MONKEYPOX ALERT

MONKEYPOX ALERT!!!!

Monkeypox is a rare viral zoonosis (a virus transmitted to humans from animals) with symptoms in humans similar to those observed in smallpox patients as observed in the past even though they are less severe than smallpox.

Due to the ongoing human monkeypox outbreaks, close contact with other patients is the most significant risk factor for monkeypox virus infection just as in the ebola case. The only way to reduce infection in people is by raising awareness of the risk factors and sensitisation of the populace while educating them on the measures to be  taken to avoid exposure to the virus as there is no known cure, previously the smallpox vaccination proved effective however smallpox vaccination has been stopped due to the eradication of smallpox sometime in 1980.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Wash hands regularly mostly when taking care of infected persons.

Gloves and protective wear should be worn when taking care of a monkeypox patient.

Avoid close contact with infected persons and probably animals.

Reduce the risk of animal-to-human transmission by consuming only well cooked meat.

Gloves and other appropriate protective clothing should be worn while handling sick animals and their infected tissues mostly during slaughtering procedures.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES IN HEALTH CARE SETTINGS

Health-care workers caring for patients with suspected and/or confirmed monkeypox virus infection, or those handling specimens from such medium should apply standard infection control precautions.

Samples taken from people and animals with suspected monkeypox virus infection should be handled by trained staff working in a  suitably equipped laboratory.

Healthcare workers and those treating or exposed to patients with monkeypox or their samples should be immunized against smallpox.

VIRTUAL CLINIC

Ruby Hall Clinic India, is launching its Virtual Clinic here in Nigeria (a video interactive platform) where all consultations can be done online without taking the trip to india until necessary. Ruby Hall clinic representatives will be on ground next week in Port Harcourt for a ground breaking introduction into this beautiful feat. For partnership and enquiries contact Emereole Onyedikachi Cyril
CEO
Cidomick integrated Services limited
08032765549

LIVING HEALTHY WITH FRUITS

🌕🍉🍍🍈🍇🍌🍐🍌🍑🍏🍆🍅🍎🍒🍓🌶🍋🍊
WHAT CAN THESE FRUITS DO FOR YOU

APPLE
•Protects your heartm
•prevents constipation
•Blocks diarrhea
•Improves lung capacity
 •Cushions joints

APRICOTS
•Combats cancer
•Controls blood pressure
•Saves your eyesight
•Shields against Alzheimer's
•Slows aging process

AVOCADOS
•Battles diabetes
•Lowers cholesterol
•Helps stops strokes
•Controls blood pressure
•Smoothes skin

BANANAS
•Protects your heart
•Quiets a cough
•Strengthens bones
•Controls blood pressure
•Blocks diarrhea

BEANS
•Prevents constipation
•Helps hemorrhoids
•Lowers cholesterol
•Combats cancer
•Stabilizes blood sugar

BEETS
•Controls blood pressure
•Combats cancer
•Strengthens bones
•Protects your heart
•Aids weight loss

BROCCOLI
•Strengthens bones
•Saves eyesight
•Combats cancer
•Protects your heart
•Controls blood pressure

CABBAGE
•Combats cancer
•Prevents constipation
•Promotes weight loss
•Protects your heart
•Helps hemorrhoids

CARROTS
•Saves eyesight
•Protects your heart
•Prevents constipation
•Combats cancer
•Promotes weight loss

CAULIFLOWER
•Protects against Prostate Cancer
•Combats Breast Cancer
•Strengthens bones
•Banishes bruises
•Guards against heart disease

CHERRIES
•Protects your heart
•Combats Cancer
•Ends insomnia
•Slows aging process
•Shields against

CHILI PEPPERS
•Aids digestion
•Soothes sore throat
•Clears sinuses
•Combats Cancer
•Boosts immune system

FIGS
•Promotes weight loss
•Helps stops strokes
•Lowers cholesterol
•Combats Cancer
•Controls blood pressure

FLAXSEED
•Aids digestion
•Battles diabetes
•Protects your heart
•Improves mental health
•Boosts immune system

