It’s World Polio Day. In 1988, the Polio virus was endemic to 125 countries.
Today, only 3 countries in the world have never stopped the transmission of Polio- Pakistan, Afghanistan and  Nigeria. Despite the progress achieved since 1988, as long as a single child remains infected with Poliovirus, children in all countries are at risk of contracting the disease.
According to CDC Global Health, Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a crippling and potentially deadly infectious disease. It is caused by the poliovirus. The virus spreads from person to person and can invade an infected person’s brain and spinal cord, causing paralysis, where persons cannot move parts of the body.
There is NO cure for Polio, but vaccines can protect a child for life.
How can you help to eradicate Polio?
Rotary International has a goal to reach every child with the Polio vaccine and are using innovative strategies to reach their goal. Find out more during their #WorldPolioDay global update at 6:30 p.m. EDT at www.endpolio.org.
Also, the Rotary Club of New Kingston and the New Kingston Rotaract Club from Jamaica will be hosting a luncheon during the World Polio Livestream. See information below:
Support #WorldPolioDay and Purchase lunch (for delivery) by attending their online meeting at 1pm today using the link below:
https://zoom.us/j/771707407
Menu: Herbed Roasted Chicken Garlic Butter Fish Fillet Curried Mutton Rice and Peas Pasta Salad Vegetable salad Choice of 2 meats.
World Polio Day is being observed today to generate awareness towards eradication of the terrible disease, Polio and to commemorate the efforts of volunteers committed to the eradication of polio.
Help to #EndPolio now!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
For all my Ladies out there and Gentlemen (yes, men have lumps too), here are a few tips and information with regards to Preparation for your Mammogram and how you can do your part to facilitate Breast Cancer Awareness and Treatment:
â— Feel all four quadrants of your breasts (all around) in the shower. Picturing the breast as a clock, usually with the nipple as the centre (via someone facing you), is the way used for the identification of areas of concern in the breasts. These areas of concern identified are usually sent for further investigation, i.e a Mammogram/Breast Ultrasound.
E.g. Your Mammogram/Breast referral form may read, ‘mass located at 1 o’clock’.
â— Feel your breasts when laying down, as not all masses are felt while standing.
â— If you have a history of Breast Cancer in your family, the breasts should be checked by a doctor during general examination from as early as teenage years.
â— No matter how young you are, once a mass, discomfort, pain, burning or sticking sensation, swelling and/or discharge from the nipple are observed, seek medical attention immediately.
â— Once a referral is sought to do a Mammogram from your Doctor, if possible, choose a facility that does both Mammograms and Breast Ultrasounds.
*It is possible to have Breast Cancer and not know or be able to schedule a biopsy until weeks or months later. If a particular Breast Cancer cannot be detected by a Mammogram or your Technologist does not recognise an abnormality present and therefore does not raise the attention that a Breast Ultrasound is needed, there is risk of a spread. This is so, because there is sometimes a back up of Mammograms for reporting at Public clinics before a Radiologist can refer a patient for an Ultrasound. It may be too late by this time, costing the patient his/her life or an entire breast or two (single/double mastectomy).
â— If you are referred to do a Breast Mammogram/Ultrasound, I recommend that you do both. Some cancerous (malignant) calcifications cannot be detected by Breast Ultrasound and vice versa.
*Keep in mind that the Mammogram is like a map to show the Radiologist where to focus for any area/s that may need clarification.
â— Starting at age 35 or 40, do your Mammogram annually.
â— Mammograms are low radiation. Remember that if you lay on the beach all day you are also exposed to cumulative radiation from the sun. A thyroid shield is only necessary if you have hormonal/thyroid issues and if you are undergoing/have recently done radiation therapy or chemo.
â— A routine Mammogram will be two (2) views on each breast, therefore four (4) compressions in all.
A routine Mammogram showing two (2) views of each breast.
â— Do not wear powder, lotion/oil or deodorant/flaky deodorant when doing a Mammogram. The flakes or clusters from a deodorant or powder can mimic calcifications/cancer. While, lotions or oils may cause the breast to slide back during imaging, thus losing possible valuable information.
â— Ladies, wear a top and bottom if possible when going to do your Mammogram.
â— Try to do your Mammograms at the same facility each year so a record is kept for comparisons.
â— Everyone does not have the same Mammogram experience. Other than the Technologist or machine used, this may be a result of other factors such as a current or close time period to a menstrual cycle, pain threshold, size of the breasts, thickness of breast tissue, presence of cysts and the overall shape of the breasts and shoulders/body habitus. So if it is painful or ‘unbearable’ for you, do not discourage others.
