Nigeria Now Free of Ebola

Nigeria was officially declared free of Ebola on Monday 20th day of October 2014 by the World Healh Organization (WHO). The declaration was made after the period of 42 days during which no new cases of the virus was recorded. WHO Representative in Nigeria, Rui Gama Vaz  said that the "the virus is gone for now. The outbreak in Nigeria has been defeated". Senegal had earlier on Friday October 17, 2014 declared free of the disease.

The first case of Ebola n Nigeria was announced on July 26, 2014. The period between the first case and the WHO clearance is 86 days. Simple arithmetic shows that it took Nigeria 44 days to contain the spread of the deadly virus. During the 44 days, eight people, including Patrick Sawyer who imported the virus, died. Twenty cases were confirmed while nine hundred were monitored.

Senegal and Nigeria should be commended. It would have been disastrous had it been that Nigeria of about 170 million was overwhelmed by the Ebola. The world needs to note the steps adopted by Nigeria to contain the disease. These are:

• Prompt isolation of confirmed cases.
• Acquisition of related health equipments
• Rapid response to information on suspected cases.
• Stringent screening checks at the entry points into the country.
• Contact tracing.
• Training of health personnel.
• Public enlightenment through media, religious bodies, associations, markets and schools.
• Provision of funds.
• Public hygienic practices.
• Partnership with international health organizations.

It should be reemphasized that the world is now a global village. What started in West Africa has spread to Europe and America. The World would be better for it if it adopts the Nigeria method and go further to develop vaccines that would cure the virus.

Ebola Spreading To Europe And America

According to the CNN news of October 8, 2014 a man called Thomas Eric Duncan who had been diagnosed with the deadly virus died early in the morning before the news was broken by the CNN. He died at the Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas. The same report stated that eight cases of Ebola had been confirmed in Europe.

The statistics show one case in the United Kingdom, one case in France, two cases in Germany and three cases in Spain. A Norwegian is also affected. The Norwegian is a staffer with Doctors without Borders.

The spread of the Ebola Virus in Europe and America underlines the appropriateness of the point raised in the last posting in my blog which emphasized the need for a global unity in the fight against the Ebola scourge. It is clear now that Ebola Virus Disease is not a respecter of any  Nation - developing or developed.  The World should therefore wake up and work together not only to prevent and contain but to also develop drugs against the dreaded virus. VERY URGENT!

Have Enough Sleep To Stay Healthy

It is recommended that seven to eight hours of sleep everyday is healthy particularly for adults. But this range varies depending on amount of sleep previously lost, illness,activities during the day,and even the type of food consumed. Some people sleep for six hours while some for ten hours. It is not advisable to deliberately deprive oneself of sleep. Sleep is necessary for the body to rest and recover the lost energy.
Lack of adequate sleep can cause headaches, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and can even affect memory. It can also affect the ability to concentrate, solve problems and give good judgements. There is therefore the need to have enough sleep to stay healthy.

Healthy Habits Promote Good Health

There is a common saying that “prevention is better than cure”. This is very apt for the issue of health. In order to prevent diseases – fatal or non-fatal, some habits should be cultivated or abandoned in order to be in good and healthy living conditions everyday. Attention should particularly be paid to exercise, diet, smoking, alcohol, and others mentioned in this post.

Exercise
Exercise could be by just walking around the neighborhood. It is central to good health as it tones the muscles. It makes the heart and lungs work better. It prevents constipation. Apart from walking around, other forms of exercises include swimming, cycling, running, rope skipping, squatting, and other aerobic exercises. Exercises aid sleep and ease depression. Any chosen exercise could be performed for about 30 minutes, 2 to 3 times per week.

Diet
Fruits and raw vegetables are good health promoters. Fruits are the best and most natural sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, thus the most healthful of all foods. Fruits and vegetables provide vitamins and minerals which prevent diseases. Some people find fruits most effective when taken first thing in the morning. They digest easily and provide quick energy. They help to lose weight. 

Smoking
Lung cancer is a known most fatal outcome of smoking. Heart attacks, strokes, heart pains, leg pains, and other related problems result from smoking. The strong determination should be there to quit smoking.

Alcohol
Excessive drinking leads to depression. Ulcer could also result from drinking. Drinking is considered excessive when:-

• Automobile accidents result after alcohol intake.
• Alcohol is taken  to ‘erase’ problems.
• The drinker becomes a problem to his family or friends.
• It causes medical problems.

