Yesterday, Sunday the 18th of November, The Rotaract Club of Metn headed towards Ayroun for their annual health fair. Doctors from
several specialties were gathered in order to screen for potential diseases or
to follow up on existing ones. Specialists in family medicine, ophthalmology,
dermatology, dentistry and nutrition were available to provide free
consultations to everyone!
As soon as patients arrived, general information was taken from
them regarding known pathologies, a blood sugar test was conducted and their
blood pressure was taken.
They were then redirected to the professionals they were looking
for.
The dentists were available for check-ups and education regarding
good oral hygiene. They were also distributing toothbrushes for free.
“It was a very good day. We focused more on preventive dentistry
than the actual work.” – Dr Rahayel
The ophthalmologists were testing the acuity of vision but they
were also trying to screen for:
- Glaucoma: a group of eye conditions that lead to damage to the
optic nerve which is responsible for carrying visual information from the eye
to the brain. It is the second most common cause of blindness in the United
States.
- Cataract: it is the clouding of the lens of the eye. People who
suffer from this condition normally have a blurry vision. It is more common in
people above the age 45. However, some conditions may speed it up: diabetes,
smoking, eye inflammation, eye injury, etc.
In assigning health priorities, skin disease is normally considered
a small player compared with other diseases. However, not only do some skin
diseases lead to a higher mortality rate in the population, but they also
affect a patient’s quality of life and psychological status. This is why the
presence of a dermatologist at the fair seemed essential.
Three doctors specialized in family medicine were present in order
to screen for all types of diseases.
“We were lucky enough to detect a very serious case of untreated diabetes
and another of heart disease.” – Dr Omar
And this, indeed, proves the importance of screening.
We, at Point a la ligne, were there to screen for potential cases
of overweight and obesity. In fact, as you already know, obesity is very
closely related to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, some cancers, etc. Body
composition tests were conducted and appropriate and personalized diets were
provided.
And last but not least, all present were fortunate enough to have a
session by members of the Red Cross, regarding first aid. Tips on how to deal
with common situations were given, not to forget the live demonstrations!
This is one example of many health campaigns that go on all over
the country. And I believe that we are lucky to have so many NGOs, just like
Rotaract, interested in early detection of diseases. Because after all, the
earlier the detection, the easier and most likely the recovery would be!
So if you’re feeling anything or doubting anything in your body,
don’t hesitate! Go for a check-up every once in a while. Community centers are
available in all areas too!
1 comments:
There is a point why you need to learn 2 or more first aid techniques. You'll never know when and what will happen if you or anyone around you doesn't know anything to help a man in need of immediate medical attention.
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