Health: Fascinating Photos

The mosquito is the common transmitter of malaria, a disease that kills nearly 1 million people each year. Using mosquito nets and taking anti-malaria medication are ways in which malaria can be prevented. Credit: Alvesgaspar

Waste from landfills and sewage facilities can creep into water supplies and spread waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, and dysentery. People drinking dirty water often get sick and can die if they are not treated properly. Credit: Michelle Arseneault

30% of children under the age of five worldwide die from malnutrition. It is extremely important to ensure children are fed and receive proper nutrition. Parents are encouraged to seek advice from their health care providers to ensure their child is eating a balanced diet and getting crucial nutrients. Credit: Capt. John Severns

Over 1 billion adults in the world are overweight. Excess weight causes joint problems, and helps in the development of cardiovascular diseases including heart attack and stroke. By eating a healthy diet high in fiber and low in fats and exercising regularly, individuals can lead a more healthy life and lose weight.

Natural remedies to help cure ailments are popular around the world. The Wieliczka Salt Mine in Wieliczka, Poland is used to help treat people with breathing disorders such as asthma. Photo Credit: Cédric Puisney

HIV/AIDS is a life threatening disease that affects a large proportion of the Sub-Saharan African population. South Africa ranks number one in the world for the highest number of adults living with HIV/AIDS. In order to combat the disease, education and awareness about the spread of the infection and use of condoms as preventative measures needs to become more prevalent to reduce the number of people contracting the infection. Photo Credit: Jack Graham

Most communicable diseases can be prevented simply by hand washing. The majority of diseases are contracted through bacteria and viruses and using regular soap and water frequently can help protect people from getting sick. Photo Credit: Serenity

Happy and healthy babies need proper vaccinations and care to prevent getting infections. Babies do not have immunities to infections so it is important that they are cared for by a medical profession to maintain a healthy and happy childhood and adult life.

Children’s school education must include curriculum on staying healthy and preventing disease. The classrooms must serve as an open forum in which children can ask questions and learn about staying healthy through disease prevention, diet, and exercise.

Open drains pose health risks for humans, especially if the water is contaminated. In Zimbabwe, the cholera outbreak in late 2008 claimed the lives of many people because they had consumed contaminated water and did not receive treatment. Photo Credit: Babakathy

Knowing your family’s health history can prepare you and your child for the future. By knowing genetic diseases that run in your family, your doctor can further protect you and your baby in the future.

Traditional African Medicine is still used in Africa today and is often preferred over traditional Western medicine. Healers rely on nature to cure illnesses ranging from sicknesses to a variety of other ailments including cancers and diabetes. Photo Credit: Amcaja