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one One of the highlights of the 2023 annual conference of the Lagos State Medical Dealers Association (LSMDA) was that it provided perspective and raised awareness on the various factors that contribute to health challenges. This is in line with its theme: “Unifying partnerships to deliver effective, quality healthcare.”
Ms. Dike Uju, Secretary General of the Mushin branch of the association, gave a speech on Hepatitis B. According to her, it is a deadly virus that can be transmitted from mother to child during delivery, during unprotected sex with an infected partner and when using unsterilized sharp objects. .
She said: “Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause acute and chronic illness. The virus is usually passed from mother to baby during birth and delivery. In early childhood, and after having an infected partner Contact with blood or other blood, unsafe injections, or contact with sharp instruments during sex.
“The World Health Organization estimated that 296 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B infection in 2019, and 1.5 million people were infected each year. In 2019, hepatitis B caused an estimated 820,000 deaths, mostly from cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma cancer (primary liver cancer). Hepatitis B can be prevented with a safe, available, and effective vaccine.
“Hepatitis B is usually transmitted from mother to child at birth, especially from an infected mother to an uninfected child within five years. Hepatitis B can also be transmitted through needle stick injuries, tattoos, piercings, and contact with infected blood and body fluids (such as saliva, menstrual, vaginal, and semen). Viral transmission can also occur through the reuse of contaminated needles and syringes or sharp objects.
“Most people don’t have any symptoms when they are newly infected. Some people have acute illness with symptoms that last for weeks, such as yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), darker urine, feeling tired, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Acute hepatitis B can cause death. Although most people recover from the acute illness. Finally, I encourage the public to remain health conscious.”
Prince Unadik Otto also noted that bad breath (medically known as halitosis) can be embarrassing. He says: “Bad breath is medically known as halitosis. It can be caused by poor dental health habits or it can be a sign of other health problems. The type of food you eat and other unhealthy lifestyle habits can also make bad breath worse. More serious.
“Bad breath most often begins in the mouth. Poor oral hygiene can allow food particles to accumulate on the surface of the tongue between the teeth or along the gum tissue around the teeth. Bacteria naturally present in the mouth pass through the food particles, releasing a strong-smelling of chemicals.
“Saliva helps remove food particles from the mouth. Therefore, people with dry mouth are at increased risk of developing bad breath. Some medications, mouth breathing, and smoking can cause dry mouth. Oral infections such as dental caries (cavities), periodontal (gum) ) disease or mouth sores associated with other illnesses may cause bad breath. Surgical wounds from tooth extractions may also be the source of bad breath.
“A naturally occurring film of bacteria called plaque in your mouth can build up if not removed regularly through good oral hygiene habits. The bacteria in plaque can emit odors that affect your breath. Diet is a common culprit of bad breath The culprit.
“Especially foods like garlic and onions can cause bad breath. Once your food is digested, the chemicals that cause the odor are absorbed into our bloodstream, and from there into your lungs. These chemicals are exhaled. A diet high in protein and sugar has also been linked to bad breath. Bad breath may be a by-product of certain health conditions; it may be caused by a nose, throat, or lung infection: chronic sinusitis after nasal drip, chronic bronchitis: or a digestive disorder .
“Almost all causes of bad breath and dysgeusia involve a group of anaerobic sulfur-producing bacteria that live just below the surface of the tongue, in the throat, often between the tonsils and teeth. Causes of bad breath include dry mouth, postnasal drip, A high-protein diet (such as red meat, beans), smoking, alcohol, alcohol in drinks or mouthwash, hormonal changes, medications that have a drying effect on the mouth, overuse of older oral medications, products containing alcohol and sodium lauryl sulfate .
“The best way to treat bad breath is to maintain good oral hygiene, which can mechanically reduce halitosis (bad breath) by destroying the tongue biofilm to reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth, thereby reducing the development of bad breath. Volatile organic compounds (VOC), (VSC). Common methods include tongue brushing, tongue scraping, chewing gum, mouthwash, etc.
