Features
Headache
Some people have severe headaches only once or twice a year, while others may have frequent or even daily attacks.
If left untreated, a tension headache can go on for days or weeks without relief. Despite the discomfort, most people can continue with their usual activities.
What causes a tension headache?
A tension headache is thought to be due to muscle tightness in the scalp, forehead and the back of the neck. This can be triggered by:
• Tension and stress.
• Tiredness.
• Long periods of reading, typing or concentration (eye strain).
• Poor posture.
• Spine and neck injuries.
• High blood pressure.
• Physical or emotional stress.
What are the symptoms?
A tension headache may feel like a tight band around the head or a dull ache on both sides of the head. There may also be aching and tightness in the neck and shoulders. Tension headaches tend to worsen as the day goes on.
Treatment
You will be assessed by a doctor or nurse and advised of the best treatment. Tests are not normally needed. Most people find pain relief eases the severity of a tension headache. Pain relief is safe when used as directed. Ask your doctor or health care professional which of the following is the most appropriate for you:
• Paracetamol on its own.
• Aspirin (do not use in children).
Once treatment starts you should be able to return to your everyday activities.
If your headaches are caused by neck problems, you may be helped by the following therapies:
1. Emotional Surgery
2. Physiotherapy /Massage
Medication may be needed on a daily basis. Your doctor can refer you to other health care professionals for treatment, depending on your needs.
If you suffer from frequent headaches, see your doctor. Writing your symptoms in a diary can help in working out a treatment plan. Although a headache may be a warning sign of a more serious problem, this is rare.
Home care: When you have the headache, take pain relief and rest in a dark room. Sometimes having a warm bath or shower, or applying a warm or cold cloth over the aching area can help. You should not solely rely on pain relief medication. The most effective long-term treatment is to make simple lifestyle changes that reduce the frequency of your headaches.
Be guided by your doctor or health care professional, but some helpful tips include:
• Learn ways to manage your stress.
• Find ways to relax, go for emotional surgery, massage or meditation.
• Have a healthy diet.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Exercise regularly – you release ‘feel good’ chemicals (endorphins) from your brain when you exercise.
• Maintain a good posture when you are upright, try not to slouch when sitting as this puts strain onto neck and back muscles.
See your local doctor or return to the emergency department if:
You get a headache that is severe and out of the blue (a sudden onset).
• The pain is worse when you cough, sneeze or strain.
• The pain is getting worse, despite taking pain relief.
• The pain is worse when you lie down.
• You become drowsy, or confused.
• Your vision becomes blurred, or you have any visual disturbance.
• You are generally unwell, including vomiting.
In a medical emergency go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call an ambulance. For other medical problems see your Doctor or health-care professional.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
Features
The Palestinian martyr-Little Hind Rajab
THE wickedness of some people in our world is gradually getting out of bounds. From local arena to international arena, reports of wicked acts that defies logic, is on the rise.
Russia has attacked Ukraine and as a result, the economies of many countries have been negatively impacted. Residential apartments which have no military purpose. Just sheer wickedness and cruelty.
After this came the Brutal attack on Gaza by the Israel Defence Forces. Hospitals were bombed, buildings were razed down and civilians were deliberately targeted which is a war crime according to the Geneva Convention.
The IDF will release pamphlets in the skies informing them to move to certain specified areas. They move there with their families only to be bombed again without warning.
It was one of such movement from one place to another that, the family of a 5 year Palestinian girl called Hind Rajab and her family, travelling in a vehicle, were shot at by an IDF Tank.
This wounded girl managed to call emergency services to come and save them.
The sad thing is that while this brave little girl kept talking to the emergency response person on the phone, telling them that they should come quickly and that she was afraid.
She further told the response team on phone that any time she tries to speak, blood comes into her mouth and it soils her dress and she dies not want her mum to scold her so they should come quickly.
The response team rushed as usual to her location but they were also shot and killed, the driver and his assistant, in a vehicle clearly marked as an ambulance. Ten days later when they got to her location, Hind Rajab and her family were dead and their vehicle was riddled with 335 bullets.
