REDUCE OBESITY

Before we dive into how to reduce obesity, take a moment to learn about the health related issues of obesity

Obesity is a complex, multifactorial condition characterized by an excessive accumulation of body fat that poses a risk to health. It is commonly measured using Body Mass Index (BMI), where a BMI ≥30 kg/m² is classified as obese.

Obesity significantly increases the risk of numerous health conditions, including:

1. Cardiovascular Diseases

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Coronary artery disease

Heart failure

Stroke

Excess fat leads to increased vascular resistance and altered lipid metabolism.

2. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Obesity, especially central (abdominal) obesity, is a major risk factor.

It causes insulin resistance and impaired glucose metabolism.

3. Metabolic Syndrome

A cluster of conditions including obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia.

Increases risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

4. Certain Cancers

Increased risk for cancers such as:

Breast (postmenopausal)

Colorectal

Endometrial

Kidney

Esophageal adenocarcinoma

5. Musculoskeletal Disorders

Osteoarthritis (especially knees, hips, and lower back)

Due to increased mechanical load on joints.

6. Respiratory Disorders

Obstructive sleep apnea

Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (Pickwickian syndrome)

Asthma

7. Reproductive and Hormonal Issues

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Infertility

Erectile dysfunction

Pregnancy complications (gestational diabetes, preeclampsia)

8. Mental Health Conditions

Depression

Anxiety

Low self-esteem and social stigma

9. Liver Disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

Can progress to cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma

How to reduce obesity

Reducing obesity involves long-term lifestyle changes supported by behavioral, medical, and sometimes surgical interventions. The approach should be sustainable, individualized, and multi-pronged. Here's a structured breakdown:

1. Dietary Modifications

Caloric Deficit: Consume fewer calories than you expend.

Balanced Diet:

High in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins

Low in sugar, saturated fats, and refined carbohydrates

Portion Control: Avoid oversized portions.

Mindful Eating: Eat slowly and avoid distractions (like TV).

2. Physical Activity

Aerobic Exercise: At least 150–300 minutes/week of moderate-intensity (e.g., brisk walking, cycling). This amount to 30 minutes to 1 hour of exercise at least 5 times a week

Strength Training: At least 2 days/week (e.g., weights, resistance bands)

Reduce Sedentary Time: Limit screen time; incorporate standing or walking breaks.

3. Behavioral Therapy

Self-monitoring: Keep food and activity logs

Goal-setting: Set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps change eating patterns and emotional responses

4. Medical Management

For BMI ≥30, or ≥27 with comorbidities

Prescription weight-loss medications (under physician supervision):

5. Bariatric Surgery

Considered for:

BMI ≥40, or

BMI ≥35 with serious health issues (e.g., type 2 diabetes)

6. Support Systems

Join support groups or weight-loss programs

Engage family and friends for encouragement

Use mobile apps for tracking and motivation

7. Public Health and Environmental Changes

Promote healthy food environments (e.g., reducing fast food density)

Implement workplace wellness programs

Support physical activity through community infrastructure (e.g., parks, walking trail

Seek Medical support when appropriate

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MENTAL RESILIENCE

 

Mental Resilience: Building Inner Strength for a Healthier Life

The ability to bounce back from adversity isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity. 

Mental resilience, often referred to as psychological resilience, is the capacity to adapt well in the face of stress, trauma, or significant challenges. It’s not about avoiding hardship, but about learning how to thrive despite it.

Mental resilience is the emotional strength that helps you cope with pressure, recover from setbacks, and keep going in the face of adversity. It doesn’t mean you don’t experience stress or emotional pain, but it means you have the tools to manage and grow from them.

Key traits of mentally resilient individuals include:

Emotional regulation

Optimism

Flexibility

Problem-solving ability

Strong support networks

 

Mental resilience impacts almost every area of life, including:

Physical health: Chronic stress weakens the immune system; resilience helps reduce that impact.

Mental health: Lower risk of depression, anxiety, and burnout.

Relationships: Better communication, empathy, and conflict resolution.

Work and productivity: Greater focus, motivation, and adaptability.

You may already be more resilient than you think. The signs include:

Remaining calm under pressure

Being able to reframe negative thoughts

Maintaining perspective during crises

Seeking solutions instead of dwelling on problems

Learning from failure and using it to grow

How do i build Mental Resilience ?

