The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Diseases

  • Sexually transmitted diseases (stds)

    Sexually Transmitted Diseases are popularly called venereal diseases. They are contagious diseases, easily transmitted by sexual contact from an infected person to a sexual partner who is otherwise healthy.

    The germs causing these diseases vary a great deal, but all depend on the warmth and moisture of the sexual organs for survival. They readily penetrate the delicate skin and moist membranes that come in contact during sexual intercourse. Once the germs have invaded the tissues of the sex organs, they propagate and spread to other tissues, even throughout the body in some cases.

    The sexually transmitted diseases cause various kinds of suffering with tragic results as damage to an unborn child, infertility and even premature death.

    Once established in a person’s body, the disease tends to persist, if untreated, for the duration of life. Syphilis and Gonorrhoea are the best-known venereal diseases, but the range also includes genital herpes, candidiasis and warts, as well as trichomoniasis, chancroid, staphylococcal infections and Lymphogranuloma venereum.

    In spite of our present knowledge of these diseases and in spite of the availability of effective treatment, the number of cases of sexually transmitted illness has increased so alarmingly that they are virtually out of control. Changes in public attitudes towards sexual matters, widespread use of contraceptive pills and the emergence of resistant strains of organisms seem to have contributed to the increase of these diseases.

    The symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases vary, depending on the causative agent. There may be abnormal discharge from the sexual organ, with foul odour and itching sensations, as in Gonorrhoea, Trichomoniasis and Candidiasis. There may be ulcers and pinching sensations as in Genital Herpes Simplex, Staphylococcus, Syphilis, Chancroid and Granuloma inguinale. Thirdly, there are those characterized by the appearance of lumps and bumps in the private parts, as observed in cases of genital warts and Lymphogranuloma venereum.

     

    Prevention

    It should be well understood that when a sexually transmitted disease is diagnosed in a man or woman, the disease has probably already passed on to the sexual partner, it is therefore important that both should treated to prevent re-infection.

    Also, it is strongly advised that any suspicion of a venereal disease or of possible exposure to infection, calls for urgent medical attention. In fact, prolonged cases of venereal infections have been shown to predispose one to more dangerous infections such as HIV/AIDS.

     

    Treatment/Control

    In Holistic Lifecare, it is strongly advocated that in order to avoid suffering in the midst of plenty, we must turn to NATURE. Some of the natural remedies being advanced for the treatment and control of sexually transmitted diseases include the extracts of local herbs such as Allium cepa, Senna alata and Plumbago zeylanica.

     

    For further information and consultation on Holistic Lifecare research and services, especially on Blood Infections, Infertility, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Chronic Debilitating Conditions as well as mental and social problems, please call  on: 0803-330-3897 or visit: Mosebolatan Holistic Lifecare Centre, Adeyalo Layout, Ogbere-Tioya, Off Olorunsogo Express Bridge, Ibadan. Website: www.holisticlifecare.com. Distance is no barrier, we can send remedies by courier if need be. We also have facilities for accommodation, admission and hospitalization in a serene and homely environment.

     

  • Sexually transmitted diseases (stds)

    Sexually Transmitted Diseases are popularly called venereal diseases. They are contagious diseases, easily transmitted by sexual contact from an infected person to a sexual partner who is otherwise healthy.

    The germs causing these diseases vary a great deal, but all depend on the warmth and moisture of the sexual organs for survival. They readily penetrate the delicate skin and moist membranes that come in contact during sexual intercourse. Once the germs have invaded the tissues of the sex organs, they propagate and spread to other tissues, even throughout the body in some cases.

    The sexually transmitted diseases cause various kinds of suffering with tragic results as damage to an unborn child, infertility and even premature death.

    Once established in a person’s body, the disease tends to persist, if untreated, for the duration of life. Syphilis and Gonorrhoea are the best-known venereal diseases, but the range also includes genital herpes, candidiasis and warts, as well as trichomoniasis, chancroid, staphylococcal infections and Lymphogranuloma venereum.

