Prosperity Life

Gut Health

Kelly — Tue, 27 Dec 2022 03:00:00 +0000

Gut Health

What does the gut consist of?

The gut refers to your gastrointestinal (GI) system, which consists of a long hollow winding tube that starts from your mouth and travels all the way through your digestive system. The health of this system generally depends on the types and levels of bacteria found in your digestive system. Maintaining a healthy gut may lead to many health benefits, including reduced inflammation and lower chance of obesity or cancer.

What are some of the most common gut issues?

A healthy gut means that there is more good bacteria than there is bad bacteria in your system. Bad bacteria, which can sometimes overtake the good, causes symptoms and illnesses such as:

Gastroesophegal Reflux Disease (GERD)

GERD occurs when stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach. While it’s common for people to experience acid reflux and heartburn once in a while, having these symptoms regularly could indicate that you are experiencing GERD.

Gallstones

Gallstones are hard, pebble-like pieces of material, usually made of cholesterol or bile, that form in your gallbladder. Medication can sometimes work to remove gallstones, but in extreme cases they have to be surgically removed.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel Syndrome is more common than most other gut health issues, affecting more than 15% of the worldwide population. What causes IBS isn’t known, but symptoms can vary widely, from having hard, dry stools one day to loose, watery stools another; bloating and gassiness, and severe stomach pain after meals.

Other inflammatory bowel diseases include ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease which affects the lining of the digestive system causing sores and ulcers.

It’s important to consult your doctor when you frequently experience irregular bowel movements, pain with diarrhea, or blood in your stool as these may indicate underlying gut health issues that need urgent attention.

Signs & Symptoms of Bad Gut Health

If you experience any discomfort in your abdominal area such as, frequent bowel discomfort, gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, or heartburn, these could be signs that your gut is having a hard time processing food and eliminating waste. If you constantly feel tired and fatigued this may indicate a possible imbalance in your gut.

How can I repair and maintain my gut health?

You may be able to help improve your gut health through various lifestyle and diet changes. If you’re considering maintaining or repairing your gut, you could try the following:

Eating healthy: Eating food rich in fibre, like wholegrains and certain fruits and vegetables, is beneficial for gut health. Avoid eating too much sugar and processed foods as these eliminate the good bacteria and may trigger symptoms of gut illnesses.
Exercise often: Consider walking and having regular massages as this helps promote an increase in diversity of healthy bacteria.
Consider a probiotic supplement to help support your GI system: Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for recommendations.
Limit your alcohol intake: Repeated alcohol intake is linked to gastritis that inflames the gut which can lead to heartburn, chronic discomfort, and bacterial infections.
Reduce stress levels: Research suggests anxiety and depression are affected by the gut and vice versa. Find ways to manage your mental health and get your body back in balance.

Neglecting your GI health could lead to the onset of a variety of acute and chronic medical problems. Most people don’t realise that the gut plays a huge role in the health and well-being of our bodies as it is a key player in the body’s immune system. Over 70% of your immune cells reside in the gut, which is why it is vital to keep it healthy and functioning at optimal level.

Universal Health Coverage Day

Kelly — Mon, 12 Dec 2022 03:00:00 +0000

Universal Health Coverage Day

A world with access to good quality healthcare coverage for everyone is one we all wish to live in, but for health systems to work, they must work for everyone, no matter who they are, where they live, or how much money they have. There are many barriers to accessing all-inclusive health care, and these barriers mostly affect the most vulnerable, along with women, children and adolescents.

In 2012, The United Nations called on all nations to sign a resolution that would ensure that all citizens are provided with affordable, quality healthcare. This date is celebrated on the 12th of December annually by the World Health Organisation and has become a global movement that has multi-stakeholders and advocates endorsing this day by raising their voices in support of universal health coverage for all.

