February 21, 2025
Health
Dr Prince Quarshie, the Deputy Director, Public Health, Bono Regional Directorate of Health has urged consumers of bush meat to control their appetite in the wake of the outbreak of the Monkey pox disease in parts of the country.
He said people who consume particularly grasscutters and rabbits, and other wild animals had high risk of contracting the viral disease.
Dr Quarshie said Regional Health Directorate had upscale surveillance to prevent the spread of the Monkey Pox disease in the region.
In an interview with Sompa FM in Sunyani, Dr Quarshie said Bono had confirmed the first case of money pox, saying five additional suspected cases had been recorded in five districts in the region, waiting for confirmation.
He said the directorate had begun and intensified contact tracing, and was also strictly monitoring the movements of suspected and affected persons to help contain the spread of the disease.
The Deputy Directorate therefore appealed to the general public to be alerted and report suspected cases and entreated everybody to promote good hygiene and wash their hand with regularly with soap.
Dr Quarshie also asked the public to avoid dead animals within this period of the monkey pox outbreak, and urged the public to report early symptoms of the disease, including abnormal rashes to nearest health facilities.
He entreated the public to promote personal hygiene, wash their hands with soap regularly, avoid self-medication and do regularly medical check-ups to protect themselves and people around them from contracting money pox.
Source: Ghana/Sompaonline.com/K.Peprah
Medical expert and researcher at 21st Clinic, Dr. Eric Marfo has enlightened that poor hygiene is a contributing cause of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).
According to Dr. Marfo, a urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system. The urinary system includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract — the bladder and the urethra.
In an interaction on Healing Point with Oheneyere Akua Yeboah Asiahmah (Abrewatia), Dr. Marfo said the two most common ways that bacteria enter the urinary tract are poor hygiene and sexual intercourse.
"Because women's urethras are close to their anuses where bacteria like E.coli live, the bacteria doesn't have to move far to get to the urethra." he explained.
He addressed that during sexual activity, bacteria can be transferred from the area around the anus to the area around the urethra. Those bacteria can then travel through the urethra to the bladder. If bacteria spread through the urinary tract to the kidney, a kidney infection can result.
Symptoms of UTI
- UTI is constantly accompanied by a strong urge to urinate. It also comes with a burning feeling when urinating.
- Urinating often, and passing small amounts of urine is also a common symptom with Urinary Tract Infection(UTI).
- The urine may look cloudy and appear red, bright pink or cola-colored.
- Usually, the smell of the urine is pungent.
- In the center of the pelvis and around the area of the pubic bone, women experience pelvic pain.
Factors that can increase the risk of UTIs:
1. A previous UTI
2. Sexual activity
3. Changes in the bacteria that live inside the vagina, or vaginal flora. For example, menopause or the use of spermicides can cause these bacterial changes.
4. Pregnancy
5. Age (older adults and young children are more likely to get UTIs)
6. Structural problems in the urinary tract, and such as enlarged prostate
7. Poor hygiene, for example, in children who are potty-training
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Medical officer at 21st Clinic, Dr Eric Marfo says the potent of Hepatitis B is highly underestimated in the country. He illuminated that you are at a higher risk of getting hepatitis B if you have unprotected sex with multiple partners, use IV drugs, have a job that exposes you to blood or bodily fluids, or if you have a weakened immune system.
He said the symptoms of Hepatitis B can last for several weeks, and some people may not feel better for several months, urging the need for frequent checkups since some people may not experience any symptoms during the early stages of hepatitis B. Whereas others may notice symptoms such as fatigue, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, joint pain, or a fever.
On Saturday’s edition of Healing Point, Dr. Marfo defined Hepatitis B, bringing to light how the complication can be avoided.
“Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that can be caused by a variety of factors, including viruses, alcohol, and certain medications.” “Hepa” means Liver. And “titis/tis” means inflammation.” He told Oheneyere Akua Yeboah Asiamah Abrewatia.
