Month: April 2024

African Vaccination Week / World Immunization Week

Posted on by Shazia Kassim

The week of 24th to 30th April, aims to promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against diseases that can be prevented through vaccines. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that immunization campaigns have put an end to smallpox; almost defeating polio and has ensured more children live more than ever before. Those clinic and doctor visits with babies create a big opportunity for our children to live free of disease.

In the last 50 years, we went from a world where a death of a child was a high possibility to death no-longer being feared because vaccines or immunization have given children a chance to live and thrive.

It has been important for countries to make big efforts to invest in immunization programmes to prevent such diseases in future generations and for parents to ensure that children take up all necessary immunizations during their life course. …The guidelines for the full course of immunizations and vaccines a child needs at different ages are provided in the road to health card.

Vaccines also provided to young people and adults provide the same protection. For example, a young person who takes an HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine reduces their chances of contracting cervical cancer and thus long -term disease. Girls from the ages 9 – 14 are encouraged to take the HPV vaccine. For those who are older and are sexually active, there are higher chances of experiencing symptoms of HPV, amongst other STIs. While the immune system can remove those symptoms, with high-risk HPV, abnormal cells can develop causing the chances of cervical cancer to increase.

The other example is the Influenza (flu) vaccine, without which, 90% of children under 5 years die yearly. The flu vaccine is one of the only ways to prevent outcomes caused by the influenza virus, like flu.

Measles – this is highly contagious and airborne (transported by the air) and is caused by a virus that can lead to serious complications or even death. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose and rash all over the body. It is common in children and very few cases in older people. The vaccine is safe and helps your body fight off the virus.

These are just some examples of important immunizations and vaccines that can help prevent diseases and save lives. All of these can be found in public clinics and hospitals as well as private facilities.

In light of vaccination week, let’s all make sure that we are in-line with immunizations as well as necessary vaccines, by going to our nearest clinic or doctor, to find out what vaccines we should be taking at our respective ages. Take your flu shot this year, before winter kicks in.

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me on Facebook Message,  Instagram message,  Twitter DM, or WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657)

Freedom Day 2024

Posted on by Shazia Kassim

This day celebrates the first democratic elections held in South Africa on the 27th April 1994. This was the first national elections held after apartheid, where anyone could vote regardless of race.

More importantly, Freedom Day is the day where we remember the many sacrifices made by freedom fighters to ensure our democracy and freedom…and “with freedom comes great responsibility”.

This year marks the 150 years anniversary of our struggle icon and human rights campaigner, Charlotte Maxeke. Charlotte and many other women fought against oppression at a time where people of colour and women were oppressed and ‘fighting the system’ was a violation in itself.

All citizens of South are now freely allowed to vote for the government the prefer, under a democratic constitution.

Text block with South African flag background, text describing what democracy is.

 

What are my rights and responsibilities as a young person living in South Africa?

Children have the right to shelter, health care and to be fed. All children and adults have the right to information and education. All people have a right to freedom of expression, opinion, who they associate with including who they choose to marry regardless of race, the freedom to choose religion and the freedom of movement (in the past people of colour had restricted movement and had to produce an identity document (ID) wherever they went).

Everyone has a right to life, equality and human dignity which includes the right to be free from torture, which was practiced before democracy as well as the right to a safe environment and the right to work.

“With great power comes great responsibility” said the great scholar, Voltaire. Our version as young people in South Africa – with great rights comes great responsibility.

As youth, we should always remember what it took for us to earn the freedom we have now. Violating other people’s dignity (Example, bullying), not allowing others to voice their opinions; ridiculing other people’s religions; gender or race are ways of ruining our hard-earned democracy.

Freedom also doesn’t mean that we get careless about our health or livelihood, it is our responsibility to ensure that we take up health care services, treat everyone equally, take opportunities to learn and be educated while making sure we’re continuing to treasure the democracy fought on our behalf. As a country, we’re still falling short on fully delivering on some of the services that speak to this democracy but it is the responsibility of each person to ensure that we all live freely in our country.

