Causes And Treatment Of Consistent Stomach Aches

It's of no more concern when you have stomach upset because it's often a norms to take normal medication to stop the slight upset. 

But when the aches is becoming quite often then it can be a sign that something inside your body is not functioning properly.

The cause can be anything from gas or a pulled muscle or an internal infection. 

If you get stomach upset often, or they hurt a lot or don’t go away, you may need to see your doctor.

Likely Symptoms With Stomach Aches

Always be mindful of your consumption, watch what you take or eat. When you notice a consistent in your stomach upset within the period of 24 to 48 hours, then you need to immediately see your doctor.

When you have the symptoms of the following 

• Chest pain (get medical attention immediately)
• Bloating that lasts more than a few days
• Bloody or dark stools
• Vomiting blood or dark sticky materials
• Unexpected weight loss
• Difficulties in swallowing
• Diarrhea for more than five days
• Prolonged vaginal bleeding
• Fever over 100 degrees
• Burning sensation when you urinate or frequent urination

Any of the afformentioned conditions could indicate a more serious underlying cause that requires immediate medical attention.

Common Causes of Stomach Upset

The most common causes of stomach upset can be classified into three categories: digestive problems, inflammation and female reproduction.

• Digestive problems: If you experience abdominal pain after you eat, you may have indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, food allergies or food poisoning.
• Inflammation: Painful irritation or infection in your organs can be caused by inflammation from the stomach flu, a peptic ulcer, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), gallstones, pancreatitis or a urinary tract infection.
• Female reproduction: Female abdonimal pain related to the reproductive cycle could be from menstrual cramps, ovulation or inflammation in the reproductive organs

Ways to prevent stomach pain

Some stomach pains are unavoidable because they can be a symptom of a serious medical condition that’s developed over time.

When you know the pain is related to eating or physical activity, you can take steps to prevent it. 

The below guide you to prevent it

Change your eating habits

• Eat more slowly
• Take smaller bites
• Have several small meals throughout the day instead of one or two large meals
• Avoid eating things that upset your stomach such as spicy foods, dairy products or foods that cause gas
• Drink plenty of clear fluids, especially if you’re prone to urinary tract infections, constipation or kidney stones

Use good judgment when you exercise

• See your doctor before beginning any new exercise program
• Always stretch before and after physical activity
• Start slow and know your physical limitations
• Build up your pace and intensity gradually over time
• Stay hydrated before, during and after exercise

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Dangers Of Using Cotton Buds And Other Dangerous Items To Clean The Ears

Cotton buds break and damage the sensitive and delicate skin in the ear canal which can result in

• Bleeding 

• Irritation 

• Ear infections

. Ear drum damage

There is high risks in using cotton buds and other dangerous items to clean the ears.

Majority of the human traits have had different dangerous items which had been used to provide helpful alternatives for ear cleaning. 

It's important to create awareness to pass this information to people on safe ear cleaning practices and to protect the Ear. 

Inserting a cotton bud, the cover of a pen, pen, broom sticks, match sticks, bird feathers or any other object into the ear can damage the eardrum, ear canal or push the earwax deeper into the ear. 

If it's just cleaning, you can use medical grade olive oil or a warm damp cloth to clean your outer ear. 

If your ear canal is completely blocked, it is best to consult a professional doctor or ear specialist because the inner ear in particular is a delicate structure and will require a professional to remove any 'dirt' from it safely or recommend appropriate treatment. 

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Top Foods That's Needed In Our Daily Diet For Consumption.

There are some various foods and fruits that should be considered in our daily diet for a smoother healthy life.

These foods are known for their healthy advantage in the body system and they are liver-friendly properties.

Let's take a look at some of these foods and their good properties for the healthy welfare.

One. Tea

Antioxidants: Green tea is richly rich in antioxidants like catechins which can be of help in protecting the liver from oxidative stress, reduces the risk of liver diseases. 

Two. Fatty Fish

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Salmon, mackerel, and sardines are all high in omega-3 fatty acids, this can reduce inflammation and support for a healthy liver. 

Three. Coffee

Liver Protection: Consumption of coffee has been linked to a decrease risk in liver diseases, including cancer of the liver and cirrhosis. It may also help reduce liver enzyme levels. 

Four. Grapes

Resveratrol: Red grapes contain resveratrol, which is antioxidant known for its potential to protect the liver from damage and inflammation. 

Five. Olive Oil

Healthy Fats: Olive oil is a source of monounsaturated fats that can help reduce the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). 

Six. Grapefruit

Grapefruit is high in vitamin C and supports liver detoxification processes. 

Seven. Watermelon

Hydration: Watermelon has a high water content, which aids in staying hydrated. Proper hydration is very important for liver functionality. 

Eight. Pears & Avocados

Fiber: Pears and Avocados are rich in dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and can help prevent the buildup of fat in the liver. 

Nine. Fresh Leafy Vegetables

Antioxidants: Green Vegetables such as lettuce and African spinach are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that help protect the liver and promote overall well-being.

These foods if added to your diet can help with maintaining a balanced and healthy eating pattern which can be beneficial for your liver. 

It's very important to remember that no single food can guarantee liver health on its own. A well dished diet, regular physical exercises, reducing alcohol consumption and avoiding excessive consumption of processed foods play a vital role in maintaining good and healthy liver. 

If you have specific liver concerns or conditions, it's advisable to consult with a professional healthcare provider or dietitian for personalized guidance.

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Dangers Of Hard Drugs On Our Health

Tobacco contains carcinogenic chemicals like nicotine that can lead to different kinds of cancer such as lung cancer, mouth cancer, throat cancer, esophageal cancer, and cancer of the bladder. 

The more the addiction to smoking, the higher the risk to cancerous health.

Marijuana contains THC which can bring in short-term memory even memory loss, reduction in understanding, attention and learning. 

Been addicted to Marijuana from adolescence age may cause brain damage or affect development and cognition. 

Psychosis involves losing touch with reality through hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized thinking. 

