Recent policies, coupled with the removal of fuel subsidies and the fluctuating forex market, have ushered in an era of hyperinflation. One major consequence? A whopping 150% spike in medication costs. But here’s the silver lining: Nigeria boasts an array of competent local pharmaceutical manufacturers like Fidson, Emzor, Swiss Pharma, Drugfield, Vita Biotics, Evans, and Chi Pharmaceuticals. They produce not just any medicines, but quality generic medications

Branded vs. Generic: Unravelling the Puzzle

For the uninitiated, here’s a brief breakdown:

• Branded/Innovator Medications: Originally developed by pharmaceutical companies, they come with patent rights. Being first-of-their-kind, they’re marketed under exclusive brand names, often at a higher cost.
• Generic Medications: Essentially bioequivalent to branded medications but are produced without the patent costs. They’re rigorously tested and approved, ensuring the same efficacy, safety, and therapeutic benefits but at a fraction of the price.

Some Key Facts

• Generic medicines have the same active ingredient as brand-name medicines and work in the same way, but may look different and contain different non-active ingredients.
• Generic alternatives are often cheaper than brand-name medicines. This is because the company that produces the medicine did not need to invest money in developing and marketing it.
• Generic medicines may be different from the brand-name version in shape, size, colour, packaging, and ‘inactive ingredients’ that do not contribute to the treatment effect of the medicine.

Why Choose Generic?

• Value for Money: You receive the same therapeutic benefit as branded drugs but at a considerably reduced cost.
• Quality Assurance: Local manufacturers like Emzor and Swiss Pharma have rigorous standards in place. These generics undergo stringent quality checks through regulatory agencies like NAFDAC, to ensure they’re up to par with their branded counterparts
• Supporting the Local Economy: Opting for generics isn’t just a wise health choice but a patriotic one. By doing so, you bolster local industries, creating jobs and enriching our economy.

 Do Generic Medicines Work?

Yes, generic (unbranded) drugs work as well as their branded counterparts, and sometimes even better. The differences in the pharmaceutical makeup of branded and unbranded (generic) drugs are usually insignificant. The power of advertising can never be underestimated. The marketing schemes of pharmaceutical brands over time have led to the perception that branded drugs work better than their generic counterparts.

So, when your doctor prescribes Paracetamol instead of Panadol, or Amlodipine instead of Norvasc; don’t think he/she is giving you a less effective version. They will all arrive at the same destination—to make you feel better.

Branded Medications: The Real Cost

Here’s a perspective. The soaring prices of branded medications don’t just dig deeper into your pockets, but strain our collective resources. As an insurer, our goal is to optimize the allocation of funds, ensuring as many members as possible have access to crucial healthcare services. When funds are expended on high-cost branded meds, it curtails our ability to broaden our reach.

By choosing generics, you play an active role in:

• Stretching Your Naira: Get more value for your money.

• Safeguarding Your Health: Rest assured, you’re not compromising on quality.

• Empowering Nigeria: Fuel our nation’s growth by endorsing local manufacturers.

In Conclusion

Our pledge to you is to continue demystifying healthcare intricacies, ensuring you’re well-informed and poised to make the best decisions for your health and wallet. We’re on this journey together, and together, we shall weather any storm.

Thank you for your trust in us. To a healthier, stronger Nigeria!

Stay well and informed,

Your Dedicated Leadway Healthwise Team

#StretchyournairaSafeguardyourhealthEmpowerNigeria

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WHAT IS ANTHRAX?

Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium. It primarily affects animals such as cows, goats, sheep, pigs, camels and wild animals; but it can also affect humans.

Humans can contract anthrax if they come in close contact with the bacterial spores from infected animals or consume them. Hence, it is known as a zoonotic infection.

CAUSE OF ANTHRAX

• Anthrax is a bacterial infection, caused by Bacillus
• This is a gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium.
• Anthrax spores are not easily killed by cold or heat and can survive for decades.
• They produce toxins which then attack the body systems and cause symptoms
• Anthrax can be used as a biological weapon
• Human anthrax often is associated with agricultural or industrial workers who come in contact with infected animal tissue.

