Brittle Bone Disease

(Image courtesy Morah, 2009)

Imagine what you’d be like if you were born with all your bones broken? Yeah, that’s right! Some people are born that way. They have a rare genetic disorder known as oesteogenesis imperfecta , Lobstein syndrome or brittle bone disease.

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) means that the bones in the body are imperfectly formed, as a result they are very fragile and  break easily. The disease can be mild or severe. In severe cases, the person suffers from respiratory or heart failure, hearing loss, spinal cord and brain damages, and even permanent deformities

WHAT CAUSES  BRITTLE BONE DISEASE?

Brittle bone disease is caused by a genetic defect that affects the production and formation of type 1 collagen, a protein used to create bone. The defective gene is usually inherited, but sometimes it due to spontaneous mutation. It is not caused by insufficient calcium or poor nutrition.

There are 4 types of OI. Those with type 2 may die in womb or shortly after birth due to respiratory problem, type 3 has a shorter life span, types 1 and 2  have almost normal lifespan but they require wheel chair or crutches to walk

SYMPTOMS

Symptom varies according to type and severity, all sufferers have fragile bones. Other symptoms include;

·         Short stature

·         Multiple broken bones

·         Loose joints

·         Weak teeth

·         Blue sclera (i.e discolouration of the white of the eye)

·         Scoliosis (abnormal curvature of spine to the sides)

·         Hearing loss

·         Respiratory problem

·         heart  defects

HOW  CAN  ONE  DETECT IT ?

There is no definitive test for it

·         X-rays to view broken bones

·         Ultrasound during pregnancy also shows broken bones

·         Lab test (skin biopsy) to analyse  structure and quantity of type 1 collagen

·         Genetic testing to trace source of defective genes

TREATMENT/MANAGEMENT

·         Brittle bone disease has no cure. However, there are therapies that can help increase overall bone strength thus reducing the risk of fractures also increase mobility.

·         Pain relievers, antibiotics, antiseptics.

·         Biophosphonates can improve bone mass and reduce pain and fractures.

·         Low impact exercises to help build bone

·         Reconstructive surgeries to correct bone deformities. Rods are placed inside bones especially to help the child walk

·         Mental-health counselling to tackle cases of low self esteem and depression.

·         Next time when you look at your height, that face of yours, or that leg which you feel is not as smooth or straight as you wished, remember there’s someone out there praying to look like you. We are all made in God's image.  (now I know I’m actually talking to myself too)

" All in one" Concoctions

It cures malaria, typhoid, cholera, syphilis, gonorrhea, diabetics, erectile dysfunction, infertility,  fibroids, tuberculosis, back pain, arthritis, rashes, cancer, HIV/AIDS and even chases away witches and wizards. OMG! Just one concoction!... Majority of these diseases are not even related in any way.

They come  in different bottle sizes with various names and labels. Their contents;  horrible liquids with weird odor, taste and colors ranging from black to brown and green.

They are peddled all over the streets in Nigeria at very affordable prices, and with promises of performing wonders...Ok, I haven’t seen any one yet that raises the dead to life...Lol

Now, please don’t get me wrong here, I believe in the efficacy of herbs and natural products but frankly, some of these products on the streets are way too ridiculous and harmful concoctions.

It’s only natural for one to be frustrated with a problem and search for solutions, but sometimes, ignorance and desperation can lead to irreparable damages.You can't just drink any concoction you see on the street or someone prescribed for you, you must know what it is!
I remember doing a brain MRI scan on a young lady about 2 yrs ago who was on the verge of losing her sight along with other brain damages. She confessed to taking a whole bottle of an unknown concoction to ‘’wash her womb’’ so she can conceive. What is the connection between the stomach and womb?  Some victims of these so called "miracle drinks"  have ended up with kidney and skin damages, or even death.

Anyway sha, like I always advice people, please be mindful of what you take into your body and seek for proper medical advice if you have serious health challenges. Thank God for good health, take care of it, live well.

By  Chioma Morah

Breast Cancer Facts and Myths

As a member of the breast screening unit of our local hospital, I conducted  a  research on the awareness, knowledge and attitude of the local women  towards breast cancer and breast screening. My findings showed a poor result. Many Nigerian women  have been afflicted by this disease yet many especially in rural areas are unaware of what it is. Some never heard of it. Most ridiculous where the myths locally associated with breast cancer. Early detection can save a life.