High concentrations of THC in marijuana strains may trigger psychotics in susceptible individuals, but researchers are still on the event of getting the causes.

Tramadol is known to be used as a painkiller. When this is abused it can cause confusion, anxiety, and hallucinations. 

"Skunk" is seen as having a traits of marijuana with high THC levels. 

Smoking any type of marijuana can destroy lung tissue and create respiratory problems like severe cough, wheezing, and increased infection risk. It may pose higher risks.

Rohypnol ("roofies") can cause anterograde amnesia or trouble forming new memories, when abused. 

It is also associated with forgetfulness, that is unable to remember anything that unfold.

Ecstasy (MDMA) can trigger seizures, especially been abused, but the researchers are yet to determine the mechanism of this. But it's at higher risk when combined with other stimulants.

High doses of codeine and other opioids depress respiratory function and can lead to coma or even death. This risk is gingered when taken with other sedatives like alcohol.

Cocaine constricts blood vessels in the brain, which can cause strokes, seizures, severe headaches, and other damage with chronic use.

Nitrous oxide inactivates vitamin B12 which can lead to nerve damage over time. 

This risk can be reduced by supplementing B12. 11. PCP can cause a toxic psychosis with delusions, hallucinations, and agitation which resembles schizophrenia. 

These psychotic effects are temporary and resolve after the drug wears off. 

All the above substances are at higher risks than we thought. 

High dosage and frequency of use can also play a  role.

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World Health Organization Releases Method To tackle Postpartum Haemorrhage (PPH)

This is excessive bleeding after birth of a child and this has affects millions of women globally and this has been the world’s leading cause of maternal deaths.

Despite being preventable and treatable, PPH results is over 70 000 deaths every yearly.

To the survivors, it can cause disabilities and psychological trauma that last for a long period of time even years.

“Severe bleeding in childbirth is one of the most common causes of maternal mortality, yet it is highly preventable and treatable,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. 

“This new charts will pave a path to the world in which more women will have a safe delivery and a healthy future with their families.”

The methods aims to help countries tackle stark differences in survival outcomes from PPH, which reflect major inequities in access to essential health services. 

Over 85% of deaths from PPH happen in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. 

The cause and the high risk factors include anaemia, placental abnormalities, and other complications in pregnancy such as infections and pre-eclampsia.

Other risk factors can be managed if there is quality antenatal care, including access to ultrasound, alongside effective monitoring in the hours after birth. 

If bleeding starts, it also needs to be detected and treated extremely quickly. 

Health facilities and other necessary healthcare workers or resources, including lifesaving commodities such as oxytocin, tranexamic acid or blood for transfusions.

“Addressing postpartum haemorrhage needs a multipronged approach focusing on both prevention and response preventing risk factors and providing immediate access to treatments when needed alongside broader efforts to strengthen women’s rights,” said Dr Pascale Allotey, WHO Director for Sexual and Reproductive Health and HRP, the UN’s special programme on research development and training in human reproduction. 

“Every woman, no matter where she lives, should have access to timely, high quality maternity care, with trained health workers, essential equipment and shelves stocked with appropriate and effective commodities this is crucial for treating postpartum bleeding and reducing maternal deaths.”

A woman is estimated to die every 120 minutes from causes relating to pregnancy or childbirth. 

There has been limited progress in reducing these deaths since 2015 and the world is off-track for meeting related Sustainable Development Goal targets.

Priority actions include: the development of new and broader guidance for PPH covering prevention, detection and treatment; research to deliver innovations and to increase access to proven interventions; the establishment of a new procurement mechanism to improve the supply of high quality medicines and commodities; advocacy and awareness-building, and, at the country level, training and facility-based improvements.

This method has taken through extensive consultations involving more than 130 experts across diverse fields, while implementation will be guided by an interdisciplinary steering committee.

WHO and partners will provide specialized technical support to countries to adapt global guidelines into national policies, starting where there is the highest burden of maternal deaths.

WHO acknowledges the contributions and commitments of several partners, including the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Global Financing Facility, MSD for Mothers, Unitaid, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM), Jhpiego, Laerdal Foundation, and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

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UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell Address On The Injuries And Deaths On Children In Gaza

The executive director of UNICEF addresses the recent killings on children and injuries inflicted.

“I am horrified by the reported deaths and injuries of children and women following an attack on he Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza yesterday."

Details is still coming in and bodies are been counted.

The scenes are heartbreaking and devastating.

"This has shown the underscores and grievous Impact this deadly war is having on the children and families. 

Under two weeks over hundreds of children have tragically lost their lives and thousands more injured, and over 300,000 children displaced from their homes.

"Attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, such as hospitals, are unacceptable and must cease now. 

UNICEF reiterates its urgent plea for an immediate cessation of hostilities, ensuring the protection of children from harm and facilitating the safe and timely access of humanitarian aid to children in need.

"Every child, everywhere deserves peace.”

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Major Causes Of Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is one of the leading cause of death globally, taking lives of estimated 17.9 million yearly. 

These diseases are group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels which also include coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, rheumatic heart disease and other conditions. 

Over four out of five CVD deaths are due to heart attacks and strokes, and one third of these deaths occur prematurely in people under 70 years of age.

The most important behavioural risk factors of heart disease and stroke are unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use and harmful use of alcohol. 

The effects of behavioural risk factors may show up in individuals as raised blood pressure, raised blood glucose, raised blood lipids, and overweight and obesity. 

These “intermediate risks factors” can be measured in primary care facilities and indicate an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure and other complications.

Cessation of tobacco use, reduction of salt in the diet, eating more fruit and vegetables, regular physical activity and avoiding harmful use of alcohol have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. 

Health policies that create conducive environment for making healthy choices affordable and available are essential for motivating people to adopt and sustain healthy behaviours.

Identifying those at highest risk of CVDs and ensuring they receive appropriate treatment can prevent premature deaths. 

Access to non-communicable disease medicines and basic health technologies in all primary health care facilities is essential to ensure that those in need receive treatment and counselling.

