MUST READ: 7 ways to stop snoring

Are you a victim of snoring?  You don't allow your partner sleep well beside you with your loud snoring. Read this article.

Help put snoring to rest with these 7 quit-snoring tips.

1. Change Your Sleep Position.

Lying on your back makes the base of your tongue and soft palate collapse to the back wall of your throat, causing a vibrating sound during sleep. Sleeping on your side may help prevent this.

"A body pillow (a full-length pillow that supports your entire body) provides an easy fix," Slaughter says. "It enables you to maintain sleeping on your side and can make a dramatic difference."

Taping tennis balls to the back of your pajamas can also stop you from sleeping on your back, Chokroverty says. "Or you can recline the bed with the head up and extended, which opens up nasal airway passages and may help prevent snoring. This may cause neck pain, however." If snoring continues regardless of the sleep position, obstructive sleep apnea may be a cause. "See a doctor in this case," Chokroverty says.

2. Lose Weight.

Weight loss helps some people but not everyone. "Thin people snore, too," Slaughter says.

If you've gained weight and started snoring and did not snore before you gained weight, weight loss may help. "If you gain weight around your neck, it squeezes the internal diameter of the throat, making it more likely to collapse during sleep, triggering snoring," Slaughter says.

3. Avoid Alcohol.

Alcohol and sedatives reduce the resting tone of the muscles in the back of your throat, making it more likely you'll snore. "Drinking alcohol four to five hours before sleeping makes snoring worse," Chokroverty says. "People who don't normally snore will snore after drinking alcohol."

4. Practice Good Sleep Hygiene.

Poor sleep habits (also known as poor sleep "hygiene") can have an effect similar to that of drinking alcohol, Slaughter says. Working long hours without enough sleep, for example, means when you finally hit the sack you're overtired. "You sleep hard and deep, and the muscles become floppier, which creates snoring," Slaughter says.

5. Open Nasal Passages.

If snoring starts in your nose, keeping nasal passages open may help. It allows air to move through slower, Slaughter says. "Imagine a narrow garden hose with water running through. The narrower the hose, the faster the water rushes through."

Your nasal passages work similarly. If your nose is clogged or narrowed due to a cold or other blockage, the fast-moving air is more likely to produce snoring.

A hot shower before you go to bed can help open nasal passages, Slaughter says. Also, keep a bottle of saltwater rinse in the shower. "Rinse your nose out with it while you're showering to help open up passages," Slaughter says.

A neti pot could also be used to rinse out the nasal passages with a salt-water solution.

Nasal strips may also work to lift nasal passages and open them up -- if the problem exists in your nose and not within the soft palate.

6. Change Your Pillows.

Allergens in your bedroom and in your pillow may contribute to snoring. When did you last dust the overhead ceiling fan? Replace your pillows?

Dust mites accumulate in pillows and can cause allergic reactions that can lead to snoring. Allowing pets to sleep on the bed causes you to breathe in animal dander, another common irritant.

"If you feel fine during the day but obstructed at night, these things may be contributing to your snoring," Slaughter says.

Put your pillows in the air fluff cycle once every couple weeks and replace them every six months to keep dust mites and allergens to a minimum. And keep pets out of the bedroom.

Beware before spending money on special pillows designed to prevent snoring, Chokroverty says. "They may work if it props up your head, which fixes nasal issues, but can cause neck pain."
7. Stay Well Hydrated.

Drink plenty of fluids. "Secretions in your nose and soft palate become stickier when you're dehydrated," Slaughter says. "This can create more snoring." According to the Institute of Medicine, healthy women should have about 11 cups of total water (from all drinks and food) a day; men require about 16 cups.

Overall, get enough sleep, sleep on your side, avoid alcohol before bedtime and take a hot shower if nasal passages are clogged, Slaughter says. "These simple practices can make a huge difference in reducing snoring."

BREAKING: Italy makes 12 vaccinations compulsory for children

ITALY - The government in Italy has ruled that children must be vaccinated against 12 common illnesses before they can enrol for state-run schools.

Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni blamed a decrease in vaccinations in part on a "spread of anti-scientific theories".

Italy has recorded nearly three times as many measles cases so far this year than for all of 2016.

If children are not vaccinated by the age of six, the school starting age, their parents will be fined.

Conspiracy theories about the health risks of certain vaccinations - largely based on one discredited paper - have circulated around the world, leading some parents to shun immunisation.

