Category: Health

During our health discussions, one member educated us about a condition known as ‘fish odor syndrome,’ which immediately caught my attention. I hope it piques your interest as well.

“Have you ever met or come across someone who has a fish-like smell and wondered what’s wrong with them?” she asked, before explaining what it is.

Well, there is actually nothing wrong with most of them or their hygiene. In fact, they are probably one of the most hygienic people you will ever meet.

People who smell like fish (the kind that cannot be washed off by soap and water) have a medical condition called Trimethylaminuria. This condition is caused by a build-up of the chemical triethylamine in the body.

When there is too much of this chemical in the body, the body then releases it through urine, sweat, breath, and sometimes through vaginal fluids (like discharge). Which consequently results in a strong fish smell.

Fish odour syndrome can be passed on from parents, but not always. Many individuals living with this condition struggle due to stigma and bullying, leading to feelings of isolation, embarrassment, and depression.

Let’s make an effort to raise awareness and educate ourselves and others. Show kindness, and always remember that we are all unique and beautifully made, she concluded.

Wanting to know more about the condition, I looked it up and this is what I found.

The National Health Service (NHS) defines Trimethylaminuria (TMAU) as a condition characterised by an ‘unpleasant’ fishy smell caused by faulty genes (FMO3) that a person inherits from their parents.

TMAU occurs when the body is unable to convert a pungent chemical (trimethylamine) produced in the gut when certain foods break down into a non-odorous chemical.

Also known as ‘Fish Odor Syndrome’ (FOS), TMAU is a rare condition that only manifests when both parents are carriers. Therefore, a parent with TMAU can have an offspring with no symptoms, mild symptoms, or temporary symptoms of TMAU.

The accumulation of trimethylamine results in an unpleasant smell, typically reminiscent of rotting fish, affecting breath, sweat, urine, and vaginal fluids. These symptoms may be present from birth, although they usually emerge during puberty.

If you consistently experience an unpleasant body odor, gum disease, urinary tract infections (UTI), or bacterial vaginosis, the NHS recommends consulting a general practitioner for possible TMAU testing.

According to the NHS, there is no cure for TMAU, but certain precautions can minimize its effects. These precautions include avoiding foods such as cow’s milk, seafood, shellfish, eggs, beans, peanuts, liver, kidney, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, peas, and soya products, as well as supplements containing ‘lecithin,’ as they may exacerbate the odor. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals are advised to consult a dietitian before making dietary changes.

Individuals with TMAU should avoid strenuous exercises that induce sweating, as sweating can worsen the condition. Adopting relaxation measures to alleviate stress is also recommended.

Specialists suggest using slightly acidic soap or shampoo with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5 when showering. Additionally, individuals with TMAU should use antiperspirants and wash their clothes frequently.

In some cases, doctors may recommend short courses of antibiotics (typically five days of treatment) to reduce the amount of trimethylamine produced in the gut.

Furthermore, taking specific supplements like charcoal or riboflavin (Vitamin B2) can help manage TMAU.

Professionals at the Cleveland Clinic point out that individuals inheriting trimethylaminuria often grapple with significant psychological and social challenges, including isolation, depression, and frustration. Seeking emotional support from a counselor is strongly recommended in such cases.

The geographical distribution of these cases reveals a noteworthy concentration in various regions across Rwanda. Kigali City, the capital, exhibited the highest prevalence, accounting for 43.6% of the total cases, followed by the Eastern Province at 20.5%, the Southern Province at 17.9%, the Northern Province at 12.8%, and the Western Province at 5.1%.

The report further illuminates that a sizeable number of 126,294 were Tuberculosis presumptive, marking a notable decrease of 28.4% in comparison to the previous fiscal year of 2020/2021, which saw 176,636 people exhibiting related symptoms. These symptoms encompass persistent cough lasting over two weeks, elevated fever, chest discomfort, weight loss, general fatigue, night sweats, hemoptysis (coughing up blood), and breathlessness.

