3-day-old baby stolen from Plateau hospital found, reunites with parents

NEWS

3-day-old baby stolen from Plateau hospital found, reunites with parents

 

The Management of Plateau Specialist Hospital, Jos, on Monday, handed a baby (Gift Chukwuebuka), which was stolen ten days ago to her parents.

We reported that the baby, which was delivered on May 28, 2019, was stolen barely three days after she was delivered (May 31, 2019), by a woman who claimed to be a medical personal in the aforementioned hospital.

Presenting the child to the parents; the Chief Medical Director of the Hospital, Dr Philemon Golwa, said, “Today is not a day of mourning, but a day of celebration; celebration of a life that was thought to have been lost, but now has been found.

Golwa said when the management was informed about missing of the child, “we were worried and we went to the police and had a meeting with them and they did their work and recovered the baby.”

The CMD said he was under pressure from different quotas to speak about the incident, but was very careful not to contradict himself; “But we thank God that today we have to celebrate.”

“Any baby that comes with circumstances like this, such baby turns out to be great in the society and that is why we need to tell the world what has happened.

According to the CMD, the police invited him and other staff on duty when the incident happened to the station, “some were even put behind the counter, we had to do all that we could do to bring them out.

“As God will have it, last Thursday, we had a big breakthrough, the baby was found and the person that did the technical work of snatching the baby from here to another hospital also had to confess, she admitted to her fault and we have left that one to the police.

“Why the police have not been able to say anything now is that they are working to demystify the mystery behind how the baby was taken from the ward finding to another hospital, so, I think they are still doing their work and I cannot stop them.

The CMD further explained that the incident occurred during the visiting hours of the Hospital (between 4-6pm).

Golwa assured that the management has taken more stringent security measures to ensure that such a thing never happens again.

He added that people coming to the Hospital must adhere to some procedures that may sound strange to them.

The CMD also said the Medical bills of the baby would be settled by the Hospital and they would be doing a follow-up, even if they are discharged.

Responding, parents of the baby, Mr. and Mrs. Chukwuebuka, thanked everyone for ensuring that their baby was found and returned to them safely, especially the media and security operatives.

 

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World Health Organisation recognizes video game addiction as a Mental Health Disorder

HEALTH

World Health Organisation recognizes video game addiction as a Mental Health Disorder

 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially recognized gaming addiction as a Mental Health Disorder.

The WHO's International Classification of Diseases (ICD),  describes addiction to digital and video gaming as "a pattern of persistent or recurrent gaming behavior" that becomes so extensive it "takes precedence over other life interests".

The WHO's expert on mental health and substance abuse, Shekhar Saxena, said some of the worst cases seen in global research were of gamers playing for up to 20 hours a day, forgoing sleep, meals, work or school and other daily activities.

He stressed that only a small minority of people who play digital and video games would develop a problem, but said recognition of early warning signs may help prevent it.

"This is an occasional or transitory behavior," he said, adding that only if such behavior persists for around a year could a potential diagnosis of a disorder be made.

Responding to the decision to including gaming addiction, the Video Games Coalition,  an industry lobby group said their products were "enjoyed safely and sensibly by more than 2 billion people worldwide" across all kinds of genres, devices, and platforms.

It added that the "educational, therapeutic, and recreational value" of games was well-founded and widely recognized and urged the WHO to reconsider.

Here is the official definition of gaming disorder from the WHO:

“A pattern of persistent or recurrent gaming behavior (‘digital gaming’ or ‘video-gaming’), which may be online (i.e., over the internet) or offline, manifested by:

Impaired control over gaming (e.g., onset, frequency, intensity, duration, termination, context);

Increasing priority given to gaming to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other life interests and daily activities; and
Continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences. 

The behavior pattern is of sufficient severity to result in significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational or other important areas of functioning.”

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Ants allegedly eat two babies to death in Cross River hospital

HEALTH

Ants allegedly eat two babies to death in Cross River hospital

 

Two out of three pre-mature babies delivered at the Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State have been allegedly eaten to death by ants.

The findings revealed that the mother had a pre-term labour, this was after she fought with her neighbor in their compound.

An eyewitness, who gave her name as Antonia said, “When the babies were born, the Director General (DG) State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Betta Edu was immediately contacted.

“The DG directed that the babies and the mother be immediately transferred to a facility that has incubator, unfortunately, the General Hospital there has no such facility, so they were referred to a private hospital in Ikom,” she said.

