FACTS ABOUT MENINGITIS

Meningitis is an infection of the fluid in the spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain. Meningitis is usually caused by an infection with  virus or bacteria.

Bacterial meningitis is a serious infection of the fluid in the spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain.Bacterial meningitis is most commonly caused by one of three types of bacteria:

1.) Haemophilus influenzae type b,

2.) Neisseria meningitidis, and

3.) Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria.

The bacteria are spread by direct close contact with the discharges from the nose or throat of an infected person.

There is also VIRAL MENINGITIS that is caused by virus. :

Viral meningitis  as the name implies is caused by virus and its usually relatively mild. It clears up within a week or two without specific treatment. Viral meningitis is also called aseptic meningitis.

Knowing whether meningitis is caused by a virus or a bacterium is important because of differences in the seriousness of the illness and the treatment needed.

However, BACTERIAL MENINGITIS is much more serious. It can cause severe disease that can result in brain damage and even death.

Bacterial meningitis is most commonly caused by one of three types of bacteria:
1.)  Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)

2.) Neisseria meningitidis,

3.) Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Of the three mentioned above, Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae are the leading causes of bacterial meningitis.
Meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis is also called MENINGOCOCCAL MENINGITIS.

While Meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae is also called PNEUMOCOCCAL MENINGITIS.
It is important to know which type of bacteria is causing the bacterial meningitis because antibiotics can prevent some types from spreading and infecting other people especially now that new resistance strains have been isolated in Nigeria.

HEADACHES AND MIGRAINES

There are three (3) basic types of headaches:

1. Tension HEADACHES , which are the most common type of headache.

2. VASCULAR  HEADACHES  which include migraine and cluster headaches.

3. ORGANICALLY  CAUSED  HEADACHES  i.e. those caused by viral infections, diseases of the brain, diabetes, neck disorders, diseases of the nose e.g. sinusitis.

WHAT IS  MIGRAINE ?

Migraine is a neurological or central nervous system disorder. Migraine is a recurring headache that is characterised by severe pain, usually restricted to one side of the head and throbbing in nature. It is actually a primary headache disorder that is characterized by recurrent headaches that may start from moderate to severe. Typically, the headaches which affects one half of the head, are pulsating in nature, and could last from two to 72 hours.

A migraine can cause severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on just one side of the head. It's often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound.

Migraine attacks can cause significant pain for hours to days and can be so severe that the pain is disabling. Migraines are believed to be due to a mixture of environmental and genetic factors. About two-thirds of cases run in families. Changing hormone levels may also play a role, as migraines affect slightly more boys than girls before puberty and two to three times more women than men. The risk of migraines usually decreases during pregnancy. The underlying mechanisms are not fully known. It is, however, believed to involve the nerves and blood vessels of the brain.

Pain that worsens on movement and can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to smell, light and noise. It's a kind of headaches that can last a few hours, or if left untreated can linger for weeks.Visual disturbances that precede the headache. This is known as an ‘AURA’ and may include flashing lights, zig zagging lines, bright spots, partial loss of vision and may be accompanied by tingling in the hand, tongue or side of the face.

Migraines preceded by an aura are known as classical migraines; those without aura are called common migraines. Migraines can afflict some people two or three times a year, others as often as twice a week. Some individuals are rarely migraine free.

The symptoms of migraine can cause a considerable degree of disability. Normal physical activity can intensify migraine to the degree that some individuals are unable to work and need to retire to a semi-dark, quiet room. Others have to find new jobs or careers.

HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR HEADACHE  IS  A  MIGRAINE?

There are no specific medical tests for migraine so the diagnosis is based on having all or some of the following symptoms:

Moderate to severe pain – usually on one side of the headPain lasting anything from four to seventy-two hoursThe presence of nausea - with or without vomitingSensitivity to light and sound

WHO CAN GET  MIGRAINE ?

Anyone can get migraine, it affects all age groups including children. However, around 90% of migraine sufferers have a family history of migraine.

Migraine affects women more than men.Migraine is a stroke risk factor for women who have a family history of migraine. In this group, taking oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy or smoking increases the stroke risk factor. Sometimes the onset of migraine can be tracked to puberty, pregnancy or menopause. Migraine can also be exacerbated by menstruation.

