Healthy Living for African Christian Women - Spirituality, Lifestyle and Medicine

Introduction
Health is defined as physical, mental and emotional well-being and not just the absence of disease or infirmity. It is the total feeling of wellness in body and in mind. 3John 1:2 says "Beloved, I pray that you may get along well in every way and may enjoy good health just as your soul is prospering". The peculiar economic challenges and emergence of infectious diseases makes healthy living quite a task. As Christian mothers we must make conscious effort to lead our Christian lives in ways most beneficial, not only to our health, but also to those of our husbands and children.
Content

• Healthy Lifestyle choices
• Personal Hygiene
• Use of Health care facilities
• Stress management
• Spirituality
• Menopause
• "Jedi-Jedi"

1 Healthy Lifestyle choices
The choices we make regarding everyday living, is a strong indicator of health. In 1Corinthians 6:19 the bible says "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you do not belong to yourselves? For you were bought and paid for; then give God the glory with your body". It is therefore not only for our sakes that we should make healthy choices, but it is also a biblical obligation to live right.
Lifestyle choices are made in term of diet and exercise.
A. DIETARY CHOICES
Genesis 9:3 "every living, moving thing shall be yours for food; I have given it all to you like the vegetables." There has been a lot of debate on what people should eat and what not to eat. Some will say don't eat meat, some say don't eat salt, but the most important thing is to understand that it is not about what to eat or what not to eat, but a matter of MODERATION.
The following are tips to help you make healthy choices as regards nutrition.
1. As regards breakfast:
- Take light meals in the morning
- Take at least 2 classes of food e.g. carbohydrate + (Vegetable, protein, fruits, etc) for example: yam and garden-egg sauce
2. As regards cholesterol and low density lipids (LDL)
- Just before you buy your next vegetable oil, make sure you check for the sign, - "low cholesterol" or "Zero cholesterol"
- Never over-eat EGGS, in our society eating eggs may be perceived wrongly as an indication of wealth. Eggs are good but we should limit it to at most 1 per day or 3 eggs in a week
- Reduce consumption of fried meals, and if you must fry use as less oil as possible.
3. Avoid overcooking your vegetables - a lot of micronutrients cannot tolerate the heat.
4. Salt, Sugar and Honey - Like earlier noted, moderation is the important thing.
As We advance in age it becomes beneficial to use salt in moderation, also certain food
sweeteners are better used with caution.
For those minding their blood sugar e.g. Diabetic women, it is important that you are mindful of refined sugar, however it is very important that we know that most of our staple meals are loaded with sugar. Food like Pounded Yam, cassava, etc so, what then are we to eat? if all these meals are sugar ladden. The answer is simple - 'MODERATION" we tend to serve our cassava or pounded yam in very generous quantities, it is advised that we change that, serve just a handful of your staple meal, with generous amount of vegetables, crayfish, fish, meat etc This will supply enough carbohydrate with other nutrients without unnecessarily increasing your sugar level.
Honey is good; you could try it but remember everything must be in moderation.
5. Fruits Fruits Fruits
We are blessed with varieties of fruits; there is always a fruit in season. It will be most beneficial if you can take a fruit with every meal, yes!every meal. And I don't mean bottled over-processed fruit juices, take only fresh fruits they are cheaper and full of benefits.
B. EXERCISES
As we age strenuous activities are best avoided but moderate exercises have benefits,
Short distances can be walked when it is not too sunny.
2. Personal/ Environmental Hygiene
The importance of hygiene is well understood and need no emphasis, proper grooming and cleanliness gives you a feeling of freshness and goodness.
Clean people don't fall sick often.
Environmental hygiene is also a big issue, at times because of our busy schedules, the home is left untidy, making our homes a breeding site for rats and insects.
Rats, cockroaches etc find it too easy to pass diseases to us and our children
If you can't clean up the home every day, find at least 2 times in a week to clean up. Get rid of stagnant water and nearby bushes to rid your home of mosquitoes.
Do not be careless about the source of drinking water for the family, as much as possible never patronize food vendors, COOK FOR YOUR FAMILY.
3. Use of Health Care Facilities
While Faith is important to us as Christians we should not fall into the class of misguided brethrens who perceive the use of health facilities as lack of faith, remember that Saint Luke was a doctor.
A. Regular check up
- Regularly check your blood pressure, it saves life.
- Visit your doctor for check up at worst once a year
B. Important medical tests for women: prevention is better than cure!
- Breast examination: breast cancer can be detected early and better treated.