1. Practice Self-Awareness

Understand your emotions and recognize your stress triggers. Journaling and mindfulness can help increase awareness.

2. Develop a Growth Mindset

View challenges as opportunities to grow rather than insurmountable obstacles. Embrace learning from setbacks.

3. Strengthen Social Connections

Build and maintain strong relationships. Talking to friends, family, or therapists can provide perspective and comfort.

4. Take Care of Your Body

Good sleep, regular exercise, and a balanced diet are foundational for mental strength.

5. Set Realistic Goals

Break tasks into manageable steps. Celebrate small wins to build confidence and motivation.

6. Practice Stress-Reduction Techniques

Try meditation, breathing exercises, yoga, or progressive muscle relaxation to manage anxiety.

7. Be Kind to Yourself

Practice self-compassion. Avoid harsh self-criticism and treat yourself with the same kindness you’d offer a friend.

Here are examples of resilience in Real luge situations:

Healthcare workers during the pandemic who continued to serve patients despite emotional and physical exhaustion.

Athletes who recover from injuries and return stronger than before.

Individuals coping with loss or trauma, finding new purpose and meaning in life afterward.

Building resilience doesn’t mean doing it all alone. If stress or sadness feels overwhelming, professional help from a doctor, therapist or counselor can be a vital part of developing resilience.

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Conclusion

Mental resilience is like a muscle—the more you train it, the stronger it becomes. It doesn’t make life’s problems disappear, but it equips you to handle them with courage and clarity. By nurturing resilience, you're investing in a healthier, more balanced future.

PROS and CONS of a CRESCENT BREAST LIFT

Pros and Cons of a Crescent Breast Lift

A crescent breast lift rejuvenates the appearance of your breasts 

It is like any surgical procedure with limitations. 

Pros

SignificantChange in Shape and Contour

Minimal scarring 

Less invasive procedure 

Cons:

Limited in scope of drastic change

If you’re a woman who has noticed that your breasts are beginning to sag, you might be considering options to rejuvenate their appearance. The crescent breast lift could be an excellent choice for you, but it’s important to understand who this procedure is most suitable for. 

The crescent breast lift is best suited for women who have:

Low to Moderate Sagging: This procedure is particularly effective for those experiencing a mild to moderate level of droopiness in their breasts. If your sagging is extensive, other types of breast lifts or additional procedures may be more appropriate.

Smaller Breast Size: The crescent lift works well for women with smaller breasts. This is because smaller breasts typically require less lifting and reshaping, making this minimally invasive procedure a good fit.

Desire for Subtle Lift: A crescent lift is capable of raising the nipple by approximately two centimetres. If you’re looking for a modest lift rather than a dramatic change, this could be the ideal procedure for you.

If you fall into these categories and are seeking a subtle but effective lift for your breasts, a crescent breast lift could be your go-to solution. To find out for sure, the best step is to consult with a skilled plastic surgeon at Centre for Surgery. They can assess your specific needs and advise whether a crescent lift or another procedure would be most beneficial for you.

What to Expect During Recovery After a Crescent Breast Lift

Returning to Work: Many people find that they’re comfortable going back to their jobs about 10 days after the surgery. This can vary based on your individual healing process and the nature of your job

Light Exercise: After approximately two weeks, you should be able to start easing back into a lighter exercise routine, primarily focused on the lower body. It’s important to avoid putting too much stress on the breast area during this period to allow for optimal healing. 

Comprehensive Exercise Regime: After six weeks, most people are cleared to resume a more intense exercise regimen. This is usually the point at which you can start to incorporate weightlifting and more strenuous exercises that could put stress on the treated areas.

Consult Your Surgeon: Before resuming any strenuous activities, it’s always best to consult with your surgeon. They can give you personalized advice based on how well your healing is progressing.

Follow-up Appointments: During your recovery, you’ll have scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and to ensure everything is progressing as it should be.

Post-Surgery Care: Make sure to adhere to all post-operative care instructions provided by your surgeon, including guidelines on when and how to wear support garments, and how to care for your incisions to minimize scarring.

Listen to Your Body: Every individual’s healing process is unique. If you’re feeling discomfort, it might be a sign that you’re pushing yourself too hard too soon. Always consult your surgeon if you have any concerns during your recovery period.