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New Analysis Confirms World To Experience Upsurge of Cholera Outbreak

Cholera still remains one of the dangerous disease in the human environment.

The inadequate cases reported to WHO in the previous years were more than double of those in 2021. 

Forty-four countries had reported cases, a 25% rise from the 35 countries that reported cases in 2021.

There were more outbreaks, but the outbreaks were larger than expected. 

Seven countries, Afghanistan, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Nigeria, Somalia, Syrian Arab Republic have each reported over 10,000 confirmed cases. 

The larger the outbreak, the harder it is to place under control.

Cholera is an acute intestinal infection that spreads through contaminated Food and Water containing the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. 

It is closely linked to the lack of adequate safe water and sanitation, due to underdevelopment, poverty and conflict. 

Climate change is also a factor in this upsurge as extreme climate events like floods, droughts etc trigger new outbreaks and doubled the existing ones.

Current data for 2023 suggest that this global upsurge is continuing if not quickly addressed. 

Twenty-four countries are currently reporting active outbreaks, with some countries in the midst of acute crises.

The increased demand for cholera materials has been a challenge for disease control efforts globally. 

Since October 2022, the International Coordinating Group (ICG) has suspended the standard two-dose vaccination regimen in cholera outbreak response campaigns, using instead of a single-dose approach.    

WHO is supporting countries to respond to cholera outbreaks on an emergency footing through the strengthening of public health surveillance, case management, and prevention measures; providing essential medical supplies; coordinating field deployments with partners; and supporting risk communication and community engagement.

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World Health Organization Recommends R21/Matrix-M Vaccine Against Malaria

 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has put in place a new vaccine, (R21/Matrix-M), for the prevention of malaria in children. 

This advice was from WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) and the Malaria Policy Advisory Group (MPAG) which was endorsed by World Health Organization Director-General following its regular biannual meeting held in September. 

WHO also make provision on the advice of for new vaccines for meningitis with immunization scheduled.

The World Health Organization (WHO) issued key immunization program on polio.

This vaccine (R21) is the second malaria vaccine issued by WHO, following the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine, which received a recommendation in 2021 by WHO. 

The vaccines are shown to be safe and effective in preventing malaria in children which is expected to have high public health impact. 

The mosquito-borne diseases have a higher burden on children globally mostly in the African Region, where nearly half a million children die from Malaria yearly.

The introduction of R21 to the list of WHO recommended malaria vaccines is expected to result in sufficient vaccine supply to benefit all children living in areas where malaria is at higher health risk.  

“As a malaria researcher, I used to dream of the day we would have a safe and effective vaccine against malaria. Now we have two,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

 “Demand for the RTS vaccine far exceeds supply, so this second vaccine is a vital additional tool to protect more children faster, and to bring us closer to our vision of a malaria-free future.”

Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, emphasized the importance of this recommendation for the continent, saying: “This second vaccine holds real potential to close the huge demand-and-supply gap. 

Delivered to scale and rolled out widely, the two vaccines can help bolster malaria prevention and control efforts and save hundreds of thousands of young lives in Africa from this deadly disease.”

The updated WHO malaria vaccine recommendation is informed by evidence from an ongoing R21 vaccine clinical trial and other studies, which showed:

• High efficacy when given just before the high transmission season: In areas with highly seasonal malaria transmission (where malaria transmission is largely limited to 4 or 5 months per year), the R21 vaccine was shown to reduce symptomatic cases of malaria by 75% during the 12 months following a 3-dose series. A fourth dose given a year after the third maintained efficacy. This high efficacy is similar to the efficacy demonstrated when RTS,S is given seasonally.  
• Good efficacy when given in an age-based schedule:  The vaccine showed good efficacy (66%) during the 12 months following the first 3 doses. A fourth dose a year after the third maintained efficacy.  
• High impact: Mathematical modelling estimates indicate the public health impact of the R21 vaccine is expected to be high in a wide range of malaria transmission settings, including low transmission settings. 
• Cost effectiveness: At prices of US$ 2 – US$ 4 per dose, the cost-effectiveness of the R21 vaccine would be comparable with other recommended malaria interventions and other childhood vaccines. 
• Similarity of R21 and RTS,S vaccines: The two WHO-recommended vaccines, R21 and RTS,S, have not been tested in a head-to-head trial. There is no evidence to date showing one vaccine performs better than the other. The choice of product to be used in a country should be based on programmatic characteristics, vaccine supply, and vaccine affordability
• Safety: The R21 vaccine was shown to be safe in clinical trials. As with other new vaccines, safety monitoring will continue.

Next steps for the second recommended malaria vaccine, R21/Matrix-M, include completing the ongoing WHO prequalification which would enable international procurement of the vaccine for broader rollout.

At least 28 countries in Africa plan to introduce a WHO-recommended malaria vaccine as part of their national immunization programmes. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance has approved providing technical and financial support to roll out malaria vaccines to 18 countries. The RTS,S vaccine will be rolled out in some African countries in early 2024, and the R21 malaria vaccine is expected to become available to countries mid-2024. ;

Recommendations on dengue

• Dengue poses a significant public health burden in endemic countries and is poised to increase further both in terms of incidence and geographic expansion, due to climate change and urbanization.
• The live-attenuated quadrivalent dengue vaccine developed by Takeda (TAK-003) has demonstrated efficacy against all four serotypes of the virus in baseline seropositive children (4-16 years) in endemic countries and against serotypes 1 and 2 in baseline seronegative children.
• SAGE recommended that the vaccine be considered for introduction in settings with high dengue disease burden and high transmission intensity to maximize the public health impact and minimize any potential risk in seronegative persons.  
• SAGE recommended that the vaccine be introduced to children aged 6 to 16 years of age. Within this age range, the vaccine should be introduced about 1-2 years prior to the age-specific peak incidence of dengue-related hospitalizations. The vaccine should be administered in a 2-dose schedule with a 3-month interval between doses.
• SAGE recommended that vaccine introduction should be accompanied by a well-designed communication strategy and community engagement. 

