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CoWHA, Health Initiative for African Women Launched

by Women Times on

A continent-wide and dedicated women’s health initiative was launched to advocate for and implement solutions to improve healthcare for women in Africa. 

The Coalition for Women’s Health In Africa (CoWHA) is the first initiative emanating from a conference held in February, in Kenya, where private healthcare firms, organisations and governments met to interrogate and carve out a novel approach to better healthcare systems on the continent.

COWHA is a joint initiative by principal founding members, Organon, (a women’s healthcare focused pharmaceutical company) the African Health Business consultancy (AHB), Hologic and BD, as founding members.

Managing director of Organon South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, Dr Abofele Khoele said: “Gender equity in access to health, and in other parameters of society is an ideal for which Organon has laboured since its inception just over a year ago, and this is illustrated in its vision in creating a better and healthier every day for every woman. This vision is at the core of the organsations mandate, it is entrenched within the DNA of the company, and thus Organon is pleased to have found shared commonality with the African Health Business, Hologic and all the key stakeholders present at the launch.”

Khoele noted that knowledge and deep research lie at the heart of COWHA. So too does dialogue and policy development while creating overall awareness and a universal knowledge base for the public. “COWHA will focus on the three strategic pillars namely Knowledge and Research, Policy and Dialogue and lastly Action, all of which are mission critical to achieving the stated objective of advancing women’s health. The first pillar of knowledge and research aims to directly tackle the big challenge of the gender data gap, as well as the global north-south divide in data. Local research to drive local solutions is incredibly important in ensuring appropriateness and relevance to our African setting. The second pillar talks to activities that lay the foundation for coherent policy frameworks that will allow all of Africa to rise together, leaving no woman behind. The final pillar aims to translate intent into material outcomes by leveraging synergies, resources, consolidating efforts of governments and the private sector to have continent-wide impact.

In closing Khoele emphasised that the health stakeholders need to continue what they have been doing, but with more determination and structure. “We must continue with health systems strengthening, with programs of early detection, diagnosis, and treatment and with initiatives that provide access to lifesaving and life-changing devices and medicines.”

Other notable speakers who attended the launch included the Her Excellency Dr Ergogie Tesfaye Minister of Women and Social Affairs in Ethiopia, the minister officially launched the coalition and shared her resounding support for COWHA. In her address she highlighted the many disparities’ that women faced and how continued and determined action by the governments, private sector and the public at large is key to the success of attaining better healthcare and services for women.

Guests also got the opportunity to contribute to the mandate of COWHA by drafting on the mission board their vision for women’s health in Africa, these comments demonstrated that the success that COWHA aims to attain in its goals can only be achieved through collaboration.

 

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Health

Why Women Are More at Risk of STDs —Experts

by Women Times on

Maternal health experts have urged women to take the prevention of sexually transmitted infections seriously, noting that they are more prone to them because of their anatomy.

According to the experts, women are more at risk of contracting STDs than men because the female genital tract has a wider surface area than those of men.

They also stressed that sexually transmitted diseases can have tremendous impact on women than men.

They noted that STDs can destroy the female reproductive system and cause infertility in women if left untreated.

Speaking with PUNCH HealthWise in separate interviews, the gynaecologists stated that most women with STDs are not even aware that they have them, noting that they only get to know when they go for a test.

One of the experts and a former chairman, Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria, Lagos chapter, Dr. Joseph Akinde, told our correspondent that women with STDs are asymptomatic and therefore do not seek treatment, unlike the men that often manifest symptoms and go for treatment.

Akinde, who is also the Medical Director of Living Spring Hospital, Ejigbo, a private medical facility in Lagos, stated that STDs cause more damage in women than in men.

The gynaecologists explained, “In a number of instances, women, when they have an infection, the infection may be asymptomatic, and yet it is doing the damage.

“But with men, it is always symptomatic. That women do not manifest symptoms does not mean that they do not have them. The disease is in them, but they do not have symptoms.

“For example, if a man comes down with gonorrhea, he is going to have excruciating pain in the next five days. But a woman can have gonorrhea and may not know while the thing is causing serious damage to her system.

