In recent years, telemedicine has transformed the landscape of healthcare, offering patients greater access and convenience. At DRO Health, we are proud to be at the forefront of this revolution, utilizing cutting-edge technology to enhance patient care.

Telemedicine allows patients to consult with healthcare practitioners from the comfort of their homes, breaking down geographical barriers and reducing the need for in-person visits. This is particularly beneficial for individuals in rural areas or those with mobility challenges. DRO Health’s telehealth platform is designed with user experience in mind. Our intuitive interface ensures that scheduling appointments, accessing medical records, and communicating with healthcare professionals is seamless and efficient.

Our telemedicine platform allows virtual consultations with qualified practitioners, specialists and therapists via chat, audio, and video calls. Patients can select which doctor they want to consult with based on their profile and price. Prices are set very low and are a wide range so care is affordable for all. The app also has trackers for several health-related needs, such as blood pressure, blood sugar and weight tracking. This is part of our wellness programs to help manage chronic illness including Cardiovascular disease (Heart Health) and Mental Health.

Our commitment to personalized care remains strong. Each patient receives tailored treatment plans that consider their unique health needs. Our team of dedicated healthcare practitioners is just a click away, ready to provide guidance and support.

As we look to the future, DRO Health is excited about the potential of telehealth to improve outcomes. By continuing to innovate and adapt, we aim to make healthcare more accessible and effective for everyone. Join us on this journey as we redefine what healthcare can be!

The post The Future of Telemedicine: How DRO Health is improving Patient Care. appeared first on DRO Health.

A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is blocked. 80% of the time, it happens as a result of a blood clot or blocked artery. Other times, strokes happen because the blood vessels in the brain are damaged. When there is an inadequate blood supply, the brain cells don’t get the oxygen they need to function. The effects of a stroke depend on how long the blood supply is blocked. If the supply is blocked for a long time, parts of the brain cells die or become damaged. This can lead to long-term disability or even death.

What causes a stroke?

The following medical conditions or lifestyles are associated with a higher risk of developing a stroke:

Medical Risk Factors:

● Personal or family history of stroke or cardiovascular diseases such as heart infection and heart failure

● High blood pressure

● High cholesterol

● High levels of anxiety and stress

● Diabetes

● Obstructive Sleep Apnea

● Medical conditions, such as a bleeding disorder or sickle cell disease

Lifestyle Risk Factors:

● Lack of good nutrition

● Obesity

● Low physical activity

● Smoking

● High alcohol consumption

● Consumption of illegal drugs like cocaine

What Are The Types of Stroke You Should Know?

1. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), also called a mini-stroke, occurs when the blood vessel is just temporarily blocked. The symptoms last for just about five minutes, after which blood flow returns to the brain cells. Although it is temporary and can go by itself without permanent damage to the cells, it is important to seek medical attention because a mini-stroke may be a sign that a major stroke is on the way. About 4 out of 10 people who have a TIA develop a major stroke later.

2. Major Stroke:

A major stroke can cause long-term problems because of damage to the brain cells and could be fatal if help is not received quickly. The faster medical assistance is received, the better the chances of recovery. There are two major types of stroke:

Ischemic stroke: Ischemic strokes are the most common type of stroke. They occur when blood clots or other debris block the blood vessels to the brain, preventing the brain tissues from getting oxygen and nutrients. Fatty deposits called plaque can also cause blockages by building up in the blood vessel.

Hemorrhagic stroke: A hemorrhagic stroke happens when an artery in the brain ruptures and bleeds inside the brain. The bleeding in the brain puts pressure on surrounding brain cells, leading to brain tissue damage. About 13% of stroke cases are reported to be hemorrhagic. Some factors related to hemorrhagic stroke include:

● Uncontrolled High blood pressure

● Trauma(for example an accident)

● Overtreatment with blood-thinning drugs

● Abnormal bulges or ballooning at weak spots in your artery (aneurysms)

● Cerebral amyloid angiopathy

Knowing the warning signs of stroke and how to react quickly can help save lives.

6 Signs of a Possible Stroke: What to Look Out For.

1. Sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.

2. Sudden vision trouble in one or both eyes, such as blurred vision or seeing double.

3. Sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech.

4. Sudden difficulty in walking, lack of coordination or stumbling.

5. Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

6. Sudden dizziness or loss of balance.

How to Detect a Stroke at Home.