Of the total individuals presenting symptoms in the 2021/2022 period, 11,996 were evaluated for their HIV status. Simultaneously, 113,624 individuals underwent testing upon their arrival at healthcare facilities for Tuberculosis diagnosis. The data from the report unveils that 12,505 individuals undergoing Tuberculosis testing were concurrently identified as HIV-positive.

In a broader global context, the World Health Organization (WHO) conveyed in a May report that Tuberculosis continues to affect populations across all countries and age groups. Notably, the organization emphasized the disease’s preventability and treatability.

However, a concerning aspect highlighted in the report is that only one out of every three Tuberculosis patients received proper treatment in 2021. Additionally, the WHO’s data indicates that an alarming 1.6 million people succumbed to the disease within the same year, with 187,000 of those cases linked to concurrent HIV infections.

Manifesting in forms like anxiety and depression, mental illness is caused by; among others, family background, genes, and trauma. The list, however, grows a little longer when it comes to young people. Recent findings indicate that among the causes of depression in the youth is the ‘pressure to fit in’, aka ‘wanna-be’ syndrome.

With an advancement in technology, particularly social media, apps like Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, and TikTok that were primarily intended for socializing and connecting with friends and family, have turned into an exhibition of ‘who is doing better in life’.

Success in young people is presently determined by who updates their stories, status, reels, or newsfeed every 24 hours with current photos in happening places, has the most likes and the number of followers. This has seen those without the same ‘life’ resort to dangerous vices like alcoholism, drug abuse, and modern-day prostitution in a bid to fit in, while others battle depression and anxiety because they feel left out.

While speaking to the youth during ‘international youth day’ marked on 12th August 2023, at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda’s Minister of Youth, Abdallah Utumatwishima, shared tips on how to overcome mental health. “Be kind to yourself, be kind to your family, and be kind to your country,” he stated. “If you feel overwhelmed with emotions, don’t hesitate to seek help, talk to someone, especially your mom if you’re blessed with one, and like just giants do, get up and move,” he added.

Experts on mental health also share tips like eating healthy foods, going for a walk, listening to soft music, singing a song, drinking a lot of water, connecting with nature and with friends, and seeking medical help. While these may seem far-fetched and hard to abide by, there are life hacks that can help.

{{Practice gratitude;}} be thankful and grateful for what you have as you work hard towards what you want. When you appreciate what you have, it will always multiply in ways you don’t know. Christians can relate to this with the parable of talents in the Bible (Matthew 25:14-30).

{{Focus on your dreams;}} when you’re too busy minding your business, it will be hard for you to notice what other people are up to. The grass will always seem greener on the side, but it can be greener from where you are too; you just have to water it. “Do you, be you, and focus on you”. Life is not a competition but a journey where everyone has their own destination.

{{Appreciate your small achievements; }} learn to clap for yourself before others clap for you. We attract who we are at the end of the day, right? If you celebrate yourself, others will celebrate you too, so learn to celebrate yourself. After all, you alone know how hard you fought to get there.

{{Always look for the positive;}} they say every cloud has its silver lining. This is so true, what you may think of as a curse may be a blessing in disguise. If you find out that social media is putting you under pressure, how about you use it for ‘better’ things? Learn a new skill, sign up for a free online course, subscribe and follow pages of productive content creators/motivational speakers. There’s a lot of good in using social media; look for that.

{{Be yourself;}} a little pride is necessary once in a while. Know who you are and pride yourself in that, for there’s only one you and forever will be. Discover your unique features and make them flourish, slay them so that no one ever makes you feel like you don’t matter because you do, and just the way you are, {{YOU ARE ENOUGH!}}

{{What is hygiene?}}

Hygiene is any approach or action used to keep things healthy and clean. While this concept covers a wide scope, our focus here revolves around “a healthy body and a happy mind,” placing personal cleanliness at the forefront.

Personal hygiene involves the routine cleansing of the external aspects of our bodies.

