DR KEVWE'S BLOG

Alzheimer's, the slow death of brain cells that gradually strips an affected individual of memory and a general sense of judgement.Dementia so devastating,you don't wish it for your enemy. Did I just come across literature that says even Nigeria records more than 1.5 million cases per year? Is a cure around the corner? Is the cure going to have anything to do with medical cannabis or it's oils as some researchers already claim? Here's what the richest philanthropist in the world,Bill Gates, has to say,as he commits $50 million USD towards a series of research that may  lead to a cure.

November 14 is World Diabetes Day and this year (2017) emphasis is on all the women around the world at risk of becoming diabetic and indeed,those living with Diabetes Mellitus (a medical condition characterised by the inability of the body's cells to utilise blood glucose/sugar- either because of a lack of the control chemical,Insulin, or as a result of resistance to the effects of Insulin). You may ask the all important question on the minds of many men today,"why the emphasis on women"? To appreciate the magnitude of the problem and resultant global efforts towards amelioration,see International Diabetes Federation Infographics and other references below.

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Now you know better. Your thoughts please.

REFERENCES:
* INTERNATIONAL DIABETES FEDERATION|WOMEN AND DIABETES.

* International Diabetes Federation|World Diabetes Day 2017/Our Right To A Healthy Future.

* WHO|World Diabetes Day 2017

* WHO|Diabetes/Factsheet 2017.

Image Courtesy: Ufuoma Evuarherhe-"State Of The Nation"-Acrylic on Canvass.

How on earth can anyone explain the death of 26 African (suspected Nigerian) female teenagers on the Mediterranean sea over the past weekend? How indeed do we explain the migrant crisis (from Africa) and all the deaths that have occurred as a result, over the years? Our Hypothesis attempts to examine the root cause from a health related point of view. Why should anyone or group of persons bargain to be stuffed into what eventually becomes an overcrowded boat, with the risk of drowning at sea? MENTAL FRUSTRATION OR INSANITY?

Immigrant Boat on the Mediterranean Sea. Image Courtesy: United Nations.

The World Health Organisation in 1948 defined HEALTH to be,"a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity"!!!- Our emphasis here being "mental and social well-being. Have people tolerated their original home conditions to the points of becoming mentally sick and striving to leave at all cost? There is no gain saying that,all is not socially well in many parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, especially. That's pretty much old gist. The grave concern here is how bad things have become and the resultant effects on the mental health of young people especially.  At least these lot and others who have lost it or succeeded earlier, chose to take their lives into their own hands and made the risky move for perceived greener pastures. I know first hand that the frustration is beyond mental. People have to consciously suppress their civic emotions to be able to tolerate the lack..... Even amongst the so-called middle class citizens,the hardship is visibly palpable. My experience travelling via road from the Northern part of Nigeria through the Northern parts of West Africa to Dakar,Senegal, en route Europe for greener pastures is a story to be told another day. Lest the short analysis begins to sound political, I will reserve my comments on Government shortcomings in the Sub-Saharan region of Africa.

👀:Igboshere,Lagos: Public Health Photography by Dr Kevwe.

Our heartfelt condolence go out to family members of these brave young teenagers and others who have lost their lives in any of such struggles. Every life lost is one-too-many.

I am not encouraging others to make the leap of faith via these routes but one thing is certain, if nothing is done about living conditions as they are currently (power supply, housing, transportation, unemployment, security, slavery/occupational exploitation etc), mentally frustrated youths will keep leaving; not just as illegal immigrants but also, as bonafide young professionals seeking for better appreciation as well as, international/liveable wages and enabling environments to thrive.  This is my humble submission but everyone is subject to their own opinion,so you may as well share in the comment section below. For more information about the deceased ladies and the ongoing investigation into the matter, consult the references below.

REFERENCES:
* PREMIUM TIMES|IT'S TRUE,26 NIGERIAN WOMEN FOUND DEAD ON THE MEDITERRANEAN- FG.

* TIME|2 MEN WERE ACCUSED OF SMUGGLING AFTER 26 GIRLS WERE FOUND DEAD IN THE MEDITERRANEAN.