Disappointingly, the hospital said they have no generator, the DG ordered for a generator, provided fuel for the generator and the babies were kept in the incubator in the Hospital.

It was gathered that the monies being sent for the upkeep of the children were allegedly mismanaged by the father and also the babies were allegedly neglected by the hospital such that ants got into their incubator, which led to the death of two out of the three babies.

Speaking with our correspondent on phone on Monday evening, the DG said “The mother had a pre-term labour, this was after a fight with her neighbor, when the babies were born, I was called upon because it was a Primary Heath Centre and I said, management of pre-matured babies was beyond PHC.

“So, I immediately ordered for the referral of the babies and the mother to a facility that has incubator, unfortunately, the General Hospital there do not have incubator so they were referred to a private hospital in Ikom.

“I provided fuel; clothes and several items for the up keep of the babies and the mother. Gave the father of the triplet money in case the hospital needed money for consumables and directed my friends to pay money into the father’s account and that was done by some of my friends.

“The reasons for the donation were to ensure that whenever money is required by the hospital, the father will provide. If it were to be government hospital, I know who I would have given the money, even though we were paying the hospital, we make money available.”

The money for wife’s food, according to the DG was also provided but the father of the children refused to release even N1, he held on to the money. “I kept sending my PHC coordinator to go and check and she will call me and said the wife was not giving food, the situation went on and on.

“The hospital asked him for money but he was not providing and so they left him and that was why I said the negligence comes in, at worse, the hospital should have called me or reach out to my PHC coordinator to say look we asked the father for A, B, C but he did not give.

“They did not do that so when we heard that ant stung one of them, I send my PHC coordinator there, she didn’t find the ants in the incubator, however, there was mark on one of them that an ant had stung, the mark was there and the place was red and it may not be ant, it may be mosquito or any other thing but there was no physical ant in the incubator.

“However, a day after, one of the babies died in the night and the next one died in the early hours of the following day. The babies were seven months old.

“The general expenditure from me was over N200, 000, and I directed my friends to pay to the account of the father, at least the people I know have made donation amounting to over N150, 000.

“As it is now, we have set up a investigative panel to look into the alleged negligence, if it is established that there was negligence in the part of the hospital, we will shut down the place and withdraw the practicing license and for the father, we are contacting human right activist so that they can give us right advice and legal backing.”

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Medical tourism costs Nigeria over $1bilion yearly – Minister

NEWS

Medical tourism costs Nigeria over $1bilion yearly – Minister

 

Minister of State for Health, Osagie Ehanire, has lamented the spate of medical tourism abroad by Nigerians.

Ehanire said Nigeria is currently losing more than $1 billion dollar yearly to medical service sourced abroad by Nigerians.

According to him, the increase in medical tourism is a declaration of no confidence in the nation’s health system.

The minister said this on Thursday in Benin during the University of Benin Teaching Hospital’s 46th founders’ day and launching of an endowment fund for the hospital.

He said: “About a year ago, it was estimated that Nigeria loses about $1billion every year to medical service sourced abroad. The figure is probably higher now.

“The medical tourism is a declaration of no confidence in our health system, which we must endeavour to address.”

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FCTA Reveals Lassa Fever Outbreak In Abuja Claimed 2 Lives

​BREAKING NEWS

FCTA Reveals Lassa Fever Outbreak In Abuja Claimed 2 Lives 

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Wednesday said two of the three confirmed cases of Lassa fever died within three months in the territory.

Humphrey Okoroukwu, the Director of Public Health and Human Services in the FCT disclosed this to newsmen in Abuja.

Mr Okoroukwu said that 38 suspected cases were reported and investigated, three confirmed, while two deaths were recorded.

He explained that “the only case of Lassa fever reported in Abuja Municipal Area Council in March eventually died.”

The director said that the remaining victim in FCTA, who has been under surveillance was discharged having exited the incubation period.

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Lassa Fever Outbreak In Abia State Left A Child, Health Worker Dead

​BREAKING NEWS

Lassa Fever Outbreak In Abia State Left A Child, Health Worker Dead

The Abia State government says it is aware of the reported outbreak of Lassa Fever at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Umuahia.

John Okiyi Kalu, Commissioner for Information, in a statement on Monday, said the state Ministry of health was working with the authorities of FMC to ensure full containment of the disease and prophylactic treatment of others who may have come in contact with the victims.

