ASK YOUR DOCTOR

At this time of the year many individuals will experience alcohol hangover. The related absenteeism and poor job performance associated with alcohol hangover can cost Anguilla thousands of dollars. Although a hangover is associated with alcoholism, most of its cost is incurred by the light-to-moderate drinker. The health risks associated with hangover can be tremendous as well.

Insomnia is a common condition that affects many individuals and can affect the health and lifestyle of individuals. The economic costs to a country as a result of loss of productivity as a result of insomnia can be tremendous.

Menopause also known as the ‘change of life’ is still a tabooed subject in Anguilla and many other countries. Many individuals are still reluctant to discuss this topic with their health care providers and others. Menopause, or the permanent end of menstruation and fertility, is a natural biological process, not a medical illness. Even so, the physical and emotional symptoms of menopause can disrupt your sleep, sap your energy and — at least indirectly — trigger feelings of sadness and loss.

This year, 2008 marks, the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day which is celebrated on December 1st each year in many countries of the world including Anguilla. Activities on or around this day aim to highlight various aspects of the HIV/AIDS pandemic and how each of us can help to stop its spread.

Dengue fever also called “break bone” fever is a viral condition that is presently occurring in many of our neighbouring Caribbean islands. This flu-like illness can affect many individuals when there is an epidemic. The first reported epidemics of dengue fever occurred in 1779-1780 in Asia, Africa and North America. Dengue fever is usually considered to be a mild illness but when individuals develop haemorrhagic dengue fever the condition can become life threatening.

World Diabetes Day, November 14th, is the primary global awareness campaign for those involved in diabetes. The number of indivduals with diabetes mellitus in Anguilla is escalating and the entire population must be made aware of this, as well as the consequencies of this on the entire population. The theme of World Diabetes Day for 2008 is “Diabetes in young and Adolescents”.

The vast majority of mothers in Anguilla undergo pregnancy and delivery safely, but this is not the case in many developing countries where it is estimated that over 600,000 women die every year as a result of pregnancy or childbirth. Preventable death and disability among mothers and expectant mothers is an all-encompassing tragedy for families and for community as well.

Over the last thirty years several international policy initiatives in support of breastfeeding have been implemented in many countries. The local breastfeeding committee has implemented some initiatives one of which is to promote exclusive breastfeeding by mothers here in Anguilla for the first six months of an infant’s life, with additional complementary foods at six months of age, and continued breastfeeding into the second year of life and beyond.

Approximately 10% of all pregnancies are considered high risk. It is these pregnancies that present the largest concerns for the expectant mother, her partner and her health care providers.

Scabies also referred to as the “seven-year itch” is a contagious disease that has been around for many years, but there has been a worldwide resurgence of this infection over the last 30 years.

This is a very common scalp condition. Dandruff is not a contagious disorder and is not a serious condition although it can cause much distress and embarrassment to individuals suffering from it.

Psoriasis is a common skin disorder and it is more than a cosmetic condition. Psoriasis may be one of the oldest recorded skin conditions. It was probably first described around 35 AD. Some evidence indicates an even earlier date. Yet, until recently, little was known about psoriasis. Although the disorder is generally manageable, it can cause significant distress, and patients may be severely affected psychologically.

It is felt that urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common infections ranked closely behind colds and flu in frequency. It is estimated that almost half of all women experience at least one UTI in their lifetime. Urinary tract infection has a significant healthcare cost burden on any country.

Pneumonia is an inflammatory disease of the lungs that affects many individuals, and can have serious consequences especially for the very young and the elderly. If not adequately treated pneumonia can lead to death.

At the inquest into the world’s first road traffic death in 1896, the coroner was reported to have said, “This must never happen again.” More than a century later, 1.2 million people are killed on roads every year and up to 50 million more are injured. Deaths from road traffic injuries (RTI) and, in particular, Motor Vehicle Traffic Accidents (MVTA) have been characterized worldwide as a hidden epidemic which affects all sectors of society. In Anguilla the number of casualties from road traffic accidents continue to increase and as we approach the August festivities we must take steps so that accidents are kept to a minimum.

Bulimia, also called bulimia nervosa, is a psychological eating disorder that occurs in individuals who look perfectly normal. Several complications, including death, can occur with bulimia. Approximately 10 per cent of individuals suffering with bulimia will die from it, through starvation, cardiac arrest, other medical complications or suicide.

The 14th June was celebrated in Anguilla and many other countries around the world as World Blood Donor Day. The day was designed to celebrate and thank those many individuals who voluntarily donate their blood without any reward, except the knowledge that they have helped to save lives. It is to these unsung heroes that World Blood Donor Day is dedicated. There are many regular blood donors in Anguilla and the nation as a whole should be proud of them.
Why celebrate on 14th June?

Most pregnancies last forty weeks but preterm labour may result in the birth of an immature infant and is one of the main problems of obstetric care in many countries including Anguilla. Preterm labour can cause many problems for the newborn and the care of such babies can be a financial strain on parents and the community as well.

Epilepsy is one of the oldest conditions known to mankind and affects people in every country of the world including Anguilla. It is one of the most common neurological disorders affecting any defined population and it is estimated that up to 5% of people in the world may have at least one seizure in their lives. Epilepsy can have profound social, physical and psychological consequences.

Hepatitis B is a serious liver disease that can be contracted by sexual contact and can result in serious consequences. Many individuals have this disease and have no symptoms but can still spread the disease too others. There is a vaccine available to prevent Hepatitis B and many persons in Anguilla who are at risk of developing this disease have received this vaccine.