SIMPLE SOLUTION TO COVID-19

We are about 200 million Nigerians. About 250  of us are said to have contracted COVID-19 because they tested positive. Contact tracing is ongoing and test for those who qualify for it is also ongoing. Our question is: CAN NCDC TEST THE ABOUT 200 MILLION OF US, or even one-tenth of that number? Do we have the resources? Can we afford that time, during which more would probably get infected?

Someone has proposed a solution which sounds reasonable. It is that we know the clinical features of COVID-19. We have also been told of treatment regimens that have saved many lives of recent. Instead of waiting to test every symptomatic person, WHY NOT STOCK EVERY PRIMARY, SECONDARY AND TERTIARY HEALTH FACILITY IN THE COUNTRY WITH THOSE DRUGS AND TREAT EVERY SYMPTOMATIC PERSON WITH THEM?

That to us is wisdom.
NCDC . . . over to you.

WE SAY NO TO CHINA INTERVENTION ON COVID-19

Once beaten, they say, twice shy.

That is what must guide Nigerian authorities in their romance with China in the fight against COVID-19. This is a disease said to have originated from Wuhan, a Chinese city and spread like wildfire over the whole world. They are said to have recovered from theirs - and why not, if as allegedly said, they invented it. What is the guarantee of goodwill in a people about whom scary tales of domination evolve?

WHAT TO DO IN THE PRESENT GLOBAL CRISIS OF COVID-19

This article was initially published by World Health Organization (WHO) as "Mental Health and Psychosocial Aspects of COVID-19" on March 12, 2020. It is a comprehensive guide to how every one should conduct himself/herself in the face of the present global challenge. In January 2020 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of a new coronavirus disease to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. WHO stated there is a high risk of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) spreading to other countries around the world. In March 2020, WHO made the assessment that COVID-19 can be characterized as a pandemic. WHO and public health authorities around the world are acting to contain the COVID-19 outbreak. However, this time of crisis is generating stress in the population. These mental health considerations were developed by the WHO’s Department of Mental Health and Substance Use as messages targeting different groups to support for mental and psychosocial well-being during COVID-19 outbreak.

Coronavirus: 6 actions all countries must effect now – WHO

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged nations to take urgent steps in the fight against coronavirus.

The global pandemic has affected 200 countries and caused over 20,000 deaths globally.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, at a briefing lauded the lockdown that has been affected is many countries.

He stated that the period should be used to do more to suppress the spread of the disease.

“We understand that countries are trying to assess when and how they will be able to ease these measures”, Ghebreyesus said.

“Asking people to stay at home and shutting down population movement is buying time and reducing the pressure on health systems, but on their own, these measures will not extinguish the epidemics.”

He added that the point of these actions is to enable the more precise and targeted measures that are needed to stop transmission and save lives.

 

“We call on all countries that have introduced so-called “lockdown” measures to use this time to attack the virus. You have created a second window of opportunity. The question is: how will you use it?”

Lead poisoning and health

October 21 – 27 is Lead poisoning prevention week. This article from World Health Organization is published to highlight on the need to prevent lead poisoning.

Key facts

• Lead is a cumulative toxicant that affects multiple body systems and is particularly harmful to young children.
• Lead in the body is distributed to the brain, liver, kidney and bones. It is stored in the teeth and bones, where it accumulates over time. Human exposure is usually assessed through the measurement of lead in blood.
• Lead in bone is released into blood during pregnancy and becomes a source of exposure to the developing fetus.
• There is no known level of lead exposure that is considered safe.
• Lead exposure is preventable.

Lead is a naturally occurring toxic metal found in the Earth’s crust. Its widespread use has resulted in extensive environmental contamination, human exposure and significant public health problems in many parts of the world.

SMOKING AND HEART DISEASE AND STROKE

https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/heart-disease-stroke.html  Accessed June 27, 2017

What Is Heart Disease and Stroke?

Heart disease and stroke are cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) diseases (CVDs).¹

Heart disease includes several types of heart conditions. The most common type in the United States is coronary heart disease (also known as coronary artery disease), which is narrowing of the blood vessels that carry blood to the heart.^2,3 This can cause:

• Chest pain²
• Heart attack (when blood flow to the heart becomes blocked and a section of the heart muscle is damaged or dies)^2,4
• Heart failure (when the heart cannot pump enough blood and oxygen to support other organs)^2,5
• Arrhythmia (when the heart beats too fast, too slow, or irregularly)^2,6

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing brain tissue to die.⁷ Stroke can cause disability (such as paralysis, muscle weakness, trouble speaking, memory loss)⁸ or death.