According to Dr. Marfo, the most common types of hepatitis are viral hepatitis, which includes Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. These viruses can cause acute or chronic infections, and can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. Infection with Hepatitis A and E typically occurs through ingestion of contaminated food or water, while Hepatitis B, C, and D are spread through contact with infected bodily fluids. Hence, it is important to take steps to prevent the spread of these viruses, such as practicing safe sex, avoiding sharing needles or other injection equipment, and getting vaccinated.
He zeroed in on the role of the Liver (2nd largest human organ) stating that it plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and wellbeing. One of its primary functions is to filter toxins and waste products from the blood, which helps to keep the body free from harmful substances.
In addition to detoxification, the liver also produces bile, a digestive fluid that helps to break down fats and absorb essential nutrients. It stores glucose as glycogen and releases it into the bloodstream when needed, helping to regulate blood sugar levels.
Transmission of Hepatitis B
According to Dr. Marfo, Hepatitis B can be transmitted from one person to another through the following:
- Blood: The most common way a person can get infected with hepatitis B is through contact with blood. This includes sharing needles, syringes, or other drug-injecting equipment, accidental needle sticks, or getting a tattoo or piercing with contaminated equipment.
- Sexual contact: HBV can also be sexually transmitted through unprotected sex with an infected partner. It is important to use barrier methods of contraception, such as condoms, to prevent transmission.
- Mother to child: It is possible for an infected mother to pass the virus to her newborn during childbirth. Preventative measures, such as vaccination, can reduce the risk of transmission from mother to child.
Dr. Eric Marfo, who doubles as a researcher at 21st Sciatica Research and Treatment Center, concluded that the best way to prevent hepatitis B is by getting vaccinated. The hepatitis B vaccine is usually given as a series of three injections over six months.
“Other preventative measures include practicing safe sex, not sharing needles or personal items, and avoiding contact with blood and bodily fluids.” He stressed.
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Medical doctor at 21st Clinic, Dr. Eric Marfo has advised women to fully comprehend how their body works before opting for a natural or medical family planning method. In an interaction on Sompa FM’s Healing Point which airs every Saturday, the medical doctor who doubles as a researcher at the Sciatica Treatment and Research Center called on women to ascertain their body’s responses before taking that leap in order to avoid complications and mishap.
He educated that Family planning refers to use of modern contraceptives or natural techniques to limit or space pregnancies and childbirth. Modern methods of contraception include the pill, female and male sterilization, IUD, injectables, implants, male and female condom, diaphragm, and emergency contraception. Traditional methods include periodic abstinence, withdrawal and folk methods.
Hinting on the various natural family planning method, the health expert advised women to opt for the Calendar method, Cervical mucus check; where women chart their cervical mucus to tell them where they are fertile or most likely to conceive, and the Basal Body temperature analysis.
“There are numerous options available to individuals and couples who desire family planning. Natural family planning is unique and it can be utilized both as a conceptive and contraceptive option. Before the advent of family planning drugs, fertility awareness was utilized to either prevent or achieve pregnancy. But be mindful of how long your male partner’s fluid can last in your body since it must get tricky”- he advised.
According to Dr. Marfo, natural family planning methods are a set of techniques used to determine a woman's fertile and infertile periods in order to prevent or achieve pregnancy without the use of artificial contraceptives. Some of the benefits of natural family planning methods include:
- No side effects: Unlike artificial contraceptives, natural family planning methods do not have any side effects on the body.
- Cost-effective: Natural family planning methods are cost-effective as they do not require any expensive medical procedures or devices.
- Promotes communication and intimacy: Natural family planning methods require communication and cooperation between partners, which can lead to improved intimacy and communication in the relationship.
- Can be used to achieve pregnancy: Natural family planning methods can also be used to help couples conceive by identifying the woman's fertile period.
- Environmentally friendly: Natural family planning methods do not produce any waste or require the use of chemicals, making them environmentally friendly.
Dr. Eric Marfo clarified that overall, natural family planning methods can be a safe, effective, and empowering option for couples looking to prevent or achieve pregnancy. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine which method is best for you and your partner.
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