By adhering to these guidelines and maintaining regular communication with your healthcare provider, you can help ensure a smooth and successful recovery from your crescent breast lift procedure.

When to Expect Results After a Crescent Breast Lift

After undergoing a crescent breast lift, you’re likely eager to see the fruits of your investment. Here’s what you can expect in terms of results:

Right After Surgery: The changes to the shape and position of your breasts should be noticeable almost immediately after the procedure. Even though you’ll likely experience some swelling and bruising, the uplifted position of your breasts will be evident.

Six Months to a Year: The initial swelling will gradually reduce over time, and the true, permanent results of your breast lift will become more apparent. Generally speaking, it takes between six months to a year for the swelling to completely subside and for your breasts to settle into their new, uplifted position.

Post-Operative Care: To get the best possible results, it’s crucial to follow all post-operative care instructions provided by your surgeon. This can include wearing supportive garments and avoiding certain activities that could compromise your results.

Regular Check-ups: Make sure to attend all scheduled follow-up appointments so that your surgeon can monitor your healing process and make any necessary adjustments to your post-operative care plan.

Individual Differences: Keep in mind that everyone’s body heals at its own rate, so your personal timeline for results might vary slightly.

Stroke

Stroke is a common presentation in the emergency room world wide 

It occurs when the blood flow to the brain is compromised due to the high tension in the brain

A stroke, sometimes called a brain attack, occurs when something blocks blood supply to part of the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts.

In either case, parts of the brain become damaged or die. A stroke can cause lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or even death.

The leading cause of stroke world wide is hypertension

Other causes are

• Being overweight or obese
• Physical inactivity
• Heavy or binge drinking
• Use of illegal drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine
• Cigarette smoking or secondhand smoke exposure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Personal or family history of stroke, heart attack or transient ischemic attack
• Age: people age 55 or older have a higher risk of stroke 
• Race: African Americans and Hispanics have a higher risk of stroke

The prevention of stroke is cheaper and better than it's management.

Medications adherence, regular clinic visit and lifestyle modification can prevent an individual from having a stroke.

Are you hypertensive ? 

Have you been experiencing

recurrent headaches

blurry vision

pins and needles sensation on your hands and feet

Trouble speaking or understanding

Dizziness

Fainting

Confusion

If yes to at least one of the symptoms above, then

Visit your doctor

DIABETES

 

Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that involves little or no production of insulin in the body. This results in the accumulation of sugar in the body. Insulin is responsible for the breakdown of sugar to produce energy for the body

The main signs and symptoms of Diabetes includes

1) excessive urination

2) excessive thirst

3) excessive hunger

4) weight loss

Others are

Tiredness

Weakness

Numbness of the hands and feets

Blurred vision

Prevention includes

LIFE STYLE MODIFICATION

Use the code SNAP NEAT

I will be snap-neat

S- stop smoking

N- good nutrition

A- avoid alcohol

P- physical exercise

N- good nutrition

E - healthy eating/exercise

A - Avoidance of harmful substances

T - tranquility (rest)

Exercise - at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise five times a week 

jogging

brisk walking

dancing

High fibre diet 

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL

Sustainable development goal was established in September In 2015 at the world health organization submit. 

It is a review of the mellenium Developmengoal which was not achieved .

However sustainable development goal is to be achieved by 2030. It has 17 goals and it builds on the principle of leaving no one behind . It puts into consideration people living with disabilities. It emphasizes a holistic approach to achievement of the goals. 

The 17 sustainable development goals SDGs is to transform the world

They include

Goal 1- No poverty

Goal 2- Zero hunger

Goal 3- Good health and well-being

Goal 4- Quality Education

Goal 5- Gender Equality

Goal 6- Clean and water sanitation

Goal 7- Affordable and clean energy

Goal 8- Decent work and Economic growth

Goal 9- Industry, innovation and Infrastructure

Goal 10- Reduced Inequality

Goal 11- Sustainable cities and communities

Goal 12- Responsible consumption and production

Goal 13- Climate action

Goal 14- Life below water

Goal 15- life on land

Goal 16- Peace and justice strong Institution

Goal 17- Partnerships to achieve the goal

These goals are to transform the world we live in

Our individual contributions goes a long way in achieving these goals. 