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, an  Instagram message, a  Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657)

Why am I obsessed with this person?

Posted on by Shazia Kassim

Being young and in love can be exciting, just a rollercoaster of emotions so it’s not surprising to find yourself completely consumed by thoughts of your partner. Whether it’s your first crush or a long-term partner, the intensity of emotions can sometimes border on obsession. But why does this happen? And more importantly, how can you ensure your relationships stay healthy and balanced?

 

The Science Behind Obsession

When you’re in love with someone, your brain releases a flood of chemicals. These chemicals create a euphoric(joyful) feeling, making you feel like you’re on cloud nine whenever you’re with your partner. This rush of excitement can easily tip over into obsession if not kept in check.

 

Why Obsession Isn’t Healthy

Obsession in relationships can lead to a few problems. It might cause you to neglect other areas of your life, like schoolwork, friendships, or personal hobbies. Constantly thinking about your partner can also create unrealistic expectations and put unnecessary pressure on the relationship. Plus, if the other person doesn’t reciprocate your level of intensity, it can lead to feelings of rejection and heartache.

 

Cultivating Healthy Relationships

So, how can you ensure your relationships stay healthy and balanced? Here are a few tips:

 

Maintain Independence:  While it’s natural to want to spend a lot of time with your partner, it’s important to maintain your individuality. Make sure you’re still pursuing your own interests and spending time with friends and family outside of your relationship.

 

Communication is Key: Open and honest communication is the foundation of any healthy relationship. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your feelings or your partner’s behavior, don’t be afraid to talk about it. Addressing issues early can prevent them from becoming bigger problems down the road.

 

Set Boundaries: Creating boundaries is important for maintaining a healthy balance in your relationship. Make sure both you and your partner are comfortable with the amount of time you spend together and the level of intimacy you share. Respect each other’s personal space and individuality.

 

Focus on Self-Growth: Instead of pouring all your energy into your relationship, take some time to focus on your own personal growth and development. Pursue your passions, set goals for yourself, and work on becoming the best version of yourself.

 

Seek Support if Needed: If you find that you’re struggling to break free from obsessive thoughts or behaviors, don’t hesitate to seek support from a trusted adult, such as a parent, teacher, or counselor. They can offer guidance and support to help you navigate your feelings in a healthy way.

 

Obsession in relationships is a common experience, especially during your teenage years. But it’s important to recognize when these feelings are becoming unhealthy and take steps to cultivate a balanced and fulfilling relationship.

 

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, an  Instagram message, a  Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657)

Let’s Talk About: Home remedies for terminating pregnancy.

Posted on by Shazia Kassim

Hey Chomas,

So, I’ve been getting a lot of questions around home remedies for terminating pregnancy (Abortion), especially on “does coke and disprin work for abortion”?

This is only one of the home remedies that young women have used to get rid of pregnancy and your Choma is here to get real with you about that!

Well… disprin for one is an aspirin, an over-the-counter medication which is usually taken for mild to moderate pain such as headaches, nerve pain and to also treat fever associated with colds and flu.

A person who’s pregnant is not advised to take anything more than a necessary panado, as it is risky to the pregnant woman and her baby.

What does a home remedy like disprin do to a pregnant woman, her fetus or unborn baby?

It induces the pregnancy…inducing means using a strategy to start a process of labour. So, that will basically cause the fetus or baby to ‘escape the womb’. Inducing labour is only supposed to be done by a health professional (doctor) as there is a risk to the unborn baby or mother or if at due time of labour, the baby needs to come out to stop it from losing its life. These safe strategies conducted by a doctor are proven methods which ensure that the mother and baby remain safe.

So, what is this big risk about inducing pregnancy with things like disprin?

It will not only induce the pregnancy but will cause a life threat to the pregnant mother. What will happen is that you can experience what is called a partial miscarriage or incomplete abortion, which means some fetal tissue will still be left in the womb of the woman (also known as kobo in Sesotho)…this can be fatal, meaning cause death, for the woman because of the unusual bleeding or high infection due to the fetal tissue. This can only be treated medically.