“So, STD has higher damage on the woman than the man. Women can know that they have it by going for a test. If a woman has problems getting pregnant, if she is married, those are the things that could make her go for a test.”

The physician, however, said that women with STDs might experience low abdominal pain and vaginal discharge as symptoms.

Akinde said, “A woman may have STD in her system but will not know and thus could be transmitting the infection sexually to a man.”

The gynaecologist stressed further said STDs have a more severe impact on women than on men, stressing that women with STDs can experience chronic ill health, chronic pelvic pain, and infertility.

He said, “It damages their reproductive system. It causes a tubal blockage, the woman cannot get pregnant naturally. STD has a great psychological and social effect on women.”

To prevent it, Akinde advised women to avoid multiple sex partners.

 

 

 

Credit: Punch

 

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Health

What Women Should Do to Prevent Breast Cancer – Prof. Ogu

by Women Times on

By Isa Isawade

Prof. Rosemary Ogu, a Consultant from Diamond Helix Medical Assistant in Nigeria has advised women to embark on lifestyle modification as a way of preventing breast cancer.

Prof. Ogu, who is also the President-elect of the Medical Women Association, urged women of 40 years and above to have a mammogram done once a year.

She said that about 40 women died of cancer on daily basis in Nigeria.

She disclosed that one out of eight women would have breast cancer in their lifetime, adding that, on average, one woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every two minutes.

According to her, around the world, one woman dies of breast cancer every 13 minutes, and 40 Nigerian women die daily from breast cancer.

Ogu who is also an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), said that breast and cervical cancers were the highest killers of women worldwide.

She, therefore, said a cancer diagnosis was no longer a death sentence, saying that the death rate was declining because of early detection and early treatment.

Ogu urged everyone to be involved in the awareness and prevention campaign, saying that breast cancer occurs in both male and female genders.

She stated that regular personal checks were key for prevention.

She mentioned some of the preventive measures as more low-fat food, high-fibre diets of natural foods, and daily exercise.

She recommended a brisk walk of about 30 minutes daily to reduce the hormonal level, stress level, and cancer-causing agents in the body.

Ogu also recommended the reduction of alcohol intake, reducing stress, and improved sleep to prevent cancer in the body.

Professor Ogu delivered this enlightenment during a one-day breast cancer sensitisation programme organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on Wednesday in Port Harcourt.

She advised NDDC staff to become intentional about eating reduced fat and carbohydrate diet, adding that they should avoid a sedentary lifestyle and reduce alcohol intake.

 

 

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Health

ICN Boss Urges Individuals To Go For Regular Mental Health Check

by Women Times on

The Provost of the Institute of Counselling in Nigeria (ICN), Dr. Tolulope Oko-Igaire has urged Nigerians to visit professional counsellors and psychotherapists regularly for a mental health check to ensure they are in the right frame of mind considering the increasing rate of suicide, depressions and other related issues in the country.

She made this known recently during an event tagged “Online marathon mental health Awareness Campaign” organised by ICN to commemorate this year’s World Mental Health Day with the theme “Make Mental Health and Wellbeing for All a Global Priority”, marked every year on 10 October. The marathon conversation online was packaged with thought-provoking input and insights which enabled the institute to reach out to millions of people.

In line with the effort, a recent report revealed that 3 out of every 10 Nigerians have one form of mental illness or another. Also, World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that after nearly three years, the social isolation, fear of disease and death, and strained socio-economic circumstances associated with the COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to an estimated 25% global rise in depression and anxiety.

Also, it reported that around 11 people per 100,000 per year die by suicide in the African region, higher than the global average of nine per 100,000 people. It added that mental health problems account for up to 11 percent of the risk factors associated with suicide.

“As a matter of fact, individuals need to go for a regular mental health check with a counselor or therapist just as we do with our physical health. There is no need to wait for signs before this. However, when an individual finds it difficult to live life optimally, finding it hard to cope with life then there is a need to talk to a counselor. This differs from person to person.”

She added, “I believe that mental health should be given utmost priority. As a matter of fact, a health check should not be complete without the inclusion of mental health check. Well-being is the bedrock of a balanced functional life hence the need to make the importance of well-being known across the globe.

