Summary: "Onchocera vulvulus", or river blindness is a disease that stems from a worm, which infected the Heuhuetango Department of Guatemala. This disease is not fatal but it handicaps your eyesight for the rest of your life. For several years this worm has been a part of a study done by the Journal of Parasitology Research. In order to eradicate such a parasite the Guatemalan Ministry of Health had to reach out to it's international partners for help. Organizations like the Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization helped in Guatemala's time of need. The WHO help deliver over 22 rounds of mass treatment, which affected 85% of their target population. Huehuetango is not the only endemic location making progress. In 2011, Colombia eliminated river blindness throughout the entire country. This gives a positive hope for the people of Guatemala and for future countries if they should come in contact with the parasite.
Analysis: The parasite is transmitted to humans by a black fly bite and once inside your body the worms will mate and produce thousands of offspring. These offspring can go all throughout the body but can also end up in the tissues of the eye, which causes blindness. It isn't a fatal disease but one that can affect a family in major ways. Children could be left to work and provide for the family, Adults would have a hard time doing things they used to, and would be very challenging to find any sort of job. So this is important for the well-being of the Guatemalan people that we eliminate this disease once and for all. I think that if we support the organizations and give a little money we could see really change. The outcome of eliminating this disease in Guatemala is showing to be a positive situation, and that has to make the people there feel much more safe. Plus, water without parasites will be a great thing! You don't have to wonder if you will go blind the next time you jump in a river or stop by a stream. This is the peace of mind Huehuetango can't wait to have and I'm positive that this will be eliminated !
http://healthmap.org/site/diseasedaily/article/water-without-worms-guatemalan-department-ends-river-blindness-121112
Showing posts with label Lindsey Swan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lindsey Swan. Show all posts
Friday, April 11, 2014
Friday, April 4, 2014
Blog #8: Demetia Rises in the UK
Summary: A total of 2/3 of the women in the UK have been diagnosed with dementia. This is a steadily growing diagnosis, with fewer than 670,000 men and women being formally diagnosed. This is a problem because more and more women are unable to work or do things for themselves anymore. There is no treatment for this disease, but there are medications, memory clinics, and activities such as singing and excerising can help people remain independant longer. There are also those who have been wrongully diagnosed, which can throw off the rate of diagnosis. They count the rate of diagnosis by the amount of formal diagnosis. When people are wrongly dianosed it causes a change in attitude and the way people live their lives.
Analysis: This disease encompasses the mind and effects not only the memory but also the daily activities. What people are used to doing then gets forgotten and at times it can be scary. So anything that can be done to keep the independence, memory, and overall attittude of the person needs to be done. It does not have a cure and can be very scary for the surrounding family to see a loved one go through this. The increase mas mainly been in women and that is surreal for the children and spouses of these women. It is a chronic disease that eases it's way into it's human host. The slow onset can goive the person affected time to deal with what will happen to them. The funding for research of this disease is underfunded and needs to be given the chance for proper research. The effect of the lack of research will be in the lives of those with dementia. For some the disease is fairly mild and don't necessarily undergo major changes but for others it is life changing. I sincerely hope that there is more money put towards the research of this disease in the future.
http://www.bbc.com/news/health-26841774
Analysis: This disease encompasses the mind and effects not only the memory but also the daily activities. What people are used to doing then gets forgotten and at times it can be scary. So anything that can be done to keep the independence, memory, and overall attittude of the person needs to be done. It does not have a cure and can be very scary for the surrounding family to see a loved one go through this. The increase mas mainly been in women and that is surreal for the children and spouses of these women. It is a chronic disease that eases it's way into it's human host. The slow onset can goive the person affected time to deal with what will happen to them. The funding for research of this disease is underfunded and needs to be given the chance for proper research. The effect of the lack of research will be in the lives of those with dementia. For some the disease is fairly mild and don't necessarily undergo major changes but for others it is life changing. I sincerely hope that there is more money put towards the research of this disease in the future.
