FAMIL Y HEAL TH AMILY HEALTH
THE NATION, SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 2012
53 Coping with diseases
Mites, bed bugs, and fleas Prostate enlargement with Prof. Dayo Oyekole
M
ITES (dust mites) are hardly visible to the naked human eye and can be seen under a microscope. They look like a miniature cross between a spider and a crab. They feed on tiny scales of dead skin on human bodies. Mites are carried with dust and can provoke allergy, asthma, and skin rashes. The itch mite, Sarcaptesscabies, produces scabies. The infestation appears as red intensely itchy bumps. It can be treated with pyrethrin-like medications such asPermethrin®cream orLindane®lotion containing the chemical gammaxene. Mites are found in beds (mattresses and sheets), carpets, and furniture. One in-
vestigation showed 188 mites per gram of dust, therefore a teaspoonful of dust can contain hundreds of mites, unseen by human eyes. Upholstery and carpets should be cleaned by vacuum suction regularly and also washed every now and then if possible. Young couples that are establishing a home and starting a family should think ahead of health matters when designing and furnishing their homes. In the tropics, concrete, ceramic floors and tiles that can be wiped or cleaned with ease and routinely may be safer, health-wise, than wall-to wall carpets that can be a haven for dust mites and health hazards. Ornamental area carpets in
special areas can be used to break the monotony and these may be easier to clean than wall-to-wall carpets. Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown, oval non-flying tiny insects that look like tiny cockroaches of less than 7 mm in length. They live in textiles and upholstery. They are notorious for infestation of beds where human like to lie in peace. They can lodge in the cracks and folds of the bed mattress and frame. They can also be found in the inside corners of drawers, in curtains, and edges of carpets and are common in crowded human habitats. They like warm areas and can reproduce thrice annually. They feed by sucking blood from their hosts which may be humans or animals. Their bite is painless but it may result in a red bump or itch. They bite exposed areas of the skin including the face, neck, arms, and hands. One can escape their bite by going to sleep wrapped like Lazarus,
d sexual health while some participants did gain weight during their studies, there was no evidence that their birth control was to blame. “We’ve heard from several of our patients that they’re concerned about gaining weight on birth control,” says Dr. Yen. “And no woman wants to gain weight. I would rather prevent pregnancy than propagate a myth that’s not supported by science.” One type of contraceptive that may cause weight gain is injectable depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), commonly known as the birth control shot. In a study published in March 2009, University of Texas researchers linked the shot to an average 11pound weight gain over three years. IUD birth control is not safe for use in adolescents Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are small objects inserted through the cervix and placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy for up to 12 years. Because women don’t need to take a pill every day when using an IUD, it can be a convenient and long-term way to prevent pregnancy. Outdated information suggested that IUDs may increase the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease in women under 18. But as of 2007, ACOG has said that IUDs are a safe and highly effective birth-control method in most adults as well as adolescents—a population at particular risk for unintended pregnancy. If you get the HPV shot you’re safe from cervical cancer Gardasil and Cervarix are cervical cancer vaccines that
•Women need not worry on these myths, they should work towards achieving the reality block the two types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that most frequently cause cervical cancer. Gardasil also protects against two types that cause the majority of genital warts. But about 30 percent of cervical cancers will not be prevented by these vaccines, so it’s important for all women, whether they’ve gotten the shot or not, to continue having regular Pap tests. Gardasil was approved for boys and men in 2009 to reduce the risk of developing genital warts. This may also help prevent the spread of cancer-causing HPV to their female partners. Douching is a healthy way to clean the vagina The vagina is selfcleansing, and douching actually causes more harm than good, according to
The National Women’s Health Information Center. The natural bacteria found in the vagina help keep it clean and healthy, and douching can disturb that balance and spread vaginal infections into the fallopian tubes, uterus and ovaries. Additionally, douching does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy. In fact, douching makes it easier for a woman to get pregnant because it pushes semen farther up into the vagina and cervix. Regular washing with warm water and mild, unscented soaps will help keep the outside of the vagina clean. Try to avoid scented tampons, pads, powders, and sprays, which can increase the chance of vaginal infections.