The theme for this year’s UHC is “Build the world we want; A healthy future for all’. This theme not only encompasses nation building, but allows stories to be shared of the millions of people who do not have access to global healthcare around the world. For a systematic health for all campaign to have success, it needs the unity of leaders and advocacy groups to give a voice to the many stories of people who still struggle to get quality healthcare. As such, the call of this campaign also focuses on leaders who have the power, encouraging them to make smarter investments in healthcare.

Namibia has a much better healthcare infrastructure when compared to other countries in Africa. The level of care found in the private medical sector is of superior quality as there is a better healthcare infrastructure with significant facilities and services available in Windhoek. The Ministry of Health has stated its intention to maximise investment options to start providing affordable health services in the country under the Universal Healthcare (UHC) plan in the upcoming years.

Why is quality healthcare coverage important?

Health coverage is very important for individuals and families. According to a report on the importance of healthcare, studies have shown that coverage improves access to care and contributes to lower death rates; supports positive health outcomes and helps to improve productivity; boosts an individual’s sense of their own health and well-being; beneficiaries get incentives for the appropriate use of health care resources; and reduces financial strain on individuals, families and communities by reducing out-of-pocket spending in case of emergencies and sudden accidents.

Why should Prosperity Health be your first healthcare cover choice?

With extensive experience in the medical aid field for over 25 years, Prosperity Health prides itself on being one of the best medical aids in Namibia. With its prime focus being on the Namibian population at large, it is not only empathetic to the healthcare values of Namibians but it ensures that their emotional, social, and physical wellbeing are catered for with the utmost passion.

As a premier group of companies it has various subsidiaries that specialise in healthcare management such as:

RMA which is an open, private medical aid for all Namibians which prides itself in its accessibility and affordability. Whether you are starting out a career, or have established yourself as a professional and have a family, RMA has the best cover options that can cater to you through all phases of your life. RMA is committed to putting your health first.

GEMHEALTH Medical Scheme and Napotel Medical Aid Fund are closed medical covers that offer comprehensive healthcare cover for employees and stakeholders of various companies in Namibia.

Be part of this year’s Universal Health Coverage by choosing medical care cover that will suit you and your family’s lifestyle and budget needs. There are many options to choose from in Prosperity’s healthcare medical aid funds. By choosing healthcare cover you are not only giving yourself peace of mind in case of emergencies like car accidents or hospitalisation, but you also ensure that your family’s basic health needs are catered for every day.

Ear Health

Kelly — Thu, 24 Nov 2022 05:24:00 +0000

Ear Health

Your ears have two main functions, hearing and balance, and they need to be taken care of just like our eyes, nose and teeth. The ears’ functions depend on specialised receptors called hair cells that are found in our inner ear.

The ear consists mainly of three parts:

The outer ear, which provides protection and channels sound;
The middle ear, which transfers sound vibrations from the eardrum to
the inner ear;
The inner ear (also referred to as the labyrinth because of its complex shape), operates the body’s sense of balance and contains
the hearing organ.

When your hearing is working normally, information is being passed through each section of the ear to your brain. Your brain receives these messages and you will naturally respond. It is important to be aware of how your hearing works so that you can identify situations where you have difficulty hearing.

One of the most common problems that cause people to seek out specialist help is hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss usually occurs from issues involving the eardrum, where problems occur in conducting soundwaves from a buildup of material, such as fluid or ear wax, in the ear. The other type of hearing loss is referred to as sensorineural, which is related to problems with the inner ear due to nerve damage from too much exposure to loud noise, or it may be related to aging. Hearing loss can also be genetic with or without a family history of hearing loss Hearing may even need to be assisted with hearing aids.

The most common ear problem however is ear infections. These are infections in the air-filled space in the middle ear often caused from having a cold, flu or an allergy. Ear infections can either be acute (happen only for a short time) or chronic (either don’t clear up or recur many times). Chronic infections could eventually lead to damage to the middle and inner ear. Children are more likely than adults to get ear infections. The body’s immune system can fight off the infection or it can be treated by taking antibiotics prescribed by the doctor. Signs and symptoms of an ear infection can indicate several conditions. It’s important to get an accurate diagnosis and quick treatment.

