FitzMed Diagnostics

Being s*xually active does not automatically mean you will become infertile.

But some s*xual behaviours can expose you to s*xually transmitted infections and other complications that may affect your reproductive health.

So if having children is important to you in the future, don't treat your s*xual health casually.

1. UNPROTECTED S*X WITH PARTNERS WHOSE STI STATUS YOU DON'T KNOW

Having s*x without a condom can expose you to infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV, hepatitis B and syphilis.

Some infections may cause few or no symptoms.

The danger is that untreated infections can sometimes lead to complications affecting fertility.

If you are s*xually active, know your HIV/STI status and discuss appropriate prevention with a healthcare professional.

2. IGNORING SYMPTOMS BECAUSE YOU'RE EMBARRASSED

Don't continue having s*x while ignoring:

• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Pe**le discharge
• Ge***al sores or ulcers
• Pain when urinating
• Pelvic or testicular pain
• Unusual vaginal bleeding

These symptoms don't automatically mean you have an STI.

But they deserve proper evaluation.

Don't keep treating yourself with random antibiotics or herbal mixtures because someone recommended them.

Find out the cause.

3. HAVING MULTIPLE S*XUAL PARTNERS WITHOUT EFFECTIVE STI PREVENTION

Having multiple partners doesn't automatically mean someone will become infertile.

The concern is that having more s*xual exposures can increase opportunities for exposure to STIs, particularly when condoms, testing and other prevention measures are not used appropriately.

Your future fertility is too important to leave entirely to chance.

4. HAVING S*X WHILE AN STI IS UNTREATED

If you or your partner has been diagnosed with an STI, don't simply ignore it and continue as normal.

Some infections require specific treatment, and in some situations partners also need evaluation and treatment.

Otherwise, you may pass the infection back and forth.

Complete treatment as prescribed and follow the advice given by your healthcare provider about when it is safe to resume s*xual activity.

5. HAVING S*X WITHOUT THINKING ABOUT PREGNANCY OR CONTRACEPTION

If you are not ready for pregnancy, don't assume it cannot happen.

Unplanned pregnancy can affect education, finances, relationships and future plans.

Understand your contraceptive options and choose a method appropriate for you.

And remember:

CONDOMS CAN HELP REDUCE THE RISK OF BOTH PREGNANCY AND MANY STIs.

Now, let me correct one dangerous misconception:

HAVING S*X DOES NOT “USE UP” A WOMAN'S FERTILITY.

And ma********on does not automatically make someone infertile either.

What can threaten reproductive health are things such as untreated STIs, certain reproductive conditions, smoking, some medical conditions and other factors.

So if you are single and hope to marry and have children someday:

Protect your s*xual health now.

Know your HIV status.

Get appropriate STI testing.

Use condoms when appropriate.

Don't ignore symptoms.

Seek treatment early.

And make informed decisions about contraception.

Your future fertility is not something to gamble with.

If you have a question about s*xual health, fertility or STI testing, leave your question in the comment section, and I'll respond.

Your 30s can feel like the time when you are still young enough to ignore your health.

But some habits don't cause problems immediately.

Their effects can accumulate over years.

That is why the habits you build now matter.

1. SMOKING OR USING TO***CO

If you smoke ci******es or use other to***co products, don't wait until you develop symptoms before taking it seriously.

To***co is linked to several cancers, including cancers of the:

• Lung
• Mouth and throat
• Oesophagus
• Pancreas
• Kidney
• Bladder
• Cervix

The longer and more heavily a person uses to***co, the greater the health risk.

There is no safe reason to continue smoking simply because you feel healthy today.

If you smoke, quitting is one of the most important things you can do for your long-term health.

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2. REGULARLY DRINKING TOO MUCH ALCOHOL

Alcohol is not only about getting drunk.

Regular excessive alcohol consumption is associated with increased risk of several cancers, including cancers of the:

• Breast
• Liver
• Mouth and throat
• Oesophagus
• Colorectum

The risk generally increases with the amount consumed.

So if alcohol has become a regular part of your lifestyle, especially in large amounts, don't assume your age protects you.

Your liver and other organs are paying attention even when you feel fine.

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3. IGNORING YOUR WEIGHT, DIET AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Being overweight or obese is associated with an increased risk of several cancers.

A lifestyle dominated by highly processed foods, excess calories and very little physical activity can contribute to unhealthy weight gain and other metabolic problems.

This doesn't mean that eating one particular food causes cancer.