but this is not practical. They can survive for months without feeding therefore they may remain alive, waiting for you when you travel and return home. If you go renting a new home, the lice and other pests may be dead since noone has been living there, but bed bugs may be waiting. Therefore always clean and decontaminate a new habitat before you start residing there if you want to preserve your peace of body. Fleas are tiny (microscopic) creatures about 2 mm long that reside on humans. The word flea arouses disgust in some parts of the world. One day, in the USA, I was enthusiastic about going to what I thought they called the “flee market”. I thought such oneday, fleeing markets were open-air markets with all kinds of traders as we have in Africa and for me going there would be a day’s adventure. To my surprise, my white girlfriend was disgusted and total uninterested about going to the “flee market”. It was that day I learnt that the “flea market” was so called because you could pick up fleas from them. (They sell used second and third and fourth-hand products). The discovery was a kill-joy. I have recovered and I sometimes still visit flea markets but now with caution, knowing what to buy and what not to buy - no matter how cheap and good looking. Under a harsh economy, many of us are too poor to buy new clothes and must buy used clothes. There is no problem if one is aware that used items could be contaminated and one should wash them well, even with hot water, and press them thoroughly with hot irons before using them. When you bring such items from the market, keep them in the bag you brought them in until you can clean them so that you do not unknowingly contaminate things in your home. The flea that is a parasite on humans is Pulexirritans. It cannot fly but it has long strong back legs that enable it to leap around on a person’s body. Fleas can survive for a long time if unable to suck blood, therefore they can be retained in a vacant house. Their bites leave spots that look like mosquito bites but are often clustered. Fleas can transmit bacteria, viruses, microscopic worms, and other disease causing microorganisms to their human victim. Pets such as dogs and cats commonly have fleas. They can be killed with insecticides or insect growth regulators. Vacuum suctioning of carpets and upholstery can help to remove them from the home. Dr. ’Bola John is a biomedical scientist based in Nigeria and in the USA. For any comments or questions on this column, please Email bolajohnwritings@yahoo.com or call 07028338910
P
ROSTATE enlargement is generally a disease of eld erly men; and it is characterized by urine retention, lead ing to severe pains, anxiety, discomfort, and sometimes, loss of consciousness. The full function of the prostate is not yet fully understood by scientists all over the world. However, it is known that as a gland, it produces fluid called ‘semen’ which is released by men, at the climax of sexual activity. The prostate gland will only grow and function under the influence of male hormones, the most important of which is called TESTOSTERONE, produced from the testicles. The prostate gland surrounds the neck of the bladder and the first part of the urethra goes through it. An enlarged prostate, presses on the urethra and decreases the size of the opening through it, or it forms a dam which holds back part of the urine. The causes of prostate enlargement are not very precise, but they are associated with hormonal imbalance; and available information indicates that most men who use drugs to improve their sexual performance tend to activate the level of their Testosterone hormone beyond the threshold, and consequently, they often end up developing prostate enlargement and related complications. The enlargement can be a simple type called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, or it may be cancerous, that is, Malignant Prostatic Hyperplasia. Both the benign and malignant types usually present similar symptoms of frequency in urination, hesitancy, urgency, trickling flow of urine and in advanced stages, there is acute urine retention as a result of blockage of the urinary tract. A man suffering from enlarged prostate will first notice that he has to get up oftener than usual, to pass urine at night. The stream will be small and slow to start. A long time may be required to empty the bladder. Many men with enlarged prostate may have no further disturbance than the “nuisance” symptoms stated earlier. Other cases will get worse until the patient cannot empty the bladder, and must resort to a catheter for relief. Unfortunately, after the urine has once begun to be drawn by catheter, the danger of bladder infection is great. Also, the symptoms and problems of cystitis are likely to occur. Treatment and Control In Holistic Lifecare, it is strongly advocated that the best prospects of controlling Prostate Enlargement, is by going back to Nature. When symptoms of an enlarged prostate are noticed, it is advisable to avoid spices, condiments and alcoholic beverages; to lessen bladder irritation, which may promote infection. It is also important to avoid cold conditions or getting the feet wet, or holding the urine for too long. Prostate Enlargement is not new in African context. In fact, ethno-medicinal research has shown that herbal remedies are very effective, without complications or side effects. The holistic natural remedy being suggested for Prostate Enlargement is a combination of natural extracts of herbs such as Saw Palmetto, Cocos nucifera, Khaya ivorensis and Lycopersicum esculentum. For further information and consultation on Holistic Lifecare research and services, especially on Blood Infections, Infertility, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Chronic Debilitating Conditions as well as mental and social problems, please call on: 0803-3303897 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 0803-330-3897 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or visit: Mosebolatan Holistic Lifecare Centre, Adeyalo Layout, Ogbere-Tioya, Off Olorunsogo Express Bridge, Ibadan. Website: www.holisticlifecare.com. Distance is no barrier, we can send remedies by courier if need be. We also have facilities for accommodation, admission and hospitalization in a serene and homely environment.