BURDEN OF ANTHRAX

Anthrax is an international disease with endemic distribution in Africa and Asia (developing countries). In Nigeria, anthrax is one of the first five zoonotic diseases of priority. The others are rabies, avian influenza, ebola and swine influenza.

Globally, there are about 2.000 to 20,000 cases reported annually.

HOW TO KNOW ANTHRAX INFECTION

The signs and symptoms of anthrax depends on the system of the body that is affected. There are primarily 4 regions of the body that can be infected by anthrax: the skin, the chest, the gastrointestinal system and injection sites (for IV drug abusers).

Skin

This known as Cutaneous Anthrax, and is the commonest. It occurs when the spores of the bacterium come in contact with non-intact skin, by handling the animal’s wool, hair or hides (ponmo). Non-intact skin are areas of the skin that have sustained injury.

Symptoms begin after 2-5 days as a small rash (reddish-brown) that develops into an ulcer with 2-3 days, which can then develop into a black lesion within 1 week and become very itchy. There may be swelling in the armpit or elbow (lymph node enlargement), headaches and muscle aches.

Chest

This is known as Inhalation Anthrax. This occurs when the bacterial spores are inhaled and it gets into the lungs. It is the most dangerous form of anthrax although it may sometimes take weeks before symptoms begin to develop.

It is usually common in works of the textile and tanning industries when they handle contaminated wool, hair and hides.

The symptoms initially mimic the flu (common cold) with mild fever, dry cough, chest pain and muscle aches. They then progress to difficult breathing, excessive sweating, more sever chest pain and coughing of blood. If not treated, it can progress to low blood pressure and coma. It can also cause meningitis, an infection of the covering of the brain.

Gastrointestinal Anthrax

This is rare but can also become dangerous if left untreated. It occurs when contaminated meat Is eaten. The bacterial spores can affect the mouth, the throat or the intestines.

Symptoms usually develop 2-5 days after ingestion and they include: fever, sore throat, neck swelling, abdominal pain and bloody stools or vomit. It can progress to low blood pressure and coma.

Injection Anthrax

This is also rare. The symptoms are similar to those of cutaneous anthrax with rashes that develop into ulcers and then black lesion. However, this occurs in areas where drug abusers inject themselves.

Injection anthrax can spread throughout the body faster than cutaneous anthrax and it is harder to diagnose and treat.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

Thankfully, anthrax is a treatable and preventable disease. Without treatment, up to 20% of people with cutaneous anthrax die. If left untreated, more than half of patients with gastrointestinal anthrax die and all cases of inhalation anthrax will lead to death without treatment.

• Treatment involves the use of antibiotics at the hospital and other supportive treatments based on severity.
• Know the symptoms and be at alert.
• Report any suspicious case in humans or animals to the authorities.
• If you work with farm animals or meat production, ensure to vaccinate yourself and the animals and watch out for similar symptoms in them.
• Do not slaughter sick animals for consumption.
• Use personal protective equipment (gloves, facemasks, goggles, boots) when handling sick animals.
• Report any incidence of sudden death in your farm animals.
• Dispose your dead animals in an environmentally friendly manner.
• Those working in textile and tanning industries should also get vaccinated.
• Follow the advice of your healthcare provider.

Dr. Nwachukwu N.O.

Sources

• Vanguard Newspapers (2023) Agric Ministry confirms Outbreak of Anthrax in Nigeria https://vanguardngr.com/2023/07/agric-ministry-confirms-outbreak-of-anthrax-in-nigeria/amp/

• Cennimo, D.J., Hofmann, J.R., Cunha, B.A., and Bronze, M.S. (2021) Anthrax. Medscape https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/212127-overview

• Bush, L.M. (2023) Anthrax. MDS Manual https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/infections/bacterial-infections-gram-positive-bacteria/anthrax

• Nigerian Tribune (2023) Anthrax in Nigeria: All you need to know about the disease https://tribuneonlineng.com/anthrax-in-nigeria-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-disease/

