Tuesday, April 20, 2021

SLAVERY AND ITS ABOLITION

SLAVERY AND ITS ABOLITION

By Chukwuma Chinaza Adaobi 

During the 19th century, as slavery grew rampantly, abolitionists such as William Garrison and Fredrick Douglass stood out to condemn enslavement and women’s suffrage. Abolition aimed to put an end to slavery and to liberate all enslaved people. Abolitionists included white people against this abomination, religious Americans, and prominent bold black rebels who had managed to free themselves from servitude (Bradford 21). These individuals worked tirelessly in support of the abolitionist movement.

Abolitionists saw slavery as an atrocity and an affliction on the United States; hence their goal became eradicated. They focused attention on slavery which by that time had proved to be excessive and amplified the rift that had threatened to destroy the unity of the nation. Abolitionists united to form many antislavery societies. They organized and sent many petitions with thousands of signatures to Congress, held meetings and conferences, boycotted using products made with slaved labor, printed many literature books to bring awareness, and gave innumerable speeches and songs for their cause (Garrison 19).

Even though black and white abolitionists worked together, they had a different philosophy and method. Being indifferent caused them to differ in the 1840s since while whites only focused on slavery, the black abolitionists also included demands for racial equality and justice.

Abolitionists were faced with several challenges, especially from the law. Congress passed the controversial slave act, which required all slaves who had escaped to be recaptured and returned to their owners. Several years later, in the Dred Scott Decision, the Supreme Court ruled that all black people did not have legal citizenship rights. It was this inhuman legal action on the black slaves that ignited outrage among abolitionists. Abraham Lincoln issued his emancipation proclamation and called for freedom of the enslaved to end servitude in 1863. In 1865 the constitution approved the thirteenth amendment, which officially banned forms of slavery in the United States.

Works Cited

Garrison L.W.: Sonnet to Liberty: Manuscript, December 14, 1840. Manuscript Division, Library of Congress.  //www.loc.gov/exhibits/african-american-odyssey/abolition.html#obj8

Bradford S.H.:  Harriet, The Moses of Her People: New York: J.J. Little and Company 1901.Susan B. Antony collection, Rare Book and Special Collection Division.

Tuesday, April 13, 2021

Aging Successfully

Aging Successfully

We define successful aging as maximizing your potential and minimizing the negative effects of getting older (such as the weakening of physical and mental abilities).

Genetics is certainly one key to successful aging. If your parents and grandparents lived long and healthy lives, the odds are you can expect the same.

But, there's a lot more to aging successfully than just genetics. Eating right and exercising, making sure you get regular check-ups and screenings, and focusing on preventive care are very important to how well you age.

Top 10 Most Common Health Issues

Top 10 Most Common Health Issues

  1. Physical Activity and Nutrition
  2. Overweight and Obesity
  3. Tobacco
  4. Substance Abuse
  5. HIV/AIDS
  6. Mental Health
  7. Injury and Violence
  8. Environmental Quality
  9. Immunization
  10. Access to Health Care

Physical Activity and Nutrition

Research indicates that staying physically active can help prevent or delay certain diseases, including some cancers, heart disease and diabetes, and also relieve depression and improve mood. Inactivity often accompanies advancing age, but it doesn't have to. Check with your local churches or synagogues, senior centers, and shopping malls for exercise and walking programs. Like exercise, your eating habits are often not good if you live and eat alone. It's important for successful aging to eat foods rich in nutrients and avoid the empty calories in candy and sweets.

Overweight and Obesity

Being overweight or obese increases your chances of dying from hypertension, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, respiratory problems, dyslipidemia and endometrial, breast, prostate, and colon cancers. In-depth guides and practical advice about obesity are available from the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health.

Tobacco

Tobacco is the single greatest preventable cause of illness and premature death in the U.S. Tobacco use is now called "Tobacco dependence disease." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that smokers who try to quit are more successful when they have the support of their physician.

Substance Abuse

Substance abuse usually means drugs and alcohol. These are two areas we don't often associate with seniors, but seniors, like young people, may self-medicate using legal and illegal drugs and alcohol, which can lead to serious health consequences. In addition, seniors may deliberately or unknowingly mix medications and use alcohol. Because of our stereotypes about senior citizens, many medical people fail to ask seniors about possible substance abuse.

