Author: yosua kodjovi Domedjui

The Health Community of West Africa Association (HCOWAA) joined the National Diabetes Association of Ghana to commemorate this year’s Global Diabetes Awareness Day at the Freedom Center in Accra, where a media briefing took place on Monday, November 11, 2024. Spearheaded by Dr. Elizabeth Esi Denyo, Chairperson of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Africa, the event focused on the theme “Bridging Gaps, Breaking Barriers” in the healthcare sector. Its primary aim was to raise awareness about the escalating diabetes crisis in Ghana, while also showcasing the National Diabetes Association’s continuous efforts in advancing diabetes management and enhancing health outcomes for…

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When individuals with celiac disease consume gluten, their immune system mistakenly attacks the small intestine, leading to inflammation and damage to the intestinal villi—tiny, finger-like projections lining the small intestine. This damage impairs nutrient absorption and can lead to various complications if untreated.The pathophysiology of celiac disease involves both genetic and environmental factors. Genetically, individuals with certain alleles of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA), particularly HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8, have an increased susceptibility to the disease. Upon gluten exposure, the immune system inappropriately activates…

Spirometry, or inspiratory testing, is the most commonly performed pulmonary function test (PFT), essential in diagnosing and monitoring various respiratory conditions. This test involves a series of specific examinations to assess the lungs’ ventilatory capacity by measuring air volumes and flow rates during breathing. During spirometry, patients breathe into a specialized device that records key parameters like lung volumes, air flows, and lung capacity under controlled conditions. These measures help healthcare professionals diagnose respiratory diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. By tracking changes over time, spirometry is invaluable for monitoring…

Confirming a medical diagnosis requires a structured approach that combines patient history, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests. The choice of tests depends on the suspected condition and initial clinical findings. Patient History and Physical Examination The diagnostic process begins with a thorough patient history, covering the onset, duration, and nature of symptoms, as well as relevant medical, family, and social history. A physical examination identifies signs pointing to specific conditions; for instance, detecting a heart murmur during a cardiac exam could suggest valvular heart disease. Laboratory Tests Laboratory tests play a vital role in diagnosis. Complete blood counts (CBC)…

More than 226,000 people have been displaced due to South Sudan’s worst flooding in decades, which has destroyed homes, livelihoods, highways, and infrastructure, and decimated villages. Of South Sudan’s 78 counties, 42 have been impacted, with 15 major roads, including those leading to the capital Juba, cut off. As of October 4, 2024, 890,000 people were living in flood-affected areas, with 90 health institutions inaccessible and 58 submerged in five counties. The floods, caused by heavy rains during the April to November rainy season, have intensified due to climate change, leading to permanent displacement. South Sudan’s humanitarian crisis is worsened…

asy Guacamole Recipe By Yosua Domedjui, Avocado is a nutrient-rich fruit, appreciated for its health benefits and versatility in cooking. It is an excellent source of healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats. These fats are beneficial for the heart, as they help reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL). Additionally, avocado contains dietary fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and can help prevent constipation. Guacamole Recipe Guacamole is a tasty way to enjoy the benefits of avocado. Here is a simple recipe to prepare this delicious dish. Ingredients: 3 ripe avocados 1 medium tomato, seeded and diced 1/2 red onion,…

Honey, the sticky and sweet substance produced by bees, isn’t just a treat for your taste buds; it’s also a powerhouse for your skin. Bees collect flower nectar and refine it into honey, packed with nutrients, enzymes, and beneficial compounds that offer numerous medical and cosmetic benefits. Here’s why honey should be a staple in your skincare routine: Skin Health Benefits of Honey 1. Hydrates and Moisturizes Deeply: Honey’s natural humectant properties deeply hydrate the skin, leaving it softer, plumper, and naturally glowing. 2. Reduces Signs of Early Aging: It attracts moisture from the air, enhancing skin hydration and minimizing…

The Health Community of West Africa (HCOWA) has officially launched its first non-profit organization, the HCOWA Association, in a ceremony at the Essence Medical Laboratory in Accra. The event, which marked a significant milestone in the region’s healthcare landscape, aimed to unite medical practitioners, hospitals, and key stakeholders to address healthcare disparities across West Africa. The launch brought together prominent figures in the medical and pharmaceutical industries, including the Chairman of the Ghana National Chamber of Pharmacy, Pharm. Harrison Abutiate, and the CEO of HCOWA, Anna Jiang. Speaking through her assistant and interpreter, Lixia Zhu, Anna Jiang emphasized the association’s…

In recent years, sudden weather changes in some European countries have shown a notable trend: as temperatures drop and cold winds arrive, the number of stroke cases rises compared to the warmer months. This observation suggests a potential link between weather and stroke risk. When temperatures drop rapidly, the body often reacts in ways that may make individuals more susceptible to strokes, particularly when engaging in nighttime activities like bathing. The body’s response to sudden cold—such as taking a cold shower—can induce stress on the cardiovascular system, possibly increasing the likelihood of a stroke in vulnerable individuals. Strokes are generally…

Confirming a diagnosis in medical practice involves a structured approach that typically includes a combination of patient history, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests or procedures. The choice of tests or procedures depends on the suspected condition and the initial findings from the history and physical exam. Patient History and Physical Examination The diagnostic process begins with a thorough patient history, including the onset, duration, and characteristics of symptoms, as well as any relevant medical, family, and social history. The physical examination helps to identify signs that might point towards specific conditions. For instance, heart murmurs detected during a cardiac…