Common symptoms of ear infection include:

Mild pain or discomfort inside your ear
A persistent feeling of pressure inside your ear
Pus-like ear drainage
Hearing loss

Other common ear problems include tinnitus (a roaring in the ears) and Meniere’s disease, that may be a result of fluid problems in your inner ear, the symptoms of which include tinnitus and dizziness.

It’s always important to have regular check-ups of all your organs, and in the case of ear treatments a visit to an ENT ( Ear, Nose and Throat ) specialist will help in identifying problems relating to your ear. The doctor will also be able to check for more serious issues, such as tumors, that could be affecting your sense of balance and recommend hearing aids if your hearing is damaged and needs support. Despite the many common problems that occur in ears, there Are several things you can do to make sure they stay healthy. This includes protecting them from injury, keeping the outsides clean, limiting the amount of loud noise exposure and paying attention to how well you’re hearing. Avoid putting objects inside your ears – including earbuds! If you come across any queries or questions relating to the health of your ears it’s best to set up an appointment with your doctor.

International Stress Awareness Day

Kelly — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 05:00:00 +0000

International Stress Awareness Day

International Stress Awareness Week is a major annual event focusing on stress management and campaigning against the stigma associated with stress and mental health issues. It was established in 2018 to raise awareness about stress prevention. The highlight of the week is Stress Awareness Day, established over 24 years ago in 1998.

One of the most important aspects of human connectivity is our ability to rally together and fight health conditions that affect us. Creating awareness for important days like International Stress Awareness Day helps us come together in fundraising efforts to not only create awareness but also offer support. This year’s theme is “Working Together to Build Resilience and Build Strength” and is aimed at raising the profile of stress awareness, expanding publicity on what stress is and how to prevent it, as well as promoting the importance of mental well-being for individuals.

Stress is a natural (hormonal) response from the body in the face of danger. When you are stressed, the body assumes you are under attack and releases a mix of chemical substances and hormones that prepare the body for physical action usually referred to as “fight or flight”. When this happens your blood flow is directed only to the most important muscles, your blood pressure rises, you experience a sudden boost of energy, and unnecessary bodily functions such as digestion are temporarily shut down. These physical changes can be short-term and are unlikely to cause any major health concerns.

Acute short-term stress has symptoms that disappear quickly under stress management or once the danger has passed. However, you are at risk for numerous health effects once you start developing stress symptoms over a long-period of time. Experiencing stress over a couple of days, weeks or months can extend to your body and your mind, as well as affect your emotional well-being. Stress may even lead to an inflammatory response in the body, which has been associated with numerous chronic health issues.

It is important to manage your stress levels before they develop into more serious health concerns. Stress cannot be avoided altogether, but you can manage it by changing your attitude towards it and identifying the root cause. Knowing your stress triggers helps you manage them better in the future. Significant life events like buying a house, having a baby or even getting married could be causes for stress, but other factors like work, financial problems, relationship difficulties and health issues could be the root cause for your stress.

You can effectively manage stress by performing diaphragmatic breathing, getting regular exercise, eating an Omega-3-rich diet, meditation, going on regular holidays, and having a healthy attitude. This could include offering to help others and keeping yourself motivated.
When you are feeling stressed it’s important to reach out for help by asking for support. You can talk to a person you trust about your concerns and how you’re feeling to help you cope through your stressful period. Should you feel too overwhelmed you can also consult your doctor who can refer you to a professional counsellor or psychologist.

When dealing with stress it is easy to abuse substances to make you feel better, it is best to avoid drugs and alcohol as they can create additional
problems and increase the stress you’re already feeling. Creating awareness for days like International Stress Awareness Day helps us rally together in support of one another. The recent pandemic has caused an increase in mental health issues, particularly loneliness and grief, but stress awareness does not mean one should wallow in these negative feelings. Being aware of your stress allows you to be alert of the health consequences and helps you make better choices for yourself and your loved ones.

