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Poverty in Nigeria: The Silent Weapon of Mass Destruction

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Nigeria, often hailed as the “Giant of Africa,” is paradoxically a nation where poverty thrives despite its immense natural and human resources. With over 133 million Nigerians (63% of the population) classified as multidimensionally poor, the country faces a crisis that is more devastating than war—one that slowly erodes the fabric of society, leading to hunger, insecurity, poor healthcare, and lack of education. As Mohamed ElBaradei, former head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, rightly put it: “Poverty is the weapon of mass destruction” because with it goes a lack of good governance, strife, civil wars, “and you end up at the end trying to apply weapons of mass destruction.” This statement resonates deeply with Nigeria’s reality. The country’s poverty crisis has fueled insecurity, weakened institutions, and left millions struggling to survive. At a time when leaders and politicians often focus on celebrations, the real focus should be on reflection and problem-solving. As...
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World Glaucoma Week 2025: “Let’s Beat Invisible Glaucoma!”

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Introduction World Glaucoma Week (March 9–15, 2025) is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about glaucoma, a group of eye diseases that can cause irreversible blindness if left untreated. This year’s theme, “Let’s Beat Invisible Glaucoma!”, highlights the silent and progressive nature of the disease, emphasizing the importance of early detection and intervention. Glaucoma is often called “the silent thief of sight” because it progresses without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. By the time a person realizes something is wrong, significant and irreversible vision loss may have already occurred. This is why regular eye check-ups and increased awareness are essential in preventing blindness caused by glaucoma. Understanding Glaucoma Glaucoma is caused by damage to the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. In most cases, this damage is linked to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) due to fluid buildup in the eye. ...
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Understanding Illness Anxiety Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

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Illness Anxiety Disorder (IAD), formerly known as hypochondriasis, is a mental health condition characterized by an excessive fear of having or developing a serious medical condition. Individuals with this disorder often misinterpret normal bodily sensations or minor symptoms as evidence of severe illness, leading to significant distress and impairment in daily life. Symptoms of Illness Anxiety Disorder The key feature of Illness Anxiety Disorder is persistent anxiety about health, which often includes the following: 1. Preoccupation with Health • Constant worry about having a serious illness, even when medical evaluations provide reassurance. 2. Excessive Health-Related Behaviors • Frequently checking the body for signs of illness, such as lumps or unusual sensations. • Repeatedly seeking medical tests or consultations, despite normal results. 3. Avoidance • Avoiding doctors, hospitals, or medical discussions for fear of discovering an illness. 4. Hyper...
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Marijuana as a Potential Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms

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Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement and can lead to a range of motor and non-motor symptoms. These include tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), sleep disturbances, pain, anxiety, and depression. While conventional treatments, such as medications like levodopa, can be effective in managing symptoms, they are not without limitations, such as diminishing efficacy over time and side effects like dyskinesias (involuntary movements). In recent years, interest in medical marijuana as an alternative or complementary therapy for Parkinson’s has grown. Research and anecdotal evidence suggest that certain components of cannabis may help alleviate some symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. This article explores how marijuana might benefit people with PD, the mechanisms behind its effects, potential risks, and the current state of research. Understanding Marijuana and Its Components Marijuana, or cannabis, contains over 100 cannab...
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Understanding Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV): The New Respiratory Concern

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A recent surge in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in China has brought renewed attention to this respiratory virus, especially as it has contributed to overcrowding in hospitals. Although HMPV is not new, its increased circulation, particularly during winter when respiratory illnesses spike, has sparked concern globally. The virus is currently circulating alongside other pathogens, including influenza, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and residual COVID-19 cases. What Is HMPV? HMPV is a respiratory virus first identified in 2001. It belongs to the same family of viruses as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and is a common cause of upper and lower respiratory tract infections. The virus is known to affect people of all ages, but it poses a higher risk to certain groups, including: • Infants and young children, who may develop severe bronchiolitis or pneumonia • Elderly individuals, especially those with chronic health conditions • People with weakened immune systems, such as those ...
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Discharge Against Medical Advice (DAMA): Causes, Consequences, and Mitigation

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Introduction Discharge Against Medical Advice (DAMA) is a significant challenge in healthcare systems globally. It occurs when a patient voluntarily leaves a healthcare facility before the completion of medical evaluation and treatment, often against the recommendation of their healthcare providers. DAMA is a multifaceted issue with causes rooted in financial, cultural, social, and psychological factors. Its implications are wide-ranging, affecting patients, healthcare providers, and the broader health system. This article provides an in-depth exploration of DAMA, including its causes, consequences, and strategies for mitigation. Causes of DAMA Understanding the reasons why patients choose to leave healthcare facilities against medical advice is critical for addressing the issue. These causes can be broadly categorized as follows: 1. Financial Constraints In countries with inadequate health insurance coverage or where healthcare costs are paid out-of-pocket, financial difficulties are ...
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Understanding Renal Stones: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

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Renal stones, commonly known as kidney stones, are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. These stones can vary in size, ranging from tiny grains to large, painful masses. Renal stones are a significant health concern as they can cause severe pain and lead to complications if not treated promptly. This article explores the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for kidney stones. Causes of Renal Stones Kidney stones form when there is an imbalance in the substances that make up urine. This imbalance can result in the formation of crystals, which over time grow into larger stones. The primary causes and risk factors for kidney stones include: 1. Dehydration: Insufficient water intake leads to concentrated urine, which encourages the formation of crystals that can develop into stones. 2. Dietary Factors: High intake of oxalates (found in foods like spinach, nuts, and chocolate), excessive salt, and high-protein diets can increase the risk of kidney sto...
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