It means your overall lifestyle pattern matters.

Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and other nutrient-rich foods.

Stay physically active.

Work toward a healthy weight that is appropriate for you.

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4. CONSTANTLY IGNORING IMPORTANT HEALTH CHECKS AND SCREENING

This one is different.

Screening doesn't prevent every cancer, but certain screening tests can detect precancerous changes or cancer earlier, when treatment may be more effective.

Depending on your age, s*x, family history and risk factors, this may include screening for conditions such as:

Cervical cancer.

Breast cancer.

Colorectal cancer.

And others based on individual risk.

Don't wait until you have symptoms before learning what screening is recommended for you.

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5. IGNORING PERSISTENT SYMPTOMS BECAUSE YOU THINK YOU'RE TOO YOUNG

This is where many people make a mistake.

A persistent lump.

Unexplained weight loss.

Unusual bleeding.

Blood in the stool.

A persistent cough.

Changes in bowel or urinary habits.

A sore that doesn't heal.

Persistent unexplained fatigue.

These symptoms do not automatically mean cancer.

There are many non-cancerous causes.

But if something is new, persistent, unexplained or getting worse, don't simply say:

“I'm only 30. Cancer cannot happen to me.”

Age can affect risk, but younger people can still develop cancer.

GET THE SYMPTOM ASSESSED.

And remember:

You don't need to live in fear of cancer.

You need to understand your risk and reduce the things you can control.

DON'T WAIT UNTIL 45 TO START CARING ABOUT THE HEALTH OF YOUR 45-YEAR-OLD SELF.

Stop smoking.

Be careful with alcohol.

Move your body.

Work toward a healthy weight.

Know your recommended screening.

And don't ignore persistent changes in your body.

Your future health is being influenced by the choices you are making today.

Which of these habits do you think people in their 30s ignore the most? Leave your answer in the comment section.

You don't have to wait until someone in your house becomes sick before preparing a basic medicine cabinet.

A headache can start at night.

A child can develop a fever.

Someone can have diarrhoea and begin losing fluids.

A small cut can happen unexpectedly.

Being prepared can save you a trip to the pharmacy when you need something immediately.

But remember:

HAVING THESE MEDICINES AT HOME DOES NOT MEAN YOU SHOULD TAKE THEM FOR EVERY SYMPTOM.

Know what each one is for, follow the instructions, check the expiry date and ask a pharmacist or healthcare professional when you're unsure.

Here are 7 things worth considering for your home.

1. PARACETAMOL

Useful for common pain and fever when taken at the correct dose.

It may help with:

• Headache
• Toothache
• Body aches
• Menstrual pain
• Fever

But don't assume more tablets mean faster relief.

Too much paracetamol can seriously damage the liver.

Also check combination cold and flu medicines because some already contain paracetamol.

2. ORAL REHYDRATION SALTS (ORS)

ORS is very useful when diarrhoea or vomiting causes the body to lose water and electrolytes.

It helps replace those losses when prepared correctly.

Always mix the sachet according to the instructions on the packet.

And remember:

ORS does not cure the underlying cause of diarrhoea.

Blood in the stool, severe dehydration, persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, confusion or extreme weakness requires medical attention.

3. AN APPROPRIATE ANTIHISTAMINE

An antihistamine may be useful for certain allergic symptoms such as:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Itchy eyes
• Hives
• Some forms of allergic itching

However, not every rash is an allergy.

Some antihistamines can also cause drowsiness, so check the label and ask a pharmacist if you're unsure.

If someone develops difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue or throat, fainting or severe symptoms after an allergic reaction, seek emergency care immediately.

4. AN ANTACID FOR OCCASIONAL HEARTBURN

A suitable antacid can provide relief from occasional heartburn or indigestion.

But don't turn this into a daily habit without finding out why you keep having symptoms.

Frequent heartburn may need medical assessment.

Some antacids can also interact with other medicines, so ask a pharmacist if you take regular medication.

5. A BASIC ANTISEPTIC AND WOUND-CARE SUPPLIES

A small cut or minor wound can happen at any time.

Having appropriate wound-care supplies at home can be useful.

Keep things such as:

• Clean gauze
• Plasters
• Bandages
• An appropriate antiseptic

But don't pour harsh chemicals into deep wounds.

Heavy bleeding, deep cuts, animal bites, serious burns or badly contaminated wounds may require professional medical attention.

6. A SUITABLE TOPICAL MEDICINE FOR MINOR SKIN PROBLEMS

A pharmacist can help you choose an appropriate product for minor problems such as certain insect bites or simple skin irritation.

