IDENTIFY A DISEASE IN YOUR COMMMUNITY, IDENTIFY ITS RISK FACTORS AND SUGGEST A SOLUTION

 

Health communication is an attempt to solve or at least, manage a public health issue through communication channels. These channels may include health education and campaigns, et cetera.

I belong to a student community that is drawn from different tertiary level institutions including the Ghana Institute of Journalism, Central University College, University of Ghana and University of Cape Coast. I have been a part of this community for at least, 5 years. It is important to note that this community of students includes student workers. 

I have identified a recurrence of stomach ulcer or gastritis among this population. This is a stomach disease caused by a bacteria called h-pylori and worsened by the intake of certain specific foods including spices, and acid bases. It characterises an erosion of the stomach walls on the patient, thereby causing sours in that area which get irritated when the patient grows hungry or takes in the ‘forbidden’ foods. 

Though stomach ulcer is not incurable, it takes years of strict dieting and management after which it may even return years after it has been absent, once the patient returns to spices and acid bases. This living with the disease almost all of the patient’s life is its ultimate risk factor; yet it may cause death when not treated and or ignored. While living with stomach ulcer, the patient is prone to perpetual and even chronic heart-burns, throat disorders and stomach cancer. 

The causes of stomach ulcer or gastritis are clear. H-pylori are present in the atmosphere including the air and soil; and may be found in unhealthy meals including foods that have not been cooked well. They are transferable from person to person through saliva. It is not amazing to find this disease common within a student community, as this group are usually hyper-active and busy with academic work. There is less attention for food and healthy living. 

What can be done to ameliorate the case of stomach ulcer within this community is the creation of awareness for both patients and others. Patients must strive to keep to the recommended diet and avoid activities that may cause transfer of h-pylori to others. Those without the disease also share in the avoidance of contact with h-pylori, and by other means including allowing their food to cook well, avoidance of buying food from vendors and taking the ‘forbidden’ foods in moderation.

SOURCE:

www.webmd.com/digestive.../digestive-diseases-peptic-ulcer-disease