Dr. Anis Hassan Abdi

26/11/2023

I have reached 100 followers! Thank you for your continued support. I could not have done it without each of you. 🙏🤗🎉

21/09/2023

Navigating Mental Health Challenges Among Kenyan Youth in a Shifting Economy

In recent years, Kenya has seen remarkable economic growth and development. Yet, this progress has come with its own set of challenges, particularly for the country's youth. While the Kenyan economy expands, many young people are grappling with various mental health issues. In this blog, we'll delve into the mental health challenges faced by Kenyan youth in the context of the changing economy and offer strategies for coping and thriving.

The Economic Reality:
Kenya's economy has experienced growth in sectors like technology, agriculture, and finance. However, this growth hasn't translated into widespread job opportunities for the youth. High unemployment rates, underemployment, and job instability contribute to the economic stress faced by young Kenyans.

Mental Health Impact:
1. Anxiety and Stress: The uncertainty of finding stable employment or starting a business can lead to anxiety and chronic stress among young Kenyans.

2. Depression: Prolonged joblessness or financial struggles can trigger feelings of hopelessness and depression.

3. Pressure to Succeed: Societal expectations to achieve economic success, often driven by comparisons on social media, can intensify mental health pressures.

4. Financial Stress: Managing day-to-day expenses, student loans, or supporting family members can take a toll on mental well-being.

Coping Strategies:
1. Seek Support: Don't hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or mental health professionals. Talking about your feelings can provide relief.

2. Financial Literacy: Educate yourself on budgeting, saving, and investing. Managing finances can reduce financial stress.

3. Entrepreneurship: Consider entrepreneurship as an alternative to traditional employment. Start small and seek mentorship.

4. Self-Care: Prioritize self-care activities like exercise, meditation, and hobbies to reduce stress.

5. Reduce Social Media Pressure: Limit your time on social media and remember that what people portray online doesn't always reflect reality.

6. Networking: Build a professional network by attending industry events and joining online forums. Networking can lead to job opportunities.

Conclusion:
Kenyan youth face unique mental health challenges in the midst of economic shifts. It's crucial to acknowledge these issues and seek support when needed. While the economic landscape may be uncertain, with the right strategies and a focus on mental well-being, Kenyan youth can navigate these challenges and emerge stronger and more resilient.

Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and there are resources available to support your mental health and economic aspirations. Reach out, take care of yourself, and keep working towards your goals.

07/09/2023

The Effects of Using Too Much Oil in Food

Introduction:

Oil is a fundamental ingredient in many culinary creations, and its role in cooking cannot be denied. Whether it's sautéing vegetables, frying crispy chicken, or drizzling olive oil over a salad, oil adds flavor and texture to our favorite dishes. However, like anything in life, moderation is key. Using too much oil in food can have a range of negative effects on our health and the overall dining experience. In this blog, we will explore the repercussions of excessive oil consumption in our diets.

1.Weight Gain and Obesity:

One of the most apparent consequences of using excessive oil in cooking is weight gain. Oils are calorie-dense, and when consumed in excess, they contribute significantly to your daily caloric intake. Over time, consistently consuming more calories than your body needs can lead to weight gain and, in the long run, obesity. It's important to be mindful of portion sizes and cooking methods to avoid this pitfall.

2. Cardiovascular Health:

Using too much oil, especially oils high in saturated and trans fats, can have detrimental effects on your cardiovascular health. These types of fats are known to raise levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol in the bloodstream, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Opt for healthier alternatives like olive oil, which is rich in monounsaturated fats and has been associated with improved heart health.

3. Digestive Issues:

Heavy, oily meals can lead to digestive discomfort. Excessive oil can overwhelm your digestive system, leading to symptoms like indigestion, bloating, and even diarrhea in some cases. If you find yourself experiencing digestive distress after meals, it might be time to cut back on the oil.

4. Nutrient Absorption:

Oil can interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K. When consumed in excess, it can hinder your body's ability to absorb these essential nutrients. This could lead to deficiencies over time, affecting your overall health and well-being.

5. Acne and Skin Issues:

Excessive oil consumption might not only affect your internal health but also your external appearance. An imbalanced diet high in oily foods can lead to acne breakouts and skin issues. To maintain healthy skin, it's crucial to strike a balance in your dietary fat intake.

6. Flavor and Texture:

Using too much oil in food can also affect the taste and texture of your dishes. Overly oily foods can become greasy and heavy, masking the natural flavors of the ingredients. Additionally, excessive oil can make foods soggy or overly crispy, detracting from the desired culinary experience.

Conclusion:

While oil is an essential component of cooking, it's vital to exercise moderation in its use. Excessive oil consumption can lead to weight gain, cardiovascular issues, digestive discomfort, nutrient absorption problems, skin troubles, and even affect the overall enjoyment of your meals. To maintain a healthy and balanced diet, aim for cooking methods that use less oil, choose healthier oil options when you do use it, and be mindful of portion sizes. Your body will thank you for it, and your taste buds will still savor the delicious flavors of your dishes.

31/07/2023

WHAT IS HEPATITIS AND HOW DO WE GET IT?

17/07/2023

Drug addiction
Drug addiction is a complex and often misunderstood condition. It is a chronic disease that affects the brain and can lead to harmful behaviors and consequences. However, it is important to remember that drug addiction is treatable and recovery is possible.

Most people tend to ignore or pretend that they are not addicts and mthey can stop it if they want to,but this is just one of the methods by which the shade themselves under the cloud of addiction.