HIV/AIDS

Between 11 and 15% of U.S. AIDS cases occur in seniors over age 50. Between 1991 and 1996, AIDS in adults over 50 rose more than twice as fast as in younger adults. Seniors are unlikely to use condoms, have immune systems that naturally weaken with age, and HIV symptoms (fatigue, weight loss, dementia, skin rashes, swollen lymph nodes) are similar to symptoms that can accompany old age. Again, stereotypes about aging in terms of sexual activity and drug use keep this problem largely unrecognized. That's why seniors are not well represented in research, clinical drug trials, prevention programs and efforts at intervention.

Mental Health

Dementia is not part of aging. Dementia can be caused by disease, reactions to medications, vision and hearing problems, infections, nutritional imbalances, diabetes, and renal failure. There are many forms of dementia (including Alzheimer's Disease) and some can be temporary. With accurate diagnosis comes management and help. The most common late-in-life mental health condition is depression. If left untreated, depression in the elderly can lead to suicide. Here's a surprising fact: The rate of suicide is higher for elderly white men than for any other age group, including adolescents.

Injury and Violence

Among seniors, falls are the leading cause of injuries, hospital admissions for trauma, and deaths due to injury. One in every three seniors (age 65 and older) will fall each year. Strategies to reduce injury include exercises to improve balance and strength and medication review. Home modifications can help reduce injury. Home security is needed to prevent intrusion. Home-based fire prevention devices should be in place and easy to use. People aged 65 and older are twice as likely to die in a home fire as the general population.

Environmental Quality

Even though pollution affects all of us, government studies have indicated that low-income, racial and ethnic minorities are more likely to live in areas where they face environmental risks. Compared to the general population, a higher proportion of elderly are living just over the poverty threshold.

Immunization

Influenza and pneumonia and are among the top 10 causes of death for older adults. Emphasis on Influenza vaccination for seniors has helped. Pneumonia remains one of the most serious infections, especially among women and the very old.

Access to Health Care

Seniors frequently don't monitor their health as seriously as they should. While a shortage of geriatricians has been noted nationwide, URMC has one of the largest groups of geriatricians and geriatric specialists of any medical community in the country. Your access to health care is as close as URMC, offering a menu of services at several hospital settings, including the VA Hospital in Canandaigua, in senior housing, and in your community.

INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL

INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL

Infection prevention and control (IPC) is a practical, evidence-based approach preventing patients and health workers from being harmed by avoidable infections. Effective IPC requires constant action at all levels of the health system, including policymakers, facility managers, health workers, and those who access health services. IPC is unique in the field of patient safety and quality of care, as it is universally relevant to every health worker and patient, at every health care interaction. Defective IPC causes harm and can kill. Without effective IPC it is impossible to achieve quality health care delivery.

Infection prevention and control affect all aspects of health care, including hand hygiene, surgical site infections, injection safety, antimicrobial resistance, and how hospitals operate during and outside of emergencies. Programmes to support IPC are particularly important in low- and middle-income countries, where health care delivery and medical hygiene standards may be negatively affected by secondary infections.

Friday, April 2, 2021

PARASITIC INFECTION

 What is a parasitic infection?

at live off other organisms, or hosts, to survive. Some parasites don’t noticeably affect their hosts. Others grow, reproduce, or invade organ systems that make their hosts sick, resulting in a parasitic infection.

Parasitic infections are a big problem in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Malaria is one of the deadliest parasitic diseases. Parasitic infections can also occur in the United States. Common parasitic infections found in the United States include:

The symptoms of parasitic infections vary depending on the organism. For example:

  • Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite that often produces no symptoms. In some cases, it may cause itching, redness, irritation, and an unusual discharge in your genital area.
  • Giardiasis may cause diarrhea, gas, upset stomach, greasy stools, and dehydration.
  • Cryptosporidiosis may cause stomach cramps, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, dehydration, weight loss, and fever.
  • Toxoplasmosis may cause flu-like symptoms, including swollen lymph nodes and muscle aches or pains that can last for over a month.