In Italy, the number of two-year-olds vaccinated against measles has dropped from more than 90% to below 80%. This is well short of the World Health Organization's recommended coverage of 95% or more.

Measles is highly contagious and can lead to death.

"The lack of appropriate measures over the years and the spread of anti-scientific theories, especially in recent months, has brought about a reduction in protection," Mr Gentiloni told a press conference on Friday.

The twelve conditions children must be immunised against are:

• polio
• diphtheria
• tetanus
• hepatitis B
• haemophilus influenzae B
• meningitis B
• meningitis C
• measles
• mumps
• rubella
• whooping cough
• chickenpox

"We are sending a very strong message to the public," said Health Minister Beatrice Lorenzin.

In recent years a loose group of campaigners against vaccinations, dubbed the 'anti-vax' movement, has dissuaded people from opting in to immunisations by citing supposed risks.

A long-discredited paper by Andrew Wakefield was behind much of the scare but the rumours around immunisation have continued to spread, leading to public health risks as not enough people are immune to such diseases.

Mr Wakefield was struck off the UK medical register after fraudulently claiming there was a link between the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR) and autism and bowel disease in children.

He made the claim based on the experiences of just 12 children, and no other study since has been able to replicate his results.

Constant Love Making With Your Partner Keeps You Healthy

Research have shown that men who have intercourse no less than two times in a week can almost halve their risk of heart disease, another examination says. The study, which was led with more than 1,000 men, depicts s*x as a movement that includes extraordinary physical and passionate components. S*x might be a marker for a solid heart since s*x can be a type of physical movement, which, similar to work out, gives your heart a workout.

Whoever desire frequent s*x  and are able to get it, are likely to be healthier than others. Men who have regular s*x may also be in a supportive relationship, which offers stress reduction and emotional benefits.

Frequent s*x is so beneficial that when you see a doctor he is likely to ask many questions about your s*x so as to find out about your overall health condition. Apparently s*x is not only good for your heart; it also keeps many diseases at bay.

For example, s*x can actually cause you to get fewer colds.

Research has shown that couples who have s*x weekly have a 30 per cent increase in immunoglobulin A, which is an antibody that fights infection. S*x can also help women have a more predictable period schedule, as a result of being exposed to male pheromones.

In addition, having s*x reduces stress – for physiological as well as emotional reasons. Anything that will reduce stress is good for you as too much stress can lead to many diseases including cancer. S*x activates a nerve that has a calming effect. Having s*x also lowers blood pressure, which reduces the risk of heart disease.

S*x can even reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and increase HDL (“good”) cholesterol.

These are the good  results that a healthy s*x life can give you:

Fewer colds because of an increase in immunoglobulin A, an antibody that fights infection.
Women can get more predictable periods because of exposure to male pheromones.

A better physical response to stress.
Lower blood pressure, which lowers your risk of heart disease.
Lowers your bad cholesterol and increase your good cholesterol.
Helps to tone your abs, gluts and pretty much any muscle in your body.
Naturally increases estrogen level which improves the appearance of your hair, skin and nails.
Helps to improve your memory because of increased blood flow to your brain.
Increased feelings of motivation because of the release of endorphins.
As you can see, a good s*x life is one way to stay happy, healthy and fit. So if your doctor starts grilling you about your bedroom habits, you will know why. And this is only the tip of the iceberg.

S*x has also been found to boost self-esteem and improve intimacy in your relationship. This is because s*x and orgasms result in increased levels of the hormone oxytocin — the “love” hormone – that helps you to feel bonded to your partner.

As oxytocin increases, so do hormones known as endorphins, which in turn lessens feelings of pain related to everything from headaches and arthritis to symptoms of menopause. It can also help you to get a better night’s sleep.

Further, for women, having s*x can help strengthen the muscles of your pelvic floor (the same ones used to stop urination). As you age, having strong pelvic floor muscles reduces your risk of accidents.

Of course, these benefits are assuming that you’re having s*x with a mutually monogamous partner – otherwise you risk catching a s*xually transmitted disease.

S*xual pleasure begins in your brain

Your brain and nervous system control your s*x glands and genitals. This is why they also control your s*xual desire, as well as orgasms. It explains why, for example, visual images trigger s*xual desire in both sexes.

Your brain stem also emits nerve impulses that control erectile function. These nerve impulses navigate through the erection center of your spinal column to the erectile tissue of your penis where they trigger a chain reaction in the membranes of your vascular muscle cells.This sophisticated chain reaction depends on a messenger molecule called cyclic guanosine monophosphate, or cGMP.