• Elelu, N., Aiyedun, J.O., Mohammed, I.G., Oludairo, O.O., Odetokun, I.A., Mohammed, K.M., Bale, J.O., and Nuru, S. (2019) Neglected Zoonotic Diseases in Nigeria: role of the Public Health
• Veterinarian. Pan African Medical Journal, 32 (36).doi: 10.11604/pamj.2019.32.36.15659

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SOME KEY FACTS

• Donors are most commonly unpaid volunteers.
• Blood donors are grouped into voluntary donors and replacement donors. The safest of these is the voluntary donor blood. Blood banking is highly regulated to ensure both donor and recipient safety.
• The goal of blood banking is to provide adequate and safe blood to recipients at no risk to donors.
• As a way of attaining this goal, voluntary nonremunerated blood donation is encouraged and the World Health Organization (WHO) had set a target of achieving 100% voluntary non remunerated donation by 2020.
• Nigeria as a member nation of WHO has made little progress with voluntary donor recruitment. Only about 5% of donor bloods used in Nigeria come from voluntary donors; family replacements and paid donors are still the major sources of donor blood procurement.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO DONATE BLOOD?

To be eligible to donate whole blood, plasma or platelets, you must be:

• In good health.
• At least 16 or 17 years old, depending on the law in your state. Some states allow legal minors to donate with parent permission. While there’s no legal upper age limit, policies may vary between individual donor centers.
• At least 110 pounds (about 50 kilograms).
• Able to pass the physical and health-history assessments.

WHO IS NOT ELIGIBLE TO DONATE BLOOD?

People who fall into any of the underlisted categories should be exempted from donating blood-

• Anyone who has used injected drugs, steroids or another substance not prescribed by a health care provider in the past three months
• Men who have had sexual contact with other men in the past three months
• Anyone who has a congenital coagulation factor deficiency
• Anyone who has had a positive test for HIV
• Anyone who has engaged in sex for money or drugs in the past three months
• Anyone who, in the past 12 months, has had close contact with — lived with or had sexual contact with — a person who has viral hepatitis
• Anyone who has had babesiosis, a rare and severe tick-borne disease, or the parasitic infection Chagas’ disease

IMPORTANCE OF BLOOD DONATION

Donated blood plays a vital role in saving lives and improving the health of patients in various medical situations. Here are some key points highlighting the importance of blood donation:

• Saving Lives: Blood transfusions are essential in treating a wide range of medical conditions, including severe injuries, surgical procedures, organ transplants, and diseases such as cancer, anemia, and hemophilia. By donating blood, you can contribute to saving the lives of individuals in need.
• Meeting Demand: There is a constant need for blood as it cannot be artificially manufactured. The demand for blood is especially critical during emergencies and natural disasters. By donating blood regularly, you can help ensure that there is an adequate supply to meet these demands.
• Supporting Medical Treatments: Many medical procedures and treatments, such as chemotherapy and surgeries, require blood transfusions. Donated blood provides a lifeline for patients undergoing these treatments, as it helps replenish their blood supply and improves their chances of recovery.
• Reducing Mortality Rates: In situations where patients suffer from significant blood loss due to accidents or surgeries, timely availability of blood can be a matter of life and death. Blood donations contribute to reducing mortality rates by providing immediate access to blood for those who need it.
• Enhancing Health Outcomes: Regular blood donations have health benefits for donors as well. Donating blood can help reduce the risk of certain cardiovascular diseases, as it helps maintain healthy iron levels in the body. It also stimulates the production of new blood cells, promoting overall well-being.
• Building a Strong Community: Blood donation brings people together and creates a sense of unity and camaraderie within communities. It promotes a culture of selflessness and compassion, fostering a supportive environment for those in need.
• Raising Awareness: Blood donation campaigns raise awareness about the importance of blood donation and encourage more individuals to participate. By being part of these initiatives, you can help spread the message and inspire others to become regular blood donors.

