The Prevalence of Diabetes on the African Continent
Did you know that diabetes is one of the leading causes of death in the world?
Over the past three decades, the occurrence of diabetes has risen dramatically in all countries of all income levels. The prevalence of diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa is rapidly rising. This rise is due to ageing populations and lifestyle changes – including unhealthy diets and lack of physical activity.
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects your body’s ability to produce insulin, the hormone that unlocks the body’s cells, allowing it to turn food into energy. If you have diabetes, your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use the insulin it makes as well as it should.
There are two kinds of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2.
Type 1 diabetes occurs when your immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in your pancreas. This form of diabetes is, sadly, something that usually develops in children or young adults and is the more aggressive of the two types.
Type 2 diabetes is more common than Type 1. It occurs when there is an irregularity in insulin production in your body. It is more common for people over 35 to get this type of diabetes, but many younger cases have also been reported.
Diabetes on the African Continent
- 24 million adults (20-79) lived with diabetes in the IDF Africa Region in 2021. This figure is estimated to increase to 33 million by 2030 and 55 million by 2045.
- 52 million adults (20-79) in the IDF Africa Region have Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT) which places them at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- This figure is estimated to reach 71 million by 2030 and 117 million by 2045.
- 13 million adults living with diabetes in the IDF Africa Region are undiagnosed – 54% of the total number of adults with diabetes in the region.
- 1 in 8 live births in the IDF Africa Region is affected by hyperglycaemia in pregnancy.
(Source: IDF Diabetes Atlas)
What Can I Do to Reduce the Risk of Diabetes?
Lifestyle changes can prevent or at least delay type 2 diabetes. To reduce your risk of diabetes, you can make the following lifestyle changes,
- Eating fewer high-fat and high-calorie foods
- Losing body weight (if overweight)
- Increased physical activity (Exercising at least three times a week)
Euracare: Addressing Prostate Cancer in Africa.
Prostate cancer is a form of cancer that begins in the prostate gland cells and is found only in males.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. Many prostate cancers grow slowly and are confined to the prostate gland, where they may not cause serious harm. This means that many people with prostate cancer do not show any symptoms until the cancer is in its late stages.
More advanced prostate cancer may cause signs and symptoms such as:
- Trouble urinating
- Decreased force in the stream of urine
- Blood in the urine
- Blood in the semen
- Bone pain
- Losing weight without trying
- Erectile dysfunction
At Euracare, we are committed to helping reduce the prevalence of prostate cancer in the African continent. By leveraging our state-of-the-art facilities and world-class specialists, we aim to fight the prevalence of prostate cancer in Africa.
To join the fight against prostate cancer, book your prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test today and get your results in just 2 hours.
To help address the prevalence of prostate cancer in the African continent, Euracare Ghana and Euracare Nigeria are offering you the opportunity to check the health of your prostate for only GHS150 and N23,650, respectively. These offers are only available from 1 November to 31 December. To book your appointment, call or email:
Ghana: info@euracare.com.gh
Ghana: 030 273 9390
Nigeria: info@euracare.com.ng
Nigeria: +23490 8831 4660
Claim your free GP consultation today! Our experts are here to help you get ahead of your health.
Euracare Nigeria is offering you a chance to receive free registration and a free GP consultation between 1 November and 30 November.
How do I qualify for this offer?
- You must be a resident of Victoria Island or Oniru.
- You must not have registered with Euracare before or be a registered patient that has not accessed care at Euracare for the past year.
What are the benefits of visiting a GP?
- They help maintain your overall well-being and improve your quality of life.
- You will receive an expert diagnosis and understand how to treat your health conditions.
- You may get an early diagnosis of an underlying illness which can improve your chances of a successful recovery.
- They will help you effectively manage your chronic conditions.
To register and claim this offer all you have to do is:
Call: +234 (0)700 3872 2273
WhatsApp: +234 (0)90 5444 4494
Book an appointment here
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Get World-Class Health Screenings at Euracare
Everything we do is driven by our commitment to revolutionising healthcare on the African continent. Our state-of-the-art facilities and experienced staff are dedicated to ensuring you receive the highest level of care possible. We offer various medical services, from full cardiac screenings to comprehensive breast cancer screening packages.
How to Keep Your Heart Healthy
When it comes to heart health, it’s important to be proactive. Many people wait until they experience symptoms of heart disease before getting screened, but by then, it may be too late.
A full cardiac screening can provide peace of mind and help you catch any potential problems early. This simple test can give you peace of mind by checking for any potential problems with your heart and blood vessels. The screening usually only takes a few minutes and is painless.
