Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Dr. Godfrey Xuereb, has expressed concern over the high rate of amputation among Dominican males.
Speaking at the Dominica Diabetes Association (DOMDA) Annual General Meeting (AGM), on Wednesday, Xereb explained that although the rate of amputation has generally decreased from 2010 to 2014, men remain an area of concern.
“Analysis of the data on amputations in Dominica from 2010 to 2014 show that although the rates are going down, we still have high rates, especially among the men…” he explained.“I think one of the biggest targets we should be looking at is men… We have too many men suffering from amputations as a consequence of diabetes and high blood pressure.”
What he described as “worrying” is the fact that several male amputees are between the ages of 45 and 54, and may ultimately affect the productivity of the country.
“What is worrying is that the amputation data shows that these amputations are happening at a young age, with quite a large number occurring in the age group 45 to 54,” Xereb stated. “This is the productive motor of the economy and the country. If that group is not productive, then the whole country is not productive.”
He encouraged men, and all who are vulnerable to complications, to take all the preventative measures necessary, and to seek regular health check-ups.
Xereb also highlighted the need to ensure that service is promptly accessible to those in need.
DOMDA observed their AGM under the theme: “Waste the Waist.”
At the DOMDA 2015 AGM, President of the association, Marvlyn Birmingham, underscored the sharp increase in lower limb amputations due to diabetes, questioning whether amputation was beginning to take precedence over treatment.
She suggested that a system be established to facilitate prompt attention to “diabetic foot problem.”
The association continues to focus on promoting wellness, building self-management capacity among the population, working collaboratively with other organizations in the fight against Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases.
Health care is very expensive so one should be responsible for their own health by buying health insurance. Dominicans dislike the word taxation and that’s the only avenue goverments has in which to to provide adequate health care.
I’m not at all surprised about such information. The lifestyle of men on this island is not all healthy,alcohol consumption is and smoking is high among the male gender,not to mention poor nutrition and eating habits. Looking at alot of these men on the island, they look very untidy and like death warmed up,ready to die! Men on the island look like they have given up on living. Then there is the poor medical and health care system which seems not to be able to give remedial care of preventing disease.Given the condition of the medical facilities and the lack of trained professionals in the health care system, one could swear that once one enters what we call the hospital,is to die! One is either amputated or dead! Then again, this is what the masses seems to have settled for,the evidence is in the rogue corrupt illegal government that they choose to vote for!
I previously read about this on DNO. I had stated that a doctor said on a US Channel, prior to undergoing an operation, patients should take a body cleansing/detox.
In fact this should be done a few times a year to cleanse the body – blood, colon, kidneys of toxin.
Imagine eating and drinking a few times a day for years and not once do some take a detox. Granted, some are not aware of it. Especially in this age, could the district health nurse not advise them?
Those who have access to the internet should make the most of it. Access those Websites. There is a lot of health information which could help.
This is another reason why we should share vital information with others as each one reaches one.
For those who can drink lemon juice/water. It is recommended drinking some first thing in the morning. It is a body-cleanser. Again, Google this information. I saved some of it on a disk.
Good health! God bless!
From now on may there be less amputees in Dominica.
Dominica needs a mine sweeper.
A lot of people are also in denial. If the Dr says
you have diabetes you have it. Take your proscribed meds
Also control you diet.
When we do not eat what we grow, and we import all those processed foods, what you expect. KFC, pizza, and such like, these are the foods that Dominican like. All this is the results of processed foods
While we agree with your take in principle, you omit the importance of “self [health] management as just one significant mitigating factor, if one is to avoid the embarrassment of losing their limb. More recently, it surprises how we’ve become so sedentary. We do not walk, run, swim and climb as we used to. The state of affairs, we believe, is more as a consequence of a “First World” lifestyle, thus First World problems! Like someone said above, we need to go back to eating what we grow, ingest less simplified sugar and salt, and make a conscious effort to be more active and drink copious amounts of water – to flush our system – daily.
I wished Xuereb had mentioned in his report the communities that are most affected. It would be interesting to know whether the communities of Marigot, the Kalanigo Territory and Calisbishe are heading the list. For several years, these communities have been suffering from inadequate health services. I hope the Skeritt led Administration will read the Doctor’s report and seriously come to the aid of these people and improve their health services. We all know what $18 million could do in terms on the improvement of our health services in Dominica.
diabetes is prevalent in countries with poverty… people seem to believe that as we have something to eat that’s good we are not poor. but can we really afford to buy vegetables on a daily basis..
