Less known problems with sickle cell anaemia

Dr Sylvester Ikhisemojie

Sickle cell anaemia is a challenging inherited disorder that is prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Its distribution closely mirrors those areas where malaria is endemic. It is thought that it was a mutation developed to cope with the burden of malaria such that the normal adult haemoglobin developed a resistant nature which allowed some specific amino acid substitution to take place and create this red cell.

LUTH acquires 128-Slice Aquillon CT scanner, one of its kind in West Africa.

The machine; a 128-slice Aquillon CT scanner is not only the first of its kind in Nigeria but also West Africa.

Speaking on the wonder equipment, the Chief Medical Director, LUTH, ProfessorAkin Osibogun told the Sunday Tribune in an exclusive interview that the ultra-speed of the scanner is an added advantage, with its ability to pick inner parts of the body while in motion and capturing tiny details that could be fatal.

Cannabis may provide novel "cure" for prostate cancer

Cannabis, Indian Hemp or rather marijuana may provide the novel treatment for prostate cancer by acting as analgesia on bone pain, improving quality of life, while reducing narcotic consumption and preventing opioid dependence. CHUKWUMA MUANYA writes.

Health Minister warns practitioners on unethical conducts

MEDICAL personnel must show dedication to the code of conduct guiding their profession to achieve quality services and effective delivery warns Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, at the opening ceremony of the 31st Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the National Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria (NARD) held at Central Hotel, Kano, Thursday.

He charged the participants: “You will do well therefore, to familiarise yourselves with the Code of Professional Ethics and avoid those pitfalls that can bring the profession and you into disrepute. I enjoin you to observe those sublime traditions that have made medicine the noblest of all professions.”

Labour Debates inclusion of HIV workers in Compensation Act

Culled from Leadership newspaper

Discussions were yesterday flagged-off in Abuja on whether to include workers who contracted HIV/AIDS in the course of their work  for  compensation in the Employees Compensation Act (ECA 2010).

This was the highlight of the National Social Insurance Trust Fund and the Nigerian Employers Consultative Association’s Interactive Enlightenment Forum and Awards ceremony held yesterday in Abuja.

What is Malaria?

What is Malaria?

Malaria is a infectious disease transmitted by female mosquito, it is responsible for a good percentage of tropical febrile illnesses. Malaria as a disease has been around for a long time, ancient scrolls from china and the Roman Empire describe a disease with similar features as malaria. Malaria as a word originates from medieval Italian words – mala aria “bad air” as the romans thought that breathing in bad air transmitted malaria.  This is because people living in swamps and mashlands were afflicted more with the disease. The romans were not right but were not exactly wrong.

Counting our cancers

What is the most prevalent cancer in Nigeria? 

This question has remained largely unanswered in our country and continent as a whole. It is pertinent we answer this question if we are serious about reducing the cancer burden in our country.

What is cancer? To the uninformed and uninitiated - it is the same disease arising from different parts of the body, to the informed and uninitiated - it is a disease characterized by the aberrant growth of cells resident in different organs that outlives the initiating stimuli, while to the informed and initiated - cancers are a diverse group of diseases sharing a common phenotype of uncontrolled growth. Research has shown that there exists marked heterogeneity amongst: the same type cancer arising from different populations of people, and in the same cancer arising in a single individual. Simply put, breast cancers seen in Indian women may differ from those seen in Nigerian ladies. Furthermore there may exist different cancers types in a single cancer in a single individual. This complex observation means that In the future cancers will be classified and defined based on its molecular profiles rather than anatomy. Treatment will thus be offered based on these molecular changes (the so-called “individualization of cancer therapy” or “personalized therapy” which has been recently publicized). The recent sequencing of the entire human genome means that this is achievable. The cost and or skills required for this process remains unknown but it will definitely be expensive and out of reach of developing countries like Nigeria.

Throat Cancer : in response to the Micheal Douglas statement

I decided to compile a few FAQs in response to the Micheal Douglas statement to possibly prevent a mass hysteria. I will try to be simplistic with my language, I said try oh if you still no get abeg no vex no be me create the terms na learn I just learn am.

What is Throat cancer?

Throat cancer or Head and Neck cancer (HNC) as it is commonly referred as is any cancer arising from the structures in the head and neck region. Mostly they arise from the coverings (epithelium) of the oral and respiratory tract. For those who were paying attention to primary school biology know that although then nose and mouth start separately they join briefly to form a common cavity the finally separate into two tubes leading the stomach and the chest (lungs) respectively. But if you still no remember or no go school no wahala I will list out the structures that can be affected. The nose, the back of the nose (nasopharynx), mouth, back of the mouth (oropharynx), the common passage (pharynx), and the voice box (larynx).

