FIGHTING ASTHMA WITH EVERY BREATH

Asthma is a chronic disease of the air passages that lead to and from the lungs that makes breathing difficult. Usually there is an inflammation which results in a temporary narrowing of the passages that carry oxygen to the lungs. Asthma tends to run in families, suggesting one can inherit the component to the disease. You're more likely to have asthma if your parents have it.

According to WHO estimates, 300 million people suffer from asthma and it’s the most chronic disease among children. WHO also notes that asthma affects people in all countries around the world regardless of development although most deaths occur in lower income countries.

In Kenya, there are no public-sector supported asthma-care programmes designed to optimize care for patients with asthma which greatly compounds the diagnosis and treatment problem. Dr. Jeremiah Chakanya, the technical director of the Kenya Association for Prevention of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, says that the test (spirometric lung infection test) which rules out other respiratory illnesses with symptoms similar to asthma is available in public hospitals. However, due to lack of awareness and the public understanding the severity of asthma test is under-utilized. The price of the test ranges from free to a maximum of ksh.3000.

Symptoms vary from person to person and intensity, but generally includes coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure. Asthma sufferers often have recurrent attacks of breathlessness and wheezing. Symptoms may occur several times and one may become worse during physical activity. Cold air, tobacco smoke, pollen, emotional reactions such as stress, anger, fear and medications such as aspirin can aggravate symptoms of asthma.

There is no known cure of asthma but the best treatment is to control the disease by working closely with a physician, taking medications and avoiding triggers.

The aim of World Asthma Day is to raise awareness, care and support for those affected by asthma. Whilst the primary focus is supporting the person with asthma. Support may also extend to family, friends and caregivers.

                                                                                                                                  JEFFREY MAWILI

Limiting Alcohol To Manage High Blood Pressure

Can excess alcohol affect your blood pressure? Drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure. If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure (HBP or hypertension), your doctor may advise you to reduce the amount of alcohol you drink.

Preventing high blood pressure Limiting alcohol consumption can also help to prevent high blood pressure.

If you drink, limit your alcohol consumption to no more than two drinks per day for men and no more than one drink per day for women. A drink is one 12 oz. beer, 4 oz. of wine, 1.5 oz. of 80-proof spirits or 1 oz. of 100-proof spirits.

I’ve read that red wine is heart healthy — can I drink as much as I’d like?
Unfortunately, red wine as a miracle drink for heart heath is a myth. The linkage reported in many of these studies may be due to other lifestyle factors rather than alcohol. Like any other dietary or lifestyle choice, it’s a matter of moderation.

If you need help 
If cutting back on alcohol is hard for you to do on your own, ask your healthcare provider about getting help.

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Managing Weight To Control High Blood Pressure

Losing even a few pounds may make a difference

Maintaining a healthy weight provides many health benefits. If you are overweight, losing as little as five to 10 pounds may help lower your blood pressure.

A little weight loss can bring a lot of health gains.

Being overweight puts you at greater risk of developing health problems.

A few great reasons to manage your weight:

• Did you know you might experience health benefits from losing as few as 10 pounds? Even a small weight loss can help manage or prevent high blood pressure in many overweight people (those with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or greater)

• Weight loss reduces the strain on your heart.

• Being overweight puts extra strain on your heart, increasing the risk for developing high blood pressure and damage to your blood vessels that can lead to serious health threats.

If your doctor recommends that you lose weight, there’s a simple rule to follow: move more, eat less and make smarter food choices. Gradually increase your level of physical activity beyond lower the number of calories you take in and eat a healthy diet.

Increasing activity in order to lose weight you can then determine which dietary and fitness choices work best for maintaining your weight. 

                                                           

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Danger signs to look out for during Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a wonderful and happy time in any woman's life. To ensure your pregnancy is without any problems, be on the lookout for any of the following danger signs

 Vaginal Bleeding

Early in pregnancy, spotting can indicate an implantation bleed, but any bleeding in pregnancy should be investigated.   First trimester bleeds may indicate an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage. Later in your pregnancy bleeding can be due to miscarriage,  or abruption of the placenta. Infections may also cause bleeding. If you notice any bleeding then you should be examined by your doctor.

Headaches and or blurred vision

This can indicate pre-eclampsia.  Diagnosed usually after 20 weeks gestation, your doctor will be on the lookout for high blood pressure and protein in your urine (indicating kidney involvement).  If left untreated, pre-eclampsia can lead to a serious pregnancy complication called eclampsia which presents with very elevated blood pressure and seizures. This is very dangerous for mother and baby.

Little or no foetal movement

It is a well-known fact that babies do sleep while in uterus, but when your unborn baby suddenly move less or does not move at all, it should be reason for concern. It may indicate that your baby is in distress.  According to the American Congress of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians (ACOG) you should count how long it takes for your baby to do 10 kicks. This should be less than 2 hours. If you notice a dramatic decrease in the number of kicks, or it takes longer than two hours to perform 10 kicks, you should have your doctor examine you and your baby.

Sudden release of water from the vagina

Rupture of membranes before your due date is referred to as “premature rupture of membranes” and you should be examined by your doctor as this can indicate preterm labour and significantly increase the risk of getting an infection.  Occasionally urine leaking from your bladder can be confused with amnion fluid leaking out. Your doctor will do a test to determine the origin of the fluid.

Persistent lower back pain

Most women will relate to having lower back pain some stage during their pregnancy. When it becomes persistent, best to have your doctor examine you to exclude kidney or bladder infections. Preterm labour may also present with a persistent lower back pain.

Read more

:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK304178

What to do in an Asthma Attack

Sit Up-don’t lie down. Try to keep calm

Take One Puff of your reliever Inhaler every 30-60 seconds upto to a maximum of 10 puffs

If you feel worse at any point while you’re using your inhaler OR you don’t feel better after 10 puffs OR you’re worried at any time, Call 999 for an ambulance

If the ambulance is taking longer than 15 minutes you can repeat step 2

For More Info Watch This First Aid Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdVKpUR513M

TREASURED GOLF BALLS…

Testicular Cancer 

Every April, we remember the little nuts.
Those cushy little family jewels
Ladies, as the custodian of the family assets,
Check “em for lumps and ruts
Before disease deals its hand cruel
The little golf balls could become life threats


Cuddly, like the Easter Bunnies
Due attention they must receive
Roll em between thumb & fingers
Not too hard, treat them like buddies


Own them, feel them for change
There may be bumps on the nuts
Gently feel change in shape
Massage them, there’s no shortcut


Sizes differs, one may be bigger
But sharp pain is a red flag
Ask for blood it’s a sign of danger
Lookout for fluid in the bag
That is mighty risky trigger


If I may ask about prevention
To diet, we must pay attention
A small itch should be checked out
Let the doctor confirm the sprout

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By OBUYA ATIENO