MY PERIOD: MY VALENTINE

Many cultures have beliefs, myths and taboos relating to menstruation. Almost always, there are social norms or unwritten rules and practices about managing menstruation and interacting with menstruating women. Some of these are helpful but others have potentially harmful implications.
Periods are a natural, healthy part of a girl's life. They shouldn't get in the way of exercising, having fun, and enjoying life.

Menstruation, or period, is normal vaginal bleeding that occurs as part of a woman's monthly cycle. Every month, your body prepares for pregnancy. If no pregnancy occurs, the uterus, or womb, sheds its lining. The menstrual blood is partly blood and partly tissue from inside the uterus. It passes out of the body through the vagina. It usually last about 5 days. But a period can be shorter (2 days) or last longer (14 days).

Periods usually start between age 11 and 14 and continue until menopause at about age 51. They usually last from three to five days. Besides bleeding from the vagina, you may have
* Abdominal or pelvic cramping pain
* Lower back pain
* Bloating and sore breasts
* Food cravings
* Mood swings and irritability
* Headache and fatigue

Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, is a group of symptoms that start before the period. It can include emotional and physical symptoms.

How Often Does a Period Happen?
Periods usually happen about once every 21-40 days,  average 28 days.

Should I Use a Pad, Tampon, or Menstrual Cup?
You have many choices about how to deal with period blood. You may need to experiment a bit to find which works best for you. Some girls use only one method and others switch between different methods.

access to menstrual hygiene products to absorb or collect menstrual blood, privacy to change the materials, and access to facilities to dispose of used menstrual management materials. Menstrual hygiene management can be particularly challenging for girls and women in most local communities, where clean water and toilet facilities are often inadequate.

Should I Watch for Any Problems?
Most girls don't have any problems with their periods. But make an appointment  with your doctor if you:

^ are 15 and haven't started your period
^ have had your period for more than 2 years and it still doesn't come regularly (about every 21–40 days)
^ have bleeding between periodshave severe cramps that don't get better with ibuprofen or paracetamol
^ have very heavy bleeding (bleeding that goes through a pad or tampon faster than every 1 hour)
^ have periods that last more than 14 days
^ have severe PMS that gets in the way of your everyday activities



Reference
HOUSE et al. 2012
kidshealth.org
medlineplus.gov




By Lewis Rosemary

Rosemary is a certified Registered Nurse who is now volunteering her time and clinical knowledge at Tadankro CHPS of the Ghana Health Service in the Akuapem North Municipal to ensuring Universal Health Coverage. She enjoys listening to music and watching movies.
Rosemary is available for health promotion
You can reach her via Email: lewisrosemary93@gmail.com

Coronavirus: Update From Ghana

Two foreign nationals on Wednesday reported at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital having developed some symptoms suspected to be coronavirus.

The patients, a Chinese and an Argentine who have been living together in the country for some days, have been isolated at the facility while blood samples taken have been sent to the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), for further analysis.

Greater Accra Divisional Secretary of the Ghana Medical Association, Dr Winifred Baah revealed on the PM Express on JoyNews Wednesday.

Dr Baah explained that the Chinese left the home country for Ghana sometime in September 2019 while the Argentine, who was in Shanghai, joined the Chinese in Ghana in January.

“They’ve all developed some symptoms that fit the case definition [but] it doesn’t mean they have the disease,” he clarified.

He said another round of testing is expected to be conducted on the two nationals Thursday.

He explained that the patients initially visited an unnamed private facility in the capital and reported the condition and were directed by the medical staff there to report to Korle Bu.

Dr Baah wants the authorities to adequately resource health facilities for them to properly prepare to handle the situation as well as manage communication among health workers.

Suspected Case at KIA
Earlier on the same programme, the National Coordinator for Port Health at the Ghana Health Service, Dr Dennis Laryea disclosed, health officers recently picked one person for testing after he showed symptoms of the virus at the Kotoka International Airport.

He said the individual was kept in isolation for about six hours while the result was being confirmed. Fortunately, he tested negative of the virus, Dr. Laryea added.

