Author: Gloria Addo

Researchers at the American College of Cardiology have established a link between sleeping less than seven hours and an increased risk of high blood pressure. In as much as previous studies had already linked poor sleeping habits to high blood pressure, the results weren’t precise. However, most recent statistics show the likelihood of developing high blood pressure later in life increases with decreasing sleep duration, with women at more risk than males. Given that sleep habits tend to change with age, researchers were surprised to find that there were no age-based changes in the link between sleep duration and hypertension.…

Breast cancer remains a significant health challenge in Ghana, with over 4,000 women diagnosed annually. Unfortunately, up to 70% of these cases are identified at advanced stages of the disease, greatly reducing the chances of survival. These alarming statistics are attributed to a lack of awareness, inadequate screening, and insufficient treatment centers. Mammography, a specialized medical imaging method using low-dose X-rays, is a critical tool for early detection of breast cancer. Recent advancements in digital mammography have emerged as a breakthrough technology in the battle against breast cancer. Digital mammography, also known as full-field digital mammography (FFDM), utilizes electronic sensors…

Did you know that among the factors that cause infertility in women the leading cause stems from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)? With 7 undiagnosed out of every 10 females living with the condition, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can be explained as a hormonal imbalance that occurs when your ovaries (the organ that produces and releases eggs) create excess hormones. The term ‘polycystic ovarian syndrome’ implies that the disease is mostly with the ovaries and that you may have multiple cysts on them. However, it is a hormone-related disorder that can sometimes be linked to family history, genetics, lifestyle, and environment. Polycystic…

“Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax” – Mark Black Yet, how do you explain when your need to relax is accompanied by a nagging sense of guilt? Throughout the week, our thoughts often gravitate toward the approaching weekend, or we eagerly anticipate the holidays that loom on the horizon. The weekend finally comes and instead of resting, your mind is bullied with unfinished tasks. The more you think of things to add to your to-do list the more your heart rate increases. Guess what is happening; you are Stresslaxing! Deborah Serani, a professor, and author of…

The traditional practice of preserving fish through smoking in wood-fired mud ovens is causing air pollution among residents living along the shores of Lake Turkana in Turkana County of Kenya. Many locals have complained of poor eyesight, burning eyes, and dizziness, which are correlated with fish smoking but cannot stop. Ms Jane Lemuya, a fish trader in Kalokol town, said that due to fishing being the main income source, households in the community have built mud ovens to preserve the fish. “Besides smoke, we don’t have a proper waste disposal system along the shores,” she said The method of preservation…

Anaesthetic machines are one of the most versatile medical instruments in the healthcare industry. Without a doubt, anaesthetic machines are essential pieces of equipment in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. These devices provide safe administration of aesthetic gases and monitor breathing during medical procedures. During surgery, an anaesthesia machine allows a patient to be unconscious but maintain breathing. The apparatus ensures that the patient does not breathe in the potentially fatal CO2 that they had previously breathed while also delivering oxygen. The primary function of the anaesthesia machine is to administer aesthetic serums to the patient. It also precisely…

Whereas tongue twisters, lollipops, and pulling faces at your siblings and friends may lead you to believe that tongues are only for fun, did you also know that tongues are organs? The tongue is an important sensory organ that helps us talk, taste, digest, and eat. Often the strongest muscle, it is the only one in the body that functions without help from your skeleton. This unique organ located in the oral cavity is anchored inside your mouth by webs of strong tissue, and it’s covered by mucosa (a moist, pink lining that covers certain organs and body cavities). Your…

A global study across 31 countries reveals that women, particularly from Gen Z, are experiencing higher levels of stress and depression compared to their male counterparts. With 66% of women reporting stress affecting their daily lives and 40% of Gen Z women admitting to prolonged periods of hopelessness, the mental health crisis is deepening for females worldwide. The survey highlights a clear gender divide in stress levels, with women significantly more affected than men. While 58% of men report stress impacting their daily lives, 66% of women feel similarly overwhelmed. For women, the burden often manifests in personal and professional…

Ever wondered what is causing the increase of facial bloating and puffiness currently trending on TikTok? With most content creators naming the situation as Cortisol Face and attributing it to high stress levels on the skin while offering tips on reducing it, health professionals seem to argue otherwise. Medical experts argue that stress is unlikely to cause noticeable swelling or puffiness but rather can be attributed to a medical condition known as Cushing’s Syndrome. Cushing’s syndrome is a rare condition that primarily affects people who have used steroid medications, particularly steroid tablets. It is caused by an overproduction of cortisol,…

The confirmation of a growing foetus always brings joy and contentment among couples and to a certain degree the extended family, but what happens when there is an unexpected loss? A phenomenon that occurs in 1 out of every 4 pregnancies according to global statistics. Let’s take a glance at Miscarriage. Miscarriage is the sudden loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week of gestation. After experiencing a miscarriage, most women blame themselves, believing that they lost the pregnancy because they fell, experienced a severe shock, or other personal reasons. However, most miscarriages are caused by an unanticipated incident that…