World Mental Health Day

lashca — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 21:17:00 +0000

World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day is commemorated every year on 10 October with the overall aim of raising public awareness to make issues related to mental health a global priority. This year, the theme is “Back to Basics”, which aims to bring awareness to the various types of mental health illnesses people experience.

ast two years of living in a pandemic has made many people realise that stress, isolation and uncertainty have taken a toll on their well-being. Since the start of the pandemic more and more people have started talking about their mental health. Good mental health is experienced differently by different people as it is complex and is not just the result of an absence of mental disorders.

Mental health plays a very significant role in your well-being. When you are mentally healthy you’re able to enjoy your life and the people in it, you feel good about yourself, you keep up good relationships and can deal with stress. According to Mental Health societies, it’s very normal for your health to shift over time as you face various difficulties in your life. Creating positive habits is a great way to support your mental health and help you weather the hard times.

To help you keep on track, we’ve listed some pointers to help you identify signs of a healthy mind and ways to offer support to someone who faces symptoms of a mental health condition.

Signs your mental health is in good shape are:

You are optimistic.
You can set goals and achieve them.
You feel good about yourself.
You have good self-esteem.
You are confident when faced with new situations or people.
You do not always blame yourself.

Ways you can improve your mental health:

Stay positive. In the midst of a stressful situation try to remain calm and positive.
Practice gratitude. Keep a gratitude journal and jot down all the things you are grateful for each day.
Take care of your physical health. Good physical health is connected to good mental health: a healthy body makes for a healthy mind.
Connecting with others. Making meaningful connections with people who are positive and supportive improves your outlook on life.
Develop a sense of meaning and purpose in life. Wake up hopeful and go to bed grateful.

On the other hand, people who are in good mental health can often overlook or minimise the struggles of others. It’s important to keep in mind that mental health is like any other health issue – just because you don’t have the flu, doesn’t mean that someone suffering through it is not having a hard time.

Many people struggling with mental illnesses feel withdrawn and embarrassed about their mental health condition due to the stigma surrounding mental health. The truth is that, because mental illnesses are brain-focused conditions that affect our thinking and emotions it is very common to experience some form of mental health problem in our lives. It is far from uncommon.

To help support someone who may be struggling with their mental health, start by avoiding these or similar phrases:

“Snap out of it.”
“It’s all in your head.”
“But you have such a great life, you always seem so happy.”
“Everyone’s a little down/moody/OCD sometimes – it’s normal.”
“This too shall pass.”
“Come on! Things could be worse.”
“Have you tried chamomile tea?”

It is important to pay attention to sudden changes in thoughts and behaviours in your loved ones. Try to identify repeated cycles of confused thinking, prolonged depression, social withdrawal and excessive substance abuse and offer your support by creating a safe environment for them to talk about their feelings. Encourage them to get professional help should it be necessary, and make suggestions for good psychologists or therapists you might know of. Be cautious not to judge and instead offer your support by making recommendations to lifestyle changes and by being a positive anchor, extend this care to loved ones, colleagues and even strangers.

But don’t forget, your own mental health is your top priority. While you can help your friends and family, it’s important not to give so much of yourself that your own mental health is affected. Rest, look after yourself, ask for help if you need it. By following these guidelines, you can build a happy and safe environment for yourself and your family.

World Alzheimer’s Day

lashca — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 05:45:00 +0000

World Alzheimer’s Day

Wednesday 21 September is World Alzheimer’s Day. The day is observed to reignite awareness of the debilitating disease, its sufferers, the families of those affected, and hopes for cures or treatment. It’s also put in place to debunk myths and strive to resolve stigma. Purple is the official color of the Alzheimer’s movement.

What is Alzheimer's disease?

Named after Alois Alzheimer, it was first described in 1906 after he encountered a patient that had started to exhibit irrational behaviour and memory loss. Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disease that usually starts slowly and progressively worsens. It is the cause of 60–70% of cases of dementia. The most common early symptom is difficulty in remembering recent events.

Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s

Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia. Alzheimer’s is a specific disease. Dementia is not.

Other causes of dementia include:

Vascular dementia
Parkinson’s disease
Dementia with Lewy bodies
Frontotemporal dementia
Severe head injury dementia

Other symptoms of Alzheimer’s

As the disease progresses, other symptoms will appear and can include:

Problems with language
Disorientation (including easily getting lost)
Mood swings
Loss of motivation
Self-neglect
Behavioral issues

As the disease worsens, the sufferer often withdraws from family and society. Bodily functions are gradually lost, which ultimately leads to death. The life expectancy following diagnosis is three to nine years. However, the speed of progression varies from person to person.

Common behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer’s

These include sleeplessness, wandering, agitation, anxiety, aggression, restlessness, and depression. Scientists are learning why these symptoms occur and are studying new treatments — drug and nondrug — to manage them. Research has shown that treating behavioral symptoms can make people with Alzheimer’s more comfortable and makes things easier for caregivers.

Side effects of Alzheimer’s disease medications

Patients are usually started on a relatively low dose of a medication and then monitored to see how well they cope with it. The strength is then later increased.

Side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, allergic reactions, and loss of appetite. You must be aware of the usual symptoms so you can report anything unusual to the health care provider immediately.

Where you can seek help/get support

World Suicide Prevention Day

lashca — Sat, 10 Sep 2022 06:28:00 +0000

World Suicide Prevention Day

The purpose of World Suicide Prevention Day

Suicide can affect every one of us. Each suicide is devastating and a tragedy. It has a profound effect on those around the victim. By raising awareness, reducing stigma and encouraging well-informed action we can reduce the prevalence of suicde globally. World Suicide Prevention Day seeks to educate and give hope. The theme this year is “Creating Hope Through Action” and furthermore the Internations Association for Suicide Prevention says:

By encouraging understanding, reaching in and sharing experiences, we want to give people the confidence to take action. To prevent suicide requires us to become a beacon of light to those in pain.

Suicide statistics and facts (IASP, 2022)

An estimated 703 000 people die by suicide worldwide each year.
Over one in every 100 deaths (1.3%) in 2019 were the result of suicide.
The global suicide rate is over twice as high among men than women.
Over half (58%) of all deaths by suicide occur before the age of 50 years old.
A previous suicide attempt is the strongest risk factor for death by suicide.
Globally, suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in 15-29-year-olds.
Suicide occurs across all regions in the world, however, over three quarters (77%) of global suicides in 2019 occurred in low- and middle-income countries.
Approximately one fifth (20%) of all suicides are the result of pesticide ingestion, particularly in rural agriculture settings. Hanging and firearms are also common methods of suicide.
While the global rate of suicide is showing signs of a decline, this is not the case in all countries and may be indicative of greater surveillance or access to data.
Experiences of conflict, disaster, violence, abuse, or loss and a sense of isolation are risk factors associated with suicidal behaviour.
Suicide rates are high within vulnerable groups who are subjected to discrimination including refugees, migrants, prisoners, indigenous people, and individuals from the LGBTI+ community.
An individual suffering with depression is twenty times more likely to die by suicide than someone without the disorder.
Suicide remains illegal in over 20 countries, while people who engage in suicidal behaviour may be punished in some countries that follow Sharia law, involving legal penalties that range from a small fine or short prison sentence to life imprisonment.

When you should be concerned (WebMD, 2022)

There are certain signs that can help the possible victim be identified before they do something to themselves:

Severe sadness or moodiness.
Hopelessness.
Sleep problems.
Sudden calmness.
Withdrawal.
Changes in personality or appearance.
Dangerous or self-harmful behavior
Recent trauma or life crisis.
Making preparations.
Threatening or talking about suicide.

