ASK YOUR DOCTOR

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.

Cholesterol is an essential nutrient for our bodies and is needed for many important functions in the body. High blood cholesterol levels can be harmful and is one of the major risk factors for heart disease.

Postnatal depression is the most prevalent mood disorder associated with childbearing and affects 10 - 15% of women having children. This illness can have serious consequences for the affected woman, her husband or consort, the infant and other children in the family.

Keloid is a type of scar that is frequently found in black people. In the vast majority of cases it is largely a cosmetic problem but in a few cases it can interfere with movements.

The incidence of childhood obesity is increasing in Anguilla. The dangers of childhood obesity are real and they are beginning to take their toll. Diabetes, hypertension, orthopeadiac complications and other obesity-related chronic diseases are now becoming more common in youngsters in Anguilla.

Depression is a common disease in our society today, but is under diagnosed and often under treated in many instances. When doctors talk about depression they usually mean major depression which affects about 5% of the population at any given time. Major depression not only has an economic cost on the island, but also has an indirect cost reflected in loss productivity, absenteeism and death due to suicide.

Choking is estimated to kill more than 3,000 people each year. This is unfortunate as the vast majority of deaths associated with choking can be prevented. Although choking can occur at any age the vast majority of choking occurs in children.

The number of women who work outside of the home during pregnancy in Anguilla has increased drastically in the last few years. Many women continue to work until close to delivery so that they can have more time with their newborn after delivery. Pregnancy is a normal event and, generally speaking, most jobs cause no increased hazard to the mother or baby.

The recent new cases of malaria in Jamaica have brought increased interest into malaria which is found in many tropical countries. This disease has being around for centuries and despite the impressive results by the World Health Organization eradication programmes, which started in 1956, technical and socioeconomic difficulties have led to a resurgence of this disease in many countries around the world. Fortunately, malaria can be successfully treated if diagnosed early. In a few cases a malaria infection can result in death.

This is the time of the year when there are many parties and family gatherings and food is often the centre of these celebrations. Many of the foods served are high in fat, sugar and calories and short on nutrition. A few wise decisions can help us eat healthy and avoid gaining weight during the holidays. You do not have to shun the many parties in order to maintain healthy eating habits during the holidays.

The upcoming holidays often offer opportunities for many people here in Anguilla to abuse alcohol. Anytime anyone abuses alcohol there are many negative consequences. These consequences can leave us more than holiday stress, but a lifetime of heartache.

This is a very private topic and often girls are reluctant to even discuss it with their parents. Many people are often not sure what is normal and even many doctors give wrong advice on this topic. Young girls should be made to understand that menstruation is a normal part of development and should be instructed on use of feminine products and on what is considered normal menstrual flow. Ideally, both parents and health care providers can participate in this educational process. Teachers also have a crucial role to play in this process as well.

December 1st is recognized worldwide as World’s AIDS day and the slogan for this year and for the following years until 2010 is “STOP AIDS. KEEP THE PROMISE”. The global theme for World’s AIDS day 2006 is accountability.

Epistaxis or nose bleeding can be a scary symptom if you get it. In a few cases it can be a life-threatening medical emergency but, fortunately, the majority of nose bleeds can be treated at home.

Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder that affects about 1% of the population worldwide. This disorder occurs in Anguilla and can cause much distress to the individual affected as well as other family members, relatives and friends.