Medical Investigations

 

Medical investigations has fast become the bedrock of diagnostic medicine

Periodic routine Investigations is important to keep your health in check 

investigations reveals pointers to an impeding acute or chronic illness

The culture of conducting your routine yearly investigations should be inbided in us all

Here are few important investigations for men

Complete blood count

Kidney function test

Lipid profile

Liver function test

Vital markers

Prostate specific antigen

For women,

Complete blood count

Kidney function test

Lipid profile

Liver function test

Vital markers

Pap smear

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BENEFITS OF DAILY WALK

Walking has great benefits to your health, its should be done on a dosage level.

For example, 30 minute walk by 6pm daily is a dosage level

The recommended walk dosage for an adult is 30 minute of moderate intensity walk at least 5 times a week

The following are your benefits when you walk 

1) Burns Calories

2) Strengthens your heart and improves cardiovascular activities

3) Help lowers your blood sugar

4) Eases joint pains

5) Boost immune functions

6) Boost your energy

7) Improves your mood

8) Creative thinking

9) Improves your life expectancy 

10) Tones your legs and muscles

11) Increases lung capacity

12) Delays agreeing

13) Prevents cancer

14) Lowers blood pressure

15) Prevents disability in old age

16) Improves varicose vein

17) Speeds up digestion

18) Reduces risk of dementia 

SEX, its benefits

• sex stimulates the immune system
• sex makes you less vulnerable to cold and flu
• prolonged deep kissing lowers blood pressure and cholesterol on the long run
• kissing releases bacteria that stimulates the body to produce protein (antibodies) which helps fight infections 
• sex triggers release of growth hormone 
• sex aids weight loss
• sex releives pain
• Having sex 3 times daily regularly can make you look younger 
• orgasm triggers oxytocin release causing you to feel relaxed, energetic with a clear mind
• sex decreases anxiety 
• sex is a beauty treatment, when women make love, they produce estrogen which makes the hair shine and the skin smooth 
• sex is a tranquilizer, it is more effective than a sleep medication 
• sex relieves headache, a love making session can release the tension that restricts blood vessels in the brain
• love making is a natural antihistamine, it can end an allergy
• sex stretches and tones up all muscles in the body 
• sex can cure mild depression, endorphins are released into the blood stream producing a sense of euphoria leaving you with a feeling of good well being 
• sex reduces the risk of heart disease 
• sex reduces the risk of prostate cancer 
• sex is a natural cosmetic, it firms your tummy and buttocks. 

SEVERE MALARIA

Severe malaria occurs when plasmodium falciparum infections (malaria infection) are complicated by organ failures or abnormalities in the patient’s blood and or metabolism.

SYMPTOMS OF MALARIA

• shaking chills that can range from moderate to severe
• high fever
• profuse sweating 
• headache
• nausea 
• vomiting 
• abdominal pain
• diarrhea
• anemia
• muscle pain
• convulsions 
• coma
• bloody stool

The presentations of severe malaria include malaria symptoms and the following:

1 Cerebral malaria, this is associated with abnormal behavior, impairment of consciousness, seizures and or coma

2 Severe anemia due to hemolysis (destruction of the red blood cells)

3 Hemoglobinuria, (hemoglobin in the urine) due to hemolysis(Blackwater fever)

4 Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), an inflammatory reaction in the lungs that inhibits oxygen exchange(Malarial lungs)

5. Abnormalities in blood coagulation

6. Low blood pressure caused by cardiovascular collapse (Algid Malaria)

7 Acute kidney injury, (kidney damage)

8 Hyperparasitemia, where more than 5% of the red blood cells are infected by malaria parasites

9. Metabolic acidosis (excessive acidity in the blood and tissue fluids)

10. Hypoglycemia,(low blood sugar)

Malaria is a life threatening disease and one of the leading cause of under 5 mortality rate.

CONSULT YOUR GP (General Practitioner)
Ask questions.
We are just a phone call away.