This extends to {{dental hygiene}}, which isn’t solely about teeth but encompasses the mouth as a whole. In fact, oral care involves not only teeth but also the mouth itself.

To maintain a healthy mouth and a radiant smile, the American Dental Association recommends brushing teeth for at least 2 minutes, twice daily – once before breakfast and once before bedtime.

Dentists highly recommend toothpaste with fluoride content, as it effectively reduces acid production by bacteria, stemming from plaque, and prevents tooth decay.

Addressing {{body hygiene}}, it’s important to recognize that our skin, being the largest organ, plays a pivotal role in safeguarding our internal systems. Thus, proper skincare is paramount. This includes regular showers at least once a day to cleanse the skin from dirt and pollutants such as sweat.

{{Handwashing}} has taken on greater significance, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the pandemic has waned, the importance of frequent handwashing remains, as it remains a fundamental defense against the spread of germs and bacteria.

{{The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends handwashing in the following instances:}}

-* Before, during, and after food preparation

-* Before consuming food

-* Before and after assisting someone vomiting or experiencing diarrhea

-* Before and after treating a wound or cut

-* After using the restroom

-* After changing diapers or tending to a child’s restroom needs

-* After sneezing, coughing, or blowing one’s nose

-* After touching waste or contaminated surfaces/objects

-* After interacting with pets or pet-related items, including food

{{Nail care}} is another essential aspect of personal hygiene. Neglected nails, especially when long and unkempt, can harbor dirt and germs, facilitating the spread of bacteria. Regular trimming of fingernails and toenails helps minimize the risk of spreading illnesses.

Maintaining good personal hygiene offers benefits beyond disease prevention; it bolsters self-confidence and self-esteem. While adhering to recommended sanitary practices can sometimes pose challenges in a tight-budget scenario, a few simple strategies can help you maintain cleanliness without breaking the bank.

{{Dental health}} plays a pivotal role, with a smile being deemed the finest cosmetic one can wear. Furthermore, regular smiling offers health advantages, including stress reduction, immune system enhancement, lowered blood pressure, and potentially increased lifespan. However, it’s important to acknowledge that bad breath can detract from even the most dazzling smile.

To ensure both a captivating smile and fresh breath, consider brushing your tongue, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, preventing prolonged dry mouth (even during fasting, ensure you stay hydrated), chewing gum after meals, and, if fluoride toothpaste isn’t affordable, substitutes like baking soda, sea or table salt, or diluted hydrogen peroxide can suffice.

For an {{odor-free body}}, thorough bathing using clean water and soap is crucial, with special attention to be paid to the ‘private areas’ where sweat accumulates most. “The human body boasts millions of sweat glands,” as reported by Medical News Today (MNT). When germs break down, body odor ensues.

To maintain short hair in the private area, consider shaving or waxing. Avoid wearing soiled clothing, especially those worn the previous day and not yet washed but have been subjected to sweat.

Always use deodorant. In case of financial constraints, alternatives such as lemon juice, baking soda, or alcohol can be excellent substitutes.

{{Nails }} also warrant attention as a frequent manicure is the key for well-kept finger nails. You can also get a personal manicure kit to use on days when you don’t have any money.

Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Daud Aweis Jama said the terrorists were eliminated in separate operations in HirShabelle and Southwest states on July 28-31.

Aweis told a weekly news conference that more than 100 militants were killed in the Galgaduud region in central Somalia, while over 60 others were eliminated during the military operations in El Dhun in the Southwest region.

“During the operations, the Somali national forces destroyed vehicles and other equipment belonging to the enemy,” the minister told journalists in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.

The government has been waging a formidable war against the al-Shabab militants since President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud came to power in May 2022.

The extremist group, however, still controls some parts of rural southern and central Somalia and continues to carry out high-profile attacks in Mogadishu and elsewhere despite increased onslaught by government forces.