If you’re over 40 or have other risk factors for heart disease, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about getting a cardiac screening. It is one of the best ways to prevent heart disease. Don’t wait until it’s too late to take care of your heart. Get a full cardiac screening at Euracare Ghana today.
To make an appointment, call 0500 809 024 or email info@euracare.com.gh.
How Breast Cancer Screenings Can Save Your Life
Breast cancer is the second most common form of cancer in women. The good news is that breast cancer is highly treatable when caught early. That’s why it’s so important to get screened regularly.
Euracare Ghana is offering a breast cancer screening package between 1 October and 30 November. To book an appointment, call: 030 273 9390
There are several ways to screen for breast cancer, including mammograms, breast ultrasounds, and self-breast exams. At Euracare, we offer two main breast cancer screenings:
Mammogram
A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast. Doctors use a mammogram to look for early signs of breast cancer.
Mammograms are an important tool in the early detection of breast cancer. They can often find tumours that are too small to feel, and they can also help identify breast changes that may be early signs of cancer.
If you’re over 40 or have a family history of breast cancer, make an appointment for a mammogram today. It could be the best decision you ever make.
Euracare Nigeria is offering mammograms for just N30,000 until 30 November. To make an appointment, call or WhatsApp us at +23490 8831 4660
Breast ultrasound
A breast ultrasound is a safe and non-invasive test that can help to identify small tumours that may not be detectable through a mammogram. Ultrasound is particularly effective in younger women, as their breast tissue is typically denser and more difficult to image with x-rays.
If you are concerned about your risk of breast cancer, we can help.
Euracare Nigeria is offering ultrasound screenings for just N22,500 until 30 November. To make an appointment, call or WhatsApp us at +23490 8831 4660
Screening for breast cancer can save your life. Get an ultrasound screening today.
A Hospital in Your Home
When it comes to your health, there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution. That’s why Euracare Hospital and Wellness Centre offers a variety of at-home services, so you can receive the care and treatment that’s right for you in the comfort of your own home. Our at-home services include:
- Laboratory Services
- EMS Pulse
- Medical Services
If you’re looking for convenience, comfort, and expert care, look no further than Euracare Hospital and Wellness Centre.
At Euracare, we believe that every patient deserves world-class care. We offer a wide range of services and treatments that are designed to meet the unique needs of each individual who comes to us for help.
If you are looking for quality care, book an appointment with us today. We look forward to meeting you and giving you the best possible care.
Book an appointment here
Ghana: info@euracare.com.gh
Nigeria: info@euracare.com.ng
Nigeria: +234 700 3872 2273
Ghana: +233 500 809 024
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What You Need to Know About Breast Cancer Awareness Month
What You Need to Know About Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and there’s no better time to learn about the disease, its symptoms, and how to prevent it.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, and though survival rates have improved in recent years, it’s still a leading cause of cancer death in women.
Anyone can get breast cancer, but certain risk factors make some women more likely to develop the disease. These include:
- Increasing age
- A family history of breast cancer
- Dense breasts
- Personal history of certain forms of cancer
Luckily, you can take steps to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer. These include:
- Staying at a healthy weight
- Exercising regularly
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Not smoking
- Undergoing regular screenings
“There can be life after breast cancer. The prerequisite is early detection.” – Ann Jillian.
Breast cancer awareness is important because it can save lives. The earlier the disease is detected, the better the chances of successful treatment. So make sure to talk to your doctor about your risk factors and get screened regularly.
Early detection is key when it comes to treating breast cancer successfully. There are two main types of screenings:
- Mammography: An x-ray exam of the breasts can detect tumours that cannot be felt during a CBE. It is recommended that women age 40 and over get a mammogram every one to two years.
- Clinical breast exams (CBEs): Clinical breast exams are physical exams performed by healthcare professionals that look for changes in the breasts that may be signs of cancer.
Though great strides have been made in early detection and treatment options, breast cancer remains the most common tumour diagnosed in females globally (with the exception of non-melanoma skin cancers).
While breast cancer awareness is incredibly important, it’s not just something we should think about during October – it’s something we should be aware of all year round!
Earlier this year, Euracare Dialysis Centre proudly partnered with Maud Lokko Breast Cancer Foundation at Lekam Hospital to offer free breast screening to 266 patients onsite. Through early detection, people can receive more treatment options and have a better chance of survival.
Euracare offers world-class interventional oncology services. We provide management and services for many types of oncological conditions. To learn more about our specialist services, visit www.euracarehealth.com.