GARLIC
•Lowers cholesterol
•Controls blood pressure
•Combats cancer
•kills bacteria
•Fights fungus

GRAPEFRUIT
•Protects against heart attacks
•Promotes Weight loss
•Helps stops strokes
•Combats Prostate Cancer
•Lowers cholesterol

GRAPES
•saves eyesight
•Conquers kidney stones
•Combats cancer
•Enhances blood flow
•Protects your heart

GREEN TEA
•Combats cancer
•Protects your heart
•Helps stops strokes
•Promotes Weight loss
•Kills bacteria

HONEY
•Heals wounds
•Aids digestion
•Guards against ulcers
•Increases energy
•Fights allergies

LEMONS & LIMES
•Combats cancer
•Protects your heart
•Controls blood pressure
•Smoothes skin
•Stops scurvy

MANGOES
•Combats cancer
•Boosts memory
•Regulates thyroid
•aids digestion
•Shields against Alzheimer's

MUSHROOMS
•Controls blood pressure
•Lowers cholesterol
•Kills bacteria
•Combats cancer
•Strengthens bones

OLIVE OIL
•Protects your heart
•Promotes Weight loss
•Combats cancer
•Battles diabetes
•Smoothes skin

ONIONS
•Reduce risk of heart attack
•Combats cancer
•Kills bacteria
•Lowers cholesterol
•Fights fungus

ORANGES
•Supports immune systems
•Combats cancer
•Protects your heart
•Straightens respiration
 
PINEAPPLES
•Strengthens bones
•Relieves colds
•Aids digestion
•Dissolves warts
•Blocks diarrhea

PRUNES
•Slows aging process
•prevents constipation
•boosts memory
•Lowers cholesterol
•Protects against heart disease

STRAWBERRIES
•Combats cancer
•Protects your heart
•boosts memory
•Calms stress
 

SWEET POTATOES
•Saves your eyesight
•Lifts mood
•Combats cancer
•Strengthens bones
 

TOMATOES
•Protects prostate
•Combats cancer
•Lowers cholesterol
•Protects your heart
 

WALNUT
•Lowers cholesterol
•Combats cancer
•boosts memory
•Lifts mood
•Protects against heart disease

WATER
•Quenches thirst
•Promotes Weight loss
•Combats cancer
•Conquers kidney stones
•Smoothes skin
 
WATERMELON
•Protects prostate
•Promotes Weight loss
•Lowers cholesterol
•Helps stops strokes
•Controls blood pressure
•Fights dehydration

THIS IS A PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Dear all,

The current Meningitis outbreak is ravaging unabated; it has killed alot of people under few weeks and a new mortality has been recorded in Cross river state. The current outbreak is caused by Type C strain, which is rare. Past vaccination against Meningitis will NOT guarantee protection against this strain as the vaccines commonly available in Nigeria are against the type B strain.

What do you know about MENINGITIS: its Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment?

WHAT IS MENINGITIS?

Meningitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord known as the meninges. This inflammation is usually caused by an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Meningitis is usually caused by bacteria or viruses. Symptoms can come on very quickly or gradually over a few days. It can kill within 24 hours so be very observant.

MAJOR SYMPTOMS

1. Headache

2. Fever

3. A very strong aversion for light. The person always looks away from bright light and prefers dark rooms.

4. Neck stiffness and pain that makes it difficult to touch your chin to your chest as such moving the neck causes severe pains.

5. Others include: Seizures, Sleepiness, and sluggishness, Nausea and vomiting, Decreased appetite, Confusion and disorientation (acting goofy), Skin rash, as well as Irritability.

NOTE:

Previous contact with someone who was diagnosed with meninigitis increases the chances of getting infected

Anybody who has most, or all of the above symptoms, and currently lives, or recently lived in the areas currently affected by meningitis, should be isolated until treatment is complete.

Especially as we approach festive period when most travel from different part of the country in particular from states in the Northern Nigeria and other African countries in the Meningitis Belt

Who is most at Risk?