Dominicans, or the common Dominicans eat lots of flour, provisions and rice cause that is the most available foods we can afford…
we also consume to much alcohol…
As I always say, those who can grow them in their yard should do so. The younger ones should commence doing so that as they grow older, the trees grow as well.
Those who reside in cold countries, when spring arrives to summer, waste no time to grow all sorts of vegetables. They also can them.
Some are fortunate to have certain crops growing in their yard which blooms when the weather turns warm.
People in those countries are ambitious and hard working. We, West Indians, some of us anyway learned from them. One gets advice from another, etc.
A friend told me she has callalou leaves growing in her yard. I got some from her.
It takes work to plant and take care of them but they are worth the effort when considering the freshness and saving.
Poor nutrition is the main cause.Secondly bad nutrition such as eating a lot of processed foods and lack of exercising.The bread the we purchase daily are very salty.Take away meals are the biggest killers due to the high cost of food, cooking gas and transportation.Farming is at it’s lowest point ,neglected by the gov’t and also families are not taking over due to pure laziness.We walked to school in the villages ,to go to the shops or see friends but now people hitch a ride instead.Some people refuse taking healthy eating advises and mistake it for an order because they suggest that you want to tell them what to eat after they supply their own food.Take this example:a lady works for $280.00 monthly ,she takes the bus 3 days a week for £10.00 per day,3 kids to feed, a tank of gas is $60.00.How can this person feed her family correctly with such a low salary when most fathers don’t care in Dominica?Take a look at the health system there is a lack of hygiene,rat and bugs…
It is very dangerous when people start talking to people who are not educated to certain system in their body, and how the body organs function, and the most probably cause for damage or failure to their organs.
I believe it is foolishness for someone to come under the umbrella of some organization as the PAHO, and start throwing comments at people who may have no concept of what this man is talking about. As I said there are other reasons why people suffer kidney failure, which has nothing, absolutely nothing to do with diabetes nor hypertension (high blood pressure).
And so I must introduce who cares to something more than the garbage they read to medical science as it pertains to ” Polycystic Kidney Disease. ” I can also speak about lump cake kidney, and myeloma; cicatrical, contracted, fatty, flea-bitten, floating, fused, Goldblatt, horseshoe, and hypermobile kidney’ and medical issues wh pertaining to all I quoted!
I will however; limit my information to…
Let Us Continue Reading:
I will however; limit my information to Polycystic Kidney Disease; which is an hereditary disease in which there is massive enlargement of the kidney’s accompanied by the formation of cysts. It occurs in two forms, distinguished by age of onset, and other characteristics. Childhood polycystic kidney disease is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait, and is diagnosed at birth, or in the first ten years of human life.
It is not as common as the adult form of the disease: both the kidney, and the liver are involved, causing renal failure, and liver failure with portal hypertension. Characteristic symptoms early in the process includes pain, hematuria, urinary infection, kidney stones, and obstructive uropathy with anuria. Adult polycystic kidney disease is the most common type of renal cystic disease.
It’s transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait, and is usually manifested during the third decade of life, which I believe to be at thirty years…
Continue:
It’s transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait, and is usually manifested during the third decade of life, which I believe to be at thirty years old. Renal failure appears by the fifth decade, or by age fifty, with terminal failure occurring in the next ten years. Although there is rarely any liver dysfunction accompanying this disorder, cyst formation in the liver does occur.
Note: Treatment for both type of polycystic kidney disease are largely symptomatic; renal dialysis, and kidney transplant during end-stage renal failure can prolong life, however offer no cure. Now if memory serves me correctly, I may have read where this so called doctor mention the ages between forty and fifty something. the third and fifth decade, thirty, and fifty years respectively.
So, unless this guy can for sure say he picked a certain amount of men between the ages, of thirty, and fifty-five years old, did some medical research and found that their kidney failure is caused by high…
Finally:
Unless this guy can for sure say he picked a certain amount of men between the ages, of thirty, and fifty-five years old, did some medical research and found that their kidney failure is caused by high blood pressure and diabetes, and not polycystic kidney disease, which is hereditary, then he might vindicate himself.
He would first have indicate on what he base his hypothesis, the method he used to developed his theory, and how he formed his conclusion, other than that he is simply piping hot air!
U are such an ignoramus Francisco. If you’re so medically astute why the hell don’t u return to Dominica and help the plight of your people rather than simply copying stuff that you find in an encyclopedia? Folks from Wesley would be more impressed by you if you hung yourself from a mango tree. Smfh.
Prevention is better than cure. Granted, by the time some of them visit a doctor the illness has already taken its toll.