“We have fully deployed all our emergency medical response systems to instantly ensure full containment and management of the outbreak”, it said.

“The government wishes to call on members of the public to be vigilant and report all suspected cases to the nearest medical facility in the state.

“All those who had contact with the child, suspected to be the index case, and the medical practitioner who lost her life, should report to FMC Umuahia immediately for further review.

“Drugs for treatment of Lassa Fever are available in the state in good quantities and there is no cause for panic as the disease can be successfully treated, especially if diagnosed early.

“Members of the public are advised to ensure that they maintain clean and sanitary environment at all times.

“Our hearts and prayers are with the families and friends of the two identified victims of this sad and unfortunate outbreak. May God be with them at this time and always,” he stated.

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These Foods Will Improve Your Metabolism - Nutritionist Reveals

​BREAKING NEWS

These Foods Will Improve Your Metabolism - Nutritionist Reveals

It's well-known that your metabolism worsens with age.

But there are foods out there that can give your body a much needed boost to help you shift the pounds.

A nutritionist has today revealed the nine best products to keep your metabolism strong, from yerba mate to baobab. 

Here, writing in a piece for Healthista, Rick Hay explains the science behind each of the foods and how they can help. 

1. Matcha green tea 

‘One of the most highly researched fat burners is green tea,’ says Mr Hay. 

'Scientific studies show that drinking up to five cups of green tea a day can increase daily metabolism.’ 

Countless studies have shown green tea benefits metabolism. 

Matcha is a powdered version of green tea that is covered in shade cloths before it’s harvested bringing you a more potent version of the metabolism-boosting brew. 

In one study, done in 2014 at Penn State University, mice on a high-fat diet that consumed green tea extract and exercised regularly experienced sharp reductions in final body weight and significant improvements in health. 

After 16 weeks, the high-fat-fed mice that exercised regularly and ingested green tea extract showed an average body mass reduction of 27.1 per cent and an average abdominal fat mass reduction of 36.6 per cent. 

The mice on the green-tea-extract-and-exercise regimen also experienced a 17 per cent reduction in fasting blood glucose level, a 65 per cent decrease in plasma insulin level and reduction in insulin resistance of 65 per cent – all substantial improvements related to diabetic health. 

Not bad for a humble cup of tea or five, right? 

Scroll down to watch video:

Matcha is a powdered version of green tea that is covered in shade cloths before it’s harvested bringing you a more potent version of the metabolism-boosting brew

Yerba mate was also found that it could reduce levels of leptin, the hormone that signals hunger, often called ‘the obesity hormone'

2. Yerba mate

‘Yerba mate works on hormone levels and blood sugar to help balance out cravings and studies have shown it could have an anti-obesity effect,’ says Mr Hay. 

Research done in 2012 and published in the journal Laboratory Animal Research found that this South American plant could lower fat levels in the blood of mice fed a high fat diet. 

It was also found that it could reduce levels of leptin, the hormone that signals hunger, often called ‘the obesity hormone.’ 

‘When it comes to metabolism and weight loss, Yerba mate is extremely beneficial,’ says Mr Hay. You can take it as powder or tea.

3. Green coffee extract

The unroasted extract from the coffee plant, aka Green Coffee Extract has been shown to help arrest the absorption of glucose in the intestine.

A study published in 2011 in Gastroenterology Research and Practice said evidence was promising for the extract’s anti-obesity effect and more trials would confirm this.

Chlorogenic Acid is believed to be the main active ingredient in green coffee beans and the substance that produces the weight loss effects. 

Unfortunately, straight up increasing your coffee habit won’t have the same effect as most of the chlorogenic acid is removed when the coffee is roasted.

4. Black pepper fruit

‘Black pepper fruit is a thermogenic spice which means it helps heat the body to burn fat and can also assist with the absorption of other nutrients,’ says Mr Hay. 

A study from 2011 done on mice found that those fed a high-fat diet still lost weight when they were given supplements of black pepper. 

Further research in 2012 published in the Journal of Agricultural and food Chemistry uncovered the way the spice might work for weight loss – by blocking the formation of new fat cells.

‘There’s a lot of research coming out about the fact that while kidney bean blocks carbohydrate absorption,’ says Mr Hay

5. White kidney bean

‘There’s a lot of research coming out about the fact that while kidney bean blocks carbohydrate absorption,’ says Mr Hay. 

