels are associated with improved brain performance and better test scores.

A Summary of Dates Health Benefits: Dates are Great for:

• Weight loss
• Relieving constipation, supporting regular bowel movements
• Promoting heart health, reducing heart disease risk
• Diarrhea
• Iron-deficiency anemia
• Reducing blood pressure
• Impotence
• Promoting respiratory and digestive health
• Pregnancy deliveries
• Hemorrhoid prevention
• Chronic conditions such as arthritis
• Reducing colitis risk
• Preventing colon cancer

Remember to share all of the health benefits of dates with your friends and family!

The Benefits of Getting Regular Medical Check-Ups

Getting regular check-ups is a process that is dismissed as an unnecessary waste of time for some people. However, the benefits of a regular medical check-up outweigh the time that you will be investing to get it. Even if you feel like the picture of good health, there’s always the possibility that you may be developing a medical problem that is undetectable on the onset and can have further complications down the road.

The American Medical Association suggests that adults from ages of 18 to 40 should have a medical exam once every five years. Any medical problems that adults under 40 have can still be easily detected through a physical examination. For those over the age of 40, they should ideally have one every one to three years thereafter. It is recommended for people in this age group to take specific medical exams to determine if they have any underlying illnesses or conditions that may need attention.

Looking at the benefits that regular check-ups bring, here are a few interesting points to consider:

An Ounce of Prevention

This is a very common saying regarding health maintenance, but it certainly holds more than a grain of truth to it. Aside from finding out any potential health problems that you may have, medical exams significantly increase the chances of treatment if they are detected early on.

Save on Costs for Treatments

With a good health care service provider, the most time that you’ll ever spend for a check-up is a few hours out of your day to complete the examination. A little time investment on your part will certainly go a long way, especially if the exams were able to detect a serious medical condition or illness. After all, the costs of getting a mammogram and the subsequent visits are nothing compared to breast cancer treatments.

Get Advice on Promoting Good Health

Your doctor can advise you on ways to promote a healthy lifestyle. This becomes especially relevant if you already have an existing medical condition that warrants maintenance and careful attention to your health. In any case, speaking with a doctor can also help alleviate any stress you may have by discussing your general well-being and giving you practical advice on how to live healthy.

The bottom line is that check-ups are a good preventive measure against potential illnesses and diseases. Visiting your health care service provider regularly can help alert you of any possible health risks that you may have and prompt you to seek preemptive action to address it.