http://www.bbc.com/news/health-26841774
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Blog #7: Guinea Ebola Outbreak: Bat Eating Banned to Curb Virus
Summary: The Ebola virus has reared it's ugly head in Guinea and has taken the lives of 62 of the country's people. It spreads by close contact with those infected with the disease, and there is no known vaccine or cure. The symptoms include internal and external bleeding, vomiting, and diarrhea. Numerous cases, in Guinea, have shown that the Ebola virus has been found in one of the country's local delicacy, bats. The bats are the natural reservoirs and pose a threat to all who come in contact with them. Guinea has stopped all sale and consumption of bats to prevent the spread of the Ebola virus. The World Health Organization has helped Guinea by offering much needed supplies and helped set up quarantine places in the country. These things will hopefully contain the virus and help prevent further spread of the virus to other countries. The health ministry in Guinea assures it's people that they are doing everything possible to keep the virus under control and will continue the efforts. Now sources are saying that recent cases of Ebola were not proved to have the virus. The virus usually appears in remote villages and places where the climate is warm, moist, and have bats.
Analysis: This is the first significant outbreak of the Ebola virus to date in Guinea! The Ebola virus or according to WHO, "Viral Hemorrhagic Fever" is a very severe and fatal illness (fatality rate is 90% in humans). In order for the disease to complete transmission into a human, the human must come in contact with bodily fluids of an animal that contains Ebola. In Guinea's case it was the fruit bat that was a delicacy to the people. This fluid from the animal gets into the bloodstream of the human and spreads. This causes bleeding internally and externally, vomiting, fever, and diarrhea. These symptoms gradually get worse, and according to WHO the infected human usually dies from a low blood pressure. No cure to this acute illness has been found yet, which makes this disease a big threat to not only the remote villages but everyone in contact with those who have the disease. The biggest threat in Guinea, which are the bats, are no longer a part of the consumer sale or consumption by any Guinea citizen. This is because of bats being a natural reservoir of this virus, and due to that fact it threatens the lives of anyone who eats or comes in contact with the bodily fluids of the bats. This is one step in a long process to eliminate the disease entirely. There are several quarantine places that people even suspected of the disease can go to so that they can prevent the spread. Again just another precautionary action to prevent others from dying by such an awful illness.
Sources:
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-26735118
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs103/en/
Analysis: This is the first significant outbreak of the Ebola virus to date in Guinea! The Ebola virus or according to WHO, "Viral Hemorrhagic Fever" is a very severe and fatal illness (fatality rate is 90% in humans). In order for the disease to complete transmission into a human, the human must come in contact with bodily fluids of an animal that contains Ebola. In Guinea's case it was the fruit bat that was a delicacy to the people. This fluid from the animal gets into the bloodstream of the human and spreads. This causes bleeding internally and externally, vomiting, fever, and diarrhea. These symptoms gradually get worse, and according to WHO the infected human usually dies from a low blood pressure. No cure to this acute illness has been found yet, which makes this disease a big threat to not only the remote villages but everyone in contact with those who have the disease. The biggest threat in Guinea, which are the bats, are no longer a part of the consumer sale or consumption by any Guinea citizen. This is because of bats being a natural reservoir of this virus, and due to that fact it threatens the lives of anyone who eats or comes in contact with the bodily fluids of the bats. This is one step in a long process to eliminate the disease entirely. There are several quarantine places that people even suspected of the disease can go to so that they can prevent the spread. Again just another precautionary action to prevent others from dying by such an awful illness.
Sources:
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-26735118
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs103/en/
Friday, March 21, 2014
Blog 6: Lung Cancer in UK Women Rises by 73%
Summary:
Since the 1960's the number of men who smoke has been on a steady decrease, but the number of women didn't really decrease until the 1970s. Since about 1975, the rates of lung cancer have decreased a significant 20% in the UK. In 2011, the number of lung cancer cases was 43,500. It was the men of the UK that comprised 23,800 cases women 19,500 cases. The number of deaths from this cancer in the UK was 35,200. A disease that greatly affected men, is now impacting and taking the lives of more women than ever before. In the last 40 years lung cancer in women has almost doubled and the UK has the highest rates in all the world. In 87% of these cases smoking is the causing factor, and this is an avoidable and treatable issue. Sara Hiom is the director of early diagnosis of cancer research. She believes that if people were to visit the Dr. as soon as they felt the onset of symptoms physicians can better treat the cancer.
