Colorful fruits, vegetables may be key to cancer-fighting diet

Many cancer-fighting fruits and vegetables are at their nutritional peak in the fall, and it’s a good time to incorporate them into your diet.

For example, research suggests that eating an apple a day really may keep the doctor away, by helping to prevent throat, mouth, lung and possibly breast cancer, noted Stacy Kennedy, a senior nutritionist at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.

Why loneliness can be deadly

Loneliness may be much more than a passing mood. Experts say that living alone or feeling lonely may put people at a higher risk of dying from cardiovascular problems, such as heart attack and stroke, as well as disability.
Are you lonely tonight? Or are you alone? The difference is huge. Being alone is solitude; feeling alone is loneliness. In most cases, solitude is voluntary. Individuals, at times, seek solitude from time to time to reflect on their lives, to solve problems, to get in touch with what matters to them. Writers and other artists need time alone to think, to plan, to create. So do many scientists and knowledge workers.

How healthy are fruit juices?

When selecting a pack of fruit juice, buyers need to beware. Many of the so-called juice packs contain little natural juice and have more added sugar than anything

else. And even when it is 100 per cent juice, experts say that they lack the fibre of whole fruit, making them less healthy.

Scientists confirm herbs for easy childbirth, pain-free labour

Traditional cultures often rely on the beneficial effects of herbal remedies during pregnancy, birth and after child birth. The knowledge and the correct use of these natural medicines has been acquired and improved over many generations.

 It is estimated that 85 per cent of the population in developing countries depend mainly on traditional healthcare systems. Majority of Nigerians in the rural areas, at some stage in their life, turn to traditional healthcare as a result of accessibility, availability, affordability and inherent trust in this method. 

During pregnancy and childbirth traditional medicine relies on the use of certain herbs for their beneficial effects to tone the womb muscle, induce labour, in the removal of retained placenta and management of bleeding after child birth. 

 Documentation and standardisation of medical plants and their correct use will improve reproductive health of local populations in Nigeria. At least as importantly, scientific validation of these traditional remedies is a crucial step in the discovery of natural drugs for the treatment of childbirth-related complications. 

Mimiko Commissions Igbotako General Hospital

Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko again reiterated his administration's commitment towards providing quality healthcare to the people of the State.

Dr Mimiko stated this on Thursday during the official commissioning of an ultra modern Igbotako General Hospital Complex in Okitipupa Local Government Area built by his administration.

The Governor had on assumption of office in 2009 upgraded the health facility from a Comprehensive Health Centre to the status of General Hospital and ordered for the construction of a befitting complex to enable it perform optimally.

According to Dr Mimiko, who was conducted round the various departments of the facility including male and female wards, administrative and surgical sections among others, expressed delight and promised to expand the facility.

He assured that the facility would complement the activities of the State Specialists Hospital Okitipupa in the provision of quality healthcare to the people of the area.

How Ondo Battles Maternal Mortality

Maternal mortality, child morbidity, accident and emergencies are some areas of focus when considering the reasons for the poor state of life expectancy in the country. Ondo State says its health policy is designed to tackle the four areas of poor health indices.

Due to the increasing rate of vehicular accidents, incessant bombings, as well as other unforeseen emergencies, claiming lives of Nigerians in thousands, the federal government has revealed the plan to build no fewer than 22 trauma centres across the country, to take care of victims of such emergencies.

Free eye Surgery in Ondo state

 The Government of Dr Olusegun Mimiko carried out free surgical operations on patients suffering from cataract as part of activities commemorating its 100 days in office. 1,200 people benefited from the biggest eye surgeries ever in the State which was tagged: Mega Eye Camp reports.

A cross section of some of the Mega Eye Camp waiting for Governor Olusegun Mimiko to remove the final bandages from their eyes

For 1,200 visually impaired people in Ondo State , would forever be evergreen in their lives as they went home with their sights restored. Of this number, 200 people with cataract in their eyes which had made them blind for years were operated upon free while 1000 people had free corrective eye glasses distributed to them under the Mega Eye Camp of the Dr Olusegun Mimiko’s health scheme. The exercise was carried out to commemorate the first 100 days in office of the Mimiko Administration.

We  thank Mr. Governor for putting Ondo State at the frontline of National Primary Health Care Delivery Programme of Nigeria by this feat.

