Connect with us

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

Being HIV Positive Not Death Sentence — Discussants

Published

on

By

Discussants at a panel discussion on HIV and its impact on the youth have urged young people to get tested to know their status to enable them to fight the virus as early as possible.

According to them, most young people refuse to get tested for the virus and by extension other Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STIs) out of fear of possibly being diagnosed as positive They, therefore, encouraged the youth to get tested and added that being positive did not mean the end of the world for them because there is advancement in western medicine…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

They also noted that there were ways to mitigate the virus to prevent it from evolving into Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

The discussants included the Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Verifie Health, Alexander Quaisie; a Sexual Health Educator, Barbara Ntumy; an [HIV Clinician and Consultant for National AIDS Control Programme, Dr Nyonuku Akosua Baddoo; a Social Worker, Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights and Human Right Advocate, Gideon Adjaka, and the Programmes Manager at DKT, Nafisatu Sulemana.

The Panel Discussion

The panel discussion was organised last Thursday by Verifie Health, a medical centre that specialises in the testing of STI’s, in commemoration of World AIDS Day, which is celebrated annually on December 1.

It is a day set aside by the United Nations (UN) dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection and mourning those who have died of the disease.

The event, which was on the theme; “U=U, Equalise”, was in partnership with The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), Ghana AIDS Commission, the French Embassy to Ghana, the European Union and DKT International.

Living with HIV

Mr Quaisie, touching on the theme, explained that if a person was living with HIV and took one’s medications regularly one would develop an undetectable HIV viral load and could not transmit it sexually to his or her partner, even without the use of a condom.

“This is a far cry from what we always knew and understood given that HIV is such a deadly virus and only condoms can prevent an HIV-positive partner from infecting an HIV-negative partner,” he explained.

He, therefore, encouraged people living with HIV and their partners to continue taking their medications, which would contribute to the end of AIDS in 2030.

Impediments to testing

Mr Adjaka noted that self-stigmatisation had become one of the leading impediments to testing among young people. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

He explained that this was attributed to some wrongful myths and misconceptions about the virus and added that it was as a result of inadequate information about it.

“Although we have done a lot of work around changing the narratives like using the model approach where individuals living with the virus publicly disclose their status, people still have that mentality,” Mr Adjaka said.

Moral judgement

For her part, Ms Ntumy said having HIV or any other STI was seen as a moral judgement because of their most common method of transmission, which was sex.

She explained that young people were judged due to religious doctrines for doing something natural that made them happy.

“In the Ghanaian culture, a lot of people adhere to a higher authority and that authority guides a lot of ridicule.

“So if this thing is seen as a moral judgement, it creates a lot of contradictions and complications and that’s part of the problem,” she emphasised.

Advice

Dr Baddoo, in her submissions, encouraged young people to engage in preventive measures such as abstinence and the consistent use of condoms when necessary.

She similarly urged them to get tested, adding that early detection was the first step to fighting the virus if diagnosed positive.

Dr Baddoo also said persons living with HIV could have a normal and fulfilling life considering they adhered strictly to their medications and listened to their doctors’ advice.

“I know it’s not easy to get diagnosed as HIV positive because of our mentality that it’s a death sentence,” she added

 

READ FULL STORY HERE>>...CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

If You Fall In Blood Group O, Avoid These Habits And You Will Live Longer

Published

on

By

Living longer and healthier often involves understanding how our genetic predispositions, including blood type, can influence our health outcomes. For individuals with blood type O, there are specific habits and lifestyle choices that, when avoided, can contribute to a longer and healthier life.

Blood type O is often referred to as the “hunter” blood type in the context of the blood type diet theory, which suggests that individuals with this blood type may benefit from a diet that resembles that of early humans who were primarily hunters and gatherers. While the scientific evidence supporting the blood type diet is limited and controversial, there are other health considerations that individuals with blood type O should keep in mind…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

One of the most crucial factors for individuals with blood type O is maintaining a balanced diet. While specific diet plans may vary, it is generally recommended to avoid processed foods, particularly those high in sugars and unhealthy fats. Instead, focusing on a diet rich in lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables can help support overall health and well-being. This dietary approach not only aligns with potential benefits suggested by the blood type diet but also with broader nutritional guidelines for promoting longevity.

Another important consideration for individuals with blood type O is regular physical activity. Engaging in regular exercise not only helps maintain a healthy weight but also promotes cardiovascular health, strengthens bones and muscles, and improves overall mood and mental well-being. Activities such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, or participating in sports can all contribute to a longer and healthier life.

In addition to diet and exercise, managing stress levels is essential for individuals with blood type O. High-stress levels can contribute to a range of health problems, including hypertension, digestive issues, and impaired immune function. Techniques such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, or spending time in nature can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>> READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Furthermore, individuals with blood type O should be mindful of their caffeine and alcohol intake. While moderate consumption of coffee or tea may have some health benefits, excessive caffeine intake can lead to insomnia, anxiety, and digestive problems. Similarly, excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and certain types of cancer.

Lastly, avoiding smoking and maintaining regular health check-ups are crucial habits for individuals with blood type O. Smoking significantly increases the risk of various diseases, including lung cancer and cardiovascular disease. Regular health check-ups allow for early detection and management of potential health issues, helping to maintain overall health and longevity.

