TheNewsGuru

Tag: Health

  • Report adverse drugs reaction -NAFDAC urges Nigerians

    The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), in collaboration with the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), has urged Nigerians to report any case of Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR).

    The acting Director-General of NAFDAC, Yetunde Oni, made the call at a media interactive session on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Oni, who was represented by Prof. Samson Adebayo, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics of NAFDAC, said that the aim of pharmacovigilance was to enhance patients’ care and safety in relation to the use of medicines.

    According to her, Nigeria is a full member of the World Health Organisation (WHO) programme for International Drug Monitoring (IDM).

    “Its obligation is to submit reports of adverse reactions associated with medicinal products, known as Individual Case Safety Reports (ICSRs).

    ”Nigeria, with a population of over 140 million people, is expected to generate about 28,000 ICSRs per year.

    ”Due to the inherent nature of medicines, no drug, no matter how skilfully produced to meet specified quality standards, properly distributed and stored, rationally prescribed and used, is 100 per cent safe,” she said.

    Oni said that pharmacovigilance in Nigeria covers medicines, herbals, blood products, vaccines, biologicals, medical devices, chemicals and cosmetics: with the goal of reducing medicine induced morbidity and mortality.

    Also, Dr Godwin Ntadom, the Director Case Management, NMEP, urged Nigerians to report ADR to NAFDAC or send text messages to 20543.

    Ntadom explained that when the text messages were sent, follow up would commence immediately.

    He said that the adverse reaction on Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy reported was immediately withdrawn and replaced.

    In his remarks, Yohanna Avong, the Associate Director, Clinical Services, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, said that the institute would ensure the setting up of pharmacovigilance desks in hospitals to help stem cases of ADR.

    Avong also said that the institute would ensure the proper utilisation of funds made available by partners.

     

     

  • 5 Unbelievable reasons why you should place sliced lemons beside your bed at night

    Lemons don’t only smell revitalizing, but their scent is good for your body too.

    Nevertheless, keeping a sliced lemon next to your bedside at night will help, using lemon essential oil is even more effective.

    According to Livelovefruit.com, below are some of the reasons why you have to place sliced lemons beside your bed at night.

    1. It reduces anxiety and stress

    By means of activating an adenosine A (2A) receptor on cell membranes. Lack of activation of these receptors is associated with insomnia, anxiety, and impaired dopamine transmission.

    1. It eases and prevents asthma

    Limonene attaches to extra electrons and depletes ozone molecules. One study found that inhaling limonene (such as that found in lemons) staunched asthma reactions and reduced inflammation.

    1. It kills bacteria that cause strep, staph, and pneumonia

    It inhibits their growth and prevents them from adhering to saliva-coated surfaces.

    1. It prevents the growth of cancer in the breast and liver

    Aroma receptors in liver cells respond to limonene and reduce cell growth of cancer by increasing calcium concentration inside the cells. Limonene is also highly fat soluble, and so it accumulates in fatty tissue such as breast tissue and fortifies the function of NF-kappaB (a molecule that acts similar to an ambulance in times of need)

    1. It reduces blood pressure

    It also relates to its calming effects, but smelling lemon essential oil or just lemon itself helps reduce blood pressure and relax the body.

     

  • FG should provide quality services as response to violence–UNICEF

    FG should provide quality services as response to violence–UNICEF

    The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says that the Federal Government has the main responsibility for preventing and responding to violence with quality services in place.

    The Chief of Child Protection, UNICEF, Nigeria, Mrs. Rachel Harvey made this known on Wednesday in Lagos.

    Harvey spoke on the sidelines of the campaign to End Violence Against Children by 2030, launched by President Muhammadu Buhari on Oct. 25.

    The campaign builds and expands on the success of just-ended Year of Action to End Violence Against Children, earlier launched in Sept. 2015.

    “The services should be staffed by trained professionals to help children recover from their experiences.

    “Also, perpetrators should be held accountable for their actions by strengthening the capacity of the justice sector, that children and the general public are aware that violence against children is unacceptable.

    “And that they know where to seek help when children are victims of violence, among other steps”, she said.

    Harvey said that the issue of violence against children was critical to the country as it was not confined to poor families, or to marginalised children or children living in the shadow of conflict.

