<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">Proteins build your body</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://tenbadgers-myhealthvoice.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/image_afab21adb3_ed688afd00.webp"></figure><a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/grilled-vegetables-and-fried-egg-with-beans-and-sausage-4552980/">Photo by Roman Odintsov</a>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.<h3 style="margin-left:0cm;">Types of Proteins</h3>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.<h3 style="margin-left:0cm;">How to Incorporate More Proteins into Your Diet</h3>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.&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;">Can Fats make you fat?</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://tenbadgers-myhealthvoice.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/image_88c4bf7ba0_c15c9db95b.webp"></figure><a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/real-food-pyramid-assortment-top-view_39205167.htm">Image by&nbsp;Freepik</a>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.&nbsp;Fats&nbsp;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.&nbsp;<h3 style="margin-left:0cm;">Types of Fats</h3>There are two main types of fats: unsaturated fats and saturated fats.<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Unsaturated fats 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 style="text-align:justify;">Saturated fats&nbsp;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 style="margin-left:0cm;">How to incorporate more good fats into your diet</h3>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.&nbsp;Unsaturated fats are found in food items such as nuts, seeds, avocados, and olive oil.&nbsp;Also, limit your intake of saturated fats from animal products and processed foods, and opt for lean cuts of meat instead.

Proteins Build Your Body, Eat it!

Health News and Research

<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">Diagnosis of blindness</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://tenbadgers-myhealthvoice.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/image_c0e5f444ad_94270667ec.webp"></figure><a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-person-in-white-shirt-having-an-eye-examination-5201879/">Photo by Photo By: Kaboompics.com</a>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.Your doctor will do a comprehensive eye examination, which may involve:<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>You may need an MRI or a CT scan if the examination reveals any abnormalities.<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">Prevention of blindness</h2>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.The goals of prevention are to:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Protect your eyes from any disease</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Prevent your vision from getting worse if you’re already having trouble with your vision</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Minimize the difficulties you may face as someone with visual impairment</li></ul>So, how can you prevent blindness?<ol><li style="text-align:justify;">Go for regular eye checks at least once a year</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Maintain proper eye hygiene</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Use protective eyewear such as glasses and safety goggles</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Manage underlying diseases like hypertension and diabetes</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Get treated against blindness-causing infections such as Trachoma&nbsp;</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Go for genetic counselling to know your risk for developing eye diseases</li></ol><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;">Treatment of blindness</h2>The treatment of blindness depends on the underlying cause.&nbsp;Some causes may&nbsp;require drugs, others may require surgery or transplants.&nbsp;<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Drugs:&nbsp;Antibiotics and anti-worm medications can help treat blindness caused by bacteria and worms.&nbsp;</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Supplements:&nbsp;Vitamin A supplements may help restore vision loss in individuals with xerophthalmia.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Surgery: Refractive errors, cataracts, glaucoma, and other eye structural eye diseases can be resolved through surgery.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Corneal transplant:&nbsp;transplanting corneal tissues from a healthy donor helps improve vision loss or impairment caused by corneal damage.</li></ul>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.Note&nbsp;that treatment for blindness&nbsp;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.<h3 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;">Conclusion</h3><blockquote>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.&nbsp;</blockquote>&nbsp;

Can you diagnose blindness?

<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">Management of hypertension in children</h2>Management depends on the severity of the condition, the age of the child, and any underlying medical conditions. It also involves several approaches:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Lifestyle changes</li></ul>Adjusting a child’s diet and exercise habits is key. Reducing their sodium intake, increasing fruits and vegetables, encouraging regular physical activity, and helping them manage weight are essential to controlling blood pressure. These changes are often the first step in treating primary hypertension.<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Medications</li></ul>If lifestyle changes are not enough, a child will need medications. Blood pressure-lowering drugs, such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, or calcium channel blockers, are commonly used. Medication use depends on the child’s age, the severity of the hypertension, and individual health needs.<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Treatment of underlying conditions</li></ul>For secondary hypertension, managing the root cause, such as kidney disease or hormonal disorders, is essential. Treating these underlying conditions helps to control high blood pressure and prevent complications like organ damage or stroke in the long term.<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Specialist care</li></ul>A doctor should always supervise paediatric hypertension management, preferably a specialist such as a paediatrician or paediatric cardiologist. A specialist will ensure treatment is tailored to the child’s condition and adjusted for optimal care.<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">How to protect your child from having hypertension</h2><ul><li>Encourage kids to have a salt- and&nbsp;fibre-free, fruit- and vegetable-rich, well-balanced diet. Avoid&nbsp;consuming processed and packaged foods that are heavy in added sugars, saturated fats, and salt. Instead of noodles, biscuits, chips, and fries, try fruits, nuts, dairy, milk, and whole grain meals.</li><li>Set aside at least an hour each day for kids to play or move about. Outdoor games, sports, dancing, and other physical pursuits fall into this category.</li><li>Regular blood pressure checks at well-child visits can help&nbsp;detect hypertension early on and enable early intervention.&nbsp;Get a home blood pressure monitor and then take the child to the hospital for regular checks.</li><li>Limit the time children spend on screens and encourage other activities that promote physical activity and social interaction.</li><li>Encourage children to develop healthy coping mechanisms such as meditation, deep breathing, or other relaxation techniques.</li></ul>Hypertension affects children and adults, and&nbsp;they have similar prevention strategies.&nbsp;By encouraging good practices from a young age, you can reduce your child's risk of hypertension and improve their general health and well-being.