If you suspect that someone has a stroke, the FAST acronym gives an easy way to remember the most common warning signs of a stroke and the course of action:

● F– Face drooping: Ask them to smile to see if their smile is crooked or one-sided.

● A– Arm weakness or numbness: Ask them to lift both arms and check to see if one arm drops lower than the other.

● S–Speech problems: Ask them to speak to see if they slur or have difficulty repeating a sentence.

● T– Time to call an ambulance if they’re exhibiting the above symptoms.

After using the FAST acronym to test to see if someone is having a stroke, call emergency services immediately and get them to the hospital as soon as possible. Earlier treatment increases the chances of recovery.

Our final words,

Knowing how to detect stroke at home and recognizing the signs can save someone’s life. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the symptoms we’ve discussed, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention immediately. Remember to act fast, because every second counts when it comes to stroke. You can speak to a doctor immediately anywhere in Nigeria on the DRO Health mobile app.

By staying informed and aware, you can help prevent the devastating effects of stroke and ensure a healthier future for yourself and your loved ones. Let’s all work together to spread awareness and help reduce the impact of stroke in our community.

The post How To Detect Stroke At Home and Signs You Should Know. appeared first on DRO Health.

As a result of the ‘need-to’ behavior exhibited by many adults, it has become important to bring the hospital closer to people, thereby making healthcare and medical related issues affordable and convenient. With the presence of telehealth companies like DRO Health, getting immediate access to a healthcare professional’s opinion is easier than it was 10 years ago. With the DRO Health app, all you need to do is download the app and speak to medical professionals and book diagnostic tests at anywhere and anytime in Nigeria, it’s that convenient. So, stop delaying on getting a medical check-up and visit our website once you understand why regular medical check-ups are important.

This post will discuss why regular medical check-ups are necessary and very important for your well-being.

1. Early detection of health issues.

When you embark on regular medical check-ups, you give room for early detection of health problems before they deteriorate to more severe conditions. For example, issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels are best detected in their early stages, thus preventing complications that arise when they reach an advanced stage. Likewise, with heart diseases, regular check-ups help to reduce the risks significantly, and statements by the American Heart Association back this.

2. Management of chronic conditions.

For persons with chronic conditions such as hypertension or diabetes, regular medical check-ups are crucial to help monitor and manage the situation effectively. These regular check-ups help your doctor or healthcare providers evaluate your present condition, adjust your medication or treatment plan, and detect and prevent any potential or oncoming complications. According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), regular check-ups can help persons with chronic conditions better manage their health and improve their quality of life.

3. Prevention of health issues.

With preventive healthcare practice, early identification of risk factors would enable you and your doctor to embark on preventive measures. For example, regular screenings for a type of cancer, such as breast and colon cancer, can help detect the presence of cancerous growth in its earliest stages. This then makes it much easier to treat. In addition, according to the American Cancer Society, regular screening can help detect certain cancers before symptoms develop, leading to better treatment outcomes. Regular blood pressure checks can also help prevent heart diseases, and cholesterol screenings can help prevent the occurrence of strokes and this is backed by statements from the American Heart Association.

4. Building long-term relationships with Healthcare providers.

Regular medical check-ups help build a relationship with your healthcare provider, which is crucial for your long-term health. A good relationship with your healthcare provider can help ensure that you receive personalized care that meets your unique needs. It also lets your healthcare provider know your medical history, family history, and lifestyle factors that may affect your health.

In the cases of emergencies, there would already be an established relationship and history that would make treatment easier and faster. Also, accessibility is better when there is an already-established relationship between the patient and the healthcare provider.

5. Improvement of mental health conditions.

Regular medical check-ups benefit not only physical health but also improves one’s mental health. For example, regular medical check-ups can help reduce anxiety and depression symptoms in patients. In addition, regular check-ups can provide reassurance that you are in good health and reduce any worry or anxiety you may have about your health.

6. Cost-Effectiveness.

You can save the cost of healthcare by carrying out regular medical check-ups. This is because early detection helps prevent health issues from becoming severe and thus requires expensive medical treatments. Therefore, regular check-ups can lead to cost savings by reducing the need for hospitalizations and emergency room visits. In addition, by simply prescribing medication for more minor conditions, you save yourself the cost of spending on drugs for more severe conditions.

