Not all health concerns should have you rushing to the hospital. A bit of reading from "Healthy Secrets" authored by Prof. Alex Dodoo, the Director General of the Ghana Standards Authority and the President of the African Organization for Standardization, may come in handy in dealing with some recurring discomforts.

Consider, for example, the persistent cough that compelled APC’s Hassan Ayariga to interject then-candidate Akufo Addo during the 2012 presidential debate, controversies associated with condom use, or an urge to scratch an itch in a vehicle. "Healthy Secrets" is, by all standards, a must-read piece.

Before delving into the details of the book, it’s worth noting where Professor Dodoo first cut his teeth in medicine. He studied at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana and continued at King’s College London, and the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada. While exploring his illustrious career could be an endless task I do not wish to delve into in this write-up, let's walk through a few chapters of his book and why it should be on your reading list.

In the first chapter, Professor Alex Dodoo provides a brief insight into what coughing is. He references an incident from September 10, 2001, involving Major Charles Ingram, who won the coveted one million pounds on ITV's "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" by using coughs to cheat. He mirrors it to a popular encounter during the final presidential debate before the 2012 elections in Ghana, where Mr. Hassan Ayariga coughed whenever Nana Akufo-Addo, the leading opposition candidate, started speaking.

He opens up a debate on whether coughing should be considered a weapon of distraction and manipulation or a health issue. Leaving the question of mischief or propaganda to political actors, he explains the health aspect of coughing. For the average person, coughing is a reflex action to clear the airways of irritants and foreign materials, which can be either voluntary or involuntary.

Professor Dodoo discusses various social reasons for coughing, such as attracting attention, releasing tension, showing disapproval, or causing distraction. He categorizes coughs into two types: dry coughs, which tend to be ticklish and irritating, and productive coughs, which lead to the production of mucus, often colored. The causes of coughs vary and usually include bacterial or viral infections of the airways, such as the common cold and flu, serious lung infections, and more.

He explains that most coughs are short-lived and advises patients to drink plenty of water and avoid inhaling smoke and other irritants. However, the same cough remedies should not be used for children under six years old unless recommended by a doctor. Coughs in children under three months should not be treated with over-the-counter remedies and should be referred to a hospital. Additionally, coughs in patients with a history of heart disease or lung swelling require special medical attention.

The book's later chapters continue to provide practical advice and insights into various health concerns, making it an essential resource for anyone looking to understand and manage their health better.

In Chapter Two, Professor Dodoo delves into some other health secrets and complications, specifically focusing on pruritus ani, commonly known as an itchy bottom. He begins with a short story about Mr. Joseph P., a man with pruritus ani who gets into trouble with a woman in a commercial vehicle because he can't stop scratching his bottom. This unfortunate incident leads to his arrest.

Professor Dodoo explains that pruritus ani is a chronic, persistent itch around the anus. It is more common in men than women but can occur at any age. He elaborates on the causes, noting that several factors can contribute to or exacerbate the condition. These include worm infestations, anemia, skin infections, and dietary factors such as excessive consumption of beer, coffee, and spicy foods.

One clear symptom is the desire to scratch, leading to the well-known "itch-scratch" cycle. According to Professor Dodoo, treatment may involve de-worming in cases of suspected worms, and the itch might resolve on its own. Prevention strategies include avoiding irritating foods and substances and refraining from wearing tight jeans.

In Chapter Four, Professor Dodoo shifts focus to another health issue: eating disorders. He recounts how Ghana experienced a severe famine, forcing people to queue for uncooked food. During this time, R's chains became a common greeting, with people questioning each other about the length of their chains.

Professor Dodoo explains that eating disorders are abnormal behaviours towards food, causing sufferers to either drastically reduce or excessively increase their food intake. According to the International Classification of Diseases, eating disorders are classified as mental disorders. He identifies three types: anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. Anorexia involves self-starvation and minimal food intake. Bulimia is characterized by consuming large quantities of food in a short time, followed by purging through vomiting or diarrhoea. Binge eating disorder involves an insatiable craving for food.