Taking white bean extract supplements 15 minutes before each meal led to a reduction in both weight and waist circumference compared to taking a placebo in a study published in The Journal of Applied Research in 2010. 

A few other studies have shown similar results.

6. Maca

Actually a native Peruvian vegetable traditionally used as an aphrodisiac, Maca has also been shown to help endurance, which could benefit dieters who are exercising (which we hope, is all of you). 

In fact, one study showed it increased sexual desire and performance in male cyclists.

While there is not a lot of evidence that it works specifically for weight loss, if you’re post-menopausal there’s a chance maca could prevent weight gain. 

A 2009 study published in the Journal of Hygiene Research that investigated the potential of maca to reduce body fat in post-menopausal female rats that had their ovaries taken out found that the rats gained less weight when supplemented with maca.

 

Beetroot juice is used by Olympians pre- and post- exercise for both performance enhancing and muscle recovery benefits, thanks to a high proportion of its active ingredient, nitrate

7. Beetroot

In terms of athletic performance enhancers, beetroot has been hugely hyped in the last five years.

The juice is used by Olympians pre- and post- exercise for both performance enhancing and muscle recovery benefits, thanks to a high proportion of its active ingredient, nitrate. 

Beet juice’s effects have been the subject of a series of studies by Andrew Jones of the University of Exeter in Britain who found that after taking it, athletes’ muscles were working more efficiently. It’s also been shown to help lower blood pressure.

8. Cherry

They’re a pretty humble – and tasty – fruit. 

But research has suggested that cherry juice could help reduce fat around the middle. 

A study published in 2009 in the Journal of Medicinal Food fed tart cherries to a group of rats on a high-fat diet. 

The researchers looked for changes in weight, inflammation and blood fats in one group compared to rats eating a high-fat diet without cherries in another group. 

There was an association between tart cherry consumption and reduced body fat, especially belly fat, in the cherry-juice drinking group.

9. Baobab

Baobab is an African superfruit that contains three times as much vitamin C as an orange. 

Vitamin C not only helps with hair, skin and nails but also immunity and good immune function is important if you’ll be training, exercising or for any fitness or weight loss regime. 

It’s also been shown to help keep blood sugar stable. 

Scientists at the Oxford Brookes University’s Functional Food Centre published a study in 2013 in the journal Nutrition using healthy human volunteers, and measuring the rate of starch and sugar breakdown in their blood supply after they had eaten the baobab extract. 

The researchers found that the baobab fruit extract significantly reduced the rate at which sugar was released into the blood supply of the volunteers post-digestion. 

While further studies are needed, this early evidence suggests that baobab may help with the blood sugar fluctuations that can often leave dieters craving and reaching for sugary, processed foods that could sabotage their diets.

Watch the video here

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BREAKING NEWS How Your Pet Can Render You Impotent - Scientist Reveals

BREAKING NEWS

How Your Pet Can Render You Impotent - Scientist Reveals

Most interactions between humans and pets are likely to be overwhelmingly positive. But the animals - including cats and dogs - can carry some diseases that affect us

Love them or hate them, it is hard to get away from pets.  

Most interactions between humans and pets are likely to be overwhelmingly positive. But they can carry some diseases that affect us. 

Such diseases, termed zoonoses, are usually very mild, but the rarer ones can be more severe and even leave men unable to get an erection.

This is exactly what happened to a 23-year-old Belgian man after he was scratched by his cat. His case, uncovered by MailOnline, was published in the prestigious medical journal BMJ Case Reports last September.

And now a professor of veterinary health has highlighted some of the other extreme problems that can be triggered by your cats, dogs and lizards. 

In a piece for The Conversation, Professor Alan Radford, of Liverpool University, reveals the dangers of just five of the infections they can transmit.

1. Rabies

Rabies is perhaps the archetypal zoonosis. A virus whose name alone has the potential to cause fear. 

The virus is largely found in unvaccinated dogs and other canine populations.

In areas that still have rabies, people – often children – usually become infected when they are bitten by an affected dog. 

The virus attacks the brain, and once symptoms develop, there is sadly no cure, and those affected die. 

The good news is, it can be prevented by vaccinating dogs and other wild carnivores.