Women taking oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy sometimes experience migraine as a side effect of those medications.

PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF MIGRAINE

Treating migraine:

There are several classes of medications used to alleviate migraine:

Medications taken during attacks such as analgesics e.g. aspirin, paracetamol, ibuprofen.Preventive medications e.g. verapamil.Medications taken when analgesics have failed to work e.g. sumatriptan, ergotamine.The administration of an anaesthetic injection in the neck to block pain.Anti-nausea medications such as maxalon or promethazine maybe given with analgesics if the migraine is accompanied by nausea.

While many medications are available over-the-counter, it is best to consult a medical practitioner to ensure:

there is not some underlying reason for the headaches,the medications do not interact adversely with other medications or natural therapies,the medications are not contraindicated e.g. aspirin sensitivity.

REBOUND  HEADACHES: 

Sometimes medications can actually contribute to migraine. Rebound headaches can occur when the analgesic effect wears off and higher doses are needed to eliminate pain. In such cases an alternative medication is required and overused medications may need to be withdrawn. Hospitalisation is sometimes necessary to withdraw from old medications and work out a new regime.

TRANSFORMED  MIGRAINE 

Transformed migraine occurs when individuals begin to experience a daily pattern of migraine. In some cases there is an element of analgesic rebound headache, while in other cases individuals may be predisposed to frequent migraines.

Failure to control migraine pain may cause neuronal kindling, which can also account for an increase in headache frequency.

Neuronal kindling is a process in which constant pain causes the sensory nerve endings to become ultra sensitive to migraine triggers and the pain threshold is dramatically lowered (i.e. increased levels of pain). Aggressive treatment early in the course of migraine is essential to prevent the occurrence of an uncontrolled daily headache pattern and greater sensitivity to pain.

HOW TO PREVENT MIGRAINE:

Medical practitioners can assist with the treatment of migraine by finding the right medications for specific symptoms. However, migraine sufferers can significantly help themselves to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks. Careful observation and avoidance of factors that trigger attacks can play a critical role in migraine prevention and pain control.

SOME  FACTORS THAT TRIGGERS MIGRAINE

Some known migraine triggers are:

PHYSICAL TRIGGERS:

These includes lifestyle changes of the individual, e.g. change in sleep patterns; change in exercise patterns, head trauma, jaw or neck disorders.Overuse of headache medicationsHormonal factors such as the onset of puberty in girls, around the time of menstruation and during pregnancy.Sensitivity to some medications e.g. hormones, aspirin based medications.Food sensitivities – e.g. citrus or foods high in amines such as strong cheeses, chocolate, red wine. Some food additives e.g. 282 (calcium propionate) commonly found in bread that is usually eaten on a daily basis, MSG.

ENVIRONMENTAL  FACTORS : These includes such factors as :- 

a.) Bright or flickering lights, 

b.)  Strong fragrances or other odours, 

c.) detergents, 

d.)  Disinfectants,

e.)  Mould, pesticides, 

f.)  Paint, 

g.)  Fumes from industrial facilities, 

h.)  Wood smoke, 

i.)   Cigarette smoke, 

j.)  Loud noises, 

k.) Weather changes, 

l.)  Electrical storms etc... .

HOW TO KEEP TRACK OF MIGRAINE  TRIGGERS 

A daily diary is a good tool for tracking migraine triggers. A comprehensive  food/symptom diary used to identify food sensitivities is easily modified to track migraine triggers. If food sensitivity is suspected an allergy dietitian should be consulted as reactions to foods may not be apparent for several days. 

Other factors that need to be tracked are medications taken, weather conditions, unusual chemical exposures e.g. very strong odours e.g. glue or fragranced products, new carpet, house paint, or pest control chemicals etc.