The Governor while appreciating God for the restoration of his Mandate despite seemingly insurmountable odds, noted that the Mega Eye Camp was a testimony that his administration has taken it upon itself to care for the people of the State

“Our mission, says Dr Mimiko, “which is to mobilize the people of Ondo State to harness all our God-given resources, create and use wealth for the ends of individual happiness, collective fulfillment and peaceful cohabitation in an environment of transparent and honest leadership, cannot be accomplished without a healthy population”.

The governor also enjoined the people of the State to continue to support his administration in its commitment to making the State a place of pride for all.

As the Governor moved round the patients to remove the final bandages from their eyes, the people could not contained themselves, while some knelt down in appreciation, others hugged the Governor, while others simply burst into tears of joy. It was a moving sight indeed.

Our goal is to ensure affordable and qualitative health care for all citizens of Ondo State

Our goal is to ensure affordable and qualitative health care for all citizens of Ondo State. A prompt intervention in the health sector saw Governor Olusegun Mimiko establishing a Mother and Child Hospital within a month in office, an action applauded by International Organizations including World Bank. Apart from decongesting the Akure Specialist \hospital which is already overburdened by inflow of patients, the Mother and Child Hospital with 5 large wards becomes the first of its kind in Nigeria where first class specialized medicare will be available free of charge to the highly vulnerable group-the pregnant women and children, zero age to five inclusive of surgeries where needed.

Exercise and medicine both help depressed heart patients

 People with heart disease who are also depressed may get as much relief from their depression symptoms with regular exercise as with medication .

    Researchers writing in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that of 101 heart patients with signs of depression, those who exercised for 90 minutes per week and those who started taking Zoloft both improved significantly compared to participants assigned to drug-free placebo pills.

Woman keeps baby in freezer for 10yrs

                BERLIN  (AFP) – German prosecutors said Tuesday they had opened a manslaughter investigation against a 49-year-old woman after the corpse of a new-born baby girl was found in her freezer after 10 years.

The grisly find was made by her former husband on Friday when he defrosted the freezer in the house where they used to live, said prosecutors in the northern city of Flensburg.

It was not clear whether the baby was alive or dead when placed in the freezer, investigators said. There were no signs she had been violently treated but authorities confirmed the baby was not stillborn.

The woman, who has not been named, has admitted the baby was hers and said she was “in a state of complete exhaustion and hopelessness” at the time.

The couple already had three, now fully grown, children and divorced in 2009, prosecutors said.

The woman was released pending further investigations.

Source:247nigerianewsupdate

Ondo targets delivery of 30, 000 babies yearly

 Ondo State Government said that more than 30, 000 pregnant women would be delivered safely of their babies with the replication of its safe motherhood (Abiye) programme in all the local government councils in the state.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Dayo Adeyanju, who stated this in an interview with journalists, explained that the extension of the programme will cost the state, about N2bn.

He explained that the pilot scheme of the programme was inaugurated on October 2009 at the Ifedore local government area and its successful implementation encouraged Governor Olusegun Mimiko, last week, to approve its extension to the remaining 18 council areas.

Adeyanju explained that the Abiye project was designed basically to address the high maternal mortality and under five mortality, which is one of the basic measurements of health indices.

He expressed happiness that the pilot scheme had been able to reduce infant and maternal death tremendously since its introduction.

He said, “We are expecting that the scale up of Abiye plus will cost government almost N2bn, that is its extension to the totality of the rest 17 local government areas.

“We expected that in the whole state, in every year, we will have minimum of 30, 000 deliveries” He added.

He said that the objective of the scheme was to bring qualitative and accessible healthcare to women and children with a view to reducing maternal and infant mortality and increasing the utilization of healthcare facilities in the State.

He noted that 31,000 patients have received treatment, including 11,879 deliveries and 1,400 caesarean sections at no cost under the Abiye programme in two years.

He said government put in place 10 functional basic health centres in all the wards in Ifedore for the pilot scheme apart from the four comprehensive health centres and one general hospital.

He, however said that the numbers of the health facilities will be reduced due to the personnel challenges being faced by the programme.

He said, “The midwives that we have on ground are not enough to go round. We have now mapped out the facilities to ensure equity in their distribution.