Olly Cann, the director of Communications at GAVI, said that a steady improvement in vaccine coverage has revitalized the war against vector-borne diseases in Africa including malaria, whooping cough, typhoid and cholera.

“African countries continue to make progress when it comes to protecting their populations against vaccine preventable diseases,” Cann said Tuesday during an online interview with Xinhua.

According to Cann, vaccine coverage for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough) in the continent improved from 72 percent in 2021 to 73 percent in 2022, defying the strain on public health systems linked to the pandemic.

Cann said the improved vaccination coverage was pronounced in smaller countries like Niger, Rwanda and Tanzania while populous and geographically huge nations like Nigeria, Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo sustained inoculation against infectious ailments.

The top five African countries that recorded significant progress in vaccinating against diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough between 2021 to 2022 included Liberia, Rwanda, Mauritania, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau.

“There was also (a) significant improvement in countries dealing with entrenched fragility and conflict such as Chad, Niger and South Sudan,” Cann said, attributing the success to innovative partnerships and targeted investments.

He observed that improved access to malaria vaccine, which was introduced in Kenya, Ghana and Malawi in 2019, has revitalized the fight against the tropical disease which kills nearly half a million children below five years of age in the continent annually.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said that Africa accounted for an estimated 95 percent of global malaria cases and 96 percent of deaths in 2021.

Cann hailed the recent announcement by the WHO and partners that 18 million malaria vaccine doses will be allocated to an additional nine African countries in the next two years. He stressed that up-scaling immunization coverage in Africa in a post-pandemic era hinged on innovative partnerships, sustained financing, political goodwill and fidelity to the principles of equity.

Cann believed that concerted efforts to tackle conflicts, climate crises and vaccine hesitancy will be key to boosting immunization against vector-borne diseases in Africa.

While acknowledging that climate change has fueled the spread of vector-borne diseases like cholera, yellow fever, malaria and meningitis, Cann said that the availability of vaccines will save lives besides strengthening the resilience of the continent’s public health systems.

The development has been confirmed through a statement released by the Ministry of Health.

Over the past seven years, a total of 67 Rwandan patients were transferred overseas for kidney transplants, incurring an estimated cost of approximately Rwf900 million.

By establishing a program to conduct these procedures domestically, Rwanda aims to not only save significant financial resources but also enhance the quality and efficiency of its healthcare system.

According to the Ministry of Health, this initiative is poised to provide a sustainable solution that meets the growing demand for specialized medical services within the country.

The newly launched kidney transplant program at KFH this week, will operate on a monthly basis, with the visiting surgical team collaborating closely with the local team for the next two years.

This collaborative effort aims to transfer knowledge, skills, and expertise to the local specialists, enabling them to independently manage and sustain the program in the long run. By empowering local medical professionals and nurturing their capabilities in complex care procedures such as kidney transplants, Rwanda is building a self-reliant healthcare system that can cater to the needs of its population effectively.

KFH operates subspecialty fellowship programmes through the University of Rwanda’s School of Medicine and Pharmacy.

These programs, focusing on nephrology and renal transplant surgery, aim to increase the number of health professionals trained in highly specialized areas. By investing in education and professional development, Rwanda is nurturing a pool of skilled medical experts who can contribute to the ongoing advancements in healthcare within the country.

King Faisal Hospital, a multi-specialist quaternary hospital, stands as a beacon of excellence in Rwanda and the region. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, a highly skilled medical team, and a patient-centered approach, the hospital is dedicated to providing world-class medical services. With the successful implementation of the kidney transplant program, KFH further solidifies its position as a leading healthcare institution, capable of delivering specialized care that was previously only available abroad.

The leadership at King Faisal Hospital has extended its gratitude to the Government of Rwanda for its extensive support in the health sector, which has made this significant undertaking possible. By investing in the healthcare system and supporting initiatives like the kidney transplant program, the government demonstrates its commitment to improving the well-being of its citizens and providing them with accessible, high-quality healthcare services.