<p>Eat a nutrient-rich diet, get regular health checkups, and support public health efforts like malaria prevention and food fortification—because preventing anaemia starts with both personal and community action.</p><h2>Diagnosis</h2><p>Diagnosis of anaemia is a combination of clinical presentation and laboratory</p><p>Laboratory tests for anaemia generally include the following:</p><ul><li>Packed cell volume (PCV) estimation: involves spinning your blood in a tube to see how much of it is red blood cells</li><li>Complete blood count (CBC): also called full blood count, this test estimates the levels of individual components of your blood, including white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets, reticulocytes, haemoglobin, differential cells, etc.</li><li>Peripheral blood smear: involves using a microscope to examine your blood for its colour, shape, size</li><li>Haemoglobin estimation</li><li>Serum iron estimation</li><li>Serum bilirubin</li><li>Haemoglobin electrophoresis</li><li>Reticulocyte count</li><li>Urinalysis</li><li>Liver function tests</li><li>Renal function test</li><li>Bone marrow biopsy</li></ul><h2>Treatment</h2><p>Treatment for anaemia depends on the cause or type of anaemia. Treatments for common forms of anaemia include:</p><ul><li><strong>Iron-deficiency anaemia</strong>: iron supplements and dietary changes.</li><li><strong>Vitamin deficiency anaemia</strong>: vitamins and dietary supplements.</li><li><strong>Thalassemia</strong>: folic acid supplements, iron chelation, and, for some people, blood transfusions and bone marrow transplants.</li><li><strong>Anaemia of chronic disease</strong>: treatment of underlying disease.</li><li><strong>Aplastic anaemia</strong>: blood transfusion or bone marrow transplant.</li><li><strong>Sickle cell anaemia</strong>: oxygen therapy, pain relief medication, and intravenous fluids: antibiotics, folic acid supplements, blood transfusions, and hydroxyurea may be added.</li><li><strong>Haemolytic anaemia</strong>: treatment of the underlying cause.</li></ul>

Eat a nutrient-rich diet, get regular health checkups, and support public health efforts like malaria prevention and food fortification—because preventing anaemia starts with both personal and community action.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Anaemia in Nigeria

Health News and Research

<h2>Proteins build your body</h2><p>Proteins are essential for the growth and repair of our body tissues. They are the building blocks of our muscles, skin and tissues. Proteins can be found in foods such as meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, beans, nuts, and tofu.</p><h3>Types of Proteins</h3><p>There are many different types of proteins, each with its own unique structure and function. Some examples include hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood, and enzymes, which help to digest food.</p><h3>How to Incorporate More Proteins into Your Diet</h3><p>Start with lean protein sources and meats, such as chicken and fish, in your meals. Then add plant-proteins or dairy products to provide you with the essential amino acids.</p><h2>Can Fats make you fat?</h2><p>No, Fats will not make you fat if you take the right type of fats in the right proportion. A small amount of Fat in your diet is enough to keep you healthy, without being at risk of the many complications that come with excess fat.</p><p>Fats help our body to produce essential amino acids and absorb fat-soluble vitamins. They are found in a variety of foods, including oils, butter, nuts, cheese, and fatty cuts of meat.</p><h3>Types of Fats</h3><p>There are two main types of fats: unsaturated fats and saturated fats.</p><ul><li><strong>Unsaturated fats</strong> found in foods such as olive oil, nuts, and avocados. They can be benefcial to health when consumed in moderation. These types of fats can help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health.</li><li><strong>Saturated fats </strong>are found in animal products and processed foods such as butter, lard, and fatty meats. Saturated fats have been linked to increased cholesterol levels and raise the risk of heart disease, and as such, should be consumed in moderation.</li></ul><h3>How to incorporate more good fats into your diet</h3><p>At all times, choose unsaturated fats over saturated ones. Evidence from nutritionists and doctors suggest that moderate levels of unsaturated fats have better health benefits and less risks than saturated ones.</p><p>Unsaturated fats are found in food items such as nuts, seeds, avocados, and olive oil.</p><p>Also, limit your intake of saturated fats from animal products and processed foods, and opt for lean cuts of meat instead.</p>

Proteins are vital for building and repairing body tissues and are found in foods like meat, beans, and dairy; Fats don’t necessarily make you fat—healthy unsaturated fats can support your heart and nutrient absorption, while saturated fats should be eaten in small amounts to avoid health risks.