Analysis:
It is important to recognize the severity of this issue. Smoking has been causing issues for years and it is beginning to effect the lives of many across the UK. Lung cancer is a painful disease that targets the fragile lung tissue. It will deteriorate and make it hard to eat, swallow, or even make it hard to simply breathe. In the UK, it's the men that have led with the most cases of this disease but in the last 40 years the number of women with lung cancer has almost doubled. This is astounding and scary, however the majority of them is again due to smoking. This disease is treatable and as experts say, "the attitudes that lung cancer is a death sentence must change." At the moment this attitude is hard to find, because less than 10% of people who have lung cancer cannot survive up to 5 years after diagnosis. It is our job to protect our bodies from danger and next time we think about lighting up a cigarette we should think about these astounding numbers in the UK. These numbers aren't far from our numbers in the United States and we should be aware of what we put into our bodies. It is also important to go to the doctor as soon as you feel the onset of lung cancer symptoms. That way the treatment can start sooner and the chance of remission can increase. Awareness of this disease is important and everyone should know the eminent threat this poses to men and women who smoke, and those who work in places conducive to this disease.
Source:
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-26659696
Since the 1960's the number of men who smoke has been on a steady decrease, but the number of women didn't really decrease until the 1970s. Since about 1975, the rates of lung cancer have decreased a significant 20% in the UK. In 2011, the number of lung cancer cases was 43,500. It was the men of the UK that comprised 23,800 cases women 19,500 cases. The number of deaths from this cancer in the UK was 35,200. A disease that greatly affected men, is now impacting and taking the lives of more women than ever before. In the last 40 years lung cancer in women has almost doubled and the UK has the highest rates in all the world. In 87% of these cases smoking is the causing factor, and this is an avoidable and treatable issue. Sara Hiom is the director of early diagnosis of cancer research. She believes that if people were to visit the Dr. as soon as they felt the onset of symptoms physicians can better treat the cancer.
Analysis:
It is important to recognize the severity of this issue. Smoking has been causing issues for years and it is beginning to effect the lives of many across the UK. Lung cancer is a painful disease that targets the fragile lung tissue. It will deteriorate and make it hard to eat, swallow, or even make it hard to simply breathe. In the UK, it's the men that have led with the most cases of this disease but in the last 40 years the number of women with lung cancer has almost doubled. This is astounding and scary, however the majority of them is again due to smoking. This disease is treatable and as experts say, "the attitudes that lung cancer is a death sentence must change." At the moment this attitude is hard to find, because less than 10% of people who have lung cancer cannot survive up to 5 years after diagnosis. It is our job to protect our bodies from danger and next time we think about lighting up a cigarette we should think about these astounding numbers in the UK. These numbers aren't far from our numbers in the United States and we should be aware of what we put into our bodies. It is also important to go to the doctor as soon as you feel the onset of lung cancer symptoms. That way the treatment can start sooner and the chance of remission can increase. Awareness of this disease is important and everyone should know the eminent threat this poses to men and women who smoke, and those who work in places conducive to this disease.
Source:
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-26659696
Friday, March 7, 2014
Blog #5: Doctor's Say 'Keep Focus' on Fighting Malaria in Africa
Summary: Malaria has been a very vast spreading and overwhelming issue in many parts of the African continent. There are still 184 million people in Africa living with this disease and fighting it's symptoms. Doctors' say that there is still so much to be done with this disease, especially in the high risk areas. It's the malaria parasite that is harnessed in young children that is spreading this lethal disease around, which leaves children most at risk before their immunity to the parasite builds up. Not all children will end up with malaria, but it gives a good depiction of how vast the disease is and how easily it can infect a village. To make the case even worse, drugs and insecticide used to prevent the disease from spreading has now gained resistance. Putting doctors at the edge of their seats to find more ways to cure the Malaria disease. We need to remember the malaria situation! Keep taking new strides, always pressing forward, and not taking our foot off the gas.