A high dosage of disprin may also cause liver or kidney disorders, even affect the gastrointestinal tract (a pathway where food enters and solid waste is released). In short Chomas, disprin and coke are NOT safe pregnancy termination methods.

Tip: Rather rely on contraceptives to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Use methods such as PrEP to prevent HIV and make sure you learn about your sexual health, so that you keep your body healthy and make better life choices.

Still got questions, feel free to send me a message.

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, an  Instagram message, a  Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657)

Puberty: How to Treat Acne

Posted on by Shazia Kassim

Acne. It’s a word that can make any teenager cringe. But what exactly is acne? Why does it happen? And most importantly, how can you treat it and stay positive while dealing with it?

 

What is Acne?

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. It often causes pimples, blackheads, or whiteheads, and can appear on the face, neck, chest, back, and shoulders.

 

What Causes Acne?

Several factors can contribute to acne, including:

  • Hormones: During puberty, your body produces more hormones, which can lead to increased oil production.
  • Genetics: If your parents had acne, you may be more likely to develop it too.
  • Diet: eating junk food such cooldrink and chips often can cause acne, make sure that you always have a balanced diet.
  • Stress: Stress can trigger hormonal changes that may worsen acne.

 

How to Treat Acne

While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for acne, there are several things you can do to help manage it:

  • Cleanse Gently: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser twice a day to remove excess oil and dirt.
  • Avoid Harsh Products: Avoid using harsh scrubs or cleansers that can irritate your skin and make acne worse.
  • Use Non-Comedogenic Products: Look for skincare and makeup products labelled “non-comedogenic,” which means they won’t clog your pores.
  • Don’t Squeeze Pimples: It can lead to scarring and further inflammation.

 

Staying Positive with Acne

Dealing with acne can be challenging, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Here are some tips for staying positive:

  • Focus on What You Can Control: While you can’t always control your acne, you can control how you take care of your skin and how you feel about yourself.
  • Practice Self-Care: Take time to do things that make you feel good, whether it’s exercising, reading, or spending time with friends.
  • Surround Yourself with Supportive People: Surround yourself with friends and family who lift you up and make you feel good about yourself.
  • Seek Professional Help if Needed: If acne is affecting your mental health, don’t hesitate to seek help.

 

Remember, acne is temporary, and with the right care and mindset, you can manage it and maintain a positive outlook.

 

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, an  Instagram message, a  Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657)

What is Autism?

Posted on by Shazia Kassim

Autism is a term you might have heard before, but what does it really mean? In simple terms, autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a developmental disorder that affects how a person communicates, interacts with others, and experiences the world around them. It’s called a “spectrum” disorder because it can affect people in different ways and to varying degrees.

 

What Causes Autism?

The exact cause of autism is not known, but researchers believe that a combination of genetic and environmental factors may play a role. This means that someone is born with autism, and it’s not something that can be caught from someone else.

 

Common Characteristics of Autism

People with autism might have difficulty with social interactions, communication, and repetitive behaviours. For example, they might have trouble understanding social cues like facial expressions or tone of voice, or they might have a strong interest in specific topics and engage in repetitive behaviours like rocking or clapping hands.

 

Autism is Part of Who Someone Is

It’s important to remember that autism is just one aspect of a person’s identity. Everyone is unique, and having autism is just one part of what makes a person who they are.

 

How to Support Someone with Autism

If you know someone with autism, there are ways you can support them. Be patient and understanding, and try to learn more about autism to better understand their perspective. Everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and respect, regardless of their differences.

 

Autism is a complex and often misunderstood condition, but with understanding and support, people with autism can lead fulfilling lives and make valuable contributions to the world around them. It’s important to be accepting of differences and to remember that everyone is unique in their own way.

 

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me on Facebook Message,  Instagram message,  Twitter DM, or WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657)