When diabetes and high blood pressure are diagnosed, hopefully it is not too late, they should change their lifestyle eating and drinking habits.
This is not to demean the D/ca medical profession, but in reality doctors do not recommend nutrition nor taking Vitamin pills as also a therapeutic, one a day Vitamin.
Doctors do not really offer advice on nutrition; not only in D/ca but elsewhere in the world. Their job is to examine, diagnose and prescribe medication; also operate. I was told operations accord more money. Considerate doctors who take an interest in their patients will offer advice on proper nutrition..
For those who have internet service, Google “diabetes” and “high blood pressure” and you will note ample information pertaining to how to decrease the illnesses, stabilize them, if not eradicate them. This is proper nutrition.
I’ve never read so much garbage in my life!
Lady, where are you from; what sort of planet do you exists on? How do you manage to deduce such nonsense?
You need to stop your foolishness; you are an embossment to yourself and Dominicans.
You could never venture to use your name in talking so much stupidness, don’t you ever get tired?
Are you a bloody doctor, have you ever studied Health Science where you learnt the garbage you are talking, have you no shame!
How long is it going to take you to realize that those of us who are medically educated simply regard you as a fool! Nothing that I am responding to here makes any sense!
The doctor of the future will give no medicine but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease. ~Thomas Edison
Wow, Why do you behavior like this. You have no idea how ignorant and brainwashed you are writing such a comment.Where is your rational mind. Here is something to you need to know.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dcL_mWFb2U
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcRCMOJeSyE
“The doctor of the future will give no medicine but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease.”(Gary).
Gary, let me draw to your attention that when Jesus Christ walked the face of the earth, all of the existing disease were here. Jesus healed many okay!
The food people eat then were not contaminated with chemicals, which poisons the human body. If you ask me Gary, there are more questions than answers, there are disease than cure, you are a wishful think individual, but if you were educated to the road map of human life “deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA),and know what it contains in the trillions, you would abolish your mythical way of thinking.
In order to prevent diseases we are born with there will first have to be a new creation of human species created by man and not God, and since there is no probability of that happening no matter what web site you read such garbage on; it is simply mythical…
Qiute a sobering story, it borders to some of our men are not up to par in taking the necessary measures to at least control their own situation. We are apt to think that the professionals, namely doctors, nurses, have a magic wand and can cure the alarming situation of Diabetes, Yes, it can have a debilitating effect on both mind and body, but we have a responsibility to adhear to the advise of the professionals, when we are given advise and guidiance, to follow we should follow that advise. Control of our diet, is abig part of that regement, therefore Brothers lets help ourselves to save the furture of others and our own.
As I always say, one day we will get sick, if we do not die suddenly. However, I am wary of taking medication or a prescribed one of any nature. I have stated, when the day comes and I have to take them, I will be cautious. Until then I will not take any unless absolutely necessary.
My view is medication does not cure. It may stabilize. It also has side effects and in time, it weakens the system. We know what this eventually leads to.
Are there dietitians in D/ca who could assist those suffering from these illnesses who could advise them on proper nutrition?
It does entail, drinking ample fluids, as water, orange juice, milk, tea especially herb tea and eating fruits and vegetables. Proper sleep and rest are necessary. Orange contains Vit. C. Other relevant Vitamins could be taken but never overdo it.
I was informed when taking certain medication, the patient should not eat grapefruit or drink the juice. I was told this is stated on the bottle of pills.
“We have too many men suffering from amputations as a consequence of diabetes and high blood pressure.”(Godfery Xuereb).
You know Dominica is a place where anybody go to, and talk nonsense which becomes believable: We are aware that blood pressure, and diabetes plagues Dominica; and diabetes causes amputation however, never was I taught hypertension, nor hypotension causes amputations: So here is a brief!
The removal of a limb, or other appendage, or outgrowth of the body: The most common indication for amputation of an upper limb is severe trauma. Blood vessel disorders such as atherosclerosis, often secondary to Diabetes Mellitus, account for the greatest percentage of leg amputations.
Other indications may include malignancy, infection and gangrene. (Gangrene in my opinion is the most common cause). There are two general types of surgical procedure for amputation: (1) the closed, or flap amputation; and (2) we know of the open, or guillotine procedure, which is often…
Continuation:
There are two general types of surgical procedure for amputation: (1) the closed, or flap amputation; and (2) we know of the open, or guillotine procedure, which is often required when infection is present, and there is a need for free drainage from the operative site.
