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They Don’t Work Anymore: How To Avoid Antibiotic Resistance

By Unknown - Friday, September 08, 2017

Have you ever wondered why on some occasions, the medication you took to deal with an illness doesn’t work? Well, developments not too long ago have revealed that harmful bacteria are fast adapting to antibiotics, hence making them less effective. A pointer to this is the recent report from the World Health Organisation that in some countries, the gonorrhea bacteria have become “untreatable by all known medications” due to antibiotic resistance.

Before we discuss why bacteria are becoming resistant, we would like to explain what an antibiotic is. Antibiotics are drugs that fight infections created by bacteria in people. They either kill the bacteria or make it impossible for it to replicate itself in the body. However, there’s a common misconception that antibiotics can be used to treat anything. This is wrong; they work against bacteria so viruses like the ones that cause common cold will not be affected by an antibiotic.

What is antibiotic resistance?

Put simply, it is the ability of bacteria to adapt or evolve by changing itself in a way that reduces the effectiveness of drugs used to treat it. Currently, antibiotic resistance is one of the world’s most pressing health problems because some illnesses are now more difficult to treat. People don’t recover as quickly as they should and spend more time and money being treated.

Antibiotic resistance prolongs illnesses and suffering of patients and in some cases, can spread the disease to loved ones.

When some people think that their medicines have become less effective because they have become ‘used’ to the drugs, they’re usually wrong. It is the drugs that have become ineffective due to the bacteria adapting to them.

How does antibiotic resistance happen?

A key factor for this is the overuse and misuse of antibiotics. Every time you use an antibiotic, sensitive bacteria are killed but some might be left to grow and multiply. As a result, continuous use of antibiotics only ends up increasing the number of drug-resistant bacteria. In addition, not all bacteria are harmful as some protect your body from infection. Unfortunately, antibiotics kill both good and bad bacteria, thus leaving you even more vulnerable.

When people misuse antibiotics by taking them to cure viral infections like cold, flu, sore throat, etc., there is a likelihood that bacteria will become resistant.

How to prevent antibiotic resistance:

Yes, it’s not a totally gloomy picture; when antibiotics are used smartly, it is less likely that harmful bacteria will become resistant. These tips can help:

Don’t Self-Medicate:

Consult a healthcare professional when you’re ill as this reduces the chances of you using the wrong medicines. Get a proper prescription and use the drugs according to the exact instructions of your doctor. This will also help you avoid using an antibiotic for a viral infection like cold, sore throat or flu. Click here to learn more

Consider alternatives:

Is there a way for you to get better without using an antibiotic? There probably is. Ask your doctor if there are other steps you can take to recover from an illness.

Don’t skip doses:

There is a tendency for most people to stop using medication when they begin to feel better. However, there is a reason behind every dosage because factors like the bacteria’s life span have already been considered. Stop treatment not because you feel better, but because you have finished your dosage.

Refuse the urge to pop:

We all seem to know someone who reaches for any pack of tablets nearby – doesn’t matter if they’re ill or not. Drug overuse and abuse are key factors behind antibiotic resistance so do not take antibiotics prescribed for someone else.

Sometimes, the key to staying healthy isn’t just about what we use to get better but how we use them. Using antibiotics more responsibly plays a part in preventing bacterial resistance to it.

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EDUCATION

Got Milk? 5 Breastfeeding Benefits Every Mother Needs To Know

By Unknown - Friday, September 08, 2017

For something so natural and beneficial, it’s hard to believe that less than 40% of infants below six months of age are exclusively breastfed globally. This, according to the World Health Organisation is a trend that needs to change, especially when one of the major breastfeeding benefits is the capability of preventing 800,000 infant deaths every year. Breastfeeding remains the best source of nourishment for infants and the benefits not only accrue to the baby but to mothers as well.

What about infant formulas?

Although it keeps the baby fed, infant formula does not contain the antibodies found in breast milk that protect the baby from various childhood illnesses. In addition, infant formulas do not provide the long-term benefits that breastfeeding offers for both mother and child.

We believe that with adequate education, more mothers will be more inclined to take breastfeeding seriously. The following information will help:

1. Duration

According to the WHO, breastfeeding should begin within one hour of birth. Mothers are also encouraged to practice exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of the baby’s life. After that, other foods can be introduced to complement breastfeeding for up to two years or more.

2. Diarrhea and Pneumonia Prevention

While breastfeeding nourishes babies by giving them all the nutrients they need for healthy development, it also provides them with antibodies. These antibodies protect infants from common childhood illnesses like diarrhea and pneumonia which are the two major causes of infant mortality worldwide.

3. Birth-control

As mentioned earlier, breastfeeding also benefits mothers. Exclusive breastfeeding has been associated with a natural method of birth control – 98% protection in the first 6 months after birth. That way, babies are spaced, with enough room to grow and develop properly.

4. Reduces Breast Cancer Risk

Breastfeeding benefits als0 includes reducing the risk of breast and ovarian cancer in women, according to the WHO. It also reduces the risk of type II diabetes and postpartum depression.

5. Long term benefits

The benefits of breastfeeding don’t end after infancy as they contribute to a lifetime of good health. People who were adequately breastfed as babies are less likely to be overweight or obese. In addition, they are less likely to have type-II diabetes and also perform better on IQ tests.

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EDUCATION

[HEALTH] Top 7 Health Questions Answered

By Unknown - Friday, September 08, 2017

Top 7 Health Questions Answered

Category: Healthy Living

You know them. Those nagging health questions on your mind about seemingly little things that you never really get the chance to ask about or seek proper clarification. It’s not because there’s no time, it’s because you consider them too trivial to bother doctors about. However, when it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, no question is too ‘dumb’ to ask.