Blood donation is a safe and well-regulated process. Before donating, individuals undergo screening to ensure the safety of both the donor and the recipient. If you are interested in donating blood, reach out to local blood banks, hospitals, or blood donation centers to find out more about the process and eligibility criteria.

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BURDEN OF FOOD-BORNE DISEASES

Foodborne diseases affect 1 in 10 people worldwide each year, and food standards help us to ensure what we eat is safe. With an estimated 600 million cases of foodborne illnesses annually, unsafe food is a threat to human health and economies, disproportionally affecting vulnerable and marginalized people, especially women and children, populations affected by conflict, and migrants. An estimated 420 000 people around the world die every year after eating contaminated food and children under 5 years of age carry 40% of the foodborne disease burden, with 125 000 deaths every year.

CAUSES OF Food-borne diseases

• Foodborne diseases are the illnesses contracted from eating contaminated food or beverages. Illnesses include foodborne intoxications and infections, which are often incorrectly referred to as food poisoning.
• There are many different foodborne diseases that are caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, toxins, metals, and prions. Symptoms of foodborne illness range from mild gastroenteritis to life-threatening neurologic, hepatic, and renal syndromes.
• Botulism, Brucellosis, Campylobacter enteritis, Escherichia coli, Hepatitis A, Listeriosis, Salmonellosis, Shigellosis, Toxoplasmosis, Viral gastroenteritis, Taeniasis and Trichinosisare examples of foodborne diseases.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

1. Use safe water and ingredients: Use safe water or treat it to make it safe; select fresh and wholesome foods; choose foods processed for safety such as pasteurized milk; wash fruits and vegetables, especially if eaten raw; do not use food beyond its expiry date.
2. Keep your hands, utensils, and surfaces clean: Wash your hands before handling food and often during food preparation; wash your hands after going to the toilet; clean all surfaces and equipment used in food preparation; protect kitchen areas from insects, rodents and other animals.
3. Cook food thoroughly: Cook food thoroughly, especially meat, poultry, eggs, and seafood; bring foods like soups and stews to boiling. For meat and poultry, make sure juices are clear, not pink; reheat cooked food thoroughly.
4. Keep food at safe temperatures: Do not leave cooked food at room temperature for more than 2 hours; refrigerate promptly all cooked and perishable food (preferably below 5°C); keep cooked food piping hot (more than 60°C) prior to serving; do not store food too long in the refrigerator; do not thaw frozen food at room temperature.
5. Separate raw from cooked food: Separate raw meat, poultry, and seafood from other foods; use separate equipment and utensils such as knives and cutting boards for handling raw foods; store food in containers to avoid contact between raw and prepared foods.

The post Food Standards Save Lives – World Food Safety Day 2023 appeared first on Leadway Health.

Risks to mental health at work

At work, risks to mental health, also called psychosocial risks, may be related to job content or work schedule, specific characteristics of the workplace, or opportunities for career development, among other things. Some of the risks to your mental health at work can include:

• under-use of skills or being under-skilled for work,
• excessive workloads or work pace, understaffing,
• long, unsocial or inflexible hours,
• lack of control over job design or workload,
• violence, harassment or bullying,
• discrimination and exclusion,
• unclear job role,
• under- or over-promotion,
• job insecurity, inadequate pay, or poor investment in career development,
• conflicting home/work demands.

Tips for improving your mental health at work

Promote work/life balance.

• We all want to go as hard as we can, but ignoring that you have a life outside work hurts the company in the long run. Without a healthy work-life balance, productivity is likely to decline, and you are more likely to burn out.

Reduce the stigma

• Talking about stress management, self-care, and mental health in meetings and in email communications can reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.
• Ensuring that you and those around you feel safe to express themselves when they’re struggling with their mental health, without the fear of being called crazy or being fired. If the stigma is reduced you and those around you will be more willing to seek treatment. Fortunately, most mental health conditions are very treatable.

Keep in touch

• Relationships are key to our mental health. We usually can’t choose who to work with, but focusing on making your team supportive is hugely important for mental health wherever you may find yourself.