How to manage your child's hypertension

How to check your blood genotype.<blockquote>To check your blood genotype, visit a certified medical laboratory or hospital where a blood sample will be collected and analyzed through a hemoglobin electrophoresis test.&nbsp;</blockquote><figure class="image"><img src="https://tenbadgers-myhealthvoice.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/image_9733d01a9d_6529e34d3e.webp"></figure><a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/blood-testing-set-background_4029984.htm#query=blood%20test&amp;position=24&amp;from_view=search&amp;track=ais&amp;uuid=28a71caa-6918-461d-a4fb-9ac315f9520d">Image by macro vector on Freepik</a>Blood genotype is often tested using the haemoglobin electrophoresis method. This method separates the blood based on the type of haemoglobin molecules present. The molecules spread out as bands on special paper, and the bands are compared with standard haemoglobin bands to identify abnormal ones like HbS or HbC.A scientist will collect a small volume of blood from you for the test, which usually lasts a few minutes to an hour.&nbsp; The results are usually ready in hours or days.It is important to check your blood genotype at a registered and reliable laboratory, or at different laboratories to ensure the accuracy of your results. There have been few reported cases of error in blood genotype testing.&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">Genotype compatibility for marriage</h2>Knowing one’s genotype is essential for a happy marriage, particularly where hereditary diseases such as sickle cell disease are common. Genotype compatibility describes how well the genes for particular traits match.&nbsp;Parents who have incompatible genotypes, such AS and SS or AS and AS, run the risk of passing on sickle cell disease to their offspring. To avoid these consequences, couples should get genetic testing done before getting married.&nbsp;Here is a table illustrating genotype compatibility for marriage:<figure class="table"><table><thead><tr><th style="border:1.0pt solid black;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:159.2pt;">Parent Genotype</th><th style="border-bottom-style:solid;border-color:black;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:solid;border-top-style:solid;border-width:1.0pt;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:144.1pt;">Offsprings</th><th style="border-bottom-style:solid;border-color:black;border-left-style:none;border-right-style:solid;border-top-style:solid;border-width:1.0pt;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:164.6pt;">Compatibility</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td style="border-bottom-style:solid;border-color:black;border-left-style:solid;border-right-style:solid;border-top-style:none;border-width:1.0pt;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:159.2pt;">AA + AA</td><td style="border-bottom:1.0pt solid black;border-left-style:none;border-right:1.0pt solid black;border-top-style:none;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:144.1pt;">AA, AA, AA, AA</td><td style="border-bottom:1.0pt solid black;border-left-style:none;border-right:1.0pt solid black;border-top-style:none;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:164.6pt;">Compatible (Excellent)</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom-style:solid;border-color:black;border-left-style:solid;border-right-style:solid;border-top-style:none;border-width:1.0pt;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:159.2pt;">AA + AS</td><td style="border-bottom:1.0pt solid black;border-left-style:none;border-right:1.0pt solid black;border-top-style:none;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:144.1pt;">AA, AS, AA, AS</td><td style="border-bottom:1.0pt solid black;border-left-style:none;border-right:1.0pt solid black;border-top-style:none;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:164.6pt;">Compatible (Good)</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom-style:solid;border-color:black;border-left-style:solid;border-right-style:solid;border-top-style:none;border-width:1.0pt;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:159.2pt;">AA + SS</td><td style="border-bottom:1.0pt solid black;border-left-style:none;border-right:1.0pt solid black;border-top-style:none;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:144.1pt;">AS, AS, AS, AS</td><td style="border-bottom:1.0pt solid black;border-left-style:none;border-right:1.0pt solid black;border-top-style:none;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:164.6pt;">Compatible (Fair)</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom-style:solid;border-color:black;border-left-style:solid;border-right-style:solid;border-top-style:none;border-width:1.0pt;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:159.2pt;">AA + SC</td><td style="border-bottom:1.0pt solid black;border-left-style:none;border-right:1.0pt solid black;border-top-style:none;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:144.1pt;">AS, AC, AS, AC</td><td style="border-bottom:1.0pt solid black;border-left-style:none;border-right:1.0pt solid black;border-top-style:none;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:164.6pt;">Compatible (Fair)</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom-style:solid;border-color:black;border-left-style:solid;border-right-style:solid;border-top-style:none;border-width:1.0pt;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:159.2pt;">AA + AC</td><td style="border-bottom:1.0pt solid black;border-left-style:none;border-right:1.0pt solid black;border-top-style:none;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:144.1pt;">AA, AA, AA, AC</td><td style="border-bottom:1.0pt solid black;border-left-style:none;border-right:1.0pt solid black;border-top-style:none;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:164.6pt;">Compatible (Good)</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom-style:solid;border-color:black;border-left-style:solid;border-right-style:solid;border-top-style:none;border-width:1.0pt;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:159.2pt;">AS + AS</td><td style="border-bottom:1.0pt solid black;border-left-style:none;border-right:1.0pt solid black;border-top-style:none;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:144.1pt;">AA, AS, AS, SS</td><td style="border-bottom:1.0pt solid black;border-left-style:none;border-right:1.0pt solid black;border-top-style:none;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:164.6pt;">Incompatible (very bad)</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom-style:solid;border-color:black;border-left-style:solid;border-right-style:solid;border-top-style:none;border-width:1.0pt;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:159.2pt;">AA + CC</td><td style="border-bottom:1.0pt solid black;border-left-style:none;border-right:1.0pt solid black;border-top-style:none;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:144.1pt;">AC, AC, AC, AC</td><td style="border-bottom:1.0pt solid black;border-left-style:none;border-right:1.0pt solid black;border-top-style:none;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:164.6pt;">Compatible (Good)</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom-style:solid;border-color:black;border-left-style:solid;border-right-style:solid;border-top-style:none;border-width:1.0pt;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:159.2pt;">AS + SS</td><td style="border-bottom:1.0pt solid black;border-left-style:none;border-right:1.0pt solid black;border-top-style:none;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:144.1pt;">AS, SS, SS, SS</td><td style="border-bottom:1.0pt solid black;border-left-style:none;border-right:1.0pt solid black;border-top-style:none;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:164.6pt;">Incompatible (very