The wickedness with which the IDF waged the war against Hamas, the administrative authority in Gaza, was unbelievable, given the damage to civilians both collateral and in most cases deliberate.
There are reports of some Doctors from the US and other countries, who have described how children they attended to, who were brought in dead, had evidence of sniper bullets.
A report by one of the media platforms, indicated that one of the IDF snipers who died recently, had bragged about shooting children in the abdomen so they will suffer before dying.
What baffles me in all these atrocities, is why Jews who have been saved by a collective action of the world, from Hitler and his Nazis from destruction, infamously known as the Holocaust, is now visiting mayhem on others, namely the Palestinians.
One begins to wonder if Hitler was right after all and that he saw something that the rest of the world did not notice about the Jews. I must admit that it is not all Jews that are racist. It is the Zionist who are the problem with their Talmud which teaches that Jesus is burning in hot feaces.
They deliberately teach their children to hate other people who are not Jews especially the Palestinians. They do not consider the Palestinians as humans and therefore they believe they have the God given right to treat them anyway anyhow.
Hind Rajab’s death has pricked the conscience of the world and countries which used to blindly support Israel, are now putting pressure on them to observe a ceasefire as part of a peace negotiation.
Let the world through the UN show that it does not support barbarism and that the illegal occupation of Palestinian lands by Israel, must come to an end.
NB: ‘CHANGE KOTOKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO KOFI BAAKO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT’
By Laud Kissi-Mensah
Features
Angioplasty: A comprehensive overview of the procedure and its applications
Angioplasty is a minimally invasive medical procedure used to widen narrowed or blocked arteries or blood vessels. The procedure involves the insertion of a catheter, a small tube, into the affected artery, followed by the inflation of a balloon to widen the artery. In some cases, a stent, a small mesh tube, may be placed to keep the artery open.
Indications for Angioplasty
Angioplasty is often used to treat conditions such as:
1. Coronary artery disease: Narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart.
2. Peripheral artery disease: Narrowing or blockage of the arteries in the legs or arms.
3. Atherosclerosis: Buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can lead to narrowing or blockage.
The Angioplasty Procedure
The angioplasty procedure typically involves the following steps:
1. Preparation: The patient is given local anesthesia and may be sedated to help them relax.
2. Insertion of the catheter: A small incision is made in the skin, and a catheter is inserted into the affected artery.
3. Guidance: The catheter is guided to the affected area using imaging techniques such as fluoroscopy or angiography.
4. Inflation of the balloon: The balloon on the catheter is inflated to widen the artery.
5. Stent placement: A stent may be placed to keep the artery open.
6. Removal of the catheter: The catheter is removed, and the incision site is closed.
Benefits of Angioplasty
Angioplasty offers several benefits, including:
1. Improved blood flow: Angioplasty can help improve blood flow to the affected area, reducing symptoms such as chest pain or leg pain.
2. Minimally invasive: Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure, which means that it requires only a small incision and can reduce recovery time.
3. Reduced risk of complications: Angioplasty can reduce the risk of complications associated with more invasive surgical procedures.
Potential Risks and Complications
While angioplasty is generally a safe procedure, there are potential risks and complications, including:
1. Bleeding or hematoma: Bleeding or bruising at the incision site.
2. Artery damage: Damage to the artery during the procedure.
3. Restenosis: Narrowing or blockage of the artery again after the procedure.
Conclusion
Angioplasty is a highly effective procedure for treating narrowed or blocked arteries or blood vessels. While it carries some risks and complications, the benefits of improved blood flow and reduced symptoms make it a valuable treatment option for many patients.
References:
1. American Heart Association. (2020). Angioplasty and Stenting.
2. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2020). Angioplasty and Stent Placement.
3. Mayo Clinic. (2020). Angioplasty: What You Need to Know.
4. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. (2019). Angioplasty and Stenting in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of angioplasty, including its indications, procedure, benefits, and potential risks and complications.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
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