Recommendations on meningitis

• SAGE recommended that all countries in the African meningitis belt introduce the novel pentavalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine targeting serogroups A, C, Y, W and X (Men5CV) into their routine immunization programmes in a single-dose schedule at 9 to 18 months of age.  
• In high-risk countries, and countries with high-risk districts, a catch-up campaign should also be conducted at the time of the introduction of Men5CV, targeting all individuals aged 1 to 19 years.  

IA2030

• Progress against the IA2030 indicators was stalled due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and was off-track for six of the seven impact goal targets; progress against the target for the introduction of new vaccines is on track driven by the introduction of new vaccines in low-income countries in 2022. 
• While there are promising signs of recovery, it is uneven; recovery is especially slow in low-income countries and vulnerable populations living in fragile and conflict-affected settings. 
• Low coverage of measles-containing vaccines has increased the risk of large, disruptive outbreaks. 
• A shared action agenda for 2023-2024 that sets out a series of short-term and high-level priorities to align the efforts of countries, regions, global partners, and other stakeholders has been developed. 
• The action agenda has six trajectories, which are catch-up and strengthening of immunization programmes, equity promotion, regaining control of measles, making the case for investment into immunization, accelerating the introduction of WHO-recommended vaccines, and advancing vaccination in adolescence.

The R21 and RTS,S vaccines act against P. falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite and the most prevalent on the African continent. 

The updated WHO recommendation for malaria vaccines was informed by the results of the WHO-coordinated Malaria Vaccine Implementation Programme, through which nearly 2 million children in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi have been reached with the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine since 2019. The pilot introduction of the first malaria vaccine has resulted in a substantial impact in reducing severe malaria illness, hospitalizations and child deaths. 

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Major Activities To Carry Out For Toddlers And Infants

One of the most important part of your child’s learning and growth is playing.

It shows how they explore their environment and practice developing skills which is bond with their guardian. 

Playing time will increase based on the kind of developmental skills they are working within.

There are different methods to handling the stages of the children, below are steps to note on the handling methods.

STEP ONE

Sing a song for them as you pat them on the back while lying on your lap.

Benefits: 

This method is great for developing and increasing their listening skills. 

The baby will be delighted at hearing your voice and the tapping gives a soothing way of experience to the baby.

STEP TWO

Face the baby while making a eye contact, smile and chit-chat with them when they make sounds. 

Benefits: 

This helps the child to learn language and conversation skills and they’ll love the attention they get from you. 

Making the eye contact shows the baby that you want to communicate with them and support learning.

STEP THREE 

Hold a baby-safe object, such as a toy, a cloth, and move it towards the baby’s hand, encouraging them to touch and feel it. 

Make sure to switch sides so they get to reach with both of their hands.

Benefits: 

This helps to work on the baby's in opening their palms and also work on the closing of their fists.

STEP FOUR

Read and look at baby books together. Point to the objects, animals or plants on the pages and name them.

Benefits: 

Making time to read together promotes bonding, language skills and visual development.

STEP FIVE

Turn things on and off such as lights, water taps, flashlights, radios, television and other devices. As you do so, say the words “on” and “off.”

Benefits: 

This activities helps demonstrate cause and effect while teaching your baby new words.

STEP SIX

Go for a walk taking the baby along and talk about the things you see and noises you hear.

Benefits: 

Going outdoors helps to expose your baby to new sights and sounds, helping them to develop their listening, visual and social skills.

STEP SEVEN 

Let your baby move round your home on their own but monitor them to make sure they are safe. 

This helps them to feel secure while they’re trying new things.

Benefits: 

Allowing your baby to have supervised freedom helps them to build their independence and self-esteem.

STEP EIGHT 

Give your baby commands to follow like “clap your hands!” and show them how to do it. 

If they repeat the action, show your excitement and pride by smiling and praising them.

Benefits: 

Practicing simple instructions helps your baby learn how to follow directions.

STEP NINE

When your baby points to an object, respond by mentioning the object.

Benefits: 

By naming things that your baby is interested in, you are helping them to learn new words. Paying attention to things they point to also teaches them that their needs matter and helps to build their self-esteem.

Source: WHO

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Over 1000 Children Die Of Suspected Measles And Malnutrition Outbreak

According to UNHCR teams in Sudan’s White Nile state, more than 1200 refugee children under age 5 have died in 9 camps between 15 May and 14 September, due to a deadly combination of a suspected measles outbreak and high malnutrition. 

Over 3100 suspected cases were also reported in the same period and more than 500 suspected cases of cholera have been reported in other parts of the country, along with outbreaks of dengue and malaria, in a context of increased epidemic risk and challenges for epidemic control.

“The world has the means and the money to prevent every one of these deaths from measles or malnutrition,” the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, said today. 

“And yet dozens of children are dying every day as a result of this devastating conflict and a lack of global attention. 

We can prevent more deaths, but need money for the response, access to those in need, and above all, an end to the fighting.”

Health facilities are at breaking point, due to shortages of staff, life-saving medicine and critical equipment, exacerbating current outbreaks and causing unnecessary deaths. 

Repeated attacks on health since the beginning of the conflict, including on personnel, patients and transportation of medical supplies, are also restricting the delivery of health services.  

“Local health workers, with the help of WHO and partners, are doing all they can, in very difficult conditions. 

But they desperately need the support of the international community to prevent further deaths and the spread of outbreaks,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. 

“We call on donors to be generous and on the warring parties to protect health workers and access to health for all those who need it.”

In Renk, South Sudan, humanitarian partners report increasing cases of children arriving with measles and high rates of malnutrition from Sudan, mainly from White Nile. 

The malnutrition situation in the country is deepening at a rapid scale. 

Across South Sudan, over 5770 suspected cases of measles have been reported with 142 deaths. 

Children younger than 5 years are worst impacted, accounting for nearly 70% of all cases and 76% of all deaths. 

Half of the affected children were unvaccinated against measles, highlighting gaps in immunization, especially amongst returnees and refugees. 