However, this works in reverse as well. An erection softens as soon as another enzyme called phosphodiesterase starts to degrade the cGMP molecules.

Drugs like Viagra, Levitra and Cialis work by inhibiting phosphodiesterase, which may help maintain your erection. But, these pills will not lead to an erection. Your initial erection still has to be triggered psychologically. Without that initial impetus, potency pills will have no effect whatsoever. This is also why these pills are ineffective for many men who take them hoping for a magic jack-in-the box effect.

As you might suspect, because your s*xuality is so intimately tied to your mind, anxiety, defensiveness, fear, and failure of communication are all destructive psychological forces that can take a heavy toll on your libido, whether you’re a man or a woman. They are road blocks to desire. So handle them.

According to Professor Gert Holstege of the University of Groningen in the Nederlands, “Fear and anxiety need to be avoided at all costs if a woman wishes to have an orgasm.”

 How to improve s*xual desire naturally-

If you would like to take advantage of some of the health benefits that regular s*xual activity has to offer, yet find that your desire just isn’t what it used to be, there are many natural tips that can help.

Your s*xual fires may also be fanned simply by eating less sugar. High levels of sugar in your bloodstream can actually turn off the gene that controls your s*x hormones.

Four other tips to give your libido a big-time boost include:

Getting physically active. Studies have shown that men who engaged in regular physical activity lowered their risk of experiencing sexual dysfunction. Remember, when using exercise as a drug, it’s important to vary your routine.

HIV vaccine ready soon - NACA

Dr Sani Aliyu, the Director-General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), says the world has made significant progress on HIV vaccine research and it is inching closer to licensable HIV vaccines.

The director-general made this known at news conference as part of activities to commemorate the 2017 World HIV Vaccine Advocacy Day on Thursday in Abuja.

Aliyu said the world has made significant progress in HIV vaccine research over the last 30 years when HIV was discovered.

According to him, in 2009 the vaccine field achieved proof-of-concept that a preventive HIV vaccine is possible.

“In 2012, three different HIV vaccine development approaches are moving to efficacy trials simultaneously; two the three are vaccine candidates and the third is a vaccine related approach.’’

The director-general said NACA is working with the National Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) to fast-track HIV vaccine research in Nigeria.

Aliyu said that Nigeria has invested heavily in the planning and preparing for HIV vaccine research to be conducted in the country, with several competent researchers in the field in Nigeria.

He said Nigeria also had a National HIV vaccine plan to provide a framework and facilitate the process of research.

He added that NACA’s dream was to ensure that Nigerians have access to an effective HIV vaccine soon.

“While we wait for this research breakthrough, we shall continue to facilitate access of Nigerians to existing HIV prevention tools.

“Elimination of Mother to child Transmission of HIV is a priority for the country and a goal that must be achieved,’’ Aliyu said.

He said the agency is working to ensure all barriers to access to treatment are removed.

Mr Godwin Odemijie, representative of New HIV Vaccine and Microbicide Society, an NGO, said May 18, 2017, is the 20th Anniversary of HIV vaccine advocacy day.

Odemijie said the day is to remind policy makers, partners and key stakeholders the need to develop vaccine to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS.

“We will continue to talk about the prevalence of AIDS not total elimination if we don’t have a vaccine in place, it is a potent vaccine that can really check the incidence of HIV,’’ he said.

Read How To Reduce Your Sugar Habit

Sugar in its natural state like what is found in fruit is healthy in moderation as a part of a balanced diet, but what we don’t need in our diet is the amount of refined sugars that we ingest in processed foods. Even when you feel like you don’t eat a lot of sugar because you avoid candy bars or something, you might not realize how much hidden sugar makes appearances in savory foods as well. Even hamburgers at fast food restaurants can be shocking sources of high sugar content.

The reasons behind wanting to break a sugar habit can range from losing weight or increasing your energy to just plain increasing your overall health. Eating less sugar can do all of these things, but it doesn’t mean that the process will be an easy one. Sugar is actually addictive to the body so you might experience cravings until you get them in check and replace your sugary snacks with new healthy snacks.

When you decide to start kicking a sugar habit, it is important to eat regularly throughout the day. When you don’t eat for too long your blood sugar drops and your energy can take a dip. This is when you are most susceptible to falling for a sugar craving because it can be a fast fix on the energy front. Stick with small and frequent snacks that are full of protein and have some carbohydrates to keep you satiated throughout the day.

