A friend of mine who has small breasts like mine, suggested that we go for breast enlargement operation. Please, can you tell me how this is done and whether it is safe?
— Diazena (by SMS)
The commonest method to enlarge the breast is done through implantation of a silicon implant which would accentuate the size and shape of the breast. Surgery for insertion of the devices can be performed under local or general anesthesia and is usually an outpatient procedure. The incision for cosmetic insertion most commonly is made beneath the breast muscle where the implant is inserted and the incision closed. Even though occasional incidents of infection, bleeding, poor healing and rejection of the silicone implant have been reported, when carried out by experts, the procedure is generally safe.
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Exercise and Covid-19
Is it true that that regular exercise may help protect against severe Covid-19 Infection?
— Ibrahim (by SMS)
Scientists have known for some time that aerobically fit people are less likely to catch colds and other viral infections and recover more quickly than people who are out of shape, in part because exercise can amplify immune responses. Better fitness also heightens antibody responses to vaccines against influenza and other illnesses. People who tended to be sedentary were far more likely to be hospitalized, and to die, from Covid than those who exercised regularly. A recent study has confirmed that regular exercise — whether it’s going for a swim, walk, run or bike ride — can substantially lower our chances of becoming seriously ill if we do become infected.
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Immunity after a Covid infection?
I recently recovered from a Covid-19 infection. I want to know if I have any immunity from the infection or I still have to take the Covid vaccine?
— Michael (by WhatsApp)
It has been confirmed that the immune systems of more than 95% of people who recovered from COVID-19 had durable memories of the virus up to eight months after infection. This means that most of the people who recovered from the Covid infection have some degree of immunity lasting up to eight months. Even at that, you should still get vaccinated as a booster and to be on the safe side in view of the different kinds of variants of the virus that exist.
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My mother’s Thyroid disease
My 60 -year- old mother was recently diagnosed with a Thyroid abnormality. It was said that her Thyroid was not producing enough hormone. Kindly let me know what this means.
— Agnes (by SMS)
The job of the thyroid gland is to produce hormones that influence how every cell in the body functions, from muscles and bones, brain and the heart. However, the thyroid sometimes produces too much of this hormone. And sometimes not enough. For the body to function as it should, the thyroid has to do its job just right. When the thyroid falls short (hypothyroidism), your mother’s risk of high blood pressure and heart disease increases. On the other hand, overproduction (hyperthyroidism) can lead to heart failure, abnormal heart rhythms, and bone loss. Luckily, hypothyroidism can be effectively treated with a medication that requires only a single daily dose. With this, your mother should be able to live a comfortable life.
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What are the benefits of walking
I am a 65-year- old pensioner who is a bit overweight. I have been advised to go for regular walks to help me to lose weight and stay healthy. How true is this?
— Aminu (by SMS)
It is true that walking has some benefits. Apart from aiding recovery from ill health, it can also help to burn calories and make your joints more flexible and stronger. However, if you really want to lose weight, in addition to walking, you also need to watch what you eat and drink. You will need to reduce the amount of starchy and fatty foods as well as the amount of alcohol, sugar and salt that you consume.
