Bahamas Local Health Fitness Page - Nassau - Nassau / Paradise Island, Bahamas

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November: Lung Cancer Awareness Month and also International Diabetes Month

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(COVID 19) (NO.2) ORDER, 2020

What Is COVID-19?

Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.

COVID-19 Prevention Tips
As the spread of coronavirus, officially named COVID-19, has evolved in recent weeks, all are encouraged to use several effective measures to prevent any virus. They include:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes.
- Disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Get a flu shot - it’s not too late!
- Stay home if you are sick... [Read More Here].
Coronavirus and COVID-19

How to stick together, by staying apart. Stay safe, stay protected, stay healthy!

HEALTH HEADLINES

OCTOBER 2020: National Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Down syndrome is a condition in which a person has an extra chromosome. Chromosomes are small “packages” of genes in the body. They determine how a baby’s body forms during pregnancy and how the baby’s body functions as it grows in the womb and after birth. Typically, a baby is born with 46 chromosomes. Babies with Down syndrome have an extra copy of one of these chromosomes, chromosome 21.

A medical term for having an extra copy of a chromosome is ‘trisomy.’ Down syndrome is also referred to as Trisomy 21. This extra copy changes how the baby’s body and brain develop, which can cause both mental and physical challenges for the baby... [Read more]

AUGUST 2020: National Breastfeeding Month

Breast milk provides optimal nutrition for babies. It has the right amount of nutrients, is easily digested, and is readily available.

However, the rate of breastfeeding is as low as 30% in some groups of women.While some women are unable to breastfeed, others simply choose not to.Yet studies show breastfeeding has major health benefits, for both the mother and her baby.
Breast milk provides optimal nutrition for babies. It has the right amount of nutrients, is easily digested, and is readily available.However, the rate of breastfeeding is as low as 30% in some groups of women.While some women are unable to breastfeed, others simply choose not to.Yet studies show breastfeeding has major health benefits, for both the mother and her baby... [Read more]

JULY 2020: World Hepatitis Day (July 28)

Hepatitis refers to an inflammatory condition of the liver. It’s commonly caused by a viral infection, but there are other possible causes of hepatitis. These include autoimmune hepatitis and hepatitis that occurs as a secondary result of medications, drugs, toxins, and alcohol. Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease that occurs when your body makes antibodies against your liver tissue.

Your liver is located in the right upper area of your abdomen. It performs many critical functions that affect metabolism throughout your body, including... [Read more]

MAY 2020: Lupus Awareness Month

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune condition that can cause inflammation throughout your body. However, it tends to primarily be a localized condition, so it’s not always systemic. An autoimmune disease is a condition in which your body’s own immune system is responsible for the inflammation and breakdown of its own cells.

Many people with lupus experience a mild version of it, but it can become severe without proper treatment. Currently, there’s no known cure for lupus, so treatment focuses on easing symptoms and reducing inflammation... [Read more]

MARCH 2020: National Kidney Month

March is National Kidney Month, a time when communities across the country raise awareness about kidney disease. In partnership with the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), this year’s focus is the link between high blood pressure and kidney disease.
If you have high blood pressure, you’re at risk for chronic kidney disease, a serious condition that can lead to stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, and death.

The good news is that you can help protect your kidneys by managing high blood pressure with these 6 healthy lifestyle habits... [Read more]

FEBRUARY 2020: National Children’s Dental Health Month

February is Children’s Dental Health Month. Learn how most cavities in children can be prevented, and how CDC brings this program to children at highest risk for decay.

Dental cavities are one of the most common chronic diseases in children and teens; dental sealants are an effective way to prevent these cavities. Cavities are caused by a breakdown of the tooth enamel by acids produced by bacteria located in a film that collects on teeth. Left untreated, cavities can cause pain, infection, and problems eating, speaking, and learning... [Read more]

2020 HEALTH & WELLNESS AWARENESS CALENDAR

Wash your hands seems like such a simple task to be so hard for so many right? A simple task that should not have been introduced by Covid but rather enhanced by it!

We're Moving To A Bigger and Better Space.

The single best way to protect against flu is to get vaccinated each year.

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Category:: Health & Fitness Consultants
Company:: Bahamas Local Health & Fitness Page
Address:: #149 Shirley Street
Town:: Nassau
Island:: Nassau / Paradise Island, Bahamas
Phone: 242-698-1300

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November Is
Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Everything You Need to Know About Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is cancer that starts in the lungs.
The most common type is non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). NSCLC makes up about 80 to 85 percent of all cases. Thirty percent of these cases start in the cells that form the lining of the body’s cavities and surfaces.
This type usually forms in the outer part of the lungs (adenocarcinomas). Another 30 percent of cases begin in cells that line the passages of the respiratory tract (squamous cell carcinoma).
A rare subset of adenocarcinoma begins in the tiny air sacs in the lungs (alveoli). It’s called adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS).
This type isn’t aggressive and may not invade surrounding tissue or need immediate treatment. Faster-growing types of NSCLC include large-cell carcinoma and large-cell neuroendocrine tumors.
Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) represents about 15 to 20 percent of lung cancers. SCLC grows and spreads faster than NSCLC. This also makes it more likely to respond to chemotherapy. However, it’s also less likely to be cured with treatment.