Always choose foods that are not processed over ones that are, since the closer a food is to its natural state then the less added sugar it will contain. Think whole and natural food sources whenever possible. Avoid keeping foods in the house that you are trying to avoid. If other family members eat different types of food than you, maybe it’s time to discuss revamping everyone’s habits or somehow store food separately or labeled so that you will be less likely to eat someone else’s snacks.

Start your day by eating a meal that contains some protein and fat which will keep you full longer than just eating some fruit for example. Getting a mix of nutrients will also help to keep you feeling full. You should try to get some healthy fat into each meal as well to keep your blood sugar steady. Healthy fats are monounsaturated options like avocado and olive oil. When you cook use spices like cinnamon that you trick your body into thinking its having something sweet. Spices also have individual health benefits.

Getting regular sleep and exercise can help calm sugar cravings since both will naturally increase your energy. When you are rested and energized you won’t be craving sugar simply for the temporary energy boost that it can give. If you tend to eat sugar during a certain time of day or when you encounter a certain emotion you should pay attention to this and replace the habit with something else. Do some crunches while you watch TV instead of grabbing some frozen yogurt, or drink an entire glass of water to keep you mouth and stomach busy.

MYSTERIOUS! Eight-year-old girl rushed to hospital after spider 'embedded in her LEG' bursts out(Photos)

An eight-year-old girl was horrified after a spider embedded itself in her leg and suddenly burst out, her family said.

Scarlett Hinchcliffe suddenly became very ill with flu-like symptoms on May 11 after being bitten while walking in the woods.

Orange and yellow poison oozed out of a small hole in Scarlett's leg after the skin covering it burst - before a spider appeared to creep out of the hole and crawled off, Lincolnshire Live reports.

The eight-legged creature was immediately thrown in the bin.

Her mother Jodi, from Sleaford, Lincolnshire, thinks the creature may have embedded in her daughter's leg while she was playing on a tyre swing in a woodland area on the Greylees estate while they were walking the dog.

Her family could initially not pin-point what was wrong with Scarlett, who had a temperature of between 38 and 39C.

And they had to endure hours of travelling, delays and waiting at NHS services while they tried to work out what was wrong.

Jodi took Scarlett to Pilgrim Hospital A&E and after a five-hour wait was diagnosed with an insect or spider bite, given antibiotics and sent home.

The next day, Friday, Scarlett, who was still very unwell, stayed with her nan while her mum went to work - and shortly afterwards they were left with a nasty shock.

While at her nan's house Scarlett had a bath, and was left horrified when she felt something "crawl out of her leg."

Her nan looked in the bath and was horrified to see a small brown spider.

Jodi said: "I first noticed the lump behind the knee on Scarlett's right leg when I put her in the bath on Thursday night. She became so poorly so fast and her breathing was unstable.

"I tried to take her to the walk-in at Sleaford Medical Centre but they said they could not see her. I called 111 who told me to take Scarlett to hospital and said she needed to be seen within an hour.

"Grantham Hospital A&E, which is a 10-minute drive, was closed so I had to drive to Boston. Doctors said if there was no improvement by Sunday then to bring her back.

"On Sunday we couldn't get seen due to the cyber-attack so I took her to my GP on Monday. They said it wasn't a tick as its head would be buried. The hospital didn't even know there was anything inside."

"She didn't feel anything bite her. What should have been a lovely evening dog walk Wednesday has turned into a nightmare."

She added: "I am pleased Scarlett was with my mum as I think I would have passed out when I saw it. She told me she felt something crawl out of her leg and thinks it is quite cool despite being so poorly.

"She was so ill. If I had no taken her to the hospital that night and left her I am not sure if she would have still been here on Friday.

"They said if it had been a tick only it's head would be buried. The hospital didn't even know there was anything inside."

Now her mother wants to urge other parents and anyone who becomes ill suddenly with flu-like symptoms to check themselves over.

"I am still in shock, you just don't expect to see this sort thing happen," she said.

Scarlett is still unwell and is on antibiotics to clear the infection left behind. She is also being monitored by her mum and is expected to make a full recovery.

These Fertility Supplements Are Capable Of Increasing Your Chances Of Conceiving Twins

• Folic acid 

One Australian study showed that a woman’s chances of producing twins increases by taking folic acid before pregnancy (10). However, there are also some studies that have shown contradictory results. Nonetheless, taking folic acid supplements, along with multivitamin supplements, helps prevent neural tube deformities, thus producing healthy babies.