On average 103 children per month were admitted in health facilities for moderate or severe malnutrition between May and July, up from 14 total admissions before the conflict.

The situation is just as worrisome in Ethiopia’s Amhara region where a cholera outbreak in Metema is fast evolving in sites hosting over 18 000 people who have fled the conflict in Sudan. 

As of 12 September, 8 people have died from cholera among 435 reported suspected cases. 

Cholera vaccine stocks for routine immunization are also running low, putting refugees at risk of further infections. 

The lack of ambulances to transport and refer patients for further care, insufficient medical equipment for treatment and a shortage of critical health staff are putting lives at risk and seriously hampering the humanitarian response.

In a recent screening exercise in Chad, nearly 13 000 children below 5 years were found to be acutely malnourished. 

The number of children with malnutrition being admitted to hospitals has increased by 56% across the province of Ouaddai, which is hosting more than 80% of the refugees, since the beginning of the conflict in Sudan. 

The high prevalence of malnutrition among incoming refugees reflects the very dire situation of the people in Darfur, fleeing across to Chad. 

In addition, acute respiratory infections, diarrhoea, and malaria remain the 3 most frequent illnesses among children. 

Access to clean drinking water is also a major challenge, with families only receiving 5 litres per person, only one-third of what is recommended.

UNHCR, WHO and partners are working to provide in urgent assistance inside Sudan and across borders and prevent more deaths. 

Food distribution is ongoing and measles vaccinations have been provided for children under 5 years old in the camps in Blue and White Nile states vaccinating over 53 000 children under 5 years old. In Chad, 2 measles vaccination campaigns have already reached 1.2 million children. 

WHO and partners have also launched an oral cholera vaccination campaign in Amhara, Ethiopia, over the weekend. 

WHO is also supporting stabilization centres through the provision of supplies for the treatment of severe malnutrition. 

WHO has provided urgently needed health supplies across South Sudan, Ethiopia and Chad, including essential medicines, medical supplies for the treatment of cholera, malnutrition and tents for mobile health clinics. 

Reproductive health kits, mental health care and psychosocial support are also being prioritized. In Ethiopia, cholera kits have been dispatched to Metema and an isolation tent and a nursing station are being installed.

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Over 700 Million People With Untreated Hypertension

Total number of adults aged 30–79 years with hypertension has increased from 650 million to 1.28 billion in the last thirty years, according to the first comprehensive global analysis of trends in hypertension prevalence, detection, treatment and control.

Almost half of these people are not aware hypertension is living in them.

Hypertension significantly increases the risk of heart, brain and kidney diseases, and is one of the top causes of death and disease throughout the world. 

It can be easily detected through measuring your blood pressure, at home, office, health centre or anywhere by carrying a personal portable machine for measuring your Blood Pressure, and can often be treated effectively with medications that are low cost.

The study, conducted by a global network of physicians and researchers, covered the period 1990–2019. 

It used blood pressure measurement and treatment data from over 100 million people aged 30–79 years in 184 countries, together covering 99% of the global population, which makes it the most comprehensive review of global trends in hypertension to date.

By analysing this massive amount of data, the researchers found that there was little change in the overall rate of hypertension in the world from 1990 to 2019, but the burden has shifted from wealthy nations to low- and middle-income countries. 

The rate of hypertension has decreased in wealthy countries which now typically have some of the lowest rates but has increased in middle income countries.

As a result, Canada, Peru and Switzerland had among the lowest prevalence of hypertension in the world in 2019, while some of the highest rates were seen in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Paraguay for women and Hungary, Paraguay and Poland for men.

Although the percent of people who have hypertension has changed little since 1990, the number of people with hypertension doubled to 1.28 billion. 

This was primarily due to population growth and ageing. In 2019, over one billion people with hypertension (82% of all people with hypertension in the world) lived in low- and middle-income countries.

Study revealed significant gaps in diagnosis and treatment. 

About 580 million people with hypertension (41% of women and 51% of men) were unaware of their condition because they were never diagnosed.  

The study also indicated that more than half of people (53% of women and 62% of men) with hypertension, or a total 720 million people, were not receiving the treatment that they need. 

Blood pressure was controlled, which means medicines were effective in bringing blood pressure to normal ranges, in fewer than 1 in 4 women and 1 in 5 men with hypertension.

Professor Majid Ezzati, senior author of the study and Professor of Global Environmental Health at the School of Public Health at Imperial College London, said: 

“Nearly half a century after we started treating hypertension, which is easy to diagnose and treat with low-cost medicines, it is a public health failure that so many of the people with high blood pressure in the world are still not getting the treatment they need.”

Men and women in Canada, Iceland and the Republic of Korea were most likely to receive medication to effectively treat and control their hypertension, with more than 70% of those with hypertension receiving treatment in 2019. 

Comparatively, men and women in sub-Saharan Africa, central, south and south-east Asia, and Pacific Island nations are the least likely to be receiving medication. 

Treatment rates were below 25% for women, and 20% for men, in a number of countries in these regions, creating a massive global inequity in treatment.

Encouragingly, some middle-income countries have successfully scaled up treatment, and are now achieving better treatment and control rates than most high-income nations.

New WHO guideline for hypertension treatment

The ‘WHO Guideline for the pharmacological treatment of hypertension in adults’, also released today, provides new recommendations to help countries improve the management of hypertension.

Dr Taskeen Khan, of WHO’s Department of Noncommunicable Diseases, who led the guideline development, said: 

“The new global guideline on the treatment of hypertension, the first in 20 years, provides the most current and relevant evidence-based guidance on the initiation of medicines for hypertension in adults.”

The recommendations cover the level of blood pressure to start medication, what type of medicine or combination of medicines to use, the target blood pressure level, and how often to have follow-up checks on blood pressure. 

In addition, the guideline provides the basis for how physicians and other health workers can contribute to improving hypertension detection and management.

Dr Bente Mikkelsen, Director of WHO’s Department of Noncommunicable Diseases added: 

“The need to better manage hypertension cannot be exaggerated. 