7. Peace of mind.

Regular medical check-ups can provide peace of mind by ensuring that you are in good health and addressing any concerns you may have. According to a survey by the American Psychological Association, regular medical check-ups are associated with lower stress and anxiety levels. In addition, a certain level of confidence exists when you are fully aware of your health condition due to a recent check-up. It puts you in control of your health and more in charge of how to conduct your life and nutrition with respect to the state of your health.

Our final words,

Regular medical check-ups are essential to preventive healthcare and are crucial for maintaining good health and preventing health issues from becoming severe. In addition, frequent check-ups allow healthcare providers to detect health issues early, manage chronic conditions, prevent health issues, build relationships with patients, and improve mental health. The importance of regular medical check-ups cannot be overstated, and everyone should make them a part of their healthcare routine. Therefore, it is essential to schedule regular medical check-ups to ensure that you are taking care of your overall health and well-being.

With the DRO Health mobile app, you get access to healthcare that is affordable, fast and convenient. Visit www.drohealth.com today.

The post The Importance and Need For Regular Medical Checkups. appeared first on DRO Health.

Embracing equity reflects on the different discriminatory laws against women all over the world, even in a time where technology is gradually changing the modus operandi of many countries. The campaign for IWD 2023 is not only focused on pandering gender equality topics, it nose dives into making sure that there are equal opportunities accessible for all regardless of their gender.

Navigating equality in the healthcare space in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized. To this end, we are celebrating some women at DRO Health and asking them what equity means and how their roles help to promote Equity while working at DRO Health.

“Equity is giving everyone what they need to be successful. It’s not giving everyone the exact same thing. If we give everyone the exact same thing, expecting that will make everyone equal, it assumes that everyone started out in the same place- and this can be vastly inaccurate because everyone isn’t the same.” – Norris Campbell, Chief Operating Officer.

For Norris, her role as the COO at DRO Health helps her use technology to improve access to healthcare for all users. Through this, she is able to tackle any form of discrimination in healthcare, including mobility, access to specialists and privacy.

“Equity means fairness and putting into consideration our unique differences.” – Adaobi Ogu, Healthcare Service Manager.

For Adaobi, her role as a Healthcare Service Manager affords her the opportunity to deal with specific health needs of women. Through the wellness product on the DRO Health app, women have the opportunity to speak to doctors about their reproductive, physiological, mental issues without any bias and at an affordable rate. Her role also allows her to suggest new features for the wellness program which she believes may be integral to women located anywhere in Nigeria.

“Equity means treating people with fairness no matter their gender, race or the state they are in. It is giving everyone equal treatment no matter what.” – Irene Aruku, Lead Liaison Officer.

For Irene, her role as a Lead Liaison Officer for DRO Health allows her to ensure that proper and unconditional medical care is given to everyone, no matter the time or day.

“Equity means being fair and just to everyone, regardless of your knowledge of them. Without equity, equality is a farce and a wishful ideology; and one cannot exist without another. As humans, we have distinct features and attributes that make us different from the next person. Equity is that conscious effort taken to recognize that irrespective of a person’s race, ethnicity, religion, physical attributes, disability, etc, we should all be treated with fairness at all times.” – Obianuju Okeke, Content Manager.

For Obianuju, she ensures that all types of content including blogs, emails, social media content, reflect the health concerns of all genders including women. In creating content, she is aware of the numerous changes women experience as they go through life, so she makes a conscious effort on educating women about taking charge of their lives through deliberate content ideas.

“Equity is the quality of being fair and impartial. It recognizes that not all fingers are equal and makes adjustments to ensure that the imbalances of life, does not exempt one from opportunities.” – Jennifer Chu, Executive Assistant & Pharmacy Liaison Officer.

Jennifer’s role at DRO Health allows her to interface with new employees during recruitment and onboarding sessions. She ensures that candidates are only employed based on their skills and experience without any form of bias and she also looks for ways to accommodate the needs of employees at DRO Health.

Embracing Equity in the society begins with you. Don’t let it stop at today, continue to ensure that you speak up and speak out for equity and fairness using every means available to you. Happy International Women’s Day!

You can download the DRO Health app on your mobile device via Google playstore or Apple store and get access to doctors anywhere and at any time in Nigeria. To get more information about the products and services that we offer, visit our website at www.drohealth.com

The post IWD 2023: Celebrating International Women’s Day by Embracing Equity at DRO Health. appeared first on DRO Health.

