A Chinese woman has become the first person to die from a type of bird flu that is rare in humans, according to the World Health Organization, WHO.
It, however, says the strain does not appear to spread between people.
The 56-year-old from the southern province of Guangdong was the third person known to have been infected with the H3N8 subtype of avian influenza, the WHO said in a statement late on Tuesday.
All of the cases have been in China, with the first two cases reported last year.
The Guangdong Provincial Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reported the third infection late last month but did not provide details of the woman’s death.
The patient had multiple underlying conditions, said the WHO, and a history of exposure to live poultry.
According to a recent ABC report, sporadic infections in people with bird flu are common in China where avian flu viruses constantly circulate in huge poultry and wild bird populations.
The Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners, ANPMP, says that a national emergency should be declared in the health sector as against the proposed compulsory five-year service by the House of Representatives.
The National President of the association, Dr Kayode Adesola, made the call in an interview on Monday in Lagos.
Dr Adesola said the proposed bill would have an adverse effect on the health sector as it was premised on the wrong notion that such a measure would solve brain drain in the sector.
He said the proponents of the bill didn’t conduct an in-depth research on the factors driving the brain drain crisis nor engaged health stakeholders on the implications before moving such a bill.
Dr Adesola added that the bill would worsen brain drain in the country as medical doctors don’t need Nigerian license to practice in other countries.
“We keep saying that the health sector needs urgent attention. Our health system is not working and many Nigerians are dying because of the underfunding of the sector”.
“We have teaching hospitals, general hospitals and primary healthcare centres that are dilapidated with outdated equipments”.
“Political leaders are seeking medical treatment abroad while the citizens are left to suffer in a country that has one of the best doctors in the world”.
“Before it was the young doctors leaving but now, the consultants are leaving. Many health workers left because of insecurity, not just poor remuneration or poor working conditions”. He said
He noted that the issue of brain drain was multifaceted and requires a more comprehensive approach to tackle it.
Dr Adesola stressed that declaring an emergency in the health sector would assist to proffer sustainable solutions to attrition of health workers, improved health care facilities, reduced disease burden among others.
It will be recalled that the House of Representatives on April 6, passed for second reading a bill seeking to mandate Nigerian-trained medical and dental practitioners to practice for a minimum of five years in the country, before being granted a full licence.
Sponsor of the bill, Mr Ganiyu Johnson, an All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker from Lagos, said the bill seeks to amend the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act 2004, to address the brain drain in the Nigerian health sector.
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has ordered the immediate recall of the suspended Executive Secretary, Osun Health Insurance Scheme, Dr. Niyi Oginni.
In a statement issued by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the recall was premised on the review of the report of the Contract and MOU Committee as well as the disturbing reports of imminent collapse of the state health insurance scheme.
The decision was also linked to the need to comply with public service regulations which stipulated procedures and conditions for discipline and management of public servants.
Governor Adeleke further directed the recalled Executive Secretary to normalize the operations of the insurance scheme by ensuring continuous patronage of the scheme by hospitals across Osun state.
Members of the public experiencing cough of more than two weeks have been advised to present themselves for free Tuberculosis, TB, screen and treatment at the primary health care centres in the thirty three local government areas of Oyo state.
Deputy Director, Public Health, Oyo state Primary health care board, Dr Johnson Babalola gave the advised during a free T.B screen and other health services at Agbaje Market, Agbeni Ibadan, in commemoration of this year’s world TB Day.
Dr Babalola said with the help of the Federal, state and international partners, the screening, testing and treatment of tuberculosis is free in Oyo state, appealing to residents to avail themselves the opportunity to assess their status.
The medical expert who said TB is curable explained that Oyo state has over six hundred facilities in all the local government areas where people can get the free test and anti TB drugs.
The medical services which was held simultaneously across the state provided free HIV/AIDS test, Blood pressure and COVID 19 vaccination.
Carrot is a cold-weather crop, and it also does well in warm climates. The optimum temperature for getting efficient growth is between 16 to 20 °C, while temperatures above 28°C drastically reduce top growth. Carrots are propagated using seeds.
Carrot farming in Nigeria is an important root crop cultivated for its fleshy edible roots.
The Carrot crop is the second most popular vegetable in the world after potato; many varieties of carrots take about 70-80 days to mature.
All carrots are a rich source of vitamin C, which stimulates the activity of white blood cells and is one of the most important elements in the human immune system.
When you were a kid, you probably heard that carrots are good for your eyes. That’s true, but the benefits of carrots don’t stop there. Here are some health benefits and ways to enjoy the elegant root veggie
Types of Carrots
Carrots come in various forms depending on the colours they present which are as follows:
Orange carrots contain beta and alpha carotene pigment. This promotes vitamin A production by the body, which is essential for healthy eyes.
Yellow carrots contain xanthophylls and lutein. Xanthophylls are a plant-based nutrient that has numerous health benefits in humans. One of the important health benefits is that it keeps your reproductive system strong.
Red carrots are rich in lycopene, which is one of the most powerful antioxidants in the world. The antioxidant power of lycopene fights against toxins, helps prevent cancer, helps to alleviate neuropathic pain, is good for the brain, and helps to improve heart health.
Purple carrots are rich in anthocyanins, the antioxidant compounds that give blueberries their distinctive colour and superfood health benefits.
Studies have found that these blue and purple pigments in purple carrots can improve memory, enhance vision, protect against heart attacks, act as anti-inflammatories, and even help control weight.
It is good for your eyes
Carrots are known to be good for the eyes but that’s not it, the vegetable is also good for several other parts of the body, Vitamin A you get from carrots comes from two carotenoids called alpha-carotene and beta-carotene.