We’ve taken this into consideration and compiled a list of for you. While not being exhaustive, it will touch on some of the most common health questions asked on the fly by people at dinner parties, cafeterias, etc.

1. Is it safe to drink tap water?

Considering that we’re in Nigeria, there are concerns about the water that is provided by government-owned facilities. Usually, local water sources are considered contaminated. Bring all tap water to boil if you want to drink or buy capped water from reputable brands

2. Is a glass of wine a day good for you?

Well, depending on a lot of factors, alcohol isn’t good for everyone. While small amounts of red wine may keep heart disease at bay, and lower the odds of stroke and diabetes, heavy drinking ups your chances of liver and heart disease, plus breast, colon, and other cancers. If you don’t drink, don’t start. If you do, limit yourself to small amounts once in a while – a glass if you’re a woman or two if you’re male.

3. Can I Be Fat and Healthy?

Your body mass index (BMI) is key here. Although one study said heavier people may outlive lighter folks, most research shows that those who carry extra weight are more likely to get heart disease, cancer or die before slimmer folks. Your best bet is to do what you can to stay healthy by being active every day and eating a balanced diet. Lose some weight if you need to.

4. Are Short Workouts Worth It?

Yes! Sure, longer workouts are better, but short sessions have their place too. If all you have time for is 10 minutes for quick bouts of activity, do it because everything adds up in the end. 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week like walking or biking at a medium-fast pace, plus two sessions of muscle-strengthening exercise can be very beneficial. Several 10- minute bursts of exercise each day can get you to this goal and help keep you fit.

Suggested Read: 7 Daily Routines That Keep You Healthy

5. Does Cholesterol in Food Count?

Do you get that look that screams “Cholesterol!” on people’s faces when they see you eating something ‘fattening’ – an egg for instance? Actually, obesity, inactivity, and a poor diet can do more to raise your cholesterol level than one egg. The real bad guys are the unhealthy trans-fats and saturated fats found in meat, dairy, and processed foods. Opt for low-fat dairy and lean meat, read labels, and watch your carbs and portions. If your numbers are high, ask your doctor/dietician what foods you should avoid.

6. Is Microwaved Food Unsafe?

That fear. Contrary to what some people think, microwaves don’t make food “radioactive.” Your microwave simply makes the water molecules in food move, which creates friction that heats it up. Microwaves do create a small magnetic field but a lot of work goes into making sure there’s not enough to cause problems. Just don’t use one with a damaged door.

7. Do Cell Phones Cause Brain Cancer?

LOL! This is highly unlikely. Most research — including a study of more than 420,000 people over 20 years – say there’s no connection between brain tumors and cell phone use. A more recent study, however, found a link between a specific type of brain tumor called a glioma and heavy cell phone use. Looks like a divisive issue among the experts and it’s safe to say that it’s not conclusive. If you’re worried though, use a headset for phone calls or use the speaker. You can also limit your phone time.

As we mentioned earlier, it’s not an exhaustive list. If you have other health questions, you can drop them in the comment box below and we will provide answers to them in subsequent articles.

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EDUCATION

[HEALTH] Office Hygiene: How Your Workplace Can Make You Sick

By Unknown - Friday, September 08, 2017

Have you ever considered that there are obvious germ-infested places and objects hiding in plain sight around you at work? A recent study found that the kitchen sponge is the most germ-infested item in homes and cafeterias, harboring thousands of bacteria. Another study states that a working adult touches as many as 30 contaminated objects every 60 seconds. This points to something we might not take seriously, beyond keeping our workspaces clean – office hygiene.

The toilet seat has 41 germs per square inch. Desktops have 21,000 germs per square inch.

Whoa!

It is mind numbing really, and considering that we touch things deemed ‘harmless’ before touching our faces and food, one can only imagine what we let in or pass on.

Since the office is an enclosed environment, where people work and interact with one another in close proximity, there’s a higher risk of spreading germs. This can quickly lead to localized outbreaks of illnesses like cold among a larger number of people.

5 most infested office areas

Office kitchen sink-faucet handles
Microwave and refrigerator door handles
Office desk and computer keyboards
Office door handles
Light switches

What can you do?

It’s established that our hands are responsible for the spread of 80% of common infectious diseases. Therefore effective hand hygiene is the smartest, most cost effective means of infection control in the workplace.

Precautions

Clean your keyboard: Most office cleaning companies would clean the desks and surrounding areas while avoiding computers or keyboards because they don’t want to risk damaging office equipment. Hygiene, in this case, is usually left to the employee, and many don’t bother. You can use an alcohol-based sanitizer to clean your keyboard; just use a cloth and don’t let it drip into any openings. Simply wiping the dust off your office computer will not remove the bacteria clinging to the surface.

Protect your face: The most touched area on our body is the face. Office workers touch their faces an average of 18 times an hour. Every time we do this, we risk carrying the invisible germs from our keyboards, desktops or phones right to our respiratory and digestive systems every three and a half minutes. Bacteria and viruses couldn’t ask for a better transportation system, with you being their driver.

Dispose of unwanted food: a lot of workers often eat at their desks or store food and snacks in the drawer. This makes it possible for crumbs to accumulate and provide a breeding ground for bacteria. Littered work areas can pose hazards to a worker’s health and are a liability to the business. Best practice is to clean as frequently as possible or avoid storing food in your desk altogether.

Remember, being hygiene-conscious is one of the keys to staying healthy and regardless of where you are, taking certain measures might be what stands between you and an illness.