Health
Women 30x more likely for UTIs; Learn More
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
January 25, 2023 – Itchy, uncomfortable and often painful Urinary Tract Infections affects millions of people yearly, the vast majority of them women. In fact ‘UTIs will likely affect almost half the female population at least once in their lives and women get UTIs up to 30 times more often than men do. Also, as many as 4 in 10 women who get a UTI will get at least one more within six months’ the US Office on Women’s Health explains.
Caused by germs that get into the bladder, UTIs can happen in any part of the large urinary system including the kidneys; ureters; bladder; and urethra, but are most common in the bladder. They are easy to cure with proper antibiotics but can be serious if left untreated. Knowing how to identify a UTI and getting quick and effective treatment can save women and girls a lot of pain. The UK National Health Agency lists the symptoms as
- pain or a burning sensation when peeing (dysuria)
- needing to pee more often than usual during the night (nocturia)
- pee that looks cloudy, dark or has a strong smell
- needing to pee suddenly or more urgently than usual
- needing to pee more often than usual
- blood in your pee
- lower tummy pain or pain in your back, just under the ribs
- a high temperature, or feeling hot and shivery
- a very low temperature below 36C
What many people may not know is that these painful symptoms can affect young children as well, if your baby is generally unwell, has a high temperature, wets the bed or themselves and refuses to eat you may want to ask your doctor to take a look as these are symptoms of UTIs in children.
A quick visit to your doctor and a round of antibiotics will usually clear up the infection and any recurring ones but avoiding UTIs completely may be the best bet for all. UTIs are caused when bacteria often from the skin or rectum, enter the urethra, and infect the urinary tract the CDC says. The agency also lists a myriad risk factors that can cause this including poor hygiene in older adults with catheters or young children who are potty training causing bacteria to spread. Other risk factors include: Sexual activity; Changes in the bacteria that live inside the vagina, or vaginal flora. (For example, menopause or the use of spermicides can cause these bacterial changes.); Pregnancy; and Structural problems in the urinary tract, such as an enlarged prostate.
There’s nothing to be embarrassed about in having the common medical condition a UTI, while painful, is easy to treat, make use of the treatment options available to you and don’t ignore the symptoms in the hope that they will disappear as this could make the problem worse.
Health
Successful Community Kidney Screening Events Hosted by InterHealth Canada – TCI Hospital and Ministry of Health and Human Services in Grand Turk and Salt Cay
(Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, April 19th, 2024): – InterHealth Canada Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Human Services, is delighted to announce the successful completion of the Community Kidney Screening Events held in Grand Turk and Salt Cay. These events marked a significant milestone in promoting kidney health awareness and early detection.
On April 12, 2024, on Grand Turk (Dillon Hall) and April 13, 2024, on Salt Cay (Ministry of Health Clinic), participants had the opportunity to receive immediate screening results and personalized guidance from dedicated healthcare professionals. The collaborative effort between InterHealth Canada-Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital and the Ministry of Health and Human Services empowered individuals to prioritize their kidney health and take proactive steps towards well-being.
Reflecting on the event’s success, Dr Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, CEO of InterHealth Canada Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital, shared, “We are happy to see the positive impact of the Community Kidney Screening Events in Grand Turk and Salt Cay. By providing accessible screenings and expert guidance by our clinical teams, including our nephrologist and internist, we equip individuals with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their kidney health.”
Similarly, Dr Camelia Clarke, Director of the Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit of the Ministry of Health and Human Services, expressed her satisfaction with the outcomes, stating, “These events have showcased the importance of early detection and preventive care in maintaining optimal kidney health.”
The support of sponsors, including the TCI Boating Club, Air and Sea Agency, The Olympic Group Limited, Flow and Digicel, played a crucial role in the success of the Community Kidney Screening Events.
InterHealth-Canada Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital and the Ministry of Health and Human Services are excited to announce that a series of Kidney Community Screenings with dates for Providenciales, North and Middle Caicos, and South Caicos will be revealed soon, further extending the impact of this important initiative.
The Community Kidney Screening Events in Grand Turk and Salt Cay have set a solid foundation for ongoing efforts to prioritize kidney health and well-being within the community. Together, we are taking proactive steps towards building a healthier future for all.
PROVIDENCIALES, TCI, APRIL 30, 2024: Provo Water Company (PWC) has made significant progress in addressing recent water supply issues caused by increased water demand on Providenciales, and while ongoing projects aimed at long-term solutions are proceeding as planned, nightly water restrictions will continue through May.
This news comes as an update on the organization’s swift response to the rising water demand, which prompted the initial implementation of nightly restrictions to safeguard daily water reserves. The company is actively pursuing multiple projects, including upgrades to the city water transmission main, the main city water line valves, and the Middle Booster Pump Station,
alongside various other initiatives, to ensure long-term solutions to the supply issues.
Provo Water Company reaffirms its dedication to the residents of Turks and Caicos by continuing with a range of improvement projects aimed at innovative solutions for short and long-term distribution challenges. While diligently advancing these initiatives, the organization has determined that the nightly water restrictions remain necessary to ensure the replenishment of
daily reserves as it strives to keep these projects on track.
These restrictions will be implemented on an as-needed basis to effectively manage water consumption efficiently. If deemed necessary, the restrictions will be in effect from 11:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., optimizing conservation efforts during off-peak hours.
In response to the extension, Managing Director Robert Hall expressed apologies to customers and stakeholders in light of the extension. He reiterates his organization’s dedicated efforts to minimize the frequency of water restrictions and their eventual elimination in response to the extension.
In a statement, Hall said, “We will implement these measures only as required throughout the month of May to efficiently regulate water usage. We recognize the impact of these restrictions, and we want to assure you that we are doing our utmost to minimize inconvenience and ensure that your needs are our top priority.”
The transmission main project, which will enhance various aspects of the existing water supply network, ultimately improving water distribution across the island, is currently scheduled to be completed by mid-June 2024.
Hall concluded, “This project is pivotal in strengthening our water distribution infrastructure, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring a reliable water supply for our community. By actively working towards its completion, we remain dedicated to serving our customers with the utmost excellence, reliability, and efficiency.”
Learn more about Provo Water Company’s water efficiency and conservation initiatives by visiting www.provowater.com. Follow on social media for tips and announcements: @ProvoWaterCompany on Facebook and @provowaterco on Instagram. For inquiries, please contact the customer service team at customerservice@provowater.com.
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