Self-Medicating Children May Cause Kidney Failure – Expert Warns
Parents have been cautioned against purchasing drugs for their children from patent medicine stores, noting that it could lead to kidney failure and other health complications.
The Head of Occupational Health and Safety Unit, Ogun State Ministry of Health, Dr. Festus Adetonwa, gave this warning during a health and safety workshop organised for staff of PUNCH Nigeria Limited at the company’s corporate headquarters in Magboro, Ogun State.
The medical expert noted that a significant number of pediatric kidney failure cases have been linked to self-medication or unauthorized prescription of drugs for children below the age of five.
He stressed that drugs should be prescribed to under-five children based on calculated height and weight.
While describing drugs as poison, the medical practitioner maintained that medicine should be the last resort for people and taken based on proper diagnosis and prescription of a medical practitioner.
Dr. Adetonwa emphasised that exercise and a balanced diet remained the best way to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
He said, “Physical activity helps to reduce the amount of fat in the body, at the same time, it tones and strengthens muscles. Physical activity is also beneficial for persons who want to gain weight. Strength training in particular helps to build muscle mass as weight gain comes from both muscle and body fat.
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“Physical activity also provides psychological advantages. Physical activity helps you to feel and look healthy, thus, improving your self-esteem.
“The first component of weight management deals with healthy eating. No food plan is magical and no specific food must be included or avoided.”
Continuing, the medical practitioner said, “Calorie intake needs to provide adequate nutrition without being excessive. There are about 3,500 calories in one pound of body fat. Thus, to lose one pound, your calorie intake must be 3,500 less than your calorie expenditure.
“Individuals who try to lose weight without physical activity may lose weight slightly faster at first. However, such weight loss comes not only from loss of body fat but also from muscle mass, which is not good for overall health.”
The medical expert also warned against sedentary lifestyle, noting that sitting on a spot for a long time can be detrimental to overall wellbeing.
Dr. Adetonwa, reiterated that early detection of visible signs could aid in the prevention of debilitating health issues like cancer, hypertension and diabetes, among others.
He urged people to regularly check their blood pressure and glucose level, as well as carry out urinalysis and blood assessments.
Regular exercise, he advised, should be a life modification people should readily embrace.
SOURCE: Punch HealthWise