In some cases, lung cancer tumors contain both NSCLC and SCLC cells.
Mesothelioma is another type of lung cancer. It’s usually associated with asbestos exposure. Carcinoid tumors start in hormone producing (neuroendocrine) cells.
Tumors in the lungs can grow quite large before you notice symptoms. Early symptoms mimic a cold or other common conditions, so most people don’t seek medical attention right away. That’s one reason why lung cancer isn’t usually diagnosed in an early stage.

What are the symptoms of lung cancer?
Symptoms of non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer are basically the same.
Early symptoms may include:
- lingering or worsening cough
- coughing up phlegm or blood
- chest pain that worsens when you breathe deeply, laugh, or cough
- hoarseness
- shortness of breath
- wheezing
- weakness and fatigue
- loss of appetite and weight loss

You might also have recurrent respiratory infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis.
As cancer spreads, additional symptoms depend on where new tumors form. For example, if in the:
- lymph nodes: lumps, particularly in the neck or collarbone
- bones: bone pain, particularly in the back, ribs, or hips
- brain or spine: headache, dizziness, balance issues, or numbness in arms or legs
- liver: yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice)
Tumors at the top of the lungs can affect facial nerves, leading to drooping of one eyelid, small pupil, or lack of perspiration on one side of the face. Together, these symptoms are called Horner syndrome. It can also cause shoulder pain.

Tumors can press on the large vein that transports blood between the head, arms, and heart. This can cause swelling of the face, neck, upper chest, and arms.

Lung cancer sometimes creates a substance similar to hormones, causing a wide variety of symptoms called paraneoplastic syndrome, which include:
- muscle weakness
- nausea
- vomiting
- fluid retention
- high blood pressure
- high blood sugar
- confusion
- seizures
- coma

What causes lung cancer?
Anyone can get lung cancer, but 90 percent of lung cancer cases are the result of smoking.
From the moment you inhale smoke into your lungs, it starts damaging your lung tissue. The lungs can repair the damage, but continued exposure to smoke makes it increasingly difficult for the lungs to keep up the repair.

Once cells are damaged, they begin to behave abnormally, increasing the likelihood of developing lung cancer. Small-cell lung cancer is almost always associated with heavy smoking. When you stop smoking, you lower your risk of lung cancer over time.
Exposure to radon, a naturally existing radioactive gas, is the second leading cause, according to the American Lung Association.

Radon enters buildings through small cracks in the foundation. Smokers who are also exposed to radon have a very high risk of lung cancer.

Breathing in other hazardous substances, especially over a long period of time, can also cause lung cancer. A type of lung cancer called mesothelioma is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos.
Other substances that can cause lung cancer are:
- arsenic
- cadmium
- chromium
- nickel
- some petroleum products
- uranium
Inherited genetic mutations may make you more likely to develop lung cancer, especially if you smoke or are exposed to other carcinogens.
Sometimes, there’s no obvious cause for lung cancer.

Lung cancer and smoking
Not all smokers get lung cancer, and not everyone who has lung cancer is a smoker. But there’s no doubt that smoking is the biggest risk factor, causing 9 out of 10Trusted Source lung cancers.
In addition to cigarettes, cigar and pipe smoking are also linked to lung cancer. The more you smoke and the longer you smoke, the bigger your chance of developing lung cancer.
You don’t have to be a smoker to be affected.

Breathing in other people’s smoke increases the risk of lung cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC)Trusted Source, secondhand smoke is responsible for about 7,300 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States.
Tobacco products contain more than 7,000 chemicals, and at least 70 are known to cause cancer.
When you inhale tobacco smoke, this mixture of chemicals is delivered directly to your lungs, where it immediately starts causing damage.

The lungs can usually repair damage at first, but the continued effect on lung tissue becomes harder to manage. That’s when damaged cells can mutate and grow out of control.
The chemicals you inhale also enter your bloodstream and are carried throughout your body, increasing the risk of other types of cancer.
Former smokers are still at risk of developing lung cancer, but quitting can lower that risk considerably. Within 10 years of quitting, the risk of dying from lung cancer drops by half.