“Well-being covers the emotional, physical, social, and psychological areas of human existence. Innovation of Channels with which the need for well-being can reach the whole world should be the most important conversation right now.”

Oko-Igaire explained further that it is difficult to concentrate and give one’s best if the mind is not settled which might lead to low productivity. “To get the best out of a team, everyone must be in their best and balanced mental state. This is the only way maximum productive output is guaranteed,” she stated.

Commenting on the impact the institute is making in the field of counselling and psychotherapy in Africa, she said “The Institute is big on training, partnerships, and collaborations, that’s the key! We are intentional about producing professional and certified counselors across Africa. We also collaborate with the state and federal government as well as partnering with NGOs to ensure that the gap of ignorance is bridged and mental health can be accessible to all.”

She added, “It can be proudly said that Institute has been able to train over two thousand individuals and a wholesome number of corporate organisations.

“We are looking forward to reaching more people across Africa and the world at large through more local and international collaborations, partnerships, and making use of technology as a tool to reach more lives in the future.”

 

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Health

Polaris Bank Commemorates Breast Cancer Month

by Women Times on

Polaris Bank has said that increased awareness, advocacy, and support will go a long way to reduce the incidence of breast cancer in the country.

The Bank’s Group Head of Strategic Brand Management, Nduneche Ezurike made this known in Lagos while reiterating the Bank’s unwavering commitment to stem the breast cancer scourge among women, in commemoration of October Breast Cancer Month.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM), is an annual international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities every October to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, and prevention.

Mr. Ezurike noted that healthcare is one of the pillars of Polaris Bank’s CSR, stressing that its partnership with relevant public-spirited NGOs like Care Organisation Public Enlightenment (COPE) and Societal Healthcare Organisation (SHO) has enabled it to contribute significantly to the reduction of breast cancer in the country.

The Polaris spokesman further noted that “In partnership with the aforementioned NGOs, we have covered five key milestones namely; awareness, advocacy, capacity-building, prevention, and treatment in an ongoing effort to reverse the negative impact and trend of the scourge and other related health complications.”

“We have screened over 20,000 women including female staff members of the Bank through our prevention program, donated three ultra-modern breast cancer screening machines to enhance quality diagnosis and clinical practices, sponsored the treatment of over 30 indigent cancer patients, and organized a 10-km walk with over 2,500 participants to draw public attention to the breast cancer scourge,” he said.

The President of COPE, Mrs. Ebunola Anozie, commended Polaris Bank for the support, care, and encouragement they have so far received from the Bank, stressing that the Bank has been a strong force behind their Screening Counseling Referrals Education, Enlightenment, and Nurturing (SCREEN) initiative for nearly 20 years now.

“For some time, we had difficulty getting the required support for the women. Some of our women used handkerchiefs; some used tissues to fill up their bras. But we are grateful for the timely support of Polaris Bank. They were able to donate prostheses that ensured our breast cancer survivors lived better lives”, Anozie added.

Polaris Bank also has a number of other initiatives targeted at improving the well-being of the womenfolk in general in the country. It recently organized a 3-day intensive capacity-building workshop in Northern Nigeria on life-saving skills for fifty (50) community midwives and health extension workers, randomly selected from 80 percent public and 20 percent private hospitals in Kano state in partnership with SHO.

The Executive Secretary of SHO, Dr. Mahmoud K. Dankadai commended Polaris Bank’s unwavering commitment to improving the health and well-being of women and children in Nigeria, especially in the North. He noted that the Bank had provided a number of medical consumables such as umbilical cord scissors; latex sterile gloves; delivery mats; surgical blades; cord clamps; povidone-iodine; baby oil; hand sanitizers and facemasks in addition to the 3-day training for participants.

Additionally, in seeking ways to address social issues affecting women, and the most vulnerable groups in Northern Nigeria, Polaris Bank also working in concert with a northern-based NGO and women-focused group, Sisters-Keepers Initiative, organized a conference in Kano to exchange ideas on the scourge of child neglect, physical abuse, domestic violence, illiteracy, street begging, and child labour.

The Grand Patron of Sisters-Keepers Initiative, Hajiya Halima Yusuf, expressed the readiness of her group to work in conjunction with Kano Concerns Citizens Initiative, other NGOs in the North and the leadership of traditional institutions to drill down the impact of the conference.