“We now have to scale down to four basic health centres and two comprehensive health centres, which is where surgical operation can take place and each of these will be in one ward.

“We will then compliment the remaining four wards with tricycle ambulances, which will move them from the hinterland to the basic health centre or the comprehensive health centers.

“The comprehensive health centre can also send its four wheel ambulance to move them from their homes to address the delay in seeking or reaching health care and in receiving healthcare and in referral.” Adeyanju added.

He said the semi urban wards will have the comprehensive health centre, while the rural communities will have the basic health centre and the tricycle ambulance to navigate and move the pregnant women.

He said, “There is no ward that will not have instant access. The tricycle ambulance that we have in mother and child has taken well over 10 deliveries, we have used the tricycle ambulance to take more than 10 deliveries, we have tested it.” He added.

He said all the facilities, equipment and funding needed for the prgramme had been put in place and that the issue of shortage of manpower was being addressed.

He said, “the council of midwifery has approved that we retain all our products from our school of midwifery for them to partake in the Abiye programme, we had 32 last year and this year again we are going to add another 32.

“With that we will not have shortage of manpower. We have navigated rural areas, we will post and repost the midwives and the rangers and also make sure the rangers are in regular contact with their patients” He stated.

TESTIMONIES FROM ABIYE; SAFE MOTHERHOOD PROGRAMME

Skirat Taofeek ( Tailor )
The Abiye programme is such a unique programme in ondo state. And they are really trying in all area. They don't collect any dime and they take care of me right from the time i registered  here for the antenatal to when i delivered. Even they normarlly attach  nurses that will be checking on me at home to know my state of health during pregnancy till when i  put to bed. they ggive us free treatment and medications, i was given free Abiye handset, i pray the good lord should uphold them.
Temitope Falaye (Housewife)
I started coming to the Abiye  Health Centre since when my pregnancy was five month old, and i was given immunization, free drugs, family size mosquito net, Abiye handset and a lot of gift items. Even when i put to bed, i was given clothing and other baby items.  Abiye is a good programme in the history of this state; my prayer is that the lord would be with them.

Mrs Bidiat Abidoye
The present government in ondo state is really trying because the Abiye programme has exposed us to a lot  things,that we didn't know before. Right from conception till the delivery period, i was given free drugs, free GSM phone, even a nurse was attached to me to check on me at home in order to know the state of my health and that of my baby. This governor, i can say is a saviour to the people of ondo state, especially the motherhood.
Mrs Omolara  Adebayo
i have really enjoyed this Abiye  programme because, we the mothers and the expectant mothers were given free drugs, family size mosquito net and a lot of goodies. my prayer for   Dr.Olusegun Mimiko is that whosoever that wants his administration disorganized, their lives shall be disorganized in Jesus name.

KEY INTO GOVT’S MEDICAL INTERVENTION, MRS. MIMIKO URGES WOMEN

The wife of the Ondo State Governor, Mrs Olukemi Mimiko has called on mothers and their children to tap into the various medical intervention provided for them by the present administration.

She made the call during this year’s edition of the Safe Motherhood Day celebration which took place at the premises of the Mother and Child Hospital Akure on May 22, 2012. Mrs Mimiko stated that the essence of the Safe Motherhood Day Celebration nation-wide is to review the Mother and Child health programmes of the various state governments to know their efficiency.She noted that government already knows its roles in the care of mothers and children calling on other stakeholders such as pregnant woman herself and her family members to do the right thing during pregnancy
.

She counselled people not to neglect pregnant women around them saying that the welfare of the pregnant woman should be the concern of all and sundry. She described women as the pillars of the society calling on pregnant women to take time to rest, feed well and register for ante-natal care during pregnancy. She counseled women not to handle cases of severe headache during pregnancy (ecclamsia) with levity saying that it could lead to death if not well managed.

Mrs. Mimiko who appreciated the Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko for the provision of qualitative health facilities for mothers and their children said that government is passionate about the safety of mothers and children.

