Through rough terrain for the sake of service

A great welcome to all those who travelled to Kagadi for the Medical camp that was successfully concluded on Saturday 8, 2008. An immense tribute to those who made it possible through contributions and donations of all sorts, we showed once again what seperates us from the rest and stand out as knights of the less fortunate.

To those who missed, as usual, sit down and relax as i bring to you the moments;

The journey started well through the rough and rugged road to Mityana but true to our spirit, Lions spiced it with jokes and serious discussions. The jorney from Mityana to Mubende where we had lunch was very smooth. After lunch we set off to what would eventually become a test to our strength. The Mubende-Kibale- Kagadi road was a real test but as the adage goes "something interesting out of nothing", we were amazed by the beautiful landscapes and the greenery punctuated with huge rocks, true to the meaning of Kibale which means "Big Stone".

Our next stop over was at Notre Dem Girls academy where we distributed Sanitary pads, received on their behalf by the Headmistress as seen in the photo above.

We however, did not beat the time to distribute sanitary pads to one of the other chosen schools because they had already left the school by the time we arrived there.

We arrived in Kagadi safely but abit tired. This did not deter us from our aim as we went to Kagadi model primary school and distributed pads to over 100 girls amidst a synchronised way of applause......."asante sana" otherwise nicknamed ........."Asante fire".

We then continued our journey to St Mary Margret Muhorro secondary school where we were received cheerfully by students and we distributed sanitary pads and panties to over 300 students. We then returned to Kagadi town where we had dinner and retired.

In The photo left, Lion Florence...(Christened OC Pads........For laughter purposes only) and Lion Tush giving pads and panties to the girls of Kagadi Model Primary school. Below, Students of Mary Margret Muhorro listen as the "pad specialist" demonstrates on how to use the Makpads. 

Further below, Students  receive pads as other lions look on.

We woke up and had a quite good breakfast but little did we know of what task lay ahead of us. When we got to St. Ambrose hospital, the crowds were enormous as some had travelled from distant places as early as four days back before the camp.

The crowds were overwhelming(as seen from the photo down) even considering the fact that many eye surgeries had been done on friday by Lion Doctor Cillacy Tumwesigye and his tean which should have reduced the number.

The camp was opened officailly by our Immediate Past District Governor Lion Hon. Shem Bageine amidst cheers from the maltitudes of people.

The camp went on well and was officailly closed at 7:00pm after distributing free drugs to the patients.

To celebrate the success of the camp and congratulate ourselves for living true to our motto;"We serve", a barbeque was organised and i bring you some moments in photos;

Guess which caption fits the picture!

I have one to go!!

I've taken only one!!

I'll take one by one!!

This is how we do it!!

Do you remember those days??

Yes we can!!

Can i also have a piece of meat??

I want that piece too!!

Uncle let me help you!!

And finally, for the souvenir, we crowned it all with a celebration of Lion Eleanor Bageine's birth day on sunday morning. Take a look at the video and tell me that the singer doesn't deserve a PAM Award!!!!

DIABETES AWARENESS WEEK, NOVEMBER 10-16, 2008

Diabetes in children and Adolescents

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a problem where you have too much glucose(Sugar) in the blood.Glucose comes from the food we eat and is needed by the body for energy. The amount of glucose in the blood is controlled by a hormone called insulin, produced in the pancreas. If the body does not have enough insulin, or the insulin is not doing its job properly, there will be high glucose levels in the blood. Sometimes the body cells may be resistant to the effect of insulin, requiring more of it that normal for the same effect.

There are two types of Diabetes. Type 1, where the body is producing no insulin. This type is common in young people. In Type 2, the body does not make enough insulin or the insulin does not work properly. This type is more common withg adults, but is now on the increase in young people. Type 1 usually arises from abnormal antibodies and inflammatory cells that damage the pancreas cells where insulin is made.This abnormality may be genetic or may be a result of certain viral infections, or exposure to environmanetal toxins. Type 2 is more related to age and lifestyle, although other factors like genetics and ethnicity are considered to have a bearing on the risk.

For the first time in history, type 2 diabetes is now more common than Type 1 diabetes in children and adolescents.  Most of these cases are a direct result of poor eating habits, higher body weight and lack of exercise

How do I know I have Diabetes?

Early symptoms of diabetes include weight loss (despite increased appetite), and dehydration exhibited in frequent thirst and high consumption of fluids like water and juices.  Diabetes can also cause fatigue, nausea and vomiting.  Fluctuations in blood sugar levels can lead to blurred vision.  Patients with diabetes are prone to infection of the bladder, skin and vaginal areas. To confirm if you have diabetes or not, visit a medical facility and have your blood sugar level checked by a competent person who will inform you of your status.

Is diabetes preventable?

Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by keeping weight in control and by increasing physical activity. Eating healthier and at least 30 minutes of physical activity 5 days a week can do wonders in preventing or delaying the disease. Type 1 is a result of an autoimmune process and there is no sure way of preventing it. However, it can be detected in early stages and managed properly. Hence children at a high risk, say due to genetic reasons, should regularly check up and seek assistance from qualified medical personnel.

Is there a cure for diabetes?

Diabetes is chronic and hence cannot be cured.  However, having it is not a death sentence, because it can be managed through healthy eating, physical activity, medication and sometimes insulin injection.  Patients with Type 1 diabetes MUST always have insulin injections.

What if I don’t get treatment for diabetes?

