REFLECTION SERIES

The Nervous System which includes the Brain and Spinal Cord is an important system in the human body. It controls and co-ordinates all parts of the body and contains the higher human functions such as memory, perception and reasoning. It provides a complex communication system between the body’s internal and external environments as well as detects and responds to changes inside and outside the body. The system requires only glucose and oxygen to function. However, many other nutrients such as Vitamin B, Minerals and Unsaturated Fatty Acids are needed for higher function such as thoughts, memory and self-control. Lack of these nutrients produces nervousness, depression, anxiety, fatigue, irritability among others. Consumption of excess sugar and certain additives such as colouring on the other hand, affects the nervous system and alter behaviour. Foods such as Oat, Groundnut, Cashew, Lettuce, Almond, Avocado, Apricot, Banana and Grapes can supply these essential nutrients to the ner

Conjunctivitis also known as pinkeye is an inflammation of the conjunctiva (a thin clear tissue that lies over the white part of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids). Children get it more often than adults and it is highly contagious (can spread easily). It can be caused by a Virus, Bacteria, Irritants (such as dirt, smoke, and shampoos), Allergic reaction to substances such as drugs, and Sexually transmitted diseases like Gonorrhoea and chlamydia. Pregnant women with Gonorrhoea or chlamydia can pass pinkeye to their babies through the birth canal when delivering. Symptoms include redness of the eye, swollen conjunctiva, excessive tearing, thick yellow discharge that crust over the eye lashes especially after sleep, green or white discharges from the eye, itchy eyes, blurred vision, and increased sensitivity to the sun. Pinkeye is treatable hence the need to report to the hospital when you experience any of these symptoms. You can relieve the symptoms at home by washing your

Glaucoma is an eye disease that is associated with elevated intraocular pressure (pressure in the eyes) which damages the optic nerve of the eye and leads to loss of vision and even blindness. It is the second leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world. Glaucoma does not give any symptoms in the early stages but can be diagnosed early by regular eye examinations. While there is no known ways of preventing glaucoma, blindness or significant vision loss from glaucoma can be prevented if the disease is recognised in the early stages. Risk factors for glaucoma include age over 45 years, family history of glaucoma, people from the black race (Africans), diabetes and hypertension. Although glaucoma is due to anatomical alterations in the eye, the type of diet we eat can influence the intraocular pressure (Improving or aggravating glaucoma). It is important to increase intake of food like mango, orange, sweet potatoes, squash, cereals, carrots, green beans, green leafy vegetables,