GCB Health

Archive for February, 2009

The main option of getting to Sierra Leone is by air and land but you can also get there by sea.

The name Sierra Leone dates back to 1462, when a Portuguese explorer sailed down the coast of West Africa. There seems some dispute whether it was the shape or climatic conditions that influenced Pedro da Cintra to come up with Sierra Lyoa meaning Lion Mountains.

with tremendous potential from the tropical paradise of rain forests to white sandy beaches, Sierra Leones heritage, history and sophistication happily co exist with nature to create a unique harmonious ambience.

A vaccination certificate for yellow fever is required if arriving from or via an infected area. It is advisable to take anti malaria tablets and consult your doctor or travel agent at least six weeks before travel, on what other precautions should be taken when travelling to tropical regions.

Sierra Leone reflects the diverse nature of the region with people from different tribal backgrounds. These differences can be seen in the traditional music and performances of local cultural groups. Come listen to the drums of the Temne or watch the dances of the Mende. See the fire eaters or watch the Mask Devils dance.

The people of Sierra Leone welcome visitors and are proud to show off their country. There are few social restrictions though sensitivity is suggested in the more rural areas. English is widely spoken in Freetown though krio and tribal languages are more prevalent in the countryside. Translators are available.

Greetings are important in Sierra Leone. Business meetings usually begin with a formal exchange of cards and introductory speeches. Social gatherings are less formal. Always ask permission before taking pictures of nationals. In most cases they will be happy to comply especially if you send them a copy of the picture. The government discourages begging of any kind.

The largest fishing grounds for shrimp in West Africa along with tuna, snapper, mackeral, lobster and crab mean that Sierra Leone fishing can make a considerable contribution to the economy.

For the fishing enthusiast, Sierra Leone offers a good playground. You can see the sea from almost any point in Freetown which gives you a sense of the opportunities.

Recreational fishing is mostly done during the weekends with boats available from the aqua sports club.

Work is now complete on the refurbishment of the fishing camp at Bonthe on the Sherbro Islands in Sierra Leone.

Bonthe is a remote, attractive, old town on a large island off southern Sierra Leone. In colonial times it used to be a major trading centre for piassava and other agricultural products.

China’s domestic donations in both cash and goods to the quake-hit areas had risen to 1.34 billion yuan (192 million US dollars) on Thursday, according to the Ministry of Civil Affairs (MCA).

The MCA had received donations of 58 million yuan, the Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) has received 624 million yuan, and the China Charity Federation has received about 220 million yuan.

Various departments under the Central Government have donated 271 million yuan for the quake relief work from their own individual budgets and from employee donations.

Local governments have donated 380 million yuan to the affected areas in the provinces of Sichuan, Shaanxi and Gansu.

Companies and social institutions had contributed 62.13 million yuan since Monday’s devastating quake, figures from the MCA showed.

And donations from members of the country’s armed forces and para-military force has exceed 52 million yuan by Thursday noon.

In addition, enterprises and individuals from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao which invest in the mainland had donated money, food or materials.

The Ministry of Education said Hong Kong movie mogul Run Run Shaw has pledged 100 million Hong Kong dollars for the reconstruction of schools.

The Li Ka Shing foundation donated 30 million HK dollars.

By Wednesday, Taiwan-funded companies and individuals had contributed 560 million yuan in cash and relief supplies, including cement and food.

Athens Olympics 110m hurdles winner and world champion Liu Xiang and his coach, Sun Haiping, on Wednesday jointly donated 500,000 yuan.

The One Foundation Project, initiated by kung fu star Jet Li in 2007, had raised more than 24 million yuan for quake relief by Thursday. Jet Li planned to accompany the first batch of supplies to Chengdu on Saturday.

Members of the public, including small children in the country’s kindergartens, also contributed, some with years of savings.

The soaring number of blood donors has forced blood collection centers in some cities, including Beijing, Wuhan, Shenzhen, to ask donors to register in advance.

The disaster relief fund from the central budget rose to 2.24 billion yuan on Thursday, according to the Ministry of Finance.

The 7.8-magnitude quake, centered on Wenchuan County, affected many parts of the country. The death toll is expected to exceed 50,000 in Sichuan alone, according to the disaster relief headquarters.

Colon Cancer also known Colorectal cancer. Colon cancer 2nd most deaths for cancers in the US. Colon cancer is cancer that starts in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum (end of the colon). The colon is the part of the digestive system where the waste material is stored. The rectum is the end of the colon adjacent to the anus. Together, they form a long, muscular tube called the large intestine (also known as the large bowel). Tumors of the colon and rectum are growths arising from the inner wall of the large intestine. Benign tumors of the large intestine are called polyps. Cancer of the colon or rectum is also called colorectal cancer. In the United States, it is the fourth most common cancer in men and women. It is the third most common form of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the Western world. Colorectal cancer causes 655,000 deaths worldwide per year.Many colorectal cancers are thought to arise from adenomatous polyps in the colon. These mushroom-like growths are usually benign, but some may develop into cancer over time.

Colon cancer often causes no symptoms until it has reached a relatively advanced stage. Thus, many organizations recommend periodic screening for the disease with fecal occult blood testing and colonoscopy. It is common in the Western world, and is rare in Asia and Africa. In countries where the people have adopted western diets, the incidence of colorectal cancer is increasing. Most cases of colon cancer begin as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called adenomatous polyps. Polyps of the colon and rectum are almost always benign and usually produce no symptoms. They may, however, cause painless rectal bleeding or bleeding not apparent to the naked eye. There may be single or multiple polyps. Polyps greater than 1 centimeter have a greater cancer risk associated with them than polyps under 1 centimeter. Polyps with atypia or dysplasia are also more likely to progress on to colon cancer. The risk of cancer is much higher in sessile villous adenomas than in pedunculated tubular adenomas. Cancer is found in 40% of villous adenomas, as compared to 15% in tubular adenomas.

Chemotherapy is also used to treat patients with stage IV colon cancer. Surgery remains the primary treatment while chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy may be recommended depending on the individual patient’s staging. High-fiber foods help move waste through your digestive tract faster, so harmful substances don’t have much contact with the lining of the intestine. High-fiber foods are also rich in phytonutrients, which appear to protect against several forms of cancer. Calcium and vitamin D also seem to help protect against colorectal cancer. There is certainly just as much buzz about folate and colorectal cancer prevention as there has been about calcium. The jury is still out on antioxidants and the prevention of colorectal cancer. Taking antioxidants, such as vitamin C or carotenoids, may reduce cancer risk but other studies have failed to back up these results. Vegetables high in folate, like leafy greens, seem to offer particular protection from colon cancer, especially for those who drink alcohol. Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli and cauliflower, also contain phytochemicals that may prevent damage to colon cells.

Colon Cancer Treatment and Nutrition Tips

1. Chemotherapy is also used to treat patients with stage IV colon cancer.

2. Radiotherapy may be recommended Treatment fot colon cancer.

3. High-fiber foods help move waste through your digestive tract faster.

4. Calcium and vitamin D also seem to help protect against colorectal cancer.

5. Taking antioxidants, such as vitamin C or carotenoids, may reduce cancer risk but other studies have failed to back up these results.

6. Vegetables high in folate, like leafy greens, seem to offer particular protection from colon cancer, especially for those who drink alcohol.

7. Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli and cauliflower, also contain phytochemicals that may prevent damage to colon cells.