Harith Hospital

27/08/2024

IMMUNIZATION
Immunization is one of the biggest health successes of the last century. Some diseases that are caused by viruses can't be cured with antibiotics.Therefore, the only way to control them is by immunization.
Immunization is the process of giving a vaccine to a person to protect them against disease

Immunization is a way of protecting against serious diseases. Once we have been immunised, our bodies are better able to fight these diseases if we come into contact with them...

As children develop they're exposed to many risks, one of these risks being infections that can cause severe illness, disability and, at times, death...

The benefit of immunization is that your child has the best possible protection against dangerous diseases. This can give you peace of mind...

*Let's help save the future.Get your child immunized today!!!*

*NOTE THAT*
1)Harith Hospital's Immunization day is every Tuesday from 8:00am.
2)Foreign Vaccines are also available.

Harith Cares!!!

22/08/2024

16/08/2024

*INFECTIONS*
*-The invasion and growth of germs in the body* The germs may be bacteria, viruses, yeast, fungi, or other microorganisms. Infections can begin anywhere in the body and may spread all through it. An infection can cause fever and other health problems, depending on where it occurs in the body.

*Causes*

Infectious diseases can be caused by:

*Bacteria*. These one-cell organisms are responsible for illnesses such as strep throat, urinary tract infections and tuberculosis.

*Viruses*. Even smaller than bacteria, viruses cause a multitude of diseases ranging from the common cold to AIDS.

*Fungi* Many skin diseases, such as ringworm and athlete's foot, are caused by fungi. Other types of fungi can infect your lungs or nervous system.

*Parasites*. Malaria is caused by a tiny parasite that is transmitted by a mosquito bite. Other parasites may be transmitted to humans from animal f***s.

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR 👇🏻

Seek medical attention if you:

Have been bitten by an animal

Are having trouble breathing

Have been coughing for more than a week

Have severe headache with fever

Experience a rash or swelling

Have unexplained or prolonged fever

Have sudden vision problems

13/08/2024

*BIRTH DEFECTS*
A birth defect is a problem that occurs when a baby is developing in utero (in the womb).
Birth defects can be minor or severe. They may affect appearance, organ function, and physical and mental development. Most birth defects are present within the first three months of pregnancy, when the organs are still forming. Some birth defects are harmless. Others require long-term medical treatment. Severe birth defects are the leading cause of infant death in some countries.

*WHAT CAUSES BIRTH DEFECTS*
Birth defects can be a result of:
genetics

-Lifestyle choices and behaviors
-Exposure to certain medications and chemicals
-Infections during pregnancy
-A combination of these factors

*However, the exact causes of certain birth defects are often unknown*

*How can birth defects be prevented?*
Many birth defects can’t be prevented, but there are some ways to lower the risk of having a baby with a birth defect. Women who plan to become pregnant should start taking *folic acid* supplements before conception. These supplements should also be taken throughout the pregnancy. Folic acid can help prevent defects of the spine and brain. Prenatal vitamins are also recommended during pregnancy.
Women should avoid alcohol, drugs, and to***co during and after pregnancy. They should also use caution when taking certain medications. Some medications that are normally safe can cause serious birth defects when taken by a pregnant woman. Make sure to tell your *doctor* about any medications you may be taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
Most vaccines are safe during pregnancy. In fact, some vaccines can help prevent birth defects. There is a theoretical risk of harm to a developing fetus with some live-virus vaccines, so these kinds should not be given during pregnancy. You should ask your doctor which vaccines are necessary and safe.
Maintaining a healthy weight also helps reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy. Women with pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes, should take special care to manage their health.
It’s extremely important to attend regular prenatal appointments. If your pregnancy is considered high risk, your doctor can

30/07/2024

*Breastmilk* is the natural first food for babies. Over the past decade, WHO has recommended that mothers do exclusive breastfeeding (breastmilk without any addition) for at least the first 6 months of life, and continuous breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods for 2 years and beyond.

*7 BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING*
1.  *Provides Appropriate nutrition to the Child:*
Breastmilk is a nearly perfect blend of vitamins, proteins, and fat needed for the growth and development of your child.

2.  *Easy to Digest:*
Breast milk is much simpler and easier for the gut of the baby to digest. Unlike baby formular, which takes longer to digest, breast milk can easily be broken down and digested by the baby.

3.*Protects Against Allergies and Eczema:*
Breastfeeding reduces the risk of your child developing allergies and skin problems like eczema and rashes.

4.  *Protects from Infections:*
Studies have shown that breastmilk contains antibodies that help the baby’s body fight against diseases and infections. It has also been proven that children who were breastfed have a stronger immune system than children fed with formular.

5.*Prevents Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS):*
Studies have shown that breastfeeding plays a major role in the prevention of sudden infant death syndrome.

6.  *Builds Brain Power:*
Breastfeeding has been linked to higher IQ scores later in childhood in some studies. Breastmilk promotes sensory and cognitive development in children. So, adequate breastfeeding may affect your baby’s brain development and reduce the risk of future learning problems.