Ghana: info@euracare.com.gh
Nigeria: info@euracare.com.ng
Nigeria: +234 700 3872 2273
Ghana: +233 500 809 024
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Euracare offers advanced diagnostic services
Euracare offers advanced diagnostic services
Don’t waste precious time on the wrong treatment. Get an accurate diagnosis at Euracare.
The future of healthcare has never looked brighter! With diagnostic services on the rise, preventive therapy through regular testing is becoming more popular than ever before.
Being healthy often translates to a balanced diet, and regular exercise while going to the doctor is associated with being sick. People believe you should wait to seek medical attention until something happens. In reality, maintaining good health requires routine checkups with your doctor for preventative care. A timely diagnosis of any ailment can improve successful treatment and prevent the condition from worsening.
Why a preventive health checkup is important
Enhances longevity
Preventative treatment increases your lifespan. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve your quality of life. In some cases, if a condition is detected early, doctors are able to stop the disease from developing.
Improves your health
Preventive care allows medical professionals to detect problems before they become too severe. Annual wellness visits typically include weight assessments and blood tests that can identify diabetes, cholesterol, and thyroid levels, along with radiology investigations like x-ray, ECGs, and stress tests that can diagnose medical ailments early.
Reduced medical expenses
Maintaining your health is the best way to avoid excessive medical expenditures. Early detection of a problem can help you significantly reduce costs and get treatment sooner, which means better outcomes for both yourself and your wallet!
Services offered:
- Pathology services
- X-ray
- Advanced cardiac imaging
- CT Scan
- MRI
- Ultrasound
- 3D dental panoramic x-ray
- Digital mammography
Advanced diagnostic testing solutions have made early medical intervention possible. They help healthcare experts develop the best treatment plan for their patients.
Our cutting-edge equipment ensures that we provide you with advanced diagnostic services and world-class care. To book an appointment for your next checkup or wellness screening, visit www.euracarehealth.com
Ghana: info@euracare.com.gh
Nigeria: info@euracare.com.ng
Nigeria: +234 700 3872 2273
Ghana: +233 500 809 024
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We use embolisation to treat certain cancers and non-cancerous growths
We use embolisation to treat certain cancers and non-cancerous growths
What is embolisation?
Almost any area of the body can be treated with embolisation to control or stop irregular bleeding. Embolisation is frequently used to treat the following conditions:
- Certain cancers and non-cancerous growths through prostatic artery embolisation (PAE) and uterine fibroid embolisation (UFE). The discomfort brought on by tumour bleeding can be lessened by embolisation.
- Bleeding that follows a severe injury. This therapy is well suited for controlling bleeding in the abdomen or pelvis.
- Bleeding from lesions in the digestive tract, such as ulcers or diverticulitis. In cases of gastrointestinal bleeding from any source, embolisation is frequently used as the first line of therapy.
- Bleeding caused by vascular abnormalities.
What is prostatic embolisation?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) causes discomfort in the lower urinary tract that can be alleviated with a minimally invasive procedure called prostatic artery embolisation (PAE). The most frequent benign tumour identified in men is BPH, which is an enlargement of the prostate gland that is not malignant.
What are the symptoms of BPH
- Urgent or frequent need to urinate.
- Increased frequency of urination at night (nocturia)
- Difficulty urinating.
- Inconsistent urine stream
- Dribbling at the end of urination.
- Inability to empty the bladder.
What is uterine fibroid embolisation?
What are uterine fibroids, and how do they occur?
Fibroid tumours are benign, non-cancerous growths that form in the uterine muscle. Although fibroids do not usually manifest symptoms, for some women, they can cause discomfort and severe bleeding due to their size and placement. After menopause, when the blood level of the feminine hormone oestrogen drastically drops, they usually get better. However, menopausal women receiving hormone replacement treatment and more oestrogen may not experience any symptom relief.
Symptoms of fibroids?
Depending on location, size and number of fibroids, they may cause:
- Heavy, prolonged and irregular menstrual periods
- Pelvic pain, pressure or heaviness
- Frequent back or leg pains
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Bladder pressure causing a constant urge to urinate
- Bowel pressure, leading to constipation and bloating
- Abnormally enlarged abdomen
Benefits of embolisation
Embolisation is non-surgical and minimally invasive, which means you will experience:
- Less pain
- Low risk of infection
- Short hospital stays
- Quick recovery time
- Less scarring
Our interventional radiologists, Dr Hammed Ninalowo and Dr Benjamin Dabo Sarkodie are highly trained to perform PAE, UFE, and other minimally invasive procedures.
To book your appointment visit https://www.euracarehealth.com/appointment/ or contact
Dr Hammed Ninalowo (Nigeria)
+234 700 3872 2273
Dr Dr Benjamin Dabo Sarkodie (Ghana)
+233 500 809 024
To learn more about prostate cancer, visit our YouTube channel. Also, watch our UFE video here.