WHO TO CONSULT IN CASE OF SUSPECTED MIGRAINE:

Many individuals in the community suffer in silence, as they have been unable to get relief from their migraines. It is important not to do this. The following practitioners may be of assistance:

i.)   General Medicine practitioners

ii.)   Pharmacists

iii.)  Neurologists

iv.)  Dentist/Orthodontists

v.)   Environmental medicine practitioners

vi.   Allergist/immunologist

vii.) Anaesthetists

viii.) Allergy dietitians

ix.)  Acupuncturist

x.)  Chiropractors

xi.)  Homoeopath

xii.)  Natural therapist

xiii.)  Physiotherapists

xiv.)  Psychologist

xv.)   Public Health Professionals 

Some rules to remember

1. Treat migraine as soon as the warning signs become obvious,
this is the most successful way to deal with the problem.Always aim at
not letting the headache develop as higher doses and multiple medications
are required when a migraine is fully developed.

2. Make sure the migraine is fully resolved otherwise it can hang
around for an indefinite period and may increase sensitivity to pain.

3. Learn what triggers migraine – keep a daily diary.

4. Avoid known triggers – avoid migraines

THERE IS NO ECONOMIC RECESSION IN NIGERIA..

YES!  THERE IS NO ECONOMIC RECESSION IN NIGERIA.
As a chartered administrator with the Chartered institute of Administration (CIA, lagos), and wealth of experience from practice, I have no choice but to speak the truth that there is no ECONOMIC RECESSION in Nigeria. What we are made to see or experience is PSEUDO RECESSION just to deceive the people.
Most Nigerian families are groaning in abject poverty and want due to the effect of poor governance that is experienced today. The government is claiming that there is economic recession and that we must all buckle up to expect even worse as the said recession is not expected to decline any time soon. And I ask, does economic recession linger beyond two quarters (that is six (6)months of any financial year? NO! Recession does not last beyond six (6) months in a year so why ask me to get ready for further recession crises. If it does,  then it is no longer recession but early signs of ECONOMIC DEPRESSION. Economic depression is a woe nobody would want to be associated with.
I was then moved to take a professional look at the indices that characterizes true ECONOMIC RECESSION, I make bold to say that there is no genuine recession in Nigeria. What we see is pseudo recession ( ie government created recession that is made to look like real recession in the economy). truly, what we see in existence as recession is very poor liquidity circulation in the economy which is as a result of failure on the part of government to allow and ensure adequate cash distribution /supply to the economy due to serious inordinate personal ambitions by our leadership. This trend causes cash crunch in the economy and makes it look like a real recession ridden economy but it's not. It is only the poor masses that suffer this pseudo recession as designed by our politicians. The rich gets richer.
The government prefers to hide under behind the mask of RECESSION just to excuse itself from doing what government is expected to do with tax payers funds. The government technically avoids blame of ineptitude and failure with a excuse of economic recession.

ECONOMIC RECESSION DEFINITION
Economic recession is a period of general economic decline and typically accompanied by a drop in the stock market, an increase in unemployment, and a decline in the housing market. A RECESSION is less severe than a depression.
The blame for a recession generally should fall on the federal government leadership; ie either the president himself, the Central Bank governor, the minister of finance and economic planing or the entire administration as a whole and the state governments.
Recession is a period of temporary economic decline during which trade and industrial activity are reduced, generally identified by a fall in GDP in two successive quarters in a fiscal year.
Recession in any economy is characterized by a negative economic growth that lasts for at least two consecutive quarters. It is also known as a business cycle contraction which results in a general slowdown in economic activities.
Macroeconomic indicators such as the low GDP (gross domestic product), fall in investment spendings, low capacity utilization, fall in value of household income, huge drop in business profits, and astronomical rise in inflation while bankruptcies and of cause uncontrollable increase in unemployment rates remains the conspicuous elements of any recession ridden economy.
As mentioned above, recession may be triggered by various events, such as  financial crisis, an external trade shock, an adverse supply shock or the bursting of an economic bubble.
Let's explain some factors that mostly leads to recession.

FACTORS THAT CAUSE RECESSION
1.) True recession does not last more than two quarters in a financial year. Where recession subsist beyond two quarters, the result would be very deep recession or DEPRESSION. So it is laughable for the government to deceive Nigerians that there is recession that have lasted beyond two quarters just to run away from responsibilities.

2.) HIGH INTEREST RATES:
High repayment interest rates is a major cause of recession in most economies because it limits liquidity, or the amount of money available to invest.

