Caribbean and African Health Network Health Hour
I was delighted to have been invited by The Caribbean and African Health Network (CAHN) to be part of their regular Health Hour.
The Health Hour raises awareness about prevention, early detection, effective self-care and self-management.
The topic was Flu and Asthma. I used the platform to highlight the importance of understanding the symptoms, risk factors, and management of these conditions.
Given the fact we are currently experiencing a surge in COVID cases, I used the opportunity to highlight the common symptoms that COVID-19 and flu share, which include:
• Fever or feeling feverish/having chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Sore throat, Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle pain or body aches
• Headache
• Vomiting and diarrhoea
• Change in or loss of taste or smell, although this is more frequent with COVID-19
The British Lung Foundation states that 5.4 million people in the UK are receiving treatment for Asthma. Social deprivation is a well-known risk factor that may increase the likelihood of the development or persistence of Asthma.
Annually, Asthma causes an estimated 250,000 deaths worldwide. Thus, in my talk, I emphasised the complications of Flu and Asthma while pointing out the importance of getting vaccinated.
Finally, I dedicated the talk to the memory of Ella Kissi-Debrah, the beautiful 9-year-old who died in 2013 from the complications of Asthma.
The more we come together to raise awareness about health inequalities and social deprivation, the more we can empower the members of our communities to seek help when required.
Get in touch if you would like me to give a talk to the members of your community.
