Body Mass Index(BMI)

People who are overweight are at a greater risk of developing serious health conditions likewise those that are underweight hence the need to have our weight in check since it is the most adjustable variable. Most people do not know their weight or height. The knowledge of these two would help us calculate an individual’s BMI and then be able to classify the weight accordingly. We are more concerned about the weight with less attention to the height. The weight corresponding to the height gives an accurate classification of the weight as underweight, normal weight, and overweight.

Body Mass Index is the ratio of the weight to a height usually calculated as the weight in kilogram(kg) divided by the square of the height in meters (m).

BMI =weight(kg)/(Height)²in metres.
BMI=X kg/m²

The resultant BMI is classified as follows;

Patients who are underweight are at risk of malnutrition, becoming anemic, or developing osteoporosis. They are advised to improve their eating habit by eating healthy, avoid strenuous exercise and rest often.

Those with BMI within 18.5- 24.9 are considered to have a healthy weight and are encouraged to stay healthy.

Patients who are overweight are at risk of developing serious medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, musculoskeletal problems, and even cancer. Measures on how to reduce weight are recommended.

BMI may not be a perfect measure of health because it has its own shortcomings. Healthy weight in the elderly, children, pregnant women and athletes can not be appropriately determined using BMI.

MENSTRUAL CRAMP

I could remember a day I met a lady rolling on the floor crying as though she had lost a loved one, I inquired from people around what was happening and they said she had menstrual pain. Ha! But it was just menstrual cramp, why the so much drama you think? It’s no drama, Some ladies experience this monthly while some are mild-moderate others are very severe, people experience even worst before or during menstruation.

Menstrual cramp or dysmenorrhea is a throbbing or cramping pain in the lower abdomen that occurs in most women before menstruation or during menstruation. The pain lessens 2 or 3 days after the onset of menstruation.

Menstruation occurs every month if no pregnancy. Before menstruation, the endometrial cells in the lining of the uterus produces prostaglandin-a biologically active substances that have hormone-like effects involved in inflammation, pain, muscle contraction, and blood vessels constriction. As menstruation starts, the lining of the uterus begins to shed, there is a release of a large amount of prostaglandin which triggers the constriction of the blood vessels of the uterus and contraction of the muscle of the uterus resulting in what is experienced as a muscle cramp. Higher lever of prostaglandin attributes to more severe muscle cramps. Nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, and headache may present.

Pain-relieving drugs like ibuprofen, piroxicam ( felvin) can be used to reduce the pain. Taking the drugs a day before your period start can help control the pain. If menstrual pain worsens every month, it is advised you seek medical help. Dietary supplements like vitamin E, magnesium, vitamin B-1, and omega 3 fatty acids would help lessen the symptoms.

Photo credit: Google

Exercising regularly can ease the menstrual cramp in some women. A hot water bath or use of a hot water bottle on the lower abdomen can reduce pain. Reduce psychological stress. Lastly, a healthy diet is encouraged.

Vaginal Candidiasis

A common vaginal infection characterized by vaginal discharge experienced by women is vaginal candidiasis. It is caused by a Candida albicans, a fungus, which is also the causative organism for oral candidiasis.

Vaginal candidiasis is a yeast infection that results in thick white-like discharge with an Intense vaginal itching, vaginal pain, and sometimes rash are associated symptoms.

The pH of the vaginal remains normal while infected. Lactobacillus alongside some yeast cells is found in the vaginal. Lactobacillus is a good bacteria that help keep the vagina healthy and protect it from infection. Sometimes, our human actions like douching, misuse of antibiotics, e.tc, can result in the destruction of this good bacteria while the yeast cell increase, creating an imbalance between the good bacteria and yeast. This overgrowth of yeast( candida) results in vaginal candidiasis. Uncontrolled blood sugar, pregnancy, use of corticosteroids, use of estrogen contraceptive, low immunity can contribute to increased yeast growth.

A single dose of oral fluconazole 150mg is appropriate for the treatment of vaginal candidiasis. Topical/intravaginal antifungal agents can be used.

Prevention Tips

1. Avoid inappropriate use of antibiotics. When antibiotics are misused they end up killing our body normal flora like lactobacillus.
2. Longterm use of drugs like corticosteroids that would lower the immune system should be prohibited.
3. Avoid scented feminine products on your vaginal areas, scented soaps, pad, and tissues should not be used.
4. Douching should not be encouraged as this procedure ends up affecting the pH of the vaginal and damaging the normal flora increasing the risk of developing infection.
5. Wear appropriate underwear. Tight-fitting and synthetic clothes would keep the vaginal moist and warm encouraging yeast growth.
6. Eat healthy, practice good hygiene.
7. Always talk to your health care provider anytime you experience these symptoms.

HYPERTENSION

Have you ever checked your blood pressure? If yes, what was the reading?