Proteins Build Your Body, Eat it!

Lifestyle and Wellness

<h2>Diagnosis of blindness</h2><blockquote><p>In many cases, blindness can be prevented or managed if caught early. Regular eye checkups, good hygiene, proper nutrition, and timely medical treatment are key to protecting vision.</p></blockquote><p>The diagnosis of blindness can only be done at a clinic. While you may be able to tell whether you can see or not, only an eye doctor can help you determine whether it is actually blindness and educate you on what you can do about it.</p><p>Your doctor will do a comprehensive eye examination, which may involve:</p><ul><li>Testing your visual acuity</li><li>Measuring your eyes’ pressure or doing a tonometry</li><li>Dilating your eyes with eye drops</li></ul><p>You may need an MRI or a CT scan if the examination reveals any abnormalities.</p><h2>Prevention of blindness</h2><p>Unfortunately, some types of blindness cannot be prevented. Blindness due to macular degeneration or optic atrophy, for instance, is unavoidable and a natural consequence of old age. But most types are preventable.</p><p>The goals of prevention are to:</p><ul><li>Protect your eyes from any disease</li><li>Prevent your vision from getting worse if you’re already having trouble with your vision</li><li>Minimize the difficulties you may face as someone with visual impairment</li></ul><p>So, how can you prevent blindness?</p><ol><li>Go for regular eye checks at least once a year</li><li>Maintain proper eye hygiene</li><li>Use protective eyewear such as glasses and safety goggles</li><li>Manage underlying diseases like hypertension and diabetes</li><li>Get treated against blindness-causing infections such as Trachoma</li><li>Go for genetic counselling to know your risk for developing eye diseases</li></ol><h2>Treatment of blindness</h2><p>The treatment of blindness depends on the underlying cause. Some causes may require drugs, others may require surgery or transplants.</p><ul><li><strong>Drugs: </strong>Antibiotics and anti-worm medications can help treat blindness caused by bacteria and worms.</li><li><strong>Supplements: </strong>Vitamin A supplements may help restore vision loss in individuals with xerophthalmia.</li><li><strong>Surgery</strong>: Refractive errors, cataracts, glaucoma, and other eye structural eye diseases can be resolved through surgery.</li><li><strong>Corneal transplant: </strong>transplanting corneal tissues from a healthy donor helps improve vision loss or impairment caused by corneal damage.</li></ul><p>Individuals with irreversible vision loss can use adaptive devices and technologies to help them navigate their environment and perform daily tasks. These may include braille devices, talking computers, and mobility aids like canes and guide dogs.</p><p>Note that treatment for blindness is best delivered by ophthalmologists who are readily available in most Nigerian hospitals. You may need to visit specialist centres, or contact your local clinics to access ophthalmologists who will treat you.</p><h3><strong>Conclusion</strong></h3><blockquote><p>Blindness is the loss of sight, either completely or partially, and it can affect people of all ages, including children. Common causes include infections, injuries, untreated eye diseases, and lack of proper eye care.</p></blockquote>

In many cases, blindness can be prevented or managed if caught early. Regular eye checkups, good hygiene, proper nutrition, and timely medical treatment are key to protecting vision.

Can you diagnose blindness?