The Bank is currently in its second-year partnership arrangement with Pacegate to uplift the girl-child through the provision of educational supplies in 13 secondary schools across 7 states of the country including Kano, Abuja, and Kogi to curb the impact of global warming on the education of the girl-child who is usually at the receiving end of environmental degradation.

Polaris Bank’s consistent support for Nigeria’s health sector was recently recognized as the “Outstanding Healthcare Financial Institution of the Year” by the Nigeria Healthcare Excellence Awards (NHEA), the nation’s premier Health Award body.

Polaris Bank, adjudged the Digital Bank of the Year, is a future-determining Bank committed to delivering industry-defining products to individuals and businesses.

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HealthLifestyle

Reducing The Risk of Clots During Pregnancy

by Women Times on

Having a baby is a special time in a woman’s life, a period that is meant to be filled with excitement and delight. However, bringing new life into the world is a delicate process and a level of caution is required to avert pregnancy-related conditions that can risk the lives of the expectant mother and her unborn baby.

Shockingly, Nigeria is one of the countries with the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, accounting for nearly 20 percent of all global maternal deaths. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the risk of dying during pregnancy, childbirth, or postpartum for a Nigerian woman is 1 in 22, compared to 1 in 4 900 in developed countries.

There are various factors that put pregnant women at risk for maternal deaths, with blood clotting – also referred to as venous thromboembolism, or VTE – one of the leading causes.

 “Expectant women are at risk of experiencing blood clots during the pregnancy, at childbirth, or up to three months after delivering their baby,” says Dr Helen Okoye, medical expert and spokesperson for the World Thrombosis Day (WTD) campaign. “And, while anyone can develop blood clots, they should be aware of the risks that are associated with this condition during pregnancy.”

 

Why does pregnancy pose a higher risk?

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pregnant women are five times more likely to experience blood clots compared to women who are not pregnant. There are various reasons for this. During pregnancy, a woman’s estrogen levels are higher than normal, which increases the chance of developing a clot, and a pregnant woman’s blood contains higher levels of clotting proteins and lower levels of anti-clotting proteins

 – which is the body’s way of safeguarding against too much blood loss during childbirth.

 

Other clotting risk factors include the fact that blood vessels around the pelvis area are pressed upon by the growing baby, resulting in less blood flowing to the legs. This is a common phenomenon at the midpoint of a pregnancy, says Dr Okoye.

“Another key issue is restricted movement towards the end of the pregnancy, or if the mother has to undergo bed rest after delivery, especially if she has had a C-section. A C-section is a surgery that could cause some damage to blood vessels, thereby increasing the risk of a blood clot,” she advises.

Know your medical history

If a pregnant woman has a personal or family history of blood clots or a blood clotting disorder, or any long-term medical condition such as hypertension, lupus, sickle cell disease, diabetes, or lung and heart-related ailments, she must highlight it with her doctor or midwife at the onset of the pregnancy, cautions Dr Okoye.

“Expectant women and new moms should do regular visits to their antenatal and postnatal clinic and be as open as possible with their obstetrician/gynecologist or midwife up until a few weeks after delivery. Raise any medical concerns – this way, the medical team will be able to address possible threats and reduce the risk of clotting. This is especially relevant for first-time moms, who may not know what to look out for.”

Be aware of these signs

The WTD campaign highlights the following warning signs:

A blood clot that forms in a deep vein, usually the leg, groin, or arm, is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Signs to look out for include pain or tenderness, often starting in the calf, swelling on the ankle or thigh or the affected limb, redness or noticeable discoloration, and warmth around the affected area.

If part of that clot breaks free and travels to the lungs, it can block blood supply and cause a pulmonary embolism (PE), which may be fatal. Signs of a PE include unexplained shortness of breath, rapid breathing, chest pain (which may be worse upon deep breaths), rapid heart rate, and light-headedness or passing out.

If a diagnosis is made, make sure you adhere to the recommendations and medications prescribed by the doctors to keep the situation under control.