Hypertension is no longer a disease associated with old age, young people are also becoming hypertensive these days probably due to our type of diet, alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyle, and obesity could be some of the predisposing factors of hypertension. It is always good to have your blood pressure checked frequently because hypertension is a ‘silent killer’ and you may never know when it strikes. Blood Pressure is simply measured using a sphygmomanometer with its cuff fitted around your arm and the reading is done.

Blood pressure measurement
Picture from http://www.canester.com.

Hypertension is simply defined as a persistent elevation of blood pressure equal to or greater than 140/100mmHg in an adult of 18 years or above. If not managed properly could damage vital organs ( brain, eyes, heart, and kidney) and result in more complicating conditions. It usually has no symptoms but some people would experience headaches, blurred vision, or tinnitus.
Hypertension could be hereditary but oftentimes our lifestyles put us at risk of developing hypertension. Some disease conditions like diabetes Miletus, chronic kidney disease, e.t.c, drugs e.g corticosteroids, NSAIDs, cocaine, marijuana, e.t.c, are some causes of hypertension.

Hypertension has no cure but can be properly managed with both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches.

Non- Pharmacological approach would be lifestyle modifications; Exercise, Weight reduction, dietary Sodium intake reduction, moderation of alcohol consumption, and adoption of Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension( DASH) eating plan (Eat more fruits and vegetables, consume food with reduced saturated and total fat).

The pharmacological approach involves the use of different classes of antihypertensive drugs. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors(e.g lisinopril), beta-blockers( e.g Atenolol), calcium channel blockers( e.g nifedipine), angiotensin receptor blocker( e.g Losartan) and diuretics (e.g spironolactone) are examples of the different classes.

The goal of therapy is to reduce blood pressure to normal and maintain it at that level indirectly reducing cardiovascular and renal morbidity and mortality. The success of this approach is dependent on the patient’s compliance. It is advisable that every individual eats healthy, exercise often, maintains a body mass index of 18.5- 24.9Kg/m2 and always try to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

#stay heathy

POLYPHARMACY

Polypharmacy is associated with the concurrent use of different medications to either treat the same condition or treat multiple disease conditions. It includes the use of many drugs on a daily basis with a likelihood that all the medicines prescribed may not be clinically relevant. According to different schools of thought, the number of medications defined as polypharmacy could range from 2 drugs to more.

Polypharmacy is common in Old people with multiple disease conditions, in such cases, the prescriber has no option than to prescribed multiple drugs. Polypharmacy is a common problem and could potentially be dangerous. Risk factors that contribute to polypharmacy is a patient receiving a prescription from multiple physicians and purchasing medication from different drug source.

CONCERNS ABOUT POLYPHARMACY
Drug-drug/ drug-food interactions may exist when the drugs taken at a time are too much. These may potentially influence the activity of drugs and if it negatively affects the body it produces adverse reactions. The patient may not be able to remember the counsel given as regards the usage of the drugs. “Take one tablet on an empty stomach, take this tablet after food, take this one immediately you wake up, take this one at bedtime, do not take drug A and B together ” these instructions become too much that there might be a tendency to miss it up. Another disadvantage’s that it could decrease the patient’s adherence to medication. The pill burden is too much and often might intentionally skip a dose. I have had patients who complained if they must take all their antihypertensives daily. The thought of swallowing maybe 5 big, bitter tablets every day could be discouraging. Lastly, the monetary burden of polypharmacy is a source of concern. little income now spent on purchasing multiple drugs may affect adherence too.

Taking multiple drugs at the same time may be inevitable sometimes but not always necessary in some circumstances. For example, a popular practice is the use of different classes of NSAIDs at the time because of a minor joint ache. The Patient is given paracetamol,felvin, diclofenac, and ibuprofen to take at the same time to relieve pain. Combining these classes together increases the patient’s risk of developing peptic ulcer disease. The mentality of the more the number of drugs the better result you get is always not the ideal thing.

How can patients and caregivers help? Polypharmacy in some circumstances is inevitable. People with multiple disease conditions need to be managed with different drugs. Hypertensive, diabetic patients are usually treated with more than one drug. The patient can help in this case by reporting any side effects to the physician or pharmacist who then resolves the therapy problem. Doctors should also have the medication history list of their patients so they know what to prescribe and what not to prescribe. Pharmacists should also be able to properly counsel the patient about the drug prescribed before dispensing it. Pharmacists should also know the patient’s medical and medication history as this would get them better informed about the patient. The patient can be asked to bring all their drugs on their next hospital/ pharmacy visits, then their drugs can be reviewed, and if there is a potential therapy problem it can be resolved.

If polypharmacy issues are managed properly, Patients would become healthier, less hospital emergency, and eventually reduced health care costs.