bad)</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom-style:solid;border-color:black;border-left-style:solid;border-right-style:solid;border-top-style:none;border-width:1.0pt;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:159.2pt;">AS + AC</td><td style="border-bottom:1.0pt solid black;border-left-style:none;border-right:1.0pt solid black;border-top-style:none;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:144.1pt;">AA, AC, AS, SC/SS</td><td style="border-bottom:1.0pt solid black;border-left-style:none;border-right:1.0pt solid black;border-top-style:none;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:164.6pt;">Incompatible (very bad)</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom-style:solid;border-color:black;border-left-style:solid;border-right-style:solid;border-top-style:none;border-width:1.0pt;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:159.2pt;">AS + SC</td><td style="border-bottom:1.0pt solid black;border-left-style:none;border-right:1.0pt solid black;border-top-style:none;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:144.1pt;">AS, AC, SS, SC</td><td style="border-bottom:1.0pt solid black;border-left-style:none;border-right:1.0pt solid black;border-top-style:none;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:164.6pt;">Incompatible (very bad)</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom-style:solid;border-color:black;border-left-style:solid;border-right-style:solid;border-top-style:none;border-width:1.0pt;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:159.2pt;">SS + SS</td><td style="border-bottom:1.0pt solid black;border-left-style:none;border-right:1.0pt solid black;border-top-style:none;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:144.1pt;">SS, SS, SS, SS,</td><td style="border-bottom:1.0pt solid black;border-left-style:none;border-right:1.0pt solid black;border-top-style:none;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:164.6pt;">Incompatible (very bad)</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom-style:solid;border-color:black;border-left-style:solid;border-right-style:solid;border-top-style:none;border-width:1.0pt;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:159.2pt;">SS + SC</td><td style="border-bottom:1.0pt solid black;border-left-style:none;border-right:1.0pt solid black;border-top-style:none;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:144.1pt;">SS, SC, SS, SC</td><td style="border-bottom:1.0pt solid black;border-left-style:none;border-right:1.0pt solid black;border-top-style:none;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:164.6pt;">Incompatible (very bad)</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom-style:solid;border-color:black;border-left-style:solid;border-right-style:solid;border-top-style:none;border-width:1.0pt;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:159.2pt;">AC + SS</td><td style="border-bottom:1.0pt solid black;border-left-style:none;border-right:1.0pt solid black;border-top-style:none;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:144.1pt;">AS, AS, SS, SS</td><td style="border-bottom:1.0pt solid black;border-left-style:none;border-right:1.0pt solid black;border-top-style:none;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:164.6pt;">Incompatible (very bad)</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom-style:solid;border-color:black;border-left-style:solid;border-right-style:solid;border-top-style:none;border-width:1.0pt;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:159.2pt;">SS + AC</td><td style="border-bottom:1.0pt solid black;border-left-style:none;border-right:1.0pt solid black;border-top-style:none;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:144.1pt;">AS, SC, AS, SC</td><td style="border-bottom:1.0pt solid black;border-left-style:none;border-right:1.0pt solid black;border-top-style:none;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:164.6pt;">Incompatible (very bad)</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom-style:solid;border-color:black;border-left-style:solid;border-right-style:solid;border-top-style:none;border-width:1.0pt;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:159.2pt;">AC + AC</td><td style="border-bottom:1.0pt solid black;border-left-style:none;border-right:1.0pt solid black;border-top-style:none;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:144.1pt;">AA, AC, AC, SS/CC</td><td style="border-bottom:1.0pt solid black;border-left-style:none;border-right:1.0pt solid black;border-top-style:none;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:164.6pt;">Incompatible (very bad)</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom-style:solid;border-color:black;border-left-style:solid;border-right-style:solid;border-top-style:none;border-width:1.0pt;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:159.2pt;">SS + CC</td><td style="border-bottom:1.0pt solid black;border-left-style:none;border-right:1.0pt solid black;border-top-style:none;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:144.1pt;">SC, SC, SC, SC</td><td style="border-bottom:1.0pt solid black;border-left-style:none;border-right:1.0pt solid black;border-top-style:none;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:164.6pt;">Incompatible (very bad)</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom-style:solid;border-color:black;border-left-style:solid;border-right-style:solid;border-top-style:none;border-width:1.0pt;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:159.2pt;">SC + AC</td><td style="border-bottom:1.0pt solid black;border-left-style:none;border-right:1.0pt solid black;border-top-style:none;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:144.1pt;">AS, SC, AC, CC</td><td style="border-bottom:1.0pt solid black;border-left-style:none;border-right:1.0pt solid black;border-top-style:none;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:164.6pt;">Incompatible (very bad)</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom-style:solid;border-color:black;border-left-style:solid;border-right-style:solid;border-top-style:none;border-width:1.0pt;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:159.2pt;">AC + CC</td><td style="border-bottom:1.0pt solid black;border-left-style:none;border-right:1.0pt solid black;border-top-style:none;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:144.1pt;">AC, AC, CC, CC</td><td style="border-bottom:1.0pt solid black;border-left-style:none;border-right:1.0pt solid black;border-top-style:none;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:164.6pt;">Incompatible (very bad)</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom-style:solid;border-color:black;border-left-style:solid;border-right-style:solid;border-top-style:none;border-width:1.0pt;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:159.2pt;">SC + SC</td><td style="border-bottom:1.0pt solid black;border-left-style:none;border-right:1.0pt solid black;border-top-style:none;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:144.1pt;">SS, SC, SC, CC</td><td style="border-bottom:1.0pt solid black;border-left-style:none;border-right:1.0pt solid black;border-top-style:none;height:26.25pt;padding:6.0pt;vertical-align:bottom;width:164.6pt;">Incompatible (very bad)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>Notes:<ul><li>Compatible (Excellent): No risk of genetic disorders</li><li>Compatible (Good): Low risk of genetic disorders</li><li>Compatible (Fair): Moderate risk of genetic disorders</li><li>Incompatible (Very Bad): High risk of genetic disorders</li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">Conclusion</h2>The blood is more than just a means of transporting oxygen and nutrients within the body. Understanding your blood genotype is a powerful way to take charge of your health, avoiding potentially life-threatening disorders, and even finding compatible partners.