Gain peace of mind

A mother-to-be must do everything possible to ensure that she has a safe and healthy pregnancy, delivery, and recovery period. Throughout this time, don’t be afraid to raise things that are bothering you, with your doctor. Before you go to a medical appointment, write down a list of any concerns that you have, and take the list with you.

“It’s easy to get so caught up in what is going on during a medical check-up that you could forget to address pertinent issues,” says Dr Okoye. “Don’t be afraid to speak up about things that are bothering you. Even if it seems like a small issue, it’s important that you have peace of mind, and stay safe, during your pregnancy,” she concludes.

In addition to medical care, there are several activities and exercises that can be done while pregnant to promote body fitness and mental wellness. For instance, take brisk walks in your neighbourhood or engage in a well-structured fitness plan designed by a qualified fitness instructor in consultation with your doctor, to keep you fit, healthy and feeling upbeat.

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LifestyleHealth

Love Binge-Watching TV? Watch Out, It’s A Habit That Could Harm You!

by Women Times on

If your weekends consist of you stretching out on the couch, a bowl of popcorn at one end and the TV remote at the other while you indulge in hours of TV, you may be putting yourself at serious risk, say health experts.

 

According to a new health study the consequences of sitting still and watching TV for long periods of time may increase your potential for forming blood clots. The study found that if you spend more than four hours a day watching TV, your chances of developing a fatal blood clot increase by more than 35% compared to those who watch for two and a half hours or less a day.

 

It’s the same kind of risk factor that affects people who are travelling on long-haul journeys, or are bedridden after surgery, and who are immobile for extended periods at a time. Keeping your body in a static, cramped state for hours at a time slows down your circulation and leads to blood pooling in your extremities, which increases the potential for forming venous thromboembolism (VTE), known more commonly as blood clots.

 

It doesn’t matter whether you’re fit, slim, and do exercise every day – marathon TV sessions are still a risky activity. According to the lead author of the study, Dr Setor Kunutsor of the University of Bristol, UK, the findings show that regardless of your gender, age, or body mass index (BMI), being inactive for long periods at a time is dangerous.

 

What you can do 

There are so many appealing shows to watch – like Big Brother on our screens right now, or the latest amazing Netflix series – that it’s unlikely that humans will stop binge watching anytime soon. If you know you’re going to be spending time glued to the TV, Dr Helen Okoye, medical expert and spokesperson for the World Thrombosis Day (WTD) campaign, gives the following advice to minimise your risk:

 

  • Take a break every hour to stand up and move around. A good tip is to drink lots of water regularly so that you have to get up to use the rest room even while watching your favourite show.

  • While you’re watching TV, tense and relax your leg muscles every now and then. Clots tend to start in the legs or pelvis, but can break free and travel through the bloodstream, lodging in small blood vessels in the lungs.

  • Invest in a stationary bike or a small rebounder trampoline and keep it in a corner of the sitting room. Make a pact with yourself that at least a portion of your TV time will be spent doing a light workout while you watch. You’ll have fun and feel like you’ve done something worthwhile at the same time!

  • Try not to snack while watching TV, and if you do, keep foods healthy – swap high-calorie fast-food for fruit, and sugary cool-drinks for water.

Studies have shown that spending time in front of the television is linked to an increased consumption of unhealthy snacks and drinks. Many of us know how indulgent it feels to munch on a packet of chips while watching our favourite series, but there is a good reason we enjoy it so much. Watching a programme that you like and eating food you enjoy both offer your brain hits of dopamine, the pleasure chemical – so it’s no wonder many of us have an eating-while-watching habit! Be aware though, an over-indulgence of unhealthy foods can lead to obesity and high blood pressure, both of which raise clotting risks.

 

Doing exercise doesn’t eliminate risk

Unfortunately, being fit and physically active during the day doesn’t offset the increased risk of blood clots associated with prolonged TV sessions. According to Dr Okoye, staying still in any position for a prolonged time is a risk factor for VTE.

 

“Even if you regularly engage in physical activity, when you’re sedentary for long stretches of time, blood pools in your extremities rather than circulating freely around your body, which can cause blood clots. If small parts of these blood clots break off, they can travel in the bloodstream to your lungs, and cause a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism (PE),” she says.

 

Dr Okoye advises that whether it’s watching TV or spending hours at your desk, it’s a good idea to limit the time you spend sitting, and essential to intersperse it with movement to encourage good blood circulation.