Who is most at risk? (WebMD, 2022)

Older people who have lost a spouse through death or divorce
People who have attempted suicide in the past
People with a family history of suicide
People with a friend or co-worker who have killed themselves
People with a history of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
People who are unmarried, unskilled, or unemployed
People with long-term pain or a disabling or terminal illness
People who are prone to violent or impulsive behavior
People who have recently been released from a psychiatric hospitalization (This often is a very frightening period of transition.)
People in certain professions, such as police officers and health care providers who work with terminally ill patients
People with substance abuse problems

Where you can get help

There are many resources online and in-person that you can consult. If you are suicidal – tell someone!

CALM
Choma
Call the police
Take the person to the nearest hospital – never leave them alone.
Contact the following helplines available in Namibia:
Lifeline/Childline Namibia (Toll free for youth): 116
Lifeline/Childline Namibia (SMS Line for adults): 0811400222

You can call the Social Workers at Ministry of Health and Social Services (MOHSS) if you need to talk to someone that will understand. At Regional Level:

Zambezi Region: 066-251400
Hardap Region: 063-245521
Erongo Region: 064-4106070
Karas Region: 063-2209068
Kavango Region: 066-265544
Rundu Hospital: 066-265575
Khomas Region: 061-2033320
Katutura Hospital: 061-2034105
Kunene Region: 065-272800
Ohangwena Region: 065-263023/5
Omaheke Region: 062-577000
Omusati Region: 065-251824
Otjozondjupa Region: 067-224050
Oshana Region: 065-221391
Oshikoto Region: 067-224050

You can also contact the Employee Assistance Programme Coordinator: D/COMM Platt A.E at 0811679770 or 061-2846903.

Eye Health

lashca — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 06:50:00 +0000

Eye Health

It is very important to look after you eyes– 80% of what we perceive comes through our sense of sight. Some diseases may cause you to lose your sight and therefore it’s very important to keep on top of your eyes’ health.

What does 20/20 vision mean?

If you can see an object that is 20 feet away clearly you have 20/20 vision. The term refers to average, normal vision. If your vision doesn’t measure 20/20, you may need to wear contact lenses or glasses to see clearly.

How can I look after my eyes?

There are many things you can do to look after your eyes. Keeping your general health up is the most basic way of looking after your eyes. A healthy body helps you to maintain healthy eyes.

Here is a list of things you can do to stay healthy. As you will see it is important for all your systems to work well for your eyes to do so.

Eat a healthy, balanced diet. A diet that includes fruits and vegetables, especially deep yellow and green leafy vegetables. Add fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna, and halibut.
Wear sunglasses. Your eyes may be damaged by exposure to the sun and raise your risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Wear sunglasses with 99 to 100% blocking of both UV-A and UV-B radiation.
Maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight puts you at greater risk of developing diabetes. Having diabetes puts you at higher risk of getting diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma.
Get regular exercise. Certain diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol may be prevented by exercise. These diseases can lead to some eye or vision problems.
Know your other risk factors. You should know your risk factors, especially as you age as you develop a higher risk of getting certain diseases.
Wear protective eye wear. It almost goes without saying that certain sports and jobs require you to wear protective eyewear. This applies to DIY too!
Avoid smoking. Smoking increases the risk of developing age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts and can damage the optic nerve.
Give your eyes a rest. Believe it or not you can forget to blink! If you spend a lot of time staring at a screen your eyes can get tired. To reduce eyestrain, try the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look away about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds.
Know your family medical history. Some eye diseases such as (macular degeneration) are inherited, fiding out whether anyone in your family has it helps to determine if you are at risk and will help with diagnoses.
If you wear contacts, take steps to prevent eye infections. Follow the instruction on how to clean your lense and when you should get them replaced. Always remember to wash your hands well before you put in or take out your contact lenses.

Common Eye Disorders and Diseases

Myopia — Short-sightedness

Hyperopia — Long-sightedness.

Astigmatism — A defect in the eye or in a lens caused by a deviation from spherical curvature, which results in distorted images, as light rays are prevented from meeting at a common focus.