Carrot juice has Vitamin A in it which is important for your eyes. It also has lutein and zeaxanthin present which protects the eyes from damaging light.
It is good for your immunity
Vegetables are extremely healthy for your body as they have certain nutrients in them which is good for the immune system. Similarly, carrot juice has vitamins, minerals and antioxidants present in it which helps to boost your immunity. Vitamin A and Vitamin C help to boost your immune system and also prevent free radical damage.
It helps to manage blood sugar
For people suffering from diabetes, it is important that they consume food that has a low glycemic index. Foods that have low glycemic indexes are critical for diabetic patients as they help to manage blood sugar levels. Carrot juice has a low glycemic index and therefore, it is a good choice for diabetic patients. It is also known to be beneficial for the gut bacteria that are associated with diabetes.
It is good for your skin
Carrot juice is known to have Vitamin C and Vitamin C is beneficial for your skin. The ingredient helps to boost collagen production which then improves skin elasticity. Vitamin C also protects the skin from free radical damage. Also, the carotenoids present in carrot juice help to protect the skin from UV damage.
It is good for your liver
The carotenoids present in carrot juice help to protect the liver against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Carrots is a vegetable known to be extremely healthy and vegetable juices are loved by a lot of people. These juices have a lot of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants present in them.
This keeps the body healthy and also protects the body against any damage, diseases and illnesses. If you’re someone who doesn’t like eating vegetables, you could choose to drink the juice of a Carrot.
Stakeholders in the country have been urged to support the drive toward reducing Oral health diseases to their barest minimum.
Oyo state Commissioner for Health, Dr Taiwo Oladipo made the call at the World Oral Day Celebration at St. Michael Catholic Primary School, Yemutu, Ibadan.
Represented by the Director of Public Health in the ministry, Dr Olusoji Adeyanju, Dr Oladipo who gave global statistics of people affected by oral diseases by the World Health Organization, WHO, said the disease had become a challenge, prompting the State to focus on a free health mission carried out across the 33 local government areas of the state to both young and old.
“In the last two years, Governor Seyi Makinde has directed that dentists should join state health mission and they have joined, “he said.
He appealed to the Nigeria Dental Association of Nigeria, Oyo state chapter to partner with the ministry in offering free healthcare services to students in the state.
In an address of welcome, the Chairman, of Nigeria Dental Association, Oyo State Chapter, Dr Fechi Nkwocha described the high level of Oral diseases in Africa as alarming, especially, in the rural areas, attributing it to a lack of good health facilities.
“Many areas don’t have access to good facilities and we have a few medical practitioners, having one doctor attending to 54,000 patients.”
“We won’t be able to achieve optimal care for such people, so we need the government and other agencies to involve in training Dental and Oral Health specialist care to reach out to these people.”
“ If they don’t have access to quality medical care, they won’t be able to practice preventive measures, and also have little or no knowledge about how to apply correct toothpaste, correct brushes and correct instrument “she added.
Dr Nkwocha however urged parents and guardians to give adequate care and attention to the teeth of their wards from the beginning, especially, the infants, as they start growing teeth from six months.
“the moment you observe teeth on the gum, it is time to start cleaning the mouth two times a day with fluoride toothpaste, put a little of the paste in your finger and spread it around their teeth, initially, they will resist but, they will get used to it”.
The Head Teacher of IMG N 4 Basic School Yemutu, Mrs Akintayo Olubisi, who spoke on behalf of their colleagues, expressed happiness about the free health care embarked in the school and noted that it would enable the students to take proper care of the Oral Health.
Highlights of the event included free medical and dental checks for students in the school.
Federal Government will continue to consolidate its infrastructure drive in the quest to reposition the health sector.
Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire expressed the resolve while inaugurating some projects at the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan.
The projects included One In-Patient Mammogram Machine, One Out- Patient Mammogram Machine, a 64 Slice CT Machine, a state-of-the-art and fully equipped Molecular Laboratory, Nurse Tutors Practical Demonstration Building, other were Pressure Swing Absorption Oxygen Plant and two Autoclave Sterilizer.
Dr Ehanire explained that the 64 Slice CT Scanner would greatly enhance the hospital radio-diagnostic capabilities, while the In-Patient and Out-Patient Digital Mammography machines come with the latest 2D and 3D technology to detect breast diseases in women while still in early stages to improve survival chances in cancer patients.
Fielding questions from newsmen on the exodus of Health personnel from the country in the quest for greener pastures, Dr Ehanire maintained that the situation was not peculiar to Nigeria.
“This is not peculiar to Nigeria, It is a global phenomenon. There is huge mobility in the labour force – pharmacists, laboratory scientists, and doctors of all levels are moving.
I have heard officials of the United Kingdom complain that their doctors are moving to New Zealand, Canada, and Australia, where the pay is higher”
“I have seen Ghanaian ministers saying that their doctors are leaving. Even, the Gambia said their doctors are leaving for other countries.
So, it is a global phenomenon. That doesn’t mean it is not a problem. It is a problem for all countries, not only for us.
The countries that are wealthy are looking to improve their health services with cheaply acquired doctors trained in other countries.
And in many developed countries, there is nothing like free education at that level and it costs a lot to train doctors. But how are we trying to solve this problem? He said further.
According to the Health Minister, the exodus of health workers was not a recent phenomenon.
“It is true that we are suffering an exodus of health workers. First, I want to say it is not new. As far back as the 1990s, Nigerians were going to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and other places. So, it is not a new thing. “
Dr Ehanire said that the Federal government had given health institutions directives to embark on a one-on-one replacement for health workers and medical personnel.
