Author: Onjia Racheal

Jinja: Panic disorder is a relatively common condition that affects a significant portion of the general population. Characterized by sudden, unexpected panic attacks, this disorder, while not physically harmful, can cause extreme discomfort and hinder individuals’ engagement in their daily activities. A panic attack, often lasting a matter of minutes, involves a sudden surge of intense fear or discomfort that reaches its peak rapidly. Despite lacking physical danger, panic attacks can have a profound impact on mental health and disrupt individuals’ enjoyment of their favorite pursuits. Mental health advocate Prince Minjo Peter points out that a person’s likelihood of experiencing…

Jinja: Atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, is a prevalent skin condition affecting individuals of all ages, from infants to seniors aged 65 and above. This chronic inflammatory disease manifests as recurrent itchy rashes, often associated with allergies. In Jinja, as well as worldwide, individuals grapple with managing this condition, which can range from mild to severe in its impact on their daily lives. Dr. Annabelle Garcia, a reputable dermatologist at Sonterra Dermatology, emphasizes the distinctive nature of atopic dermatitis. “Unlike mere dry skin,” she explains, “atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that can lead to constant itching, eventually…

Jinja: Heel cracks, colloquially referred to as “ekyakya,” can signal an underlying medical concern that demands attention for certain individuals. These painful splits or fissures in the skin’s heels are primarily caused by dryness and insufficient moisture, rendering the skin brittle and susceptible to cracking. Apart from the visibly cracked and dry skin on the heels, common symptoms of heel cracks, as outlined by ThefeetPeople.com, encompass pain, particularly while walking or standing, redness, inflammation, and in severe instances, bleeding. Infection might introduce warmth, swelling, itchiness, and discomfort in the affected area. Dr. Blair Kizza of Aga Khan University Hospital highlights…

Jinja: Schizophrenia, a severe mental condition altering thoughts, feelings, and actions, casts a shadow on those affected and their loved ones. Presenting symptoms often include detachment from reality, making it a challenging journey for individuals and their families. Globally, around 24 million people suffer from schizophrenia, a condition less common than some other mental illnesses but nonetheless deeply impactful. Typically emerging during late adolescence and early adulthood, schizophrenia tends to affect men more frequently than women. A startling fact is that individuals with schizophrenia face a two to threefold higher risk of premature death, often due to conditions like cardiovascular…

Jinja: Top leaders from Busoga subregion came together in collaboration with religious leaders to launch a prayer week, seeking divine intervention for unity, forgiveness, and development in the region. The initiative, spearheaded by the Busoga Consortium for Development, aims to consolidate the fruits of leadership and promote cohesion for the betterment of Busoga’s economic and social landscape. The prayer week, which made its debut last year, returned with the theme “Consolidating the Fruits of Leadership: Cohesion for Busoga Consortium Development, Institutional Strengthening, and Socio-Economic Recovery.” Its primary goal is to foster unity and collaboration among the people of Busoga, ultimately…

Jinja: Vitiligo, an autoimmune skin condition causing loss of skin color, has become a significant psycho-social issue, particularly among the youth. Characterized by white patches on the skin, vitiligo affects people of all races, but it is more pronounced in individuals with darker skin tones. Despite not being contagious, vitiligo can take an emotional toll on those who experience it. Dr. Kasadha Nicholas, a dermatologist at Nicmark Dermatology, explains that vitiligo occurs when the body’s immunity cells start attacking melanocytes, responsible for producing melanin—the pigment that gives color to the skin. As the body stops producing melanin, white discoloration appears,…

Jinja: In some regions of the world, including Uganda, circumcision for babies is a prevalent practice with various reasons behind it. Whether driven by religious beliefs, family traditions, preventive healthcare, or personal hygiene, circumcision has sparked debates on its necessity. However, medical experts shed light on the advantages while emphasizing the importance of proper care and choosing sterile environments for the procedure. Male circumcision has been proven to reduce the risk of heterosexually acquired HIV infection, a significant finding acknowledged by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). In nations with high HIV…

Jinja: The journey of motherhood begins with a precious gift – breastfeeding. One of the most profound ways to ensure a child’s health and survival is through exclusive breastfeeding, a practice of providing only breast milk to a baby for the first six months of life, without any other food or liquids. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the vital importance of breastfeeding, estimating that scaling it up to nearly universal levels could save the lives of 820,000 children annually. Currently, only 40% of infants under the age of six months globally receive exclusive breastfeeding. However, WHO aims to raise…

Jinja: Foul breath is a common issue that most people experience from time to time, but for some individuals, it is a persistent problem. Halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, is a constant and disagreeable odor in exhaled breath that can be indicative of various underlying health conditions. According to Dr. Bright Isabirye, a dentist at Hope Smiles, there are several symptoms associated with halitosis. These include a white coating on the tongue, particularly at the back, dry mouth, buildup around teeth, post-nasal drip, morning bad breath, a burning tongue, thick saliva, a constant need to clear one’s throat, and…

Jinja – Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a prevalent eye condition that causes poor uncorrected far vision, resulting in hazy distant objects. With around 150,000 Ugandans completely blind in both eyes and 3.5 million individuals experiencing moderate to severe vision impairments, myopia is a significant cause of disability in the country, according to statistics from the Ministry of Health. Dr. Peter Kayondo, an ophthalmologist at Lapaire, explains that individuals with myopia may exhibit symptoms such as blurred distance vision, clear vision for objects up close, headaches, eye strain, squinting, fatigue during activities such as driving or sports, poor academic…