When you bathe feel your breast for lumps, abnormal color or discharge. Stand before a mirror and compare the two breasts for any difference. If you notice anything abnormal see your doctor!
- PAPS test or Papanicolau smear test: this is done to screen for cervical
-cancer, another disease that ravage our female population. It is a life saver and we are encouraged to go for the test.
C. ANTENATAL CARE
When pregnant visit the maternity as soon as possible
D. FAMILY PLANNING SERVICES - the present economic conditions make family planning a wise decision. You will be surprised when you visit any family planning centre, at the vast methods available, you will be informed and are likely to find one suitable for you. Remember it is better to have children that you can cater for, than having a lot that you cannot care for. Family planning help plan the size of your household and also give you rest of mind and an opportunity to have a blissful and enjoyable marriage.
4. Stress Management
Matthew 6:25-34 "I tell you therefore, do not worry about your living-what you are to eat or drink, or about your body, what you are to wear. Is not the life more important than its nourishment and the body than its clothing?...
...34 Do not worry therefore, in view of tomorrow for tomorrow will have its own anxieties. Each day's peculiar troubles are sufficient for it."
One major benefit that faith affords us as Christians is that we could be free of worry, if we truly believe that our God is sufficient. When we put ourselves under needless stress, we make ourselves liable of high blood pressure and mental illness. Proverbs 14:30 says "A relaxed mind makes for physical health; but passion is rottenness to the bones".
5. Spirituality
I strongly believe that there is a strong link between spirituality and health.
Jeremiah 8:22 "Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician? Why, then, has the health of the daughter of My people not been restored?" it is clear that no drug can substitute the peace of mind and health that a perfect relationship with God gives. The bible says (ASV 2 Chronicles 7:14 ) if my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. The secret of divine health is in His promises to his children, the book of Amos says "can two work together except they agree" I encourage you all to trust God fully and He will renew your strengths.
6. Menopause
This is a period in a woman's life at which menses diminishes and stops, usually between the ages of 45 and 50. Women often experience some discomfort which may vary on individual basis.
Hot flashes or hot flushes range from a passing feeling of warmth in the face and upper body to extreme sweating and visible redness of the skin.
As estrogen level drops in the blood, the vaginal walls become dry making coitus very painful and sometimes undesirable. Decline in sexual interest during menopause may also be psychological.
Psychological symptoms may include depression, mood swings, weepiness, and other emotional flare-ups, as well as memory lapses...Stressful life events that may contribute to the emotional symptoms at the time of menopause include children leaving home and general mid-life crises.
When the symptoms are unbearable you should visit your doctor. Treatment available is known as (HRT) Hormone replacement therapy, but the benefit must be weighed against the risks,which includes - increased risk of breast cancer, heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots.But in most cases, women's personal perception of menopause may also affect symptoms, they are often tolerable when we have the right mindset.
Other ways of reducing negative effects of menopause include eating a healthy diet, taking vitamin supplements, stop smoking, reduce caffeine and alcohol, reducing sugar and salt intake. Exercise helps to alleviate menopausal symptoms
7. "Jedi-Jedi"
This is a term among the Yorubas of West Africa, used to loosely refer to a number of often unrelated symptoms, and generally judged to be due to consumption of sugar or sweet things. I must say clearly that this is just one of the numerous health misconceptions and misinformation in our society.
These symptoms like backache, passage of loose stool, pile and hemorrhoids etc are most likely not related talk-less of resulting from consumption of sweet things or sugar.
If you feel unwell, please visit your doctor. Stop engaging in unwise use of herbal concoction for a disease that does not exist. Herbal concoctions are very dangerous. They can destroy very vital organs, we see a lot of liver cancers in our hospitals and even among women who don't drink alcohol and the commonest cause that come to our mind is herbal concoction. The bible says "My people Perish for lack of knowledge"
Conclusion
Jeremiah 30:17 says "For I will restore health to you, and I will heal your wounds, says the Lord, because they have called you an outcast, "It is Zion, for whom no one cares!"
Jeremiah 33:6 says "Look, I will bring to her restoration and health; and I will heal them and reveal to them an abundance of peace and prosperity. It is my prayer that as we continue to trust God, He will continue to grant unto us good health.