He, however, warned health institutions not to abuse the replacement process.
“I want to urge you all not to abuse this programme. If one doctor goes out, replace him with another of the same calibre.”
The Minister added that the Federal government was ready to accommodate Nigerians who are experts in the health sector but, had travelled out of the country for more than 10 to 20 years and would want to give back to the country to provide virtual lectures for students and staff in Nigeria.
Earlier, In an address of welcome The Chief Medical Director of UCH, Professor Jessie Otegbayo, commended the Federal Government, for improving facilities and creating a conducive place for research, training and clinical services in the health sector and UCH.
Professor Otegbayo said he was optimistic that the projects would “stem the tide of much talked about health tourism and brain drain in the health sector due to poor working environment.
The CMD implored Dr Ehanire to assist UCH by promptly addressing the problem of manpower shortage, through one-on-one replacement staff.
“I’m not unaware that you are already taking steps to address the issue.”
High points of the event were the presentation of a reappointment letter for another period of four years to the Chief Medical Director of University College Hospital Ibadan at the board room of the teaching hospital, the presentation of an award to the Minister of Health and the inauguration of projects.
Nigerians have been advised to take proper care of their eyes so as not to lose their sight.
some medical experts gave the advice at a sensitisation programme to mark 2023 glaucoma week in Ibadan.
According to Chief Medical Director, University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan, Professor Jessie Otegbayo, Glaucoma damages the eye optic nerve, with no symptoms at early stage.
Professor Otegbayo encouraged Nigerians to always go for medical check up even when there was no sign of symptoms to avoid complications.
On his part, Head of Department of Ophthalmology at the hospital, Professor Oluleye Olatunji noted that Glaucoma was the second leading cause of blindness in Nigeria , hence the need to create adequate sensitisation to put an end to it.
Head of Glaucoma Unit in the department, Associate Professor Olusola Olawoye noted that the rate of Glaucoma was high among Africans and could be hereditary.
Associate Professor Olawoye, while speaking on the theme “The world is bright, save your sight ” said the world was endowed with beautiful things to behold hence the need to desist from self-medication.
Glaucoma week, which commenced on the 12th of March, 2023 and will end on the 18th of March, was set aside worldwide to create awarenesses of the disease as it is said to be the second leading cause of blindness worldwide.
According to records in 2020, over seventy six million people had the disease.
The wife of former Deputy Senate President, Beatrice Ekweremadu, has denied involvement in the search for an organ donor for their ailing daughter, Sonia.
Beatrice was last year arrested alongside her husband in the United Kingdom for allegedly trafficking a young man into the country to harvest his kidney.
She denied the allegation on Monday at the Old Bailey in London where she is standing trial alongside her husband, daughter and one medical doctor, Obinna Obeta.
It is claimed the young man was falsely presented as Sonia’s cousin in a failed bid to persuade doctors to carry out an £80,000 private procedure at the Royal Free Hospital.
On the family’s finances, Beatrice told the court that her husband took care of the house, just as she pointed out that she only carried out domestic duties which included visiting their children in school in the UK every couple of weeks
On how they discovered that their daughter had a kidney problem, her husband said Sonia fell sick in 2019 and was diagnosed with the problem in the UK.
Sonia returned to London to see a doctor at the Cromwell Hospital and then the Royal Free, jurors were told
The BBC reports that defence lawyer, Anu Mohindru KC, said, “There are text messages from your husband keeping you informed of what was happening. Is that something he would do?”
The defendant replied: “Yes. He tells me what he thinks I need to know.”
The lawyer went on to inquire if Ekweremadu had relayed his discussions with his medically trained brother, Diwe.
Beatrice told jurors she regarded Diwe Ekweremadu as the family doctor but did not ask about it.
It is alleged that Diwe’s former classmate, Obeta, offered to help the family
Mohindru asked the defendant if she was involved in identifying any candidates, which Mrs Ekweremadu denied.
The Ekweremadus, who have an address in Willesden Green, North-West London, and Obeta, from Southwark, South London, deny the charges against them and the trial continues.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, has said the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital has discharged 19 victims of the train-bus crash.
Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, which took place at LASUTH, Abayomi explained that the government had ensured all victims were well taken care of and provided with necessary medical treatments.
He revealed that five victims would be discharged today at the Tollgate Trauma Centre and another eight victims were expected to be discharged today at Orile Agege Hospital.
He also confirmed that a total of 102 victims were brought to LASUTH.
Abayomi said, “We got 246 units of blood yesterday and all victims were treated for free. Some people were also injured outside the bus. We want to appreciate LASEMA, LASAMBUS and all Lagosians who supported us yesterday. I must also commend LASUTH.”
The Chief Medical Director, LASUTH, Prof. Adetokunbo Fabamwo, while speaking on blood transfusion, appealed to Lagosians to donate blood so as to replace the ones used.
Fabamwo advised that the recruitment process of drivers, generally, should be refined.
“On blood issue, the Blood Transfusion Service of Lagos State, rose up to the challenge and they gave us as much as we needed, but we are appealing to members of the public to come and donate because we need to replenish what we have used.
“This event challenged our capability at LASUTH and I’m delighted we rose up to the challenge.
“We should further refine the recruitment process for drivers, it is a general problem, even me, I have issues with some of the people that drive me. We have to ensure that only drivers that are level-headed are brought in,” he said.