In conclusion, while genetics and blood type play a role in health outcomes, lifestyle choices such as diet, exercise, stress management, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are crucial for individuals with blood type O to live longer and healthier lives. By adopting these habits, individuals can optimize their health and well-being, regardless of their blood type, and potentially increase their lifespan.

 

READ FULL STORY HERE>>...CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
Continue Reading

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

If You Don’t Want To Suffer Stroke At Old Age, Avoid Excess Intake Of These 3 Things

Published

on

By

As we age, the risk of suffering a stroke increases, but many of the factors contributing to stroke are modifiable through lifestyle choices, particularly diet. While no single factor guarantees a stroke-free life, reducing the intake of certain substances can help mitigate the risk significantly. Among the key culprits that contribute to stroke risk are excessive consumption of salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats. Here’s how these three substances affect stroke risk and why you should consider limiting them:

1. Excessive Salt (Sodium):

High sodium intake is one of the leading contributors to hypertension, which is a major risk factor for stroke. When you consume too much salt, it can cause your blood pressure to rise, putting extra strain on the heart and blood vessels. Over time, this can lead to damage to the arteries, making them more prone to blockages, which can trigger a stroke. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends limiting salt intake to less than 5 grams per day. However, many people consume much more, primarily from processed foods, canned soups, fast food, and restaurant meals, where sodium is often hidden in excess. By reducing salt intake and choosing low-sodium alternatives, you can significantly lower your chances of developing high blood pressure and, by extension, stroke…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

 

2. Excessive Sugar (Added Sugars):

A diet high in refined sugars can contribute to the development of several conditions that increase stroke risk, including obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Consuming too much sugar causes an increase in blood glucose levels, leading to insulin resistance, weight gain, and inflammation—all of which are linked to an elevated risk of stroke. Additionally, high blood sugar can damage blood vessels over time, leading to atherosclerosis, or the hardening and narrowing of the arteries. To protect your brain health, it’s important to limit sugary foods and beverages, especially sodas, candies, and baked goods, which contain added sugars that can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 6 teaspoons (25 grams) of added sugar per day for women and 9 teaspoons (38 grams) for men. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

3. Unhealthy Fats (Trans and Saturated Fats):

Not all fats are created equal, and while some fats are essential for good health, unhealthy fats—particularly trans fats and excess saturated fats—can increase your risk of stroke. Trans fats, often found in processed and packaged foods like baked goods, snacks, and margarine, can raise bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and lower good cholesterol (HDL). This leads to plaque buildup in the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis, which significantly increases the likelihood of a stroke. Similarly, a diet high in saturated fats, commonly found in fatty cuts of meat, full-fat dairy products, and certain oils (like palm and coconut oil), can also elevate LDL cholesterol and promote the narrowing of arteries. Replacing these unhealthy fats with healthy fats—such as those found in nuts, seeds, avocados, and olive oil—can help protect against strokes.

Final Thoughts: While there is no magic bullet to prevent a stroke, maintaining a balanced, nutritious diet is one of the most effective strategies for lowering stroke risk in older age. Reducing your intake of excess salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats can help regulate blood pressure, prevent plaque buildup, and maintain healthy blood vessels, all of which reduce the risk of stroke. Along with a healthy diet, regular physical activity, not smoking, and managing stress are also critical components of a stroke-prevention plan. By making conscious choices to limit these three substances in your diet, you can significantly improve your long-term health and reduce your chances of experiencing a stroke in old age.

 

 

READ FULL STORY HERE>>...CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
Continue Reading

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

How Long Does It Take For a Healthy Person to Show HIV Symptoms.

Published

on

By

In most situations, the first HIV symptoms show up 2–4 weeks after a person is exposed to the virus, but in certain circumstances, they might take months or even years to manifest.

HIV is the name of the virus that causes the illness of the same name. AIDS, a lethal disease brought on by a person’s immune system being significantly weakened, is its last stage.

Blood, breast milk, and sexual fluids are all ways that HIV can transmit. According to research, 94% of HIV infections in 2015 were caused by sexual contact…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

initial signs of HIV

HIV infection does not always result in immediate symptoms. It takes between two and four weeks for HIV symptoms to manifest.

Sometimes symptoms won’t show up for months or even years.

Timeline

HIV is categorized by doctors into three stages.

Acute HIV infection in Stage 1

A person with HIV exhibits specific symptoms when they are first infected. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Fatigue, muscle aches, rashes, headaches, sore throats, enlarged lymph nodes, joint discomfort, night sweats, and diarrhea are some of the symptoms.

A credible source claims that some of these symptoms are more likely to materialize than others. The likelihood of each of the symptoms is mentioned above in decreasing order.

HIV infection in stage 2 is ongoing.

The following are signs of a chronic HIV infection, according to certain studies, says a dependable source: yeast infection in the vagina and oral hairy leukoplakia, which results in white, scaly areas on the tongue. Possible diagnoses include shingles, neuropathy, cervical dysplasia, and the blood clotting condition idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.

The person’s immune system will suffer considerably if this stage continues. Their body will have a harder time fighting off infections and other illnesses as a result.

3.AIDS in Stage

AIDS manifests when a person’s CD4 cell count is significantly decreased as a result of HIV infection.

White blood cells called T cells, sometimes referred to as CD4 cells, are one type. They serve as the body’s defense against harmful microorganisms. These cells become dysfunctional as a result of HIV infection.

 

READ FULL STORY HERE>>...CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
Continue Reading

Trending