ASK YOUR DOCTOR

Of the estimated 210 million pregnancies that occur throughout the world each year, about 38 % are unplanned. The percentage of unplanned pregnancies occurring in Anguilla is not known but it is estimated that it is significant and tends to occur at certain peak times in the year like the August festivities.

Tuberculosis, also called TB, is a contagious disease that usually affects the lungs, but can spread to other parts of the body. Like the common cold, it spreads through the air, but only people who are sick with TB in their lungs are infectious.

Many individuals have suffered from food poisoning at one time or the other in their lives. In many countries the incidence of food poisoning appears to be increasing especially during the warmer months of the year. In Anguilla the number of cases of food poisoning tends to increase during the August festivities. Food poisoning can be a very serious illness although in most instances it is just a mild illness and clears up within a few days.

Bronchial asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases of children and is the most common causes of school absenteeism. Although there is no cure for asthma, at this time, it can be successfully controlled. The diagnosis of asthma should not be a cause of shame. Many olympic athletes, famous leaders and others live successful lives with asthma. The incidence of childhood asthma appears to be increasing in Anguilla.

Sexually transmitted infections are some of the most common infections in Anguilla. Some of them can be very severe with deadly consequences and add thousands of dollars to the country’s health care costs.

Chronic pelvic pain is a common problem and presents major challenges to the health care provider. In many cases there is no clear cause for this, making it difficult to cure or manage. It is estimated that approximately 15 to 20% of women aged 18-50 years have chronic pelvic pain of greater than one year’s duration.

Strokes affect many people in Anguilla and many survivors require extensive rehabilitation that can be very costly and burdensome to themselves and their families. Uncontrolled high blood pressure is a leading risk factor for strokes in Anguilla. Unfortunately, stroke is also a leading cause of death in Anguilla.

World Blood Donor Day is celebrated on 14 June as a worldwide celebration to honour and thank those people who donate their blood on a voluntary, unpaid basis to give the most precious gift of all the gift of Life. This year the focus is on thanking blood donors and on raising awareness of the role of safe blood transfusions in preventing maternal deaths.

Stress must be the most popular word in Anguilla. We hear it in our homes, at school, at church, and on the job. The reason it is such a popular topic is due to the fact that too much stress can affect all of us and can lead to several diseases that can affect our health.

Many individuals suffer from heartburn at least once a month and others more often. Symptoms of GERD are often controlled with modifications in lifestyle or medications but when they persist they may indicate a more serious condition and individuals should see their doctor.

This common skin disorder, although not life threatening, can cause much distress to its sufferers especially teenagers. Fortunately, virtually every case of acne can be resolved but this often is a long process and requires much patience.

Sickle cell disease is a complex inherited disorder of the red blood cells. This disorder was first discovered in 1910 and has a variable clinical course and, at present, has no universal cure. The disease occurs in Anguilla and many other Caribbean countries.

Urinary tract infections are a common cause for individuals to see their physician. Urinary tract infections rank closely behind colds and flu in frequency. Urinary tract infections can cause much discomfort to the individual and can restrict activity and also cause time lost from work. Left untreated urinary tract infections can lead to serious kidney complications.

It is estimated that at least 35% of all cancers have a nutritional connection, and, theoretically, can be prevented. No single food or food substances can protect you against cancer, but the right combination of foods in a predominantly plant- based diet can. Cancer is very common in many Caribbean countries including Anguilla. In Anguilla the common parts of the body most affected cancer are the cervix (mouth of the uterus), prostate and the breast.

High blood pressure is a “silent killer” in Anguilla. Too much salt intake is a significant risk factor for high blood pressure which, in turn, can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. There is little doubt that residents of Anguilla have a high intake of salt. Reducing the amount of salt in your diet can lower your risk of developing heart disease by 25 percent and the risk of dying from heart disease by 20 percent.

Despite the enormous work by health educators, the Anguilla Family Planning Association and others, the rates of teenage pregnancies in Anguilla show no significant decline in recent years.

Hypothyroidism is a disorder of the thyroid gland that can have few symptoms but, left untreated, can cause a number of health problems such as obesity, joint pain, infertility and heart disease.

Febrile convulsions also called febrile fits or seizures occur in children up to five years old. The vast majority of febrile convulsions are not serious and full recovery with no permanent damage is usual.

One of the most important things a mother can do to help prevent serious birth defects in her baby is to get enough folic acid every day, especially before conception and during the early months of pregnancy. Adequate folic acid intake is very important to prevent other medical conditions in both men and women.

Acute otitis media is common in infancy and childhood. Three out of four children experience otitis media by the time they are 3 years old. In fact, ear infection is the most common illness in babies and young children.