People with low immunity e.g. people with HIV/AIDS, autoimmune disorders, chemotherapy etc

People sleeping in crowded spaces including children in boarding schools, prisons, etc

Pregnant women

Children under the age of 5years old and the elderly

How is Meningitis Spread?

Spread through close personal contact such as coughing, sneezing, and kissing

Contact with throat secretions from an infected person (for example, phlegm or saliva).

Sharing personal belongings.

Poor personal hygiene.

PREVENTION
It should be noted, that the most effective form of prevention is VACCINATION with the MENINGOCOCCAL Vaccine type C. Since this vaccine is currently lacking, Let's highlight other measures.

1. Avoid prolonged personal contact with people suspected, or confirmed to be infected as well as their body secretions..

2. Avoid sharing personal items with people suspected, or confirmed to be infected.

3. Get vaccinated if available; Vaccines which can help protect against Meningitis are: Haemophilus Influenzae type B (Hib) vaccine Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine Meningococcal vaccine

4. Get adequate rest

5. Avoid smoking

6. If you have been in contact with a sick person in an affected area, visit your doctor to give you preventive antibiotics to reduce chances of contacting the disease and also carry out further evaluations. These  preventive drugs include:

i.  RIFAMPICIN 600mg TWICE daily for two days.

The Tablet Rifampicin is mainly used for treating Tuberculosis, but is globally used for prophylaxis against Meningitis. Being a TB drug, it should be widely available in Nigeria.

While the government seeks to generate funds for the meningococcal vaccine, this measure can be lifesaving for contacts of those infected.

ii.  A single dose of 500mg CIPROFLOXACIN

iii.  A single administration of CEFTRIAXONE intramuscularly 125mg for children and 250mg for adults.

7. If you come down with any of the symptoms above, go to the hospital IMMEDIATELY and avoid people touching you unecessarily.

TREATMENT

Once meningitis is strongly suspected or confirmed, please DO NOT STAY AT HOME. Go to a hospital with facilities where you can get an IV line, isolation room, and the required antibiotics for treatment.
Once you have all or most of the above symptoms, you have no business being at home.

UNDERSTANDING IVF

WHAT IS IVF

IVF stands for In Vitro Fertilization which is the process of extracting eggs from the female, collecting sperm from the male and then  put together in a laboratory environment. As soon as fertilization occurs/an embryo is formed, they are placed into the uterus where implantation should occur most likely within 6-8 days.

The first step in IVF involves injecting hormones which aid in the production of multiple eggs each month instead of the usual. These eggs will then be tested to ascertain the readiness of egg retrieval.  

IVF may be a complex and expensive procedure but many couples use it as a mode of infertility treatment.

WHEN IS IVF USED

IVF is used in patients with;

1. Ovulation disorders, premature ovarian failure, uterine fibroids.
2. Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes.
3. Removed fallopian tubes.
4. Individuals with a genetic disorder.
5. Unexplained infertility issues.
6. Male factor infertility including decreased sperm count or sperm motility.

WHY IS IVF MISUNDERSTOOD

Some individuals do not understand the aims of an IVF and why is is a conception option, often times people say the child will be deformed, autistic or on a general abnormal. This is not so, IVF is a well structured procedure as explained already and does not affect the quality of the fetus or child to be conceived, however where there are underlying chromosomal problems with either the eggs or the sperm health problems could arise which are not factors brought about by the procedure because normally the quality of the egg and sperm are checked before the procedure takes place.

SIDE EFFECTS OF IVF

1. Mild cramping.
2. Constipation.
3. Mild bloating.
4. Breast Tenderness.
5. Passing a small amount of fluid which may be clear or blood-tinged after the procedure.

Any other side effects asides from the above mentioned should be communicated with the doctor immediately, side effects such as;

1. Mood swings.
2. Headaches.
3. Hot flashes.
4. Abdominal pain.
5. Abdominal bloating.
6. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) which is a very rare occurrence.

SUCCESS RATES OF IVF

The success rates of IVF depends on the fertility a number of factors which include maternal age, reproductive history, lifestyle factors and the cause of infertility.