ASTHMA

Asthma is a disease of the lungs in which the airways narrows and swells and produces extra mucus. This makes breathing difficult and trigger coughing, a whistling sound (wheezing) when you breathe out. It also causes shortness of breath. 
Asthma causes about 2 million visits to the emergency room yearly. With proper treatment, an individual with asthma can live a quality life

SIGNS
There are 3 major signs if asthma 

• Airway blockage. When you breathe, the bands of muscle around your airways are relaxed, and air moves freely. But when you have asthma, the muscles tighten. It’s harder for air to pass through.
• Inflammation. Asthma causes red, swollen bronchial tubes in the lungs. This inflammation can damage your lungs.
• Airway irritability. People with asthma have sensitive airways that tend to overreact and narrow when they come into contact with slight triggers

SYMPTOMS 
The symptoms of asthma vary from person to person. You may seldom have asthma attacks, have symptoms only at certain times such as when exercising or have symptoms all the time.

Asthma signs and symptoms include:

• coughing
• shortness of breath
• Chest tightness or pain
• Wheezing when exhaling
• Trouble sleeping 

Signs that asthma is probably worsening include:

• Asthma signs and symptoms that are more frequent and worrisome 
• Increasing difficulty breathing, as measured with a device used to check how well the lungs are working (peak flow meter)
• The need to use a quick-relief inhaler more often

For some people, asthma signs and symptoms flare up in certain situations:

• Exercise-induced asthma, which may be worse when the air is cold and dry
• Occupational asthma, triggered by workplace irritants such as chemical fumes, gases or dust
• Allergy-induced asthma, triggered by airborne substances, such as pollen, mold spores, cockroach waste, or particles of skin and dried saliva shed by pets (pet dander)

WHEN TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR 

See your doctor:

• If you think you have asthma. If you have frequent coughing or wheezing that lasts more than a few days or any other signs or symptoms of asthma.
• To monitor your asthma after diagnosis.If you know you have asthma, work with your doctor to keep it under control. Good long-term control helps you feel better from day to day and can prevent a life-threatening asthma attack.
• If your asthma symptoms get worse.Contact your doctor right away if your medication doesn't seem to ease your symptoms or if you need to use your quick-relief inhaler more often.
• To review your treatment. Asthma often changes over time. Meet with your doctor regularly to discuss your symptoms and make any needed treatment adjustments

Get EMERGENCY help if you have serious symptoms including:

• Fast breathing
• Pale or blue face, lips, or fingernails
• The skin around your ribs pulls inward when you breathe in
• Trouble breathing, walking, or talking
• Symptoms that don’t get better after you take medication or a quick relief of inhaler. 

HOME REMEDY FOR FEVER

Fever occurs when the body temperature rises above the normal range of 98–100°F (36–37°C). It is a common sign of an infection.

Home Remedy for fever

• DO NOT PANIC.
• Remove clothings.
• Sit in a bath of lukewarm water, which will feel cool when you have a fever. (Cold water will cause your body to warm up instead of cool down.)
• Give yourself a sponge bath with lukewarm water.
• Take frequent baths.
• Wear light clothing. 
• Stay in bed and rest.
• Check temperature regularly with a thermometer. 
• Avoid using too many extra blankets when you have chills. 
• Drink plenty of room-temperature water.
• keep hydrated.
• Eat meals frequently.
• Use a fan to keep air circulating.
• Take analgesics (paracetamol or ibuprofen.)
• Stay indoor.

IF FEVER DOES NOT ABATE IN 24HOURS, CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR.

LIDWIG's ANGINA

Ludwig’s angina is a rare skin infection that occurs on the floor of the mouth, underneath the tongue. It is a bacterial infection that often occurs after a tooth abscess which is a collection of pus in the center of a tooth. It can also occur after other mouth infections or injuries. This infection is more common in adults than children

The bacteria Streptococcus and Staphylococcus are common causes.The following may also contribute to developing Ludwig’s angina:

• poor dental hygiene
• trauma or lacerations in the mouth
• a recent tooth extraction

THE SYMPTOMS OF LUDWIG's ANGINA ARE 

• pain or tenderness in the floor of your mouth, which is underneath your tongue
• difficulty swallowing
• drooling
• problems with speech
• neck pain
• swelling of the neck
• redness on the neck
• weakness
• fatigue
• an earache
• tongue swelling that causes your tongue to push against your palate
• a fever
• chills
• confusion

WHEN TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR 

Call your doctor if you have symptoms of Ludwig’s angina. As the infection progresses, you may also experience trouble breathing and chest pain. It may cause serious complications, such as airway blockage or sepsis, which is a severe inflammatory response to bacteria. These complications can be life-threatening.