    According to her, it is a problem that transcends social and economic status; it impacts the rich and the poor, urban and rural, educated and out of school children.

    “Ending violence against children is not just a moral imperative or a legal obligation; failure to prevent and respond to violence leads to a new generation of victims.

    “The Nigeria Violence Against Children survey found that adults who have suffered violence as children are much more likely to perpetrate intimate partner violence.

    “Failure to end violence against children also impacts the country as a whole; it leads to substantial economic losses and constrains development.

    “Ending violence against children has been linked to sustainable growth not only by the international community but, through the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals.

    “Violence against children is therefore not somebody else’s problem – it is everyone’s problem and everyone needs to be part of the solution, ‘’ she said.

    Harvey said that the government alone could not end violence.

    She said that religious leaders, NGOs, and the media had a fundamental role in breaking the culture of silence on violence that children suffered.

    “Also tackling the stigma that stops children from speaking out and ensuring that children who do report are treated with dignity and in a way that helps them to recover.

    “That is why the campaign to end violence against children by 2030, which brings together not only government ministries but also, key religious groups and organisations.

    “Also, working for children’s rights and protection is so critical to fighting violence against children

    “That is why this Presidential Campaign to end violence against children is as important as it shines a spotlight on the problem, and not only commits the government to take action.

    “But calls upon all Nigerians to break the culture of silence, fight the stigma that stops children speaking out and take action to prevent violence”, Harvey said.

     

  • 5 Awesome ways to clear up your mind

    5 Awesome ways to clear up your mind

    Do you notice how difficult it feels to be productive and stay focused working in a disorganized room?

    Your mind is the most important room you have to work in; therefore, keep it clean, well-organized and free of negative thoughts.

    According to livelove.com, below are some methods to getting that mind cleared.

    1. Practice self-compassion

    Discover who you are and give yourself space to improve and grow by practicing self-compassion. Forgive your mistakes and accept your shortcomings with the understanding that you are doing what you know and how you know. Judging your former self with the knowledge you have today is unfair and misleading.

    1. Free yourself from self-negative thoughts (judgment, doubt, guilt, too conscious)

    Free yourself from self-negative thoughts; no more judgment, doubt, feeling guilty and powerless; stand up for yourself starting with the way you talk to others and about others.

    1. Let go of trying to control everything

    It is a good thing to be in control of yourself, to have self-discipline. However, make a distinction between things that you should control and things you should let go.

    Insisting on doing everything by yourself, controlling everything that moves around you is like keeping your hand on a burning stove.

    1. Focus on what you want

    Define what you want in life, know where you are going and find out how to get there. Stay focused on your goals.

    1. Understand others

    Understanding others takes some of the social pressures off your shoulders, allowing you to predict and anticipate behaviours and actions and move faster towards what you want.

    Clear your mind off negative things and people let it be flooded with happy thoughts, well-serving self-attitudes and perceptions, hopes, and dreams.

     

  • Stop violence against women, girls- Group says

    Stop violence against women, girls- Group says

    The Coordinator, African Women Lawyers Association Nigeria,(AWLAN) Abuja chapter, Mrs. Olanike Bakrin, has called for the elimination of violence against women and girls.

    Bakrin gave the advice during a visit to Kpaduma Village at Asokoro in commemoration of the 2016 UN 16 days campaign against gender-based violence in Abuja on Saturday.

    According to her, ending violence against women and girls can become a reality with laws to protect women and punish perpetrators as well as services to rebuild women’s lives and comprehensive prevention.

    “Sometimes, women are attacked by strangers, but most often they are hurt by people who are close to them, such as a husband or partner.

    “Whether you are attacked by a stranger or mistreated by a partner, violence and abuse have terrible effects. You can get help for any physical and emotional problems,’’ she said.

    Bakrin said that women who were undergoing any form of violence should open up in spite of the intimidation or threat from their aggressors.

    She said that the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP 2015), constituted all forms of violence in private and public life and prohibited the different types of violence.

    Bakrin said that the law covers physical, sexual, psychological, domestic, harmful traditional practices and discrimination against persons.

    Similarly, the Alternate Coordinator of AWLAN, Mrs. Ifeoma Nwogu, said violence against women and girls was a violation of human rights.

    “Women’s rights are the fundamental human rights that are enshrined into the 1999 constitution for every human being.