Vaginal yeast infection - few coping tips

The vaginal flora is a delicate balance between the bacterial and fungal flora. A notable member of the bacterial flora is the lactobacillus acidophilus which help maintain the acidic environment that helps maintain the balance. Conditions that deplete the bacterial floral inadvertently allow the fungal population to escalate.

Factors that predispose to vaginal yeast infection includes: Injudicious use of antibiotics, immune suppression, prolonged steroid use, diabetes mellitus, douching, pregnancy etc

Many women find yeast infection very upsetting especially as it has a propensity for reoccurrence, it may become particularly distressing during pregnancy. Elevated estrogen levels during pregnancy increases vaginal production of glycogen on which yeast tends to thrive.

Over-enthusiastic douching or cleansing with antiseptic soap reduces normal vaginal bacteria flora thus favoring escalation of yeast population.

Vaginal yeast infection presents often as vaginal discharge, creamy or cheesy in most cases. It is usually not foul smelling but with associated vaginal itch which may be particularly distressing

Below are ways of managing vaginal yeast infections;

1.       Avoid over-enthusiastic douching – Cleaning up after visiting the urinals is a hygienic ritual, however urine is naturally sterile thus overzealous cleansing with antiseptic soaps and liquid is not only unnecessary, it may pose a health risk, as it depletes the vaginal bacteria flora especially the lactobacillus acidophilus hence causing increased pH and increased glycogen store with subsequent overgrowth of the yeast flora. Cleaning up with ordinary clean water will suffice and will help maintain a balance in the normal vaginal flora thus preventing a recurrence of vaginal yeast infection.

Avoid Moisture – The perineum because of its anatomical and physiological make up, tend to be wet, this makes it a favorable niche for Candida growth, therefore the perineum should as much

1.       as possible be kept clean and dry. After using the toilet or urinals use a dry swipe to clean up from front to backwards. If socially acceptable one may sleep at night with a breathable night gown without panties.

2.       Appropriate Underwear – Avoid tight pants with nylon or synthetic fabrics e.g. panty hose. Use cotton underwears as much as possible. Avoid tight synthetic dresses instead opt for light materials that encourage aeration.

3.       Antibiotic use – Avoid injudicious and indiscriminate use of antibiotics especially without a doctor’s prescription as this may deplete the bacteria flora of the vagina and increasing yeast growth. If on prolong antibiotic prescription patient should inform their doctors of a recurrent yeast infection so that an antifungal agent can be prescribed along side.

4.       Avoid prolong steroid use - Prolong use of steroids should be avoided if possible as it may cause immune suppression and subsequent yeast infection. Patients on prolong steroids may also be placed on antifungal agents.

5.       Antifungal agents – Several antifungal creams and vaginal pessaries are available as over-the-counter medications. Common antifungal agents like clotrimazole, nystatin and fluconazole are available as oral agents, creams and vagina pessaries. It is however advised that antifungal agents be used after seeing a General practitioner to properly diagnose vaginal yeast infection and to determine the appropriate antifungal agent to use.

6.       Laundry Care - When doing laundries, separate the under wears. Soak and wash with warm water. This will kill the yeasts on the fabrics and preventing re-inoculation.

7.       Balanced diet and Fruits - healthy feeding habits, with food and fruits rich in vitamins, amino acids and essential minerals help in fortifying the immune system and thus prevent opportunistic overgrowth of yeast. This is especially important in the immunocompromised and patients suffering from debilitating or chronic illnesses. Patients can consult their dietitian for advice on immune boosting diets.

8.       Glycemic control - Diabetics should work closely with their physician for optimal glycemic control. This could be achieved by strict dietary modification, use of oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin injections and adequate monitoring of blood sugar, home or self monitoring with a glucometer is encouraged. The diabetic state is immune suppressing hence diabetics are prone to sepsis and vaginal yeast infections. Hence the treatment goal in diabetic with recurrent yeast infection is to achieve strict glycemic control. Podiatric care is an integral part of diabetic care, ensure proper kind of foot wears, ensure dry and clean feet to prevent mycotic foot disease e.g. Athlete’s foot disease.