By following the recommendations in this new guideline, increasing and improving access to blood pressure medication, identifying and treating comorbidities such as diabetes and pre-existing heart disease, promoting healthier diets and regular physical activity, and more strictly controlling tobacco products, countries will be able to save lives and reduce public health expenditures.”

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Devastating Impact Of Hypertension And Ways To Eradicate It

The World Health Organization (WHO) had  released its first-ever report on the 

devastating global impact of high blood pressure with recommendations on the ways to win the race against this silent killer. 

The report shows 4 out of every 5 people with hypertension are not adequately treated, but if countries can scale up coverage, 76 million deaths could be averted between 2023 and 2050. 

Hypertension affects 1 in 3 adults globally. 

This common, deadly condition leads to stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney damage and many other related health problems.

The number of people living with hypertension (blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or higher or taking medication for hypertension) doubled between 1990 and 2019, from 650 million to 1.3 billion. 

Nearly half of people with hypertension globally are currently unaware of their conditions. 

More than three-quarters of adults with hypertension live in low- and middle-income countries.

Older age and genetics can increase the risk of having high blood pressure, but modifiable risk factors such as eating high-salt diet, not being physically active and drinking too much alcohol can also increase the risk of hypertension.

Lifestyle changes such as taking a healthier diet, quitting, being exercising and activeetc all these can help lower blood pressure. 

Some people may need medicines that can control hypertension effectively and prevent related complications. 

Early detection and effective management of hypertension are cost-effective in health care and should be prioritized by countries as part of their national health benefit package offered at a primary care level.

“Hypertension can be controlled effectively with simple, low-cost medication regimens, and yet only about one in five people with hypertension have controlled it.” Said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

 “Hypertension control programmes remain neglected, under-prioritized and vastly underfunded. 

Strengthening hypertension control must be part of every country’s rudiments towards universal health coverage, based on well-functioning, equitable and resilient health systems, built on a foundation of primary health care.”

The report is being launched during the 78^th Session of the United Nations General Assembly which addresses progress for the Sustainable Development Goals including health goals on pandemic preparedness and response, ending tuberculosis and attaining Universal Health Coverage. 

Better prevention and control of hypertension will be essential to progress in all of these. 

An increase in the number of patients effectively treated for hypertension to levels observed in high-performing countries could prevent 76 million deaths, 120 million strokes, 79 million heart attacks, and 17 million cases of heart failure between now and 2050.

“Most heart attacks and strokes in the world today can be prevented with affordable, safe, accessible medicines and other interventions, such as sodium reduction,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, WHO Global Ambassador for Noncommunicable Diseases and Injuries.

 “Treating hypertension through primary health care will save lives, while also saving billions of dollars a year.”

Over 40 low- and middle-income countries, including Bangladesh, Cuba, India and Sri Lanka, have strengthened their hypertension care with the HEARTS package, enrolling more than 17 million people into treatment programmes.

Countries such as Canada and South Korea delivered comprehensive national hypertension treatment programmes, and both countries surpassed the 50% mark for blood pressure control in adults living with hypertension. 

Sustained, systematic national hypertension control programmes can succeed—and a high level of blood pressure control translates into fewer strokes and heart attacks, and longer, healthier lives. 

The report underscores the importance of implementing WHO-recommended effective hypertension care to save lives, which include the following five components:

• Protocol: practical dose- and drug-specific treatment protocols with specific action steps for managing uncontrolled blood pressure can streamline care and improve adherence.
• Medication and equipment supply: regular, uninterrupted access to affordable medication is necessary for effective hypertension treatment; currently, prices for essential anti-hypertensive medicines vary by more than ten-fold between countries.
• Team-based care: patient outcomes improve when a team collaborates to adjust and intensify blood pressure medication regimens per doctor orders and protocols.
• Patient-centred services: to reduce barriers to care by providing easy-to-take medication regimens, free medications and close-to-home follow-up visits, and making blood pressure monitoring readily available.
• Information systems: user-centred, simple information systems facilitate rapid recording of essential patient-level data, reduce health care worker data entry burden, and support rapid scale-up while maintaining or improving the quality of care.
  

“Every hour, more than 1 000 people die from strokes and heart attacks. Most of these deaths are caused by high blood pressure, and most could have been prevented,” said Dr Tom Frieden, President & CEO, Resolve to Save Lives.

 “Good hypertension care is affordable, within reach, and strengthens primary health care. 

The challenge now is to go from “within reach” to “reached.” This will require commitment of governments around the world.”

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Methods To Detect Deadly Heart Condition Before Symptoms Show Up

Hypertrophic CardioMyopathy (HCM) is a condition that affects around 1 in 500 people. 

It causes the muscular walls of the heart to become thicker than normal, affecting how well the heart can pump blood around the body. 

It is a leading cause of heart failure and sudden cardiac death.

Two cutting-edge heart scanning techniques: cardiac diffusion tensor imaging (cDTI), a type of MRI scan that shows how individual heart muscle cells are organised and packed together (the heart's microstructure), and cardiac MRI perfusion (perfusion CMR), which detects problems with the small blood vessels supplying the heart muscle (microvascular disease).

The scans showed that people with overt signs of HCM have very abnormal organisation of their heart muscle cells, and a high rate and severity of microvascular disease compared to healthy volunteers.

Crucially, the scans were also able to identify abnormal microstructure (muscle cell disorganisation) and microvascular disease in the people who had a problematic gene but no symptoms or muscle thickening. 

They found that 28% had defects in their blood supply, compared to healthy volunteers. 

This meant that doctors were able to more accurately spot the early signs of HCM developing in patient's hearts.

The first drug to slow HCM progression -- mavacamten -- has recently been approved for use in Europe and will allow doctors to reduce the severity of the disease once symptoms and muscle thickening have appeared. Genetic therapies are also in development which could prevent symptoms entirely by intercepting HCM development at an early stage.

Perfusion CMR is already being used in some clinics to help differentiate people with HCM from other causes of muscle thickening. 