 Facts About Breast Cancer

-   Breast Cancer is one of the most dreaded conditions among women.

-  It is most common cancer in women, the leading cause of cancer death in developing countries and second leading cause in developed countries.... (Jemal, 2011)

- Globally, it is a major public health problem .

-   Every woman is at risk of developing it.

What Increases my chances of having breast cancer

-  Sex  (being female)

-   Age  (Getting older)

-  Positive family history (mother, sister or aunt died of breast cancer)

-   Obesity, especially after menopause

- Excessive smoking & alcoholism

-  Early onset of menses (before 12yrs)

-   Late menopause (after 55yrs)

- First child at late age

-   Nulliparity; never had a baby before

- Excessive use of Oral contraceptive & Hormone replacement therapy

                                                                                   (American Cancer Society, 2012)

Signs and Symptoms

·         Painless breast lump

·         Lump under armpit

·         Nipple discharge

·         Sores and wounds on breast

·         Change in breast size and shape

          Discoloration and dimpling of breast skin

·         Inversion/pulling in of nipple

Myths  (Wrong beliefs about breast Cancer)

·         Breast cancer affects women only

·         Its a disease of old women

·         Any lump or wound on breast is cancer

·         Woman with breast Cancer must die

·         Having large breast causes cancer

·         I can get cancer by touching someone who has it

·         Wearing tight bra can give me breast cancer

·         Spiritual forces, witches and wizards are the cause of cancer

PREVENTION is by early detection.

SCREENING; These are tests used to detect breast lumps or lesions on time, in women without symptoms. They include; mammography, breast ultrasound.

Every woman from 40 years and above should have her breasts screened at least once every year or every two years.
Women with family history should be more conscious of their breast health. 

BREAST AWARENESS:  is a woman becoming familiar with her own breast & the way they will change through out her life. (Thorton et al, 2008)

SELF BREAST EXAMINATION;  A woman can feel her breasts in an orderly manner and at regular internals for any lump or breast changes.

By Chioma Morah

REFERENCES

§  Thorton,H. Pillarisetti RR. (2008)‘Breast awareness’ & ‘breast self examination’ are not the same. Eur J Cancer (2008). doi: 10.1016/j)

What causes the noise when you crack your joint

Escaping gases, movement and rough surfaces.

Your joints can make a variety of sounds: popping, cracking, grinding, and snapping. The
joints that "crack" are the knuckles, knees, ankles, back, and neck. There are different
reasons why these joints "sound off".

•  Escaping gases:Scientists explain that synovial fluid present in your joints acts
as a lubricant. The fluid contains the gases oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide.
When you pop or crack a joint, you stretch the joint capsule. Gas is rapidly
released, which forms bubbles. In order to crack the same knuckle again, you
have to wait until the gases return to the synovial fluid
.
•  Movement of joints, tendons and ligaments: When a joint moves, the tendon’s
position changes and moves slightly out of place. You may hear a snapping sound
as the tendon returns to its original position. In addition, your ligaments may
tighten as you move your joints. This commonly occurs in your knee or ankle, and
can make a cracking sound.

•  Rough surfaces:Arthritic joints make sounds caused by the loss of smooth
cartilage and the roughness of the joint surface.
Is joint cracking harmful?If you are feeling pain when your joints pop, than you should
seek a health care professional. In terms of knuckle cracking, somestudies show that
knuckle cracking does not cause serious harm. Other studies show that repetitive knuckle
cracking can do some damage to the soft tissue of the joint. It may also lead to a weak
grip and a swelling hand.

Tips for loosing Belly Fat

           Some Facts about Losing Fat

• Any one can loose fat, even you.It requires a lot of commitment
• Weight loss and fat loss are not the same thing;  when you skip meals or starve yourself,  you starve your muscles. You loose muscles and water from your body and thus your weight drops, whereas you are not really burning fat. Why? This is because the muscle is the engine that controls fat loss. Muscle loss leads the body into starvation mode. In this condition fat loss will stop and you keep gaining weight

         Here are a few tips that can help you burn that fat

• Avoid sweets in your daily diet, cut all those snacks, cakes, pies, pizza etc
• Watch  your calorie intake.