Ask for help

• None of us are superhuman. We all sometimes get tired or overwhelmed by how we feel or when things don’t go according to plan. So don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it and also make yourself a safe space for your colleagues.
• Please also note that as an employee under any of our Corporate (Group) Health plans, you have access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) where you can have 100% confidential discussions with a professional therapist and other advisors. Ask your HR about the EAP or call 0700-CALL-LW-HMO (0700-2255-59-466) for further information on how to access this program.

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WHAT IS HYPERTENSION?

Hypertension according to the Eight Joint National Committee (JNC 8) is regarded as a systolic blood pressure greater than 140 or a diastolic blood pressure greater than 90. There are no symptoms for hypertension and that is why it is widely regarded as a silent killer.

BURDEN OF HYPERTENSION

Globally, there are over one billion people living with hypertension which most living in developing countries. There are also over 46% of adults living with hypertension that are unaware of their status. In Africa, nearly half of those aged 25 years and above are hypertensive (>150 million adults), and an estimated 50 million adults have very substantively increased BP (>160/100 mm Hg). It also used to be associated with old age. However, 1 in 4 adults aged 20 – 44 are hypertensive.

CAUSES OF HYPERTENSION

• There is no single, direct cause of hypertension. It has however been linked to a myriad of factors. They include:
• Modifiable risk factors: unhealthy diets (excessive salt consumption, a diet high in saturated fat and trans fats, low intake of fruits and vegetables), physical inactivity, consumption of tobacco and alcohol, and being overweight or obese.
• Non-modifiable risk factors: a family history of hypertension, age over 65 years and co-existing diseases such as diabetes or kidney disease.

TREATMENT

• There is no cure for hypertension. However lifestyle modification, regular medications and follow up can help with management.
• Lifestyle modifications include: eating a healthy, low-salt diet, quitting tobacco, eating more vegetables and fruits, routine blood pressure check.
• Be more physically active, which can include walking, running, swimming, dancing or activities that build strength, like lifting weights.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

• Talk about it. Raising more awareness about hypertension will help early detection and prevent complications
• Reducing hypertension prevents heart attack, stroke and kidney damage, as well as other health problems.
• Take medicines as prescribed by your health care professional.

The post Measure your blood pressure accurately – World Hypertension Day 2023 appeared first on Leadway Health.

WHY SHOULD YOU WASH YOUR HANDS?

Handwashing with soap removes germs from hands. This helps prevent infections because:

• People frequently touch their eyes, nose, and mouth without even realizing it. Germs can get into the body through the eyes, nose and mouth and make us sick.
• Germs from unwashed hands can get into foods and drinks while people prepare or consume them. Germs can multiply in some types of foods or drinks, under certain conditions, and make people sick.
• Germs from unwashed hands can be transferred to other objects, like handrails, table tops, or toys, and then transferred to another person’s hands.
• Removing germs through handwashing therefore helps prevent diarrhea and respiratory infections and may even help prevent skin and eye infections.

Teaching people about handwashing helps them and their communities stay healthy. Handwashing education in the community:

• Reduces the number of people who get sick with diarrhea by 23-40%
• Reduces diarrheal illness in people with weakened immune systems by 58%
• Reduces respiratory illnesses, like colds, in the general population by 16-21%
• Reduces absenteeism due to gastrointestinal illness in schoolchildren by 29-57%

WHEN YOU SHOULD WASH YOUR HANDS

• Before, during, and after preparing food
• Before and after eating food
• Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea
• Before and after treating a cut or wound
• After using the toilet
• After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
• After handling pet food or pet treats
• After touching garbage

HOW YOU SHOULD WASH YOUR HANDS?

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or an air dryer.

If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to clean your hands.

Source: WHO, CDC.

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WHAT IS ASTHMA?

Asthma is a chronic health condition that arises due to increased responsiveness of the airway to a range of stimuli leading to narrowing of the airway. It usually presents with cough, shortness of breath, wheeze and chest tightness usually at night or early in the morning which are reversible either spontaneously or with treatment. Asthma affects both children and adults.

