This World Sickle Cell Day (observed every year on June 19), aims to raise awareness of sickle cell disorders.

Sickle cell disease is an inherited group of disorders where the red blood cells become deformed, forming the typical sickle shape. This comes with its attendant acute and chronic complications affecting a good number of organs in the body.

Nigeria has one of the highest burden of the disease in the world. Increasing its awareness is crucial because it is one disease that can be prevented if the relevant screening (determination of genotype ) is done.

Intending couples who hope to have kids should make it a point of duty to check their genotype to prevent having offspring’s who would have to endure the pain and suffering that comes with this disease.

Candid Recommendations

• Adequate water intake ( 3 to 4 liters daily) for individuals who are already sufferers of the disease
• Avoid precipitants of sickle cell crisis i.e (extremes of weather or strenuous activities)
• Regular visit to the clinic to see an Haematologist is advised.
• Ensuring he/she takes the prescribed medications (as directed by a physician) religiously.

Today November 14th is WORLD DIABETES DAY with the theme – THE NURSE AND DIABETES. This is to raise awareness on the crucial role that nurses play in the prevention and management of diabetes. Presently, the International Diabetes Federation estimates that 1 out of every 10 persons is living with Diabetes and that every 8 seconds, someone dies from diabetes. With this alarming figures, it is recommended that we reduce our risk of diabetes, especially for Type 2 diabetes which is the most common type and yet largely preventable. We can reduce our risk of Type 2 diabetes by:

1. Healthy eating – Avoid sugar sweetened soft drinks/beverages, Avoid junk food and snacks, Avoid cholesterol -containing vegetable oil & saturated fats e.g margarine, eat more of vegetables & fruits, take enough water daily, limit alcohol intake.
2. Healthy Lifestyle – maintain ideal body weight, regular/daily exercises , avoid sedentary lifestyle.
3. Regular medical screening – blood glucose levels, blood pressure, lipid levels.
   For those already diagnosed, take medicines as prescribed, regularly monitor blood glucose levels, attend clinic visits regularly to prevent complications.

TOGETHER WE CAN DO IT.

Myth
Stroke is not treated in the hospital.

Reality
All stroke patients should be treated in the hospital and evaluated to find out why the stroke occurred and prevent a recurrence

Myth
A man can only suffer a stroke once in a lifetime.

Reality
Stroke can happen as many times as possible

Myth
Stroke patients should never be injected

Reality
Some of the first drugs used in the treatment of strokes are injected

Myth
The weak hand and leg of a stroke patient are where the problems are and where treatment should be applied

Reality
The brain is where stroke occurs. The weak hand and legs are the result of the damage done to the brain.

Myth
Stroke is caused by an evil arrow, there is nothing one can do to prevent it.

Reality
9 out of 10 persons who suffer a stroke had poorly controlled hypertension at one time or the other. The greatest risk factor for stroke is poorly controlled hypertension.

Myth
Stroke is a disease of old people

Reality
Stroke can occur in both the young and old. Anybody after age of 45 years is at risk of stroke, particularly if he/she has uncontrolled hypertension.