Smoke in public and pay heavily or go to jail

Nigerian Government has launched a campaign to ban smoking in public places including motor parks, shopping malls and health care centres.

Ministry of Health in a communiqué yesterday said according to Section 9 of the Nigeria Tobacco Control Act 2015, once convicted, offenders are liable to a fine of at least N50, 000 and/or six months’ imprisonment.

Tagged the Clean Air Campaign, the ministry said the law would be taken seriously to protect and promote the citizens’ right to health, life, physical integrity and safety.

Can people with Type 2 Diabetes eat coconut palm sugar? - Lana Barhum and Natalie Butler

In order to manage their condition, people with diabetes need to monitor their sugar intake. A good way of doing this might be by choosing a natural sweetener option. One of the more popular choices is coconut palm sugar.

In this article, we look at the effect coconut palm sugar has on blood sugar (glucose) levels and whether it may be healthful for people with diabetes.

What is diabetes?

Is coconut palm sugar a safer option for people with diabetes, who have to closely monitor their blood sugar levels?

People with diabetes have bodies that do not produce enough insulin or use insulin correctly.

Insulin is the hormone needed to help the body to normalize blood sugar levels. Blood sugar levels are a measurement of the amount of sugar in the bloodstream.

Most foods contain sugar. The body stores the sugar and transports it through the bloodstream to the cells, which use it as energy.

When insulin is not working properly, sugar cannot enter cells, and they are unable to produce as much energy. When the cells of the body cannot process sugar, diabetes occurs.

What is coconut palm sugar?

Coconut palm sugar is made from

Can people with Type 2 Diabetes eat honey? - Lana Barhum and Natalie Butler

People with diabetes are often told they should not eat sweets and other foods that contain sugar because they may cause a spike in blood sugar levels. So, could honey be a healthful alternative to sugar-filled sweets and snacks?

Blood sugar (glucose) levels are the amounts of sugar found in the blood. Sugar is the body's primary source of energy.

Insulin is secreted from the pancreas to maintain blood sugar. The bodies of people with diabetes do not produce enough insulin or use it correctly.

8 ways to avoid/prevent Meningitis

About 336 Nigerians have died as a result of the recent outbreak of Cerebrospinal Meningitis, CSM, in some parts of the country.
Experts have advised on how to avoid being affected by the disease that is caused by excessive heat.
The disease is mostly caused by a bacteria called Neisseria meningitides.
Bacterial meningitis is an infection of the meninges, the thin covering of the brain and spinal cord.

According to experts, Symptoms of the disease include stiff neck, high fever, rash, headache, vomiting, and confusion.
Chairman, Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Senator Tijjani Yahaya Kaura on Tuesday said that the Meningitis casualty figures in Zamfara State is even worse than reported.
A statement released by the Director Media and Public Relations of the Ministry of Health, Boade Akinola, advised that citizens should endeavour to take the following to prevent the spread of the disease:

1. Avoidance of overcrowding.

Meningitis vaccination is free, don’t give anyone a dime - FG tells Nigerians

The federal government says vaccination for meningitis is free throughout the country and asked Nigerians not to pay for it.

Faisal Shuaib, executive Director, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), said this in a statement made available to reporters on Friday.

Shuaib therefore advised Nigerians to report any health centre or health worker who extorts money for the on-going meningitis immunisation.
He said the attention of the agency had been drawn to a report of sharp practices by some health workers and civil society organisations (CSOs).

Swollen Uvula: Causes, Symptoms and Remedies - Brian Wu

 The roof of the mouth is composed of two main sections, the hard palate at the front and the soft palate at the back. The uvula can be seen at the back of the throat, hanging from the middle of the soft palate.

The uvula is made up of mucous membranes, connective and muscle tissue, as well as canals that excrete saliva. It is very flexible, which ensures that it can fulfill its functions.

Symptoms

Though rare, the uvula and the surrounding areas can become swollen. Redness, soreness, and inflammation of the uvula is called uvulitis.

The uvula hangs at the back of the mouth and may become swollen due to bacteria and viral infections.

Inflammation is the body's automatic response to an injury, allergic reaction, or illness. Inflammation may also include redness, irritation, itching, swelling, or burning.

If the immune system is not able to

The positive effect of pumpkin seed oil

There’s more to pumpkin than meets the eye

1. Pumpkin seed oil has anti-inflammatory properties.
2. One study found that pumpkin seed oil reduced cholesterol.
3. The oil may also be an effective alternative treatment for BPH.