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Don’t let your weight drag you down
Don’t let your weight drag you down
If you’re suffering from obesity, weight-loss surgery could change your life. Euracare offers multiple services and procedures to assist with weight loss and improving longevity.
You should consider bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery) if you cannot achieve weight loss through a healthy diet, regular exercise, or prescribed medication. Although weight loss surgery is not a quick fix or an easy way out, it is a safe alternative for individuals struggling to achieve sustainable weight loss results.
Different bariatric surgeries are performed depending on the patient’s individual needs. Gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy are the most common procedures. Bariatric surgery decreases the stomach’s storage capability and reduces food intake making you feel full sooner than usual. Specific bariatric procedures also restrict calorie absorption.
There are endless benefits to bariatric surgery that not only enhance your physical performance and appearance but also improve your emotional well-being:
A weight reduction will result in:
- Increased mobility and better quality of life
- Decreased chance of type 2 diabetes
- Improved cardiovascular health and reduced blood pressure
- Alleviate other medical conditions
- Eliminate obstructive sleep apnea
- Reduce joint pain
All the gain without the pain
If you’re looking for a less invasive method to assist with weight loss, Wellness Centre Nigeria offers electro muscle stimulation therapy (EMS).
Electro muscle stimulation (EMS) stimulates muscle contraction using electrical impulses, strengthening weak muscles, reducing swelling, relieving pain, and assisting wounds throughout the healing process.
With EMS therapy, you can quickly burn 2500 calories per session, which equals 4-6 hours of conventional training.
Other than weight loss, EMS has multiple benefits, which include:
- Reduced pain when performing physical activity
- Muscle contraction to help maintain muscle tone and strength
- Tissue and injury healing
To book an appointment or find out more about our weight loss services, visit https://www.euracarehealth.com/
For any requests or booking information, reach out to us using the following email addresses:
Ghana: internationalpatients@euracare.com.gh
Nigeria: internationalpatients@euracare.com.ng
Nigeria: +234 700 3872 2273
Ghana: +233 500 809 024
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Interventional Cardiology
What is interventional cardiology?
Interventional cardiology uses nonsurgical, catheter-based procedures to treat conditions such as:
- Congenital heart disease
- Heart valve abnormalities
- Clogged or weak blood vessels and restricted arteries
What to expect when visiting an interventional cardiologist:
- A medical history evaluation and physical exam to assess blood pressure, heart health, blood vessel function and lung health
- Imaging and lab tests
- Condition diagnosis and treatment plan
When should you see an interventional cardiologist?
Your primary care physician can address general heart health problems and illnesses like excessive blood pressure and high cholesterol, which raise your risk for heart disease. But you might need to see an interventional cardiologist if you experience a significant heart or blood vessel problem.
Consult an interventional cardiologist as soon as possible if you:
- Have received EKG testing variations that suggest a blockage in your coronary artery
- Had a heart attack and experienced unstable angina or heart valve dysfunction
- Require heart procedures, including angioplasty, cardiac catheterisation, or heart valve repair
Conditions treated by interventional cardiologists:
- Angina – Narrowed arteries from coronary heart disease that cause chest pain
- Heart attack – When blood clots stop the circulation of oxygen-rich blood to the heart
- Heart failure – Your heart isn’t strong enough to pump enough blood throughout your body
- ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) – A severe heart attack that happens when one of your heart arteries is blocked
- Arrhythmia – Abnormal heart rhythm (your heart beats too slow, too fast, or irregularly)
- Myocarditis – Heart inflammation
- Cardiomyopathy – An enlarged or weakened heart muscle
- Congenital heart defects – Heart issues and defects occurring at birth
Dr Tosin Majekodunmi is Euracare Nigeria’s Medical Director, Chief of cardiology, and interventional cardiologist specialising in adult and paediatric congenital and structural heart disease. Dr Tosin was determined to contribute to improving healthcare in his native Nigeria. He served as Tristate Cardiovascular Associates’ Chief of Structural Heart Disease from 2013 until joining Euracare in 2016.
At Euracare, we ensure that you receive world-class medical treatment. Our interventional cardiology team develops your care plan utilising a multidisciplinary approach best suited to your individual needs.
If you’re suffering from a heart condition or are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, book an appointment with our cardiology experts.
www.euracarehealth.com
Ghana: internationalpatients@euracare.com.gh
Nigeria: internationalpatients@euracare.com.ng
Nigeria: +234 700 3872 2273
Ghana: +233 500 809 024
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Interventional Radiology
Interventional Radiology: The Future of Minimally Invasive Medical Treatment
Introduction Interventional Radiology (IR) is an advanced medical specialty that uses minimally invasive techniques and advanced medical imaging technology to diagnose and treat various health conditions.
