Congenital heart disease, often referred to as “hole in the heart,” is a structural problem of the heart that develops before birth, usually around the sixth week of pregnancy when the baby’s heart is forming. For some reason, whether genetic, environmental, or due to maternal health factors, the heart doesn’t form properly, leading to defects in its walls, valves, or blood vessels. Some of these conditions are detected before birth, others only weeks or months after delivery, and in some cases, not until adolescence or adulthood. Here are some key statistics on the prevalence of congenital heart disease (CHD) in Nigeria (and some in Africa) to support your article: Statistics A study of neonates in a tertiary hospital in Benin City found a birth prevalence of 14.4 per 1,000 live births (i.e., about 1.44%) among 2,849 neonates. ( PubMed ) A multicentre echocardiographic study across three Nigerian cities found that among children referred for echo, the most common CHD ...
When it comes to nutrition, not all proteins are created equal. While meat has been a staple in many diets across the world for centuries, not all meats offer the same health benefits. In particular, red meat has raised health concerns in recent years due to its link with chronic diseases. But what exactly is red meat? Why is it considered harmful? And what healthier options can you explore instead? Let’s break it all down. What Is Red Meat? Red meat refers to meat that is red in color when raw and usually remains darker when cooked. It comes primarily from mammals and includes: Beef (cow) Pork (pig) Lamb Goat Veal (young calf) Mutton (older sheep) Venison (deer) These are different from white meats like chicken, turkey, and fish, which are lighter in color both raw and cooked. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) , processed red meats (like bacon, ham, and sausages) are Group 1 carcinogens —the same group as tobacco and asbestos, meaning there's...