Health Advice

Health Advice

From Nurse Evelyn USAF RN

Now that you have moved here, and by here I mean to South America, the information is general and applies to all of the Latin American countries.

This subject is not often spoken about, and is not a question that you would know to ask. 

Even when you look at the many web sites out there encouraging you to move here from North America, they contain vague warnings about drinking the water, the use of mosquito repellent, about bed bugs and a few other things. These are just as much in need of a warning from where you came.

No, this subject is about worms, and not the kind that you would use for fishing or would hope are turning over the soil in your garden.

These worms find a very nice place to live inside our bodies; to be clear, in our gut or intestines.

Two Types of Parasites

There are two general groups of parasites. The first consists of worms -- tapeworms and roundworms -- which attach themselves to the lining of the small intestine, causing internal bleeding and loss of nutrients. People infested with worms may have no symptoms or may slowly become anemic.

The second category is the protozoa, one-celled organisms like Giardia, which can cause acute or chronic diarrhea or can cause symptoms that are not ordinarily associated with parasitic infection like constipation, fatigue, dizziness, joint pain or hives.

These are only the more common types; and, if you take general hygiene precautions, the incidence of infection can be reduced.

Because of continued exposure while living in South America, a biannual(twice a year) preventative treatment is recommended, and these treatments are available over the counter. The medication specifically to prevent worms is called Colufase-you take it twice a day for 3 days. No alcohol should be taken while on this medication.

This would be a good time to see your doctor and catch up on any other issues you may have.

The problems described above are not just gotten in South America. They are a result of poor hygiene and contaminated food and water supply, and this can happen anywhere in the world. 

Creating Book Group

Calling readers!  Would you like to help form a book group?  We will read a book every month and then talk about it, and have a nosh or beverage or two.  It's a great way to share your thoughts on the book.  All books chosen by the group will be available in ebook form.  We will have an initial gathering in August to chose the next book.  If you are interested, please contact Michele at MythProjectEcuador@gmail.com

Thanks and Happy Reading!