“Flossing the interdental surfaces and brushing your teeth can help reduce microbial flora. Brush your teeth three times a day, massage your gums and tongue with your toothbrush, and add a teaspoon of salt to a glass of water and rinse your mouth three times a day. Add a pinch of baking soda to your toothpaste , can get rid of bad breath. Drink a cup of unsweetened black tea as this can also remove oral bacteria.
“It’s always easier to prevent bad breath than to treat it. You can effectively help prevent it by developing the right habits. Eat fiber-rich foods and use mouthwash. Drink green and black tea, avoid drying medications, and eat meat, fish, or milk Clean your mouth after use. Stop smoking, breathe through your nose instead of your mouth, and drink plenty of water.”
Earlier, in his speech, Chairman of the Association, Chairman Alphonsus Okoroji noted the need for government, regulatory agencies and LSMDA members to reform and improve pharmaceutical distribution channels, adding that now is the time for advocacy. should be taken more seriously than all other policy implementation paradigms.
Okoroji said: “It gives me great pleasure to cordially welcome you to this premier event of the LSMDA, our AGM with the theme ‘Unifying Partnership for Effective Quality Healthcare Services’ As the holy book says, there is a time for everything. Administrators thank all members for their continued efforts to meet the health care needs of our community. Their contributions undoubtedly contribute to the well-being and prosperity of our society.
“Amidst challenges, your resilience and steadfast spirit continue to have a positive impact on countless lives. Through your commitment to delivering quality products and services, you have become a part of our shared pursuit of a healthier and stronger Lagos part of the state. This AGM provides an important opportunity for the Lagos State Pharmaceutical Dealers Association to strategize for the future. 2023 brings new possibilities and aspirations and we use this platform to collaborate, exchange ideas and reaffirm our Commitment to excellence is critical.
“By promoting unity and collaboration among our members, the Association consistently sets the benchmark for professionalism and ethics in the pharmaceutical industry. I encourage everyone to continue to nurture this strong foundation and ensure that every decision taken during the AGM is Driven by the best interests of quality service delivery. I thank the 2023 AGM Organizing Committee for their commitment and efforts to bring us together here today. God bless you.
“I sincerely wish the AGM a success. May your discussions be fruitful, your connections strengthened and your visions bolder. Let us pave the way for a brighter future together, the Lagos State Pharmaceutical Dealers Association will Continue to provide leadership with integrity, compassion and unwavering commitment to health care delivery.”
Mr. Chukwu Emeka Agwu, Treasurer of the Association said: “LSMDA is an important cornerstone of the pharmaceutical industry in Lagos State. Your dedication and commitment to ensuring the supply of life-saving medicines is commendable. I am extremely happy to witness this important moment and A heartfelt thank you to each of you for your tireless efforts to meet our health care needs Communities contribute to the well-being and prosperity of society.
“Amid the challenges facing the pharmaceutical distributor industry, your resilience and unwavering spirit continue to have a positive impact on countless lives. Through your commitment to providing quality products and services, you have become a part of our shared pursuit of better health, An indispensable asset for a stronger Lagos State.
“This AGM provides an important opportunity for the Lagos State Pharmaceutical Dealers Association to come together to celebrate achievements, address issues and develop strategies for the future. 2023 brings new possibilities and aspirations, It is vital that we use this platform to collaborate, exchange ideas and reaffirm our commitment to excellence. I encourage everyone to continue to cultivate this strong foundation and ensure that every decision made during this AGM is informed by our membership and The best interests of the wider community you serve.
“We express our gratitude for this successful and fruitful AGM. All our discussions will be fruitful for the growth of the association. Together we will pave the way for a brighter future and the Lagos State Pharmaceutical Dealers Association will Continue to lead the way in improving access to health care with integrity, compassion, and unwavering dedication. Thank you for your outstanding contributions to improving our society. “I look forward to witnessing the extraordinary results of this important gathering. ”
Mr. Hope Udodinma, Secretary General of the association said: “We thank you for your support which made this event a success. We also thank you for coming, which cannot be quantified ’s. You are all wonderful people. Hats off also to the many companies who believe in LSMDA and continue to work with us despite the tough economic conditions. May Almighty God make your efforts successful and grant your heart’s wishes.” We wish you a safe journey to your destination. “