“The gentleman wasn’t very happy but he understood that we were doing this in the interest of public safety,” he said.

In a press statement signed by the Minister of Health (Hon. Kwaku Agyeman Manu), he said "As at 6th February,2O2O, there has been 28,28O confirmed cases and 565 deaths globally. Here in Ghana we have recorded 9 suspected cases including the recent 2 from Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.  All of these cases have tested negative.
We wish to provide assurance to the people of Ghana that the Government,
Ministry of Health/Ghana Health Service working in collaboration with partners
are doing everything possible to prevent and protect against the importation of the virus into the country and prevent spread. We continue to advise citizens to remain calm"

Source: Joy News

WHO Declared The Coronavirus As Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Here's What That Means

The World Health Organization (WHO) took the rare step Thursday of declaring a novel coronavirus outbreak that originated in Wuhan, China a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). But what does that actually mean?

The WHO defines a PHEIC as an “extraordinary event” that “constitute[s] a public health risk to other States through the international spread of disease” and “potentially require[s] a coordinated international response.” Since that framework was defined in 2005—two years after another coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), spread through China—it has been used only six times: for outbreaks of “swine flu” in 2009, polio in 2014, Ebola in 2014, Zika virus in 2016, Ebola in 2019 and, now, coronavirus in 2020.

A PHEIC is meant to mobilize international response to an outbreak. It’s an opportunity for the WHO, with guidance from its International Health Regulations Emergency Committee, to implement “non-binding but practically & politically significant measures that can address travel, trade, quarantine, screening, treatment. WHO can also set global standards of practice,” the organization tweeted.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that, at its core, a PHEIC is about prompting countries to work together to contain a threat. It is not about punishing China, nor doubting its ability to contain the outbreak, he said at a press conference Thursday.

“This declaration is not because China is not doing what it can,” Ghebreyesus said. “It’s actually doing more than what China is required to do. [The PHEIC is about] protecting countries with weaker health systems.”

In this case, the WHO advises countries not to unnecessarily restrict travel and trade to China; to support nations with weaker health systems; accelerate the development of vaccines and treatments; stop the spread of rumors and misinformation; work to treat those who are already sick while limiting spread; share knowledge with the WHO and other countries; and work together “in a spirit of solidarity and cooperation.”

In a statement also released Thursday, the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board, an independent body that works toward preparedness for global health crises, encouraged nations to invest in their own public health and outbreak response systems while supporting the WHO’s Contingency Fund for Emergencies. Countries are not compelled to contribute based on the PHEIC designation, but Ghebreyesus tweeted that the WHO “welcome[s] their call for countries to sustainably finance WHO’s preparedness and response activities.”

SOURCE: TIME.COM

"HOW IUD GAVE ME CERVICAL CANCER: STACEY AMOATENG’S SAD STORY.”

REJOINDER BY SOGOG ON "HOW IUD GAVE ME CERVICAL CANCER: STACEY AMOATENG’S SAD   STORY.”

The attention of SOGOG (Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Ghana) has been drawn to a YouTube video being circulated on social media with the above caption in which Mrs. Stacey Amoateng alleges that she acquired cervical cancer from the use of a copper intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD). 

While our Society empathizes with Mrs. Stacey Amoateng’s predicament and appreciates her apparent drive to help prevent cervical cancer through public education and screening services, the Society will like to correct the misinformation being conveyed by the contents of the said video.

SOGOG hereby informs all persons that at present, there is NO scientific data or evidence to support the assertion that any form of the Intrauterine Device (IUD) causes cervical cancer.

The Society states emphatically that the Copper IUD, which is one of two forms of IUD available in the country, is a SAFE and EFFECTIVE form of long-term reversible contraception, and couples who desire to use them or are currently using them can safely do so without any fear or panic.

The Society also cautions the general public that cervical cancer generally has no symptoms in its early stages. Regular screening with the Pap Smear, Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid 

(VIA) and testing for High-Risk Human Papilloma virus (HPV) is recommended for early detection and prevention advance disease. 

However, any woman diagnosed with cervical cancer is advised to comply with medical treatment which includes surgery and chemo-radiation therapy.