    “These rights include the right to live free from violence, slavery, and discrimination; to be educated; own property; vote; and to earn a fair and equal wage,’’ she said.

    Nwogu said the purpose of visiting the village was to educate the women and young girls at the rural communities to know their legal and human rights.

    She said the VAPP act had boosted the confidence of the citizens to seek help against all forms of violence regardless of sex, age, culture tribe or religion, adding that more still needed to be done.

    The Secretary to the District Head of Kpaduma, Mr. Dantani Bawa, appreciated the women for coming to their communities as many of them would be more enlightened on their rights.

    One of the women in the community, Mrs. Thresa Iorashima,advised women to engage in small scale businesses to help their families, support their husbands.

    She added that funding was usually an issue that was causing violence in some homes.

    It is aimed to raise public awareness and mobilize people everywhere to bring about change.

     

  • Katsina Government provides free treatment for pregnant women, others

    Katsina Government provides free treatment for pregnant women, others

    The Katsina State Government says it has commenced the provision of free medical treatment to pregnant women, accident victims and other special patients across the state.

    The state Commissioner for Health, Hajiya Mariyatu Usman, made this known to newsmen during an interview on Wednesday in Katsina.

    Usman said that the state government had equally resumed free treatment for Caesarean Section (CS) patients and children under-five years in government hospitals.

    “The State Government has procured and distributed dispersible amoxicillin tablets, zinc and low ORS to all government hospitals.

    “The government has procured and distributed Anti-Malaria drugs, Long Lasting insecticide-treated mosquito nets, rapid diagnostic test kits and training of health workers on the management of severe malaria scourge,” she said.

    The commissioner disclosed that the government had procured and distributed drugs for sickle-cell disease in six selected centers in the state.

    Usman called on people of the state to support the APC administration to enjoy more dividends of democracy.

  • Suicide attempt: Cameroonian discharged, repatriated

    Suicide attempt: Cameroonian discharged, repatriated

    A Cameroonian, Fredrick Gino, who attempted to commit suicide by climbing a high tension electric pole on May 6 in Lagos has been discharged from the psychiatric hospital and repatriated.

    Gino had attempted to electrocute himself at Adebisi Oguniyi Crescent, Lekki-Ikate Round About, area of Lagos before he was rescued.

    It took the intervention of the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA), and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to bring him down.

    Gino, after being rescued, was taken to the Psychiatric Department of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, for treatment.

    The Chief Medical Director of LASUTH, Prof. Wale Oke, said that Gino was treated free at LASUTH for six months.

    According to him, the patient, whose medical bills and feeding cost N1.4 million, was finally repatriated to Cameroon in collaboration with the Nigeria Immigration Office through the Lagos Office.

    Oke said that the expatriate was accompanied by the Deputy Controller of Immigration, a psychiatric nurse and two social workers to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja.

    He said, “It is part of the Lagos State Government Policy to treat destitute and people unknown.

    “We are glad to have been involved in the rehabilitation of Gino.

    “We hope that the Government of Cameroon will take it up from where we stopped and give him a better life,” he said.

    Gino said “I thank the Lagos State Government for saving my life; I also thank the nurses and doctors in charge of my case and all the staff of the hospital.

    “Most of them checked on me regularly. I am happy to go back to my country, I am happy, I will see my family alive,’’ he said.

    Also, Mr. Ogunlaye Olufemi, one of the social workers, who attended to Gino at the psychiatric department, said the patient had fully regained sanity, adding that he interacted well with others.

    A psychiatric nurse, Mr. Taiwo Amusa, said that Gino was fit to go back to his country.

     

  • 66 nurses bow out from Ogun State service

    66 nurses bow out from Ogun State service

    No fewer than 66 nurses on Tuesday retired from the Ogun State service, with a big gap created in the ministry.

    Speaking at the retirement service, Dr. Babatunde Ipaye, the Commissioner for Health, described nurses as the “engine room of the health sector’’.

    According to him, their caregiving role, which gives speedy healing power to patients, has been of great benefit to the service.

    Ipaye said that the “nursing profession is a service to humanity’’ while commending the retirees for their selfless services during their service years.

    The commissioner said the large number of nurses that retired within a year, a need analysis would be conducted to identify the areas that needed to be replaced.

    “There is need for replacement and the ministry would do the needful within the shortest time.