Presbyopia — Long-sightedness caused by loss of elasticity of the lens of the eye, occurring typically in middle and old age.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration — A degenerative condition affecting the central part of the retina (the macula) and resulting in distortion or loss of central vision. It occurs especially in older adults, in which case it is called age-related macular degeneration.

Cataracts — A medical condition in which the lens of the eye becomes progressively opaque, resulting in blurred vision.

Diabetic Retinopathy — Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes, caused by high blood sugar levels damaging the back of the eye (retina). It can cause blindness if left undiagnosed and untreated. However, it usually takes several years for diabetic retinopathy to reach a stage where it could threaten your sight.

Glaucoma — A condition of increased pressure within the eyeball, causing gradual loss of sight.

World Breastfeeding Day

lashca — Tue, 02 Aug 2022 07:38:00 +0000

World Breastfeeding Day

World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated in the first week of August to mark the anniversary of the Innocenti Declaration. However, some countries choose to celebrate it at different times of the year. This year there will be a focus on strengthening the capacity of actors that have to protect, promote and support breastfeeding across different levels of society. These actors make up the warm chain of support for breastfeeding. There are specific target audiences, these include: governments, health systems, workplaces and communities. They will be informed, educated and empowered to strengthen their capacity to provide and sustain breastfeeding-friendly environments for families in the post-pandemic world. Visit breastfeedingpartners.org for details on themes and how to get involved!

Benefits of breastfeeding for mothers & babies

Breastfeeding is when you feed your baby breast milk, usually directly from your breast. It’s also called nursing. However, mum can also “express” the milk into a bottle if the baby has trouble latching on or if she has to work.

Many medical experts, recommend breastfeeding exclusively (no formula, juice, or water) for 6 months. Even after introduction of other foods it is recommended that mum breastfeed for the whole first year of baby’s life.

Benefits for baby:

Provides ideal nutrition – has a nearly perfect mix of vitamins, proteins and fat.
Is easier to digest than formula.
Contains antibodies that help fight off bacteria and viruses.
Lowers risk of having asthma or allergies
Fewer infections, respiratory illnesses and diarrhea.
The closeness (skin to skin contact and eye contact) also helps mum and baby bond and helps baby feels secure.
According to the AAP it also plays a role in preventing SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).
It’s been thought to lower the risk of diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers as well, but more research is needed.

Benefits for mum:

Promotes weight loss after birth – burning about 50 extra calories per day to build and maintain a milk supply.
Helps stimulate the uterus to contract and return to normal size.
Less postpartum bleeding
Fewer urinary tract infections, less chance of anemia, and postpartum depression.
Breastfeeding produces the naturally soothing hormones oxytocin and prolactin that promote stress reduction and positive feelings in the nursing mother.
Increased calmness. Breastfed babies cry less overall, and have fewer incidences of childhood illness. Breastfeeding can support the wellness of body, mind, and spirit for the whole family.
Breastfeeding makes travel easier. Breast milk is always clean and the right temperature.
Breastfeeding mothers learn to read their infant’s cues and babies learn to trust caregivers. This helps shape the infant’s early behavior.

Breastfeeding and COVID-19

“Breastmilk provides all the energy and nutrients that the infant needs for the first months of life, and it continues to provide up to half or more of a child’s nutritional needs during the second half of the first year, and up to one third during the second year of life” – WHO.

The WHO recommends that breastfeeding should continue or be initiated whether the mother or child have suspected or confirmed COVID-19 or not. The benefits of breastfeeding substantially outweigh the potential risks for transmission. Mother and infant should remain together and still practice skin-to-skin contact (including kangaroo care). This is especially important immediately after birth and during the establishment of breastfeeding.