High blood sugar levels can damage body organs and tissues, causing blindness or vision impairment, stroke and heart attack, loss of limbs and kidney failure. Regular health checks are important to avoid these risks.

LIONS have been at the forefront of fighting preventable blindness through SightFirst Programs.  Since 1984, there has been particular interest in Diabetes Awareness because diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness among people between the ages of 20 and 75.  Diabetic retinopathy happens when the blood vessels of the retina at the back of the eye are damaged.  This usually happens because of high blood sugars or high blood pressure. The Lions International  Diabetes Awareness Day is November 14, and November is Diabetes Awareness Month.  The Lions Club of Kampala Central chose November 10—16 as the Lions Awareness Week for this year. The main activity of the week is to disseminate information about diabetes for people to know how to prevent or delay it, and how to manage it when it finally strikes.

© Lions Club Kampala of Central, 2008

 

THE HEALTH NEWSLETTER - NOVEMBER 2008

DINING FOR HEALTH

October 10, 2008 was another memorable day in the history of service of the Lions Club of Kampala Central.  Club members together with members from other clubs in Kampala and guests, converged at Grand Imperial Hotel to celebrate the World Service Day.  The main event of the day was fundraising for the club’s health activities.  (Above,The Chief Guest, Ln. Shem and his entourage at the dinner)

A total of UgShs8,500,000 (approx. US$5,000) was collected from dinner coupons, donations from Lions and   their guests, and auctioning of items donated by Ln. Heinz Güntner of Ferro Imex Technologies, Arusha.  The Chief guest was the IPDG, Ln. Shem Bageine.  The function was also honoured by PDG, Ln. Polly K. Ndyarugahi, the Region Chairperson and the Zone Chairperson.  Lions and their guests had a wonderful time fellowshipping, feasting and dancing to live band music.  (Above, Ln. IPDG leading the Auctioning of the fundraising items).All the proceeds from the dinner are to be used to buy medicines and sanitary pads for the upcoming medical camps. 

WITH OUR BLOOD, WE SERVE!

The Club members together with the Leos and the general community at Makerere University exhibited their spirit of service by giving the ultimate gift—blood.  This was at a blood donation activity organized at Makerere University on October 18, 2008, in conjunction with the Uganda Blood Transfusion Service.  Up to 50 units of blood were collected that day, and will go a long way in alleviating the dire need of blood for accident victims, malaria patients and delivering mothers in the country.  The day was crowned by the handing over of the Charter for the Leo Club at Makerere University, induction of the Charter Leo Members and installation of the Club Officials.

On Friday, November 7, 2008, all roads will lead to Kagadi in Kibaale District.  Our first medical camp this year is finally here. The first activity will be distribution of sanitary pads to girls of Notre Dame Academy on Friday at 3:00pm.  The main camp will be on Saturday at St. Ambrose Hospital in Kagadi from 9:00Am to 5:00PM.  We shall take time off that day to visit two more schools where more sanitary pads will be given out.  The day will end with a grand barbeque and fellowship.

THOUGHT FOR FOOD

In 1908, a Japanese chemist discovered a substance that can enhance the taste of any food, in the name of monosodium glutamate (MSG). Today, MSG is added to soups, chips, fast and frozen foods, pre-packaged dinners and canned food.  It is sometimes disguised as vegetable protein or natural flavouring.  Other taste enhancers include aspartame, cysteine and aspartic acid. Studies have shown that these enhancers not only stimulate the taste buds, but also brain neurons which become very excited until they reach a state of extreme exhaustion, dying off suddenly., hence damaging the brain. They are generally excitotoxins. Taste enhancers have also been found to contribute to obesity and brain retardation of children. In addition, they are associated with diseases like arthritis, Alzheimer’s and cancer.    So look out for those food labels and avoid anything associated with taste enhancement. Or better still avoid processed food.

FIRST AID FOR POISONING             

Get the victim away from the poison. If the poison is in solid form, such as pills, remove it from the victim’s mouth using a clean cloth wrapped around your finger. Don’t try this with infants as it may force the poison down the throat.  If the poison is a gas, you may need a respirator to protect yourself. Then remove the victim from the area and take to fresh air. If the poison is corrosive to the skin, remove clothing from the affected area and flush with water for 30 minutes.  If the poison is in contact with the eyes, flush with clean water for at least 15 minutes

FIGHTING BLINDNESS

The Club’s fight against preventable blindness continued last month with 80 people being operated to remove cataracts, and 100 receiving free spectacles.  This was at Bweyogerere-Kirinya Health Centre, on October 28th and 29th. The spectacles were donated by Opticals House.

CONDOLENCE MESSAGE: 

The Health Newsletter Editorial shares in grief of the passing of the Charter President of the Lions Club of Kampala North, the Late Ln. Abdul Masaaba, who perished in a road accident on the night of October 17, 2008. May the Lord rest his soul in eternal peace (Right, Ln. Abdul handing over the club Presidency to Ln, Andrew)

HEALTH HUMOUR

Doctor: We need to get these people to a hospital

Nurse: What is it?

Doctor: It is a big building with many doctors,  but that’s not important now 

Prepared by the SightFirst and Health Committee of the Lions Club of Kampala Central

Chairman: Ln. Eng. Dans N. Naturinda

V/Chairman: Ln. Venie Tinkumanya

Members: Ln. Kenneth Kintu and Ln. R. Ndyanabo

To contact  us: lionsclubofkampalacentral@gmail.com

 Blog Administrator: Ln. Emmanuel Kansiime Muntu