Also speaking, the Commissioner of health, Dr Dayo Adeyanju said that the state government will not relent in its effort to provide qualitative health care for the people of the state. The Commissioner who reiterated government’s commitment to the survival of mothers  and child described this year’s celebration as timely and important. He noted that government will do everything humanly possible  to reduce maternal mortality come 2015 which is the time live for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

He commended the present administration for its revolutionary programmes in the health sector saying from its poor health indices, the state has become the bench mark in the health sector across the continent of Africa.
Earlier, the state chairperson of National Association of Women Journalists, (NAWOJ), Mrs Tope Fasuyi said women journalists are committed to all women oriented programmes in the state. She admonished women to use their position to ensure that there is peace and tranqility during the forthcoming election as mothers.

The World health Repesentative (WHO) Dr. Sunday Abidoye called on mothers to make use of what is been provided for them adding that the state government has been surportive in its immunisation programme.
He said the health facilities provided for them are not for animals adding that they should maximise their opportunities.

This year’s Safe Motherhood day was facilitated by Ondo state Ministry of health in collaboration with the Maternal Pulse Foundation and the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).
The event also featured the presentation of MPF CDs for pregnant women, birth kits, drugs for children and other products courtesy of the MPF .

When to worry about fever

A fever is a very common thing. People hardly pay consideration to the rising temperature and turn to home remedies. However, in some conditions, fever is very fatal and it is very important to pay attention to it.

It is a hard thing for a woman to be less apprehensive when her baby is crying and its temperature soaring. Although rising temperature or fever is a very common thing, many people hardly pay attention to it after turning to home remedies.

A fever is simply the elevation of the body’s temperature above normal and is part of the child’s defence against infection. But it rarely does harm. However, in some conditions, fever is very fatal and it is imperative to pay attention to it. Contrary to the popular belief, fever itself is not a disease. It, however, is a sign of disease. Fever, also called pyrexia, can be defined as a medical sign that is characterised by an increase in the body temperature over the common range.

The normal body temperature is between 36.5 and 37.5 °C. An increase above these set points is considered fever. Fever leads to shivering and increased muscle tone. As the body temperature increases, the body actually feels cold. A fever can be triggered by several conditions that are potentially serious and benign.

Generally, light fever is considered to be normal, and not something serious. But it could also be a symptom of an ongoing problem in the body. Fever could be as a result of an infection or stress sometimes. But in the children, when there is fever, an infection is usually considered.

Given that fever could also be a symptom of some major diseases, such as malaria, typhoid and many types of cancers, when a person has a continuous fever, he stated, that it was better that individuals go to the hospital rather than ignoring it.

When there is fever, it was better that such an individual assume there is a problem rather than ignoring it. The fever may actually end up becoming serious than we thought. That is why, especially in children, all cases of fever should be taken seriously.Paediatricians do not ignore the fear or concern of mothers about fever because studies have shown that when a mother says her child has fever, more often than not, she is right.

According to the expert, “in children below age six, when fever is high and it exceeds 38°C, they have the tendency to have convulsion. When a child has convulsion, especially when it occurs many times within a day, it could cause some degree of damage to the brain and that is why it is good to lower the body temperature when it is high. When there was a slight rise in body temperature, it was not necessary that children be given fever-lowering medicines. 

“It is better to leave out the medicine, given the thinking that part of the body’s system to fight infection is the increase in the body temperature.

 Increase in body’s temperature is actually the body’s response to infection, which is why fever is a symptom of an infection. The substances released in the course of the body fighting the infection  results in the rise in the temperature. But the rise in the body temperature can be deleterious to the body. So lowering body temperature does not affect the body’s ability to fight infection, but it does prevent the child having other problems. Given fever-lowering medicines does not mean that the problem has been solved. “Given fever-lowering medicines alone is merely treating the symptom, leaving the cause of the problem. It is also not the time such a child should be covered up or made to wear sweater because sometimes the child may be having cold. Rather, the child should be exposed to allow the heat to be released into the environment. Mothers can also tepid sponge or bathe the child with lukewarm water to bring down the body temperature. Also, it is important to refrain from applying metholatum, anointing oil or hot balm as this would cover up the skin and prevent the dissipation of heat.

 Nonetheless, fever is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as headache, vomiting, cough, breathlessness, rash, rapid breathing, tiredness and fits or seizures. For instance, fever with swelling can be a sign of meningitis. This requires prompt attention. Similarly, fever during pregnancy or right after recovering from a disease could also be a sign of something serious.