• Gonadotropin

These medications improve the chances of having twin babies as they enhance the overall health of eggs and their maturity. Gonadotropins stimulate the release of more than one egg at a time. Your doctor can prescribe the right one for you.

COUPLES ONLY: 6 Things You Should Do With Your Wife As Soon As You Wake Up

When your alarm goes off, the first thing you probably think of is your to-do list: Get the kids ready for school. Pick up your dry cleaning. Turn in that presentation to your boss.

But there’s one major thing you’re probably forgetting: the person right next to you.

Sure, you think about your partner. You send each other texts throughout the day, and you both put in the effort for an occasional date night. But do you actually take the time every day to truly pause and connect?

The morning is the perfect time for this—not only because what you do first thing can set the tone for the rest of the day, but because you haven’t already gotten bogged down with other responsibilities.

Plus, during the early morning, your heart rate and blood pressure are typically the lowest they’ll be all day, say Patricia Johnson and Mark Michaels, coauthors of Designer Relationships and Partners In Passion.

“When we’re relaxed, we’re more open to feelings of intimacy and connection,” they say. “Sadly, couples often roll out of bed by ignoring one another because they’re so preoccupied with getting out of the house.”

We get it: You don’t have the time—or the energy—to do something grandiose before brushing your teeth. But the good news is you don’t have to.

These six things are small enough, and worth it enough, to integrate into your morning routine.

1. SAY ‘GOOD MORNING’ AND ‘GOODBYE’
Sounds simple, but this small gesture can have a big impact.

Think about it: Before you close your computer and grab your cell phone to catch a train home, you usually tell your coworkers goodbye, right? Or after drinks with your buddies, you probably wish them well.

Your partner deserves the same treatment.

“Not saying ‘good morning,’ or anything at all for that matter, can make your partner feel isolated and underappreciated,” says Sara Sedlik, MA, a licensed marriage and family therapist in Redondo Beach, California.

“And saying goodbye is as important as saying hello,” Sedlik says. “It is acknowledging that person, whether you are fighting or not. Storming out the door or just leaving feels abandoning to most people.”

2. WAKE UP 10 MINUTES EARLIER TO SIT AND HAVE COFFEE
If it’s not Saturday morning, do you ever sit together and sip a cup of Joe? There’s a reason so many business deals and friendships are built over coffee—it takes time to consume and gives you the chance to truly communicate.

Love expert and coach Laurel House suggests setting your alarm 10 minutes earlier so you can actually enjoy your brew before heading out for the day. We know, it sounds painful to wake up any earlier than you have to, but this will likely become a ritual that you look forward to.

“More than setting the tone of the day, you are setting the tone of your mind,” House says.

3. COMPLIMENT SOMETHING—ANYTHING.
When you get caught up in the I-have-to-go-don’t-forget-to-buy-milk-okay-love-you-bye tango, you might forget to tell your partner why you married her. Or why you’re proud of her. Or why you love her so damn much.

Researcher John Gottman argues that to set the tone in your marriage, you need to balance every negative comment with five positive ones.

Even if it's as simple as, “You smell good” or “You were really great with our son yesterday,” it can go a long way. No better time to start than first thing in the morning.

4. RELEASE YOUR FRUSTRATIONS
You know about the supposed dangers of going to bed angry, but Sedlik says it’s actually more important that you don’t leave the house upset.

If you wake up and need to get something off your chest, taking 5 minutes to say what you mean can actually improve your marriage.

 “The morning is an especially good time to set the tone so that the rest of your day isn’t overshadowed with resentment or anger,” says Sedlik. “Who wants to feel distant or misunderstood while they are trying to focus on work or family?”

5. ACTUALLY LOOK AT EACH OTHER
When your alarm goes off, the first thing you probably think of is your to-do list: Get the kids ready for school. Pick up your dry cleaning. Turn in that presentation to your boss.

But there’s one major thing you’re probably forgetting: the person right next to you.

Sure, you think about your partner. You send each other texts throughout the day, and you both put in the effort for an occasional date night. But do you actually take the time every day to truly pause and connect?

The morning is the perfect time for this—not only because what you do first thing can set the tone for the rest of the day, but because you haven’t already gotten bogged down with other responsibilities.

Plus, during the early morning, your heart rate and blood pressure are typically the lowest they’ll be all day, say Patricia Johnson and Mark Michaels, coauthors of Designer Relationships and Partners In Passion.

“When we’re relaxed, we’re more open to feelings of intimacy and connection,” they say. “Sadly, couples often roll out of bed by ignoring one another because they’re so preoccupied with getting out of the house.”