A second surgical procedure involving stump, or residual limb revision; or closure is needed after the guillotine procedure; this is done only after the infection has been eliminated. Now the reason for the high volume of diabetic amputation in Dominica, is due to the fact the victims has been living with untreated diabetes mellitus for a very long time. Hence these patients sustains wounds, which are unable to heal due to the amount of glucose in their blood. When that happens after a long period of time Gangrene sets in; once that happens the alternative is amputation, regimental treatment of high blood sugar can prevent amputations.
Hypertension (high blood pressure can indeed damage the…
Conclusion:
Hypertension (high blood pressure can indeed damage the kidneys by itself; and does not need any aid from diabetes to cause.
I have tenants residence in some of my apartments who goes for kidney dialysis four times per week because their kidneys are removed due to polycystic kidney disease, and not actually cause by hypertension nor diabetes! Godfery, if you are a medical doctor, refute my comments let me see how you are going to accomplish that!
In regards to polycystic kidney I may submit a brief on that too!
Hip Hip hooray 3 cheers4 Dr FET
I do not have a medical degree, I do not practice medicine, but I challenge any practicing medical doctor to refute what I presented.
The only way that can be refuted is if since I walked out of medical school before graduation, failing to become a medical doctor, they taught something different, than I presented.
It cannot be refuted; I stake my life on that. And as for that crazy, fool Facts who is talking so much fart, I challenge her to go and goggle on the Internet and find the same written; any place verbatim and post it on DNO, embarrass me if you can!
Some people are schooled on the Internet, some are both college, and University academically educated,: I am one of them, all of mine are intellectual, which can be authenticated, and verified, so if she thinks she is in competition with me; I can chew her up and spew her out of my mouth even while I am asleep in the darkest hour of the night!
My lord what is happening in the medical service in Dominica so instead of treating and trying to come up with guidelines so the public can follow the answer is cut off the foot that’s not the way to go . there are Dominican Doctors in the diaspora who would like to come down and help but they are been hinder by politic and that’s delaying service to the people , this is serious and it’s not to be used as any political propaganda especially when our people lives is at stake. Dr. Xuereb analysis is correct and it’s not just men it’s women also,, You have got to take better care of yourselves in Dominica the days of eating all that we want and can is over Health is every one business but the bock starts with each of you.
Dominica and Dominicans have to come to their senses and change their lifestyle it’s affecting you and your family individually Diabetes can be controlled some people have it and don’t know it’s a silent killer go for a check up that will save your life.
I will support you your thought that there are some very good Dominica born doctors in the United States, who are perhaps not interested in going to Dominica to turn puppets to Skerrit or no other politicians simply to render their service.
I have a medical problem which causes me to bit my lips, and some cases my tongue, sometimes I bite them so hard I have to go to the hospital to get stitches. Last night I had another of those incidents.
My tongue was bleeding for hours, I hesitated to go to the hospital because I did not want to get a needle threw my tongue. So I called a relative, and friend a Dominica born medical doctor in New York, and told him what was happening, regarding the bleeding. he told me what to do in order to stop the bleeding. Within seconds I followed his instruction to the letter the bleed stopped.
Now, I thought the cause of the problem was neurological; he told me the cause which is not, so now I have to go and get treated to resolve the problem.
It’s ironic when the topic is health and the increase in illness associated with diabetes and blood pressure when an ad for KFC with a Pepsi cola is blinking below the article.
Jen I do not eat KFC, Pizzahut, McDonald or other fast food but people have a basic right to spend their money as they see fit and I do not blame them. You think a lot of hard food and and barbecued chicken from a roadside stall and a local soda is any healthier? Apart from education our government should make it easier for people to afford healthy foods and less processed food. The truth is that lot of people also eat ramen and Mac & Cheese because it is cheap compared with the price of a pound of locally grown tomatoes.
Call it tempting. The smell of KFC will do it. How many could resist it?
I do not drink Pepsi Cola.
I stopped drinking Coke a long time ago. I do not drink it unless it is a rum and coke. I had one approximately one year ago at a BBQ. I may have one again when I go to the BBQ in summer.
If I drink any, my favorite is ginger ale. Ginger ale mixed with whisky is a tasty drink. In fact, ginger ale by itself.
My favorite drinks these days, if you call them that are, orange, grapefruit, carrot, fruit smoothies, milk and water.
For health purposes, we must be careful what we eat and drink.
Some of them need to stop being careless with all that drinking, and of course, the outstanding healthcare system on the island, what else is expected?
If Dominica stands out it maybe that we simply amputate more readily than other countries through the lack of other options and inadequate preventative care.