A gentle kiss on the forehead or a hand placed lightly on the skin is often enough to give a hint that a child has a fever. However, this method of taking a temperature (called tactile temperature) is dependent upon the person doing the feeling and doesn’t give an accurate measure of temperature. To measure the body’s temperature correctly requires a thermometer.

Pregnancy No Longer Death Sentence in sunshine state

Tears of joy accompanying safe delivery is fast becoming common place in communities across Ondo state. Pregnancy is no longer the death sentence it used to be some years back. Interestingly, it is almost like a competition among women in the state to get pregnant and even among those who had earlier stopped child bearing.

Women are having a rethink and going back to the labour ward following the string of safe deliveries being witnessed across the state in recent times.

Daily intake of walnut improves sperm quality

What men eat is important in improving their fertility level. Experts say that eating walnuts may help increase sperm count in men and improve its quality.

Approximately 70 million couples experience sub-fertility or infertility worldwide, with 30 to 50 per cent of these cases attributable to the male partner. Some studies, have suggested that human semen quality has declined in industrialised nations, possibly due to pollution, poor lifestyle habits, and/or an increasingly Western-style diet.

Do you know the dangers of pot belly?

Making a conscious effort to reduce your belly fat is one of the most important ways you can improve your overall health. Experts warn that the wider a person’s waist, the higher their chances of developing diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and stroke.
Men, regardless of age can have a beer or pot belly. But for most women, belly fat is a social eyesore that they would enjoy doing away with at any cost. Having fat deposited in their tummy does not make them to look very attractive and even hurts their social life.

Ondo to inaugurate N6bn medical village, meets MDGs’ targets on maternal, child health

As  part of efforts to make qualitative healthcare affordable and accessible to inhabitants of Ondo State, the state government under the leadership of Governor Olusegun Mimiko plans to inaugurate a N6 billion modern Medical Village along Laje Road, Ondo West Local Council.

The Medical Village, which comprises of a 100-bed Mother and Child Hospital, Gani Fawehinmi Diagnostic Centre, Trauma Centre; General Hospital, Call Centre, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Hospital, Heliport, staff quarters, staff school, shopping mall, and sports centre, is set to be opened to the public before month end.

Beware! That naira note may harm you

The use of currency notes could be one of the major sources of transmittance of diseases. Experts warn of the possibility that currency notes might act as vehicles for the transmission of germs, urging that hand washing and proper handling of notes is imperative for health.
The environment plays a critical role in transmission of germs to humans, serving as vehicles. Disease-causing germs may be transmitted, either directly, through hand-to-hand contact, or indirectly via food or other inanimate objects.

Mother and Child Hospital Akure: Beyond a national treasure

Despite recent medical and pharmaceutical advances, over 1500 women still die daily from pregnancy or complications related to childbirth. The statistics are even worse for children, 22,000 of whom die daily before their fifth birthday, 41 per cent occurring during the neonatal period, that is, the first 28 days of life. The bad news for developing countries is that at least 98 per cent of these deaths occur in them. Africa is the worst culprit, with Nigeria leading the way. For years, Nigeria's global ranking in maternal and infantile mortalities has hovered between second and fifth positions.

The reasons are not far-fetched: Far too many pregnant mothers reel in poverty, illiteracy, poor nutrition, and poor sanitation, while governments provide inadequate health care and health education owing to ineffectual leadership, poor governance, and corruption. These factors increase delays in seeking, accessing, reaching, and referring care, which eventually lead to deaths from preventable and treatable conditions.

New vaginal ring to keep women safe

At the International AIDS Conference, researchers have been keeping their focus on a new vaginal ring aimed at keeping women safe.

“Because this product is designed to be replaced once a month, it offers potential to increase the chances that women will continually use the product as opposed to a product that has to be applied in a behaviorally dependent prior to sex way or on a daily basis,” explained Dr. Carl Dieffenbach, with the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

Ondo’s new emergency medical service to tackle deaths on roads

Ondo State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko has announced the commencement of emergency medical services to bring succor to victims of road traffic accidents, which is currently the greatest killer of people within the productive age group.