BURDEN OF ASTHMA

About 262 million people worldwide were affected by Asthma in 2019 and there were 455,000 asthma related deaths in the same year. It is often misdiagnosed and poorly managed in middle to low income countries thus leading to an increase in morbidity and mortality. A study in 2019 showed that the number of persons with clinical asthma in Nigeria is about 13million people, likely to be the highest in Africa.

CAUSES OF ASTHMA

There is no single, direct cause of Asthma. It has however been linked to a myriad of factors. They include but not limited to:

• Family history: Chances of developing asthma increases if other family members have the condition especially in first degree relatives like a parent or sibling.
• Asthma is more likely if there is presence of other allergic conditions like allergic rhinitis, eczema, etc.
• Asthma is more common in urban areas due to lifestyle factors.
• Obesity in both children and adults has been found to increase risk of asthma
• Exposure to a range of irritants and allergens in the environment has been found to increase development of asthma. These allergens include tobacco smoke, dust, mites, occupational chemicals, moulds, etc.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

Asthma is a chronic health condition that cannot be cured. However it can be properly managed with inhaled medications. The following are tips for successful asthma care for all:

• Know and avoid your triggers. Triggers often include organophosphates (sniper), household dust, cold, perfumes etc.
• Know the warning signs of an attack; Dry cough, wheeze
• Use asthma medications as prescribed. Proper inhaler technique is important so as to deliver the required dose into the airway.
• Create an asthma care plan. It is important to document the symptoms, frequency of occurrence and also frequency of inhaler use so as to help the healthcare provider on continuous management and to know when to increase medications or if the asthma is well controlled.
• Follow the advice of your healthcare provider.

People with asthma and their families need education to understand more about their asthma, their treatment, triggers to avoid, and how to manage their symptoms at home. It is also important to raise community awareness to reduce the myths and stigma associated with asthma in some settings. Furthermore, reducing tobacco smoke exposure is important for both primary prevention of asthma and disease management.

To learn how to raise awareness about asthma, visit GINA’s website at www.ginasthma.org

The post Asthma Care for all – World Asthma day 2023 appeared first on Leadway Health.

What Can Adults Do to Maintain Good Oral Health?

• Drink fluoridated water and brush with fluoride toothpaste.

• Practice good oral hygiene. Brush teeth thoroughly twice a day and floss daily between the teeth to remove dental plaque.
• Visit your dentist at least once a year, even if you have no natural teeth or have dentures.
• Do not use any tobacco products. If you currently smoke, you need to quit.
• Limit alcoholic drinks.
• If you have diabetes, work to maintain control of the disease. This will decrease risk for other complications, including gum disease. Treating gum disease may help lower your blood sugar level.

• If your medication causes you to have a dry mouth, ask your doctor for a different medication that may not cause this condition. If dry mouth cannot be avoided, drink plenty of water, chew sugarless gum, and avoid tobacco products and alcohol.
• See your doctor or a dentist if you have sudden changes in taste and smell.
• When acting as a caregiver, help older individuals brush and floss their teeth if they are not able to perform these activities independently.

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However, what happens if you can’t access medical help immediately due to one reason or the other? Here are some of these types of injuries/conditions and simple ways you can give first aid at home before receiving proper medical attention at a hospital.

Fever

This is a body temperature that is higher than the normal temperature of about 37°C. It usually indicates the presence of an infection.

• For Kids : Remove excess clothes  and offer the child a lot of fluid (water or juice is just fine). Do not run cold baths and if you must bathe the child, do so with lukewarm water or with a wet clean cloth. Give the child the recommended dosage of  Paracetamol (i.e. follow the dosing instructions on the pack)
• Adult:  Bathe with lukewarm water as well, drink a lot of fluid, rest and avoid any strenuous activity. You can also take the recommended dosage of Paracetamol and observe to see if there’s any change in your body temperature.

If symptom persists and fever is not breaking, kindly go to the hospital for emergency care.