Good nutrition and prayer, whiles good for general health and well-being, are not specific treatment modalities for cervical cancer.

 Signed by 

    Dr Ali Samba

(President of SOGOG)

SCALE UP ANTENATAL CARE AT THE COMMUNITY

Progress to maternal health services to ensuring universal health coverage (health for all) has been slow despite the successes made.

Anaemia in pregnancy is associated with adverse obstetric outcomes. When detected early in pregnancy, it can be treated; however,  access to equipment to check blood level (Heamoglobin) of pregnant women especially during the first antenatal visit, 28 weeks and 36 weeks gestation is limited in rural Ghana. 

Although checking of haemoglobin during pregnancy booking and at least 28 weeks gestation and 36 weeks gestation is routine for all pregnant women across the country the major challenge is the Haemoglobin  Meters not many enough.
The few machines are only found in the hospitals, poly clinics and few health centres, hence pregnant mothers are expected to travel from the indigenous communities to queue for the service.
The stress these women go through has prevented most people in seeking early antenatal care at the community.

 To the improve the situation:
1. Government should equip health centres and CHPS compounds with simple Haemoglobin Meter to check the haemoglobin level of pregnant women during first antenatal visits, 28 weeks gestation and 36 weeks gestation.
2. Civil society organisations and cooperate institutions should support the health sector with Haemoglobin Meters to equip the local facilities.
3. The health should zone satellite laboratory centres to calm the current situation.
4. Private sector laboratory centres should partner district and municipal health directorate to reach out to the had-to-reach areas.

The cheerful face a woman gets when she realizes she has conceived turns into grief when there are complications before, during and after pregnancy as a result of anaemia.

WHO releases first guideline on digital health interventions

WHO today released new recommendations on 10 ways that countries can use digital health technology, accessible via mobile phones, tablets and computers, to improve people’s health and essential services.

“Harnessing the power of digital technologies is essential for achieving universal health coverage,” says WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “Ultimately, digital technologies are not ends in themselves; they are vital tools to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable.”

Over the past two years, WHO systematically reviewed evidence on digital technologies and consulted with experts from around the world to produce recommendations on some key ways such tools may be used for maximum impact on health systems and people’s health.

One digital intervention already having positive effects in some areas is sending reminders to pregnant women to attend antenatal care appointments and having children return for vaccinations. Other digital approaches reviewed include decision-support tools to guide health workers as they provide care; and enabling individuals and health workers to communicate and consult on health issues from across different locations.

“The use of digital technologies offers new opportunities to improve people’s health,” says Dr Soumya Swaminathan, Chief Scientist at WHO. “But the evidence also highlights challenges in the impact of some interventions.”

She adds: “If digital technologies are to be sustained and integrated into health systems, they must be able to demonstrate long-term improvements over the traditional ways of delivering health services.”

For example, the guideline points to the potential to improve stock management. Digital technologies enable health workers to communicate more efficiently on the status of commodity stocks and gaps. However, notification alone is not enough to improve commodity management; health systems also must respond and take action in a timely manner for replenishing needed commodities. 

“Digital interventions, depend heavily on the context and ensuring appropriate design,” warns Dr Garrett Mehl, WHO scientist in digital innovations and research. “This includes structural issues in the settings where they are being used, available infrastructure, the health needs they are trying to address, and the ease of use of the technology itself.”

Digital health interventions are not sufficient on their own

The guideline demonstrates that health systems need to respond to the increased visibility and availability of information. People also must be assured that their own data is safe and that they are not being put at risk because they have accessed information on sensitive health topics, such as sexual and reproductive health issues.

Health workers need adequate training to boost their motivation to transition to this new way of working and need to use the technology easily. The guideline stresses the importance of providing supportive environments for training, dealing with unstable infrastructure, as well as policies to protect privacy of individuals, and governance and coordination to ensure these tools are not fragmented across the health system.

The guideline encourages policy-makers and implementers to review and adapt to these conditions if they want digital tools to drive tangible changes and provides guidance on taking privacy considerations on access to patient data.

