IN THIS ISSUE

1. HINI
2. Boosting the Immune System
3. Congratulations to our Medical Director Doctor Isaac Akanko
4. Christmas Greetings to Members and Friends

1. Current State of swine - Flu H1N1 in Ghana:
As most of our members are probably fully aware there has been another recent outbreak of the H1N1 virus in Ghana. The current status of individuals in Ghana who have been tested positive as of the 3rd of December 2009 is 53 persons. So far most of the cases seen in Ghana have been of the very mild form of illness largely predominated by flu-like symptoms and a mild fever. Most individuals did not even resort to taking Tamiflu (which is the recommended treatment) as they were well recovered by the time their positive status was revealed.

We feel that given the incidence level there is no major cause for alarm regarding H1N1 but it is recommended that persons who have come into contact with anyone who has been tested as positive should get themselves tested and keep themselves away from other people as much as possible.

Given the fact that most families will travel abroad to their home countries for the Christmas period we would highly recommend that they continue to show diligence in not mixing with people with flu symptoms. Practice of good personal hygiene techniques and hand washing in particular are highly recommended. Many countries around the world are experiencing a second wave of emergence of this virus. As a result there is the tendency for expatriates and others travelling all over to bring this virus back to Ghana on their return into the country.

We recommend that should your child be sick on returning to Ghana please keep them away from other children until they are better. And, of course, if you have personally come into contact with positively tested individuals then it is advisable to have yourself tested.

Please consider also that the sudden climatic changes in going from Ghana into the cold winters of other counties will make you more vulnerable not only to this particular flu but to other viruses and diseases in general, thus we highly recommend you boosting your immune system at this time. Please see some ideas below on how to boost you and your family’s immune system.


Testing Procedures and Results:
In Ghana the H1N1 virus is tested by performing a non invasive throat and nasal swab. The public health has designated a few centers where this test can be carried out. Swabs collected are sent to the Nouguchi Memorial Institute for medical research where the results can be obtained in 24 hours. In order to try and keep our WARA clinic Swine Flu-Free we encourage people to please use the provided options instead of our clinic. The WARA clinic does, however, keep an emergency stock of swabs should the other designated posts run short.
Currently we are recommending our members to go to either the Airport Clinic – next to the Civil Aviation or to Akai House in Labone for a free swab test. If after a 24 hour period you have not heard your results our team would be glad to assist you in following up with the Nouguchi Institute.

Treatment Provisions:
WARA has a good stock of Tamiflu in adult and pediatric doses for provisions to highly sick or immunocompromised individuals.

Please note that at this time WARA does not stock nor support the giving of the Swine Flu Vaccine – there is still a large amount of controversy surrounding this vaccine and we await further guidelines before we will re-consider this option. Those of you who wish to get vaccinated we recommend you consider this during your travels abroad.

2. Boost Your Immune System and Unleash your invisible army against disease:
There are a variety of ways that you can boost your immune systems. Mostly it is important that you choose ways that will suit your lifestyle to ensure maximum benefit through sustainability. A vigorous immune system will optimize your physical and mental health

Factors Affecting your Immune System:
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Lack of sleep / quality of sleep
• Stress / over exertion
• Depression
• Being excessively over or under weight
• Over consumption of coffee and alcohol
• Smoking and drugs
• Over use of antibiotics
• Environmental factors such as pollution
• Sedentary life style / lack of exercise

Immune boosting habits:
• Eating lots of fresh fruits and veggies
• Eat regular and healthy meals from all the food groups
• Immune boosting foods: carrots, berries, tomatoes, ginger, lemon, garlic, broccoli, spinach
• Keeping the sugar intake down
• Sleep well, eat well and exercise regularly
• Build in regular relaxation into your daily life
• Manage your stress well
• Cold showers, body scrubs and massages all boost the immune system
• Make sure FUN is a part of your regular life

Remember a healthy immune system ensures you live YOUNGER and LONGER !

3. Welcome back and Congratulations to Our Medical Director Dr Isaac Akanko
We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our WARA Medical Director, Doctor Isaac Akanko who returns from Canada after attending a very intensive Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety at the McMaster University in Toronto. We believe he has done exceptionally well with his course work and in addition handed in an excellent Dissertation which was accepted by the university.

Isaac has been well missed by patients, colleagues and friends and despite being happy for his academic success we are very happy to have him back after his study time abroad. Well done Isaac and welcome back!

We would also like to thank Dr Felix Awindaogo for holding the fort as Deputy Medical Director for the duration of Isaac’s absence. Doctor Felix did an outstanding job during Isaac’s absence and rose up to all the challenges which faced him during this time.


4. Christmas and New Year Greetings for Members, Friends and Colleagues:
As another extremely busy and successful year of development for WARA draws to a close, we would like to take this opportunity to wish all our members, friends and colleagues a safe and happy festive season.

The Year 2010, will take WARA into our third year of providing members with clinical services in addition to the emergency rescue services, through our Takoradi and Accra Clinics. Also, an eighth ambulance join our fleet and we have a our strongest ever team of five Paramedics and in addition six Medical Doctors. Our whole team looks forward to being able to provide you all with medical and rescue services which you enjoy and we looking forward to continuing to make your stay in Ghana a safer one.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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newsletter@westafrican-rescue.com

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Help@westafrican-rescue.com

Tel: +233 21 781 248 Fax: + 233 21 781 259