These disorders are challenging to identify and treat. Untreated eating disorders can severely impact sufferers' physical, social, emotional, and psychological health. Treatment often involves counselling, behavioural therapy, psychotherapy, or medication. Expert medical advice should always be sought.

In the next chapter, Professor Dodoo tackles the rise and fall of body parts, including breast enhancement. He introduces the topic humorously, recounting a story about an elderly couple in their mid-80s. An evangelist delivers his weekly sermons, and a woman believes she might be healed through the TV at the age of 85. The chapter leaves readers pondering what Grandpa Joshua hoped to achieve with his renewed vigour if his partner enhanced his breasts.

This chapter delves into the topic of breast enhancement and the various methods women have used to alter the size and appearance of their breasts. These methods range from using padded brassieres to inserting foam or other substances into their bodies. Professor Dodoo invites his readers to consider the popular materials used in surgical breast enhancement, such as silicone and saline (salt water).

He raises concerns about the risks associated with breast enhancement procedures, noting instances where these procedures have gone wrong, resulting in implant leaks and other complications. Some countries have even had to halt these procedures due to the associated risks.

Aside from altering the size and shape of breasts, Professor Dodoo also discusses buttocks enhancement, a trend that has gained popularity among many women. He references the current practices in Salvador da Bahia, Brazil, where it is common to see women in ceremonial dresses with enhanced buttocks, often using pillows or metal girdles. This practice may be linked to African puberty rite ceremonies, where young females symbolically enhance their figures to signify adulthood. Many inhabitants of Salvador da Bahia are descendants of former West African slaves, and women of African descent typically have pronounced buttocks. This phenomenon raises questions about why some women seek medical or surgical enhancement: Is it a desire for further enhancement among the already endowed, or an effort to protect and perfect their natural attributes?

Moving forward, Professor Dodoo explains the concept of plastic surgery of the buttocks, known as "gluteoplasty." The buttocks consist mainly of the gluteus maximus and gluteus medius muscles, covered by fat, and serve to stabilize gait and walking. Conditions like kwashiorkor can cause significant fat and tissue loss in the buttocks, leading to deformities that may require surgical correction. Additionally, congenital defects or traumatic injuries may necessitate plastic or reconstructive surgery to restore proper gait and balance.

Professor Dodoo provides a detailed explanation of how buttocks enhancement is performed. The procedure primarily involves surgery to insert artificial materials or transfer fat from other body parts into the buttocks. This requires careful handling of nerves and blood vessels to avoid serious complications, such as paralysis or fatal bleeding. He cautions that the procedure should only be performed by licensed specialists in approved facilities, warning against resorting to untrained personnel who often cause severe deformities and other failures. He emphasizes that there are no effective medications for buttock enhancement. The use of creams or injections is misleading and potentially harmful, often containing inactive substances or dangerous ingredients, especially when produced in unsanitary conditions.

Chapter 6: Ear Health and Hearing

In Chapter 6, Professor Dodoo continues his exploration of health secrets, focusing on the ear. He begins by emphasizing the invaluable gift of hearing, noting that those with hearing difficulties understand the frustrations of hearing loss, yet many people neglect ear care. During election years, the cacophony of political claims and threats can make people wish they could turn off their hearing. Despite this, it's crucial to protect and preserve our ears, and following a few simple tips can help maintain this precious sense.

Professor Dodoo also addresses the issue of foreign bodies in the ear, highlighting that many children and adults visit hospitals to have objects removed. This task, commonly performed in ear, nose, and throat (ENT) departments, underscores both the surprising variety of items that can get stuck and the curious nature of humans.

He then discusses earaches in both adults and children. Earache is a common ailment in children, often caused by viral or bacterial infections leading to middle ear inflammation, known as otitis media. This condition requires medical treatment, and repeated infections necessitate specialist attention to prevent premature deafness and learning difficulties. Symptoms of otitis media include pain, fever, trouble sleeping, irritability, and ear tugging.