However, older a woman gets the lesser her chances which doesn't mean they do not work, it only shows that the younger one is to do the procedure the better as the whole body system is still very much active and responsive.

Most couples are bothered over the quality of their eggs or sperm, however where one of the partners has either egg or sperm issues, an egg/sperm donor can donate inplace of the affected partner for the IVF procedure. And in cases where the woman is unable to keep or carry pregnancy to term by choice or by health/fertility issues, a method called SURROGACY can used (this will be treated in our next topic.)

RISKS INVOLVED IN THE IVF PROCEDURE.

1. Egg retrieval may carry risks of infection, damage to the bowel or bladder and bleeding.
2. There is a high chance of multiple births/pregnancy when fertility treatments are used.
3. The rate of miscarriage in IVF are similar to normal conception, maternal age does not affect its occurrence.
4. Nausea or vomiting.
5. Shortness of breath.
6. Decreased urinary frequency.
7. Faintness.
8. Ten-pound weight gain within three to five days.
9. Severe stomach pains and bloating.

If any of the aforementioned risks is experienced after the IVF procedure, do call your doctor right away for assistance and help.

Subscribe to this blog for more updates and health information, always feel free to comment and ask questions and our medical team from Ruby Hall Clinic India will always be happy to get back to you. Also feel free to mail us for personal and private discussions talkhealthwithamaron@gmail.com

Infertility and Treatment Options

Most couple with infertility issue find it difficult to fit into most settings of their life due to judgement by family, friends or the society. Infertility issues does not make one less of a person than the other. Sensitization programs should be carried out to further make everyone  understand that infertility issues does not make a fellow human less of a human, therefore respect and love should be accorded such people irrespective of whom or what the situation is. Some traditions label especially the woman a "witch" or "a man" due to her incapability, this that is totally wrong and unacceptable. Infertility should not be seen as a dreaded disease or a curse but as a challenge, and those having this challenge should be loved and encouraged.

WHAT REALLY IS INFERTILITY.
Infertility is when a couple can not conceive despite having regular unprotected sex. About 1 in 7 couples may have such problems and about 83% of couples will conceive naturally within a year. Most people with infertility issues find it rather difficult to describe or discuss the issue because they feel unwanted by their peers or family. This is due to the society we find ourselves in. The possibility of couples who have been trying to conceive for more than 3 years without success being able to conceive within the next year is 25% or maybe less and this percentage may keep reducing if medical help/advice is not sought for.

THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF INFERTILITY;

Primary infertility is where there has never been conception by the female in the past or ever before or a male has never impregnated a woman in the past or ever before.

Secondary infertility is when there has been one or more conceptions in the past however there is difficulty conceiving/impregnating again.

CAUSES OF INFERTILITY

There are different and many factors which affect fertility in both men and women, however not all probable causes have been identified.

In women the likely causes of infertility are;
A. Lack of ovulation.

B. Damaged/Blocked Fallopian tubes.

C. Endometriosis which is where tissue that behaves like the lining of the womb (the endometrium) is found outside the womb environment.

D. Birth defects.

E. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance which is mainly identified by growth of many small cysts on the ovaries. The cause of this has not been fully identified but early diagnosis and treatment can help control and prevent a long term problem.

In men, the likely causes of infertility is a poor semen quality.

In both men and women, the likely causes are;

1. Age: Fertility decreases as one gets older, this affects women more as their biggest decrease in fertility begins their mid 30's.

2. Weight: Being overweight or underweight reduces fertility.

3. STI / STD: Untreated or partially treated STI/STD also affects fertility, therefore it is always advised that proper medical treatments and checks be done to avoid such occurrence.

4. Antibody problems that harm sperm or eggs.

5. Environmental factors such as exposure to solvents, pesticides, metals, radiation, poisonous substances and gases, as this has been proven to affect fertility particularly in men due to job preferences.

6. Sperm inability to penetrate or survive in the cervical mucus and fertilize the female egg.

7. Excessive Alcohol.

8. Smoking.

9. Drug abuse/Self medication.

HOW CAN INFERTILITY BE TREATED.