Be aware of the risks
Unfortunately, many people aren’t aware of the dangers of clotting, or what they can do to avoid it. It’s the reason why World Thrombosis Day is doing all it can to highlight thrombosis as an urgent and growing health problem. According to Dr Okoye, one in four people worldwide dies from conditions caused by thrombosis.

“The good news is that there are many lifestyle adjustments you can make to minimise your risk of getting a DVT, and also that DVTs are preventable and treatable if discovered early,” she says.

So, while sitting for a long time is a bad habit many of us have gotten into, it’s an easy one to break. Before you sit down on the couch to watch TV the next time, ask yourself what your intention is. Will it be a quick break, or are you going to indulge in a TV fest? If it’s the latter, set an alarm to remind you to take regular breaks, and definitely try to limit the overall amount of binge watching you do.

And, advises Dr Okoye, because children’s eating and TV watching habits are so often modelled on what their parents do, incorporating healthy TV-watching patterns is a smart habit for the whole family to adopt.

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Health

8 Factors That Increase Your Risk of Developing Blood Clots

by Women Times on

By Dr. Helen Okoye, World Thrombosis Day Steering Committee

 

Blood clotting is necessary in our bodies as this stops the blood from uncontrolled flowing after a cut or injury; but it’s when blood clots are created when they’re not needed, that they can become life-threatening. A clot can slow or block normal blood flow, and even break loose and travel to an organ, which can cause a heart attack, stroke, or a venous thromboembolism which are the top three cardiovascular killers.

 

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one or more of the deep veins in your body, usually in your legs. Deep vein thrombosis can cause leg pain or swelling but also can occur with no symptoms.

 

More people succumb to the life-threatening conditions caused by thrombosis, the formation of a blood clot in blood vessels, than the total number of people who lose their lives to AIDS, breast cancer, and car crashes combined, every year.

This disquieting fact makes it clear just how important it is to ensure that we are all aware of the risk factors that play a role in the development of blood clots – especially as thrombosis is both preventable and treatable if you know the symptoms and contact a healthcare professional immediately if needed. Dr. Helen Okoye, of the World Thrombosis Day Steering Committee, provides insight into the eight factors that can help identify if you’re at risk for developing blood clots so you can prevent them:

  1. Getting older

Although any person of any age can develop a blood clot, the risk of thrombosis increases with age. Those over the age of 60 are at higher risk, likely due to the fact that you’re more likely to develop other health conditions that increase your risk of developing a blood clot.

  1. Gender

Thrombosis can impact anyone, no matter their age, background, or gender. However, the risks can vary for men and women. Men have an overall higher risk of thrombosis than women, but women have risks that men do not because of pregnancy, hormonal birth control, or even hormone therapy after menopause. It is therefore important to take this into account when making any choices regarding family planning, pregnancy, or the treatment of menopause symptoms.

  1. Post-Surgery Recovery

Being hospitalised is a major risk factor for the development of venous thromboembolism (VTE). This is due to the fact that one usually spends a lot of time in bed recovering. Limited movement may cause blood to flow much more slowly in your deep veins, and may lead to clotting. In fact, up to 60% of all VTE cases occur during or within 90 days of hospitalization

Patients who have had blood vessel trauma after surgery are even more at risk. Major general surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, orthopedic surgery, and neurosurgery are a few of the procedures that carry a higher risk of VTE development. It is also important to note that if you are obese or overweight, a smoker, have recently been diagnosed with DVT, are older, battling certain types of cancer, or have a history of DVT or other blood disorders, your chances of having DVT after surgery are increased.

  1. Smoking

Smoking can raise the risk of life-threatening blood clots as it damages the lining of blood vessels making it more likely for platelets to stick together at the damaged vessel lining and initiate the formation of clots. Even significant exposure to passive smoke can affect blood coagulation activity.

  1. Patients with Cancer

The risk of VTE is increased, and common, in patients with cancer due to cancer-specific factors such as type of cancer, and cancer treatment as well as surgery and hospitalization. Cancer patients are four times more likely to develop blood clots than the general population. Blood clotting can have serious consequences for cancer patients as there is higher risk of recurrent thrombosis, the risk of bleeding during anticoagulation and hospitalisation is increased, while survival time is decreased.