2.) Another major factor is INCREASED INFLATION. 
INFLATION simply refers to a general rise in the prices of goods and services over a given period of time. As inflation increases, the percentage of goods and services that can be purchased with the same amount of money decreases.

3.) Reduced consumer confidence is another factor that can cause recession. If consumers believe the economy is bad, they are less likely to spend money because things are hard. Note that consumer confidence is mostly psychological but can have real impact on any economy.

4.) REDUCED VALUE OF REAL WAGES/ SALARIES: This refers to salaries/wages that have not been adjusted to reflect existing inflationary trends. Falling real wages means that a worker's salaries/wages is no longer able to keep up with the existing prices of goods and services (inflation). Workers might be receiving the same amount of money, but the real value/ purchasing power has been drastically reduced.

HOW TO QUICKLY TACKLE RECESSION:
The federal government is expected to be proactive in response to any recession index by adopting expansionary macroeconomics policies. These includes INCREASING MONEY SUPPLY, INCREASING GOVERNMENT SPENDINGS and DECREASING GOVERNMENT TAXATION. But unfortunately, this is not the case in Nigeria rather the excuse of recession is now used by the various governments in Nigeria to deprive the citizens of all socio-economic benefits that is expected from the government to its citizens.
IT IS GROSSLY ABSURD FOR THE GOVERNMENT'S TO HIDE BEHIND THE EXCUSE OF RECESSION TO DENY NIGERIANS THEIR EXPECTED RIGHTS AND BENEFITS FROM GOVERNMENT.

REASONS WHY THERE IS NO RECESSION IN NIGERIA TODAY:
1.)  No recession ridden economy has so much money in it coffers. Nigeria has more than a trillion in its coffers at any given time. Even recovered funds  is now running into trillions. In recession, the government can not have such huge cash outlay in its coffers. Since there is no cash crunch on the side of government, there can't be recession. It is grossly artificial as government failed to ensure equitable cash supply/distribution.

2.)  Again, if there is recession in Nigeria the private sector especially would find it very difficult to post high billions in profits in their balance sheets. We all know and see publicity of billions of naira and dollars being posted as quarterly/annual profits made and posted by the private sector in Nigeria especially in the banking and oil sector.

3.)  The estates/housing sector is still largely flourishing. New estates/ luxurious houses are springing up daily in Nigeria till date. In recession, such trends hardly exists as cash is never available for such flamboyant projects. But Nigerians still see daily huge/luxurious events/activities, vehicles, capital projects, luxuriously built schools with high fees, etc, which is built and patronised by politicians, top government officials and those of the private sector especially oil and bank workers. In recession, such cannot be in existence.
There are also several other indicators that points to the fact that the much touted recession in Nigeria is a pseudo recession that was created to deceive Nigerians into believing that there is real recession so that genuine demands by Nigerians could be circumvented by the government.

4.)  The experienced unemployment is due to failure in investment and planning on the part of government.

5.) In true economic recession there is widespread inability to collect and to pay tax as most people do not even have cash to pay as tax. All people do is struggle to achieve subsistent living.
But in Nigeria today, as we see it,  people and companies are forced to pay even multiple taxes even as the taxes have all been increased astronomically by the government yet government still cry recession and eager to borrow selfish loans which ends up mostly looted by the same corrupt officials. People pay levies, taxes and utility bill without the required service paid for.
6.) True recession is characterized by fall in cost of house rents/ prices of goods and services yet no cash to pay for those services. We all know that it is never the case in Nigeria today. Cost of housing, prices of goods and services including costs utilities have been in steady increase in Nigeria till date. So how can any right thinking professional agree that there is recession when the indices are pointing towards the opposite direction?
The governments in NIGERIA (must be sincere enough and stop hiding behind the mask of recession just to avoid it's duties. Do what you are constitutionally mandated to do for the common man as there is no GENUINE RECESSION IN NIGERIA.
- ALFRED AKONTE NEHEMIAH (ACIA)

8 THINGS THAT ATTRACT MOSQUITOES

Have you ever wondered why mosquitoes seem to bite some persons better than others,  even when they all have same levels of exposure? Here's why.... 

Whether you are outside your home, or at home in the backyard, or right inside the comfort of your home, mosquitoes are not equal opportunity biters. Some people seem to be constantly bitten by mosquitoes while others not so much.