Disease prevention and management

<ol><li>medical support for affected children.</li><li>Education about cerebral palsy reduces stigma and promotes inclusion of children living with the condition in schools and communities.</li><li>Being informed empowers families to advocate for better healthcare, rehabilitation services, and support systems in Nigeria.</li></ol><p>A healthy child should be able to control their neck at 3 months, sit without support at 6 to 8 months, and walk by one year and above. However, diseases affecting the brain and muscle control can delay or prevent all these from happening. Cerebral is one such disease.</p><h2>What is cerebral palsy?</h2><p>Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders affecting a child’s ability to move, coordinate, or maintain balance and posture. It results from a problem in the brain that occurs during pregnancy, delivery, or soon after birth.</p><h2>How common is cerebral palsy in Nigeria?</h2><p>The exact number of children living with cerebral palsy is not known. However, some research estimates that about 3 out of 1,000 children in Nigeria have cerebral palsy. Parents often discover the condition when the child is about 6 to 16 months old, affecting males slightly more often than females.</p><h2>What are the symptoms of cerebral palsy?</h2><p>Cerebral palsy symptoms emerge as soon as a child is born, but they are often not noticeable until the child ages. After the child’s first few weeks of life, the parents may notice symptoms such as:</p><ul><li>Delayed motor development, such as sitting, crawling, standing, and walking</li><li>Muscle stiffness and rigidity</li><li>Floppiness</li><li>Weak arms and legs</li><li>Difficulty with speech and swallowing</li><li>Seizures</li><li>Muscle paralysis</li><li>Intellectual disabilities</li><li>Behavioral and emotional problems</li><li>Uncontrolled jerky movements</li></ul><p>The symptoms vary according to the severity of the condition. Some children with cerebral palsy may have minor difficulties with movement, while others could be severely impaired.</p><h2>When to see the doctor</h2><p>The symptoms above are not exclusive to cerebral palsy. While they are typical of brain diseases, they are not necessarily signs of trouble.</p><p>However, you should watch out for the early signs of cerebral palsy and visit a doctor if you have concerns about your child’s health and development.</p><p>The doctor will help you understand your child’s condition and, if necessary, refer you to a specialist.</p><blockquote><p>It’s important to take a child to the doctor if you think they may have cerebral palsy. The doctor can help find out what’s wrong early and suggest the right care, like therapy or medicine, to help the child grow and do better.</p></blockquote><ul><li>Getting help early can make a big difference in how the child moves, talks, and lives each day.</li><li>Going for check-ups also helps deal with any new problems quickly.</li></ul>

Cerebral palsy in Nigerian children needs early medical attention for better care and development. Learn the signs, seek help early, and improve your child’s quality of life.

Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy in Nigerian Children

Children's Health

<p>Anaemia is when haemoglobin (Hb) concentration and red blood cell (RBC) numbers are lower than expected and insufficient to meet the amount you need to function effectively. This means that the RBCs will not be able to carry enough oxygen.</p><ul><li>Anaemia affects roughly one-third of the world’s population, with more than 60% of them in Africa</li><li>It’s often a sign of nutritional deficiency and ill health</li><li>Anaemia is also associated with death and disease in women and children.</li></ul><h2>Anaemia symptoms</h2><p><span style="color:rgb(102,102,102);">Anaemia is subtle at the earliest. The body tries to compensate for the inadequacy initially, but symptoms may appear as the anaemia continues or worsens. The symptoms may include:</span></p><ul><li><span style="color:rgb(102,102,102);">Pale skin (pallor)</span></li><li><span style="color:rgb(102,102,102);">Cold hands and feet</span></li><li><span style="color:rgb(102,102,102);">Tiredness or weakness</span></li><li><span style="color:rgb(102,102,102);">Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out</span></li><li><span style="color:rgb(102,102,102);">Fast or unusual heartbeat</span></li><li><span style="color:rgb(102,102,102);">Shortness of breath</span></li><li><span style="color:rgb(102,102,102);">Headache</span></li><li><span style="color:rgb(102,102,102);">Pain</span></li><li><span style="color:rgb(102,102,102);">Poor growth</span></li></ul><p><span style="color:rgb(102,102,102);">The severity of the symptoms depends on the level of anaemia, the persistence of the cause, and how well the body compensates for the inadequacy.</span></p><h2>What are the causes of anaemia in Africa</h2><p>Anaemia occurs either because:</p><ol><li>the body does not produce enough blood or</li><li>an excess number of red cells are destroyed, or</li><li>the body is losing blood at a faster rate than it produces</li></ol><p>These three mechanisms result from many causes. The common causes of anaemia in Nigeria include</p><ul><li>genetic conditions (e.g., thalassemia in parts of the Mediterranean, sickle cell in Africa)</li><li>nutritional deficiencies other than iron deficiency (i.e., folic acid, vitamins A and B-12)</li><li>factors related to reproduction (e.g., high fertility, obstetric complications, contraceptives)</li><li>infections (e.g., HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, diarrhoea) that increase requirements for iron and other micronutrients</li><li>parasitic infections such as malaria and worm infestation</li></ul><p><strong>Malaria</strong> is a leading cause of anaemia in Sub-Saharan Africa, as is iron deficiency.</p><h2>Risk factors</h2><p>The following factors place you at increased risk of anaemia, they include:</p><ul><li><strong>Nutritional deficiency:</strong> low intake of minerals and vitamins, such as iron, copper, vitamin B-12, and folate</li><li><strong>Intestinal disorders:</strong> intestinal disorders such as Crohn’s disease and celiac disease affect the absorption of nutrients in your small intestine and increase your risk of developing anaemia</li><li><strong>Menstrual disorders:</strong> excess blood loss during menstruation is a risk factor</li><li><strong>Pregnancy:</strong> Increased energy and nutrient demands and fluid retention during pregnancy can lead to anaemia</li><li><strong>Chronic conditions:</strong> Chronic conditions like cancer or longstanding infections deplete your iron stores, while kidney failure can affect the release of the hormone that controls blood production.</li></ul><p>Chronic blood loss from an ulcer or other sources within the body can deplete the body's store of iron, leading to iron deficiency anaemia.</p><ul><li><strong>Family history: </strong>inherited conditions, such as sickle cell anaemia, make you vulnerable to becoming anaemic due to increased destruction of red cells</li><li><strong>Old age:</strong> People over age 65 are at increased risk of anaemia</li></ul><p>Other factors include blood diseases like haemophilia, autoimmune disorders, alcoholism, exposure to toxic chemicals like camphor, and the use of some medications can affect red blood cell production and lead to anaemia.</p>