7.  *Improves Mother-child Bonding:*
Breastfeeding involves physical closeness between the mother and child. The skin-skin touching and eye contact helps your baby bond and feel secure with you.
After delivery, it is advised that breastfeeding mothers should continue with their EVERGREEN NATAL CARE PLUS. It contains good amounts of folate which supports quality breastmilk production. Also, its blend of multivitamins and Omega 3 ensures that the mother is receiving a steady supply of vitamins and nutrients. Since women lose some amount of blood during labor, the iron content of NATAL CARE PLU

23/07/2024

*Hepatitis*
Hepatitis involves inflammation of the liver cells and damage to the liver.The liver is a vital organ that processes nutrients, filters the blood and fights infections. When the liver is inflamed or damaged, its functions can be affected. Hepatitis is commonly caused by a viral infection, but there are other possible causes of hepatitis such as heavy alcohol use, toxins, some medications, and certain medical conditions

*What Are The Symptoms Of Hepatitis?*
The symptoms of the different types of hepatitis are similar, but laboratory tests can identify the specific type a person .Symptoms may not occur until the damage affects the liver function. *Hence the importance of regular body check ups.*
Signs and symptoms include:

-fatigue
-flu-like symptoms
-dark urine
-pale stool
-abdominal pain
-loss of appetite
-malaise, or a general feeling of -being unwell
-itchy skin
-muscle or joint aches
-unexplained weight loss
-nausea and vomiting
-yellow skin and eyes which may be sign of jaundice

*Causes*
Hepatitis can be caused by:
* Immune cells in the body attacking the liver
* Infections from viruses (such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C), bacteria, or parasites
* Liver damage from alcohol or poison
* Medicines, such as an overdose of acetaminophen
* Fatty liver
Liver disease can also be caused by inherited disorders such as hemochromatosis, a condition that involves having too much iron in your body.

*If not treated with caution, the hepatitis virus would gradually grow into a more severe state which results in scarring of the liver, abnormal functionality of the liver and in due time, chronic hepatitis, liver cancer or cirrhosis* .

# *HARITHCARES*

19/07/2024

*INFANT NUTRITION*
Proper infant nutrition is fundamental to a child’s continued health, from birth through adulthood. Correct feeding in the first three years of life is particularly important due to its role in lowering morbidity and mortality, reducing the risk of chronic disease throughout their life span, and promoting regular mental and physical development.

*Feeding your newborn: Tips for new parents**

Feeding a newborn is a round-the-clock commitment. It's also an opportunity to begin forming a bond with the newest member of your family. Consider these tips for feeding a newborn.
1. Stick with breast milk or formula:
Breast milk is the ideal food for babies — with rare exceptions. If breastfeeding isn't possible, use infant formula. Healthy newborns don't need cereal, water, juice or other fluids.

2. Feed your newborn on cue:
Most newborns need eight to 12 feedings a day — about one feeding every two to three hours.
Look for early signs of readiness to feed. Signs include moving the hands to the mouth, sucking on fists and fingers, and lip smacking. Fussing and crying are later cues. The sooner you begin each feeding, the less likely you'll need to soothe a frantic baby.
When your baby stops suckling, closes his or her mouth, or turns away from the ni**le or bottle, he or she might be full — or simply taking a break. Try burping your baby or waiting a minute before offering your breast or the bottle again.
As your baby gets older, he or she may take in more milk in less time at each feeding.

3. Consider vitamin D supplements
Ask your baby's doctor about vitamin D supplements for the baby, especially if you're breastfeeding. Breast milk might not provide enough vitamin D, which helps your baby absorb calcium and phosphorus — nutrients necessary for strong bones.

4.Expect variations in your newborn's eating patterns
Your newborn won't necessarily eat the same amount every day. During growth spurts — often at two to three weeks after birth — your newborn might take more at each feeding or want to be fed more often. Respond to early signs of hunger, rather than keeping a strict eye on the clock.

5. Trust your instincts — and your newborn's

17/07/2024

PREGNANCY

     

You're going to have a baby! It's an exciting time, but it can also feel a bit overwhelming. You may have a lot of questions, including what you can do to give your baby a healthy start. To keep you and your baby healthy during pregnancy, it is important to:

Have regular visits with your health care provider. These prenatal care visits help make sure that you and your baby are healthy. And if there are any health problems, your provider can find them early. Getting treatment right away can cure many problems and prevent others.

Eat healthy and drink plenty of water. Good nutrition during pregnancy includes eating a variety of:

Fruits

Vegetables

Whole grains

Lean meats or other protein sources

Low-fat dairy products

Take prenatal vitamins. During pregnancy, you need higher amounts of certain vitamins and minerals, such as folic acid and iron.

Be careful with medicines. Always check with your provider before you start or stop any medicine. This includes over-the-counter medicines and dietary or herbal supplements.

Stay active. Physical activity can help you stay strong, feel and sleep better, and prepare your body for birth. Check with your provider about which types of activities are right for you.

Avoid substances that could hurt your baby, including alcohol, drugs, and to***co.

Your body will keep changing as your baby grows. It can be hard to know whether a new symptom is normal or could be a sign of a problem. Check with your provider always.

19/06/2024

*CHOLERA*
Cholera is an infectious disease that causes severe watery diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and even death if untreated. It is caused by eating food or drinking water contaminated with a bacterium called Vibrio cholerae.

*Cholera Causes*

Vibrio cholerae, the bacterium that causes cholera, is usually found in food or water contaminated by f***s from a person with the infection. Common sources include:

Municipal water supplies

Ice made from municipal water

Foods and drinks sold by street vendors

You can protect yourself and your family by using only water that has been boiled, water that has been chemically disinfected, or bottled water. Be sure to use bottled, boiled, or chemically disinfected water for the following purposes

Drinking

Preparing food or drinks

Making ice

Brushing your teeth

Washing your face and hands

Washing dishes and utensils that you use to eat or prepare food

Washing fruits and vegetables

*NB*
There is a vaccine for cholera. Both the CDC and the World Health Organization have specific guidelines for who should be given this vaccine.
*HARITH CARES*

28/05/2024

Fact

10/05/2024

Happy International nurses week🤗
To all nurses around the word who put themselves in the front line to show care.
Please give a heart ❤ to a nurse today!