In adults, earaches can result from various causes, including glue ear (buildup of secretions), infections in the ear canal (otitis externa), ear infections, ruptured eardrums, tooth infections, tonsillitis, sinus infections, sore throat, facial nerve pain, jaw arthritis, and, rarely, eczema in the ear canal. While some conditions can be managed with over-the-counter remedies, others may require prescription medication. He concludes the chapter by offering tips for improving ear care, such as avoiding inserting objects into the ear and using simple methods to remove wax.

Chapter 7: Eye Health and Vision

In Chapter 7, Professor Dodoo turns his attention to eye care. He begins with the story of Grace Goodluck, who returns home after 30 years in America, excited to share gifts with her family. However, she is dismayed when her brown suitcase goes missing at baggage claim, leaving her worried about disappointing her nieces and nephews and missing a special moment with her twin sister.

Upon her arrival home, Grace is mistaken for her twin sister, Gifty. Frustration mounts as none of her six checked bags appear. As she vents her anger, she notices the staff's nonchalant attitude. However, she soon discovers that her bags were actually purple, not brown, and had been loaded onto two trolleys nearby. The reunion with Gifty goes wonderfully. Later, Gifty urges Grace to get an eye test, revealing that Grace had vision problems and needed glasses. Once she gets her glasses, she can see clearly and joyfully sings Johnny Nash's song, "I Can See Clearly Now."

Professor Dodoo advises that individuals should take regular eye tests, particularly adults over 40, who should have them at least once a year. Regular eye exams can help identify treatable eye diseases that could lead to blindness, as well as other health issues, including cancers and brain abnormalities.

He elaborates on blindness, explaining that individuals with any degree of visual impairment should focus on reducing preventable blindness. According to the World Health Organization, leading causes of global blindness include cataracts, trachoma, onchocerciasis, childhood diseases, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and age-related retinal degeneration. Many of these conditions are preventable or treatable, making regular eye exams essential for early detection and effective treatment. Glaucoma, in particular, is a major cause of permanent blindness. Additionally, over 120 million people worldwide suffer from myopia or hyperopia, which can often be corrected with appropriate glasses. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of their visual impairments and live in avoidable darkness.

He concludes the chapter by emphasizing the importance of eye tests for children before starting kindergarten, as poor vision can lead to academic struggles. Many parents may not realize that their child's difficulties stem from visual impairments. For adults aged 40 and above, eye tests should be conducted at least once a year, with more frequent checks recommended for those over 40.

Chapter 8: Safety from Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assaults

In Chapter 8, Professor Dodoo addresses the safety of females from drug-facilitated sexual assaults. He begins by recounting a harrowing incident from December 16, 2012, when a physiotherapy student and her male friend boarded a bus unaware that it was occupied by six men who were not passengers but predators. The group, including bus driver Ram Singh and others, locked the doors and took turns assaulting the student. The youngest, a 17-year-old, was particularly brutal, assaulting her multiple times before mutilating her and throwing both victims from the moving bus. The student sustained severe injuries and was flown to Singapore for treatment but ultimately died. All six men were charged with murder and face the death penalty if convicted.

He continues to explain what rape drugs are, stating that certain medications can incapacitate individuals, making them drowsy or overly suggestive, facilitating sexual assault. These drugs may cause temporary memory loss, preventing victims from recalling events that occurred after ingestion. In some cases, victims may not realize they have been assaulted until they notice physical signs of abuse later.

He mentions that men can also be victims of sexual assault, and consuming alcohol can increase vulnerability to being unknowingly administered drugs that facilitate such assaults. Alcohol is the most common substance involved in these cases, but there are other potent drugs that can sedate or weaken individuals, making them more susceptible to assault. Extensive education is necessary to raise awareness about these risks.

Professor Dodoo identifies three main categories of substances often associated with drug-facilitated sexual assault: alcohol and two categories of powerful prescription medications used for sedation or surgical preparation. These medications are typically tasteless and odorless, making them easy to slip into food or drinks, rendering the victim unaware and vulnerable. Their effects can include sleepiness, drowsiness, forgetfulness, confusion, helplessness, sluggishness, and physical difficulties such as trouble speaking or walking, along with headaches and stomach issues.