    In spite of our present knowledge of these diseases and in spite of the availability of effective treatment, the number of cases of sexually transmitted illness has increased so alarmingly that they are virtually out of control. Changes in public attitudes towards sexual matters, widespread use of contraceptive pills and the emergence of resistant strains of organisms seem to have contributed to the increase of these diseases.

    The symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases vary, depending on the causative agent. There may be abnormal discharge from the sexual organ, with foul odour and itching sensations, as in Gonorrhoea, Trichomoniasis and Candidiasis. There may be ulcers and pinching sensations as in Genital Herpes Simplex, Staphylococcus, Syphilis, Chancroid and Granuloma inguinale. Thirdly, there are those characterized by the appearance of lumps and bumps in the private parts, as observed in cases of genital warts and Lymphogranuloma venereum.

     

    Prevention

    It should be well understood that when a sexually transmitted disease is diagnosed in a man or woman, the disease has probably already passed on to the sexual partner, it is therefore important that both should treated to prevent re-infection.

    Also, it is strongly advised that any suspicion of a venereal disease or of possible exposure to infection, calls for urgent medical attention. In fact, prolonged cases of venereal infections have been shown to predispose one to more dangerous infections such as HIV/AIDS.

     

    Treatment/Control

    In Holistic Lifecare, it is strongly advocated that in order to avoid suffering in the midst of plenty, we must turn to NATURE. Some of the natural remedies being advanced for the treatment and control of sexually transmitted diseases include the extracts of local herbs such as Allium cepa, Senna alata and Plumbago zeylanica.

     

    For further information and consultation on Holistic Lifecare research and services, especially on Blood Infections, Infertility, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Chronic Debilitating Conditions as well as mental and social problems, please call  on: 0803-330-3897 or visit: Mosebolatan Holistic Lifecare Centre, Adeyalo Layout, Ogbere-Tioya, Off Olorunsogo Express Bridge, Ibadan. Website: www.holisticlifecare.com. Distance is no barrier, we can send remedies by courier if need be. We also have facilities for accommodation, admission and hospitalization in a serene and homely environment.

     

  • ILO seeks action against occupational diseases

    • Govt, workers disagree on safety regulation enforcement

    THE International Labour Organisation (ILO) has called for an ‘urgent and vigorous’ campaign to tackle the growing number of work-related diseases, which claim an estimated two million lives per year.

    In Nigeria, workers in the chemical sector say the government is not doing enough to protect factory workers, as many employers disobey the constitutional safety and precaution rules that guides the establishment of factories in the country.

    In a message on this year’s World Day for Safety and Health at Work, ILO Director-General, Mr Guy Rider, said: “Occupational disease impoverishes workers and their families and may undermine whole communities when they lose their most productive workers.

    “Meanwhile, the productivity of enterprises is reduced and the financial burden on the state increases as the cost of health care rises. Where social protection is weak or absent, many workers as well as their families, lack the care and support they need.”

    He called for the prevention of diseases, saying it is more effective and less costly than treatment and rehabilitation.

    He said the ILO was calling for a “paradigm of prevention with comprehensive and coherent action targeting occupational diseases, not only injuries.”

    The Head of the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), Brent Wilton, said: “The ILO is well placed to lead a concerted and holistic effort to address OSH challenges by providing integrated web-based information that is practical and easily accessible to workplace actors, prevention and treatment centres, employers’ and workers’ organisations, enforcing authorities and labour inspectorates.

    ‘’We have an opportunity to ensure that countries are better equipped to avert the risk of facing the same OSH challenges by learning from shared experiences, he said.

    General Secretary, International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), Sharan Burrow, said: “Our societies must not accept that workers can lose their health to make a living. And we must not forget that occupational diseases put a huge burden on families and the public purse – a burden that is preventable.

    “Harnessing the knowledge of workers, backed by their unions, is crucial for preventing death and illness. Protection, including through respect for workers’ rights to trade union representation, and government legislation and enforcement following ILO standards and guidance should be expanded.”