“Digital health is not a silver bullet,” says Bernardo Mariano, WHO’s Chief Information Officer. “WHO is working to make sure it’s used as effectively as possible. This means ensuring that it adds value to the health workers and individuals using these technologies, takes into account the infrastructural limitations, and that there is proper coordination.”

The guideline also makes recommendations about telemedicine, which allows people living in remote locations to obtain health services by using mobile phones, web portals, or other digital tools. WHO points out that this is a valuable complement to face-to-face-interactions, but it cannot replace them entirely. It is also important that consultations are conducted by qualified health workers and that the privacy of individuals’ health information is maintained.

The guideline emphasizes the importance of reaching vulnerable populations, and ensuring that digital health does not endanger them in any way.

WHO’s work on digital health

This guideline represents the first of many explorations into the use of digital technologies and has only covered a fraction of the many aspects of digital health.

In 2018, governments unanimously adopted a World Health Assembly resolution calling on WHO to develop a global strategy on digital health to support national efforts to achieve universal health coverage. That strategy is scheduled to be considered at the World Health Assembly in 2020.

Although WHO is expanding its focus on digital health, the Organization has been working in this area for years, for example, through the development of the eHealth Strategy Toolkit in 2012, published in collaboration with International Telecommunications Union (ITU).

To support governments in monitoring and coordination of digital investments in their country, WHO has developed the Digital Health Atlas, an online global repository where implementers can register their digital health activities. WHO has also established innovative partnerships with the ITU, such as the BeHe@lthy, BeMobile initiative for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases, as well as efforts for building digital health capacity through the WHO Regional Office for Africa. 

Over the years, WHO has released a number of resources to strengthen digital health research and implementation, including the mHealth Assessment and Planning for Scale (MAPS) toolkit, a handbook for Monitoring and Evaluation of Digital Health, and mechanisms to harness digital health to end TB.

On 6 March 2019, Dr Tedros announced the creation of the Department of Digital Health to enhance WHO’s role in assessing digital technologies and support Member States in prioritizing, integrating and regulating them.

Source: who.int

New WHO recommendations to accelerate progress on TB

WHO has issued new guidance to improve treatment of multidrug resistant TB (MDR-TB). WHO is recommending shifting to fully oral regimens to treat people with MDR-TB. This new treatment course is more effective and is less likely to provoke adverse side effects. WHO recommends backing up treatment with active monitoring of drug safety and providing counselling support to help patients complete their course of treatment.

The recommendations are part of a larger package of actions designed to help countries increase the pace of progress to end tuberculosis (TB) and released in advance of World TB Day.

“The theme of this year’s World TB Day is: It’s time to end TB,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “We’re highlighting the urgent need to translate commitments made at the 2018 UN High Level Meeting on TB into actions that ensure everyone who needs TB care can get it.”

Since 2000, 54 million lives have been saved, and TB deaths fell by one-third. But 10 million people still fall ill with TB each year, with too many missing out on vital care.

The WHO package is designed to help countries close gaps in care ensuring no one is left behind. Key elements include:

• An accountability framework to coordinate actions across sectors and to monitor and review progress
• A dashboard to help countries know more about their own epidemics through real-time monitoring – by moving to electronic TB surveillance systems.
• A guide for effective prioritization of planning and implementation of impactful TB interventions based on analyses of patient pathways in accessing care.
• New WHO guidelines on infection control and preventive treatment for latent TB infection
• A civil society task force to ensure effective and meaningful civil society engagement

“This is a set of pragmatic actions that countries can use to accelerate progress and act on the high-level commitments made in the first-ever UN High Level Meeting on TB last September,” said Dr Tereza Kasaeva, Director WHO’s Global TB Programme.

On 22 March, key partners will come together at a World TB Day symposium at WHO in Geneva to develop a collaborative multi-stakeholder and multisectoral platform to accelerate actions to end TB. WHO will present the new package at the meeting.  

TB is the world’s top infectious disease killer, claiming 4 500 lives each day. The heaviest burden is carried by communities facing socio-economic challenges, those working and living in high-risk settings, the poorest and marginalized.

Source : www.who.int