Wetin dey cause this throat cancer sef?

Letter to five Benin Doctors.

""Goodafternoon,

hope you ok...Dr (no names please), Although I'm soooo very disappointed in the medical system in nigeria..especially benin,I still think ur my friend and will be honest with you. I went from gyneacologist to gyno in edo state..some acted more knowledgable than the others. 

The Old doctors were the worst. Dismissing any suspicions I may have had. I bless God for giving me knowledge and heart of a curious woman-i would have ended like many women...still hoping. I'm glad I took my situation in my own hands.

The real deal with WEIGHT-LOSS ... Thank me Soon enough!!

http://drsweetness.com/

WHO issues guidance on emerging double threat of childhood obesity and undernutrition in low- and middle-income countries

On the 5th of JUNE 2013 | GENEVA/NEW YORK - Many low- and middle-income countries are neglecting overweight and obesity as major health threats, with policies in place to tackle undernutrition, but lack policies to halt the growing burden of diseases due to the rise of overweight, and obesity, according to new information released by WHO today.

More than 75% of overweight children live in developing countries with the prevalence in Africa almost doubling in the last 20 years. Obese children are more likely to be obese as adults, with an increased risk of diabetes and other diseases.

WHO's Essential Nutrition Actions

To help countries close these policy gaps, WHO has issued a consolidated package of 24 Essential Nutrition Actions, which outline the most effective ways countries can improve their peoples’ nutritional status by preventing both undernutrition and overweight. There are many factors during pregnancy and infancy that can affect an older child’s and an adult’s weight.

Typical behavioral patterns and problems (Babies, First year)

Initially, babies are totally dependent on you and rely on you to meet their every need. Your baby will be happiest if you respond sensitively and can calm him when he is upset. This includes making sure that he is comfortable, not only physically ( warm, clean, fed, and winded ) but also emotionally.

Babies need comfort, reassurance and emotional stability, especially when things don't feel right. You can provide this by cuddling your baby, speaking to him in a gentle voice or singing to him and distracting him from upsets by walking him around and showing him interesting surroundings. Babies need the right level of stimulation: not too much excitement, yet enough stimulation to enable them to learn, and you can work this out by observing, listening and taking your cues from your child.

Normal emotional development and behavior in Children.

It is helpful to have an idea of how your child's behavior may change as he or she develops, so that you can recognize what is normal and when you should be concerned.

Many types of normal behavior can be problematic, and your tolerance levels for these may vary more with your mood than with the child's behavior itself. A good understanding of normal difficult behavior can help you respond appropriately and more sensitively to your child at the time when he needs you most.

Children are not all the same. All children vary and develop in their own way. Your child may be difficult from his peers, but whether he is considered normal will depend on the expectations of those around him. A typical "geek" or "bookworm" may be bullied in a non-academic environment or highly valued in an intellectual one. A child who is more interested in football than work may be seen as a hero in a local community, even if he cant sit still in class, and yet would be deemed a failure in a strict academic school or family.

HOW I CAN HELP YOU : The ABC's Of STI Prevention

By Dr Sanmi Obajuluwa

Continuation.......

Before I mailed the finished version of this article to the editors, i ran it past a little "cohort" study of mine, just to get a feel of what the response would be. I was completely amazed by the feedback i got. The lack of awareness was staggering!

Initially it was a topic of jest, but as the discussion progressed it became apparent that not enough of the sexually active population or demographic are well informed about STIs. People tend to give funny faces and reactions when you try to talk about sex or STIs, maybe it is because they are uncomfortable, then again they could just be plain unhappy that they are being warned to keep away from their favourite past time. "Hence is ignorance bliss?"

"No!" Ignorance is not bliss, ignorance is living with that sore, itch, discharge, painful swelling or annoying smell that just wont go away. "Knowledge is freedom". Let us take a look at a few more bugs on our list ...

“HOW MAY I HELP YOU”

A Mini series. by Dr Sanmi Obajuluwa

“HOW MAY I HELP YOU”

When I first started writing this article all I could think about was a particular patient I had  once seen, while I was still a house officer (must have been during the numerous but annoying O.M.O calls). Though there is a lot of noise about patient confidentiality, but since this is in the spirit of “world peace”, a little divulging wouldn’t do any harm.