Analysis: This disease has been known to the public for years and it is something people are beginning to lose interest in. People all over the world are still dying from this terrible disease that has destroying hundreds of lives and villages. According to BBC News, 627,000 people die from malaria each year. It's those kind of numbers that make you question what kind of living produces such a terrible disease. Infiltrated water, not washing your hands before a meal, eating unwashed foods or foods infected by insects. The list of issues is endless and it makes the reality of the situation that much harder to wrap your head around. Don't get me wrong there have been several strides and effort put towards curing and helping the people most effected by the disease. Organizations have donated material and relief efforts have been astounding. However, the disease is changing and gaining resistance, it's time for new action to take place. Solutions like insecticide treated nets and chemo prevention still help, but can only be of use for so long. It's time for our world to wake up and help the devastated countries affected by this disease. Let's put a stop to the devastation and start the innovation of new and more efficient ways to end this disease for good!
http://www.bbc.com/news/health-26257876
Analysis: This disease has been known to the public for years and it is something people are beginning to lose interest in. People all over the world are still dying from this terrible disease that has destroying hundreds of lives and villages. According to BBC News, 627,000 people die from malaria each year. It's those kind of numbers that make you question what kind of living produces such a terrible disease. Infiltrated water, not washing your hands before a meal, eating unwashed foods or foods infected by insects. The list of issues is endless and it makes the reality of the situation that much harder to wrap your head around. Don't get me wrong there have been several strides and effort put towards curing and helping the people most effected by the disease. Organizations have donated material and relief efforts have been astounding. However, the disease is changing and gaining resistance, it's time for new action to take place. Solutions like insecticide treated nets and chemo prevention still help, but can only be of use for so long. It's time for our world to wake up and help the devastated countries affected by this disease. Let's put a stop to the devastation and start the innovation of new and more efficient ways to end this disease for good!
http://www.bbc.com/news/health-26257876
Friday, February 28, 2014
Blog #4: Uganda says "Healthcare for All", Despite the Anti-Gay Law
Summary:
The Uganda government feels that it is their job to provide an equal healthcare system. According to their health care officials their gay people should be honest about their health, and all should be treated for HIV and AIDS. Their honesty is important for effective treatment and will be kept confidentital. Fear of being honest for gay people has increased in Uganda, because of the severe and life-threatening punishment that will follow if someone knows. In 2011, a gay activist was killed in Uganda for being on the cover of a now retired magazine. This lead to withdrawals of country's out of funding the nation's goverment, which could poentially lead to a great deficit. The Netherland's have already stopped a transaction of 9.6m to the judicial system of Uganda. This could put Uganda back along with the other counntries withdrawal.
Analysis:
It's a situation where the gay community is put in a corner and the Uganda government are on every side. They will be put to death if they are found out, and the healthcare initiative forwards the need of honesty and trust in the health professionals to be confidential. That is a lot of pressure when you talk about placing your life in someone else's hands, and hoping they won't go to the cops to tell them who you really are. On a more positive note they do care about the gay community's health and wants to offer anything that they can. Governments around the globe are seeing the effects of Uganda's choice, and even if the bill they passed is wrong or right they are facing the effects of losing money from other supplying countries. Millions of dollars are being pulled out of Uganda's government because of this bill and the choice of making health care for all will have to be without discrimination and punishment. This bill has upset the international community on both sides of the argument and people are starting to take action. It is a kind gesture to make healthcare for all people, but there is a wall of fear built around this healthcare plan if no one can knock it down or somehow open the door to a new start. The country will stay as is or less and that is something that the Uganda government will have to face with this type of issue. This will either help cut the disease of HIV/AIDS or it will kill more lives than it will save.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-26349166
The Uganda government feels that it is their job to provide an equal healthcare system. According to their health care officials their gay people should be honest about their health, and all should be treated for HIV and AIDS. Their honesty is important for effective treatment and will be kept confidentital. Fear of being honest for gay people has increased in Uganda, because of the severe and life-threatening punishment that will follow if someone knows. In 2011, a gay activist was killed in Uganda for being on the cover of a now retired magazine. This lead to withdrawals of country's out of funding the nation's goverment, which could poentially lead to a great deficit. The Netherland's have already stopped a transaction of 9.6m to the judicial system of Uganda. This could put Uganda back along with the other counntries withdrawal.