When Should Women Get a Pap Test and How Often?

Doctors generally recommend that women ages 21 to 65 have a Pap smear procedure every 3 years, unless they have certain risk factors. Risk factors would require more frequent Pap smears, and the frequency would be determined by your doctor. These risk factors include:

● A diagnosis of cervical cancer or a previous Pap smear that showed precancerous cells

● HIV infection

● Exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) before birth

● Weakened immune system due to organ transplant, chemotherapy chronic corticosteroid use

● A history of smoking

From age 30, women may choose Pap testing every five years if the procedure is combined with testing for the human papillomavirus (HPV).

What Is a Pap Smear Procedure Like?

A Pap smear involves collecting cells from your cervix. During the procedure, a small brush is used to gently scrape cells from the surface of the cervix and the area around it. The cells are then examined for any abnormal growth which could be cancerous cells or cells that may lead to cervical cancer. The procedure could be mildly uncomfortable, but doesn’t usually result in any long-term pain.

How Do You Prefer For a Pap Test?

Doctors recommend these tips 48 hours before your test to ensure that your Pap smear gives the most accurate results:

● Do not have sexual intercourse or use lubricants

● Avoid douching(rinsing the vagina with water, vinegar, or other fluids)

● Do not insert anything into the vagina. This includes tampons, creams, gels, etc.

● Do not use sprays or powders around the vagina

Doctors do not recommend scheduling a Pap smear during your menstrual period as heavy flow may affect the results.

What Happens During The Pap Test?

A Pap smear takes only a few minutes and is performed in your doctor’s office. During the procedure:

1. You’ll lie on your back on an examination table with your legs spread and your knees bent while your feet rests in supports called stirrups.
2. Your doctor will gently insert a device called a speculum into your vagina. This device keeps the vaginal walls open and provides access to the cervix. Some women may feel a sensation of pressure in the pelvic area during the insertion of the speculum.
3. Your doctor will then scrape a small sample of cells from your cervix using a small brush and a spatula. This usually doesn’t hurt, although you may experience some discomfort.

What Happens After The Pap Test?

The sample of cells from your cervix will be preserved and sent to a lab to be examined for the presence of abnormal cells. Find out from your doctor when you can expect the results of your test. After your Pap smear, you can go about your day as usual. It is normal to feel mild discomfort from the scraping or some cramping. You could also experience minor vaginal bleeding immediately after the test. If the discomfort or bleeding continues after the day, inform your doctor.

What Do The Results of a Pap Smear Mean?

There are two possible results from a Pap smear; normal or abnormal.

Normal Pap smear: A normal or negative pap smear result means that no abnormal cells were spotted. If your results are normal, your next Pap smear is recommended to be in three years.

Abnormal Pap smear: An abnormal Pap smear result doesn’t always mean you have cancer. It just means that there are abnormal cells on your cervix, and some of them could be precancerous. Milder abnormal cells are more common than severe abnormalities.

Are Pap Smear Results Accurate?

Pap tests are very accurate. Regular Pap tests reduce cervical cancer rates and mortality by at least 80 percent. Although Pap smears can be uncomfortable, the brief discomfort is a small price to pay to protect your health for life.

Our final words,

Pap Smear (Pap smear test) is still a rising phenomenon among women, especially women living in Nigeria. However, as we help to spread the word about the importance of it, we’re also encouraging women who fall under the age group mentioned above from 21 years and above to get a pap smear.

On the DRO Health app, we offer pap smears with our women standard health bundle for N23,300. Visit www.drohealth.com today to book and schedule a session with a doctor today. The first step to beating cervical cancer is getting a pap smear, so start today.

The post Pap Smear Tests and Why It’s Important for Women. appeared first on DRO Health.

What is Financial Anxiety?

Financial anxiety, sometimes called Money Anxiety is an emotional response to your financial situation. It is a feeling of apprehension, fear, or worry about your finances. Experiencing financial anxiety doesn’t necessarily mean that you lack funds. You could be worried about losing all your savings or troubled that your income may not be able to meet up to your financial needs. Other times, financial anxiety happens because you don’t understand terms or financial management.

What Causes Financial Anxiety?

Financial Anxiety can be caused by a history of deprivation, low or unsteady income, rising expenses, or accumulated debt. 

How can Money Anxiety affect you?

