Fever is an increase in body temperature higher than 37.5 degrees Celsius. Children running high temperature can be quite worrying and scary for parents hence the need to have a high index of suspicion.

Parents traditionally try to detect fever by feeling the forehead and body of the child; however, this method is not deemed objective enough as it cannot tell just high the temperature is; so it is pertinent to make use of a thermometer for accuracy.  There are numerous thermometers in the stores that measure temperature in different areas such as; the armpit, rectum and mouth. Rectal temperature is known to provide the most accurate reading particularly in infants while oral is more accurate in adults and older children. But caregivers and parents can make do with the armpit using a digital thermometer.

CAUSES

Fever in itself is not a disease or illness but the body’s response to detect illnesses and diseases. Fever is thus not a disease in itself but a symptom. Once the body detects illness or diseases, it raises the body’s temperature to help fight the conditions as a high body temperature makes it almost impossible for the bacteria to survive.

It is not uncommon for parents to administer antimalarial medications once a child comes down with fever, however, it is important to note that malaria is not the only cause of fever and it is important to see a pediatrician to determine what the cause is.

Some other causes of fever apart from infections and illnesses are:

1. Dehydration (Dehydration fever)
2. Immunization

• Teething in babies (although it shouldn’t cause a fever)

1. Medications

CARE FOR A FEVERISH CHILD

Once fever has been identified, there is a good deal of things to do and steps to take.

SHOULD DO:

• Check the temperature
• Undress the child
• Administer analgesics (paracetamol for example)
• Offer plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration
• Tepid sponge with lukewarm water (in case of high fever)
• See a pediatrician

SHOULDN’T DO

• Do not cover the child (in case of chills and rigors)
• Do not bathe with cold water
• Do not keep the child at home

At Olan Comprehensive healthcare Center we believe every patient deserves the best quality treatment and we offer medical services that are detailed, committed, affordable, compassionate and personalized.
For inquiries and consultation, kindly contact us.

Having a miscarriage can be a difficult physical and emotional experience.

Learning more about miscarriage may help you sort out your feelings as your body recovers.

What is a miscarriage?

A miscarriage (also called a spontaneous abortion) is the unplanned loss of a pregnancy within the first 20 weeks. After 20 weeks, the loss of a developing baby is called a stillbirth. Miscarriage is the most common type of pregnancy loss. About 20 percent of pregnancies end in miscarriage.

What causes miscarriage?

Health care providers do not always know what causes a miscarriage. However, most happens because the fetus (unborn child) is not developing normally. These problems usually happen by chance very early in the pregnancy as the embryo (fertilized egg) begins to divide and grow. Miscarriages are rarely caused by something the parents did or did not do.

What else may cause miscarriage?

Sometimes a mother’s health condition can affect pregnancy and may lead to miscarriage, such as:

• Poorly controlled
• Thyroid disease
• diabetes
• Trauma or injury
• Infection

Are there treatments to stop miscarriage from happening?

There is no treatment that can stop a miscarriage from happening. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions about managing pain and getting enough rest. Make sure to follow up with your doctor as instructed.

What does NOT cause miscarriage?

Routine, daily living activities such as these do not cause miscarriage:

• Exercising
• Having sex
• Working, unless you are exposed to harmful chemicals or radiation

When to call the doctor if you already had a miscarriage?

Call your doctor right away, if you have the following symptoms after having a miscarriage:

• Blood coming from your vagina that fills more than one pad in an hour
• Fever or chills
• Pain or soreness in your lower stomach
• Bad smell coming from your vaginal

Keep in Mind – A miscarriage usually happens only once. Most women go on to have healthy pregnancies and successful deliveries after miscarriage.

What grief issues are specific to miscarriage?

Miscarriage is a private loss and everyone reacts differently. There is no right or wrong way to feel. Some parents feel relieved, especially if the pregnancy was unwanted.

It is normal to feel sad, empty and bewildered at this time. You may feel others do not acknowledge your loss and feel alone in your grief.

It is not the length of the pregnancy that determines the depth of our grief, but the strength of the bond with our baby.

Why is emotional support important?

Society does not encourage parents to grieve the death of their baby in early pregnancy and does not often recognize that a miscarriage means the loss of dreams and hopes for that child. This may make you feel like you need to hide your grief. However, not talking about it can make it harder to cope and move forward. Sharing your experience with others who have a similar story can help you feel comforted and supported.

Infertility affects a large percentage of couples in Nigeria.
A male factor may be present in or contribute to as much as 50 percent of all infertility Problems

The following is a brief description of several procedures or tests available through OLAN Reproductive Biology

SEMEN ANALYSIS

Semen analysis is one of the primary diagnostic tools the physician has for determining both urologic and fertility problems. From these results, the need for any additional testing can be identified.

Included in the semen analysis report are ejaculation volume and viscosity, liquefaction time, sperm count, viability, motility assessment and grade, as well as a critical morphological assessment. The presence of non-sperm cells is also determined.

SPERM WASHING FOR INTRAUTERINE

Insemination

Preparing semen for intrauterine insemination can improve motility, increase concentration and produce a specimen compatible for insemination into the uterus. By centrifuging the specimen through a density gradient, sperm are removed from unwanted seminal plasma and concentrated to 0.5 ml for insemination. A pre- and post-wash count is provided as part of the procedure.

