ABSTRACT
There has been a massive surge in the intake of dietary supplements in recent years, with millions of people taking the "magic pills " worldwide, either with the hope of achieving general well-being, treat specific disease, or retard the aging process. Supplementing the diet with multivitamins and minerals (MVMs) has revolutionized modern healthcare, with many "experts " claiming such drugs have a critical role to play in the prevention and treatment of many health conditions. Many are of the opinion that since dietary supplements are mere extracts from certain foods and herbs, so unlike drugs, have no significant side effects, are "all natural, " and are therefore "safe " for a non-medical prescription. The association of the deficiency of some MVMs, such as vitamins C, D, and Zinc, with the increased incidence and progression of COVID-19, has also strengthened the argument in favor of routine diet supplementation. The objectives of this article are to investigate the health and therapeutic claims attributed to some dietary supplements, their safety concerns, and their possible role in modern healthcare. A review of related online free-full articles written in the English language published from 2000 to 2021 was done. While the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of some dietary supplements are clearly understood and established, others are still shrouded in serious confusions and safety concerns, especially for long-term use. Until more evidence is available, routine intake of dietary supplements should be discouraged, except there are clear medical indications. Rather, all people should ensure they get their required nutrients from whole foods.
ABSTRACT
Through the advances in public health, most humans on earth are now assured to live to at least 60 years, regardless of their geographical location and socioeconomic status. Between 2015 and 2050, the proportion of the world's population 60 years and above will be expected to increase from 900 million to 2.1 billion, while the average global life expectancy will be expected to increase by additional 10 years. Experts have ascribed this development as the most significant social transformation of the 21st century. However, although the world may have successfully learned how to live longer, it has not necessarily learned how to live healthier. In most situations, old age is associated with significant loss of physical and mental functionalities, increased risk of developing multiple diseases (including COVID-19), and reduced quality of life. This association has been described as the most important global public health challenge of the 21st century. The objective of this article is to investigate the scientific plausibility of slowing down the aging process and to identify evidence-based strategies of achieving healthy aging. A review of related online free-full articles written in the English language published from 2000 to 2021 was done. It was noticed that the pace and quality of aging can be significantly influenced by controlling the lifestyle determinants of aging. Although the science of healthy aging is still evolving, there is enough evidence for healthcare professionals to recommend evidence-based strategies for achieving healthy aging to the public and policymakers.
ABSTRACT
Since after World War II, the world has been grappling with the grumbling rising prevalence and economic burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The rise of these chronic diseases has reached an epidemic proportion and a melting point in many communities of the world. This has been made worse by the recent COVID-19 pandemic. While the world is still battling this debilitating reality, a more gruesome scenario is evolving in low-income and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). Although these countries account for the highest poverty index in the world, they also account for a disproportionately higher burden of NCDs. More than 80% of NCD-related deaths are presently recorded among the LMICs. Ironically, although most sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries can be categorized as LMICs, yet communicable diseases (CDs) still constitute the highest disease burden in this region. However, based on global projections, SSAmay soon lose this 'advantage' and may become the region with the highest burden of NCDs by the year 2030. If the present trajectory is left unshattered, the resulting heavy double burden of CDs and NCDs will likely crumble the already fragile economy of most SSA countries and tilt the region into an unprecedented recession. A critical review of the present disease-centered healthcare management approach and adoption of a more evidence-based health promotion-centered management approach may be vital in salvaging the situation. This article briefly reviewed the global epidemiologic transition, compared the disease- and health promotion-centered healthcare models, and made a case for a change in health management strategy in SSA.
ABSTRACT
Since its outbreak in late 2019, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been ravaging the health system of most countries of the world. Although many preventive and treatment strategies have been proposed and implemented to combat the disease, these efforts seem to be insufficient, and in some cases ineffective. This is evident by the daily rising global incidence and case fatality of the COVID-19 pandemic. A situation if not mitigated early will likely crumble the global economy and tilt the world to an unprecedented global recession. This challenge demands that researchers and clinicians ask more in-depth questions about the novel coronavirus disease. Aside from age that has been confirmed to be linearly associated, what are the other possible socio-demographic and lifestyle-related risk factors that may be associated with COVID-19?What are the possible factors or comorbid conditions that may worsen clinical progression and determine the clinical outcome in confirmed COVID-19 cases? Does the pre-, peri-, or post-morbid lifestyle choices of people have an impact on COVID-19 preventive and treatment efforts? And how can we use the knowledge of the associated risk factors, comorbid conditions, and lifestyle choices of people to improve preventive efforts and clinical management of COVID-19? Answer to these questions may likely serve as an important guide for policymakers and clinicians in their design and implementation of COVID-19 targeted preventive and treatment policies and programs, especially in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). The purpose of this article is to critically review available literature and provide evidence-based recommendations.