Financial anxiety can make it hard to live a happy and fulfilling life. It can affect your daily life and your relationships with others. It can also factor into mental health and emotional concerns, including sleep deprivation, which can lead to high blood pressure, depression, and heart disease. Furthermore, if worry about money and it becomes overwhelming, you might find yourself turning to alcohol or other substances to cope, which can lead to substance abuse.

How to Cope With Financial Anxiety Ahead of a New Year. 

Here are 7 ways to cope with financial anxiety:

1. Find the Root Cause

The first step to dealing with any situation is acknowledging that there is an issue to cope with, and subsequently finding the source of the problem. What aspect of your finances is keeping you awake at night? Is it a lack of income or not enough of it? Too much debt? Or perhaps you have enough now but you’re worried about retirement? Identifying the cause of your anxiety is the first step to coping with it.

2. Make a plan

After you know the source of your anxiety, it is easier to plan accordingly. If you don’t have an income or need to supplement your current income, you could draw up an action plan on how to get a well-paying job or work out other ways you can earn money by leveraging your education or skills. Having a plan in place can help to lessen your anxiety because it gives you something positive to look forward to.

3. Create a Budget

A budget helps to ensure that your expenses do not exceed your income. It enables you to plan where your money will go each month and how much you can spend on each activity or expense category. Setting a firm limit on each expense can go a long way to giving you a sense of financial security.

4. Ask for Help

Anyone can experience money anxiety or financial problems, even people in your circle who seem to be living their best life. As hard as admitting it to others can be, telling trusted friends and loved ones can be very helpful. It gives you the opportunity to: offload your chest by venting your fears and worries, receive a helping hand, brainstorm solutions with your friends and family.

5. Practice relaxation Techniques

It is difficult to plan effectively when you’re stressed. If you’re finding it hard to focus while budgeting or working on your finances, a 10-15 minute relaxation break can help ground you and improve your mood and focus. Some of the relaxation techniques include you can try out are :Listening to music that you love, taking a long and quiet walk, meditation, and breathing exercises.

6. Learn About Money

If reading financial contracts triggers anxiety, consider brushing up on your financial jargon and learning finance management. The key is to learn in bits and pieces, to avoid the risk of overwhelming yourself more. Alternatively, you could hire a financial coach to help explain confusing terms in words you can easily understand. 

7. Be Positive

It is impossible to overcome any situation with a negative mindset. Negative thoughts and words only worsen anxiety. Think positive and believe that you can overcome the situation. Developing the habit of positive affirmations over your finances can keep you in the right frame of mind to be able to execute other coping mechanisms.

Our final words,

The year has just begun, but worrying about money can leave you overwhelmed and unhappy. Over time, it could also contribute to serious mental health concerns, including chronic anxiety and depression. While resolving long-standing financial challenges can take time, a positive mindset and a plan can help you deal more efficiently with them. Furthermore, you don’t have to navigate your fears alone. Seek help from people you trust. If your situation is overwhelming, consider getting professional help by speaking to a life coach or therapist on the DRO Health app. Visit www.drohealth.com to get started today.

The post 7 Ways To Cope With Financial Anxiety Ahead of a New Year. appeared first on DRO Health.

According to World Health Organization (W.H.O), neglecting the importance of mental and emotional health in the workplace may lead to other problems; While another report states that at least 1 in 4 persons will be affected by a mental health challenge at some point in life. Some of these workplace problems may be: excessive use of alcohol, over-dependence on caffeine, harmful use of drugs, absenteeism or loss of interest at work.

For these reasons, many organizations- locally and internationally, are putting more efforts to support their employees’ mental and emotional health. For some Nigerian companies, they include ‘mental health therapy packages’ as an added benefit of working with them. And while these efforts are very necessary, nobody can manage yourself like you do.

Managing your mental and emotional health might be difficult, but if you continue long-term, you’ll start to feel better especially at work and more efficient. This post aims to highlight 5 ways you can manage mental and emotional stress at work.

1. Purposely create time to look after yourself.

‘All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.’ This statement is true in how you approach your work lifestyle. Playing doesn’t necessarily mean having fun, it can also mean doing things that could help you clear your mind. You can read your favorite book or novel, take a long walk, have a hot bath, go for a short drive, call a friend, take yourself out to your favorite restaurant, see a movie. If you have the means, you can use your annual leave to go on a vacation for a change of scenery or environment.