How to check your blood genotype before marriage.

Mental Health and Well-being

Weight Management

<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">What are the causes of cerebral palsy?</h2>Cerebral palsy is caused by abnormal brain development or injury to the developing brain. The brain starts developing in the fetus and completes development at mid-age. Abnormality or injury to the developing brain, whether inside or outside the fetus, can make it difficult for a child to control their muscles.Some of the causes responsible for the abnormality include:<ul><li>Genetic disorders</li><li>Enzyme deficiencies</li><li>Hormone disorders</li><li>Maternal infections such as gonorrhoea, urinary tract infections, etc.</li><li>Maternal diabetes</li></ul>These factors are thought to cause an abnormality or damage the brain before a child is born. Hence, they are called congenital&nbsp;factors. More than 80% of cerebral palsy cases are thought to be congenital.&nbsp;Other abnormalities occur after birth, and they are linked to conditions such as:<ul><li>Severe perinatal asphyxia</li><li>Bilirubin encephalopathy&nbsp;</li><li>Intracranial infections like meningitis</li><li>Prematurity</li><li>Prolonged labour</li><li>Traumatic birth</li><li>Brain injury or bleeding</li></ul>In some cases, the exact cause of cerebral palsy is not known.<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">How to prevent Cerebral Palsy</h2>While complete prevention is not possible, expectant mothers can reduce the risk of their children having cerebral palsy by:<ul><li>Getting adequate antenatal care</li><li>Avoiding exposure to non-vaccine preventable infections</li><li>Receiving vaccination against common infections</li><li>Treating any underlying infection or disease</li><li>Avoiding smoking, alcohol, and psychoactive drugs</li></ul>These steps manage the risk factors and lessen the chance of developing cerebral palsy.Doctors can also help prevent cerebral palsy by:<ul><li>Monitoring fetal health&nbsp;</li><li>Monitoring the heart rate of mother and child</li><li>Screening for Rhesus compatibility between mother and child</li><li>Ensuring timely delivery</li><li>Ensuring adequate oxygenation at birth&nbsp;</li><li>Resuscitating baby as appropriate</li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">Diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy</h2>Diagnosing cerebral palsy can be challenging because the symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions that affect movement and posture. However, early diagnosis is important because it allows for early intervention, which can improve outcomes for children with CP.&nbsp;Here are some of the methods used to diagnose cerebral palsy:<ul><li>Medical history containing&nbsp;detailed information about a child’s pregnancy, delivery, and the developmental milestones helps to evaluate symptoms to aid diagnosis</li><li>Physical examination&nbsp;of muscle tone, reflexes, posture, and movement that may&nbsp;reveal abnormalities to suggest cerebral palsy</li><li>Neurological examination can help detect underlying brain problems such as seizures or abnormal brain activity</li><li>Imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans can help identify any brain abnormalities that may be causing cerebral palsy. These tests can also help identify the type and severity of cerebral palsy.</li><li>Developmental&nbsp;monitoring helps&nbsp;to identify any delays or abnormalities in the child's development, such as motor or cognitive development delays.</li><li>Genetic&nbsp;screening is useful in detecting mutations or chromosomal&nbsp;disorders that are associated with cerebral palsy.</li><li>An electromyography (EMG) measures the electrical activity in muscles; it detects any abnormalities in muscle function that may indicate cerebral palsy.</li></ul><h2>Treatment for Cerebral Palsy</h2>There’s no cure for cerebral palsy. However, treatments are available to manage the symptoms and improve outcomes for&nbsp;children with cerebral palsy.&nbsp;The treatments are tailored to the needs of the person and may include the following:<ul><li>Physical therapy to improve&nbsp;movement,&nbsp;flexibility, and muscle strength</li><li>Occupational therapy to help develop fine motor skills&nbsp;or learn new ways to perform daily tasks.</li><li>Speech therapy&nbsp;to improve a child’s the ability to speak and swallow</li><li>Medications&nbsp;to relieve the symptoms such as seizures and contractions</li><li>Surgery may be recommended to correct skeletal abnormalities, such as scoliosis or hip dislocation.</li><li>Assistive&nbsp; devices,&nbsp;such&nbsp; as&nbsp; braces,&nbsp;walkers,&nbsp; or wheelchairs, can help individuals with CP improve their mobility and independence</li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">Caring for a Child with Cerebral Palsy</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://tenbadgers-myhealthvoice.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/image_472132a290_6091b34e98.webp"></figure>It can be challenging caring&nbsp;for a child with cerebral palsy, but with the right resources and support,&nbsp;parents can give a child the care and attention they need without burning out.&nbsp;Here are some tips for caring for a child with cerebral palsy:<ul><li>Build a strong support system of family, friends, support groups, and other caregivers to help you through the process</li><li>Understand&nbsp;a child’s physical, emotional, and cognitive needs so you can provide the appropriate care and support</li><li>Find alternative ways to communicate, such as using pictures, gestures, or assistive technology, especially for children with speaking difficulties</li><li>Make sure the child's environment is safe and accessible, with plenty of space for them to move around and play</li><li>Encourage&nbsp;the child to participate therapy exercises or adapted sports; you can join in too</li><li>Make their food ease to chew and swallow</li><li>Advocate for their needs within your community and help to empower other families</li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">Bottom Line</h2><blockquote>Cerebral palsy affects a number of children in Nigeria,&nbsp;and it limits their chances of living high quality lives or living to the best of their potentials. Many of them dropout of&nbsp; treatment&nbsp;due to the cost and difficulty in accessing care.&nbsp;Thankfully, the situation is improving, as more hospitals have specialists to manage the cases, and families get better informed to take care of their child.&nbsp;<ul><li>Knowing the risk factors and prevention options can help parents reduce the risks of having a child with cerebral palsy.&nbsp;</li></ul></blockquote>

Causes of Cerebral Palsy in Nigerian Children

Early detection of cervical cancer is key to effective treatment, making regular Pap smear screenings essential.The HPV vaccine, now available in three different versions, provides crucial protection against the virus that often leads to cervical cancer.<h3>Early Stages</h3>In its early stages, cervical cancer typically does not present any symptoms, making early detection challenging. Symptoms often emerge only after the cancer has progressed.When early-stage cervical cancer symptoms do manifest, they may include:<ul><li>Irregular vaginal bleeding or heavier menstrual periods</li><li>Vaginal bleeding after menopause</li><li>Vaginal bleeding post-intercourse</li><li>Unusual vaginal discharge that may be watery, foul-smelling, or blood-stained</li><li>Pelvic pain or discomfort during intercourse</li></ul>As cervical cancer advances, symptoms may encompass those of early-stage cancer, along with:<ul><li>Painful or difficult bowel movements</li><li>Bleeding from the anus during bowel movements</li><li>Painful urination</li><li>Blood in the urine</li><li>Persistent lower back pain</li><li>Swelling in the legs</li><li>Abdominal pain</li><li>Fatigue</li></ul>These symptoms can also be found in other conditions other than cervical cancer. Consulting a Doctor is essential for an accurate diagnosis. Delaying treatment for cervical cancer due to ignored symptoms can lead to less effective management.<h2>Stages of cervical cancer</h2>The staging of cervical cancer indicates the degree of spread.There are 4 stages of cervical cancer progression and they are:<ul><li>Stage I: Cancer is confined to the cervix.</li><li>Stage II: Cancer has spread beyond the cervix and uterus but not to the pelvic wall or vagina.</li><li>Stage III: Cancer has spread to the lower vagina and possibly the pelvic wall and nearby lymph nodes.</li><li>Stage IV: Cancer has spread to the bladder, rectum, or other distant parts of the body.</li></ul><h2>Treatment</h2>Treatment of cervical cancer depends on:<ul><li>The stage of the cancer</li><li>The size and shape of the tumor</li><li>The woman's age and general health</li><li>Her desire to have children in the future</li></ul>Early cervical cancer can be cured by removing or destroying the precancerous or cancerous tissue. There are surgical ways to do this without removing the uterus or seriously damaging the cervix, so that a woman can still have children in the future.The following treatment options are available depending on the stage of the cancer:<ul><li>Laser therapy</li><li>Cryotherapy</li><li>Hysterectomy</li><li>Radiation therapy</li><li>Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure(LEEP)</li><li>Chemotherapy</li><li>&nbsp;</li></ul><h3>HPV vaccine</h3>The HPV vaccine is designed to protect against the specific strains of HPV responsible for nearly all cervical cancer cases. Gardasil 9 is effective against nine HPV types, which together account for about 90% of cervical cancers. For optimal efficacy, the second dose should be administered six to twelve months after the first.Receiving the HPV vaccine does not eliminate the need for regular cervical cancer screening. Women vaccinated against HPV should have their first screening at age 25 and continue every five years thereafter.<blockquote>Recognizing the symptoms of cervical cancer is key to early detection and effective treatment. In its early stages, cervical cancer may not present any noticeable signs, which is why regular screenings are crucial. When symptoms do appear, they can include irregular vaginal bleeding, unusual discharge, pain during intercourse, or pelvic discomfort. As the cancer progresses, additional symptoms such as painful urination, lower back pain, or leg swelling may occur.While these signs can be caused by other conditions, it's important to consult a doctor promptly for proper diagnosis and care.</blockquote>