So this middle aged man comes into the consulting room, seeming apparently well on inspection except for the peculiar “confused look” he had on his face. I motion for him to sit and asked “how may I help you...?”

He replies “Doctor! I have this headache…, it’s always there, on the right side….. sometimes I don’t feel it, other times it comes to my eye.”

I asked if he noticed anything that made the headache worse or better and he just shook his head. I went on to ask about other possible related symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, stools, all of which were negative. I asked further questions, all to which he just responded “No!” He seemed almost at the brink of annoyance.

Finally I asked “how is your urination, any pain?” And all of a sudden he springs to life and goes “Ehen doctor! That’s my major problem”.

All I could do was to keep as straight a face as possible, but deep down, I was literarily “shaking my head and kissing my teeth”.

Finally, I was able to make headway, he later opened up about having numerous partners. He was treated for an STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) and asked to run some tests.

I am sure you are reading and wondering what the moral behind this story is, well simply put, if you have an “itch” just say say so, don’t tell the doctor your skin is red.

STIs are a common complaint in any OPD, patients would be surprised by the numbers. If you have sex, you may also have an STI, with subtle or noticeable STI symptoms. Straight or gay, married or single, you're vulnerable to STIs and STIsymptoms, whether you engage in oral, anal or vaginal sex.

 The disturbing part is not the rising number of STIs, but rather because people are un aware that they are carriers and infect their partners or give poor information leading to inadequate treatment and emergence of drug resistant bugs.

This write up aims to throw light on some of the more common STIs such as gonorrhea, syphilis, Chlamydia, genital warts, genital herpes, trichomoniasis and HIV.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is that STD that just won’t go away -- it remains the second most commonly reported infectious disease worldwide. Though, actual figures could be double because of poor medical records and reluctance of patients to come forward. Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection of the genital tract. First symptoms generally appear within two to 10 days after exposure. However, some people may be infected for months before signs or symptoms occur. Signs and symptoms of gonorrhea may include:

• Thick, cloudy or bloody discharge from the penis or vagina
• Pain or burning sensation when urinating
• Abnormal menstrual bleeding
• Painful, swollen testicles
• Painful bowel movements
• Anal itching

 Untreated, gonorrhea can lead to epididymitis, a painful condition of the testicles that can cause infertility. In women, gonorrhea is a major cause of pelvic inflammatory disease and, like chlamydia, can lead to infertility. Having a case of gonorrhea makes you three to five times more likely to acquire HIV if you’re exposed to the HIV virus.

Gonorrhea can be treated with antibiotics. But there has been a rise in drug-resistant strains. As a result, the treatment options are becoming more limited than in the past -- one more good reason to avoid this “bad guy”.

To be Cotinued.....

What to do in case of rape - From Project Alert

Welcome to Linda Ikeji's Blog: What to do in case of rape - From Project Alert: Recently, Project Alert, a non-governmental women's rights organization, has been getting calls from people all over Nigeria report...

The Mystery of a woman

Short Note.....

There have been controversy as to the different types of orgasms a woman can have, with a suggestion that orgasms achieved through vaginal penetration only are more matured than clitoral orgasms.

Surveys have revealed, however, that most women are unable to have an orgasms without some clitoral stimulation before or during intercourse. It now appears that the female orgasms originates from the clitoris whether it is directly stimulated (by stroking or kissing) or by indirect stimulation (by penile thrusting).

Compatibility

Many sexual problems arise because of a couples different rates and patterns of response, or ability to respond at all. If a man is unable to become aroused and erect, his partner feels sexually frustrated, unattractive and rejected. If a woman is sexually disinterested, she may avoid sex, or complain that it is painful because she is not sufficiently aroused. Her partner may be at a loss to excite her and feel like a failure.

THE PREGNANT VIRGIN

My school mother, Dr Omas who was doing her housemanship at the time had re-called a story to me, then in my fourth year, she had made clinical year absorbable and easy for me as she handed down her methods to me and believe me, they worked.

This particular story was one hell of a fascinator to me and i am almost convinced it will teach you something or more.

QUESTIONS

Hello People,

We all have questions at most intervals of our lives, things we find amusing, frightening, funny, confusing and so on.

In no particular order,
Feel free to answer any questions too.