But please don't use every cream on every rash.

A fungal infection, eczema, bacterial infection and allergic reaction can require very different treatments.

If a rash is spreading quickly, painful, blistering, associated with fever or accompanied by facial swelling or breathing difficulty, seek medical attention.

7. YOUR REGULAR PRESCRIBED MEDICINES

If you have a long-term condition such as:

Diabetes.
Hypertension.
Asthma.
Epilepsy.
HIV.

Your prescribed medicines should be part of your regular home supply as instructed by your healthcare provider.

Don't wait until you take your last tablet before arranging a refill.

And please don't stop your medication simply because you feel better.

Some conditions can remain silent while the underlying problem continues.

ONE MORE IMPORTANT WARNING:

Please don't stock antibiotics at home so you can take them whenever you develop a fever.

Fever does not automatically mean you need an antibiotic.

The same applies to malaria medicines.

If you develop a fever, the cause should be assessed rather than automatically taking medication left over from a previous illness.

AND NEVER SHARE PRESCRIPTION MEDICINES.

The medicine prescribed for you may be unsafe or inappropriate for someone else.

Finally, check your medicine cabinet regularly.

Remove expired medicines appropriately.

Keep medicines away from children.

Store them according to the instructions.

Keep medicines in their original labelled containers.

And make sure you know what each medicine is actually used for.

Being prepared is good.

But knowing when not to self-medicate is even better.

Which of these do you already have at home? Leave your answer in the comment section, and I'll respond.

HIV PEP.

Not because you should take it every time you have s*x.

Not because it replaces condoms.

And definitely not because you should buy it and start taking it without medical advice.

PEP means Post-Exposure Prophylaxis.

It is emergency HIV prevention medication used after a possible exposure to HIV.

For example, if you have s*x and the condom breaks, have unprotected s*x when HIV exposure is possible, or experience another situation where HIV may have entered your body, PEP may help prevent HIV infection if started quickly.

And this is where many people make a dangerous mistake:

THE CLOCK MATTERS.

PEP should be started as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours, and no later than 72 hours after the possible exposure.

The sooner it is started, the better.

PEP is usually taken for 28 days, exactly as prescribed.

Don't take one or two tablets and stop because you feel fine.

Don't share PEP with your partner.

Don't use leftover HIV medicines from someone else.

And don't wait several days hoping symptoms will appear before seeking help.

HIV often causes no obvious symptoms immediately after infection.

If you think you may have been exposed, go to an appropriate healthcare facility as soon as possible and tell them exactly when and how the exposure happened.

They can assess your risk, test you when appropriate, prescribe PEP if indicated, and arrange follow-up testing.

But there is another important medication you should know about:

PrEP.

PrEP means Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis.

Unlike PEP, PrEP is taken before potential exposure by people who may have ongoing risk of acquiring HIV.

So remember:

PEP = AFTER a possible exposure.

PrEP = BEFORE potential exposure.

Neither medication protects you from every s*xually transmitted infection, so condoms and appropriate STI testing can still be important.

And if you are s*xually active, knowing your HIV status is also part of responsible s*xual health.

DON'T WAIT UNTIL YOU ARE WORRIED TO LEARN ABOUT HIV PREVENTION.

Know your options.

Know where you can access PEP quickly.

And if a possible exposure happens, act immediately.

Have you ever heard of HIV PEP before today? Leave your question in the comment section, and I'll respond.

If you're struggling to gain weight, eating more doesn't always mean eating better.

The goal is to give your body enough calories, protein, healthy fats and nutrients to support gradual weight gain.

Here are 5 foods you can include in your meals.

1. EGGS

Eggs are a convenient source of high-quality protein and healthy fats.

You can add them to breakfast, rice, yam, potatoes or sandwiches.

If you're trying to gain weight, eggs can help you increase your protein intake while also providing important nutrients.

2. PEANUTS AND PEANUT BUTTER

Peanuts are small, but they are energy-dense.

They provide protein and fats, so a relatively small amount can add substantial calories to your diet.

You can eat roasted peanuts as a snack or add peanut butter to bread, oats, smoothies or other meals.

But check the ingredients when buying peanut butter, especially if you are trying to limit added sugar.

3. AVOCADO

Avocado provides healthy unsaturated fats and is an easy way to add more energy to a meal.

You can eat it with bread, eggs, rice or other meals.

You can also add it to a smoothie if you enjoy smoothies.