With the health risks that can result from a mosquito bite, it may help to know the following things that attract mosquitoes:

 

WHAT ATTRACTS MOSQUITOES

AVOID THESE THINGS:
 
WEARING DARK COLORS attract mosquitoes. Mosquitoes can see and use their vision to locate targets from a distance. Most of their day-to-day targets will be found in the shade or within foliage, so they are naturally attracted to dark colors. This means that they will be more attracted to people wearing dark clothing than people wearing light clothing.

FRAGRANCES are known to attract mosquitoes. Avoid some types of perfume, cologne, perfumed shampoos, hand creams, soaps, fabric softeners, detergent, etc. Switch to as many unscented products as you can during the summer to avoid the mosquito bite.

MOVEMENT will attract mosquitoes. They can see their victims from within 30 feet by locating the changes in waves of light around them, caused by moving objects.

SWEAT will attract mosquitoes because they need water to reproduce, and they are naturally attracted to areas with higher humidity levels. This includes people who are sweating. Perspiration will also dilute any mosquito repellents that you might have applied; making you more attractive to mosquitoes.

CARBON DIOXIDE (from your exhaled breath) will attract mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are attracted by areas that are higher in carbon dioxide (living-breathing animals, humans).

BODY HEAT from circulating blood in animals and humans will attract mosquitoes which have sophisticated heat sensors. They follow body heat and exhaled gases and fly to their target.

LACTIC ACID is produced by our bodies after we exercise or after we eat certain types of food that are high in salt or potassium. Someone who is sitting outside eating pretzels and a banana will attract more mosquitoes than someone who is sitting outside eating watermelon.

EXERCISING causes your body to do three things that will make it attract mosquitoes. 

1.)  You are breathing harder, meaning you are exhaling more carbon dioxide; 

2.)  You are sweating, which increases the humidity around your body; 

3.) When you are releasing more lactic acid as mentioned above. 

This could be likened to a situation whereby you are wearing a neon sign asking all mosquitoes to bite you.

Help prevent mosquito bites and malaria.

CONTENTS OF A FIRST AID BOX

What should I keep in my first aid kit?

It's important to have a well stocked first aid kit in your home so you can deal with minor accidents and injuries.

Your first aid kit should be locked and kept in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.

Many people also keep a small first aid kit in their car for emergencies.

BASIC CONTENTS OF FIRST AID KIT (BOX) 

The basic contents of first aid kit (box) includes:

1.)   Plasters in a variety of different sizes and shapes
2.)   Small, medium and large sterile gauze dressings
3.)   At least two sterile eye dressings.
4.)   Triangular bandages.
5.)   Crêpe rolled bandages
6.)   Safety pins (small and large)
7.)   One packet of disposable sterile latex gloves
8.)   Tweezers.
9.)   Scissors.
10.)  Alcohol-free cleansing wipes
11.)   Sticky tape
12.)  Thermometer (preferably digital)
13.)  Skin rash cream, such as hydrocortisone or calendula cream or spray to relieve insect bites and stings
14.)  Antiseptic cream
15.)  Pain killers such as paracetamol (or infant paracetamol for children),
16.)  Aspirin (not to be given to children under 16 years of age, or ibuprofen.
Cough medicine,
7.)   Antihistamine tablets, (Eg Piriton)
8.)   Distilled water, (for cleaning wounds),
9.)   Eye wash and
10.)  Eye bath.
11.).  Disposable towel
12.).  Pads for bleeding

NOTE:
(i) It is also very important and useful to keep a basic first aid manual or instruction booklet with your first aid kit.

(ii) All medicines in the first aid kit should be checked regularly to make sure they are within their use-by or expiry dates.

(iii). As a matter of Policy schools must
maintain at least one major first aid kit located in the sick bay (Health post / First aid post).
(ix)  Store any medications separately from the first aid kit including any prescribed or non prescribed medication provided by a student’s parent /guardian,  or adult/independent student.

Contents

First aid kit contents should meet the first aid requirements of individual schools.  This table lists the general contents recommended by Ambulance Victoria.