2. Remember to nourish your body properly.

If you work from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, it can be easy to forget to eat or drink well. The importance of eating well is that it nourishes your body, mind and gives you strength. Rather than resorting to fast food or junk, make it a conscious habit to eat a balanced meal at least once in a day. Ensure your meal includes vegetables, protein, fats & oil, carbohydrates, fruits and clean water. This way your body is rejuvenated and your mind is sharp.

3. Exercise and practice yoga.

Participating in physical activities like exercises is a way to manage mental and emotional stress at work. For simple exercises, you can take a long walk early in the morning or late or night to clear your head and breathe out. You can also jog around your house to release any built-up stress in your muscles. If you’re not a fan of exercises, you can practice yoga at home. Yoga helps you to connect with your innermost self to find peace from within and breathe from a happy place.

With simple exercise and yoga, you can always practice at home without any distractions. And they are a great way to release endorphins (stress relief hormones).

4. Meditate daily on positive affirmations.

Daily affirmations are positive words of encouragement that build up how you view yourself. Rather than reflecting on the things that you hate about your workplace, you can reflect on the future you’re building. Affirmations have a great effect on your mood and can help you manage your stress level.

5. Speak to a therapist on DRO Health.

Feeling stressed and overwhelmed especially with activities from work is 100% normal. It is a part of life, however if you feel constantly overwhelmed, you should speak to a therapist immediately.

On the DRO Health app, we have professional therapists who can help you manage your mental and emotional stressors at your workplace. We have a mental health plan you can subscribe to. The weekly mental health plan can be subscribed to at N4,000. While the monthly plan goes for N8,000.

Always remember that you’re not a robot and you if you’re dealing with more than you can handle; detach and take a break. Speak to a therapist on the DRO Health app, if you’ve tried all the tips listed above.

Download the DRO Health app and take free mental health assessments (anxiety, depression, stress, sex addiction, gambling, etc.) Reach out to get all the support you deserve on your mental health journey.

The post 5 Ways To Manage Mental and Emotional Stress At Work. appeared first on DRO Health.

In a bid to spread more awareness to many Nigerian women, DRO Health spoke to a Nonye Ezeaka, a Nigerian woman who had a breast cancer scare when she was 19 years old. Read her story below.

1. How old were you when you felt lumps in your breast?

Nonye: I think I was around 19-20 years old when I felt it.

2. How did you feel and what was your reaction?

Nonye: Okay, so I didn’t want to believe it at first when I felt the lump. I was settling down to sleep so I brushed aside the thought. But when I woke up, I checked again and the lump was still there it was a call for panic.

3. On which breast did you feel the lump in?

Nonye: The lump was growing in my left breast.

4. Is there a history of breast cancer in your family? Has anyone in your family tree had breast cancer?

Nonye: No, no one in my family has had breast cancer before.

5. How did you find the lump at first? Through a breast self-exam or a diagnostic test?

Nonye: I was at home when I felt the lump, so I’ll say through a self breast exam. I went for an ultrasound later on.

6. What were the next steps for you after confirming there was a lump in your breast?

Nonye: I went to the breast clinic in Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) to confirm if the lump was benign or cancerous. Thankfully it was benign, so that was a relief. I just had to go through some more tests to confirm was really benign and had not spread.

7. How many more tests did you go through to confirm?

Nonye: I went through two more tests before a confirmation was given. I had to go through an ultrasound and I had a Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) procedure carried out.

8. What was the process to get the lump removed from your breast?

Nonye: The lump was removed through a surgical process. A simple lump excision or lumpectomy was carried out. The procedure was simple and pain free, I was given an anesthesia to numb any pain. The process took less than 2 hours in total. After the procedure I wasn’t given any drugs, just some instructions to let the wound heal properly.

9. Where did you have the lump removed and how much did it cost?

Nonye: The lump was removed at a private hospital in Ikeja, Lagos. The procedure cost around 80,000 Naira.

10. Nowadays are you taking any conscious efforts to ensure you’re healthy and safe in the future?

Nonye: Nothing specific. Nowadays, I just try to be more conscious about living a healthier lifestyle.

11. What’s your message to other Nigerian women about breast cancer?

Nonye: Learn how to perform breast self-examinations.

