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CRIMINALIZATON OF SUICIDAL ATTEMPTS IN NIGERIA: TO STAY OR TO GO (By Abdulsalam Yunusa)

Photo credit: Unsplash — Nick Fewings INTRODUCTION   According to the United States of America’s Center for Disease Control (CDC), suicide is death caused by injuring oneself with the intent to die. [while] A suicide attempt is when someone harms themselves with any intent to end their life, but they do not die as a result of their actions [1] . For a very long time, suicide has been an issue of public health concern in both the developed and developing countries worldwide, causing an alarming number of yearly deaths, which was estimated by the World Health Organization in 2019 to be over 700,000 worldwide [2] , with Nigerians 9.5 per every 100,000 of that number according to the WHO’s 2016 Global Health Observatory Data Repository. More disturbing, is that suicide was found to be the fourth commonest cause of death among 15-29 year olds. [2] Nigeria in the past few years have witnessed an increase in suicides and suicidal attempts; perhaps the case is gaining more publ...

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CERVICAL CANCER

Since this month is for cervical cancer awareness, here are a few things you should know. (Photo credit: Istock Photo) Cervical cancer is one of the commonest cancers that affects females of childbearing age worldwide.  The cervix simply means the lower, narrow portion of the uterus. What Are The Risk Factors? -Infection with Human Papilloma virus, especially when it is repetitive or poorly treated. - Multiple sexual partners -Family history of cancer - Other risk factors for cancers including decreased immunity from HIV, Diabetes Mellitus, smoking,etc What Are The Symptoms? It could have no symptom at all but  detected during routine gynecological exams, or may lead to the following: - Unexpected vaginal bleeding and discharge - Pain during intercourse - Pain while urinating -Other features of cancer e.g effortless weight loss, reduced appetite and several features of anemia   Can It Be Treated? The main treatment is surgical removal of the uterus (hysterecto...

CAUSES, SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT OF HERPETIC WHITLOW (Dan kankare)

CAUSES, S YMPTOMS AND TREATMENT OF HERPETIC WHITLOW   ( 'Dankankare ' in Hausa)  BY ABDULSALAM YUNUSA A finger of a person infected with herpetic whitlow Source: NHS, UK   INTRODUCTION Wrongly pronounced by many as ' Wicklow ', Herpetic Withlow is an infection characterized by throbbing & excruciating pain as well as discomfort; forcing most infected people to use any treatment possible — whether or not it is proven to have a positive effect. It is known as ' kankare'/'dankankare ' in Hausa, and داهس 'dahis' in Arabic [how do you call it in your language? Tell us in the comment section] So, what really is herpetic whitlow?   DEFINITION Herpetic withlow is an  infection caused by a virus known as herpes simplex virus, HSV. It leads to the formation of lesions usually on the fleshy areas of the thumb, fingers and less commonly, on the toes. Withlow can also be caused by a bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus). This is more commonly known...

[PDF] PRE-CLINICAL GUIDE FOR MEDICAL AND DENTAL STUDENTS (ABDULSALAM YUNUSA)

The book PRE-CLINICAL GUIDE FOR MEDICAL AND DENTAL STUDENTS (By Abdulsalam Yunusa) is ready! This free and concise book is aimed at guiding Nigerian medical and dental students of levels 100-300 through the preclinical stages of medical school. Read Here   In it you will find information regarding tests, examination, grading, results, as well as other important things   that needs to be known by those studying medicine and dentistry at the preclinical level. I hope you will find this book beneficial. Please if you have any comments, suggestions and corrections, kindly contact the Author (Contact details provided in the book) Thank you.  DOWNLOAD PRE-CLINICAL GUIDE FOR MEDICAL AND DENTAL STUDENTS [PDF] Please leave a comment below. DOWNLOAD PRE-CLINICAL GUIDE FOR MEDICAL AND DENTAL STUDENTS

HEMORRHOIDS (PILES)- CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, PREVENTION AND TREATMENTS [Abdulsalam Yunusa]

(1) INTRODUCTION Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, has a lot of names in different languages; the Hausas call it, " Bāsir ", the Yorubas call it, " Jedi Jed i" and it goes with other names too (You can tell us the name in your language). I believe most of us have seen or heard of many drivers, tailors etc going to get herbs to treat it. So what are hemorrhoids? (2) DEFINITION Hemorrhoids can be described as masses or clumps of tissue within the anal canal that contains enlarged blood vessels (veins), and is surrounded by muscle or other connective tissue fibres. It occurs at least once in the life of most people and can recur in some. Though it isn't a life threatening condition, it can cause serious discomfort, irritation (itching), pain and even bleeding (which could lead to anemia) It exists in different forms and with varying levels of severity. So what are the types? (3) TYPES Hemorrhoids can be - Internal, when it occurs inside the rectum (the part immedia...

SLEEP PARALYSIS [Abdulsalam Yunusa]

Photo credit: Pixabay Abdulsalam Writes..... Hello everyone🙋‍♂ Today we're going to discuss about a somewhat weird topic. It might be something that you've been confused about for a long time. But God willing , you'll get some explanation today. *********** Have you ever found  yourself unable to move for a few seconds or minutes most often upon falling asleep or waking up? 😱 Not just that! You become unable to do basically anything else! You can't talk, you can't shout or even open your eyes🙆‍♂ ************** Sometimes, you even hear some strange noise, you perceive some unusual smell or you even see some scary intruder or creature —pressing you atimes (Some Hausas refer to it as Mallam dannau ) 😱 🏃 **************** But what causes these frightening experiences though?🤔 Some people claim that it happens when jinns (evil spirits) press you at night👹. And your mom🧕🏼 will blame you for not praying before sleeping 😴 Well, now let...

DYSMENORRHEA (MENSTRUAL CRAMPS); CAUSES, ASSOCIATED SYMPTOMS AND MANAGEMENT (Abdulsalam Yunusa)

OVERVIEW This writeup is aimed at presenting general methods used in getting relief from menstrual cramps; the common side effects of medications, and natural methods available. Nonetheless, I will begin the writeup by giving some basic information about menstruation itself. INTRODUCTION Dysmenorrhea, also known as menstrual cramps, painful period or sometimes, premenstrual syndrome, is one of the disorders of menstruation. Before discussing about it, let  us have a quick look at menstruation. The Female Reproductive System Photo credit: Pixabay Menstruation This is a periodic(monthly) flow of blood from the uterus experienced in women of child-bearing age. The menstrual cycle, occurs to prepare the uterus for potential pregnancy. As a result, the innermost later of the uterus (endometrium) thickens. Ovulation occurs at around the 14th day of the cycle to release an ovum(egg) which will be fertilized by the sperm   (if intercourse occurs......

WHAT SHOULD I STUDY IN THE UNIVERSITY (OR OTHER TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS)? [By Abdulsalam Yunusa]

Photo credit: Pixabay This is the question asked by many students all over the world prior to their application to universities, colleges and other tertiary institutions for admission. Though it is a crucial decision to make, the question is a direct one and therefore, the answer to it is simple too; join me as I provide an answer to the question. It is no doubt that everyone aspires to be successful in life; some aspire to be rich; some, to be popular; some, to be able to help people; while some, only aspire to live a quiet, peaceful and happy life. All these cannot be achieved unless one follows some certain paths, or strategies of which the course to be studied in the higher institution is one.  Though the course that you choose to study cannot be said to be the only determining factor of who or what you become in future, it undoubtedly plays a great role towards achieving you dream. WHEN SHOULD YOU MAKE THE DECISION? This decision being a crucial one to one...