When any or all of the above is observed, drinking should be cut down or totally eliminated. 

Colon Cleansing
A lot of what is called heavy weight is actually waste material which bodies could not or failed to eliminate. Colon cleansing is the removal of toxins - produced by the accumulated waste materials -   from the colon and intestinal tract. Oral cleansing uses dietary fiber, herbs, dietary supplements or laxatives. Colon cleansing should not however be daily affairs because it is believed that, under normal situation, nature has a way of eliminating toxins from the colon.  Generally, colon cleansing Improves concentration, Increases energy, decreases colon cancer risks, prevents constipation, enhances weight loss, improves digestion and increases fertility.

Water
Another healthy habit is water therapy. Daily intake of 6-8 glasses of water is very healthy.  Apart from flushing waste products, c ells, tissues and blood depend upon water to function properly.  Dehydration gives room for various forms of sicknesses. Conversely, adequate water intake increases well being and makes body to be more energetic and also makes skin to have a healthy glow.

In conclusion, habits which exclude fruits, vegetables, and water but  indulge in smoking and alcoholism can cause cancer and should be completely avoided.

Ebola: Containment In Senegal and Nigeria

It is heartwarming to know through the World Health Organization(WHO) that Senegal and Nigeria have contained the Ebola Virus Disease(EVD). The concerted efforts of both the States and Federal government in Nigeria are highly commendable.

Senegal recorded its one and only case on August 29, 2014. The patient has since recovered.

In Nigeria, the first case of Ebola outbreak was announced on July 26, 2014. Twenty one people have since been infected, eight died while thirteen survived. It took a little above two months for Nigeria to have, apparently, contained the disease. It is important that Nigeria should sustain the present level of campaign which has resulted in the containment. Furthermore, Nigeria should extend helping hands in whatever form to other countries still battling with the scourge. It should be clear to everyone to know that no West Africa country, and indeed any country in the World, is free until all is free.

For news on containment in Nigeria and Senegal click here

Ebola Scourge: Global Action Is Imperative

A Nigerian newspaper of August 20, 2014 came up with a screaming headline: “Nigerian woman causes Ebola scare in Germany” The detail news indicate that about 600 job seekers were quarantined as a result. Another news indicated that two Americans contracted Ebola disease in Liberia. It was stated that their arrival in isolation chambers caused fear in the US. Fortunately, the two Americans have been cured.  But it can be said that Ebola is causing scare in Europe and America and in fact all over the world. The focus of this post is to point out the need for global action on the scourge.

A virus may start in a remote village in Africa and finds its way into a crowded city from where it gets into other cities of the world via airline carriers. In the present time of modern transportation, national and international physical contacts, we are ALL potential carriers of Ebola.

Most of the agricultural products which feed the cities come from rural areas. But rural areas of developing nations are where containment of diseases is difficult. The difficulty stems from cultural beliefs, poverty, proximity to disease-carrying animals, ignorance, and even fear of the foreign health workers. But this should not discourage the developed nations from working concertedly with any Ebola-infected developing Nations.

When Ebola strikes in any developing Nation, the tendency is for the developed Nations to want to fence the affected Nations off and say “this can never get to us”. But the developed Nations can not completely severe themselves from the developing Countries. They cannot afford to forgo their investments scattered all over the places. The world should therefore start to act cooperatively in the three areas of prevention, containment and treatment.  The world should start to build network of health care personnel and facilities around the world especially the developing Countries so that individual country can have the capacity to respond to, and manage epidemics successfully.  

The United Nations should increase health budgets for international health organizations such as World Health organizations, Doctors without Borders, Red Cross and others. This is to improve on the response capacity of the organizations. It will also encourage research into the relatively new diseases.  Furthermore more health officers will be employed and more training will be offered.

Developed Nations should send health experts and financial supports to the developing nations. When a drug is found, it should be made available or patent rights sold to willing countries.

The world is now a global village. The developed world will be making an IMPOSSIBLE choice of fencing itself off from the third world. And its health facilities may not be able to cope if, due to selfishness and self-preservation, the Ebola infections degenerate into epidemic stage. A global action is therefore imperative.

Nigeria records second death due to ebola virus

Nigeria has recorded another death due to ebola virus disease. A nurse who treated the late Liberian victim of ebola disease was reported to have died of the same disease. She died on Tuesday August 5, 2014 in Lagos as widely reported in Nigeria and International media.