Some early signs of breast cancer are: swelling, bulging of the skin, redness, fluids from the nipples, inverted nipples, etc. You can perform a breast self-exam on yourself at home to detect these signs early enough. If you feel the need to speak to a professional at anytime, you can do so on the DRO Health app. You can also book for a breast cancer diagnostic test on the app or visit www.drohealth.com to start.

The post Breast Cancer Awareness: She found a lump in her breast at 19. appeared first on DRO Health.

The changes that occur inwardly- your digestive and respiratory systems- should be monitored carefully and routinely through diagnostic tests and checkups. Getting diagnostic tests helps to detect any lurking diseases or conditions early enough.

Some diagnostic tests cost more than others, however, you can book affordable diagnostic tests through the DRO Health app.

In this post, you’ll learn about 7 important diagnostic tests every adult should take. These tests are vital to your wellbeing and shouldn’t be ignored.

1. Blood pressure test:

A blood pressure test is bound to save your heart from a log of future health complications like a heart attack, stroke, heart disease, and others. Your blood pressure is connected to the most vital organs in the human body – The heart. The blood pressure also connects to the arteries, brain, kidneys and eyes.

If you’re under 40 years old, you should take a blood pressure test at least every 2 years. However at over 40 years, you are prone to a higher blood pressure. Take constant blood pressure tests and regulate your lifestyle. High blood pressure is the biggest cause of a heart disease.

2. Diabetes test:

As an adult, you should ensure that you get tested for diabetes at least every 2 years. A diabetes test involves a fasting blood sugar level test. This test measures the amount of glucose in your blood after fasting (the time before you have breakfast). If you’re over 40 years of age or your family has a history of diabetes, it’s best to get tested every year. Getting tested for diabetes helps to prevent a lot of future complications in your digestive system early enough.

3. Sexually transmissible infection (STI) test:

If you’re already sexually active as an adult, it is important to get tested regularly. The most common type of STI is Chlamydia, and it is important to get tested for it every year. Other STIs like HIV/AIDS, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Herpes, require a more complicated set of tests with a doctor’s recommendation.

4. Cervical Screening test:

Early cervical screening tests help detect and prevent cervical cancer. This screening test, aka The pap smear test, checks for human papilloma virus in a woman’s body system. The HP virus is the cause of cervical cancer, but if detected early enough can be prevented or treated.

Cervical screening test is recommended for women who are sexually active and are between the ages of 21 to 74 years. This screening test is best recommended every 3 years for women between 21-65 years old.

5. Breasts screening test:

This type of test is also called a Mammogram. It is the best type of test to detect breast cancer early enough. Yearly mammograms are recommended for women who are in there 40s and above. However, women in their 20s and 30s should get basic breast screening tests every 3 years.As a woman if you notice the slightest change in the way your breast looks or feels, see a doctor immediately or book a breast screening test.

6. Prostate cancer test:

Getting your prostate checked regularly as a man is medically advised. Prostate cancer mostly affects men who are above 45 years, however early routine checks can prevent future complications.

Prostate screening tests are of two types, which are:

• Digital rectal examination (DRE):

A Urologist or doctor inserts a finger into the rectum to feel if the prostate is enlarged or has lumps.

• Prostate-Specific antigen (PSA) test:

This test measures the blood level of a protein produced by the prostate gland.

7. Hepatitis B virus test:

Hepatitis B vaccine is best administered to a child from birth. The hepatitis B is an infection that affects the liver and can cause other life threatening diseases. It is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV).

Hepatitis B is mostly spread from mother to child at birth, but it can be spread through other unhealthy ways. There is no cure for hepatitis B, however a vaccine can help to prevent it. Also taking regular hepatitis tests is recommended to detect it early. You can book to take the vaccine that is safe and 100% effective on the DRO Health app today.

DRO Health has recently partnered with Chem Health to provide diagnostic tests for our users in Abuja, Nigeria. You can book a test on the DRO Health app courtesy of Chem Health and get the best service at home or at their lab. Getting routine diagnostic tests early enough prevents you from having health complications that involve spending heavily on treatments.

The DRO Health app is available for download on the app store (iOS) or on the Google playstore (android).

The post 7 Important Diagnostic Tests Every Adult Should Take. appeared first on DRO Health.

September 1st-30th 2022 is recognized as World Suicide prevention month, and this year’s theme is “Creating Hope Through Action.” According to the World Health Organization (W.H.O) about 703,000 commit suicide yearly, and millions of people battle with suicidal thoughts and exhibit suicidal behaviors. According to a report, Nigeria has the highest number of suicide deaths compared to other African countries.