    In a report, the ILO said despite the fact that occupational diseases kill six times more when compared to other diseases, accidents attract greater attention. Of the estimated 2.34 million annual work-related deaths, the vast majority   — approximately 2.02 million — are due to work-related diseases. This represents a daily average of 5,500 deaths.

    The ILO also estimates that 160 million cases of non-fatal work-related diseases occur yearly.

    Technological and social changes, along with global economic conditions, are aggravating health hazards and creating new risks. Well-known occupational diseases, such as pneumoconiosis and asbestos-related diseases, remain widespread, while relatively new occupational diseases, such as mental and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are on the rise.

    Occupational diseases carry an enormous cost – for workers and their families, as well as for economic and social development. The ILO estimates that occupational accidents and diseases result in an annual four per cent loss in global gross domestic product (GDP), or about US$2.8 trillion, in direct and indirect costs of injuries and diseases.

    Good quality data is of key importance, providing the basis for an effective prevention strategy. Yet, globally, more than half of all countries do not provide statistics for occupational diseases. Only a few countries collect sex-disaggregated data. This makes it difficult not only to identify specific types of occupational injuries and diseases that affect men and women, but also hinders the development of effective preventive measures for all, ILO said.

    “Significantly reducing the incidence of occupational disease is not simple, it may not be easy and it will not happen overnight, but progress is certainly feasible. So, let us, in our respective areas of responsibility, set clear OSH goals, establish a road map and most critically, act and persevere so that, together, we succeed in turning the tide on the epidemic and make good progress on this dimension of decent work,” Ryder said.

    The Labour Minister, however, Chief ‘Emeka Wogu, said the Inspectorate Division of the Ministry of Labour and Productivity is doing a lot by way of factory inspection to ensure safety in the workplace.

    The General Secretary, National Union of Chemical Footwear Rubber Leather and Non-Metallic Products Employees (NUCFRLANMPE), Douglas Adiele, said employers were not fulfilling their legal obligations.

    He, however, said some employers were pulling their weight in that area, while others just neglect the safety precautions.

    “The Ministry of Labour is not doing enough. They have an inspectorate division. But are they doing enough? There are regulations, but to what extent has this regulation been enforced?” he added.

  • Killer diseases of our times

    Heart disease

    In recent times, heart attack, heart problems, stroke and cerebrovascular disease were the major killer diseases. The World Health Organization indicates that 31.5% women and 26.8% of men die of heart disease.There are various causes of heart disease but some risk factors are well recognized and these include, excessive fat or salt in one’s diet, lack of physical activity, and obesity.

     

    Cancer

    Cancer is one of those killer diseases that statistics predict will keep increasing in the next two decades. It is predicted that as many as 17 million people will die of cancer yearly. The chief causative factors are related to diet and consumables.

     

    Infectious diseases

    Children and young adults tend to die from infectious diseases more than from other killer diseases.

     

    Tuberculosis

    One third of the world’s population carry Mycobacterium tuberculosis which causes tuberculosis (TB), a disease that kills about 2 million people annually. You can catch it if you breathe from the cough or sneeze of someone with active TB. It may take a long time before the disease manifests. People with immune deficiencies such as AIDS die more easily from TB. The BCG vaccine is used as a preventive measure against TB.

    Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

    COPD causes difficulty in breathing. Smoking is a chief known culprit of COPD. Environmental pollutants are also causative factors, especially through occupational exposure or other constant long-term exposure to hazards. Lung damage can be counteracted or slowed by lung stimulating exercises and immunity strengthening diet.

    .Lower respiratory tract infections

    These lung diseases include tuberculosis, whooping cough, and pneumonia. Children under five years of age are especially vulnerable if they do not have good immunity-strengthening diets. Pneumonia ends the lives of about 4 million people yearly.

     

    HIV/AIDS

    It appears that 50% of people living with HIV/AIDS worldwide are women. New infections are usually in young people under25years of age. HIV-positive people can survive on antiretroviral drugs for decades.