9.       Safe sex - Suggesting that vaginal yeast is sexually transmittable is controversial however certain sexual practices like oral and anal sex may be a predisposition. Appropriate use of condom may be beneficial. Safe sex is advised for overall reproductive health and wellbeing of every woman, as it will prevent other sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancy.

10.   Oral Contraceptive Pills – Oral contraceptive pills with high estrogen content has been implicated as a predisposition to vaginal yeast infection. High estrogen level increases the glycogen production in the female birth canal hence allowing the yeast population to proliferate. Patients on oral contraceptives and having recurrent vaginal yeast infections should discuss with their caregiver for other appropriate contraceptive options.

1.       Menopause – Menopause and its attendant distressing symptoms may necessitate women to procure Hormone replacement therapy to ameliorate the stress of menopause. Women on Estrogen replacement therapy may be prone to recurrent vaginal yeast infections. This is also linked to increased vagina glycogen causing Candida to proliferate. Patient on Estrogen replacement therapy should compare the risk- to- benefit ratio and discuss with their physician on other available coping strategies for distressing menopausal symptoms.

2.       Pregnancy – Elevated blood estrogen during pregnancy predisposes to yeast infection. Recurrent yeast infection with discharge may raise anxiety in a pregnant woman. Treatment with oral antifungal agents is not advised whereas vagina pessaries may be safely used. It is however important to explain to and reassure patient to prevent unnecessary medical intervention as discharge from yeast infection during pregnancy is often harmless and self limiting. Cleaning the vagina with clean water may also be helpful.

3.       Yogurt – This common drink made from bacteria fermented milk is rich in harmless bacteria especially the Lactobacillus species. The bacteria are used to ferment milk as crucial step in the manufacturing of yogurt. Lactobacillus in yogurt theoretically can be used to effect a balance in the vagina bacteria flora. The capacity to effect significant change in vaginal flora by drinking yogurt maybe difficult to substantiate in evidence based manner, however home remedies with application of yogurt in the vagina with the use of pads has offered some relieve and appears theoretically feasible. There have not been reports of harm resulting from this practice hence it can be tried if it is personally acceptable.

4.       Vinegar – The application of apple cider vinegar has provided symptomatic relieve from yeast infections. It particularly relieves the itching. Lack of scientific evidence-based study to support this home remedy makes its general acceptability difficult. However no particular harm as been attributed to this practices, so if it works for you, I guess it is okay.

Yeast infection in young girls just after attaining menarche may be particularly distressing to the naïve young individuals. It is important that parents understands that not all vagina discharge results from sexually transmitted infections. The estrogen surge associated with commencement of the menstrual cycle also makes the vagina a fertile ground from growth of yeast; hence candidiasis may occur in girls just attaining menarche even without prior sexual contact. Educate such young girls against douching and overzealous cleaning up with antiseptic soaps especially when menstruating.

The use of home remedies for cure of vaginal yeast infection need to be carefully looked into so as not to fall prey of charlatans taking advantage of patients for a quick buck. Certain home remedies appear theoretically plausible but lack of scientific documentation to back up such claims makes them to remain at best a hypothesis, however some of these home remedies appear to give some symptomatic relieve.

The use of Estrogen replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms remains controversial in terms of the overall benefit needs to be weighed against the attending risk. 

Certain medical conditions necessitate prolong use of steroids, however steroid abuse by individuals is strongly discouraged. Steroid prolong use inadvertently diminishes the strength of the immune system, hence the body is prone to opportunistic infections, this include yeast infections.

Patients suffering from chronic debilitating illnesses and immune deficiencies e.g. HIV are particularly susceptible to yeast infections, either as systemic mycoses or superficial mycoses.

Geriatric populations and old people institutionalized in care homes may also be prone to yeast infections. This is particularly so because of the relative immune suppression associated with extreme age groups. Such individuals become more and more incapable of self hygiene hence they need care and assistance in terms of grooming and hygiene to forestall yeast infections. Mycotic infections can be the cause of atypical pneumonia in old people.  Great attention must be paid to podiatric care to ensure dry clean feet to avoid athlete’s foot disease.

Prompt medical attention is advised for such individuals, they should see their caregiver as soon as they experience any strange symptoms.

The role of diet cannot be over emphasized, vitamins and minerals acts as anti-oxidants, assist in re-epitheliazation of membranes. They also boost the human immune systems thus mounting first line of defense against infections including yeast infections.