Note: Thermometers are not:

necessary for first aidused in general first aid training according to theNational Health Training Package (First Aid Units of Competency) HLT07 (February 2007).Type of equipmentContent includes

Current first aid manual

one of the following recommended first aid manuals:

First Aid Emergency Handbook from:
- Survival Emergency Products
- local suppliers
- Ambulance Victoria First AidThe First Aid Handbook from Australian Red CrossAustralian First Aid from St John Ambulance Australia.

Wound cleaning equipment

gauze swabs: 100 of 7.5 cm x 7.5 cm divided into small individual packets of five sterile saline ampoules: 12 x 15 ml and 12 x 30 ml disposable towels for cleaning dirt from skin surrounding a wound

Wound dressing equipment

sterile, non-adhesive dressings, individually packed:
- eight 5 cm x 5 cm
- four 7.5 m x 7.5 m
- four 10 cm x 10 cm for larger woundscombine pads: twelve 10 cm x 10 cm for bleeding woundsnon-allergenic plain adhesive strips (‘band aids”), without antiseptic on the dressing, for smaller cuts and grazessteri-strips/wound closures for holding deep cuts together in preparation for stitching non-allergenic paper/adhesive type tape, width 2.5 cm–5 cm, for attaching dressingsconforming bandages for attaching dressings in the absence of tape or in the case of very sensitive skinsix sterile eye pads, individually packed

Bandages

six triangular bandages for:
- slings
-
- attaching dressings
- immobilising injured limbs
- splints etcconforming bandages to hold dressings in place:
- two of 2.5 cm
- two of 5 cm
- six of 7.5 cm
- two of 10 cmcrepe bandages (“hospital weight”) to secure a pad to control bleeding, to support soft tissue injuries (sprains & strains) and for ‘Pressure Immobilisation Bandaging technique’ for snake bite:
- two of 2.5 cm
- two of 5 cm
- six of 7.5 cm
- two of 10 cm
- two 15 cmheavy elastic bandages; two 15cm. These are ideal to use for ‘Pressure Immobilisation Bandaging technique’ for snake bite or severe allergic reaction to other bites and stings.

Injury treatment equipment

one pair of:
- stainless steel scissors (medium size)
- trauma shears (heavy duty scissors for cutting clothing, bandages, shoelaces etc. if required)disposable splinter probes and a sharps container for wastedisposable tweezersfor sprains, strains and bruises, two:
- gel packs, kept in the refrigerator, or
- disposable ice packs for portable kits made from small zip-lock plastic bags filled with water, frozen and wrapped in a cloth/bandage/disposable towel before being applicationflexible ‘sam’ splints for fractured limbs (in case of ambulance delay)additional 7.5 m crepe bandages and safety pins to attach splintsice packs.

Lotions and ointments

sun screen, ideally a low allergenic/sensitive skin type, with a sun protection factor of between 15+ and 30+single use sterile saline ampoules for the irrigation of eyes

Notes:

Creams and lotions, other than those in aqueous or gel form, are not recommended in the first aid treatment of wounds or burns.Antiseptics are not recommended. Cuts and abrasions should be cleaned initially under running water followed by deeper and more serious wounds being cleaned with sterile saline prior to dressing.

Hygiene and cleaning equipment

single use nitrile gloves in various sizes such as small, medium and large
Note: Some people are allergic to latex gloves.blood and vomit spill kitsdisposable hand towelsadhesive sanitary pads, as a backup for personal suppliesantiseptic hand wash/germicidal soap and nail brush for hand-cleaning before and after treatment onlysingle use antiseptic wipes for hand cleaning when water is not readily availableone box of paper tissuespaper towel for wiping up blood spills in conjunction with blood spill kitsingle use plastic rubbish bags that can be sealed, for used swabs a waste disposal bin suitable for taking biohazard waste
Note: Biohazard waste should be burnt. There are several companies that will handle bulk biohazard waste.ice cream containers or emesis bags for vomit.

Other equipment

resuscitation face mask such as “pocket mask” type that can be cleaned/reused one medicine measure for use with prescribed medications disposable cups
One teaspoon
pen-like torch, to measure eye-pupil reaction blanket and sheet, including a thermal accident blanket for portable kits possibly a generic EpiPen® for treating anaphylaxis sufferers see: Anaphylaxis within Related policies