Clinical treatments are the best options. Most people sort for herbal medicines and supplements for a cure to infertility, in as much as I can not say how effective herbal medicine could be, it is debatable as appropriate tests are not run prior to prescription/subscription to herbal remedy. However, medical treatment runs a procedure of pinpointing the main issue through a series of tests and diagnosis before recommending a treatment best suitable for the situation at hand. It is advised that clinical treatments should be the only option to subscribe to and self medication or herbal treatment should be avoided.

MODES OF TREATMENT.

1. Medications in the form of pills or injections as prescribed by a qualified medical practitioner.

2. Surgical procedures usually where there is a case of endometriosis, repair to the Fallopian tubes or removal of scarring within the womb or abdominal cavity.

3. Assisted conception usually when medical pills/injections or surgical procedure can not be used to correct or cure the problem, and an option for Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Surrogate are the best options for conception (Assisted Conception will be explained in the next Post).

The mode of treatment offered is dependent on the cause of the individual's infertility status.

Subscribe to this blog for more updates and health information, always feel free to comment and ask questions and our medical team from Ruby Hall Clinic India will always be happy to get back to you. Also feel free to mail us for personal and private discussions talkhealthwithamaron@gmail.com

Religion and Health

Today we will discuss a very controversial topic.

RELIGION AND HEALTH

Religion Has Affected Our Health Preferences And Choices in the different places we find ourselves both geographically and culturally.

Should religion make us prefer death and suffering instead of good health and happiness? I always ponder on this topic, why a certain sect would choose not to go to a hospital rather will consume bottles of oils and water for healing in the guise of a miracle.

Are medical treatments not miracles?
A successful brain surgery is a miracle, the fact that an intravenous drip is given to someone and they get stronger and healthier than the state you they were before is indeed a miracle.
Sometimes it makes one wonder, has religion done more harm than good in the understanding of health? Even the bible says that only the sick need a doctor, doesn't that prove that we need to enjoy good health by seeing a doctor when one is ill? The bible also says that "my people die of lack of knowledge", is that not also proof of how much God wants us to benefit from knowing things and being open to new knowledge? Everyone has a different religion in all parts of the world therefore beliefs differ, however a god who says u need not have good health or enjoy good health products could as well create sick creations right? If the god/gods people serve as they believe created them in good health, is that not a sign or a message that he/she wants the creation to be healthy? Who created the doctors, their brains and gives them successful procedures? For believers its a God right?

From a Christian Perspective
How can a pastor or a preacher who has never seen or met God make a congregation, i mean an educated congregation for that matter believe that by dying of illness and disease their God is happy and pleased, that is as good as having a weak car battery and refuse to be helped with a neighbours battery to jump start your car because that is not in the manual of the car by the manufacturer. A congregation not in an archaic village or a forest, a congregation with access to smartphones and internet, not a congregation founded in the year 10BC, a congregation that has seen good roads and electricity, it is quite baffling and unbelievable.
A patient I met in a certain clinic passed away early this year 2017 of kidney failure. Why? He had been diagnosed of kidney failure for over a year and has been on dialysis till a certain pastor walked into his life with a healing message that an anointed oil will heal him not a hospital or the dialysis session, he stopped his dialysis session and just a week after he had a total relapse, the patient had gotten all swollen because of his inability to pass out fluids in the process of urination which is a key reason for dialysis in kidney patients, before he could be rushed to the hospital by his family he gave up, what did the pastor say in return? "The patient has found his healing in heaven", really?
We will all die someday because death is a constant K in life, does that mean we should not take caution while crossing the roads? Should we tie ropes to our necks and hang from trees because death is inevitable? Should we use a wet body to touch open electrical wires? NO!!!
Religion should be a way of life, like a culture and so is healthy living. Healthy living is a way of life which should be  included as a belief or even termed a religion. Therefore it is okay to say I believe in Good Health.
It is a sorry situation when someone is deceived not because they do not know the truth but because they not to heed to the truth, everyone needs to enjoy good health irrespective of their beliefs and cultures, isn't that why people choose to believe in a religion? Make good health your religion and watch your life change for the better.