4. BEANS

Beans are an excellent source of plant protein, carbohydrates and fibre.

They can make a very useful part of a weight-gain meal when combined with other energy-rich foods.

For example:

Beans + rice + eggs

or

Beans + plantain + fish

can give you a much more substantial meal than simply eating beans alone.

5. WHOLE MILK OR FULL-FAT DAIRY

If you tolerate dairy, whole milk, yoghurt and other full-fat dairy products can provide protein, calories and important nutrients.

You can add milk to oats or smoothies, or have yoghurt as a snack.

But remember:

GAINING WEIGHT DOES NOT MEAN EATING ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING.

You don't need to depend on sugary drinks, cakes, biscuits and highly processed foods simply because you want to gain weight.

Try to build your meals around:

PROTEIN + CARBOHYDRATES + HEALTHY FATS.

And eat consistently rather than skipping meals all day and trying to eat everything at night.

If you're losing weight without trying, have a poor appetite, persistent diarrhoea, excessive thirst or urination, ongoing fatigue, or you're unable to gain weight despite eating adequately, don't simply start taking weight-gain supplements.

Find out why.

An underlying health problem may need to be investigated.

And if you have diabetes, gaining weight requires extra care because increasing calories should not mean causing repeated high blood sugar.

Healthy weight gain is about nourishing your body, not just increasing the number on the scale.

Which of these foods do you eat regularly? Leave your answer in the comment section.

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I wish you a healthy week

CHECK YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE.

You may feel perfectly fine and still have high blood pressure.

Take a few minutes this morning.

Sit down.

Rest.

Check it properly.

KNOW YOUR NUMBER.

Then go into the new week with both faith and wisdom.

May this Sunday bring you peace, strength, good health and a blessed week ahead. 🙏🏽

Happy Sunday.

Sometimes, the problem is not that people don't have access to health information.

The problem is that they wait until something happens to them personally before they take their health seriously.

Here are 5 things some people wait for before they finally start paying attention.

1. THEY WAIT UNTIL THEY ARE DIAGNOSED

Some people don't bother checking their blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol or other health risks because:

“I feel fine.”

Then one day, a test shows that something has been wrong for a while.

The lesson is simple:

Feeling well does not always mean everything is fine.

Some health conditions can develop silently.

2. THEY WAIT UNTIL SOMEONE CLOSE TO THEM DIES

A person may ignore health advice for years.

Then a friend, parent, sibling or colleague suddenly develops a serious illness or dies.

That is when they start asking:

“What can I do to prevent this?”

Don't wait for someone else's tragedy before you start taking your own health seriously.

Learn about your risk factors while you still have time to act.

3. THEY WAIT UNTIL THEIR BODY STARTS GIVING THEM WARNING SIGNS

Persistent headaches.

Unexplained weight loss.

Blood in the stool.

Unusual bleeding.

A new lump.

Persistent cough.

Changes in urination.

Constant fatigue.

Some people keep saying:

“It will go away.”

Sometimes it does.

But when a symptom is persistent, unusual or getting worse, don't keep guessing.

Find out what is causing it.

4. THEY WAIT UNTIL THEY NEED EMERGENCY CARE

This is one of the most dangerous habits.

Someone may ignore their blood pressure for years.

Ignore their diabetes.

Ignore their medication.

Ignore repeated symptoms.

Then they only take action when the situation becomes an emergency.

Healthcare is not supposed to begin only when you are critically ill.

Prevention and early detection matter too.

5. THEY WAIT UNTIL THE DAMAGE HAS ALREADY HAPPENED

Sometimes people only become serious about their health after complications appear.

Kidney problems.

Vision problems.

Nerve problems.

Heart disease.

Liver problems.

Loss of physical function.

And then they ask:

“Why didn't anyone tell me earlier?”

The truth is that health education is most useful before the crisis.

You don't need to experience a serious illness before deciding to learn how to protect yourself.

READ ABOUT YOUR HEALTH.

KNOW YOUR RISK FACTORS.

GET APPROPRIATE CHECKUPS.

TAKE PRESCRIBED TREATMENT SERIOUSLY.

ASK QUESTIONS WHEN YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND SOMETHING.

And most importantly:

DON'T WAIT FOR A DIAGNOSIS TO START CARING ABOUT YOUR HEALTH.

Your health deserves attention before your body is forced to get your attention.

Which of these do you think people commonly wait for before taking their health seriously? Leave your answer in the comment section.