Analysis:
It's a situation where the gay community is put in a corner and the Uganda government are on every side. They will be put to death if they are found out, and the healthcare initiative forwards the need of honesty and trust in the health professionals to be confidential. That is a lot of pressure when you talk about placing your life in someone else's hands, and hoping they won't go to the cops to tell them who you really are. On a more positive note they do care about the gay community's health and wants to offer anything that they can. Governments around the globe are seeing the effects of Uganda's choice, and even if the bill they passed is wrong or right they are facing the effects of losing money from other supplying countries. Millions of dollars are being pulled out of Uganda's government because of this bill and the choice of making health care for all will have to be without discrimination and punishment. This bill has upset the international community on both sides of the argument and people are starting to take action. It is a kind gesture to make healthcare for all people, but there is a wall of fear built around this healthcare plan if no one can knock it down or somehow open the door to a new start. The country will stay as is or less and that is something that the Uganda government will have to face with this type of issue. This will either help cut the disease of HIV/AIDS or it will kill more lives than it will save.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-26349166
Friday, February 21, 2014
Obesity Disease Continues to rise in Austrailia
Summary:
The the disease of obsesity continues to threaten nations around the world. Several countries seem to have leveled off in obesity rates, but Austrailia in particular has hit a growth spurt. It is a problem that seems to be due to the rising numbers of chain of fast food restaurants. Junk food is cheap and easy with fast-food restaurants and it leaves the effort of cooking out of the equation. It's a culture that is rich in sedentary lifestyle. We are familiar with the symbols of the fast food restaurants before we can say our ABCs the whole way through. Kay McNiece, a spokesperson for the Austrailian Department of Health, says that the Austrailian government has spent $932m in programmes and media to help education their nation on health education and healthy eating choices. Obesity has increased costs for hospitals, government officials want people healthy and out of the hospitals to reduce funds.
Analysis:
According to the medical dictionary, obesity is an abnormal accumulation of fat that is usually 20% or more of a person's body weight. This disease is what is leads to heart attacks, strokes, and even cancer. This disease takes effects not only your body but also your mind. It makes you think that you need more food than what you actually do. It is this way of thinking that can also be from emotional trauma. For example if there is a death in the family, a person trying to cope from that may see food as comforting way of grieving. That way of living may go on for a period of time and before you know it, it's a lifestyle change. This problem can be handled by getting back to a steady emotion and open state of mind. Motivation to get out and do things can also be a big part in helping get rid of this disease. This sedentary or lack of excersise lifestyle is spreading around the globe. Excersising is good for the mind and body, and can couple with eating healthy to produce a solution to obesity. That is why health education is so important and the Austrialian government spent millions trying to educate the citizens of Austrailia.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-26131403
The the disease of obsesity continues to threaten nations around the world. Several countries seem to have leveled off in obesity rates, but Austrailia in particular has hit a growth spurt. It is a problem that seems to be due to the rising numbers of chain of fast food restaurants. Junk food is cheap and easy with fast-food restaurants and it leaves the effort of cooking out of the equation. It's a culture that is rich in sedentary lifestyle. We are familiar with the symbols of the fast food restaurants before we can say our ABCs the whole way through. Kay McNiece, a spokesperson for the Austrailian Department of Health, says that the Austrailian government has spent $932m in programmes and media to help education their nation on health education and healthy eating choices. Obesity has increased costs for hospitals, government officials want people healthy and out of the hospitals to reduce funds.