This innovative medical treatment approach offers patients several key benefits, including reduced recovery time, decreased pain and risk, and more cost-efficient procedures.
With technological advancements continuing to drive the growth of interventional radiology, the future looks bright for this exciting and highly impactful medical specialty.
Interventional Radiologists (IR) – What They Do
Euracare is proud to have two of West Africa’s leading experts in IR, Dr. Hammed Ninalowo and Dr. Benjamin Sarkodie, who are at the forefront of providing exceptional care to patients using this specialized treatment method.
Dr Hammed Ninalowo, is a US-trained Vascular and Interventional Radiologist who completed his training at the prestigious University of Pennsylvania and is the first US-trained Physician to offer the full spectrum of interventional Radiology services in Nigeria.
Dr. Benjamin Sarkodie is a fellow of the West African College of Surgeons and is Euracare Ghana’s Medical Director and Head of Radiology. Dr. Benjamin was the first Interventional Radiologist in Ghana.
The minimally invasive nature of IR reduces recovery duration, pain, and medical risk to patients who typically require conventional “open surgery.” With continuous technological advancement, the treatments IR can successfully perform are advancing and expanding.
Interventional Radiology is performed by an Interventional Radiologist, who uses medical imaging technology to guide a catheter or other small instruments through the body to the treatment area.
The Interventional Radiologist then performs the procedure while monitoring the real-time images of the treatment area, ensuring maximum precision and accuracy.
Procedures carried out by Interventional Radiologists
Interventional Radiologists perform a number of procedures. These including:
- Blocked Fallopian tubes
- Closed vessels
- Malignant tumors: lungs and liver cancer
- Fibroid embolization
- Non-healing ulcers on diabetic patient’s legs
- Angiography
- Angioplasty
- Stenting
- Thromboly
- Embolization of GI bleeds
- Ablation
- Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt- TIPS
- Image-guided Biopsy
- Venous Access
- Gastrointestinal Interventions
- Hepatobiliary Interventions
- Gynaecologic Intervention
- Genitourinary Interventions
- Arterial and Venous Interventions
- Dialysis Access Intervention
- Musculoskeletal Interventions
- Interventional Oncology
- Pain Management
- Lymphatic Interventions
Equipment used for interventional radiology procedures
Interventional Radiology procedures require advanced medical imaging technology and specialized equipment to ensure accuracy and precision. Some of the kits are:
- X-ray machines
- CT scanners
- MRI machines
- Ultrasound machines
These technologies and equipment allow Interventional Radiologists to perform complex procedures with optimal efficiency and minimal risk to the patient.
Overall Interventional Radiology is a cost-efficient and minimally invasive method of treating various health conditions. With advanced medical imaging technology and specialized equipment, Interventional Radiologists can provide patients with safe and effective treatments that minimize the risks associated with traditional open surgery. If you are suffering from any of the afore-mentioned conditions listed above, visit our website to book an appointment or get in touch with one of our IR specialists.
What can it treat
Interventional Radiology can treat:
- Narrowing/expanding of arteries
- Bleeding (haemorrhage)
- Blood clots in the lung (pulmonary embolism, PE)
- Dilated veins (varicose veins)
- Non-healing ulcers on diabetic patient’s legs
- Blocked veins
- Tumour therapies
- Uterine fibroids
- Kidney/gall stones
If you’re suffering from any of these diseases or require an expert diagnosis, visit our website to book an appointment or get in touch with one of our IR specialists.
Dr Hammed Ninalowo (Euracare Nigeria): +234 700 3872 2273
Dr Benjamin Dabo Sarkodie (Euracare Ghana): +233 500 809 024
Frequently Asked Questions
Answer: Interventional Radiology is a minimally invasive procedure with a lower risk of complications than traditional surgery. With advanced medical imaging and equipment, IR has become a safe and effective treatment method.
Answer: Interventional Radiology is designed to cause minimal discomfort to the patient. Most IR procedures do not require general anesthesia or local anesthesia, instead mild sedation is used. This makes the procedure less painful and less stressful for the patient.
Answer: The length of an Interventional Radiology procedure depends on the complexity of the procedure. Most IR procedures are completed within a few hours, and the patient can go home the same day. This makes IR a convenient and efficient option for many patients.
National Cancer Survivors Day is June 5th
National Cancer Survivors Day is dedicated to commemorating and honouring those who are living with a history of cancer.