Vaginal Discharges

They are mixtures of fluids and cells that flow from the vaginal. It can help keep the vagina clean.

Photo Source:www.unitypoint.org/livewell/article.

Most times, Vaginal discharges can be normal in women depending on the colour, texture, volume, and odour. White, colorless, and sometimes sticky, stretchy, slimy discharges maybe odourless can signify different periods in a lady’s menstrual cycle (before and after menstruation, ovulation). Vaginal discharges are also experienced during pregnancy. During menopause, vaginal discharges decreases due to decline in estrogen levels.

Vaginal discharges can be increased when sexually aroused. The discharge which becomes noticeable during sexual intercourse can act as a lubricant. These are also very normal occurrence.

When these vaginal discharges are coloured, with odour are accompanied by pain, vaginal itching, vaginal rash, and painful urination, it signifies the presence of an infection. Vaginal infections characterized by vaginal discharges alongside other symptoms include: bacterial vaginosis, vaginal candidiasis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, e.t.c. Antibiotics misuse, douching, poor vaginal hygiene are some of the causes of vaginal discharges.

Photo Source:www.verywellheath.com

Ladies, let’s practice good vaginal hygiene and try to take note of changes that occur on your body. Talk to your health care provider if you notice any abnormal vaginal discharge.

Immunization

The body through various ways builds immunity or resistance against certain infections. Antibodies can be naturally passed on from the mother to fetus or immunity can be self-acquired. For example, someone previously exposed to the varicella-zooster virus (chickenpox) develops immunity at that point and would be able to resist it on the second exposure. Another way to acquire immunity is through VACCINATION. Vaccination is the introduction of vaccines (antigenic materials either live attenuated vaccines or inactivated vaccines) into the body to help stimulate the body to build antibodies that would help protect it from future infections.
Vaccines are a sure way to acquire immunity for this reason WHO recommends an immunization schedule for babies from birth up to adulthood. Vaccination should not be a thing of choice but a must for every child as this would help the child fight against most of these childhood diseases.

#Get vaccinated

Food; a basic need

Food can be simply defined as anything we eat or drink that make us grow. The food we eat provides us with nutrients like carbohydrates, protein, fat and oil, mineral salt,water, roughages ,e.t.c that helps the body in one way or the other to function properly.
At the stage of pregnancy, our mothers are advised on the right meals to take to help the foetus to develop properly. Even after delivery, there is a need for the mother to be properly fed to be able to pass on the required nutrient via breastmilk to the growing child. The food taken basically contributes to the growth and development of the child through the various stages of life.
We can not over emphasize the importance of food. The nutrients got from food can help serve as an immune booster. This is one of the reasons why malnourished people are prone to disease.
We celebrate world food day every year but what is there to celebrate when this very basic need of man cannot be met. The standards of living is so poor that people find it difficult to afford a square meal. The case of malnutrition is on the increase today. In an area in Bayelsa, i was surprised when I saw that the mothers there fed their babies with biscuit in water as this substituted for the regular baby food or local Nigeria pap. How does that kind of child get to grow properly. Yes, ignorance plays a role but poverty is a major cause for this.
We do not eat because we want to eat but we eat because we have to eat. As much as we can we should ensure we try our best to feed well.

staySafe

Sometimes all you need is just rest. It is not every time that you need drugs. Stay away from that stressful activity, taking time to relax your mind, brain and body could help make you feel better. Some nonpharmacological approach to disease management is the first best remedy for that illness.

• Exercise regularly. Exercise for at least 30 minutes daily. Brisk walking, jogging, and swimming are exercises.

• Diet control. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are necessary. Watch what you eat. Eat less of processed foods and more of fruits and vegetables

• Adequate rest is necessary. At least 7-8 hours of night sleep is recommended for an adult.

VITAMIN C

Vitamin C which is also known as ascorbic acid is one essential vitamin that can be found in food and also be available as a dietary supplement. This vitamin cannot be stored in the body neither is it produced by the body so it is recommended that a required amount be taken every day.
Fruits like oranges, strawberries, watermelon, pineapple, e.t.c are very rich sources of vitamin c.

Vitamin c plays a key role in maintaining health and preventing disease. They are very powerful antioxidants that can help mop up free radicals in the body that could cause oxidative stress thus preventing cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, e.t.c It has a very good effect on the skin which is also due to its antioxidant property. They help heal wound quickly.

They are good immune boosters.They can encourage the production of white blood cells that would help fight infection.

Vitamin c can also help maintain your blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

They help increase the absorption of iron in the body and help convert it into more absorbable forms thus decreasing the chances of developing anemia.

The benefits of this vitamin are unending. Now you know that vitamin c is very essential for your health, try to incorporate it into your diet. If food sources of the vitamin are not available then it can be substituted with a dietary supplement in the form of a tablet, liquids, or capsule.

StayHealthy