Mimiko receives excellence in mortality reduction

In recognition of the immense contributions of the Dr Olusegun Mimiko-led administration in Ondo State to the reduction of maternal and child mortality in the state, the Forum of Federal Health Institutions Nurses and Midwives (FFHINAM), Federal Medical Centre, Owo on Monday conferred an Award of Excellence in Mortality Reduction on the Governor.

Mimiko Strengthens Maternal/child Health Care Programme

The Ondo State Commissioner for Heath, Dr Dayo Adeyanju, recently called on `Abiye' Ward
Health Committees to assist in mobilising expectant mothers for ante-natal registration.
Adeyanju made the call in Akure during a meeting with members of the committees and other

stakeholders in the maternal health programme.

Ondo State Government to Train Health Workers on HIV Counseling and Testing

The Chairman, Ondo State agency for the control of HIV and AIDS, Dr Aderotimi Adelola, says the Government will train more health workers on HIV counseling and testing, HCT.

Dr. Adelola, who is also the Secretary to the State Government, stated this in Akure, the Ondo State capital, at a workshop to train service providers to cover 23 wards in the State.

He said the Government would not relent in the training until all the wards were covered.

Dr. Adelola reiterated the commitment of the Government to curtail the spread of HIV/AIDS

Source:radionigeria

Mimiko Lauds Health Workers on Service Delivery

HEALTH workers in Ondo State have been commended for their strict adherence and dedication to the health care policy of the State government. The state governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, gave the commendation, on Wednesday, during an unscheduled visit to the state Specialist Hospital in Akure, where medical teams from India and Bangladesh were administering free treatment on the people courtesy of Rotary International and the State government.

Mimiko lauds Ondo, foreign experts collaboration

Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko  expressed satisfaction with the level of collaboration between his government and foreign medical experts.

Mimiko, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr, Eni Akinsola, stated this during a visit to the Specialist Hospital in Akure, where a medical team from India and Bangladesh are offering free health care services to the public.

The Other Side of Coffee

Coffee, a long time early morning drink, is not just a drink to keep the body warm, it is a life-saving beverage that can protect people from simple ailments and deadly diseases.

Blood test to diagnose early stage of breast cancer

A simple blood test is enough to diagnose breast cancer at the early stage. That is the submission of a study conducted recently to foster better diagnosis and early treatment for breast cancer patients.

Mimiko's Wife Identifies Entrepreneurship As Panacea to Poverty

The wife of Ondo State governor, Mrs Olukemi Mimiko, has identified entrepreneurship, anchored on sound education, as a major avenue to minimise poverty in the country. Mrs Mimiko, who made this known at the valedictory service and award ceremony of Demonstration Secondary School of Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo , noted that entrepreneurship was the way out of poverty.

Ondo Abiye Project a Benchmark for Africa____WORLD BANK

The World Bank has applauded and recommended Ondo State Abiye (Safe Motherhood) programme as a solution to Africa health challenge. World Bank African Region Vice President, Mrs Oby Ezekwesili said in Washington that Ondo State has provided a role model and a benchmark for the African continent in tackling infant and maternal mortality rate The World Bank says the federal government and other states of the federation should adopt Ondo State’s strategy and replicate same through out Nigeria as a sure and fast means of combating infant and maternal mortality challenge. The World Bank says other African countries must learn from the Ondo State experience where the Governor has shown excellent leadership and commitment. The Bank promised assistance to help expand the Ondo State initiatives as Governor Olusegun Mimiko made a presentation to the World Bank on the State health initiative in tackling infant and maternal mortality.

Ondo plans residency card project

GOVERNOR Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State has said that his administration would start the implementation of its residency card project, also known as kaadi igbe ayo, very soon.

Mimiko, who stated this when he visited the Mother and Child Hospital in Akure yesterday, said the card would afford all legal residents of the state to enjoy all government social services and facilities without stress.

HIV infection drops to 1.7% in Ondo

Project Manager of the Ondo State Action Committee on Aids, Dr. Dayo Adegbulu, said on Saturday in Akure the HIV/AIDS cases in the state had dropped to 1.7 per cent.

Ondo govt poised to achieve zero tolerance level of HIV infection’

The Ondo State government, on Monday, said it was poised to achieve zero level of HIV infection in the state, just as it had trained more HIV Counselling and Testing (HCT) service providers in a bid to increasing access to the service, particularly in the rural areas of the state.