Parasitic infections can be caused by three types of organisms:

  • protozoa
  • helminths
  • ectoparasites

Protozoa are single-celled organisms that can live and multiply inside your body. Some infections caused by protozoa include giardiasis. This is a serious infection that you can contract from drinking water infected with Giardia protozoa.

Helminths are multi-celled organisms that can live in or outside of your body. They’re more commonly known as worms. They include flatworms, tapeworms, thorny-headed worms,and roundworms.

Ectoparasites are multicelled organisms that live on or feed off your skin. They include some insects and arachnids, such as mosquitos, fleas, ticks, and mites.

Parasitic infections can be spread in a number of ways. For example, protozoa and helminths can be spread through contaminated water, food, waste, soil, and blood. Some can be passed through sexual contact. Some parasites are spread by insects that act as a vector, or carrier, of the disease. For example, malaria is caused by parasitic protozoa that are transmitted by mosquitos when they feed on humans.

Anyone can get a parasitic infection. But some people are at greater risk than others. You’re more likely to contract a parasitic infection if you:

  • have a compromised immune system or are already sick with another illness
  • live or travel in tropical or subtropical regions of the world
  • lack a clean supply of drinking water
  • swim in lakes, rivers, or ponds where Giardia or other parasites are common
  • work in childcare, work with soil regularly, or work in other contexts where you come into contact with feces on a consistent basis

Outdoor cats can come into contact with infected rodents and birds. This makes their owners more likely to contract toxoplasmosis, a type of protozoa. Toxoplasmosis can be very harmful for pregnant women and their developing babies. The infection is spread through cat feces. If you’re pregnant, it’s important to have someone else clean the litter box daily.

Parasitic infections can be diagnosed in a number of ways. For example, your doctor might perform or order:

  • A blood test
  • A fecal exam: In such an exam, a sample of your stool will be collected and checked for parasites and their eggs.
  • An endoscopy or colonoscopy: These tests may be ordered if the results of a stool exam are inconclusive. While you are sedated, your doctor will pass a thin flexible tube through your mouth or rectum and into your digestive system to examine your intestinal tract.
  • X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computerized axial tomography (CAT): These scans are used to check for signs of lesions or injury to your organs caused by parasites.

Your doctor may also order tests to check for bacteria or other things that can cause infections.

Your treatment plan will depend on your specific diagnosis. Typically, your doctor will prescribe medications. For example, they may prescribe medications to treat trichomoniasis, giardiasis, or cryptosporidiosis. They probably won’t prescribe medications for toxoplasmosis if you’re not pregnant and otherwise healthy, unless you have a severe and prolonged infection.

Your doctor may also recommend other treatments to relieve your symptoms. For example, many parasitic infections can cause diarrhea, which often leads to dehydration. Your doctor will likely encourage you to drink plenty of fluids to replenish those you lose.

There are several steps you can take to lower your risk of contracting a parasitic infection:

  • Practice safe sex, using a condom.
  • Wash your hands regularly, especially after handling uncooked food or feces.
  • Cook food to its recommended internal temperature.
  • Drink clean water, including bottled water when you’re traveling.
  • Avoid swallowing water from lakes, streams, or ponds.
  • Avoid cat litter and feces when you’re pregnant.

If you suspect you have a parasitic infection, make an appointment with your doctor. They can help diagnose the cause of your symptoms and recommend a treatment plan. By getting early treatment, you can help stop the spread of infection to other people.

HOW ARE ABDOMINAL PAIN AND CHILLS TREATED?

How are abdominal pain and chills treated?

Treatments for abdominal pain and chills will usually address the underlying causes. Bacterial infections, such as urinary tract infections, are often treated with antibiotics.

Home care

Rest and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Sponge your body with lukewarm water (about 70˚F) or take a cool shower to manage your chills. This method can be more effective than covering yourself with blankets. However, very cold water may make chills worse.

Medications known to reduce fevers and discomfort associated with abdominal pain and chills include aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen.

Washing your hands frequently, especially before eating, can help prevent infectious diseases that lead to abdominal pain and chills.

Drinking plenty of fluids and wiping from front to back can help to prevent urinary tract infections that can lead to abdominal pain and chills.