  1. A Family History of Blood Clots

You’re more likely to develop blood clots if you have family members who have had dangerous blood clots. This is because inherited causes of blood clots are linked to your genetics. People with a family history of life-threatening blood clots tend to develop thrombosis before the age of 45, although it is not very common. If you are aware of this pattern in your family, let your doctor know about it so they can make informed medical decisions any time you visit the hospital with an ailment. Knowing this also allows you to make the necessary lifestyle and dietary adjustments to avoid this problem.

  1. Being Overweight or Obese

Although being overweight or obese does not guarantee that you’ll develop thrombosis, weight can increase the risk of DVT as it puts greater pressure on the lower half of your body and increases pressure in the veins. Additionally, other negative effects of obesity such as chronic inflammation can be a major catalyst for thrombosis.

  1. Immobility

When your legs remain still for long periods of time it increases the risk of a blood clot as blood flow is hampered. Bedrest, hospital recovery, casts on legs, or even sitting for long periods of time while at work can result in a DVT which can cause pain. If part of the clot breaks off, it can also cause a pulmonary embolism which can be fatal.

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HealthLifestyle

ACMPN Inducts New Members, Urges Nigerians to Seek Professionals on Mental Health Issues

by Women Times on

The Association for Counseling, Matchmaking, And Psychotherapy of Nigeria (ACMPN) has urged Nigerians to seek the services of professionals to help manage mental health issues.

 

The association made this known at the induction ceremony for its new members.

 

The induction was also part of its long week of activities from 9th to 14th May 2022 to commemorate the 2022 Mental Health Week with the theme “Loneliness”

 

Recall, that it had an awareness walk, press briefings, lectures, and symposiums. 

 

 

ACMPN President, Dr. Tolulope Oko-Igaire congratulates the inducted members to be good ambassadors of the association by discharging their duties professionally. 

 

 She urged Nigerians to patronise the engage only members of the association who have been certified as professionals.

 

Also, she stated that the association has evolved and it is trailing, the blaze in the field of Counseling, matchmaking, and psychotherapy.

 

“With continuous awareness and sensitization, we will take the helping profession to a more honourable and well-sanitized stage, where every Tom, dick and harry will not just be able able to wake up and automatically declare themselves professionals. Our dream is Nigeria and indeed in Africa where clients will request the ACMPN certificate soon the practitioner before trusting them with their issues.

 

“No one believed in us when we started, but look at us now, we are trailing, the blaze in the field of Counseling, matchmaking, and psychotherapy, and there is no better time to come on board than now, positioning yourself as a professional before the scrutinizing an ethical tsunami sweep away the unprofessional helpers. How do you are practicing professionally if you are not a member of an organization that provides information on the latest development and discoveries in your field of specialization, at a global level?

 

“The days of just waking up and deciding to call oneself a professional counselor, therapist, or matchmaker are over in Nigeria. I encourage everyone who wants to practice professionally to be part of this association in Nigeria, with us you are secured and you can raise your shoulder high, in the league of professional counselors, therapists, and matchmakers in Nigeria and globally. Don’t be a loner, just come on board,” she emphasized.

 

The newly inducted members include; Belema Osagie-Ighodaro, Okafor Theodora, Olufunmilayo Omowunmi Tella, Olamiju Olajumoke, Doris Epelle, 

Gbemisola P. Fabunmi, Oyekunle Esther Abiodun, and Muolokwu Uchechukwu Esther.

 

Earlier, Akin Adeoya, CEO, Marketing Mix & Co.and keynote speaker at the event who spoke on the theme “Loneliness” urged experts to attend events, and read books to help them upscale, stating that books are a fantastic way of getting out of loneliness. He added that loneliness is the state of mind.

 

 

ACMPN is established to identify, develop and maintain professional standards of excellence in counseling, matchmaking, and psychotherapy. Its work promotes best practice and the development of the profession as well as safeguards the public. It is also the link between those who are looking for services in the areas of counselling, matchmaking & psychotherapy and those who provide such professional services. In addition, it set and maintains practice and training standards, and provides a forum where members may exchange ideas, information, techniques, and methodologies.

 

Establishing itself apart from the rest as a multi-disciplined association, which specializes in holistic techniques, ACMPN’s membership also includes medical practitioners, psychologists, clinical social workers, coaches, stress consultants, NLP practitioners, clergy, educators, mental health therapists, and others in the helping, healing sector, as well as those providing matchmaking services, which is crucial for relationship health and wellbeing.

 

 

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LifestyleHealth

ACMPN Chart Course For Healthy Living, Urges Nigerians to Visit Psychotherapist, Others

by Women Times on

 

By Mene Prosper

 

 

 

The Association for Counselling, Matchmaking, and Psychotherapy of Nigeria (ACMPN) has urged Nigerians to consult the services of a psychotherapist, mental health counsellors, and therapists, among others often in a bid to embrace healthy living, stay out of loneliness and other mental health issues.

 

 

The association in commemoration of the mental health awareness week with the theme “loneliness”, held a press conference at the Lekki Central Mosque on Friday 13th of May 2022 to sensitize Nigerians on the need to be more concerned about their mental health.

 

The press conference is part of the long week of activities in which visitation to the mosque and church is also part. After the press conference, the association embarked on an awareness walk starting from the mosque in a bid to sensitize the public on mental health.

 

Some of the members present are Dr. Tolulope Oko-Igaire, ACMPN president. Tosin Olusola, ACMPN secretary, Theodora Okafor, a professional mental health counsellor, and Sarah Agbelusi, a certified child and adolescent psychotherapist, amongst others.

 

According to Oko-Igaire, the association is non-governmental and non-profit-oriented. Its members are professionals who are passionate and dedicated to helping humanity.

 

The association’s aim and the objective is to restore excellence to the mental health profession by creating a platform where professional mental health counsellors, therapists, psychotherapists and matchmakers are easily accessible all year round by those who need their services at no cost. By so doing people will function optimally to the benefit of all.

 

The benefits are available to all both in the developed and undeveloped areas in Nigeria. As a result, sensitization exercises were not only held on the island but also in some areas on the mainland such as Ikorodu and Alagbado respectively.

 

L-R:President, Association for counseling Matchmaking and physiotherapy of Nigeria (ACMPN), Tolulope Oko- Igaire; Certified child and adolescent psychotherapist, Serah Agbelusi; Secretary, ACMPN, Tosin Olusola; and Professional mental health Counselor,Theodora Okafor, during 2022 International mental health awareness week in Lagos recently

She explained that contrary tothe belief that therapy is only meant for the weak and low self-esteemed people, “It is a misconception to think that people who go for therapy are of low self-esteem or weak. Rather it is only the strong-willed that admit they have problems because it takes strength to admit one has a problem.

 

In response to the gruesome killing of the Sokoto Christian student on the ground of blasphemy recently, she said.

 

“That is why we chose Lekki central mosque for our sensitization exercise. Our association is inter-religious because we have Muslims as members. One of our Muslim members, Hajia is currently heading the conference in the mosque. I felt really bad about that.

 

It is a problem of the mind. We need cognitive reconditioning as Africans. So for that, we are doing our bit to ensure everyone is mentally aware to act optimally for the good of all.”

 

ACMPN has differentiated itself and stands out from others by operating a multi-disciplined; inter-religious and service-free organisation saddened with the task of ensuring mental sanity amongst all.

 

ACMPN is established to identify, develop and maintain professional standards of excellence in counselling, matchmaking and psychotherapy. Its work promotes best practice and the development of the profession as well as safeguards the public. It is also the link between those who are looking for services in the areas of counselling, matchmaking & psychotherapy and those who provide such professional services. In addition, it set and maintains practice and training standards, and provides a forum where members may exchange ideas, information, techniques, and methodologies.

 

Establishing itself apart from the rest is a multi-disciplined association, which specializes in holistic techniques, ACMPN’s membership also includes medical practitioners, psychologists, clinical social workers, coaches, stress consultants, NLP practitioners, clergy, educators, mental health therapists, and others in the helping, healing sector, as well as those providing matchmaking services, which is crucial for relationship health and wellbeing.

 

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