According to the World Health Organization(WHO), the total number of recorded deaths is 932. News said  that a Saudi Arabia national has also died of ebola-related disease. The disease is undoubtedly spreading fast... More..

Ebola Virus Victim Dies In Lagos

Ebola virus victim was confirmed dead in Lagos. This was announced in Abuja by the Minister for Health....click for original news

The Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, at a briefing in Abuja Friday said: “on July 22, the Federal Ministry of Health was alerted on a suspected case of Ebola virus disease in Lagos involving a 40-year old male, travelling from Monrovia, Liberia to Nigeria on Asky Airline via Lome to Lagos.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/07/liberian-dies-ebola-lagos/#sthash.D19fMthd.dpuf

The Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, at a briefing in Abuja Friday said: “on July 22, the Federal Ministry of Health was alerted on a suspected case of Ebola virus disease in Lagos involving a 40-year old male, travelling from Monrovia, Liberia to Nigeria on Asky Airline via Lome to Lagos.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/07/liberian-dies-ebola-lagos/#sthash.D19fMthd.dpuf

The Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, at a briefing in Abuja Friday said: “on July 22, the Federal Ministry of Health was alerted on a suspected case of Ebola virus disease in Lagos involving a 40-year old male, travelling from Monrovia, Liberia to Nigeria on Asky Airline via Lome to Lagos.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/07/liberian-dies-ebola-lagos/#sthash.D19fMthd.dpuf

The Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, at a briefing in Abuja Friday said: “on July 22, the Federal Ministry of Health was alerted on a suspected case of Ebola virus disease in Lagos involving a 40-year old male, travelling from Monrovia, Liberia to Nigeria on Asky Airline via Lome to Lagos.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/07/liberian-dies-ebola-lagos/#sthash.D19fMthd.dpuf

EThe Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, at a briefing in Abuja Friday said: “on July 22, the Federal Ministry of Health was alerted on a suspected case of Ebola virus disease in Lagos involving a 40-year old male, travelling from Monrovia, Liberia to Nigeria on Asky Airline via Lome to Lagos.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/07/liberian-dies-ebola-lagos/#sthash.D19fMthd.dpuf

The Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, at a briefing in Abuja Friday said: “on July 22, the Federal Ministry of Health was alerted on a suspected case of Ebola virus disease in Lagos involving a 40-year old male, travelling from Monrovia, Liberia to Nigeria on Asky Airline via Lome to Lagos.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/07/liberian-dies-ebola-lagos/#sthash.D19fMthd.dpuf

The Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, at a briefing in Abuja Friday said: “on July 22, the Federal Ministry of Health was alerted on a suspected case of Ebola virus disease in Lagos involving a 40-year old male, travelling from Monrovia, Liberia to Nigeria on Asky Airline via Lome to Lagos.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/07/liberian-dies-ebola-lagos/#sthash.D19fMthd.dpuf

The Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, at a briefing in Abuja Friday said: “on July 22, the Federal Ministry of Health was alerted on a suspected case of Ebola virus disease in Lagos involving a 40-year old male, travelling from Monrovia, Liberia to Nigeria on Asky Airline via Lome to Lagos.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/07/liberian-dies-ebola-lagos/#sthash.D19fMthd.dpuf

Ebola Virus Now Suspected In Lagos - Lagos State Government

Lagos State Confirms Possible Case Of Ebola Virus

The Lagos State Government has confirmed a possible case of Ebola Virus, which is being currently investigated while treatment is on for the 40 year old Liberian, who is now a suspect, and a possible 30 others who may have had contact with the Liberian.
The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Public Health, Dr Yewande Adeshina, in a briefing noted that the 40 year old Liberian is in a private hospital in the Obalende area of the State........details

Alert On Ebola Virus By Lagos State Government.

The ebola virus disease causing deaths in some West African Countries seems not to be abating as can be deduced from the alert issued by the Lagos State Government recently. I wish to advice that the alert and the precautionary measures taken by Lagos State should be emulated by Nigeria Federal Government and the other State Governments. For details on the news about the alert please click here..

Weight Loss

Body transformation from overweight or obese to a healthy, attractive and normal weight and shape is dependent upon both healthy eating habit and regular exercises. Healthy eating habit means the intake of balanced diet. Balance diet is a complete diet which meets all the requirements of the whole body. It must contain vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats and proteins in the right proportions.