If you are going outdoors or traveling to areas where malaria is common, using insect repellants that contain 20 to 35 percent DEET can help to prevent malaria. A doctor can prescribe antimalarial drugs as a protective means if you are traveling to an area where malaria is common.

WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL HELP FOR ABDOMINAL PAIN AND CHILLS

WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL HELP FOR ABDOMINAL PAIN AND CHILLS 

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience the following symptoms along with abdominal pain and chills:

  • changes in vision
  • chest pain
  • fever greater than 101˚F (38.3˚C)
  • neck stiffness
  • severe headache
  • loss of consciousness
  • pain that radiates to your shoulder
  • shortness of breath
  • uncontrolled vomiting
  • weakness

Consult your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms along with:

  • body aches
  • diarrhea
  • fever
  • muscle aches
  • runny nose
  • sore throat
  • unexplained fatigue
  • vomiting for more than 24 hours

This information is a summary. Seek medical attention if you suspect you need urgent care.

WHAT CAUSES ABDOMINAL PAIN AND CHILLS?

WHAT CAUSES ABDOMINAL PAIN AND CHILLS?

Together, chills and abdominal pain may be the result of a number of infectious conditions, both bacterial and viral.

Conditions associated with abdominal pain and chills include:

In rare instances, abdominal pain and chills are the result of a heart attack. In this case, other symptoms are usually present.

DEHYDRATION DUE TO DIARRHEAL DISEASES

DEHYDRATION DUE TO DIARRHEAL DISEASES

Diarrhea is when you pass three or more loose stools in a day. If your diarrhea lasts more than a few days, your body loses too much water and salt. This causes dehydration, which can lead to death. Diarrhea is usually caused by an intestinal virus or bacteria transmitted through contaminated water or food. It’s particularly widespread in developing nations with poor sanitary conditions.

Impact of diarrheal diseases around the world

Diarrheal disease is the second top causeTrusted Source of death in children younger than 5 years. About 760,000 children die from diarrheal diseases each year.

Risk factors and prevention

Risk factors for diarrheal diseases include:

  • living in an area with poor sanitary conditions
  • no access to clean water
  • age, with children being the most likely to experience severe symptoms of diarrheal diseases
  • malnourishment
  • a weakened immune system

According to UNICEF, the best method of prevention is practicing good hygiene. Good handwashing techniques can reduce the incidence of diarrheal diseases by 40 percent. Improved sanitization and water quality as well as access to early medical intervention can also help prevent diarrheal diseases.

SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES OF MALARIA

SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES OF MALARIA

Malaria is a life-threatening disease. It’s typically transmitted through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. Infected mosquitoes carry the Plasmodium parasite. When this mosquito bites you, the parasite is released into your bloodstream.

Once the parasites are inside your body, they travel to the liver, where they mature. After several days, the mature parasites enter the bloodstream and begin to infect red blood cellsWithin 48 to 72 hours, the parasites inside the red blood cells multiply, causing the infected cells to burst open. The parasites continue to infect red blood cells, resulting in symptoms that occur in cycles that last two to three days at a time.

Malaria is typically found in tropical and subtropical climates where the parasites can live. The World Health Organization (WHO)Trusted Source states that, in 2016, there were an estimated 216 million cases of malaria in 91 countries. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report 1,700 casesTrusted Source of malaria annually. Most cases of malaria develop in people who travel to countries where malaria is more common.

What causes malaria?

Malaria can occur if a mosquito infected with the Plasmodium parasite bites you. There are four kinds of malaria parasites that can infect humans: Plasmodium vivaxP. ovaleP. malariae, and P. falciparum.

P. falciparum causes a more severe form of the disease and those who contract this form of malaria have a higher risk of death. An infected mother can also pass the disease to her baby at birth. This is known as congenital malaria.

Malaria is transmitted by blood, so it can also be transmitted through:

  • an organ transplant
  • transfusion
  • use of shared needles or syringes

What are the symptoms of malaria?

The symptoms of malaria typically develop within 10 days to 4 weeks following the infection. In some cases, symptoms may not develop for several months. Some malarial parasites can enter the body but will be dormant for long periods of time.

Common symptoms of malaria include: