Facts and figures on malaria

Nairobi -Malaria is a vector-borne, infectious parasitic disease transmitted from human to human by mosquitoes. It is the leading killer of children under five and infants in Africa. According to the World Health Organization's latest figures, an estimated 247 million cases of malaria worldwide led to nearly 881,000 deaths in 2006.Some 91 per cent of those deaths were in Africa and 85 per cent of the deaths were children under the age of five. This is equivalent to 2,051 children dying each day.According to the Global Fund To Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, almost half the world's population, some 3.3 billion people, is at risk of malaria. This number is increasing due to deteriorating health systems, growing drug and insecticide resistance, climate change, and war.Malaria is estimated to take over 1 per cent off Africa's Gross Domestic Product each year, costing the continent around 12 billion dollars.Of 647 million people at risk in Africa, 39 per cent were covered by insecticide treated nets in 2007. However, only 23 per cent of children and 27 per cent of pregnant women actually slept under a net, according to the WHO.The World Health Assembly has set a target of 80 per cent mosquito net coverage by 2010- a goal highly unlikely to be achieved.The malaria parasite enters a human host through an infected Anopheles mosquito. It then develops until it can be passed on to the next mosquito which bites the infected human, beginning the cycle again.Symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting and other flu-like symptoms. If drugs are not available for treatment or the parasites are resistant to them, the infection can rapidly kill. (dpa)

How To Minimize Hair Loss After Gastric Bypass Surgery

Since the biggest reason we lose hair after surgery seems to be a lack of nutrients getting to our hair follicles, then it makes sense that getting more nutrients to our hair will minimize hair loss.Nothing will keep you from losing any hair at all. Even without weight loss surgery, you lose a certain number of hairs every day. Afterwards, you’re going to lose more. It cannot be prevented.But there are things you can do that seem to help. First off, be sure you’re getting all of your protein. My doctor recommended 60 grams or more a day. I’ve found 80 to be a better number, both for weight loss and for my hair. (Many other doctors recommend 80 as a minimum.)Hair is built with protein. That’s what it’s made of. So making sure you’re taking in enough protein will help keep your hair healthy. At least, healthier.TIP: Even a full year after gastric bypass, I find it impossible to get 80 grams of protein from diet alone. I’d never survive without shakes and protein snacks.This website focuses exclusively on protein for bariatric patients. They’ve got items I haven’t seen anywhere else, and daily specials that can be fantastic - including free samples every now and then! Drinks, powders, cereals, chips - you name it, they’ve got it:

ASTHMA IN CHILDHOOD

Asthma is one of the commonest chronic medical conditions to affect children and it has been affecting an increasing number of children in the past 10 years.Children with asthma, like adults with asthma, should see a doctor for treatment of their asthma. Treatment may include allergy testing, finding ways to limit contact with things that bring on asthma attacks, and taking medicine.Young children will need help from their parents and other caregivers to keep their asthma under control. Older children can learn to care for themselves and follow their asthma self-management plan with less supervision.Asthma medicines for children are like those adults use, but doses are smaller. Children with asthma may need both a quick-relief (or "rescue") inhaler for attacks and daily medicine to control their asthma. Children with moderate or severe asthma should learn to use a peak flow meter to help keep their asthma under control. Using a peak flow meter can be very helpful because children often have a hard time describing their symptoms.Parents should be alert for possible signs of asthma in children, such as coughing at night, frequent colds, wheezing, or other signs of breathing problems. If you suspect that your child has asthma or that your child's asthma is not well controlled, take your child to a doctor for an exam and testing.Your doctor will choose medicines for your child based on the child's symptoms and test results. If your child has asthma, you will need to go to the doctor for regular followup visits and to make sure that your child uses the medicines properly.