DONEX Pharmacy

March 12- WORLD KIDNEY DAY(WKD)
Every 12th day of March since 2006 has been observed annually as World Kidney Day. It's focus is on
1) the importance of the Kidneys
2) Reducing the frequency and impact of Kidney diseases.
The kidneys are 2- bean shaped organs located just below the rib-cage(one on each side) that helps the body to
a) remove excess wastes and extra fluid from the body
b) maintain an healthy balance of water, salt and minerals(e.g sodium) in the body.
c) produce hormones that control blood pressure and make red blood cells
Etc

Kidney Diseases are non -communicable(non-transferable) diseases affecting about 850 million people worldwide with one in ten adults suffering from Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). People with Hypertensive, Diabetic, those who eat u healthy diets and the elderly are at higher risk.
Kidney diseases can be prevented from occurring and after they have occurred, progession to endstage Kidney disease can be delayed with the help of early diagnosis and treatment.
To keep your kidneys healthy,
1) ensure your blood pressure is under control
2) control your sugar levels..
3) monitor your weight
4) eat healthy meals
5) Drink plenty of water
6) Don't smoke
7) Don't take large amounts of Over The Counter (OTC) medications e.g ibuprofen, naproxen, etc

IT'S WORLD CANCER DAY
Every 4th day of FEBRUARY is marked WORLD CANCER DAY aimed at creating/raising awareness about cancer with the aim of encouraging:
1) prevention
2) early detection
3) Treatment

Cancer occurs due to uncontrollably division of cells causing damage to the body. When this uncontrollably growth affects organs,muscles and bones, it is called a TUMOR. The most common types of cancer are:
1) Breast cancer in females
2) Prostrate cancer in males
3) Leukaemia(blood cell) cancer in children.

PREVENTION OF CANCER
1) Vaccination e.g Breast cancer vaccine
2) Avoid excess sunlight
3) Eat enough fruits and vegetables
4) Avoid ionizing radiation e.g from network masks, working in radioactive facilities.
5) Stop smoking e.g in Lung cancer

DETECTION OF CANCER
1) Physical examination for lumps in any part of the body.
2) Laboratory Tests e.g blood tests for leukemia
3) Imaging tests e.g using X-rays and C.T scan
4) Biopsy >>> taking a sample for testing

TREATMENT OF CANCER
1) Surgery
2) Chemotherapy
3) Radiation therapy >>> using High powered radiation to kill cancer cells
4) Bone marrow transplant
5) Hormone therapy..

ORAL REHYDRATION SOLUTION (ORS).

ORS is recommended for use in patients (all ages) with mild to moderate dehydration due to diarrhea or vomiting.
ORS help to replace lost body fluids and electrolyte thus ensuring rehydration.

Sodas, juices and similar drinks should not be used in place of ORS. Generally contain too little sodium or too much glucose and may result in additional fluid loss.

You can easily pick up pre-packed ORS powder in pharmacies and some supermarkets. Some packets may come with dispersible zinc tablets.

Your pharmacist can guide you on how to accurately prepare ORS at home when pre-packed ORS powders not readily available.

If symptoms persist or worsens after ORS therapy, kindly seek immediate medical attention
Have a wonderful week ahead from all of us PHARMACY

What are OTC drugs?

Over-the-Counter (OTC) are drugs that are considered safe and fit for use by the public without a prescription.

The term Over-the-Counter connotes that an individual can easily pick up such drugs from shelves of pharmacies, and even some non-pharmacy outlets.

Many medications fall under this category e.g pain relievers (paracetamol), antacids, some cough syrups, anti-allergy tabs etc.

With OTC, patients get to have easy and timely access to meds to relieve symptoms of minor ailments. However, if no improvement in symptoms (within 3days on the average), kindly seek medical attention.

Factors such as overuse, abuse, interactions (drug/food) etc may pose some risk with OTC medication use.

It is advisable to talk to your about OTC use especially if you are taking other medications and/or if you are pregnant to avoid any harm.

Have a fabulous 2020 from all of us Pharmacy