Sperm Cryopreservation

Sperm cryopreservation may be beneficial to cancer patients prior to undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy since these treatments may affect normal testicular function. Patients considering a vasectomy may also want to bank sperm prior to surgery. This service includes sperm count, motility, grade and number of doses of semen frozen per ejaculate.

OVARIAN CANCER

Early detection of ovarian cancer has never been more important. This year, an expected 22,430 women in the united states will be diagnosed with the disease, and it will claim the lives of over 15,000 more; In Nigeria where there is poor registry, our expected censor may be more than this. The good news is that, if diagnosed early enough, 9 out of 10 women can survive beyond five years – and possibly even beat the disease. But not enough women are finding it on time. Only 19% of cases are detected before the cancer spread outside the ovary. In fact, more than 7 out of 10 women are not diagnosed until the disease has already progressed to advanced or later stages. And fewer than half of all women diagnosed with ovarian cancer live five years after the diagnosis.

WHAT WOMEN NEED TO KNOW

Know the symptoms of ovarian cancer
Identifying ovarian cancer at its earliest stage can help improve survival. In fact, women may have symptoms for months before the cancer is actually found.

The most common symptoms are:

• Bloating
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Trouble eating or feeling full quickly
• Urinary symptoms, such as urgent or frequent feelings of needing to go

While these symptoms also represent common problems that affect most women at different times, if you experience combined, persistent or worsening symptoms daily or close to daily for a period of two or three weeks, see your doctor right away. Keep in mind that a family history of ovarian or breast cancer increases your risk. Prompt evaluation of symptoms can lead to earlier diagnosis. And earlier diagnosis can significantly improve the odds. We know that when women are diagnosed in Stage 1 of the disease, it is 90% curable.

Learn your family history: If any female members of your family – either on your mother’s or father’s side – has had ovarian cancer, it is important that you notify your primary care physician and your obstetrician/gynaecologist. They can monitor you on a regular basis using a variety of diagnostic tests that are available to screen for ovarian cancer. It is also important to notify your doctor if any male family members develop cancer.

Be your own advocate: Researchers have found that women experience symptoms for an average of 12 weeks before consulting a doctor. In addition, it is known that women who ignore their symptoms or who wait until the symptoms are severe before going to the doctor will not live as long as women who go to the doctor when their symptoms are mild.

Monitor your annual check-ups: Make sure your primary care doctor and obstetrician /gynaecologist conduct a thorough pelvic and rectal exam at every checkup. It is also important to have an annual mammogram beginning at age 40 and a regular colonoscopy after age 50.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IF YOU HAVE A FAMILY HISTORY

Ask your doctor for the BRCA-1/BRCA-2 Genetic Test: Genetic testing can determine if you carry gene mutations that put you at risk for having ovarian cancer. Carriers of the BRCA-1/BRCA-2 gene mutation carry a 60% lifetime increased risk of ovarian cancer. Testing for this gene consists of a simple blood test.

Make an appointment at a “High-Risk Clinic”: At a High-Risk Clinic, a team of specialists will evaluate your medical history, ensure that you receive the appropriate diagnostic tests and will monitor your care. Among the tests that you may receive is the CA 125, CEA, ALPHA-FETAL PROTEIN  TUMOR MARKER blood test. The CA125 screening test can be used to diagnose women who are high-risk. CA 125 is a protein that can be found in the blood and useful in detecting and evaluating ovarian cancer. The test, however, is best used in combination with a pelvic ultrasound because its accuracy is only 80%, and is even less reliable when used to screen pre-menopausal women.

Determine your HNPCC risk: Women who have a rare syndrome known as HNPCC (Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colon Cancer) have a 10 percent chance of developing ovarian cancer. These women should be monitored closely for signs of ovarian and other types of cancers.

Talk to our Oncologist TODAY

Call 08106510401, 08158765172,

How do I handle my emotions and grief?

Many people have mixed feeling, such as shock, sadness, guilt and anger after a miscarriage. Sometimes the emotions can take longer to heal than the physical recovery.

Ways to help yourself heal:

• Share your feelings with people who love on support you.
• Be patient with your partner or significant other. Not everyone experiences and expresses sadness the same way.
• Find ways to honor and remember your baby. Plant a tree or a flower bush that blooms around your delivery date, or buy a charm that reminds you of your baby.
• Join a support group at your local hospital, church or online. Support groups are good places to meet other who share a similar story.
• Call your doctor and ask for help finding a grief counselor or other professional that can help you with your loss.
• Online support Groups
  faces of loss, Faces of Hope
  facesofloss.com

Perinatal Loss Grief Support Group

The Perinatal Loss Grief Support Group at the OLAN women’s shelter offer a safe place to meet others who share a similar story. Sharing feelings with others and learning about their experiences, frustrations and special moments can help with healing.

When: 3^rd Tuesday of every month

Time: 5pm – 8pm

Venue: OMC Resources Center Conference Room 119, Adeniyi Jones, Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria.

Cost: No fee to join, free parking.