You may think of pumpkin as a festive fall decoration or the ingredient for the perfect pie, but pumpkin has other uses. Pumpkin seed oil, for example, has certain health benefits.

Pumpkin seed oil is said to help promote urinary health and heart health. It’s full of vitamins and anti-inflammatory agencies, along with linoleic and oleic acid. Here’s what you need to know about this fruit’s potential health benefits.

The scourge called "Cerebral Palsy"

The Provost, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Prof. Afolabi Lesi, has said that about 700,000 Nigerians are living with cerebral palsy while more than 3.5 million people are directly affected by it.

He added that preventing the causes of cerebral palsy was the best way of managing the condition and its harsh effect on family finances.

He said that preventing jaundice, difficulty in establishing breathing in babies after birth, low blood sugar and other infections in infants could reduce the incidence of cerebral palsy.

Six essential nutrients your body needs

Essential nutrients

Essential nutrients are compounds that the body can’t make or can’t make in sufficient quantity. According to the World Health Organization, these nutrients must come from food, and they are vital for disease prevention, growth, and good health.
While there are many essential nutrients, they can be broken up into two categories: macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients are eaten in large amounts and include the building blocks of your diet by providing the body with energy: protein, carbohydrates, and fat. Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients, and small doses go a long way. There are six main groups of essential micronutrients and macronutrients.

1. Protein

Protein is having its moment, and not just in the workout community. But all of the hype is for a good reason. Protein is essential for good health.
Protein provides the building blocks of the body, and not just for muscle.

Starch in potatoes, banana and bread provide health benefits.

Researchers say resistant starches can help with appetite suppression, and perhaps even reduce risks associated with diabetes and colon cancer.

If one of your goals for 2017 is to eat healthier, you might try a baked potato.

Or perhaps eat a banana that isn’t too ripe. Or maybe some pasta.
A new report out of England concludes that foods like these that contain resistant starches have a number of health benefits with no known harmful side effects.
Researchers from the British Nutrition Foundation say more research is needed, but evidence indicates these starches can help people eat less and improve gut health and blood glucose control.
Their findings were published in the Nutrition Bulletin.

Lassa Haemorrhagic Fever hits Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta; two die.

                                               Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta

The management of the Federal Medical Centre,  Idi-Aba,  Abeokuta has shut down the Accident and Emergency Unit to prevent further escalation of Lassa fever, which has claimed two lives, between last Friday and Sunday, in the hospital.
The viral disease is also known as Lassa hemorrhagic fever.
The management as part of steps to forestall the spread of the virus, the management said it had screened all the nurses working in the unit within the hospital and fumigated  the  whole area.

The health benefits of watermelon seeds

Watermelon is an extremely popular fruit. While we all enjoy eating this sweet refreshing fruit, we usually discard the tiny seeds scattered in it without realising or rather knowing of their health benefits. These seeds are loaded with nutrients including fatty acids, essential proteins and lots of minerals. These seeds are rich in vitamin B like thiamine, niacin, folate and minerals like magnesium, potassium, manganese, iron, zinc, phosphorus and copper. Besides, they are a great source of calories with 100 grammes of watermelon seeds providing around 600 grammes of calories.

Beware! plastic bottles cause cancer, diabetes

Scientists and researchers have identified plastic bottles to be dangerous to health because they contain hormone-disrupting chemicals that can cause cancer, diabetes, ADHD and autism.

They said endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) interfere with the body’s hormonal system, affecting development and leaving the body open to a staggering range of diseases.

They are found in thousands of everyday products, ranging from plastic and metal food containers, to detergents, flame retardants, toys and cosmetics. According to Daily Mail Online, these chemicals are responsible for scores of illnesses – costing the US an eye-watering $340 billion in health-related costs each year, the bombshell report by NYU Langone revealed.

US-based Nigerian medical doctor performs world-record surgery on an unborn child

The Federal Government on Monday congratulated United State-based Nigerian Surgeon, Dr Oluyinka Olutoye on his recent feat in carrying out a successful operation on an unborn baby with tumour in her mother’s womb.
This is contained in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, to felicitate with Dr Olutoye on behalf of the President and people of Nigeria.
Recall that Dr Olutoye of Texas Children’s Hospital, USA carried out an operation on a baby at 23 weeks, who suffered from a tumour known as Sacrococcygeal Teratoma.
Baby Lynlee Hope was removed from her mother’s womb, operated on and returned back. She healed and continued to grow until she was born again at 36 weeks.