Every nutrients needed should be taken in the right amount and should be coplemented with regular workout which is aimed at burnning calories. Below are some of the exercises appropriate for a healthy and attractive body:

                Running

Burnning calories

• It reduces rate of depression and relieves stress.
• It burns a greate amount of calories.
• It fights cancer. 
• Running makes hearts stronger.
• It improves overall health.

 
                                                                                                               Swimming

Swimming works on muscles

• Swimming works on different muscle groups.
• Swimming keeps body in shape.
• It relieves stress.
• Swimming makes heart muscles to be stronger
• It improves the ability to maintain healthy weight.

                            Pushups  

•     It Works on the upper part of the body and the core. 
•     It increases heart rate.
•     It increases metabolic rate.
•     It works on different parts of arms and shoulders.

                                                      



                                                                                              Rope Skipping

Can be done anywhere

• Rope skipping burns energy more than many other workouts.
• It is inexpensive and can be done anywhere.
• Rope skipping tones muscles.
• It is good for the heart.
• Rope skipping is a fitness and weight loss program.

                






    Squat

Squat raises heart rate

• Squat strengthens body and burn a lot of calories.
• Raises the heart rate.
• Squat works on butt, hips and thighs.
• It tones and strengthens the legs.

 

Cycling

Cycling assists in weight loss

• Cycling works on legs.
• Releases a lot of sweats.
• Cycling reduces risk of heart diseases.
• It boosts flow of oxygen and blood to the brain.
• It burns a lot of fat.
• It reduces risk of cancer.
• It assists in weight loss.

                                                                                                                                  Lunge

Multi-joint exercise

Lunge exercises several joints of the body.

Lunge Strengthens buttocks and legs.

It improves core strength.

It improves hip flexibility.

It burns fat.

The overall effects of the exercises mentioned above are healthy heart, flexible joints,strong muscles, reduction in cancer risks, attractive body shape, elimination of stress, and weight loss as seen below.

Effect of exsrcises on weight

 

Update on Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) In West Africa

In the early part of April this year, it was reported that Guinea and Liberia had recorded 101 and 10 deaths respectively as a result of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). The disease was suspected in Mali but not confirmed. In all, 111 deaths were confirmed in Guinea and Liberia.

At about the end of April, the World Health Organization (WHO) produced a report which summarized the update on Ebola Virus Disease in part of West Africa. The report covered Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Mali.

Guinea –There were 235 clinical cases with 157 deaths. No new cases have been reported in the month of May. The analysis of data during the last three weeks of April showed that the number of new cases was decreasing in some parts of Guinea. Prevention activities included mainly sensitization and mobilization. Awareness messages were through radio and posters; screening of films on EVD, and other forms of enlightenment programs. It should be noted that the current Ebola outbreak in Guinea began in February and first confirmed in March of this year.

Liberia – The Liberia Ministry of Health  reported that there were no new cases.

Sierra Leone – As of May 7, no new cases have been confirmed. This was according to the country’s Ministry of Health and Sanitation. Preparedness and response training has been provided to health-care workers. Protective equipment has been positioned in various hospitals. Surveillance activities are high and prompt.

WHO is supporting Guinea and Liberia through the deployment of experts in the areas of “coordination, medical anthropology, clinical case management, data management and health informatics, surveillance and epidemiology, infection prevention and control, laboratory services….”

WHO says it does not see the need to place travel and trade restrictions on Guinea and Liberia. This means that the two countries are relatively safe.

Mali - The Ministry of Health (MOH) of Mali reports a cumulative total of 6 suspected cases that were under medical observation. The results of testing on these patients were expected. 

In Ghana, eight cases of suspected Ebola Virus that were reported from January to May were found to be negative.

In Nigeria, no case of the Ebola Virus has been reported.

It is observed from above that no case of fresh attack was reported in the month of May as at the time of writing this post. This is to say that the Ebola Virus attack in the West Africa sub-region got to its peak in the month of April and reduced in the month of May. And if the positive trend continues the number of fresh clinical cases may come down to almost zero in the month of June.

In order for the positive trend to continue the World Health Organization should continue to assist the West Africa Countries, the ECOWAS governments should continue to work concertedly in areas of surveillance, infection prevention and control, enlightenment program, supply of protective equipment, and the training of health workers.