DIABETES

Diabetes mellitus commonly known as diabetes is a metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar.

The hormone insulin moves sugar from the blood into your cells to be stored or used for energy. With diabetes, your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t effectively use the insulin it does make.

There are  different types of diabetes.

1. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. The immune system attacks and destroys cells in the pancreas where insulin is made.

This causes diabetes by leaving the body without enough insulin to function normally.

This is called an autoimmune reaction, or autoimmune cause, because the body is attacking itself

2. Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body becomes resistant to insulin, and sugar builds up in your blood.
Type 2 diabetes causes are usually multifactorial, more than one diabetes cause is involved. Often, the most overwhelming factor is a family history of type 2 diabetes. There are a variety of risk factors for type 2 diabetes, any or all of which increase the chances of developing the condition.These include:

• obesity
• Living a sedentary lifestyle
• Increasing age
• Bad diet

Other type 2 diabetes causes includes pregnancy or chronic  illness.

3. Prediabetes - this occurs when your blood sugar is higher than normal, but it’s not high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes

4.Gestational diabetes - high blood sugar during pregnancy. Insulin-blocking hormones produced by the placenta cause this type of diabetes

5.Diabetes Insipidus - It’s a differentiated condition in which your kidneys remove too much water from the body

EARLY SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES 

1. Frequent urination

When blood sugar levels are high, the kidneys try to remove the excess sugar by filtering it out of the blood. This can lead to a person needing to urinate more frequently, particularly at night.

2. Increased thirst

The frequent urination that is necessary to remove excess sugar from the blood can result in the body losing additional water. Over time, this can cause dehydration and lead to a person feeling more thirsty than usual.

3. Always feeling hungry

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Constant hunger or thirst can be early signs of type 2 diabetes.

People with diabetes often do not get enough energy from the food they eat.

The digestive system breaks food down into a simple sugar called glucose, which the body uses as fuel. In people with diabetes, not enough of this glucose moves from the bloodstream into the body’s cells.

As a result, people with type 2 diabetes often feel constantly hungry, regardless of how recently they have eaten.

4. Feeling very tired

Type 2 diabetes can impact on a person’s energy levels and cause them to feel very tired or fatigued. This tiredness occurs as a result of insufficient sugar moving from the bloodstream into the body’s cells.

5. Blurry vision

An excess of sugar in the blood can damage the tiny blood vessels in the eyes, which can cause blurry vision. This blurry vision can occur in one or both of the eyes and may come and go.

If a person with diabetes goes without treatment, the damage to these blood vessels can become more severe, and permanent vision loss may eventually occur.

6. Slow healing of cuts and wounds

High levels of sugar in the blood can damage the body’s nerves and blood vessels, which can impair blood circulation. As a result, even small cuts and wounds may take weeks or months to heal. Slow wound healing also increases the risk of infection.

7. Tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands or feet

High blood sugar levels can affect blood circulation and damage the body’s nerves. In people with type 2 diabetes, this can lead to pain or a sensation of tingling or numbness in the hands and feet.

This condition is known as neuropathy, and it can worsen over time and lead to more serious complications if a person does not get treatment for their diabetes.

8. Patches of dark skin

Patches of dark skin forming on the creases of the neck, armpit, or groin can also signify a higher risk of diabetes. These patches may feel very soft and velvety.

This skin condition is known as acanthosis nigricans.

9. Itching and yeast infections

Excess sugar in the blood and urine provides food for yeast, which can lead to infection. Yeast infections tend to occur on warm, moist areas of the skin, such as the mouth, genital areas, and armpits.

The affected areas are usually itchy, but a person may also experience burning, redness, and soreness.