P.S
Feel free to comment and ask any health related questions, answers will be given from our professional doctors at Ruby Hall India.

Till next time have a nice and healthy day.

Exercise for a Healthy Living

If u want to live long, feel more energy or feel better, then exercise is the secret.
Everyone benefits from exercising despite the age or gender.

ALL ABOUT EXERCISE.
Exercise is needed to sustain health, exercising at least for 30 minutes each day is highly recommended to have a better heart rate, for healthier joints, cutting down on calories, for a sound mental health, reduction of the risks of illnesses such as diabetes, stroke, depression, hip fracture, osteoporosis and cancer.

Exercising can be simple walk outs, jogging, swimming, dancing, walking the stairs also does the magic, simple house chores as sweeping and mopping are all forms of exercises for a sound heart and mind. It must not necessarily be tedious as carrying weights and all. However going to a gym and having a gym instructor coach you is a great idea, as they already know what exercise patterns are suitable for your immediate need depending on what you want.

BENEFITS OF EXERCISES
1. It boosts energy.
2. Helps stress management.
3. Increases stamina.
4. Helps self esteem.
5. Enhances mood.
6. Prevents cognitive decline as in the case of Alzheimer's disease.
7. Controls weight.
8. Helps mental state.
9. Sharpens memory and boosts brain power.
10. Combats health condition and diseases.
11. Increases relaxation.
12. Enhances sexual health.
13. Aids addiction control.
14. Improves sleep.
15. Enhances social life.
16. Clearer skin.
17. Youthful rejuvenation.

P.S
Feel free to comment and ask any health related question and our Doctors from Ruby Hall Clinic India will be happy to advice.

Health and Lifestyle

WHAT IS HEALTH?

Health is the state of being totally free from illness or injury.

WHAT IS LIFESTYLE?

Lifestyle is a way, pattern or characteristic which a person or group of persons live. This maybe as a result of the economy, geographical location, political choices, sociocultural behaviours and or religion.

HEALTH IMPACT OF LIFESTYLE CHOICES.

Lifestyle is an important factor of health. According to WHO, about 60% of health challenges or issues are correlational to lifestyle choices. A healthy living is about making healthy lifestyle choices everyday which aid keep the body fit mentally, physically and spiritually. Choosing an unhealthy lifestyle impacts health negatively which may eventually lead to death thereby reducing longevity e.g Cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, obesity, cancers etc. The correlational effect lifestyle has on health should be greatly considered and widely taught. Lifestyle has affected health in many nations if not all and still does until its concepts are fully understood, the quality of life to be enjoyed by all humans will be marred such cases as malnutrition in war stricken areas, lung cancers caused by smoking and inhalation of polluted air, kidney and liver diseases caused by alcohol consumption, smoking, medication abuse and substance abuse, stress related diseases caused by psychological issues which can be induced from simple tasks such as driving in a traffic inherent city/town, increase in the spread of sexually transmitted diseases/infections from unprotected sex or sex choices.

BETTER LIFESTYLE CHOICES ADVICE.

Exercising at least 30 minutes per day.

Taking Enough sleep at a recommended 8 hours per day.

Drinking plenty water especially before and after taking alcohol.

Taking only doctor prescribed medications as prescribed by the doctor.

Avoiding addiction/substance abuse.

Avoiding excessive alcohol intake.

Always using a condom during sex especially if it is casual sex with an unknown partner or numerous partners.

Eating more fruits and vegetables.

Cutting down processed/canned foods.

Cutting down on sugars.

Avoid soda or caffeinated food/drinks.

Increase homemade foods.

Have a positive mental health.

Love yourself.

Remove negative people from your friendship circle.

Visit your doctor for a checkup at least annually.

P.S

Feel free to comment and ask health questions and we will get back to you from our professional doctors at Ruby Hall Clinic, India.

Coming soon

We will be live online on 9th Feb 2017. We have alot of topics that will interest you