    “We’ll conduct a need analysis; look at the gap that has been created with their retirement and do what is necessary to ensure the gap does not affect service delivery,’’ Ipaye said.

    Mrs. Caroline Odutayo, the Director of Nursing Department, State Hospitals Management Board, commended the retirees for a peaceful working relationship.

    Odutayo said that the board would ensure the documents were processed for quick payment of their pensions and gratuities.

    Mr. Kayode Ajisebi, who spoke on behalf of other retirees, thanked the state government for the opportunity given to them to serve.

    Ajisebi said that as part of his retirement plan, he would go into farming to enable him contribute to the nation’s food production.

     

  • Improper disposal of medical waste poses health risk– Expert

    Improper disposal of medical waste poses health risk– Expert

    Mr, Solomon Chollom, Chairman, Association of Medical Laboratory Scientist of Nigeria, Jos chapter (AMLSN), has warned against improper disposal of medical waste.

    He said that communities and the environment could be compromised through improper disposal of medical waste.

    He said that significant amount of medical waste are generated through materials used in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.

    He added that such waste poses significant amount of risk to human health and the environment if not disposed appropriately.

    Chollom said: “when working in the Laboratory you are working with infectious micro-organisms,

    “In the process, you generate a lot of waste, some of which are part of the organisms.

    “So it is only right that after the entire process, the sample management must be properly disposed.

    “Some waste are meant for autoclaving (an enclosed chamber for sterilisation of instruments under a specified pressure while some are for incineration

    “But the hallmark is that waste must be treated and made environmental friendly to avoid health risk.

    “If medical waste is not well disposed, you could be generating samples that could easily infect a whole community.”

    Chollom said that some officials in charge of waste management in some health facilities are not well trained on the proper way of disposing medical waste.

    “Due to their ignorance, they handle waste with levity and such waste is littered around”.

    Chollom explained that medical waste should not be incinerated, saying that if they are incinerated, they could lead to virus entering the community through the air.

    “People and the environment are vulnerable to airborne pathogens, this danger must be avoided at all cost,” he said.

    He said that incineration of medical waste at low temperatures releases toxic emissions which might contain heavy metals and dioxins.

    He said that the residual ash might also contaminate food and sources of drinking water.

    He said that disposal of medical waste should be handled by properly trained officials to mitigate the spread of diseases and pollution of the environment.

     

  • Gynaecologist advises women on Kegel exercise for healthy uterus

    Gynaecologist advises women on Kegel exercise for healthy uterus

    Dr. Adaora Ukoh, an Abuja-based gynaecologist has advised women to practice kegel exercise to reduce the rate of prolapse uterus.

    She defined uterine prolapse as a condition where the uterus sags or slips from its normal position into the vagina or into the birth canal.

    She said kegel exercises make the pelvic floor muscles stronger, control urine flow and help to hold the pelvic organs in place.

    According to her, the cause of uterine prolapse cannot be established but that genetics play a role in developing uterine prolapse.

    She explained that a woman’s uterus was normally held inside the pelvis with various muscles and tissues and ligaments but due to pregnancy and childbirth, the muscles could become weakened in some women.

    She added that as women grow older, their natural estrogen level also dropped, making the
    uterus to drop into the vaginal canal, which may cause prolapse uterus.

    Ukoh further said that preventing prolapse uterus should start from lifestyle changes such as avoiding weight gain, avoiding heavy lifting, control cough, as well as preventing and treating constipation.

    She also encouraged adequate drinking of fluids such as water and maintaining normal weight, consuming foods high in fiber and pelvic exercises to reduce the risk of the condition.

    The gynaecologist noted that stretching during bowel movements, as well as smoking increased the risk of prolapse and discouraged the practice to prevent the condition.

    However, Ukoh said that treatment of the condition should start with medications such as estrogen cream, ovules or rings inserted into the vagina.

    She noted that the measures would help to restore the strength and vitality of tissues in and around the vagina.

    She also suggested surgery to help to repair the uterus, especially for women of child bearing age.

    She recommended total removal of the uterus in extreme cases to correct sagging of the vaginal walls, the urethra, the bladder and the rectum.

    The doctor also urged women who experienced back pain, fullness around the abdomen,
    as well as pain during sexual intercourse to seek urgent medical care.