     

    Malaria

    Malaria, causes 1-5 million deaths yearly.Many people in tropical areas where mosquitoes thrive have good immunity against malaria. Malaria can be fatal for visitors in endemic areas.

     

    Diarrhoea

    Poor hygiene leads to transfer of infectious viruses, bacteria, or parasitic worms through drinking water and food causing diarrheal diseases such as cholera and dysentery. Diarrhoea kills about 2 million people each year, mainly through dehydration in children.

     

    Measles

    Half amillion children die of measles yearly. Vaccination covers children against infection.

    Killer disease can be prevented through education, information, and constant reminders of the populace.

    Minus killer diseases, life expectancy is actually improving in modern times because of improved way of life in many parts of the world and advanced medicine. If we take good care of ourselves, if we avoid or beat killer diseases, there is a good likelihood that we live longer than our ancestors.

  • How to prevent sexually transmitted diseases

    Sexually transmitted disease(STDs) are transmitted through sexual intercourse with an infected person or animal, a health consultant, Dr Paul Osoba, has said.

    According to him, STDs include gonorrhoea, syphilis, virginal infection, candidiasis, chancroid and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), among others.

    Osoba said STDs in women can lead to blockage of the fallopian tubes which may result in infertility, painful and irregular menstruation.

    It can also lead to heavy periods, problems of the eyes, restlessness, depression, itching, stomach disorder, miscarriages, loss of ovulation, and Siamese twins(twins joined together in the buttocks, head, legs and stomach), brain cells can also be affected.

    “In men, STD’s can destroy the sperm producing cells of the testis, low sperm count, blockage of the urethral track, pain in the groin, backache, pain during urination, infertility, swollen testis, cause depression and damage of the brain,” Osoba added.

    He said STDs could be prevented if people abstained from sex and having multiple sex partners. Also, by avoiding sex with an infected person, ensure usage of condom and discipline ones sexual desire.

    He advised that people should wash up warm water after urinating and after every sexual intercourse would help to put diseases at bay.

    On gonorrhoea, syphilis and virginal discharge, he said: “In men, gonorrhoea can be identified when the male notices that he has pain when urinating, whitish discharge from the mouth or fever. In female, there would be foul smelling discharge from the vagina, painful sexual intercourse, fever, abdominal pain, bleeding after intercourse (post-coital bleeding) and irregular menses.

    “Syphilis in men can be detected when there is painless sore on the peniswhich may disappear after some weeks, inflamed eyes, fever, and sore throat, loss of appetite or swelling of the groin. While in female, there will be loss of appetite, loss of hair, sore throat, swelling of the groin and inflamed eyes”.

    “Virginal discharge is a liquid secretion produced by the virgina, which may be infected with micro-organisms. Virginal discharge becomes an infection when it has a foul smelling odour, when the discharge is large in quantity, when it is irritating and causing lots of inconveniencies, presence of blood in the discharge, itching and when the discharge causes depression or restlessness”.

    He urged people to see the doctor whenever they notice an infection, adding that crude method and self medication should be avoided.

  • Sexually transmitted diseases (stds)

    Sexually Transmitted Diseases are popularly called venereal diseases. They are contagious diseases, easily

    transmitted by sexual contact from an infected person to a sexual partner who is otherwise healthy.

    The germs causing these diseases vary a great deal, but all depend on the warmth and moisture of the sexual organs for survival. They readily penetrate the delicate skin and moist membranes that come in contact during sexual intercourse. Once the germs have invaded the tissues of the sex organs, they propagate and spread to other tissues, even throughout the body in some cases.

    The sexually transmitted diseases cause various kinds of suffering with tragic results as damage to an unborn child, infertility and even premature death.

    Once established in a person’s body, the disease tends to persist, if untreated, for the duration of life. Syphilis and Gonorrhoea are the best-known venereal diseases, but the range also includes genital herpes, candidiasis and warts, as well as trichomoniasis, chancroid, staphylococcal infections and Lymphogranuloma venereum.