The researchers think that these revolutionary new therapies, combined with cDTI and perfusion CMR scans, give doctors the best ever chance of treating people at risk of HCM early enough that the condition never develops.

Dr George Joy, who led the research with Professor James Moon and Dr Luis Lopes (all UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science), said: 

"The ability to detect early signs of HCM could be crucial in trials testing treatments aimed at preventing early disease from progressing or correcting genetic mutations. 

The scans could also enable treatment to start earlier than we previously thought possible.

"We now want to see if we can use the scans to identify which patients without symptoms or heart muscle thickening are most at risk of developing severe HCM and its life-changing complications. 

The information provided from scans could therefore help doctors make better decisions on how best to care for each patient."

Dr Luis Lopes (UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science), senior author of the study, said: "By linking advanced imaging to our cohort of HCM patients (and relatives) with extensive genetic testing, this study detected microstructural abnormalities in vivo in mutation carriers for the first time and was the first to compare these parameters in HCM patients with and without a causal mutation.

"The findings allow us to understand more about the early subclinical manifestations of this serious condition but also provide additional clinical tools for screening, monitoring and hopefully in the near future for therapeutic decision-making."

Source: University College London. 

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Bacterial Protein may contribute to reduced fertility, birth defects

After carrying out a research study, the results does not only broaden the understanding between the urogenital tract and human reproductive health, but has also broaden more insight on previous unidentified contribution of the human microbiota to genetic abnormalities,".

"The idea is to explore the mechanisms findings and their potential implications for preventing and treating chromosomal abnormalities and genetic diseases," said co-lead author Giovannino Silvestri, PhD, former Research Associate of Medicine in UMSOM's IHV.

The human microbiota is known to affect metabolism and susceptible to infectious diseases, immune system regulation, and more. 

One of these bacterial components, Mycoplasmas, have been linked to various cancers.

The research team has been studying one Mycoplasma protein, DnaK, which belongs to a family of proteins that safeguards other bacterial proteins against damage and aids in their folding when they are newly made, acting as a so-called 'chaperone.' 

However, while this protein is advantageous for bacteria, its effects on animal cells are less favorable. 

To this regard, the team had previously demonstrated that this DnaK is taken up by the body's cells and it interferes with key proteins involved in preserving DNA integrity and in cancer prevention, such as the tumor suppressor protein p53.

Latest study, researchers created mice that make the DnaK protein normally produced by the bacterium Mycoplasma fermentans. 

These mice with exposure to DnaK accrued genomic instability in which entire sections of the genome were duplicated or deleted, resulting in mice with varying numbers of copies of certain genes.

The team noticed that some of these mice from 3-5 weeks of age had problems with movement and coordination. 

They found that these mice have a deletion in the Grid2 gene, which in humans leads to the rare genetic disease known as spinocerebellar ataxia-18 (SCAR18) that causes delayed development of skilled movements and intellectual disabilities.

"Remarkably, this instance marks the first time a mouse model successfully recapitulated a human genetic disease de novo, showcasing this model's potential for further cancer biology research," said Dr. Zella.

More than a third of the female mice that made the DnaK protein were unable to get pregnant. Additionally, more than 20 percent of the pups born from moms with the DnaK protein had some sort of birth defect/deformity.

"The occurrences of genomic instability, in the form of increased number of copy number variations, could explain the decreased fertility and the increased instances of abnormally developed fetuses we observed upon DnaK exposure," said Dr. Gallo. 

"These data build upon our initial work which discovered the disruptive role of DnaK on key proteins involved in the proper repair of damaged DNA, which are also known to play a role in the onset of copy number variations. 

The ongoing commitment is to better understand the potential implications of these findings in cellular transformation and cancer."

UMSOM Dean Mark T. Gladwin, MD, who is also Vice President for Medical Affairs, University of Maryland, Baltimore and the John Z. and Akiko K. Bowers 

Distinguished Professor, commended the work. "The researchers raise a significant question regarding whether DnaK can interfere with fetal development in humans. 

An important next step would be to investigate whether neutralizing either the bacteria or this protein could preserve fertility and prevent certain birth defects," he said.

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Healthy Diet, Reading, And Having Exercises Promote Reasoning In Kids

Reasoning in kids is key and very important in learning and also their daily activities. 

Recent study which was conducted at the University of Eastern Finland, stated to have improved the diet quality and reduced consumption of red meat, as well as increased time spent in reading and organised sports enhanced reasoning skills among children over the first two school years.

"Children with healthier eating habits showed greater cognitive development than other children.

Diet quality, lower red meat consumption, and higher low-fat dairy product intake were linked to better reasoning skills," says Doctoral Researcher Sehrish Naveed of the University of Eastern Finland.

Children who spent more time in reading and organised sports showed better reasoning skills than their peers. 

More time spent on a computer system and unsupervised leisure-time physical activity were associated with poorer reasoning skills.

"In the lives of growing children, diet and physical activity intervention is just one factor influencing lifestyle and reasoning skills. 

Based on research, investing in a healthy diet and encouraging children to read are beneficial for the development of reasoning skills among children.

Source:

Materials issued by University of Eastern Finland.

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Top Signs You Are HIV Positive

Health Care, Slimming Tips, Nutrition, News, Fitness and Lots..........: 16 Signs You May be HIV Carrier: Think you have HIV? The only way to tell is to get an HIV test, but here are some possible symptoms. Within a month or two of HIV enterin...

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Consuming Too Much Alcohol Causes Psychological Disorders

Majorly the high rate at which most people consume more alcohol has been of intense high mode.

The main characteristics by most people who claims that liquors posses the ability to help us feel at ease, feel happy and energetic. 

The more the consumption rate, the more intoxicated it can be. Drinking in rare occassions or on a special period is an habit that most people in the world would follow. 

This habit is considered as helping people out from stress. However, either drinking bits or heavily or drinking even a little bit is not recommended for people having a mental disorder and psychological problems.

