Connect with us

Health

Health sector threaten to shutdown soon as JOHESU issues strike notice to Federal Government

Published

on

The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and Assembly of Healthcare Professional Association have threatened to commence an indefinite strike in 15 days if the federal government does not address “outstanding welfare issues”.

JOHESU is the umbrella body for all health workers’ unions and associations.

Biobelemonye Josiah, JOHESU’s national president, issued the strike notice in a letter addressed to Chris Ngige, minister of labour and employment, and other relevant stakeholders today.

He listed some of the welfare issues to include the adjustment of Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHES), payment of all withheld salaries, review of the implementation of COVID-19 special inducement and hazard allowance, increase in retirement age from 60 to 65 years for health workers and 70 years for consultants, among others.

He added: “You will recall that up till the time of writing this letter, the federal government has not deemed it fit to honour the terms of settlement entered into with JOHESU since September 2017.

“This is especially the upward review of CONHESS salary structure as agreed, to be completed within five weeks from the date of agreement amongst other requests.

“Government did not deem it fit to address these key issues during the duration of the last seven days warning strike and has only met with JOHESU on July 12.

“JOHESU, in compliance with the provision of Section 41 of the Trade Disputes Act Cap.T8 LFN 2004, is constrained to give the Federal Government of Nigeria 15 days ultimatum with effect from September 3.

“This also is to inform you that with effect from midnight of September 17, all our members in the federal health institutions shall embark on an indefinite strike action in all state and local government health institutions.

“You are all placed on red alert for the strike if the federal government foot drags in attending to our demands.”

Health

NAFDAC warns against purchase of counterfeit anti-malaria drugs

Published

on

By

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised the alarm over the circulation of “counterfeit” Paludex tablets and suspensions in Nigeria.

The agency said the drugs, labelled as Paludex (Artemether/Lumefantrine), are manufactured by Impact Pharmaceutical Ltd, and Ecomed Pharma Ltd, Enugu and marketed by MD Life Sciences Ltd, Enugu.

The statement said laboratory tests conducted by a WHO-prequalified laboratory in Germany and NAFDAC revealed that the products contain zero percent active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), rendering them ineffective and potentially harmful.

NAFDAC warned that the products are not on its registered database and all NAFDAC registration numbers stated on the products are false.

“Genuine Artemether/Lumefantrine tablets or suspension is a combination of the two medications Artemether and Lumefantrine used to treat acute, uncomplicated malaria in adults and children,” the statement reads.

“The illegal marketing of medicines or counterfeit medicines poses a great risk to the health of people; by not complying with the regulatory provisions, the safety, quality, and efficacy of the products are not guaranteed.

“Also, poor-quality pediatric formulations or medicines in general have the potential of causing treatment failure when the API content is below the prescribed dose.

“All NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to carry out surveillance and mop up the falsified products within their zones and states.

“NAFDAC implores distributors, healthcare providers, and patients to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid distribution, administration, and use of the products.

“All medical products must be obtained from authorized/licensed suppliers. The products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked.”

Continue Reading

Health

Less sugar in a child’s first 1000 days reduces risk of chronic disease, study says

Published

on

By

A new study has found that reducing the amount of sugar children get in the womb and as toddlers can protect them against diabetes and high blood pressure in adulthood.

Published in the journal Science, the research reveals a critical period for healthy nutrition in the first 1,000 days of a baby’s life — from conception to age two.

The study found that cutting sugar intake in this window decreased the type 2 diabetes risk by about 35% and the risk of high blood pressure by roughly 20%. The researchers also discovered a delay in disease onset of four and two years, respectively.

The research team anaylsed data from before and after the end of the United Kingdom’s world war II-era sugar rationing in September 1953.

In January 1940, the UK government began food rationing to ensure fair shares for all during the wartime shortage.

Access to sugar, fats, bacon, meat and cheese was limited. When the rationing of sugar and sweets ended in September 1953, the average adult’s daily sugar consumption nearly doubled almost immediately, from about 40 grams to 80 grams.