Anaemia is on the rise in Africa, driven by malaria, sickle cell disease, and poor nutrition. Learn the causes, risks, and how to prevent it.

Anaemia in Africa

<ol><li>Understanding cerebral palsy helps parents and caregivers recognize early signs and seek timely medical support for affected children.</li><li>Education about cerebral palsy reduces stigma and promotes inclusion of children living with the condition in schools and communities.</li><li>Being informed empowers families to advocate for better healthcare, rehabilitation services, and support systems in Nigeria.</li></ol><p>A healthy child should be able to control their neck at 3 months, sit without support at 6 to 8 months, and walk by one year and above. However, diseases affecting the brain and muscle control can delay or prevent all these from happening. Cerebral is one such disease.</p><h2>What is cerebral palsy?</h2><p>Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders affecting a child’s ability to move, coordinate, or maintain balance and posture. It results from a problem in the brain that occurs during pregnancy, delivery, or soon after birth.</p><h2>How common is cerebral palsy in Nigeria?</h2><p>The exact number of children living with cerebral palsy is not known. However, some research estimates that about 3 out of 1,000 children in Nigeria have cerebral palsy. Parents often discover the condition when the child is about 6 to 16 months old, affecting males slightly more often than females.</p><h2>What are the symptoms of cerebral palsy?</h2><p>Cerebral palsy symptoms emerge as soon as a child is born, but they are often not noticeable until the child ages. After the child’s first few weeks of life, the parents may notice symptoms such as:</p><ul><li>Delayed motor development, such as sitting, crawling, standing, and walking</li><li>Muscle stiffness and rigidity</li><li>Floppiness</li><li>Weak arms and legs</li><li>Difficulty with speech and swallowing</li><li>Seizures</li><li>Muscle paralysis</li><li>Intellectual disabilities</li><li>Behavioral and emotional problems</li><li>Uncontrolled jerky movements</li></ul><p>The symptoms vary according to the severity of the condition. Some children with cerebral palsy may have minor difficulties with movement, while others could be severely impaired.</p><h2>When to see the doctor</h2><p>The symptoms above are not exclusive to cerebral palsy. While they are typical of brain diseases, they are not necessarily signs of trouble.</p><p>However, you should watch out for the early signs of cerebral palsy and visit a doctor if you have concerns about your child’s health and development.</p><p>The doctor will help you understand your child’s condition and, if necessary, refer you to a specialist.</p><blockquote><p>It’s important to take a child to the doctor if you think they may have cerebral palsy. The doctor can help find out what’s wrong early and suggest the right care, like therapy or medicine, to help the child grow and do better.</p></blockquote><ul><li>Getting help early can make a big difference in how the child moves, talks, and lives each day.</li><li>Going for check-ups also helps deal with any new problems quickly.</li></ul>

Cerebral palsy affects movement and coordination for life. Learn how to support a child with the condition and improve their quality of life.

Okpani-Idam Chinasa

Area of Expertise

Diagnosis and Treatment of Anaemia in Nigeria

Proteins Build Your Body, Eat it!

Can you diagnose blindness?

Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy in Nigerian Children

Anaemia in Africa

What you need to know about Cerebral Palsy in Nigerian Children