In the final part of this chapter, he discusses preventive measures against drug-facilitated sexual assault. Awareness of the risks associated with drug-facilitated sexual assault is crucial. In addition to alcohol, certain small, tasteless, odorless, and sometimes colorless medications can induce drowsiness or forgetfulness, making individuals vulnerable to assault. To reduce the risk, it's important to be vigilant and avoid potentially dangerous environments. If someone feels unusual while eating or drinking, they should stop immediately. Drug-facilitated sexual assault is a serious crime that can have lasting effects on victims, making education and constant vigilance essential for prevention. Staying alert is key to safeguarding oneself.

Chapter 9: Condoms - Counterfeits, Controversies, and Confusion

In Chapter 9, Professor Dodoo discusses condoms, starting with a report from the Daily Graphic on April 16, 2013. The Chief Executive of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) had announced the seizure of a large consignment of poor-quality condoms. These substandard condoms were found to have visible holes and could easily burst during use, posing serious risks to users. The public was warned against using these products, leading to widespread discussions and jokes on mainstream media and social platforms. While many found the situation humorous, it was viewed as a significant public health concern by the Ministry of Health and the international community.

Professor Dodoo then delves into the history of condoms, noting that they have been used for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Evidence dates back to ancient Egypt and the Roman Empire, where men, particularly from the upper class, used "sheaths" to prevent disease and unwanted pregnancies. Early versions of condoms only covered the tips of the penis and were largely ineffective. However, by the 19th and 20th centuries, condoms evolved to cover the entire penis, improving their effectiveness.

Early condoms were made from animal materials like intestines and bladders, which were costly and ineffective. Other materials included linen and tortoise shell, but these were also unreliable. The introduction of rubber through Charles Goodyear's vulcanization process in the 19th century made rubber condoms popular, with some being reusable. Today, most condoms are made of latex, which is affordable and widely available, while a few are made from polyurethane for those with latex allergies. Modern condoms are designed to be disposable and not reusable.

Professor Dodoo explains that condom use has faced significant controversy historically, with opposition from the Catholic Church, medical professionals, and moralists in the early 20th century, as well as women's groups advocating for female control over contraception. Attitudes shifted due to the HIV/AIDS pandemic and concerns about sexually transmitted infections, leading to increased promotion of condoms. Many countries had strict regulations against condom use in the 1800s and 1900s, with Germany enforcing tough laws and the U.S. banning advertising until 1965. In Ireland, such restrictions were lifted only in 1993 due to its strong Catholic influence.

Quality issues with condoms were highlighted in 1935 when a biochemist discovered that many leaked when filled with air and water. This led to public outcry and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration classifying condoms as a drug in 1937, requiring quality testing before packaging. In 1938, hundreds of thousands of condoms were seized for failing these tests. Today, condoms continue to be tested for air and water retention, as well as strength, size, and lubricant content.

Chapter 10: Medicalization of Social Problems

In Chapter 10, Professor Dodoo explores the medicalization of social problems, questioning whether society has gone too far. He begins by recounting the story of Marvin Jr., who inherited his father Marvin Sr.'s early baldness and faced teasing and bullying in school. Despite Marvin Jr.'s attempts to hide his baldness with hats, he became more reclusive and faced difficulties forming relationships. Marvin Sr. advised him to confront the bullies directly, suggesting physical action if necessary. While Marvin Jr. followed this advice, it led to an altercation and further teasing.

The story transitions to a broader discussion on the medicalization of social problems, where non-medical issues are treated as medical conditions. This trend has led to the pathologizing of normal life experiences, often resulting in unnecessary medical interventions and the stigmatization of individuals facing these issues. Professor Dodoo argues that while some medicalization can be beneficial, such as recognizing mental health conditions, there is a risk of over-medicalizing everyday problems, leading to dependency on medication and undermining personal resilience.

He emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between medical interventions and addressing social problems through non-medical means. This includes promoting mental health awareness and support, encouraging personal development and coping strategies, and fostering a society that values empathy and understanding over quick medical fixes. Professor Dodoo concludes by urging readers to critically evaluate the increasing medicalisation of social issues and consider alternative approaches that empower individuals and communities.