â— It is not the end of the world if you feel pain and/a mass. It may just be a cyst that can be drained of fluid or removed. Take it one step at a time.
â— If you have a lump that may be malignant (cancerous) and not benign (non-cancerous), ensure that you wait for your biopsy results before removing the lump. You need to confirm that the lump is cancerous, if so, the stage it is at, the possibility of the cancer spreading and the possibility of return if the breast/s are not removed.
â— If the breast/s needs to be removed and reconstructive surgery is suggested or offered by the Doctor at the same time, I advise you wait 6 months to a year to be fully clear of cancer. Unfortunately, cancers sometimes return. If cancer returns, it could return within the skin flap where reconstruction was done and it is highly likely that it would be undetectable.
â— Ensure that you not only have Life Insurance but Health Insurance. Some form of Pro-Care or Criticare should be sought as well if repetitive surgery or radiation treatment/chemotherapy is needed.
â— Spread the Word to Family, Friends and Coworkers! Breast Cancer Awareness Saves Lives.
By: Gabrielle Burgess (Radiologic Technologist)
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month again and I hope that ladies of all ages examine your breasts from time to time, to notice any changes in breast tissue that could occur within 6 months or less.
Please see the illustration below on how to conduct a Beast Self-Examination and stay tuned next week to find out about the various steps involved in taking a Mammogram.
N.B. For the standing Breast Self-Examination, this can be performed in the shower as well with warm soap and water.
By: Gabrielle Burgess (Radiologic Technologist)
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Vegan Steak with Quinoa from Kushite’s Vegetable Cuisine (Gluten and Soy free)
Kushite’s Vegetable Cuisine
Location: 39 Lady Musgrave Road (Inside Eden Gardens)
Ph: 876-375-0642; 876-631-9101
Instagram: @kushitesvegetablecuisine
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Suga interviewed Director of Service Projects of Rotary St. Andrew North, Kecia Taylor on September 9th after their Health Fair, which was held at the Chetolah Mel Nathan Educational Centre in Hannah Town the day before. Suga had some interesting finds.
What is Rotary?
Rotary is a non-profit organization that uplifts less fortunate communities via various community service projects and other social activities.
What is the significance of September to Rotarians?
September is the month where Rotary members, known as Rotarians focus on literacy and basic education.
Why Chetolah Mel Nathan Educational Centre ?
The Mel Nathan Preparatory School (1994) and Chetolah Park Primary School (1908) were merged under the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information on September 1, 2018 in order to maintain viability. Both schools are located in Hannah Town, West Kingston in an area with low socio-economic conditions, plagued by violence and water shortages. Mel Nathan Preparatory was established through the charitable trust of Mr. Reynold Scott of the Scott Foundation, a human development agency of the United Church in Jamaica and Grand Cayman while Chetolah Park Primary was a school operated by the Ministry of Education.
What was Rotary St. Andrew North’s plan to help Chetolah Mel Nathan Educational Centre?
Instead of the expected Back to School Stationery Drive, Director of Service Projects of Rotary St. Andrew North, Kecia Taylor decided to take a more holistic approach to education, focusing on Health and Wellness.
Rotary St. Andrew North’s assistance to Chetolah Mel Nathan Educational Centre?
The Rotary Club of St. Andrew North embarked on a two-part project with a value of $1,000,000JMD. They handed over back to school supplies and computers on September 3 and conducted a health fair on Saturday. September 8, providing medical, optical and dental screening to the students.
Rotary Club of St. Andrew North’s handing over of Back to School Supplies to Chelotah Mel Nathan Medical Centre (Left to Right: President Lori Chuck, Past Pres. Jolly, Immediate Past Pres. Andrew Jackson, Principal Tamara Rowe, Dir. of Service Projects, Kecia Taylor, Past President Michael Martin, Pres. Elect Ann Marie Curtis)Computers handed over to Chetolah Mel Nathan Educational Centre from Rotary St. Andrew North
Did you know?!
Interestingly, in discussions with Principal, Tamara Rowe during planning, most students already had school bags but did not have the essential items such as books and pens. If this is the case across the board, parents may have it all wrong.
Age range of Students
Students are as young as 3 years old and the oldest included students who just left the school after sitting the GSAT Examination, but they still benefited from the health fair.
Level of Participation
The majority of students did not get their medicals as yet and 125 parents showed up at the Health Fair between the hours of 9am-2pm, where some had 2 or 3 children.
What were the logistics to aid children on the day?