Also, the Nigerian Medical Association, Lagos State in a letter signed by its Chairman, Dr Benjamin Olowojebutu, said, “On behalf of the body of doctors in Lagos State, we wish to commiserate with the Lagos State Governor, The Head of Service, The families of those affected by the tragedy, and indeed all Lagosians on the tragedy that occurred on Thursday morning when a train collided with a Staff BRT bus conveying some members of staff of the Lagos State Government to work. It was indeed a sorrowful day for all of us.”
“We pray for the repose of the dead and wish the wounded a speedy recovery.
“We also want to appreciate all our members, ably led by the Honourable Commissioner for Health and the CMD of LASUTH, for their prompt response and continuous attendance to the victims.”
A hot sunny day calls for a glass of delicious, refreshing juice. While we have many options on the market today, our beloved sugarcane juice continues to be the King of Good Times.
Nothing beats the sweetness of sugarcane juice on a hot afternoon. Just imagine getting your hands on an icy cold glass of salt sprinkled after being chased by the sun for hours.
Beneficial for your bones
Sugarcane is a rich source of calcium, magnesium and vitamin K. Calcium is an essential component for bone health as it helps strengthen your bones by increasing their density. Magnesium also plays a role in maintaining healthy bones by helping to regulate calcium levels in the body.
Vitamin K is another important nutrient for maintaining healthy bones because it plays a role in blood coagulation (the process of forming clots). Additionally, it also helps prevent osteoporosis.
Boosts brainpower and memory
The high vitamin C content of sugarcane is essential for brain health. Vitamin C plays an important role in the production of neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that transmit signals between neurons.
Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, which helps protect the brain from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules produced when cells break down or age; they can damage DNA and lead to cell death if they’re not neutralized by antioxidants like vitamin C.
In addition to protecting your brain from free radical damage, vitamin C also helps fight inflammation and chronic diseases.
Sugarcane is a good source of vitamin C, which helps fight inflammation. Vitamin C is necessary for the production of collagen and cartilage, both of which help maintain strong bones and teeth.
It also contains calcium, a mineral that’s essential for building strong bones and teeth. Calcium also plays an important role in muscle contraction, blood clotting, nerve impulse transmission and hormonal secretion – no wonder that consuming sugarcane regularly may help prevent osteoporosis!
Sugarcane juice benefits diabetes patients
Even though diabetic people are not allowed to consume sugar products due to the high sugar content in their blood, sugarcane is relatively safer to consume. Sugarcane juice is good for a diabetic person as it contains natural sugar which has an extremely low glycemic index, this prevents the sudden rise in blood glucose levels in diabetic patients. Sugarcane juice also acts as a substitute for soft drinks or aerated drinks for these people. However, it should still be consumed in moderation.
Sugarcane juice for cancer patient
Sugarcane juice helps to prevent cancer to some extent. This is because, it is high in alkaline content due to the concentration of manganese, iron, potassium, magnesium and calcium. It is difficult for cancer cells to survive in an alkaline environment which is why breast cancer and prostate cancer can be kept at bay by consuming sugarcane juice regularly.
Sugarcane juice benefits kidney functioning
Sugarcane juice generally boosts the protein levels in the body, thus maintaining the functioning of the kidneys. If it is taken in diluted form along with coconut water and lime juice, it can help to reduce the burning sensation which is associated with prostatitis, kidney stones, sexually transmitted diseases and urinary tract infection.
Sugarcane juice is good for chronic kidney disease, antioxidants present in sugarcane juice help to boost the immune system and fight infections in the body. The digestive system also functions smoothly by consuming sugarcane juice.
Drinking sugarcane juice benefits for skin
Sugarcane juice has extremely important components called hydroxyl acid and glycolic acid which have plenty of skin benefits such as skin whitening or glow and skin infections. Sugarcane juice can keep the skin hydrated, prevent ageing, reduces blemishes and fight acne. The presence of phenolic compounds, flavonoids and antioxidants can also delay the signs of ageing and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Applying this juice on the face skin regularly can keep it radiant, soft and supple.
Sugarcane Juice acts as an energy booster
Since sugarcane juice is a rich source of sucrose (simple sugar), it can be easily absorbed by the body. This sugar can be used to replenish low sugar levels in the body. Therefore, consuming sugarcane juice can make you feel refreshed, charged and energetic.
Sugarcane juice benefits in pregnancy
Sugarcane juice is said to be a useful addition to the diet of an expecting mother. It facilitates safer pregnancy and quicker conceptions. Sugarcane has copious amounts of vitamin B9 and folic acid which protects the unborn child from birth defects such as Spina bifida.
According to studies, sugarcane juice also helps women with ovulating problems, therefore increasing the probability of a safer conception.
Sugarcane Juice prevents tooth decay and sore throat
Bad breath can be very embarrassing and can also feel very uncomfortable. Sugarcane juice can be used as a home remedy to combat this problem.
Sugarcane juice contains important minerals like phosphorous and calcium which help to build up the teeth’ enamel, thus keeping tooth decay at bay.
Sugarcane Juice Treats febrile disorders
Febrile disorders are very common in kids or early teens. It can cause regular fevers with extremely high temperatures. During the fever, a lot of protein content is lost. Sugarcane juice helps to replenish the lost proteins and helps in speedy recovery from the fever.
Sugarcane juice benefits for weight loss
Sugarcane is ideal for people who want to reduce weight since it has natural sugar, Sugarcane juice can also reduce unhealthy cholesterol levels. Sugarcane juice is high in soluble fibre which is why it can reduce weight drastically.
An outbreak of diphtheria infection has claimed 61 lives in Kano State as of March 2, 2023.