COMPLICATIONS OF DIABETES 

• Cardiovascular disease. Diabetes dramatically increases the risk of various cardiovascular problems, including coronary artery disease with chest pain (angina), heart attack, stroke and narrowing of arteries (atherosclerosis). If you have diabetes, you're more likely to have heart disease or stroke.
• Nerve damage (neuropathy). Excess sugar can injure the walls of the tiny blood vessels (capillaries) that nourish your nerves, especially in your legs. This can cause tingling, numbness, burning or pain that usually begins at the tips of the toes or fingers and gradually spreads upward.
  Left untreated, you could lose all sense of feeling in the affected limbs. Damage to the nerves related to digestion can cause problems with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. For men, it may lead to erectile dysfunction.
• Kidney damage (nephropathy). The kidneys contain millions of tiny blood vessel clusters (glomeruli) that filter waste from your blood. Diabetes can damage this delicate filtering system. Severe damage can lead to kidney failure or irreversible end-stage kidney disease, which may require dialysis or a kidney transplant.
• Eye damage (retinopathy). Diabetes can damage the blood vessels of the retina (diabetic retinopathy), potentially leading to blindness. Diabetes also increases the risk of other serious vision conditions, such as cataracts and glaucoma.
• Foot damage. Nerve damage in the feet or poor blood flow to the feet increases the risk of various foot complications. Left untreated, cuts and blisters can develop serious infections, which often heal poorly. These infections may ultimately require toe, foot or leg amputation.
• Skin conditions. Diabetes may leave you more susceptible to skin problems, including bacterial and fungal infections.
• Hearing impairment. Hearing problems are more common in people with diabetes.
• Alzheimer's disease. Type 2 diabetes may increase the risk of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease. The poorer your blood sugar control, the greater the risk appears to be. Although there are theories as to how these disorders might be connected, none has yet been proved.
• Depression. Depression symptoms are common in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Depression can affect diabetes management.

PREVENTION OF DIABETES 

Type 1 diabetes can't be prevented. However, healthy lifestyle choices can help treat prediabetes, prevent type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes.

• Eat healthy foods. Choose foods lower in fat and calories and higher in fiber. Focus on fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Strive for variety to prevent boredom.
• Get more physical activity. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a day. Take a brisk daily walk. Ride your bike. Swim laps. If you can't fit in a long workout, break it up into smaller sessions spread throughout the day.
• Lose excess pounds. If you're overweight, losing even 7 percent of your body weight — for example, 14 pounds (6.4 kilograms) if you weigh 200 pounds (90.7 kilograms) — can reduce the risk of diabetes.
  Don't try to lose weight during pregnancy, however. Talk to your doctor about how much weight is healthy for you to gain during pregnancy.
  To keep your weight in a healthy range, focus on permanent changes to your eating and exercise habits. Motivate yourself by remembering the benefits of losing weight, such as a healthier heart, more energy and improved self-esteem

WHEN TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR 

• If you suspect you or your child may have diabetes. If you notice any possible diabetes symptoms, contact your doctor. The earlier the condition is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can begin.
• If you have already been diagnosed with diabetes. After you receive your diagnosis, you'll need close medical follow-up until your blood sugar levels stabilize.

MALARIA

Malaria is a parasitic disease typically transmitted through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. Infected mosquitoes carry the parasite. The parasites are called Plasmodium. 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 cells.

Within 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.

There are four kinds of malaria parasites that can infect humans: Plasmodium vivax, P. ovale, P. 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
• blood transfusion 
• use of shared needles or syringes

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

STYMPTOMS INCLUDE

• shaking chills that can range from moderate to severe
• high fever
• profuse sweating
• headache
• nause
• vomiting 
• abdominal pain
• diarrhea
• anemia
• muscle pain
• convulsions 
• coma
• bloody stool

COMPLICATIONS OF MALARIA 

• swelling of the blood vessels of the brain, or cerebral malaria
• an accumulation of fluid in the lungs that causes breathing problems, or pulmonary edema
• organ failure of the kidney, liver, or spleen
• anemia due to the destruction of red blood cells
• low blood sugar

ANY SYMPTOMS ? 

Your doctor will be able to diagnose malaria. During your appointment, your doctor will review your health history, including any recent travel to tropical climates. A physical exam will also be performed.

Your doctor will be able to determine if you have an enlarged spleen or liver. If you have symptoms of malaria, your doctor may order additional blood tests to confirm your diagnosis.

PREVENTION OF MALARIA 

• Removal of stagnant water from your environment 
• Cut all bushes in your environment 
• Use insecticide treated net
• Apply insect repellant on exposed skin
• Wear long sleeve cloths when outdoor at night
• seek medical advice if you have symptoms