Author: Lea Sacca

SEATTLE — Measles is a viral infectious disease that is highly contagious and is easily spread through the ambient air by coming in direct contact with the infected person. The virus thrives in the mucous membranes of the nose and throat and remains active on surfaces and in the air for up to two hours. The most common symptoms associated with measles are high fever, runny nose, red eyes, sore throat, tiny white bumps in the mouth and a red rash spreading throughout the entire body. The Effectiveness of the Measles Vaccine The most effective way to prevent measles is…

HOUSTON — As a Lebanese citizen and an aspiring student, I always had a dream to continue my graduate studies in a foreign nation with the goal of acquiring new skills needed to initiate the development process in my country. Luckily, the U.S Department of State, in collaboration with the Embassy of the United States of America and AMIDEAST, designed the Fulbright Student Scholarship Program. The Fulbright Program grants students who are citizens of countries within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region a prestigious scholarship covering a maximum of two academic years of study at a renowned university in…

SEATTLE — For years, maternal health has been considered a key indicator in determining the overall wellness, stability and development of the family and society. A mother’s health status impacts her children’s survival rates and on a broader scale predicts the economic and social development of the country, as well as the potential improvement in life expectancy rates. Definition of Maternal Mortality According to the World Health Organization, maternal mortality can be defined as “the death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, irrespective of the duration and site of the pregnancy, from any…

SEATTLE — As soon as a baby is born, the mother is overwhelmed by her physician about particular types of baby formula she could use as an alternative method to breastfeeding. Each pediatrician advocates the introduction of a certain brand of infant milk replacement formula into the baby’s diet to the point where the mother is confused about what to choose and forgets completely about the natural source of milk she herself can provide. The lack of awareness about the importance of breastfeeding in Lebanon has not only contributed to increased mortality and morbidity rates among infants, but has also…

SEATTLE — Over the past few years, mental health in Lebanon has been considered a public health problem, as the latest statistics show that around 4.6 percent of the Lebanese population has experienced at least one type of mental disorder, including depression and anxiety. The issue of mental health has grabbed the attention of international organizations and health institutions on an international scale as the number of psychological, social and emotional disorders increased significantly. In 2014, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon reported that nearly 20 percent of the world’s youth have experienced a type of mental health condition that rendered them…