By encouraging and creating hope through action, we decided to speak to a suicide survivor and close relative of a person who committed suicide. In this post, she lets us in on how her brother’s death affected her, how she battled constant suicide thoughts, her recovery process and where she is mentally now. This is a story of survival and hope.

Before his suicide and death

My brother was the best thing that ever happened to me; he was my gift from heaven. We were twins and we did almost everything together. If I had a bad day he was the first to notice, if I had good news he was the first person I’d run to before anyone else in the world. I come from a Christian home where my parents are fanatics, especially my mother. My brother was the liveliest person that existed on earth and there was nothing you could do to piss him off. He was also a good Christian and he showed it and embodied Christian values.

Growing up, my father always wanted my brother to be a Doctor for reasons nobody understood. My brother was a bright student, so my father believed that he could be a doctor and he put his foot down on it. On the other hand, my brother wanted to be an Accountant, he had brains for Mathematics and all those calculations. He respected my father and went on to study Medicine, but after 7 years and constant strikes, he had spent almost 9 years in the University. My brother always pleaded with my father to let him switch courses but my father was more concerned about what people would say and how he wasn’t going to be the ‘father of a doctor.’

When he committed suicide

I always thought of suicide deaths as something that only existed in movies, and could never happen to me. On the day it happened, I woke up feeling sick and nauseous but I couldn’t tell why. We had our family devotion where my brother took the morning prayers and prayed for an extra 30 minutes, while my siblings and I were wondering why. My parents felt proud because he prayed fervently, while my other siblings and I teased him. Schools were on strike, so we were all home except my other siblings who followed my mother to the market. My brother and I mostly stayed at home because we were home buddies.

At exactly 3:27pm on a Tuesday five years ago, I came into my brother’s room and found him hanging from the rope tied to a ceiling fan in his room. I cannot remember what happened after that because after I screamed for help I fainted and woke up in a hospital two days later. That’s how traumatized I was, I can only remember what his face looked like and how I thought it was a ghost. The days after I left the hospital, I lived like a Zombie because I could hardly eat food or drink water or even talk to anybody. I wanted to die and I looked for ways to end my life. I thought life was tasteless without my brother.

My parents are fanatics, so everyone prayed, we weren’t allowed to blame God, they only asked God why and said it was his will. I was so mad at my parents and for those years, I hated them. At some point, my father blamed himself for pushing my brother to the wall and causing him to take his life. He went through his own torture, and I saw how much he suffered within himself for it. After my brother’s death, his things were moved, people came to visit us, Pastors came in and out and yet I couldn’t think of never seeing my brother again.

Finding Therapy and forgiving my parents

In March 2019, I attempted suicide.

I felt that praying away my sadness would help because that is what my brother would have done. When praying and fasting wasn’t working, I found out about how people cut or hurt themselves to escape and feel pain at the same time. I started slicing my body with razors and I started doing drugs at the same time. My first introduction to drugs started with brownies and from there I graduated to chewing it or always taking it with my meals. During the Covid-19 lockdown, I was almost useless as I couldn’t live a day without weed or alcohol; it helped me get away from the pain and depression for a while. When the lockdown was easing a bit, one of my very close friends came to visit and her visit changed my life. I cried and lamented to her about my life. She was the first person to tell me that I had to see a Therapist because I was depressed and it could get worse if I attempted another suicide. She introduced me to a Therapist who I have been going to almost everyday since 2020.

After I started therapy, I found yoga and I have never been happier. I’m not where I was before my brother died, but I have definitely come a long way from who I used to be. I’ve forgiven my father because I saw that he couldn’t forgive himself, I’ve forgiven my mother for egging my father and never siding with my brother. My two siblings are being the best they can always be and we have bonded more than ever. I can say that my brother’s suicide led me to therapy and I’m on a conscious journey to a positive mental health.

Many persons in Nigeria struggle everyday with their mental health. In taking conscious steps to create a safe space for mental health patients in Nigeria, DRO Health offers a mental health package. On the DRO Health app, we have Therapists waiting to speak with and also help you on your journey. Visit the DRO Health app to speak to a therapist today.

The post My Brother’s Suicide Led Me to Therapy. appeared first on DRO Health.