Analysing the UK BioBank database of 60,000 people, the scientists compared health in middle age for 38,000 people conceived and born during rationing and 22,000 people conceived soon afterward.

The analysis showed a 30% reduction in the risk of obesity among sugar-rationed babies.

The study by the team at the University of Southern California also found that the risk of type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure increased with age. However, it increased faster in those conceived after sugar-rationing ended.

The results showed type 2 diabetes started on average four years later in adult life where there had been sugar-rationing during early childhood, and blood pressure two years later.

There was a 35% reduction in type 2 diabetes for those babies conceived during sugar rationing and a 20% reduction in high blood pressure.

“Sugar rationing created an interesting natural experiment,” said Tadeja Gracner, the study lead author and a senior economist at the Center for Economics and Social Research at the University of Southern California.

“We all want to improve our health and give our children the best start in life, and reducing added sugar early is a powerful step in that direction.

“With better information, environment and the right incentives, parents can more easily reduce sugar exposure, for kids and themselves.”

Also speaking, Keith Godfrey, a professor from the University of Southampton, said: “This is convincing new evidence, providing further support that reducing exposure of the unborn baby and newborn infant to sugar has lasting benefits that include lowering the risk of diabetes and high blood pressure in later adulthood.

“The findings are in keeping with our research showing lower rates of obesity in the children of mothers who eat low glycaemic index foods during pregnancy that are digested and absorbed more slowly, causing a slower rise in blood sugar levels.”

A previous study also suggested that high sugar intake during pregnancy may affect a child’s intelligence.

Continue Reading

Health

Five health benefits of aloe vera

Published

on

By

Aloe Vera is a spiky succulent plant that grows naturally in dry, tropical climates like Africa, Asia, Europe, and southern and western parts of the United States. Over the years, this scrubby and pointy plant has been cultivated for its medicinal purposes.

Here are the health benefits you get from aloe vera as gel and juice.

  • Aids digestion

Aloe vera, particularly aloe vera juice, has been proven to be a natural laxative.

The outer part of this plant contains a compound called anthraquinone glycosides which has laxative effects.

study discovered that this compound can help relieve constipation while another research found that aloe vera could help reduce the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) — a digestive disorder that often results in heartburn — and irritable bowel syndrome.

However, when trying aloe juice for constipation for the first time, consume little amount of it.

  • Reduces blood sugar levels

Both the gel and juice of aloe vera can help lower and control one’s blood sugar levels.

Several studies have indicated that taking aloe vera juice has some potential benefits for people with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes due to its effect on glycemic control.

  • Rich in antioxidants

Aloe vera gel contains powerful antioxidants called polyphenols, which also have anti-inflammatory effects.

Antioxidants are important to health as they protect your body from damage caused by free radicals. These antioxidants have benefits ranging from reducing one’s risk of cardiovascular diseases to improving the immune system.

Aloe vera also has antibacterial and antiviral properties which is why it is used to treat and relieve burns and wounds.

  • Promotes dental health

Due to its antibacterial properties, aloe vera juice and mouthwash improve various dental and oral conditions.

Aloe vera mouthwash is effective in reducing dental plaque. A study also showed that aloe vera mouthwash help reduces gum inflammation in people who had recently undergone tooth surgery to remove plaque.

  • Skincare

Aloe vera is perhaps one of the most widely used herbal remedies for topical skin conditions. This is because the gel-like components of the plant are known to heal the skin from a variety of minor ailments.

This plant is also a natural moisturizer that helps soothes dry skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties also make it a potential treatment for skin conditions like burns, acne, and eczema.

Aloe vera also helps reduce the appearance of blemishes and wrinkles.

A 2009 study of 30 females over the age of 45 also prove that taking oral aloe vera gel increased collagen production and improved skin elasticity over 90 days.

Continue Reading

Most Read...