ASK YOUR DOCTOR

June 1st was Caribbean Nutrition Day and the theme for this year is “Healthy Eating and Active Living”. Despite the obvious benefits of leading a physical active lifestyle, over the last fifty years the activity levels of Anguillian people have decreased substantially. This is a perfect time to draw attention to the need for increased physical activity and healthy eating.

Genital herpes is just one of the many sexually transmitted infections that occur in Anguilla. Approximately 90% of individuals who have the virus that causes genital herpes are not aware of the infection. Like other sexually transmitted diseases, prevention is vital in decreasing the spread of this condition. The physical symptoms of genital herpes can be tremendous, but its psychological impact can also be severe, resulting in feelings of depression, fear, rejection and isolation.

The National AIDS Committee of Anguilla has designated the month of May as AIDS Awareness Month, under the theme: “Know your status: Reduce the spread and minimize the impact of HIV/AIDS”.

Hypertension also known as high blood pressure appears to be occurring more frequently in many Caribbean countries and Anguilla is no exception. Hypertension continues to cause a significant burden on health care resources and on the individual as well.

World Health Day is celebrated annually on April 7th. The slogan for 2006 is “Working together for health”. This year the focus will be on the contribution to human health and development made by health workers. Throughout the world many groups and organizations will host events to focus on health workers, especially those who are seldom acknowledged for their outstanding contribution to health care.

This disorder affects approximately 10% of the male population, many of whom fail to seek treatment and suffer unnecessarily. It affects men from all social structures, backgrounds and ages but many younger men are reluctant to admit to this disorder due to embarrassment.

Tension headaches also known as muscle contraction or chronic daily headaches are the most common variety of headaches affecting about 40% of teenagers and adults. Tension headaches are a common cause of individuals requiring sick leave from work and can be very unpleasant to the individual.

Bleeding during pregnancy is a cause for concern in many pregnant women and most often requires expert clinical management to prevent serious complications that may include death.

There is evidence that more teenagers and adolescents in Anguilla are experimenting and using illicit drugs and alcohol than previously and they are beginning at an earlier age. The short and long term effects of this is still not fully known and documented as yet.