    In spite of our present knowledge of these diseases and in spite of the availability of effective treatment, the number of cases of sexually transmitted illness has increased so alarmingly that they are virtually out of control. Changes in public attitudes towards sexual matters, widespread use of contraceptive pills and the emergence of resistant strains of organisms seem to have contributed to the increase of these diseases.

    The symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases vary, depending on the causative agent. There may be abnormal discharge from the sexual organ, with foul odour and itching sensations, as in Gonorrhoea, Trichomoniasis and Candidiasis. There may be ulcers and pinching sensations as in Genital Herpes Simplex, Staphylococcus, Syphilis, Chancroid and Granuloma inguinale. Thirdly, there are those characterized by the appearance of lumps and bumps in the private parts, as observed in cases of genital warts and Lymphogranuloma venereum.

    Prevention

    It should be well understood that when a sexually transmitted disease is diagnosed in a man or woman, the disease has probably already passed on to the sexual partner, it is therefore important that both should treated to prevent re-infection.

    Also, it is strongly advised that any suspicion of a venereal disease or of possible exposure to infection, calls for urgent medical attention. In fact, prolonged cases of venereal infections have been shown to predispose one to more dangerous infections such as HIV/AIDS.

     

    Treatment/Control

    In Holistic Lifecare, it is strongly advocated that in order to avoid suffering in the midst of plenty, we must turn to NATURE. Some of the natural remedies being advanced for the treatment and control of sexually transmitted diseasesinclude the extracts of local herbs such as Allium cepa, Senna alata and Plumbago zeylanica.

     

    For further information and consultation on Holistic Lifecare research and services, especially on Blood Infections, Infertility, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Chronic Debilitating Conditions as well as mental and social problems, please call on: 0803-330-3897 or visit: Mosebolatan Holistic Lifecare Centre, Adeyalo Layout, Ogbere-Tioya, Off Olorunsogo Express Bridge, Ibadan. Website: www.holisticlifecare.com. Distance is no barrier, we can send remedies by courier if need be. We also have facilities for accommodation, admission and hospitalization in a serene and homely environment.

     

  • Diseases imminent in flooded areas, says NEMA

    •Proposes permanent relocation of victims

     

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has raised the alarm over a possible outbreak of epidemic in flood-ravaged states.

    NEMA Coordinator, Abuja Operations Office, Ishaya Chonoko said there could be an outbreak of cholera, Lassa fever, measles and other skin diseases.

    He spoke yesterday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, at a two-day sensitisation and awareness programme on cerebro-spinal meningitis and other flood related diseases, organised by NEMA.

    Chonoko said the agency’s fear was borne out of “the fact that flood waters have contaminated natural sources of water.”

    He said: “The usage of this contaminated water by the victims can lead to an outbreak of diseases.”

    Chonoko, who was represented by his assistant, Slaku Bijimi, advised Nigerians to ensure proper ventilation of their homes.

    “Potable water should be properly covered and periodic washing of hands should be encouraged.”

    Speaking with reporters after the programme, Bijimi said NEMA is proposing a permanent relocation of some of the flood victims to a safer place.

    This, according to NEMA, would guarantee the security of life and property of the victims.

    He added that the agency had sent a proposal on the need for the permanent relocation of the victims to the Presidency.

    “A permanent relocation of the victims is the best option.

    “But you know relocation has to be in agreement with the Federal Government, the state, local councils and even the people.

    “There are cases where you provide accommodation as a permanent solution for people and they abandon it for their flooded abodes.

    “NEMA has sent a proposal to the President on what we think is the way out of the problem.

    “The President went round for an on-the-spot-assessment of what had happened.

    “He now knows that there are some people who cannot go back to their homes.

    “The essence of the Dangote-led committee is to see how there can be a permanent solution to the problem.“

    Bijimi, however said the Federal Government must collaborate with the state governments and the victims before taking a final decision on the relocation.