The Kano State Case Manager, Dr Salma Suwaid, disclosed this on Monday at a webinar organized by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention with the theme ‘Diptheria outbreak in Nigeria: Vaccination Response.’
Dr Suwaid also said a total of 783 patients have been on admission so far. Of this number, 360 were females and 423 were males.
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by the bacterium called Corynebacterium species that affects the nose, throat, and sometimes, skin of an individual.
Diphtheria spreads easily between people through direct contact with infected people droplets from coughing or sneezing, and contact with contaminated clothing and objects.
The ongoing diphtheria outbreak and the associated high-case fatality were due to a combination of low vaccination coverage and the absence of diphtheria antitoxin during the early stage of the outbreak.
According to Dr Suwaid who is also a consultant paediatrician so far, the infection has been confirmed in Kano, Yobe, Lagos, Osun, and Katsina states noted that the average hospital stay of the patients is four days.
“Eighty-three per cent of deaths occurred in patients with the onset of symptoms greater than 3 days and an average of 15 admission days.
“Sixty-eight per cent of patients have been discharged, 1.66 per cent absconded and 12.2 per cent died.”
The Pediatrician said there was a need to strengthen surveillance to ensure early detection of diseases of public health importance to mitigate their propagation at early stages.
Also speaking, Dr Adejoke Oladele of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency said the majority of the confirmed diphtheria cases in the country occurred in children aged 2 to 14 years.
She added that the agency is responding with vaccination and routine immunization in the states at risk.
In his remarks, the Director-General of the NCDC, Dr Ifedayo Adetifa said most confirmed cases of the infection are either not vaccinated or under-vaccinated.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has approved the payment of hazard allowances to health workers in the state.
Governor Abiodun, who announced this in Abeokuta at a meeting with health professionals in the state, said the hazard allowances would motivate the health workers while discharging their duties.
While promising that Blood Transfusion Centre would be built in the State, Governor Abiodun said Schools of Nursing had been upgraded to Colleges of Nursing for improved teaching and learning.
The Governor also said that his administration would take necessary steps towards equipping 250 Bed- Hospitals at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta with needed laboratory equipment to enable medical scientists to perform their duties effectively.
Earlier, the State Chairman, the Nigeria Medical Association, Dr. Adekunle Ashimi had called for the payment of hazard allowances for the health workers and urged the government to give more priority to the health sector.
Processed foods are foods that have been altered from their natural state in some way, often through the addition of preservatives, artificial flavours and other additives, during preparation to make them more convenient, shelf-stable or flavorful. It changes the nutritional profile and increases the shelf-life in most cases.
Processed foods are often stripped of their natural nutrients during processing, meaning they may lack important vitamins and minerals that are necessary for good health.
Processed foods are often high in sugar, fat and empty calories. Consuming lots of these foods has long been linked to an increased risk of a wide variety of health problems that can lead to heart diseases or an early grave, such as obesity, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, cancer and depression.
Examples of Processed Foods
The following are the most common products you may see
Instant Noodles
Chips
Bottled Juices, Soda
Canned Goods
Chocolates, candies and other packaged sweets
Packaged Meat
Processed Dairy
Microwavable meals
Cakes and biscuits
Breakfast cereals
Bread
Health Risks of Processed Foods
Obesity
The excessive consumption of processed foods, junk foods, and ready-to-cook meals leads to obesity.
Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a collection of several conditions that occur together. Also, the main components include high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, hypercholesterolemia, and strokes.
Metabolic syndrome occurs when any of the following factors are present:
Low HDL (healthy) cholesterol levels
High fasting blood sugar
Large waist circumference.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease or IBD is a condition that involves inflammation in the digestive tract and makes it swollen. The common symptoms are blood in stools, fatigue, unwanted weight loss, and sudden fever.
Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s immune cells attack the healthy cells in the body. Furthermore, processed foods disable the intestine’s protection from bacteria, toxins, chemicals, and other non-nutritional substances, which raises the chances of developing autoimmune diseases.
Colorectal Cancer
It is a type of cancer that starts within the colon and leads to the rectum. Processed meats that include lunch meat, bacon, sausage, hot dogs, or other meat products that go through a chemical treatment to forestall rancidity are the significant foods resulting in colorectal cancer. Some signs and symptoms include blood in stools, unwanted weight loss, anaemia, fatigue, constipation, or stomach ache
Anxiety and Depression
Studies prove a high intake of healthy foods reduces the risks of anxiety and depression. However, canned products are high in sugar or sodium. Processed cheese, cured meats, pastries, candies, fried foods, and bottled beverages also contain a very high level of salt and sugar which might cause an increased level of glucose or sodium in our bloodstream, which may result in diabetes or blood pressure. In addition, it increases the pressure by enhancing the release of adrenalin into the bloodstream, thereby causing anxiety.
How to Reduce Processed Foods from Our Diet?
Eat More Homemade Meals
Choose Minimally Processed Meats
Check the Label
Determination and Willpower
While processed foods may be convenient and affordable, they are often lacking in important nutrients and can pose several dangers to our health. It is important to limit our intake of processed foods and opt for whole, unprocessed foods whenever possible to maintain good health. Eat healthily.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has inaugurated two projects facilitated by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals to boost healthcare services and youth empowerment in Ogun State.
The Vice President, while inaugurating the 100-Bed Mother and Child Hospital at Iperu-Remo, said the facility would enhance pre-natal and post-natal care for pregnant women and strengthen primary health care delivery for the treatment of preventable diseases.