Ondo plans new policy on health waste management

The Ondo State Government is set to produce a workable policy on Healthcare Waste Management aimed at protecting the healthcare workers and various communities from the risk of medical waste.

Ondo govt Strengthens Maternal/child Health Care Programme

The Ondo State Commissioner for Heath, Dr Dayo Adeyanju, recently called on `Abiye' Ward
Health Committees to assist in mobilising expectant mothers for ante-natal registration.
Adeyanju made the call in Akure during a meeting with members of the committees and other
stakeholders in the maternal health programme.

Take A Dip, Enjoy Swimming

The rainy season is here again. But that should not stop you from diving into a safe pond. Swimming is an aerobic exercise and even an art that is well known for toning the body and pampering the skin. You stand to gain certain health benefits with each stroke you take.

Pregnancy no longer death sentence in Ondo

                    

Tears of joy accompanying safe delivery is fast becoming common place in communities across Ondo state.  Pregnancy is no longer the death sentence it used to be some years back.  Interestingly, it is almost like a competition among women in the state to get pregnant and even among those who had earlier stopped child bearing.

US approves first-ever pill for HIV prevention

WASHINGTON (AFP) – The first-ever daily pill to help prevent against HIV was approved Monday by US regulators for use in uninfected adults who are at risk for getting the virus that causes AIDS.
Truvada, made by Gilead Sciences in California, has been on the market since 2004 and was approved by the Food and Drug Administration for a new use as a tool to help ward off HIV in otherwise healthy people, in combination with safe sex and regular testing.

What your tongue says about your health

The tongue is generally known to serve the purpose of helping us eat and speak but it can perform more than these basic functions.
Among all other organs, the tongue is acclaimed to be one of the most correct gauges of the state of the digestive tract and the most precise indicator of some internal diseases. Yet, it is common to find that most people ignore their hardest-working muscle.
The colour, texture and moisture of your tongue can provide revealing signs of what's going on inside your body which is why it is one part of your body that you must study every morning before you brush your teeth or eat anything. According to medical practitioners, it can tell you if you've properly digested your food from the night before, if your colon is clear, if your organs are happy, if you could use a cleanse, if you're holding onto too much anxiety or fear and it can even aid in diagnosing disease.

Bleeding in early pregnancy

Bleeding in early pregnancy is a common occurrence, but this does not signal a true menstrual cycle. Experts say that women who say they had a period while pregnant either have a different definition of “period”, or honestly think any vaginal bleeding can be termed as “menstruation”,
Everyone seems to know someone who has a friend who had their period during their pregnancy! This seems to happen throughout the generations and is almost an urban legend now.

Onions intake boost memory and fight stroke

Researchers have said that increased intakes of onions may boost the brain’s ability to store memories and fight degenerative brain diseases such as stroke.

When wine makes you sneeze

Wine isn’t always the way to ensure a healthy heart, at least for everybody. Experts say that some individuals who take wine, because of their intolerance experience symptoms such as runny nose, headache, cold symptoms, itchy rashes, all akin to allergy.
Many times people have heard about the heart-healthy and cancer-fighting antioxidants benefits of a glass of red wine. But wine is not for everyone. There are a good, but unrecognised number of people that will develop cold symptoms, headache, stuffy or, runny nose or even rashes after taking a glass of wine. They have an allergy or intolerance (similar to a food allergy, but not life-threatening) to wine.

Constant stress makes you sick

Stress is responsible for most health problems. Experts say that stress breaks down the immune system, leaving individuals more susceptible to catching communicable diseases, such as cold and flu more often.

Imported bushmeats from Africa contain bacteria

Bushmeats illegally imported from Africa to the US contain potentially dangerous bacteria, according to a new study made public in the US.

The study, led by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was published by PLoS ONE magazine.

Poor health services responsible for infant, maternal mortality

Poor reproductive health services have been identified as the root cause of infant and maternal mortality especially in the developing world.

Can spending less time sitting down add years to life

Limiting the time we spend sitting to just three hours a day could add an extra two years to our life expectancy.
It seems plausible that if future generations moved around a bit more, then they might live longer on average.
But very few of us currently spend less than three hours sitting each day, and so this seems a very optimistic target."