The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. This definition has not been amended since 1948, but the state of health of Nairobians has gone through immense changes over the years. Physical health is the easiest to appreciate, presenting in all manner of appearances. One only needs to wander into the city streets to get a good impression of the ungodly state of our health. Obesity is on the rise and spans all socio-economic groups, not just the upper income group.
Read more ..... Cancer is the uncontrolled growth and spread of cells. It can affect almost any part of the body. The growths often invade surrounding tissue and can metastasize to distant sites. Many cancers can be prevented by avoiding exposure to common risk factors, such as tobacco smoke.
Read more ..... The trouble with holidays is that they come to an end. One minute you're lying on the beach, the sun on your skin, thinking about which cocktail you'll order in the evening; the next you're back home facing a mountain of dirty washing, dead houseplants, 786 urgent emails and nothing to look forward to. So how can you get through this wall of post-holiday misery? As the holiday season comes to an end, so, too, does the high octane way you've planned, shopped, traveled, and socialized. The holiday momentum of go, go, go, going screeches to a grinding halt.
Read more ..... Spitting in public is not an uncommon habit. Walk along Nairobi streets and you are more likely to encounter lots of spit filth on the streets. And if unlucky, some unruly Nairobian may just spit in your direction, with full disregard of the social indignation of such an action. Should public spitting be equated to public peeing which has recently become punishable by law?
Read more ..... That drugs and alcohol abuse are a major problem in our urban populace is not in doubt. We even have a National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), whose vision is to free our nation from the effects of substance abuse. And the media has recently been awash with news about drug barons, and even presidential decrees on deportation of suspected foreign traffickers.
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