Many parts of the world are now free of the virus, including the UK and large parts of the rest of Europe, and in many others, national campaigns are under way to achieve this.

2. Ringworm

Some zoonotic skin infections are not uncommon in pets but usually mild in humans. 

These can be shared with owners because of our love for warm houses, and close contact with our pets. Ringworm is one such infection.

Ringworm is actually a misnomer. It is not a worm at all but a microscopic fungus, closely related to the cause of athlete's foot in people. 

Affected cats, dogs and other animals may show very few signs. 

However, in its classical form, pets with ringworm usually have circular areas of hair loss. 

The affected area of skin becomes scaly, flaky and itchy. It is very treatable, but can occasionally cause scarring.

 

Salmonella is also quite commonly present in pet reptiles and amphibians, as well as in so-called 'feeder mice' that are fed by some to pet reptiles

3. Salmonella

A variety of potentially zoonotic bugs live in the intestines of pets. These rarely affect humans. However, when they do, they can be severe. 

We have all probably heard of salmonella, largely because of risks, now thankfully much diminished, from eggs. 

Dogs and cats can also carry salmonella, sometimes causing diarrhoea. 

Salmonella is also quite commonly present in pet reptiles and amphibians, as well as in so-called 'feeder mice' that are fed by some to pet reptiles.

It's always a good idea to wash your hands after handling both pets and raw pet food. It is also a good idea to have separate areas for preparing raw animal food and human food. 

4. Toxoplasma

Toxoplasma is a common parasite in cats that they can also shed in their faeces. For most humans, it is entirely benign. 

However, if a woman first becomes infected during pregnancy, it can, albeit rarely, have severe complications for the developing foetus.

Pregnant women should take simple additional precautions around hand hygiene, avoiding cat litter trays, especially those not cleaned regularly, and avoiding eating uncooked garden produce where cats may have had access to the soil.

5. Bites and scratches

Some argue for bites and scratches to be included as a zoonosis. If we do include them, they are likely to be among the most common zoonoses. 

Never nice, always painful, and in disturbing, rare cases – usually involving children – they can be fatal.

Cat bites and scratches can transmit a bacterium called Bartonella henselae, the cause of 'cat-scratch disease'. 

Both bites and scratch wounds can become badly infected causing further pain. Scars, both mental and physical, can be lifelong in those that have been attacked. 

Children and those exposed occupationally, such as postmen, are perhaps most at risk.

As with most infections, zoonotic infections have a greater potential to do harm in people whose immune systems are compromised, such as the elderly and those suffering from immunosuppressive diseases (such as HIV/AIDS), or undergoing immunosuppressive therapies (such as chemotherapy). 

However, even if your immune system is compromised, you can still benefit from owning a pet. And with care and a little knowledge of the risks, you can avoid infections.

Thankfully, zoonotic infections are not common. Most infections we get are likely to come from other humans. 

However, the risks of zoonosis can be minimised by being aware of them and by taking simple hygiene precautions at home. And, if in doubt about the risks, you can always consult your GP or a veterinary surgeon.

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Lassa Fever Claims 3 Lives In Ekiti

​BREAKING NEWS

Lassa Fever Claims 3 Lives In Ekiti

Three persons have been confirmed dead in a fresh case of Lassa fever in Ekiti.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Rotimi Ojo, made the disclosure in a statement to NAN, in Ado Ekiti.

He said that five out of the eight new suspected cases in the state tested negative, while one was uncertain, with the last pending as at press time.

Ojo added that the patient that tested positive and two others had passed on.

The commissioner insisted that there was still no cause for alarm in the state as government was taking proactive steps in its surveillance activities.

He gave an assurance that the State Disease Control team had been activated while the process of sensitising the people with jingles and other communication media were ongoing.

Ojo said that similar actions taken during the 2016 outbreak were successful, adding that the epidemic was controlled and the identified patient, who was properly managed, survived.

He said that the three isolation centres located at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti, Oba Adejuyigbe General Hospital, Ado Ekiti and Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, were still operational.

The commissioner urged all stakeholders, including health practitioners, teachers, traditional rulers, religious leaders as well as community and opinion leaders, to collaborate with the state government to prevent the spread of the disease.

Ojo also advised residents of the state to avoid self medication and keeping sick people at home, adding that any unusual increase in temperature or fever must be promptly reported to the nearest health facility.

He further urged residents to embrace environmental sanitation practices and general cleanliness

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