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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

Being HIV Positive Not Death Sentence — Discussants

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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

 

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

Your Lungs Are Not In Good Condition if You Experience the Following

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Your lungs play a vital role in ensuring that your body receives the oxygen it needs to function properly. When your lungs are healthy, breathing feels natural and effortless. However, when there is a problem, your body will often send warning signs. Ignoring these signs can lead to serious health conditions, including chronic lung diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and even lung cancer. Here are some key symptoms that may indicate your lungs are not in good condition:

1. Persistent Cough:

A cough that lasts more than three weeks, especially without any other clear cause like a cold, could be a sign of lung trouble. Chronic coughing may suggest inflammation or infection in the airways, or more serious conditions such as tuberculosis or lung cancer…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

2. Shortness of Breath:

Feeling breathless during normal activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, or talking, can be a sign that your lungs are not functioning properly. Healthy lungs provide oxygen efficiently; difficulty breathing means your lungs may be struggling.

3. Chest Pain or Tightness:

Discomfort or pain in the chest when you breathe deeply, cough, or laugh could indicate issues like pleurisy (inflammation of the lung lining), infection, or even a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism). It is a symptom that should never be ignored.

4. Wheezing or Noisy Breathing: READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

A high-pitched sound when you breathe, known as wheezing, can point to airway obstruction. This is commonly seen in asthma and other chronic lung diseases and may indicate inflammation or mucus build-up in the lungs.

5. Fatigue and Weakness:

If your lungs aren’t delivering enough oxygen, your entire body suffers. You may feel constantly tired or find it hard to concentrate or perform everyday tasks, which could signal reduced lung capacity.

6. Frequent Respiratory Infections:

Recurring bronchitis, pneumonia, or even frequent colds that go straight to your chest may mean your lungs are not strong enough to fight off infections.

In conclusion, your lungs are essential for life, and any persistent or unusual symptoms related to breathing should be taken seriously. Regular checkups, avoiding smoking, staying physically active, and breathing clean air are some ways to keep your lungs healthy and functioning properly. Don’t wait for the symptoms to get worse—early action can save your life.

 

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

4 Major Reasons Some People Die In Their Sleep

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Death during sleep can be shocking and tragic, especially when it involves someone who seemed healthy. While it often feels sudden and mysterious, there are medical explanations behind such deaths. Understanding these causes can help us recognize warning signs and possibly prevent silent tragedies.

1. Cardiac Arrest: One of the most common reasons people die in their sleep is sudden cardiac arrest. This occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating due to electrical disturbances. People with undiagnosed heart conditions, high blood pressure, or a history of heart disease are at greater risk. The quiet of sleep masks the symptoms, and without immediate help, survival is rare…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

2. Sleep Apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. If untreated, it can lead to low oxygen levels, high blood pressure, heart strain, and even sudden death. Many people don’t know they have it.

3.Stroke: A stroke can strike during sleep when blood flow to the brain is suddenly blocked or a vessel bursts. High blood pressure, smoking, and high cholesterol increase the risk. Some victims never wake up. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

4. Respiratory Failure: People with severe asthma, COPD, or other lung diseases can experience breathing complications during sleep that lead to death if not managed properly.

Regular health check-ups, managing chronic conditions, and paying attention to sleep-related symptoms like loud snoring or gasping can make a big difference.

 

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

Uterine Cancer: Stay Away From These 4 Things To Avoid The Risk Of Being A Victim

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Uterine cancer, particularly endometrial cancer, is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the uterus. While there is no guaranteed way to completely eliminate the risk, certain lifestyle changes and precautions can help reduce the chances of developing this condition. Here are four key things to avoid to reduce your risk:

1. Obesity: Being overweight is a significant risk factor for uterine cancer, as excess fat can lead to higher estrogen levels in the body, which in turn can promote the growth of abnormal cells in the uterus. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can significantly reduce this risk.

2. Uncontrolled Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Hormone therapy, especially estrogen-only treatment without progesterone, can increase the risk of uterine cancer. If you’re considering hormone therapy for menopause symptoms, it’s essential to consult your healthcare provider and ensure you’re on the safest and most appropriate treatment plan…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

3. Poor Diet: A diet high in processed foods, unhealthy fats, and low in fiber may increase your risk of uterine cancer. Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help support your overall health and reduce cancer risk. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

4. Lack of Physical Activity: Leading a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to obesity and increase the likelihood of hormonal imbalances, both of which raise uterine cancer risks. Regular physical activity helps keep the body in balance, reducing both obesity and potential hormone-related risks.

By avoiding these risk factors and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can take proactive steps in reducing the likelihood of uterine cancer. However, it’s crucial to remember that regular check-ups and being aware of your family history can also aid in early detection, which is vital for better outcomes.

 

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