At the inauguration of a fully equipped Skills Acquisition Centre for the town, the Vice President said the project would give youths the opportunity to acquire vocational skills as vital tools to create sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Mrs Adejoke Orelope Adefulire had urged certified traditional birth attendants to support the government in preventing maternal and infant mortality by promptly referring pregnant women to the health facility for cases beyond their capacity.
Mrs Orelope-Adefulire said the Skills Acquisition Centre was fully equipped to help create jobs for the youths and reduce poverty, promising that her office would continue collaborating with relevant stakeholders towards alleviating poverty in the country.
In a remark, Governor Dapo Abiodun, who commended the Federal Government for the projects, pointed out that the sustainable Development Goals Office had funded about 80 projects across Ogun State.
The Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has announced a medical outreach that will offer free surgical and medical services to 18,000 indigenes of the state.
The Chairman of the implementation committee who also doubles as the Chief Medical Director of Uniosun Teaching Hospital, Professor Peter Olaitan, made this known during a press conference held at the boardroom of the hospital.
Some of the Diseases to be treated include Cataract, Pterygium, Diabetes, Hypertension Lipoma, keloid, ganglion and Hernia among others.
The medical outreach will be carried out in all the nine federal constituencies of the state, where 2,000 patients are targeted per zone.
He enjoined the people of the state to take advantage of the gesture of the state government and enjoy the free better health programme.
The medical outreach will be flagged off in Iwo next week Wednesday, 15th February, 2023.
Despite claiming many lives and the threats posed by Diphtheria in the Country, Oyo State has not recorded any case of the disease in recent years.
This was attributed to immense resources and protective measures put in place by the Oyo state government and her development partners.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Bode Ladipo, stated this in Ibadan at a news conference to declare open the Lassa fever and diphtheria week.
Dr Ladipo explained that Oyo state has had its own share of the challenges posed by Diphtheria and Lassa fever in the Country.
According to the Commissioner, Oyo state will continue to maintain its diphtheria-free status by ensuring that all eligible children receive routine immunization against it and other killer childhood diseases.
He urged the residents of the state to take every measure to keep rats away from their homes and ensure proper storage of food.
Dr Ladipo called on public officials to continue to maintain high standards in public healthcare delivery and the development of sound health policies to promote health.
In a remark, Oyo State Coordinator, USAID Breakthrough Action Nigeria, Mrs Oluwatoyin Afachung who observed low sensitization on Lassa fever and Diphtheria, promised to embark on an aggressive media campaign against the diseases.
She also revealed that town hall meetings will be organized in the affected local governments in the state and train teachers on how to curtail the spread of the diseases.
The Oyo state facilitator UNICEF, Mr Tari Akpandara promised improved partnership with the state government to ensure good public health.
Female Genital Cutting is a barbaric trend that must be halted in society.
This was the submission of stakeholders at an event put together by the United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA, and Oyo State Government in collaboration with the Center for Population and Reproductive Health, CPRH, to commemorate the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM.
Speaking on the theme “Partnership with Men and Boys to Transform Social and Gender Norms to end FGM”, the Director of the Center for Population and Reproductive, CPRH, Professor Oladosu Ojengbede said FGM was a practice that should be relegated to the background.
He described it as a scourge which must be tackled by all and sundry. Professor Ojengbede said the event was a collaboration of stakeholders to raise awareness of the need to end FGM.
“it is raising awareness using this day which has been designated globally to bring in more men, those who are involved and who may be involved, to bring them together so that they can actually drive it, if the men support it, women will be more protected”
On her part, a legal practitioner, Mrs Deborah Collins highlighted the position of the law on FGM urging the public to do away with all practices that could make them contravene the law.
A participant, Mr Adegboye Otunla, a member of the “Oloola family”, when lending his voice to the clamour to end FGM, charged concerned authorities to put all hands on deck to give the girl child the desired respect and honour.
“I am saying it, the Oloolas will not do it, because we use to tell our people, if you do and you’re caught, you’re on your own”
The programme had in attendance traditional circumcisers drawn from across Oyo state.
Oyo State has recorded five deaths from 25 confirmed cases and 121 suspected cases of Lassa fever infection between January 2022 and January 5th, 2023.
Director, Primary Health Care, Oyo State Ministry of Health, Dr Bunmi Ayinde stated this at a 4-day review meeting and planning of USAIDS Breakthrough Action Nigeria Programmes.
She said five health workers were among the persons who died from Lassa fever within the period, wherein 105 cases recovered and 96 were tested for Lassa fever.
Dr Ayinde stated that in January 2023, three suspected Lassa fever cases were recorded, with one turning out positive and dying from the infection.
According to her, the three local government areas with a high risk of Lassa fever in Oyo State were Iwajowa, Kajola and Orelope local government council areas.
“We have had 121 suspected cases in the last year; suspected cases are those that had symptoms but were not confirmed. Out of those cases that were probably suspected cases, we had a mortality of 10. We had 105 recovered cases and in all, we tested 96 cases. The 96 tested negative for Lassa fever. These were cases between January 2022 and January 5th, 2023,” she said.
Dr Ayinde declared that cases of Lassa fever in the state were from the consumption of contaminated foods with body fluids of infected multimammate rats which tend to occur more during the dry season when these rats come into residential areas looking for food.
According to her, “we have encouraged health care providers to maintain a high index of suspicion and to have an infection prevention control in place when attending to all patients; no matter who the patient is or the case before them.
“If you test a client for malaria and the client is negative, you should have a high suspicion of other possible causes, one of which is a viral hemorrhagic fever.”