Analysis:
According to the medical dictionary, obesity is an abnormal accumulation of fat that is usually 20% or more of a person's body weight. This disease is what is leads to heart attacks, strokes, and even cancer. This disease takes effects not only your body but also your mind. It makes you think that you need more food than what you actually do. It is this way of thinking that can also be from emotional trauma. For example if there is a death in the family, a person trying to cope from that may see food as comforting way of grieving. That way of living may go on for a period of time and before you know it, it's a lifestyle change. This problem can be handled by getting back to a steady emotion and open state of mind. Motivation to get out and do things can also be a big part in helping get rid of this disease. This sedentary or lack of excersise lifestyle is spreading around the globe. Excersising is good for the mind and body, and can couple with eating healthy to produce a solution to obesity. That is why health education is so important and the Austrialian government spent millions trying to educate the citizens of Austrailia.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-26131403
Friday, February 14, 2014
Blog 2--International Health: Sudan Tells Red Cross to Halt Work
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Summary: Two days ago the Sudan Government felt that the Red Cross is
not doing humanitarian work to the government’s level of efficiency. So, they have halted the organization's work until the matter is resolved. The Red
Cross organization has been helping fight diseases in Sudan since 1978 and has
over 700 workers in the area dedicated to the cause. In 2013, they had helped
over 1.5 million people in the area, and the more conflicting zones in the
surrounding areas (such as Darfur). However, In 2009 the Sudan had expelled 13
foreign aid organizations for working in the impoverished areas, such as eastern
Sudan. The man in charge of the Red Cross Organization in the area says that the
group still remains committed to the people of the Sudan, and that he hopes the
situation gets resolved soon so that they can help the people in most need of
their help.
Analysis: The Red Cross has been helping people all over the
world since the early 1800s. They are an organization that helps in the
contribution of time, blood, and money towards saving lives and helping those
in need. When reaching the more conflicting areas of Darfur and eastern Sudan
the Red Cross is trying it’s full force efforts to make a difference, but this
situation with the Sudan Government has put their efforts on the back burner.
They’ve been in Sudan since 1978 and had little to no problems at all, but now
this situation has lead to a conflict over the level of the organizations
humanitarian efforts. The government has stopped all efforts of the
organization until the situation is resolved. This leaves the very people they
were trying to help still in need of lifesaving treatment and help. This
situation has put the President of the Red Cross organization in a very awkward
position, and has lead to a discussion of the initial problem that the
government officials pointed out and talk of what the Red Cross’s purpose is in
Sudan. All hopes remain on these officials to let this organization get back on
it’s feet and help the people in these conflicting areas have much needed help.
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Blog # 1: Evolution of the Avian Flu, Lindsey Swan, 2/6/2014, 5:11pm
Summary:
Just this week, February 4, 2014, flu experts have confirmed that the Avian flu has reached a record of 300
cases in China. The first human case of this strain of the flu was last March, however
the war on the influenza has been going on since 2003 when the lethal strain of
the flu jumped from birds to people. This once rare and mild disease is getting
worse and experts say that one strain is passing right by the next.“H7N9 is blowing right by H5N1,” said Michael T.
Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research
and Policy at the University of Minnesota.
“I’m really worried about that.” An even newer strain has killed two Chinese
women one at the age of 78 and the other at the age of 55, and both had contact
with live poultry. The strain that killed them is known as H10N8, and has been
confirmed in only these two women so far. The two most lethal strains of the flu, which is H10N8 and H7N9, are very difficult to detect because it doesn't make chickens sick and the way these spread in people is still unknown.
Analysis:
This issue of
the flu has escalated in China but the disease could be spread to the entire
planet. It began as a mild disease and that has now been discovered to be
lethal. The situation has evolved to the point of world endangerment. Since the more
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Topic: Global Health Concerns--China: Out break of the Avian Flu
This semester I will be doing my current events on global health, along with the different outbreaks and concerns that are happening right now. One of the ones that I've been reading about recently was the out break of the "bird" flu in China. This is interesting to me, because I am a pre-nursing student and I care about my community and it's safety against disease and illness. This should be a good start to a very informative and important topic that we should all be aware of.
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