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Showing posts from March, 2020

Immunization

Immunization is the process whereby a person is made immune or resistant to an infectious disease, typically by the administration of a vaccine. Vaccines stimulate the body’s own immune system to protect the person against subsequent infection or disease. Immunization is a proven tool for controlling and eliminating life-threatening infectious diseases and is estimated to avert between 2 and 3 million deaths each year. It is one of the most cost-effective health investments, with proven strategies that make it accessible to even the most hard-to-reach and vulnerable populations. It has clearly defined target groups; it can be delivered effectively through outreach activities; and vaccination does not require any major lifestyle change. Culled from World Health Organization.

Diabetes

Adapted from Diabetes UK Diabetes types Diabetes mellitus, commonly known as diabetes, is a metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar. The hormone insulin moves sugar from the blood into your cells to be stored or used for energy. With diabetes, your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t effectively use the insulin it does make. Untreated high blood sugar from diabetes can damage your nerves, eyes, kidneys, and other organs. There are a few different types of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes  is an  autoimmune disease . The immune system attacks and destroys cells in the  pancreas , where insulin is made. It’s unclear what causes this attack. About  10 percent  of people with diabetes have this type. Type 2 diabetes  occurs when your body becomes resistant to  insulin , and sugar builds up in your blood. Prediabetes  occurs when your blood sugar is higher than normal, but it’s not high enough for a diagnosis of type ...

Hypertension

Adapted from World Kidney Day What is hypertension? Blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the body’s arteries, the major blood vessels in the body. Hypertension is when blood pressure is too high. Blood pressure is written as two numbers. The first (systolic) number represents the pressure in blood vessels when the heart contracts or beats. The second (diastolic) number represents the pressure in the vessels when the heart rests between beats. Hypertension is diagnosed if, when it is measured on two different days, the systolic blood pressure readings on both days is ≥140 mmHg and/or the diastolic blood pressure readings on both days is ≥90 mmHg. Culled from World Health Organization.