Dr Ayinde said Nigerians should keep their edible foods in tightly covered containers, away from rats; maintain a clean environment and avoid self-medication.
In her opening remarks, Oyo State Coordinator for USAID Breakthrough Action Nigeria, Mrs Toyin Afachang urged the media to help increase awareness of Lassa fever, its causes, symptoms and prevention and what to do in suspected cases.
According to her, “USAID Breakthrough Action Nigeria is currently supporting the airing of Hausa, Yoruba, Fulfulde and English jingles, targeting communities in a language they can understand.
“What we are doing at this review meeting is to integrate all of these programmatic areas- malaria, tuberculosis, COVID-19 vaccination, Lassa fever and now diphtheria into one and educate our media partners on them and they can in turn help to educate our population on their prevention.
Mrs Oluwatoyin Afachung who stressed the importance of keeping COVID-19 Vaccination card noted that efforts must be intensified to awareness against the menace.
The media review meeting was attended by participants drawn from electronic, print and online media platforms continues.
Medical experts want Nigerians to pay more attention to routine immunization coverage and effective vaccinations in the bid to combat the spread of diphtheria in the country.
The experts, while speaking with Radio Nigeria on the reported upsurge in cases of diphtheria in parts of the country also emphasized the need for sustainable mechanisms to strengthen the delivery of primary health care services to the people.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, had alerted Nigerians on the outbreak of the vaccine-preventable bacteria infection, which affects the nose, throat and skin with records that it had killed at least 38 persons in the country.
Reacting to the development, the experts in Infection Prevention and Control, Community and Public Health, as well as Epidemiology, were united in their submissions that the disease outbreak in different parts was an indication that more children needed to be immunized against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis.
On his part, the infection prevention and control expert and Secretary-General, of Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, Ogun State, Dr Festus Adetanwa described diphtheria as a deadly but curable bacterial infection commonly found among children and the elderly with low immune systems.
He highlighted fever, sore throat, nasal discharge, cough, difficulty in breathing and swollen glands of the neck as some of the symptoms associated with diphtheria, noting that, the disease could spread easily from person to person through droplets from cough and sneeze.
Dr Adetanwa advised the people to maintain a maximum level of hygiene as a precaution to prevent a resurgence of the disease in other locations.
Also, the Community and Public Health expert, Dr Toluwalase Adegboye blamed the resurgence of diphtheria on the inadequate coverage of routine immunization and non-adherence to standard health safety precautions among Nigerians.
Dr Adegboye while appealing to relevant agencies to educate the people on the need to get vaccinated, also emphasized that reviewing the available primary Health care system for better performance would help to check outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
In a reaction, an Epidemiologist at the department of Public Health, Ogun State Ministry of Health, Dr Yusuf Akeem pointed out that the state government had commenced the needed public sensitization, especially among the rural dwellers about the symptoms and mode of transmission of diphtheria.
Dr Akeem explained that the state surveillance system had also been strengthened through the provision of adequate resources and training of healthcare workers, while effective communication channels had been established between health authorities and the public to further educate the people.
Others who contributed to the issue urged the government to deploy more medical personnel to identify areas with the prevalence of diphtheria and make conscious efforts to treat the affected persons and vaccinate those classified as high-risk groups.
In Kano state, one of the worst-hit states in the country’s north, Dr Aminu Tsanyawa the health commissioner for the state had recorded more than 70 suspected cases along with 25 deaths related to the bacterial infection.
The total number of confirmed cases and deaths is not yet known.
Nigeria’s Centre for Disease Control and Prevention revealed it initiated an emergency response to the outbreak and is monitoring the situation in four of the nation’s 36 states.
Authorities were first alerted about an outbreak among children in Kano state in late December, according to the state’s chief epidemiologist.
Diphtheria causes breathing difficulties, heart failure and paralysis. The people most at risk are unvaccinated or live in areas with poor sanitation.
Nigeria has not had a diphtheria outbreak of this magnitude in recent years. The nation’s capacity to diagnose the disease and treat patients is limited in many remote areas.
Persons affected by leprosy want the government to lead the campaign against the stigmatization of people with the disease.
Program Officer, the Leprosy Mission Nigeria, Kwara State, Mr Muyiwa Nafiu made the call in commemoration of this year’s, World Leprosy Day in Ibadan.
He explained that discrimination against persons afflicted by leprosy and their families had remained a major challenge.
Mr Nafiu urged Nigerians to erase the belief that the disease is contagious and hereditary stressing that it is one of the Neglected Tropical Diseases, NTDs, caused by bacteria.
He called on people to seek early care if they suspect or see any signs of leprosy, saying the disease is curable and treatment is free at government facilities.
Mr Nafiu, therefore, appealed to governments at all levels to create adequate awareness of leprosy in the country as people are still contracting it and also give necessary support to those affected.
World Leprosy Day is observed on the last day Sunday of January annually to create awareness about the disease.
Oyo State government has signed a twin memorandum of understanding, MOU, with the French government.
The twin memorandum of understanding was signed between the Oyo State government and French Authorities, at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s office, Secretariat, Ibadan.
The MOU is to improve Healthcare services and reaffirm a common desire to promote the French language in the educational system in the state.
Speaking at the signing-in event, Governor Seyi Makinde, who explained that aside from English, French is also an international language, maintained it was not out of place to promote the language in the state.
According to Governor Makinde, the relationship would boost commerce and labour growth development, while the concessionaire loan would be used for the upgrading of Adeoyo General Hospital and all the general hospitals across the geopolitical zones of the state.