A sequential numbering system was assigned at the gate and registration proceeded in that order. At registration, Rotaractors (Ages 18-30 in Rotary’s youth arm Rotaract clubs, New Kingston and U.W.I Mona) and teachers assessed immunization records and commenced the completion of the Ministry’s Health Form. Each child was also assigned a ticket for a snack and optical assessment.
The Rotary Club of St. Andrew North and the U.W.I Rotaract Club recognized September 8 as the day to improve the literacy of our children by donating books to the newly merged school and reading to the students while they waited to be ushered to the medical teams.
Rotary St. Andrew North members along with Members of the U.W.I Mona and New Kingston Rotaract Clubs that assisted on the day.
Cheers to the Volunteers:
Medical, Dental and Optical Assistance
All 125 children received medical, dental and optical assessments.
Dr. Renne Badroe administering a medical on one of the children.
A lot of the children were immunized, but have never seen a dentist.
Teeth cleaning was performed on 32 children, using all the time available on the day. Gift packages were distributed to maintain and encourage good dental hygiene.
Teeth cleaning being provided by Kirk Distributors in their mobile unit on September 8, 2018 at the Chetolah Mel Nathan Educational Centre Health Fair.Optical assessments being provided by Insight Optical.
What will happen to the Children who need further optical assistance?
The parents were advised to seek assistance at the neighbouring area clinics.
However, Rotary St. Andrew North is looking at other detailed optical assessments and prescription eye glasses as a continuation of this project and will be looking at the continued needs of the school.
Sponsors and Volunteer Medical Doctors
Kudos to the Sponsors and Doctors who assisted with this project that made a difference in the lives of many children.
Medical doctors who offered their time to assist on the day were Dr O’ Danielle O’ Sullivan, Dr. Christopher Wilks, Dr. Trudy-Ann Johnson, Dr. Renee Badroe and Dr. Lorrise Williamson and four medical students, Kelsey Williams Racine Ramnatha, Denzel Moore and Obasi Etienne.
Sponsors included Sangsters Book Store, Mailpac Express, One Stop Computers Limited, The Ministry of Education Youth and Information, Kirk Distributors Limited, Insight Optical, Central Trading Limited, Totally Male Club Spa and Salon, Barco Caribbean, Jamaica Broilers Group Limited and Inter Commercial Distributors Limited.
Congratulations to Rotary Club of St. Andrew North for a well executed, holistic project and wishing continued success for follow-up projects with Chetolah Mel Nathan Educational Centre.
Be the inspiration and help to support Rotary st. Andrew North with their next Service Project.
Rotary Club of St. Andrew North
Meeting Place: Altamont Court Hotel at 1 Altamont Terrace, Kingston 5. Ja.
If you liked this Article, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Fiber also known as ‘good carbs’, makes you feel fuller for longer. It is in all fruits, vegetables, grains, seeds, and nuts.
There are many easy ways to sneak ‘good carbs’ and extra fiber into your daily diet. Here is one of them:
Yogurt Mix Recipe
Make a yogurt mix for Breakfast.
Take one container of plain
Greek yogurt and mix in 1/3 cup of a high-fiber cereal (e.g. Kashi Go Lean Crisp), 1 tablespoon ground flax seeds, and 5 large, diced strawberries for a whopping 12.2 grams of fiber, which is nearly half of your daily allowance!
By: Gabrielle Burgess (Certified Personal Trainer & Sports Nutritionist)
If you liked this Blog, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
Representatives of the Rotary Club of Lucea, Great Shape Organization, Sandals Group and Rotaract Club of Hanover at their Dental Fair last Friday, August 31, 2018.
Last Friday, August 31, 2018 was Day 5 of the Dental Fair put on by the Rotary Club of Lucea in partnership with The Great Shape Organization, Sandals Group and Rotaract Club of Hanover.
They will be at the Lucea Church Hall Centre until Friday this week from 9am-6pm.
Bring your kids, family and friends to get dental checks and to sign up for dental procedures if needed by a competent orthodontics team on site.
Rotaract Club of Hanover
Meeting Days and Time: Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday
Meeting Place: Lucea Fire Station
Instagram: @rotaractclubofhanoverÂ
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, the Lion’s Club of Mona and Jack’s Hill Benevolent Society are hosting a Health Fair!
This Saturday, from 9am – 4pm, come on out to Jack’s Hill Community Centre with the family and get your FREE Medical Screenings. Be up to date with your Health and Fitness.
By: Gabrielle Burgess
If you liked this Promo, follow Suga Lifestyle Online, on Instagram (@sugalifestyle), Twitter (@sugalifestyleja) or like the Suga Lifestyle Facebook page.
