<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

<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

<p>It is usual for anyone sometimes to forget their keys at home, need help remembering minor details, or do basic things. These are part of the daily realities of living that become increasingly common as a person ages. When such realities become so significant as to affect our ability to survive on our own, it is often a sign of something worse… like dementia, for instance.</p><p>Dementia is a progressive condition that affects a person's ability to think, reason, and remember. It is a leading cause of disability and dependency among older adults, and the number of people affected is expected to rise significantly in the coming years.</p><p>More than 50 million people are estimated to have dementia worldwide in 2019. The number is set to almost triple by 2030. Although dementia is seen as a disease of people in Western countries, 60% of people with dementia are in poor countries in Africa and Asia.</p><p>Despite the youthful African population, more elderly people are expected to develop dementia, with Nigeria being one of the most affected countries on the continent. Knowing about the disease can encourage you to tackle the common risk factors of the disease.</p><h2>Modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors of dementia</h2><p>Your risk of having dementia depends on the factors you can control and the ones you cannot control. Some factors, like old age and the genes you inherit, are beyond your control, so they are ‘non-modifiable.’</p><p>On the other hand, there are factors you can control as an individual or with government policies that can help reduce your risk of developing dementia. These factors are ‘modifiable,’ and a 2024 global <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)01296-0/abstract">report</a> shows that controlling these factors can prevent 45% of dementia cases.</p><p>The modifiable risk factors include:</p><ol><li>Social isolation</li><li>Poor education</li><li>Air pollution</li><li>Unresolved hearing loss</li><li>Depression</li><li>Brain injury</li><li>Hypertension</li><li>Diabetes</li><li>Obesity</li><li>Low level of physical activity</li><li>Excessive alcohol intake</li><li>Smoking</li><li>Uncontrolled vision loss</li><li>High serum cholesterol</li></ol><p>Controlling these factors requires personal effort combined with government policies and intervention.</p><h2>Reversible and irreversible causes of dementia</h2><p>Dementia is often a consequence of advanced age. However, it may also be caused by some reversible and irreversible factors.</p><p>Reversible causes of dementia produce short-lived impairment in memory and thinking, which resolve as soon as the cause is treated or removed. Such reversible causes include:</p><ul><li>Severe head injury</li><li>Multiple strokes</li><li>HIV</li><li>Neurosyphilis</li><li>Meningitis</li><li>Alcohol</li><li>Heavy metal poisoning</li><li>Brain tumors</li><li>Multiple sclerosis</li><li>Liver and kidney failure</li><li>Low or high thyroid function</li></ul><p>Irreversible causes of dementia are neurodegenerative disorders or diseases that occur as the brain loses its neurons. They include:</p><ul><li>Alzheimer’s disease</li><li>Parkinson’s disease</li><li>Prion’s disease</li></ul>

Dementia affects memory and thinking, changing the lives of those diagnosed and their families. Learning the early signs can help you preserve your memories.