Support is crucial for individuals struggling with drug addiction. This support can come in many forms, including therapy, support groups, and medication-assisted treatment. It is important for individuals to have access to a range of treatment options so they can find what works best for them.

One of the most important forms of support is having a strong support system. This can include friends, family, and healthcare professionals. These individuals can provide emotional support, encouragement, and accountability.

It is also important to address the stigma surrounding drug addiction. Stigma can prevent individuals from seeking help and can make recovery more difficult. By educating ourselves and others about drug addiction, we can help reduce the stigma and make it easier for individuals to seek the help they need.

In conclusion, drug addiction is a treatable condition and support is crucial for recovery. By providing access to treatment options, building strong support systems, and reducing stigma, we can help individuals overcome drug addiction and lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

17/07/2023

The importance of taking diabetes medication as advised.

06/07/2023

Hypertension treatment guidelines.
There are different guidelines for the treatment of hypertension. The recommended blood pressure targets are less than **130/80 mm Hg** in patients younger than 65 years and less than **140/90 mm Hg** in patients 65 years or older¹. Initial first-line therapy for stage 1 hypertension includes thiazide diuretics, CCBs, and ACE inhibitors or ARBs. Two first-line drugs of different classes are recommended with stage 2 hypertension and average BP of 20/10 mm Hg above the BP target⁴. In the general population younger than 60 years, pharmacologic treatment should be initiated when the systolic pressure is 140 mm Hg or higher, or when the diastolic pressure is 90 mm Hg or higher. Combination therapy is recommended for most patients, and should include a thiazide diuretic, a CCB, and an ACEI or ARB². Different guidelines may have different recommendations for specific patient populations or comorbidities.

Lifestyle modifications are also essential for managing hypertension, and optimal treatment starts with diet and activity. Dietary changes include salt reduction, moderation of alcohol consumption, and a diet high in vegetables and fruit that is low in added sugars and saturated fats (e.g., DASH diet)¹.

You can find more information about hypertension treatment guidelines from these sources:

¹: [Hypertension: New Guidelines from the International Society of Hypertension | AAFP](https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2021/0615/p763.html) (1)
²: [Guideline for the pharmacological treatment of hypertension in adults](https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/344424/9789240033986-eng.pdf) (2)
³: [AAFP Issues New Clinical Practice Guideline on Hypertension](https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/aafp-hypertension-guideline.html) (3)
⁴: [2017 Guideline for High Blood Pressure in Adults](https://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2017/11/09/11/41/2017-guideline-for-high-blood-pressure-in-adults) (4)

Source: Conversation with Bing, 06/07/2023
(1) Hypertension: New Guidelines from the International Society of ... - AAFP. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2021/0615/p763.html.
(2) 2017 Guideline for High Blood Pressure in Adults. https://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2017/11/09/11/41/2017-guideline-for-high-blood-pressure-in-adults.
(3) Guideline for the pharmacological treatment of hypertension in adults. https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/344424/9789240033986-eng.pdf.
(4) AAFP Issues New Clinical Practice Guideline on Hypertension. https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/aafp-hypertension-guideline.html.

The International Society of Hypertension has published summary guidelines based on major international guidelines published between 2017 and 2020 on the control of hypertension. These summary guidelines include essential recommendations and suggestions for optimal care.

06/07/2023

Some of the best foods to lower blood pressure are:

-Citrus fruits- such as oranges, grapefruits and lemons. They are rich in vitamins, minerals and plant compounds that may help reduce blood pressure. However, grapefruit may interact with some blood pressure medications, so check with your doctor before eating it.
- **Salmon and other fatty fish** such as mackerel, sardines and herring. They are excellent sources of omega-3 fats, which may help lower inflammation and blood pressure. Aim for at least two servings of fatty fish per week.
- Leafy greens- such as spinach, kale, Swiss chard and lettuce. They are high in potassium and magnesium, which are important minerals for blood pressure regulation. Try to eat at least one serving of leafy greens per day.
- Nuts and seeds: such as almonds, walnuts, pistachios, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds. They contain healthy fats, fiber, protein and minerals that may help lower blood pressure. A handful of nuts or seeds can make a great snack or addition to salads, oatmeal or yogurt.
- Legumes: such as beans, lentils, peas and chickpeas. They are high in protein, fiber, potassium and magnesium, which may help lower blood pressure. You can use legumes to make soups, stews, curries or salads.

Other foods that may help lower blood pressure include berries, amaranth, olive oil, carrots, eggs, tomatoes, broccoli, yogurt, herbs, potatoes, kiwifruit and lean meat¹².

You may also want to follow the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), which is a healthy eating plan designed to help prevent or treat high blood pressure. The DASH diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, lean protein sources and nuts and seeds while limiting sodium, added sugars, saturated fats and alcohol³.

I hope this information helps you make healthy food choices for your blood pressure.😊

¹: [The 17 Best Foods to Lower Blood Pressure - Healthline](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-high-blood-pressure)
²: [18 foods that help lower blood pressure - Medical News Today](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322284)
³: [DASH diet: Healthy eating to lower your blood pressure - Mayo Clinic](https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/dash-diet/art-20048456)

Source: Conversation with Bing, 06/07/2023
(1) The 17 Best Foods to Lower Blood Pressure - Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-high-blood-pressure.
(2) 18 foods that help lower blood pressure - Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322284.
(3) DASH diet: Healthy eating to lower your blood pressure. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/dash-diet/art-20048456.

26/06/2023