When alcohol is consumed, the brain goes through some chemical changes, the positive energy might be taken over by negative emotions and energy, this is because alcohol affects the neurotransmitters in the brain. 

These neurotransmitters send messages from one nerve to another in the brain, but alcohol stops them from working correctly and has a negative impact on the mental health and well-being. Because of this, people might start feeling anger, aggression, depression and sadness.

Some takes alcohol for enjoyment while some who drink to cope with very difficult situation. 

It is believe that Liquor can help with these problems but for only a brief period of time. But in due cause of the effect, it will wear off at some point, and people might be addictive and make it a prime to use it to cool off when in euphoric feelings. 

This is equally bad for mental health and psychological health which tends to worsen symptoms.

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Can Cholesterol And Smoking Increase Heart Attack Risk?

Majorly when you consider the hazards of smoking, and the sayings that SMOKERS ARE LIABLE TO DIE YOUNG mostly lung disease and cancer come to mind.

But fact remains that smoking is more than just your lungs. It can increase your risk for heart disease, stroke and other heart health issues.

People who smoke are more likely to develop heart disease than people who don’t, according to the American Heart Association. And your risk for stroke doubles if you smoke cigarettes.

Much of this increased risk factors stems from the fact that cigarette smoke contains thousands of chemicals that can damage your blood vessels and increase your cholesterol levels.

This can make it harder for your body to remove unhealthy cholesterol from your blood, allowing cholesterol to build up in your arteries.

This article will explain how smoking affects your cholesterol levels and what you can do to improve your heart health if you smoke.

Cholesterol plays a role in cell creation, hormone production, and food digestion. Your body makes all the cholesterol it needs. 

However, cholesterol is also found in some foods, and many people get more cholesterol than they need from their diet.

A high-fat diet can increase your risk for high cholesterol, but other factors play a part in your cholesterol levels as well, including your genes and whether you smoke.

There are two types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL).

LDL, also called the “bad” cholesterol, can create a fatty buildup of a substance called plaque on the inside of your arteries. This can narrow your arteries and increase your risk for:

• heart attack
• stroke
• peripheral artery disease

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a healthy level of LDL cholesterol for people of any age is a reading below 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

HDL, known as the “healthy” cholesterol, can remove LDL and transport it to the liver where it’s flushed out of your body.

Unlike LDL cholesterol, you want your HDL to be a higher number. A healthy level of HDL is above 40 mg/dL for men and above 50 mg/dL for women.

Ideally, your total combined cholesterol should be below 200 mg/dL.

The only way to know your cholesterol numbers is with a lipid profile blood test. Your healthcare professional can order a test. If you have a history of high blood cholesterol or risk factors for it, a blood test will likely be part of your regular appointments.

Smoking has a significant impact on your body. It can damage your lungs and increase your risk of:

• asthma
• lung disease
• lung cancer

Beyond the impact on your lungs, smoking can also impact your cardiovascular health.

Your lungs can absorb vapors released in cigarette smoke.

• increase LDL levels
• make blood thicker and stickier, and more likely to clot
• damage the cells that line blood vessels and arteries
• cause thickening and narrowing of blood vessels

Additionally, researchTrusted Source has found that a compound called acrolein, which is found in cigarette smoke, goes a step further to impact your body’s cholesterol levels.

This highly reactive compound prevents the HDL in your blood from transporting the LDL out of your arteries and to your liver.

This means that smoking not only increases LDL accumulation, but it also impairs the ability of HDL cholesterol to reverse the damage caused by LDL.

The impact smoking has on your body doesn’t stop with high cholesterol levels. Smoking can increase your risk for heart attack and stroke.

Smoking can raise your LDL cholesterol levels and lower your HDL cholesterol levels. Over time, this can lead to inflammation in your blood vessels and arteries, and plaque can build up in your arteries.

This plaque can harden and break off, which can lead to blood clots and strokes.

When you have plaque in your arteries, your heart has a harder time pumping blood through your body. That makes your heart work harder and decreases blood flow to all areas of your body.

These circumstances can result in a condition called coronary heart disease, or coronary artery disease. Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of deathTrusted Source in the United States.

Smoking and high cholesterol are not the only risk factors for heart disease. Other risk factors include:

• family history
• obesity
• age
• diet

However, smoking is one of the risk factors that you can control. In turn, quitting smoking can help improve cholzesterol levels and lower your risk for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

Can you reverse heart damage by quitting tobacco?

Yes, quitting smoking can reverse heart damage. In fact, it can do so quickly.

According to the American Heart Association, one-third of deathsTrusted Source from coronary heart disease each year are due to smoking and secondhand smoke. On average, people who smoke die more than 10 years earlier than people who don’t smoke.

But quitting can positively impact your health within a short time frame. With time, you can nearly eliminate the damage that smoking caused to your blood vessels and heart:

• After 1 year of being smoke-free, your risk of heart disease and heart attacks will be halved.
• After 15 years, your risk for heart disease and heart attacks will be similar to someone who has never smoked.
• One studyTrusted Source found that levels of HDL in former smokers return to levels equal to that of nonsmokers within 1 year of quitting.

Quitting smoking has other health benefits beyond the good it does for your cholesterol and heart health.

For example, the nerve endings in your nose and mouth begin to grow back within 48 hours of your last cigarette. This will help restore your sense of smell and taste, which is damaged by smoking.

You’ll have more oxygen in your blood, which will translate to more energy for your cells and tissues to use. The improved oxygen levels can also help boost immunity and lower inflammation, so you’re better able to fight off colds, viruses, and other illnesses.

Quitting smoking lowers your risk of several cancers, too, including:

• lung cancer
• brain cancer
• bladder cancer
• throat cancer

CONTINUE READING : https://www.healthline.com/health/smoking-and-cholesterol

 

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More Infants Die From Respiratory Syncytial Virus Than Thought: New Study

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): is a common virus that causes mild, cold-like symptoms in adults and older, healthy children. But it can be fatal for infants especially those in low and middle income countries who lack adequate access to medical care. 

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