Stages and Prevention of Cervical Cancer in Nigerian Women

We look into Seizures - what Nigerians call Epilepsy.&nbsp;<ul><li>If you have a child with epilepsy, this article will help you learn about seizure disorders in children and how to manage similar cases. &nbsp;</li><li>It will teach you about epilepsy in children, including the definition, common causes, how it is tested and diagnosed, and how to treat it.</li><li>It will also teach you how to cope with the situation as a parent and caregiver to manage seizures in children and ensure their safety.</li></ul>&nbsp;David is a bright and active eight-year-old boy who loved playing in the compound and discovering new things around him. One day, while playing with his toys under the shade of a tree in front of his house, he suddenly fell to the ground and started shaking uncontrollably.His mom was terrified and quickly called out for help. The neighbors came together, and one of them offered his bike. David’s father quickly got on the bike, and with the help of his mother and a neighbor, they carefully placed David on the bike. With David held between his parents, they rushed to the clinic, hoping he would get better soon.At the clinic, the doctors ran a series of tests before diagnosing David with a seizure disorder, what Nigerians call Epilepsy. For David and his family, this diagnosis was life-changing. It was very possible that it would happen again.“What do we do?” David's father asked the Doctor.&nbsp;<h1>What is a Epilepsy?</h1>A seizure (epilepsy) is a disorder in which the brain cells malfunction and transmit electrical impulses involuntarily, resulting in symptoms that impact other areas of the brain and body.nIn this case, seizures often cause loss of consciousness and abnormal movements, usually immediately.<ul><li>It can result in unexpected, abrupt changes in a child's movements, sensations, cognition, and behavior.&nbsp;</li><li>Neurons in the child's brain may freeze excessively during a seizure, resulting in odd feelings, emotions, or behaviors.&nbsp;</li><li>The seizure may be minor or severe, lasting between a few seconds and several minutes.</li><li>Pediatric seizure disorder occurs in approximately 4 to 10 out of every 1,000 children.</li></ul><h2>What causes seizure disorder in children?</h2>Several possible causes of seizure disorder in children may include the following:<ul><li>Genetic factors - some forms of epilepsy may be inherited.</li><li>Brain injury or damage - can occur during birth from infections, head injuries, or strokes.</li><li>Brain malformations - when the brain does not develop properly before birth.</li><li>Infections - such as meningitis, encephalitis, or abscesses in the brain.</li><li>Metabolic disorders - including low blood sugar, electrolyte imbalances, or kidney or liver failure.</li><li>Brain tumors - both benign and malignant tumors can cause seizures.</li><li>Febrile seizures - which occur during high fever in young children.</li><li>Unknown causes - in some cases, no specific cause of the seizure disorder can be identified.</li></ul><h2>Types of seizure disorders</h2>A seizure can come in different forms, depending on the cause and the part of the brain affected. The common types include:<ul><li>Generalized seizures</li></ul>They affect the entire brain and can render a child unconscious. They can be atonic or tonic-clonic seizures if they affect the child’s muscles and movement or absence seizures if the child just stares into space or blanks out for a few seconds. Absence seizures were once called petit mal seizures.<ul><li>Focal or partial seizures</li></ul>These seizures might originate in one specific location and result in a limited range of symptoms. If the child does not lose consciousness, the seizure could be simple partial seizures. Complex partial seizures result in altered consciousness.<h2>Symptoms of a seizure in children</h2>The symptoms of a seizure vary depending on the type. Common symptoms include:<ul><li>Abnormal movements: The seizure may include jerking or twitching the arms, legs, or face.</li><li>Loss of consciousness: The child may appear to stare blankly, become unresponsive or confused, or even fall to the ground.</li><li>Convulsions: The severity of convulsion can range from mild to severe and can include shaking stiffness, and loss of muscle control.</li><li>Change in mood or behavior: Children may experience sudden changes in mood or behavior, and may become irritable, aggressive, or anxious.</li><li>Changes in sensations: Children may complain of hearing unusual sounds or seeing flashing lights.</li><li>Loss of bladder or bowel control: A child with a seizure may find it difficult to hold her pee or poop.</li></ul><h4>&nbsp;</h4><blockquote>A seizure (epilepsy) is a disorder in which the brain cells malfunction and transmit electrical impulses (signals) they shouldn't, causing sudden changes in how a person moves, feels, or acts. It can result in unexpected, abrupt changes in a child's movements, sensations, cognition, and behavior. The seizure may be minor or severe, lasting between a few seconds and several minutes.</blockquote>

Seizure Disorders in Nigerian Children

Children's Health

<a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-shot-of-a-glucometer-7653102/">Photo by Pavel Danilyuk</a>The numbers are scary: about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.idf.org/our-network/regions-members/africa/diabetes-in-africa.html#:~:text=14/12/2021-,24%20million%20adults,-(20%2D79)">24 million</a> adults who are 18 and older had diabetes in 2021; the number is set to increase to 55 million by 2045, and more than half of people living with diabetes do not know that they have the disease.While diabetes is not a death sentence, it is a significant cause of life-threatening complications such as heart diseases, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, foot ulcers, urinary tract infections in women, erectile dysfunction in men, and so on. Knowing what diabetes is all about can help you make safe choices to protect yourself and perhaps manage the risks.<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;">Diabetes is a chronic disease</h2>Diabetes is a chronic condition that develops when the body cannot&nbsp;control blood sugar, either because it cannot use the insulin the pancreas makes or because&nbsp;the pancreas does not&nbsp;produce enough&nbsp;insulin.Uncontrolled diabetes frequently causes hyperglycaemia, or elevated blood sugar, which over time seriously harms many bodily systems, including the&nbsp;nerves and blood vessels. Diabetes caused&nbsp;<a href="https://www.idf.org/our-network/regions-members/africa/diabetes-in-africa.html#:~:text=is%20responsible%20for-,416%2C000%20deaths,-in%20the%20IDF">416,000 deaths across the</a> world in 2021.<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">Type 1 versus type 2 diabetes</h2>The primary&nbsp;difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes is that type 1 is a genetic illness that&nbsp;usually occurs in childhood. When you have type 1 diabetes, your immune system attacks and kills the cells in your pancreas that&nbsp;make insulin. In contrast, type 2 is primarily a result of lifestyle choices and develops over time.<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;">Type 1 diabetes</h2>Deficient insulin production is a hallmark of type 1 diabetes, sometimes&nbsp;called insulin-dependent, juvenile, or childhood-onset. This condition requires daily insulin injections.&nbsp;In type 1 diabetes, the body attacks the pancreatic beta cells, impairing their capacity to make insulin. High blood sugar levels result from the cells' inability to absorb glucose in the absence of sufficient insulin.&nbsp;Children are most frequently affected by type 1 diabetes.Symptoms of type 1 diabetes include:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">frequent urination (polyuria)&nbsp;</li><li style="text-align:justify;">excessive thirst (polydipsia)</li><li style="text-align:justify;">persistent hunger&nbsp;</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Weight loss</li><li style="text-align:justify;">poor vision</li><li style="text-align:justify;">exhaustion</li></ul>These signs&nbsp;often appear suddenly and worsen over time if the high blood sugar is not well controlled.<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">Type 2 diabetes</h2>Type 2 diabetes, also known as non-insulin-dependent or adult-onset diabetes,&nbsp;occurs when the body cannot use insulin adequately. Most&nbsp;people with diabetes worldwide suffer from type 2 diabetes, and the common risk factors include being overweight and&nbsp;physically inactive.&nbsp;The disease is more common in adults.&nbsp;Insulin resistance, which is a complication of type 2 diabetes, affects how well your body recognizes insulin. Without a sufficient insulin response, it becomes more difficult for your cells to absorb glucose, which causes blood sugar levels to increase.&nbsp;While symptoms are frequently less severe than those of&nbsp;type 1 diabetes, they may be comparable. As a result, the condition may not be discovered until after its onset, when complications have already developed. This particular type of diabetes was previously only observed in adults, but it is becoming increasingly seen in kids.<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">Is it true that black people are more likely to have diabetes?</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://tenbadgers-myhealthvoice.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/image_3a34b0752f_cd476a55c5.webp"></figure><a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/high-angle-diabetic-woman-checking-her-glucose-level_65609368.htm#fromView=search&amp;page=1&amp;position=18&amp;uuid=59225968-f83e-4428-bf10-e35698027a57">Image by freepik</a>One reason millions of Africans have diabetes is that black people are more likely to have the disease than non-blacks. This increased risk are linked to:<ul><li>Gene-dependent factors</li></ul>Some researchers suggest that the “thrifty gene”, which helps certain groups to conserve energy and nutrients during scarcity, is a potential reason why black Americans had higher diabetes rates than other ethnic groups.<ul><li>Health-related factors</li></ul>Obesity and reduced physical activity are linked to increased emergence of type 2 diabetes among blacks.<ul><li>Social factors</li></ul>Poverty is a significant risk factor for diabetes. In a 2014 study, researchers studying the relationship between diabetes prevalence and poverty found that the rates of diabetes were greater among blacks but particularly higher in poor folks.<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">Diabetes during pregnancy</h2>Gestational diabetes is a type of hyperglycemia that develops during pregnancy. It may cause the child to die before birth, and make the child grow so big that delivery may be difficult.Prenatal screening is used to determine gestational diabetes rather than patient complaints of symptoms.<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;">Diabetic neuropathy</h2>Persistent increase in blood glucose levels can damage nerves, leading to diabetic neuropathy.&nbsp;&nbsp;This condition is common to both type 1 and&nbsp;type 2 diabetes.Nerve damage numbs some parts of the body, especially the feet, causing loss of sensation and sometimes pain. People who lose sensation are most likely to get ulcers on their feet, which, if not detected early, can lead to foot amputation.&nbsp;However, you can reduce your risk of developing nerve damage by keeping your blood sugar level at your target range or as close to normal as possible and practicing careful foot care.<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">How do you reduce your chances of developing diabetes?</h2>Type 1 diabetes is not preventable. On the other hand, you can minimize your chance of having type 2 diabetes even if you have a higher risk than average for the condition by:<ul><li>Modifying your diet</li></ul>Eat a well-balanced diet&nbsp;with less sugars, reduced fats, and more fresh fruits and vegetables. Fill your plate with whole meals, including whole grains, lean meats, and healthy fats. Avoid eating food that is heavy in calories and fat.<ul><li>Exercising regularly</li></ul>Aim to get at least 30 minutes of physical exercise. Commit to taking 6,000 steps per day. Walk around the house or jog a few hundred metres. Skip a rope or do what you can to keep your heart pumping or make you break a sweat for a moment. Doing these will help you shed excess blood sugar and keep the level low.<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Going for regular medical checkups</li></ul>See your doctor at least twice a year. Diabetes raises your odds of heart disease. So learn your numbers: cholesterol, blood pressure, and A1c (average blood sugar over&nbsp;three months). Get a&nbsp;complete eye exam every year. Visit a foot doctor to check for problems like foot ulcers and nerve damage.<ul><li>Managing stress</li></ul>Stress causes your body to release hormones that increase blood sugar levels. Relieve that stress by seeking help where necessary, delegating your tasks, saying no to stressful commitments, or engaging in hobbies that help you relax.Other steps that can reduce your risk include:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Reducing your alcohol intake</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Quit smoking</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Managing your body weight</li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">How can you tell if you have diabetes?</h2>Symptoms of diabetes take time to appear, and by that time, complications might have set in. A safer way to know your diabetes status is to monitor your blood sugar level.Blood sugar testing is an important part of early diabetes diagnosis and diabetes care. If you have diabetes, commit to checking your blood glucose levels. It will help you manage diabetes and prevent complications.&nbsp;There is no fixed number of times you should check your blood sugar level. The frequency of testing will depend on the type of diabetes and your treatment goals.&nbsp;The different types of tests that could tell if you have diabetes are:Fasting blood glucose testAn 8–12 hour fast is required for a fasting blood glucose test, and the results could show:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Less than 100 mg/dL shows a normal range</li><li>From 100 to 125 mg/dL shows signs of prediabetes</li><li>Greater than 125 mg/dL on two occasions is a sign of diabetes</li></ul>Oral glucose tolerance testAn oral glucose tolerance test measures your blood sugar levels over two hours following the consumption of a sweet beverage. Test results for oral glucose tolerance may show:<ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li>Standard range: blood glucose level less than 140 mg/dL</li><li>Prediabetes: blood glucose level between 140 and 199 mg/dL</li><li>Diabetes: blood glucose level greater than 200 mg/dL</li></ul>A1C testAn A1C test measures your average blood sugar control over the previous two to three months. It may show:<ul><li>Standard range: less than 5.7%</li><li>Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4% of the total</li><li>Diabetes: above 6.4%</li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">Treatment of diabetes</h2>Diabetes is treated by a balance of healthy diet, regular exercise,&nbsp;and other steps to reduce blood sugar levels, and&nbsp;manages the risk factors for&nbsp;complications. Interventions that are both practical and affordable in developing nations include<ul><li>Blood glucose management with lifestyle and dietary adjustment, insulin, and oral medications</li><li>Blood lipid management&nbsp;</li><li>Screening and management of&nbsp;diabetes complications</li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">Final words</h2>Millions of people in Africa have diabetes, and many more millions are set to have the disease. Many people do not know their diabetes status because they do not check their blood sugar levels regularly and because diabetes symptoms do not appear early. You can protect yourself by adjusting your diet and lifestyle.

Should I be worried about diabetes?

<a href="https://unsplash.com/@freestocks?utm_content=creditCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unsplash%22%3efreestocks%3c/a%3e%20on%20%3ca%20href=%22https://unsplash.com/photos/woman-holding-stomach-ux53SGpRAHU?utm_content=creditCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unsplash">Photo by Unsplash</a>Pre-eclampsia is a complication of pregnancy that affects about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.18.22275250v1.full">5–8%&nbsp;</a>of all pregnant women in Nigeria and Africa. It is a leading cause of maternal and infant morbidity and mortality in Nigeria and Africa.The International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy&nbsp;<a href="https://isshp.org/the-definition-of-severe-and-early-onset-preeclampsia-statements-from-the-isshp/">defines</a> pre-eclampsia as hypertension that occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy with one or more of proteinuria (protein in the urine) and abnormalities in organ function.&nbsp;The symptoms of pre-eclampsia can be subtle and may not appear until late in pregnancy, which is why it is often referred to as the&nbsp;“silent killer” of pregnant women.<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">Causes of pre-eclampsia</h2>The exact cause of pre-eclampsia is unknown. However, research suggests that pre-eclampsia may result from problems with the blood vessels in the placenta may cause it.&nbsp;The placenta is the organ that connects the baby to the mother's blood supply. In pre-eclampsia, the blood vessels in the placenta become narrowed, which can&nbsp;decrease blood flow to the baby.<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">Signs and symptoms of pre-eclampsia</h2>Pregnant women with pre-eclampsia may present with:<ul><li>High blood pressure</li><li>Protein in the urine</li><li>Swelling in the face, hands, and feet</li><li>Sudden weight gain</li><li>Headaches</li><li>Vision changes</li><li>Abdominal pain (you can say epigastric pain)</li><li>Nausea and vomiting</li></ul>It is important to note that these symptoms may not always be present, and some women may not experience any symptoms at all. That is why&nbsp;pregnant women should attend all their antenatal appointments and have their blood pressure and urine checked regularly.<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">Pre-eclampsia may hurt the mother and baby</h2>Untreated pre-eclampsia can lead to premature birth, low birth weight, and even stillbirth. In addition, pre-eclampsia can cause&nbsp;severe damage to the mother's organs, such as the liver and kidneys, and increase the risk of stroke and other complications such as eclampsia.<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">Who is at risk of pre-eclampsia?</h2>Several risk factors can increase a woman's chances of developing pre-eclampsia. These include:<ul><li>First-time pregnancy</li><li>Age (women over 40 are at higher risk)</li><li>Multiple pregnancies (i.e., women carrying multiple babies like twins, triplets etc.)</li><li>Obesity</li><li>A family history of pre-eclampsia</li><li>Chronic hypertension</li><li>Diabetes</li><li>Kidney disease</li><li>Lupus</li></ul>Also, a woman is more likely to get pre-eclampsia again if she has had it during a previous pregnancy.&nbsp;Studies have shown that pre-eclampsia happens more often in Africa than in other parts of the world. This is likely due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">Diagnosis and treatment of pre-eclampsia</h2>Pre-eclampsia is diagnosed through routine antenatal care. If your care provider suspects that you have pre-eclampsia is suspected, you may be referred to a specialist for further testing.The treatment for pre-eclampsia depends on the severity of the condition and how far along you are in your pregnancy. In some cases, early delivery may be necessary to protect the health of the mother and the baby. But if the baby isn't ready, your doctor may suggest medicines to control blood pressure, bed rest, and other treatments to help&nbsp;support the pregnancy.<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">Importance of early detection and treatment of pre-eclampsia</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://tenbadgers-myhealthvoice.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/image_87a8c767ff_567cb3a7da.webp"></figure><a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/woman-expecting-child-doing-examination-with-medic-medical-office-general-practitioner-consulting-pregnant-patient-check-pregnancy-healthcare-physician-helping-mother_22298434.htm#fromView=search&amp;page=1&amp;position=0&amp;uuid=b8b72d1a-9e29-4363-8da2-20a11cdf9aab">Image by DC Studio on Freepik</a>Early detection and treatment of pre-eclampsia are crucial&nbsp;to preventing serious complications. This is why pregnant women should attend regular antenatal care appointments, where their blood pressure and other vital signs will be monitored.&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">Preventing&nbsp;pre-eclampsia</h2>While it is not always possible and there is no surefre way to prevent pre-eclampsia, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing pre-eclampsia. Here are a few tips to help ensure a healthy pregnancy:<ol><li>Visit your healthcare provider regularly: Early and regular antenatal care is essential for detecting and managing potential complications, including pre-eclampsia.</li><li>Eating a balanced and healthy diet:&nbsp;enrich your diet&nbsp;with fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.</li><li>Stay active: Regular exercise, such as walking or&nbsp;pelvic floor exercises, can help improve circulation and prevent hypertension.</li><li>Maintain a healthy weight: Eat small portions of food, drink plenty of water, and curb your desire to binge on foods</li><li>Control any pre-existing medical conditions: If you have diabetes or kidney disease,&nbsp;see a doctor to manage them before or during pregnancy.</li><li>Avoid smoking and alcohol intake:&nbsp;both can increase your risk of pre-eclampsia.</li></ol><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">A final word</h2><blockquote>Pre-eclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication that can have serious consequences for both the mother and baby. However, the outcome can be positive if it's detected and managed early.By understanding the risk factors, signs and symptoms, and ways to reduce your risk, you can take steps to protect yourself and your baby. So, always be informed and proactive about your health during pregnancy.</blockquote>

What Every Nigerian Woman should know about Pre-eclampsia

Women's Health

<a href="https://pixabay.com/vectors/blood-blood-type-health-medical-1968458/">Image by Pixabay</a>Have you ever been asked “What’s your genotype?” It’s a common question for partners seeking to get married, children seeking to enroll into a school, or individuals looking for a job. Doctors too may ask about your genotype when you go for a checkup or treatment. So what’s genotype and how does it work?<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">What’s a genotype?</h2>Genotype refers to an individual’s genetic makeup. It is an entire library of genes that determines height, eye color, blood group, susceptibility to some diseases, and even the ability to roll one's tongue.&nbsp;These traits are contained in units called genes. The traits exist in multiple forms or alleles. The alleles may be identical (homozygous) or different (heterozygous). The genes and alleles are packed tightly into larger units known as chromosomes. We inherit our genes from our parents, one copy from dad and one copy from mum, and they combine to create our unique genotypes.<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">What's blood genotype?</h2>Blood genotype refers to the genetic makeup of our blood components. It is used interchangeably with haemoglobin genotype (Hb genotype), which refers to the genes that code for haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to tissues.&nbsp;An average adult has the HbA genotype, which produces HbA with two normal globins. A change or mutation in the normal Hb genotype produces abnormal haemoglobins, such as HbS and HbC, which may affect red cell functions.There are several different genotypes:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">AA: normal haemoglobin genotype</li><li style="text-align:justify;">AS: sickle cell trait</li><li style="text-align:justify;">AC: haemoglobin disease</li><li style="text-align:justify;">SS: sickle cell anaemia</li><li style="text-align:justify;">SC: sickle cell disease&nbsp;</li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">How is the blood genotype inherited?</h2>Like all genotypes, the Hb genotype is inherited from both parents. The two copies of the Hb genes from your parents combine to determine the type of haemoglobin your red cells produce.Haemoglobin has two components: the haem component and the globin component. You can guess this from the name: haem + globin = haemoglobin. The Hb genotype codes for the globin component, which may be an alpha globin or a beta globin.&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">Why is the blood genotype important?</h2>Blood genotypes play a significant role in determining the risk of developing certain diseases. For instance, an individual with the HbAA genotype is more likely to have malaria, while someone with the HbSS genotype is more vulnerable to infections.&nbsp;Here is why. Malaria parasites survive better in red blood cells with normal haemoglobin than in sickled red cells. Individuals with sickle cell anaemia are likely to have infections because their immune system is weakened by damages caused by sickled red cells.Other importance of blood genotype include:<ol><li style="text-align:justify;">Improved family planning</li></ol>Testing for blood genotype can help you plan your family and ensure that your children are born healthy and without avoidable genetic disorders.<ol><li style="text-align:justify;">Inherited diseases</li></ol>With a genotype test, you can know your risk for certain inherited diseases and know how to manage them proactively.&nbsp;<ol><li style="text-align:justify;">Personalised medicine</li></ol>Knowing your genotype can also help develop personalised medicine. This type of medicine is tailored to the individual and considers their unique genetic makeup.&nbsp;<blockquote>To check your blood genotype, visit a certified medical laboratory or hospital where a blood sample will be collected and analyzed through a hemoglobin electrophoresis test.&nbsp;This test determines your genotype (e.g., AA, AS, SS, or AC) by identifying the types of hemoglobin in your red blood cells. It is important to confirm your genotype at least twice, preferably from reputable labs, as errors can occur.</blockquote><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">&nbsp;</h2>