Bleeding

Yes, there’s a lot blood but don’t panic! Relax, or get the bleeding person to calm down. Get a clean cloth and use it to apply pressure to the affected part. Follow the next steps depending of the cause of the bleeding.

• Minor Cut: Clean with antiseptic, apply antiseptic cream or iodine and cover with a bandage.
• Major Cut: Cover the affected part with bandage, sterile gauze or clean cloth and take to the bleeding person to the  hospital for urgent care.
• Nosebleed: Sit down and lean forward, pinch the soft part of your nose for about 10-15 mins and breathe through your mouth. Don’t forget to lean forward all through. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, go to the hospital immediately.

You can also click ‘Tap for Emergency’ button on the Leadway Health App for assistance.

Diarrhea/Loose Watery Stool

Did you just say ‘ewww’? That’s right, this very messy condition can also make you very uncomfortable. Although, diarrhea often goes away on its own, here are a few home remedies you can try out to ease the discomfort.

• Start Oral dehydration salt sachets, after 3 loose stools (it is more effective than plain water for rehydration)
• If sachet is not available, prepare a solution with one liter of warm water, half-leveled teaspoon of salt and 6 levelled teaspoons of sugar. Drink as much as can be tolerated.
• Avoid vegetables and high fibre food to reduce bowel movement
• Continue fluid intake
• Take Zinc tablet
• If symptoms persist or vomiting starts, go to a hospital immediately.

You can also click ‘Tap for Emergency’ button on the Leadway Health App for assistance.

Burns

Burns of any kind can cause really bad damage to your skin, so it is very important that you carry out the appropriate first aid to minimize this.

Unfortunately, if the burn is severe, the patient cannot remain at home for treatment, he or she needs to get to the hospital as soon as possible. As a first aid measure, do this for any victim of burns or scalds.

• Stop the cause of the burn, get to a safe area and remove all clothing or jewelry on the affected area.
• Put burnt area under running water for at least 20 minutes
• Do not apply apply any cold or  greasy substance on the area..and yes, not even pap. You can apply burns ointment if available.
• Do not burst the blister
• Keep the area clean and to reduce the pain you can take Paracetamol or Ibruprofen.

Accidental slips or falls

• Mange light bruises as indicated with minor cut.
• Apply a pack of ice (avoid heat) on the affected area
• Wrap in bandage (optional)
• Elevate affected part
• Take Paracetamol to reduce the pain
• If pain is severe or there is an obvious deformity, go to the hospital immediately

Accidental ingestion of chemicals

This happens more often that you think to both kids and adults alike. The first thing to do is not to panic.

• Do not induce vomiting by retching or drinking palm oil.
• Try to get the person to spit out any remaining poisonous substance from his/her mouth and stay as still and calm as possible.
• If you can get activate charcoal and administer to the person and then go to a medical facility immediately.
• Click the ‘Tap for emergency’ button on the Leadway Health Mobile app to get emergency care.

See below some over the counter medications you can keep handy

• Tab Paracetamol or Syrup Paracetamol (Take this for fast relief from fever and body pains)
• Antimalarial tablets- Arthemeter lumefantrine 80/480 for adults and 20/120 dispersible for children OR
• Camoquine/artesunate combination (start this at home if you have fever, bitter oral taste, painful Try to get to hospital at the earliest possible time)
• Tab Ibuprofen or syrup Ibuprofen (for fever, menstrual pains, If you have ulcer, avoid this drug)
• Tab Zinc (Start it immediately if you have running stomach)
• Oral re-hydration salt sachets (Start it immediately if you have running stomach, it is more effective than plain water for re-hydration)
• Burns ointment.

Please note that these medications are not to be abused or used inappropriately. Also ensure that you follow the recommended dosage (usually displayed on the pack).

Remember, if you’re a Leadway Health Enrollee, you can always talk to a doctor over the phone with our ‘Instant Telemedicine’ service and also access our Emergency Response Service. Both services are available on our mobile app and can be accessed 24/7.

Stay safe, stay healthy.

The post Common medical emergencies and how to manage them at home appeared first on Leadway Health.