Dementia is rising in Africa. Here’s how you can protect your brain

Chronic Illnesses

<p>Food is more than just something that tastes good and fills you up. It is an essential part of our lives and plays a critical role in maintaining good health and fueling our bodies.</p><p>But not all foods are the same. Understanding the different classes of food and what they contain will help you decide on what to eat, what they do, and how you should eat to introduce and maintain your body in its best shape.</p><h2>What are Classes of Food?</h2><p>Classes of food are groups of foods that have similar nutrients and work in the body in similar ways. There are six major classes of food: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water.</p><h2>Carbohydrates give you energy</h2><p><img src="https://codahosted.io/docs/Q4z25SVB9N/blobs/bl-G7BWrt52YG/3fcad8744b1bddf3c75889cfd02131a6cd989da281aed45cc7377b696693f40475d876bdf7d70adc849df060299cfbd45180dc155d2d9f5c9a173e322fb268babe0fbf3a97239aab82cbadb9eb65b295c7dcdb453ed2dfa6551b5d8306ef140f2a3cbbaf" alt="image.webp"></p><p><a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/assortment-common-food-allergens-people_33757336.htm#query=carbohydrates&amp;position=1&amp;from_view=keyword&amp;track=sph&amp;uuid=f0919fbe-c696-4808-b971-d6a506938a8d">Image by&nbsp;Freepik</a></p><p>While carbohydrates have gotten a bad reputation for contributing to diabetes and weight gain, they are essential in keeping you fit and energized. Foods such as yams, bread, rice, potatoes, and some fruits are chief sources of carbohydrates, which are a type of macronutrient that serves as body fuel. This is why you should include carbohydrates in your diet.</p><h3>Types of carbohydrates</h3><p>There are two main types of carbohydrates: simple carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates.</p><ul><li><strong>Simple carbohydrates </strong>are a type of carbohydrate that undergo no further processing to produce energy. They are found in sugary foods and provide a quick burst of energy.</li><li><strong>Complex carbohydrates</strong>, on the other hand, need to be broken down to provide a slower release of energy. They are found in starchy foods like rice, yam, and whole grains, which are metabolised to provide sustained energy.</li></ul><h3>How to incorporate carbohydrates into your diet</h3><p>Choose whole grain products, such as wheat bread and brown rice, instead of refined grain products, such as white bread and white rice. Supplement these with a collection of fruits and vegetables to make your diet for a healthy source of carbohydrates.</p><h2>Vitamins and Minerals for Vitality</h2><p><img src="https://codahosted.io/docs/Q4z25SVB9N/blobs/bl-3QYxjDKZE-/bb442bda56d2279ab8821500e0ed06ec96b09b42b4158cca3a3a96cd23baec1c08ac4f5363147bffed9b7eb73187a7b93ef1e3e5566fa53f48941b0d2201c62e9b974afb9125fa050709936b192578748385d379314822095bc60f3bde240e85b2c734b7" alt="image.webp"></p><p><a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/kiwis-and-oranges-1cWZgnBhZRs">Photo by Luke Michael</a></p><p>The body needs vitamins and minerals in small amounts to function properly. Vitamins and minerals have a vital role in everything from building strong bones and maintaining good health to boosting our immune system.</p><p>Some of the most important vitamins and minerals include vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron. You can get these nutrients from a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, dairy products, whole grains, and lean protein sources.</p><h3>Types of Vitamins and Minerals</h3><p>There are 13 essential vitamins, including vitamins A, C, D, and E. Each vitamin has its unique function, such as maintaining healthy skin and supporting the immune system.</p><p>There are also many different types of minerals, including calcium, iron, and magnesium. Each mineral has its unique function in the body, such as building strong bones and helping regulate the heart's rhythm.</p><h3>Role of Vitamins and Minerals in the Body</h3><p>Vitamins and minerals play a crucial role in many processes in the body, including growth, metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, building strong bones, regulating heart function, transmitting nerve impulses, and disease prevention.</p><p>They also help to protect cells and tissues, maintain fluid balance, and support the maintenance of a healthy immune system.</p><h3>How to incorporate more vitamins and minerals into your diet</h3><p>Fruits and veggies are the chief source of vitamins and minerals. For instance, leafy greens, such as spinach and kale, are a good source of calcium and iron. Orange is rich in vitamin C.</p><p>Additionally, meat, poultry, and dairy products, such as milk and yogurt, are rich in iron and calcium and are a good source of Vitamin D. Seafood is a good source of magnesium and iodine. Nuts, seeds, and legumes are good sources of magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium.</p><h2>Water</h2><p><img src="https://codahosted.io/docs/Q4z25SVB9N/blobs/bl-npFOyINATN/4fc05a3fc7acfddce80456f02028d6bed187176654b99f9cab04c19d37cc651026186c97cf5debf877fbb92ad15c6d4f2914d5130b9d330dbe684daaff34d68c58eec4f8363a155f0ca76ae84b6592a1f7dbb78032f15ea9f0cb1653da8b75876832edc7" alt="image.webp"></p><p><a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/pouring-water-on-persons-hands-YpZ2cj4s0oo">Photo by mrjn Photography</a></p><p>Our body is made up of 70% water, so it’s only natural for water to be very essential to play a central role in our diet, digestion, and wellbeing. &nbsp;Water helps to regulate our body temperature, lubricates joints, removes or flushes out waste products and toxins, and helps transport nutrients throughout the body. It is also important for hydration and maintaining healthy skin and eyes.</p><h3>How to stay hydrated all day</h3><p>It is recommended to drink at least 15 cups or glasses (3 to 4 litres, or 6 to 8 sachets of water) per day. If you’re in a hot environment like Nigeria, you may need to drink more. But the exact amount of water you need can change depending on your age, gender, level of activity, and health in general.</p><h2>Bottom Line</h2><p>A balanced diet is a diet containing a healthy blend of the different classes of food we’ve discussed. Fill your plate with a variety of components from each food group.</p><p><img src="https://codahosted.io/docs/Q4z25SVB9N/blobs/bl-_lSkZ4YPT1/ec4d27ce65e8d72d2a2f3bf40fcc5103b7366f7440e55b8efefb8334a54970c1afe4abcb489980447aa0877d71c8d24fe020a4944c578f4ff0a7b5b63794f880fec34eb106890bb6f5936951e0530e699f7b0f2965433f3583204c77fd70c85c99298fa7" alt="image.webp"></p><p><a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/fruit-salad-on-gray-bowls-HlNcigvUi4Q">Photo by Brooke Lark</a></p><p>Personalise your diet and ensure your health is at the top of your scale when selecting what food to eat.</p><p>While several dietary guidelines recommend different daily dietary regimens for individuals, there are no universal diet guidelines. So it’s helpful to tailor the guidelines to your individual needs and circumstances.</p><p>Remember that everyone's nutritional needs are different and may change throughout their lives, depending on factors like age, gender, specific health conditions and physical activity levels.</p><p>Speaking with a registered dietitian or healthcare provider can help you determine what a healthy and balanced diet looks like for you.</p>

From proteins to carbohydrates, understanding food classes helps you make better dietary choices for a balanced and healthy life.

The ABCs of Food and Why Food Classes Matter

<p>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?</p><h2><strong>What’s a genotype?</strong></h2><p>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.</p><p>These traits are contained in units called genes. The traits exist in multiple forms or <i>alleles.</i> 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.</p><h2><strong>What's blood genotype?</strong></h2><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>There are several different genotypes:</p><ul><li><strong>AA</strong>: normal haemoglobin genotype</li><li><strong>AS</strong>: sickle cell trait</li><li><strong>AC</strong>: haemoglobin disease</li><li><strong>SS</strong>: sickle cell anaemia</li><li><strong>SC</strong>: sickle cell disease</li></ul><h2><strong>How is the blood genotype inherited?</strong></h2><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><h2><strong>Why is the blood genotype important?</strong></h2><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>Other importance of blood genotype include:</p><ol><li><strong>Improved family planning</strong></li></ol><p>Testing for blood genotype can help you plan your family and ensure that your children are born healthy and without avoidable genetic disorders.</p><ol><li><strong>Inherited diseases</strong></li></ol><p>With a genotype test, you can know your risk for certain inherited diseases and know how to manage them proactively.</p><ol><li><strong>Personalised medicine</strong></li></ol><p>Knowing your genotype can also help develop personalised medicine. This type of medicine is tailored to the individual and considers their unique genetic makeup.</p><blockquote><p>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.</p></blockquote><blockquote><p>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.</p></blockquote>