Ayomide Shodipo, Author at Leadway Health https://leadwayhealth.com/author/a-shodipoleadway-com/ Tue, 13 Aug 2024 15:48:21 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Donate Life: Celebrating World Organ Donation Day https://leadwayhealth.com/donate-life-celebrating-world-organ-donation-day/ https://leadwayhealth.com/donate-life-celebrating-world-organ-donation-day/#respond Tue, 13 Aug 2024 15:48:21 +0000 https://leadwayhealth.com/?p=9940 This day is a tribute to the selfless individuals who have saved countless lives through the gift of organ donation, as well as a call to action for others to consider joining this life-saving cause.  The Importance of Organ Donation  Saving Lives: One organ donor can save up to eight lives. For many patients [...]

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This day is a tribute to the selfless individuals who have saved countless lives through the gift of organ donation, as well as a call to action for others to consider joining this life-saving cause. 

The Importance of Organ Donation 

  1. Saving Lives: One organ donor can save up to eight lives. For many patients with end-stage organ failure, a transplant is their only hope for survival. 
  2. Bridging the Gap: There is a significant gap between the number of patients waiting for transplants and the availability of donated organs. By becoming an organ donor, you can help bridge this gap. 
  3. Continuing Legacy: Donating organs provides families with a sense of solace knowing that their loved one’s organs have saved lives and given others a second chance at life. 
  4. Improving Quality of Life: Organ transplants can dramatically improve the quality of life for recipients. For instance, a kidney transplant can free patients from the constraints of dialysis, allowing them to live healthier, more active lives. 

The Impact of Organ Donation 

The impact of organ donation extends beyond the recipients. It touches the lives of their families, friends, and communities. Here are some real-life stories that highlight the transformative power of organ donation: 

  • A New Heart, A New Life: Divine, a father of three, was diagnosed with severe heart failure. After waiting anxiously for a heart transplant, he received the life-saving call that a donor heart was available. Today, Divine is healthy and active, enjoying precious moments with his children that he once thought he would never see. 
  • The Gift of Sight: Lola, a young artist, lost her vision due to a rare corneal disease. A corneal transplant restored her sight, allowing her to return to her passion for painting. Her artwork now reflects the beauty and gratitude she feels for her donor. 

How You Can Help 

  1. Register as a Donor: Sign up with your country’s organ donor registry. It’s a quick and easy process that can have a monumental impact. 
  2. Spread the Word: Use your voice to advocate for organ donation. Share information on social media, participate in local awareness events, and encourage others to become donors. 
  3. Support Organizations: Get involved with organizations that promote organ donation and support transplant recipients and their families. Your time and resources can help amplify their efforts. 

Remember, you have the power to save lives. Donate life. 

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]]> https://leadwayhealth.com/donate-life-celebrating-world-organ-donation-day/feed/ 0 World Hepatitis Day 2023 – We’re Not Waiting https://leadwayhealth.com/world-hepatitis-day-2023-were-not-waiting/ https://leadwayhealth.com/world-hepatitis-day-2023-were-not-waiting/#respond Fri, 28 Jul 2023 14:29:54 +0000 https://leadwayhealth.com/?p=9453 On the 28th of July every year, the world is reminded and made aware of the menace that is Hepatitis. From yellow eyes to itchy skin to protruding abdomen, hepatitis causes a myriad of discomforting symptoms if not stopped early.   This year, the theme for the World Hepatitis Day is, ‘We are not waiting,’ and [...]

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]]> On the 28th of July every year, the world is reminded and made aware of the menace that is Hepatitis. From yellow eyes to itchy skin to protruding abdomen, hepatitis causes a myriad of discomforting symptoms if not stopped early.  

This year, the theme for the World Hepatitis Day is, ‘We are not waiting,’ and in fact, we can no longer wait. We can no longer wait until the symptoms become life-threatening before we begin treatment. 

WHAT IS HEPATITIS? 

Hepatitis simply means inflammation of the liver – in simpler sense, destruction of the liver cells. 

Hepatitis can be caused by a number of factors – infection, alcohol, autoimmunity, drug overdose, or excessive fat. The commonest cause is viral infection, followed by alcohol. These two forms of hepatitis can be prevented and easily treated if noticed on time. Hence, the theme, ‘We are not waiting’. 

Viral Hepatitis is an infection of the liver by one or more of the Hepatitis viruses that leads to liver destruction. The viruses involved are Hepatitis A, B, C, D or E viruses, and they can infect the liver simultaneously. 

Hepatitis A & E – these are both gotten through the faeco-oral route. This means that someone can contract this virus by what they put in their mouth (food), and can share the virus through their infected faeces. They will therefore develop features such as vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, yellowness of the eyes and fever. 

These two viruses do not progress to chronic diseases, meaning that the body either clears it off within 2 to 3 months, or it leads to acute liver failure that requires transplantation. Common food sources include seafood, especially shellfish, if not cooked well. 

Hepatitis B, C & D – these are both gotten through blood and body fluids. Just like HIV, they can be transmitted through blood transfusion, sharing of needles, clippers, blades and other sharps, sexual intercourse or from mother to child.  

Symptoms are similar to Hepatitis A & E; however, they can develop into chronic liver disease (if longer than 6 months), liver failure and even liver cancer. 

Hepatitis D, however, can only infect the liver if there is already a pre-existing Hepatitis B infection. 

 

ALCOHOLIC HEPATITIS

As the name implies, this is liver injury that occurs due to alcohol intake. The liver is the primary organ that processes alcohol in the body. When alcohol is ingested for a prolonged period of time or taken in an excessive quantity over a short period of time, it can cause liver damage. 

BURDEN OF HEPATITIS 

Of all the viral hepatitis, Hepatitis B and C account for over 97% of all infections. An estimated 354 million people currently live with hepatitis B or C worldwide. 

In Nigeria, there are over 20 million people living with hepatitis B or C or both, and about 80% of those people do not know they have it. 

WHAT CAN BE DONE? 

As this year’s theme dictates, ‘We’re not waiting’. Therefore, we bid you to not wait any longer and to get tested.  

  • Hepatitis can easily be detected by blood tests, and this can be done at a laboratory or in a hospital. 
  • If detected on time, Hepatitis can then be treated with antiviral drugs. 

Asides early detection, we are also not waiting until you get infected.  

  • Viral hepatitis can be prevented with the aid of vaccines.  
  • Hepatitis A and B have readily available vaccines but C& E do not. 
  • Vaccination for Hepatitis B confers protection for Hepatitis D. 

Lifestyle modifications can also help prevent hepatitis: 

  • Alcoholic hepatitis can also be prevented by reducing or totally stopping intake of alcohol. 
  • To prevent faeco-oral Hepatitis A and E, good hygiene practices should be done. Ensure you wash your hands before cooking or eating. 
  • To prevent blood-borne Hepatitis B, C & D, avoid sharing of sharps objects (needles, blades, clippers). 
  • Practice safe sex (use of condoms). 

Dr. Nwachukwu N.O. 

 

Sources 

 

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