Bankole Wellington aka Banky W.

A  Dermatologist (skin care specialist) once told me on live Television that the skin is the most important of all human organs and I quietly digested that information with a pinch of salt but after reading the very touching testimony of Bankole Wellington a.k.a. Banky W., a successful Nigerian R&B Artiste whose skin has been threatened by cancer 3 times, I'm now beginning to consider that the Consultant might have a point, depending on how you choose to see it.

A wise man once said this: "Scars. A sign that you had been hurt. A sign that you had been healed." Scroll through the pictures to see mine. I'm sharing these because they're proof of what God has brought me through. And because somewhere out there, I know there's someone who needs to hear this. For those who've been wondering why I've been away so long..I had my 3rd surgery on a rare strain of skin cancer tumours in my shoulder last month. The first 2 times were over 10 yrs ago, then it recently resurfaced. But this isn't a sad story as much as it is a reminder, and a testimony. A reminder that you should never take life for granted. You only get 1 shot. Some people went to sleep and never woke up. Many others have lost the battle to cancer and other illnesses. Many are still fighting. U never know when your time will be up so don't waste another minute. It's also a testimony about the goodness of God. I think I had to go through this again to remember how merciful God is to me; Lord knows I don't deserve it but He saves me time and again anyway. I keep saying I need to write a book. I really, really do. The past few weeks of recovery have been tough, but beautiful. I'm finally back on my feet, feeling stronger and ready to get back to life. I'm especially thankful to my Nurse Susu for loving me and being by my side every step of the way - I don't deserve U 😍😭, my parents & siblings, in-laws & close friends for the love, support and prayers, my Pastors - Pastor Tony Rapu & Pastor Del Balogun of TPH, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya and Pastor Bayo Adeyokunnu - for constantly praying with and for me. And of course to Dr Wodajo & Dr Miralli & their teams - who God used to operate on me successfully. I'm thankful for life, provision and healing. Pls dont feel bad, or msg me with any worries.. God has done it, just thank Him for me. The pain will eventually go away but the scar won't - and I'm glad because it's a reminder to me of what God has done, and evidence to you of what He CAN do. I'm not stronger or better than anyone. I'm just a living testimony that no matter what u face, U can survive & thrive, by God's grace. #TheBankStatements #nowplaying #BlessingMe

A post shared by Banky W. (@bankywellington) on Nov 9, 2017 at 4:24am PST

The skin is made up of various layers of tough cells that can withstand varying degrees of assaults but at some point, instead of breaking down from repeated exposure to unfavourable conditions/substances, uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells (that can either invade tissue locally or spread to cause serious problems in other parts of the body) may be the case. In other words, cancer can occur. Whether it's a cancer that affects the: basal cells,squamous cells or melanin(skin pigment)  producing cells, no cancer is good news. So I advice you save your energy from bothering about the types,if you are not a Clinician and focus on prevention.

As with other cancers,the cause of skin cancer is unknown. Documented literature however reveal that exposure to (ultraviolet) rays mainly from the sun, might be the most implicated risk factor. Prevention is thus mainly geared towards administration of sun screen lotions and wearing of protective clothing,especially amongst those identified to be at risk. Other risk factors include: exposure to nuclear radiation during war and certain chemicals at the work place or in certain creams or even soaps-Find exhaustive list in References below.
Treatment options will depend on the type of skin cancer and extent of spread/severity. After assessment by a Specialist, surgical removal of affected skin tissue might be the best option. Otherwise, administration of certain anti-cancer (chemotherapy) medications or radiation therapy might be better choices. Whatever the case maybe, prevention if possible, is the best cure and early detection can save lives. People die from skin cancer,so every survival story is worth giving thanks for and most importantly,learning from. God bless you Banky W. You are more than a survivor. For more information about the skin and related cancers, consult references below.

REFERENCES:
* WHO|Skin Cancers

* Skin Cancer Foundation|What Is Skin Cancer?

* https://www.instagram.com/bankywellington/