Earlier, the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Mrs Emmanuelle Blatmann, who revealed that the concessionaire loan was the first in three decades ago from the French government to Nigeria, added that the development would help in the provision of quality healthcare services, and qualitative education and enhanced globalization.
Earlier, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Oyo state, Professor Oyelowo Oyewo, said the concessionaire loan of 55 million Euros acquired from the French government for the healthcare initiative, would be paid back in 40 years with an interest rate of 0.0009 Percentage.
The Association of Resident Doctors of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, has commenced a five-day warning strike over the persistent assault of its members.
The body said the strike takes effect from Wednesday, as it has shut down all medical services at the institution.
It disclosed this in a press statement signed by the President, Dr Ndukwe Chinwe and General Secretary, Dr Egbue Obiora, after an emergency general meeting.
It added that the meeting had over 100 members in attendance.
The group decried the incessant assaults and attacks by family members of patients at the hospital, which have been left unattended to.
They lamented that one of its members on Sunday was brutally assaulted, humiliated and tortured for over two hours by a deceased patient’s relatives, before the late intervention of the hospital security outfit and management.
It said the call for the strike action followed the physical assaults and near-death experience by its members in the hands of patients’ family members.
It said these attacks have continued for a long period as the doctors continue to endure the pains of humiliation and therefore had no choice but to embark on the warning strike to draw attention to their plight.
The communique read in part, “The Association of Resident Doctors, NAUTH, Nnewi, had an emergency general meeting on January 24, 2023, following the physical assault and near-death experience of its member. The meeting which had over 100 members present, made the following observations:
“That on January 22, 2023, our member (internal medicine resident) went to review his patient at the male surgical ward, where he met nurses who were resuscitating another patient through CPR.
“In a bid to save the patient, our member joined in the resuscitation. Unfortunately, the patient died and the doctor was subsequently brutally assaulted by the deceased patient’s relatives.
“He endured over two hours of this torture and humiliation before the late intervention of the hospital security outfit and Management.
“While the Supreme Congress of Association of Resident doctors NAUTH, Nnewi acknowledges the efforts of NAUTH management to condemn the incident and ensure that the assailants were arrested by the police, amidst other measures, we, however, feel that more needs to be done to send a strong and clear message as a deterrent to all to ensure that assault on any doctor does not happen again.
“We, therefore, resolved as follows: A five-day total shutdown of clinical and emergency services has been issued by Congress, commencing from (6 am Wednesday) January 25, 2023, and ending on (8 am Monday) 30th January 2023.
World Health Organisation, WHO has raised alarm following the death of some 300 children in three countries after consuming contaminated cough syrups.
In a statement, WHO warned all countries to be “on the alert” and prevent the spread of the killer cough syrups into their countries.
According to the statement, the affected children are below the age of five.
“Over the past four months, countries have reported several incidents of over-the-counter cough syrups for children with confirmed or suspected contamination with high levels of diethylene glycol (DEG) and ethylene glycol (EG).
“The cases are from at least seven countries, associated with more than 300 fatalities in three of these countries. Most are young children under the age of five. These contaminants are toxic chemicals used as industrial solvents and antifreeze agents that can be fatal even taken in small amounts, and should never be found in medicines,” the WHO statement said.
The outbreak is predominantly in The Gambia, Indonesia, and Uzbekistan, it said.
According to the statement, WHO demands that member countries urgently detect and remove the contaminated medicines from circulation in the markets, and increase surveillance and diligence within the supply chains of countries and regions likely to be affected.
It called for “immediate notification” to WHO “if these substandard products are discovered” in-country; otherwise, inform the public of the dangers and toxic effects of the substandard medicines at issue.
The statement also enjoined key stakeholders engaged in the medical supply chain to take “immediate and coordinated action”.
Ogun State Government says there is need for sustained efforts towards the eradication of the wild polio virus and other variants in the country.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker stated this during the flag-off ceremony for the second round of Polio Outbreak Response, OBR 2, at Ikenne Primary Health Care, Ikenne Local Government.
Dr Coker who noted that 1 point 7 million children were vaccinated in the first phase of the exercise in the state said over 270 million dose of vaccines were administered yearly in the country in an efforts to sustain the polio-free status.
Noting that the present administration remained resolute to the wellness of the people in the State, the health commissioner highlighted some of the achievements in the health sector to include, continuous provision of running costs to health facilities, enrollment of over 50,000 pregnant women and children on the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, recruitment of nurses, midwives and doctors in the Primary Health Centres, among others.
Also, the Executive Secretary, Primary Health Care Development Board, Dr. Elijah Ogunsola explained that the OBR exercise would commence on Saturday, January 21 to Tuesday 24, 2023, adding that the process would involve house-to-house oral polio vaccination for children of ages 0-59 months, routine immunisation for children 0-2 years at health facilities, as well as health education on key household practices, advising mothers to ensure that their eligible children and wards partake in the four-day programme.
In their separate messages, the Senior Field Coordinator, AFENET, Dr. Suleiman Haladu, the representative, United Nation Children Emergency Fund, UNICEF, Mrs. Florence Moloku and her counterpart from the National Primary health Care Development Agency, Tashikalma Hallah commended the State government for the priority given to the health of the children, which had made it to record significant success in the eradication of the polio virus, advising that the government should not relent in strengthening its borders, maintain surveillance system to report cases, fortify the nomadic communities, as well as its Routine Immunisation programme, to prevent possible importation of the virus.
Speaking on behalf of other mothers at the event, Mrs. Tracy Agu and Modinat Yinusa appreciated the government for all the numerous health interventions provided for the comfort of residents, promising to ensure that their eligible children partake in the exercise.