What is Genotype and How Does it Work?

<a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/concept-of-covid-19-in-red-background-4031867/">Photo by Edward Jenner&nbsp;</a>Here are three key reasons why COVID-19 vaccine myths and misinformation remain a major challenge in Nigeria and across Africa.<ul><li>Widespread misinformation: Since the COVID-19 outbreak, false information and conspiracy theories—especially through social media—have misled many about the virus and vaccines.</li><li>Vaccine myths and fears: Despite vaccine availability in Africa, myths fueled by fear and ignorance have slowed vaccination efforts.</li><li>Low vaccine usage: Due to mistrust and misinformation, over 22 African countries have used less than 25% of their vaccine supplies, according to WHO.</li></ul>&nbsp;Unprecedented data was released across the world's media after the COVID-19 Coronavirus broke out in December 2019. Many details regarding the pandemic, its symptoms, transmission, and response mechanisms have been inaccurate. Misinformation, deception, falsehoods, and misconceptions have been served to audiences via propaganda and fake news. One way this propaganda has spread is through social media.&nbsp;The release of COVID-19 vaccines offered hope that the pandemic would end soon. Unfortunately, as the number of vaccines available in Africa has grown, so has the number of myths regarding them. Anxieties regarding vaccines might stem from a lack of knowledge or outlandish conspiracy ideas. The World Health Organization estimates that 22 African countries have used less than 25% of their vaccination supplies.So, tell me, what are some of the most common myths heard throughout the continent? Below are some of the common myths about COVID-19 in Nigeria and Africa.<figure class="image"><img src="https://tenbadgers-myhealthvoice.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/image_a5a0cae389.png"></figure><a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/rectangular-white-blank-billboard-striped-wall_3622956.htm#query=board%20mockup&amp;position=21&amp;from_view=keyword&amp;track=ais_user&amp;uuid=d5297f35-45f7-4b26-b4f6-4bc5c9a4fd47">Image by Freepik</a><h3>Myth 1: Covid-19 does not exist.</h3>The notion that COVID does not exist is a myth. Cases of COVID-19 have been documented in every country on Earth. The African CDC stresses the seriousness of the COVID threat. Approximately 127,000 people have lost their lives to COVID-19 on the continent, and over 4.7 million confirmed cases have been confirmed. Due to insufficient testing, the actual numbers are very certainly much higher. The virus, meanwhile, is continually changing. Sometimes, the new varieties are even more contagious and lethal than the original. You can find half a dozen COVID strains on the continent right now. Due to low vaccination rates in Africa, the virus has a chance to mutate and spread uncontrollably across the continent and, ultimately, the world.<h3>Myth 2: The government invented COVID to gain more power.</h3>Even though there are health recommendations to stop the spread of COVID-19 in Africa, very few people follow them. Doubts about COVID-19 increased in some African countries after the government politicised the virus. One such country is Nigeria. COVID palliatives and relief materials meant for the masses were hoarded and/or shared amongst themselves. Security forces were accused of applying COVID-19 directives selectively against the poor masses, and the public's mood switched from cooperative to defiant. The low rates of immunisation are a reflection of this. While some say the government is inflating the danger of COVID-19 for political benefit, others point to Africa's low infection rates as "proof." This problem is not unique to Nigeria; in other countries, such as Benin, Uganda, Djibouti, Chad, Tanzania, Burundi, and&nbsp;the Republic of the Congo, vaccine skepticism is also on the rise because of a gulf between governments and individuals.<h3>Myth 3: The risks associated with vaccines are significant.</h3>The idea that live viruses are introduced into the body and that people can die from vaccinations is a common urban legend. However, the fear of the COVID-19 vaccines has been amplified on social media by "anti-vaccine campaigners." Others argue that the risks of getting the vaccines—such as infertility or other severe side effects—are greater than the risks of getting the virus. Some believe that vaccines are poisons that change people's DNA in Africa. They further assert that Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and the United States government are behind the scheme to use vaccines as a cover to implant trackable microchips.Truth be told, all vaccines (AstraZeneca, Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson &amp; Johnson, and Sinopharm) that are now available in Africa have been certified for use by WHO. The listing aims to ensure that, under urgent circumstances, health workers can quickly distribute high-quality, effective vaccines to those who need them.&nbsp;<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h2>What to Do</h2>When it comes to avoiding contracting COVID-19, keeping your distance from other people (ideally by at least 1 meter) and practising good hand hygiene are your best bets. You can prevent spreading any viruses that could be on your hands to your face by washing them well before eating or touching your face. Wearing face masks, maintaining social distance, and avoiding crowded places can help to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Until vaccines are widely accessible, these methods help keep individuals healthy and out of the hospital's intensive care units.<h2>Bottom Line</h2>Verifying the integrity and scientific foundation of the news and media coverage around the COVID-19 pandemic is one of the most difficult tasks facing the public. Since the beginning of the pandemic, many false rumours and misconceptions have increased throughout the WHO African Region. False information is lethal, and the truth is always a life-saver. The spread of harmful false information online and offline contributes to the persistence of dangerous diseases like COVID-19. Access to up-to-date knowledge founded in science is essential to the well-being of individuals, groups, and nations. Don't disseminate myths, only the facts.With the help of vaccines, Ebola outbreaks in West and Central Africa have been contained in the past. Building up people's confidence was crucial to these programs' success. For the COVID-19 vaccine campaign to regain the public's trust, it is necessary to counter the myths around the virus and vaccine and foster an atmosphere of outreach that prioritises the community's needs.

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