• Eat lots of fruits; apples, oranges, pine-apple, bananas etc. I love to make them into fruit salad like every week

• Drink plenty of  water;  8 glasses of water every day will keep your system refreshed

• Do some regular exercises; walking, jugging will help keep you fit.Some abdominal exercises like sit ups etc will also help tone your abdominal muscles too.

• Very important; Never stuff yourself all at once, it gives the body enough excess nutrient to store as fat. Take small portions of food at a time. 4 – 6 very light healthy meals a day will do the magic
• Stop taking your meals with soft drinks.

By Chioma Morah

The Dangers of High Heels

They are very fashionable, they come in various colors, shapes and sizes and they bring out the beauty of your attire.

They make you look taller, give you that step and glamour, but they can be very dangerous to your health, those killer heels you rock!

Recent research has shown that a third of women suffer permanent damages due to their prolonged wearing of high heels. In the early 1930’s high heels were used on special occasions. These days, all thanks to movie stars, fashion models and the internet, it has become a regular foot wear for many ladies. There have also been numerous cases of injuries due to falling on high heels.

What happens when you are on high heels?

The high heel makes you raise your heel,your center of gravity is pushed forward, you bend your lower back to compensate for this

This changes position of your spine putting pressure on the nerves in your back.

The following could result from prolonged use of high heels;
Foot deformities and pain

When the foot is normally flat on the floor, body weight is supported by the arch of the foot 
and equally distributed between the  fore foot and hind foot.
On heels, much of the body weight is shifted to the feet and the delicate toe bones. 
This causes chronic overuse injuries presenting as deformities; bony toe out growth (bunion), hallux valgus, hammer toe,ingrown toe nails.

Damages to calf muscles

Knee damages; high heels put extra stress on the knee which can facilitate osteoarthritis

Spinal injuries

High heel Increases the lordotic curve of lumbar spine causing excruciating low back pain, spine and nerve problems

Ladies note;

The higher the heels, the more dangerous.

Avoid high heels that compress your toes.

Wear shoes that are soft and well padded inside.

Have variety of shoes so you can alternate between high and flat shoes

.

By Chioma Morah

Incredible! That's what praise can do.

A 10-year-old boy managed to escape the clutches of a kidnapper by singing a gospel song until the suspect couldn't stand it anymore and let him free.
Police say Willie Myrick was abducted by a man from his Atlanta, Georgia driveway, on March 3 .The suspect allegedly lured him with cash and then, when he was close enough, grabbed him and pulled him into his car.Saved:

 Willie Myrick, pictured, managed to escape the clutches of a kidnapper by singing a gospel song until the suspect couldn't stand it anymore and let him free They then drove around for three hours before the man dropped Willie off unharmed in East Point.But Willie's actions during that terrifying time probably saved his life.
Willie said he sang the gospel song 'Every Praise' repeatedly until the man told him to get out of the car.Willie said while he was singing, the man kept cursing and telling him to shut up before eventually kicking him out.Sketch: Police have not yet tracked down the man who abducted Willie, but they have released a sketch, pictured, of the suspect and are appealing to the community for leads'He opened the door and threw me out,' Willie told WXIA-TV. 'He told me not to tell anyone.'

On Thursday, community leaders came together to warn other parents and children about the kidnapping and celebrate the little boy's bravery and quick thinking.The man who wrote the song - Grammy Award-winning gospel singer Hezekiah Walker - even traveled from New York to congratulate Willie in person.'It's just emotional to me because you never know who you're going to touch,' Walker told 11Alive.He said after hearing the moving story and how his song had potentially saved a life,  he wanted to meet Willie.'I just wanted to hug him and tell him I love him,' Walker said.Tears streamed down Willie's face as Walker hugged him.
Walker then led the church, and Willie, in singing 'Every Praise.''I really believe that God spoke through me to save that young man's life,' Walker said.Police have not yet tracked down the man who abducted Willie, but they have released a sketch of the suspect and are appealing to the community for leads.

- See more at: http://couplesandco.blogspot.com/2014/04/incrediblekidnapped-boy-10-sings-gospel.html#sthash.oyacyBPb.dpuf