1. Do you know what you want?

2. Why is it easier to make generous donations to get more recognition than help those who actually need REAL help?

3. Is it cheaper to buy buckets of champagne and Hennessy etc for people who would excrete it in 24hours than pay the school fees of your gateman's only child who sells corn or other things in traffic?

4. Why do we lie?

5. Why is it easier to buy expensive gifts for people who might not notice or appreciate it,  than pay your staff their hard earned salaries in good time or at all?

6. What makes you happy? do you know?

7. When you look in the mirror, who do you see? a monster or a saint or a mixture of both?

8. Why are the roads to our villages horrible yet the states get millions - billions?

9. Have you tried to reach out to people who need help around you?

10. Do you need help? Are you true to yourself?

11. When you show off, who do you think is more exposed to detriments?

12. Is it cheaper to buy 3 buckets of iced up champaign, Hennessy and Vodka things than fixing the road to your own house?

13. Is it also cheaper to run a generator for 7days straight than getting your area properly lined with Nepa or what do we call them these days? Did you know, not all Nigerians have experienced electricity?

14. Why is it easier to complain from your house like every other person when you can take 1 step at a time to make your own environment better?

15. When you sleep, what happens? do you know?

16. How grateful have you been for the privilege of seeing yet another day?

17. Do you enjoy complaining?

18. What can you do? What would you do? Go with the repetitive complains or fix your home for starters?

19. When you say you are a citizen and you see a helpless citizen, can you help a little? What makes you different from the people you castigate?

20. Do you waste food?

21. Will you exercise your civil rights to vote?

22. Do you classify yourself a honest Nigerian?

23. Can you start loving yourself enough?

24. Would you stand up for what you believe is right even if you feel like you are standing alone?

25. Attempt all questions? 100 Marks  lol

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

THE ROLE OF THE SOCIETY

Parents and families could reject a child. Fortunately, the society is not known to reject babies. In fact, when given a chance, a good society takes over the responsibility of taking good care of rejected and abandoned children. It therefore turns out that abandoned babies are part of the problems of the society. Thus it is the role of the society to reduce the occurrence of this malady, and seek for a good solution if it occurs.

The unit of any society is the family. It follows that the role of the family in the survival and rearing of children cannot be overemphasized. The care of the unwanted baby has much more to be resolved as they pose peculiar immediate and remote problems.

THE UNWANTED CHILD cont.....

If unwanted babies are sick, and they often do for deliberate lack of care, their ‘departure’' from the world is usually imminent. Some of those who defile the pang of early death usually run the risk of being deliberately injured (battered) in an attempt to make there death look accidental.

  A woman once brought her sick 2 weeks old baby to the hospital. The child allegedly fell down from the bed and sustained some injuries. On examination, the child was found to have disproportionate and unusual injuries, which are out of tune with injuries expected from such a fall.

  History latter revealed that the child was hardly attended to in the first week of life. He was abandoned for 3 days to the care of the husband who ensured his survival. Now there is this discovery of his unusual injury. This is just another case of ‘battered baby’s syndrome’. That is, the injuries were deliberately inflicted to create a suitable forum for a cause of the death of the child, being blamed on simple accident. Without a background history, the seemingly sympathetic outlook and pose of the mother would probably have been mistaken for a true concern for the health of the child.

  The unwanted child who escaped being aborted is prone to battering, mental and physical stress, and destruction.   

THE UNWANTED CHILD

Howdy people,

This piece was sent to me by Col. Dr  Adamolekun O.S.B, a consultant Orthopedic surgeon in Sudan. I learnt a lot from this piece and thought to share. (oh, by the way he's my dad)

THE UNWANTED CHILD

  The unwanted child is a child whose pregnancy, delivery or continued existence is not welcomed by one or both of the parents. Though the pregnancy may be planned, on many occasions it is by accident. This social category of children is in a class of its own, and so requires a more detailed attention. This is because unlike the accepted child, they lack parental love. The life history of the unwanted child is unfortunately usually turbulent, and on many occasions plagued with an unpleasant and sad outcome.

  

The rejection of an unwanted child is particularly grave if both parents and families are involved in the rejection. The effect is particularly profound on the baby because he is defenceless and cannot speak.

Adventures of Tintin

Howdy people,

This last week in the hospital has been quite an experience, it feels like the longest week ever. Presently running the GOPD (out-patient) clinic for the Family Medicine Department and its been a handful, brings us back to the whole " we need more doctors employed na" .

