Preventing Malaria

 

Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites. The parasites are spread to people through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes.  These mosquitoes account for about 198 million cases of malaria and an estimated 584 000 deaths (with an uncertainty range of between 367 000 to 755 000).
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), most deaths from malaria occur among African children.  In-fact, a child dies every minute in Africa because of malaria.


Here are some easy-to-do tips that cold help prevent the spread of malaria.

1.  Deal with Stagnant Water

Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so never allow stagnant water any where near you. Prevent your children from playing near them. Even little puddles can be breeding spots for mosquitoes.This can be managed using biological and chemical control measures. when necessary. The key strategy is to eliminate all potentials of breeding especially when the pond cannot be removed,
Larvicides could come in handy. Some contain metabolites of the baecterium Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), When ingested, it kills the larvae within a few days. It only affects fly larvae, so it won’t harm predatory insects living in the pond or water body.
Another larvicide,  the insect growth regulator (IGR) methoprene interfere with larval molting and also kills larva in a few days. IGR's however could harm other insects and arthropods that mght reside in the ponds. that might be in the pond.
Both  Bti's and IGR's could remain effective for about a month after application. Take caution not to allow children ingest them and also, one should only apply according to label directions.

2. Keep Your Surroundings Clean

The importance of maintaining good hygiene cannot be over emphasized. Mosquitoes love to breed in dirty and  bushy corners, It is very important to clear the dust bins regularly and clear or spray the grasses around your house. Also, never allow spoil food to hang around the house opened. They attract mosquitoes quickly. The kitchen sink should be dry always and the dishes must be washed.

3. Use Natural Mosquito Repellants

       A few natural ingredients could be combined and used as mosquito repellants.
One can mix 3 tablespoons of witch hazel extract from the hazel is a plant with 2 tablespoons of natural oils like olive oil, neem oil, argan oil or almond oil,  Neem oil has been used since ancient times for repelling insects. Add about 75 drops of citronella oil and a little tea tree oil,
Mix very well and put in a spray bottle and then apply before going outside. This sends the mosquitoes away as well as letting your house smelling nice. You can apply the mixture early in the  morning or at night.

4.Prophylaxis

 Certain medications have been created in order to prevent the the occurrence  of malaria.Several of such drugs exist but many Africans have no idea of their existence.
Due to the cost and seeming unavailability of these drugs, this form of treatment is mostly used by short term visitors to Africa, Pregnant women are more prone to malaria, it is advisable that pregnant women take prophylaxis during their pregnancy in order to prevent infection.
MOST drugs available for malaria prophylaxis are not recommended for pregnant women so it is very important to read carefully or seek professional guidance before using any such medication.

 5. Wear Protective Clothing

Covering your skin is on effective way of preventing mosquito bites. When you cover your skin especially while outdoors when visiting or residing in mosquito infested regions in Sub-Saharan Africa, South America and South East Asia you’ll greatly minimize mosquito bites. You can wear loose, long-sleeve shirts and trousers but if it gets to hot, this wouldn't be an option. But it is very effective and the simplest form of defence against mosquitoes.

 

MY FOOT HURTS...

RECENTLY I bought a pair of shoes,very beautiful and attractive. It was just my perfect fit(or so I thought).I bought it at a time when I really needed to change my work shoe. I knew very well hat this shoe was too flashy for my type of job but it was just so beautiful .I managed my work shoe and decided to groove my new pair to other important occasions. The first day I wore them, I was happy and confident but guess what, my feet were weeping I didnt know when I started limping. 

FOOT CARE is a very important part of our health. It becomes more important when there's a trace of diabetes mellitus (DM) in ones family or if one has been diagnosed of it. Common symptoms of DM include the 3P's; polyuria(frequent urination e.g more than 3 times at night), polydypsia(excessive intake of water usually due to the fluid loss from frequent urination) and polyphagia.(excessive and frequent food intake without weight gain).
BACK to my shoe, I wore it again and my small toe became sore. I started peeling off crust from my small toe. It opened into a wound and 'person no tell me before I keep fine shoe for corner'. While I was growing up,a lot of my peers had wounds from their knees down(if you be kako you can relate better I guess). What this implies is that foot care should begin from our childhood days. While a lot of us have black spots underneath our feet some others can boast of a spot/wound free feet.
SOME important steps we can learn and teach out young ones include;
- FOOT WEAR; not tight (no go wear over size oo),well fitting and comfortable. For ladies, don't do heels that are impossible!! Buy good ones for your kids too.
- SWEATY FEET; if you have a sweaty feet like myself,wear open-toe shoes or sandal. Some occasions may require covered shoes but don't wear them for too long.
- FALLS;  prevent this as much as possible and protect your kids. Make sure your environment is safe and clean.
-BLOOD SUGAR; sweethearts go do the test OK. It doesn't cost much and may give you a clue as to how careful you need to be.
- GOOD FOOD AND CHECKUPS; very important for quick healing and early detection of any abnormalities.

Family Planning

  FAMILY planning is a way of thinking or living adopted voluntarily based on knowledge,attitude and responsible decisions by individuals and couples in order to promote the health and welfare of the family group and thus contribute effectively to the development of a country. Raising a child requires sufficient amount of resources; time,social, financial and environmental. Planning can help assure that these resources are available whenever pregnancy is wanted.
  I think family planning begins at puberty (yea na so I talk am oo)! All of those things we were taught about male and female hormones and physical changes make up the process. Family planning involves our thought patterns which is affected by what we learn to be good or bad. This is why sex education is very important. About 16million girls aged 15-19 and some 1million girls under 15 give birth every year most in low- and middle- income countries. My point here is a this, sex education is a vital part of family planning. Enlightening teenagers about a positive sexual life is the foundation for planning a family. Its not just about the number of kids one should have and how they should be spaced. Its about our thoughts and attitudes and how it affects the family we raise. So if we get our teens and young persons to think right about the family unit, we've actually got them planning. If we can help them develop the right attitude about their sexuality and reproduction, we are securing their future and they would think about family planning in a good light.
SO it's not just about the devices and natural methods we teach individuals and couples, it has to do with listening to our children at home and in school and grooming them to think positively. So what happens to the about 17 million underaged girls with unplanned issues? 

LIFE is so beautiful. Even though there are challenges to be won,every ovum is expectant and hopeful that it will someday become a foetus after a fusion with the other gamete. Reproduction is very beautiful. It is however painful that a lot of persons go through series of troubles in the process of having a child of their own. While some are trouping into our hospitals to learn about the available family planning methods,others would want to gain more knowledge concerning IVF.

They need;
• Our support
• Sex education and family planning
• Counselling encouragement and prayers
• Cases of sexual abuse needs to be addressed also
IN conclusion, whenever I get the opportunity to speak with young girls my age and adolescents, whether victims unwanted pregnancy or not, I let them know that they are the Lord's vessels and should stay pure for his use.