Diagnosing lung cancer
After a physical examination, your doctor will tell you how to prepare for specific tests, such as:
- Imaging tests: An abnormal mass can be seen on X-ray, MRI, CT, and PET scans. These scans produce more detail and find smaller lesions.
- Sputum cytology: If you produce phlegm when you cough, microscopic examination can determine if cancer cells are present.
A biopsy can determine if tumor cells are cancerous. A tissue sample can be obtained by:

- Bronchoscopy: While under sedation, a lighted tube is passed down your throat and into your lungs, allowing closer examination.
- Mediastinoscopy: The doctor makes an incision at the base of the neck. A lighted instrument is inserted and surgical tools are used to take samples from lymph nodes. It’s usually performed in a hospital under general anesthesia.
- Needle: Using imaging tests as a guide, a needle is inserted through the chest wall and into the suspicious lung tissue. Needle biopsy can also be used to test lymph nodes.
Tissue samples are sent to a pathologist for analysis. If the result is positive for cancer, further testing, such as a bone scan, can help determine if cancer has spread and to help with staging.

For this test, you’ll be injected with a radioactive chemical. Abnormal areas of bone will then be highlighted on the images. MRI, CT, and PET scan are also used for staging.

Home remedies for lung cancer symptoms
Home remedies and homeopathic remedies won’t cure cancer. But certain home remedies may help relieve some of the symptoms associated with lung cancer and side effects of treatment.

Ask your doctor if you should take dietary supplements and if so, which ones. Some herbs, plant extracts, and other home remedies can interfere with treatment and endanger your health. Be sure to discuss all complementary therapies with your doctor to make sure they’re safe for you.

Options may include:
- Massage: With a qualified therapist, massage can help relieve pain and anxiety. Some massage therapists are trained to work with people with cancer.
- Acupuncture: When performed by a trained practitioner, acupuncture may help ease pain, nausea, and vomiting. But it’s not safe if you have low blood counts or take blood thinners.
- Meditation: Relaxation and reflection can reduce stress and improve overall quality of life in cancer patients.
- Hypnosis: Helps you relax and may help with nausea, pain, and anxiety.
- Yoga: Combining breathing techniques, meditation, and stretching, yoga can help you feel better overall and improve sleep.
Some people with cancer turn to cannabis oil. It can be infused into cooking oil to squirt in your mouth or mix with food. Or the vapors can be inhaled. This may relieve nausea and vomiting and improve appetite. Human studies are lacking and laws for use of cannabis oil vary from state to state.

Diet recommendations for people with lung cancer
There’s no diet specifically for lung cancer. It is important to get all the nutrients your body needs.
If you’re deficient in certain vitamins or minerals, your doctor can advise you which foods can provide them. Otherwise, you’ll need a dietary supplement. Don’t take supplements without talking to your doctor because some can interfere with treatment.

Here are a few dietary tips:
- Eat whenever you have an appetite.
- If you don’t have a major appetite, try eating smaller meals throughout the day.
- If you need to gain weight, supplement with low sugar, high-calorie foods and drinks.
- Use mint and ginger teas to soothe your digestive system.
- If your stomach is easily upset or you have mouth sores, avoid spices and stick to bland food.
- If constipation is a problem, add more high-fiber foods.
As you progress through treatment, your tolerance to certain foods may change. So can your side effects and nutritional needs. It’s worth discussing nutrition with your doctor often. You can also ask for a referral to a nutritionist or dietician.

There’s no diet known to cure cancer, but a well-balanced diet can help you fight side effects and feel better.

National Down Syndrome Awareness Month - What is Down syndrome?

Down syndrome (sometimes called Down’s syndrome) is a condition in which a child is born with an extra copy of their 21st chromosome — hence its other name, trisomy 21. This causes physical and mental developmental delays and disabilities.
Many of the disabilities are lifelong, and they can also shorten life expectancy. However, people with Down syndrome can live healthy and fulfilling lives. Recent medical advances, as well as cultural and institutional support for people with Down syndrome and their families, provides many opportunities to help overcome the challenges of this condition.

Living with Down syndrome
The lifespan for people with Down syndrome has improved dramatically in recent decades. In 1960Trusted Source, a baby born with Down syndrome often didn’t see their 10th birthday. Today, life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has reached an average of 50 to 60 years.
If you’re raising a child with Down syndrome, you’ll need a close relationship with medical professionals who understand the condition’s unique challenges. In addition to larger concerns — like heart defects and leukemia — people with Down syndrome may need to be guarded from common infections such as colds.

People with Down syndrome are living longer and richer lives now more than ever. Though they can often face a unique set of challenges, they can also overcome those obstacles and thrive. Building a strong support network of experienced professionals and understanding family and friends is crucial for the success of people with Down syndrome and their families.

Treatments
Down syndrome is a lifelong condition. Services early in life will often help babies and children with Down syndrome to improve their physical and intellectual abilities. Most of these services focus on helping children with Down syndrome develop to their full potential. These services include speech, occupational, and physical therapy, and they are typically offered through early intervention programs in each state. Children with Down syndrome may also need extra help or attention in school, although many children are included in regular classes.

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