What are the risks of breastfeeding?

associated with breastfeeding. For example, certain foods (caffeine, alcohol) and medications can make their way to the milk and harm the infant:

Amiodarone	May affect thyroid function of the infant
Antineoplastics	Leukopenia, bone marrow suppression
Gold salts	Rash, nephritis, haematological abnormalities
Iodine	High doses lead to a risk of infant hypothyroidism
Lithium	Breastfeeding is only feasible with rigorous monitoring
Retinoids (oral)	Potential for serious adverse effects

There is also the issue of being HIV positive. An HIV positive mother may pass on the virus to the child through breastmilk. Although, the risk is much reduced if the mother is put on a regime of ARVs. If you are HIV positive and pregnant or have an infant, you must immediately speak to your health care provider.

World Hepatitis Day

lashca — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 08:06:00 +0000

World Hepatitis Day

The liver is responsible for processing nutrients, filtering the blood, and fighting infections. When the liver is damaged (or inflamed) these functions are impaired. This can happen due to several reasons. A big one is alcohol misuse, of course, but other factors can weigh in: toxins, some medications and certain medical conditions. However, it is often caused by a virus such as the hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C viruses.

“Hepatitis” simply means inflammation of the liver. An inflamed liver has become enlarged past the size of a normal organ of its type. It is typically a sign of a more serious health condition. Illnesses or diseases that lead to an inflamed liver could also produce other symptoms.

Signs of liver inflammation:

Feelings of fatigue
Jaundice (a condition that causes your skin and the whites of your eyes to turn yellow)
Feeling full quickly after a meal
Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal pain

However, when referring to “hepatitis” one immediately thinks of the viral hepatitis variants and that is also what World Hepatitis Day focusses on. There are five main hepatitis viruses, referred to as types A, B, C, D and E. We’ll discuss A, B and C – the most common three.

Hepatitis A

Symptoms:
- Fatigue.
- Sudden nausea and vomiting.
- Abdominal pain or discomfort, especially on the upper right side beneath your lower ribs (by your liver)
- Clay-coloured bowel movements.
- Loss of appetite.
- Low-grade fever.
- Dark urine.
- Joint pain.

Treatment:

There is no specific treatment of hepatitis A. It is usually a self-limiting condition. This means that it normally gets better without any treatment. Any treatment given is usually aimed at easing the symptoms of the illness.

Hepatitis B

Symptoms:

Diarrhoea
Bowel movements may become pale
Urine may turn dark
Jaundice

Treatment:

People with the acute phase of hepatitis B, do not require treatment. For the majority of people, the symptoms resolve and the person can ‘clear’ the infection, usually within six months, meaning they are no longer infectious; their blood will always show the hepatitis B antibodies but they should never be infected again (they are considered ‘immune’).

Long term infection is chronic hepatitis B which often requires treatment to stop or reduce the activity of the virus from damaging the liver, by limiting the replication (reproduction) of the virus. This all depends on your “viral load.”

Hepatitis C

Symptoms:

Hepatitis C infection can go through two stages: acute and chronic. In the ‘acute’ stage, symptoms can include:

Flu-like symptoms, fatigue, high temperature and aches and pains
Loss of appetite
Abdominal pain
Yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice).

In most cases an acute infection will develop into long-term ‘chronic’ infection. Symptoms vary but some of the most common include:

Problems with short-term memory, concentration and completing complex mental tasks (‘brain fog’)
Depression or anxiety
Mood swings
Constantly fatigue
Nausea, vomiting or tummy pain
Dark urine
Pale faeces
Jaundice
Itchy skin
Feeling bloated
Joint and muscle pain.

Treatment:

This will depend on how long you have had the virus.

People with acute (short-term) infection do not always need treatment because their immune system may clear it on its own. If you test positive during the acute stage, your doctor may ask you to come back after a few months to re-test and to see if you need any treatment. If you develop a chronic (long-term) infection, you will need treatment to help clear the virus. Treatment with drugs called direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) can cure hepatitis in most cases. These are usually taken for 8-12 weeks. Your doctor will also check your liver for any damage. If you’ve had hepatitis C in the past, you’re not immune to future. You can also still get other types of hepatitis and having hepatitis C together with another type is more serious. If you’ve already had hepatitis C, it’s advisable to have the vaccination against hepatitis A and B to protect your liver from further damage.