So, sometime last week my surgery SMO (senior medical officer) called me "adventures of tin tin " and smiled in some kind of ..... i cant place the smile. I just thought to myself " has he been smoking something" smiled back and moved on. To be continued...........

The HIV preventive drug.

New HIV preventive drug gets FDA approvalhttp://healthland.time.com/2012/07/17/truvada-5-things-to-know-about-the-first-drug-to-prevent-hiv/?iid=hl-main-lede

Unimaginable............ but true

People often wonder what goes through the minds of doctors,
most kids would rather cry in the arms of their mothers than let a doctor poke them with a tiny needle that can make them feel better. Irony

The thing is, that satisfaction most doctors feel when a patient comes into the A&E hanging on a thin thread of life and needs your help. You feel empathy, you feel responsible for that person's life irregardless of who this individual is and you start to do all you can and all you know best. Eventually, right before your eyes after close monitoring, the patient starts to breathe, he/she starts to feel better, you notice actual healing, God showed up and used your fragile hands..... priceless

OTUKPO . . . . . THE TEXAS TALE 2. . . . . .

QUICK MEDICAL CONSULT IN COLLABORATION WITH THE GLOBAL INITIATIVE FOR PEACE LOVE & CARE (GIPLC)ON BEHALF OF THE SENATE PRESIDENT, MOST DISTINGUISHED DAVID A.B. MARK GCON,ON A PUBLIC HEALTH CAMPAIGN TO DE-WORM CHILDREN OF PRIMARY SCHOOL AGE (FREE OF CHARGE) WITHIN BENUE SOUTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT. 21th-26^th July 2011.

OTUKPO..... THE TEXAS TALE....

QUICK MEDICAL CONSULT IN COLLABORATION WITH THE GLOBAL INITIATIVE FOR PEACE LOVE & CARE (GIPLC)ON BEHALF OF THE SENATE PRESIDENT, MOST DISTINGUISHED DAVID A.B. MARK GCON, EMBARKED ON A PUBLIC HEALTH CAMPAIGN TO DE-WORM CHILDREN OF PRIMARY SCHOOL AGE (FREE OF CHARGE) WITHIN BENUE SOUTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT.

INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Hello people, yesterday I wrote about non-infectious diseases and sicknesses that are easily confused. Today ill continue with the infectious diseases and sicknesses.

Bacteria and other organisms that harm the body cause infectious diseases. They are spread in many ways.

Here are some of the most important kinds of organisms that cause infections and examples of sicknesses they cause.

Bacteria, like many of the organisms that cause infection are so small and cannot be seen without a microscope and the viruses are even way smaller than the bacteria.

SICKNESSES THAT ARE OFTEN CONFUSED

WHAT CAUSES SICKNESS?

Good question, people from different countries or backgrounds hence the  different ways to explain what causes sickness.

A baby gets diarrhea. But why?
 People in small villages may say it is because the parents did something wrong, or perhaps because they made a god or spirit angry.

A Doctor may say it is because the child has an infection.

A public health officer may say it is because the villagers do not have a good water system or use latrines.

THE AGONIES OF TOOTHACHE

Have you ever had tooth ache? hmmmmmmn the thing is, if you have never experienced tooth ache before, it can never be explained to you. The same goes for those who have experienced labor pains before, it can never be explained to you. I wish i could describe this excruciating pain but........

This story started last year april when i was at the Obafemi Awolowo university Ile-ife for the Nigerian Medical council examination, i had just bought a chicken burger from Mr Biggs and headed back to my hotel room. It had been a long day and all i could think of was a warm bath and my chicken burger.

THE CARE OF A SICK PERSON WHEN THERE'S NO DOCTOR

                                           THE CARE OF A SICK PERSON

                                           WHEN THERE'S NO DOCTOR.

The care of a sick person is one of the easiest thing that can be done by anyone when or if the need be.

This topic is one of my favorites from a book called “where there is no doctor”.

Sickness weakens the body. To gain strength and get well quickly, special care is needed. The care a sick person receives is frequently the most important part of his treatment.

ARE YOU HYPERTENSIVE?

Hello people, its been a long while, forgive my laziness.

I do have a couple of things to discuss in the next few days, weeks, months and even years so i suggest you strap up your seat belts because we are going on this ride together.


Hypertension is a sensitive topic as it is one of the major killers of our time. Most people cringe at the topic and most just take it likely. In my humble opinion however, i suggest we take hypertension (AKA High blood pressure) very serious.