BY IFEANYI ANIGBOGU
Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder commonly found in tropical region of Africa. Its debilitating effects due to ignorance from parents over the years has sent many innocent victims to their untimely graves. The prevalence of sickle cell disease dates back to 1910. Before then and up till now (unfortunately) new births with these deadly scourge is yet to be abated.
SIC
However, as the above topic state- Who Will Love a Sickle?/ it is unsallutory that people who are victims of these disease are often denied love and care even in the homes where they came from. Some unfortunate victims who fall sick so often are treated like tissues with undeserved levity. Even some parents “pray” that they should die and give them respite. Some are not sent to school due to obscure believe that sending him or her is a waste and there is no need wasting money on a walking corpse. This is disheartning.
Again, due to chronic poverty in some homes, some of them are forcefully ejected, chased or driven out by parents and guardians from their paternal homes. As u read this lines, some of the victims now take refuge at the co-ordinator’s abode. In school, and some social gatherings, name callings, brick bats and tantrums are thrown at them viz-Ogbanje,Abiku etc. on the innocent victim who did not contribute to their plight. Worst still, even with the complications associated with the scourge due to financial constraints, some sufferers engage in some tedious menial jobs to make ends meet, viz, farming, stone hewing, carrying blocks among others. In this regard, I call on the government, public and private institutions, churches, and privileged Nigerias to lend a helping hand to the association.
I recall, that it was late Mother Theresa in her charity work who said and I quote “ to be unloved and uncared for is far more worse than not seeing food to eat”. Again though that we are born individually, but remember that we live our life for others. Therefore, I call again the government and the stakeholders to interpose and implement the rights and privileges due to the victims of sickle cell patients and most importantly, you may be glad to know that these is the only sickness that can be completely eliminated in a matter of time through proper information and adequate advocacy. As I conclude, a two ten letter word says-“ If it is to be, it is up to me” so let us stand up and fight these scourge headlong. For when you have healthy people in the society, a healthy nation emerges.
ADEQUATE WATER INTAKE IN SICKLE CELL ANEMIA
A PANACEA TO HEALTHY LIVING
A PANACEA TO HEALTHY LIVING
Water we are know is a wonderful gift from God, which is also known as the universal solvent. It falls as rain and collects in streams, and rivers or under the ground, from there we can take it for drinking, cooking, bathing and washing pots and pans, cloths and others utilities.
Adequate or sufficient water intake in the life of a sickler needs not to be over emphasized. As the human body is made up of 70% of water, sufficient water intake in sickle cell anemia cleanses the whole system in the internal organs, even in non sicklers too, it opens up the tiny vessels which clumps together and does not allow the blood a free passage to various organs. With adequate water intake, bone pain and general body crisis are reducesd to barest minimum, and of course, reduce frequent hospital admission which entails a lot of spending.
The frequent intake of some drug and other medications by sicklers which bombardst the heart, liver and the kidneys and water, the universal solvent cleanses those organs for normal functioning and its help in food digestion too. In the outer body, it refreshes the body and keeps the skin aglow, smooth and supple.
In fact, a sickler needs a glass of water every 30 minutes. These is what I call water therapy for sicklers maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Thanks you Lord for the gift of (H2O)water.
Thanks you Lord for the gift of (H2O)water.
APPRECIATING OUR BEAUTIFUL HERIONE-AISHA MAUREEN EDWARD
A CHAMPION TO A COUSE
Character contributes to beauty, it fortifies a woman as her youth unfolds. A mode of conduct, a standard of courage, discipline, fortitude and integrity can do a woman great deal, to make a woman beautiful. The above description is apt in describing our co-ordinator, mother and founder of People living with Sickle Cell disorder-Aisha Maureen Edward, our indefatigable heroine because, a hero or heroine is a person who does for people who cannot do it for themselves in times when others will not do it.
Without being prejudice or sentimental, Aisha Edward has restored hope, changed the mind-sets and perhaps, changed the destiny of sickle cell patients in Anambra state. The victims of these deadly scourge now comes out from their hidden covens and closets and have now embraced hope and dropped despair, death and the deadly disease. She has made us to know that sickle cell disease is not a death sentence or end of the road. As you carry on with these noble curse of humanity, my, (our) prayer is that your aspirations, desires, dreams and goals you intend to achieve for the association be met in Jesus Name. carry on my great amazon.