We get it: You don’t have the time—or the energy—to do something grandiose before brushing your teeth. But the good news is you don’t have to.

6. TELL YOUR PARTNER A JOKE
No pressure: It doesn’t have to be a good one. Maybe you both love a good dad joke, or filthy, inappropriate language is more your style. Or you have inside jokes that always get you laughing.

Sedlik says telling or texting your partner something ridiculous while you’re both getting the kids ready for school will deepen your connection. “Being silly can relieve stress in a marriage, and creates a constant connection and a feeling of partnership.”

NEWS UPDATE: Fresh Outbreak Of Meningitis Kills 8 In Katsina

Cerebro Spinal Meningitis has killed not less than eight people at Tsabu village in Mai’adua Local Government Area of Katsina State, an official has said.

The Director of Primary Health Care in the LGA, Nasiru Mani, confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria in Mai’adua today.

Mani said the meningitis outbreak was discovered in the last two days following a report from the community. He said that 16 cases were recorded, out of which eight people had died.

According to him, the remaining patients have been admitted at the Mai’adua and Daura general hospitals for proper medical attention.


“We had since deployed a surveillance team to the area to address the situation,’’ said the director.

He said the combined efforts of state and local government medical teams have succeeded in addressing the problem.

“I call on our people to avail themselves of the ongoing vaccination against such diseases to curb further spread of the infection.

“We have designated centres at our rural clinics where people are being immunised or vaccinated against such diseases,” he said.

Mani commended the role of Medicines San Frontiers (Doctors Without Borders) for their efforts in addressing the outbreak.

He called on the people of the area to adhere to the safety measures of sleeping inside ventilated rooms, houses and environs.

Besides, the director advised residents to report suspicious cases and visit nearby health centres over any symptom.

NAN

United States set for vital vote on Obamacare repeal

The US House of Representatives will hold a vote on Thursday on a revised healthcare bill that Republicans hope will replace Obamacare.

House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy said the leadership in the party is confident it has secured enough votes for the bill to pass.

It would then go to the Senate where it could face a more tricky passage.

President Donald Trump made the repeal of his predecessor's signature law a central campaign promise.

He has played a personal role this week in persuading wavering Republicans to come on board.

Their first attempt at getting a healthcare bill collapsed in disarray in March, despite the party controlling both legislative chambers and the White House.

But several key Republicans this week reversed course, partly due to an amendment by Congressman Fred Upton to provide $8bn (£6.2bn) over five years towards coverage for sick people.

But Democrats said the amount was woefully inadequate.

Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer said: "The Upton amendment is like administering cough medicine to someone with stage four cancer."

Members of the House Freedom Caucus, a group of ultraconservative lawmakers, indicated the Upton amendment would not be a deal-breaker for them.

In March, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said 24 million people would lose health insurance under the bill, which is called the American Health Care Act.

Hundreds of patients across England ‘at risk’ of HIV after unwittingly being treated by doctor infected with the virus

The recall affects 400 patients who were under the care of the locum doctor, who has not been named, at three hospitals between June 2010 and February 2015.

Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has recalled 120 patients, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust has recalled 223 and Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust has recalled 57.

The hospitals said patients who had undergone “invasive procedures where there is a potential risk of infection” had been identified and had been invited back for a precautionary blood test.

NHS England said concerns about the doctor first emerged in December 2015 at the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust (HEFT) in Birmingham.

It has tried to contact one of its patients thought to be at risk but has been unable to do so.

The doctor also worked at other trusts but a review found no patients were put at risk, NHS England said.

It said the doctor no longer works for the NHS and conditions have been placed on their registration by the General Medical Council (GMC).

The doctor was also given an interim suspension order earlier this year “because they failed to comply with the conditions placed upon them”.

NHS England said it will review the incident to learn lessons for the future.

Nottingham’s medical director, Dr Stephen Fowlie, said the doctor had treated patients and then subsequently been diagnosed with HIV.

He said: “The risk that any patient has been infected by transmission of the virus from this doctor is extremely low.

“However, because the doctor’s diagnosis was unknown during their employment with us (2013 to 2015), we are contacting patients who had had at-risk operations involving this doctor to advise they return to hospital for a blood test as a precautionary measure.

“Transmission of the virus between an infected healthcare worker and a patient with an open wound can only occur if health workers themselves have an injury with bleeding when they are delivering patient care.

“There is no evidence this happened to this doctor in any patient contact.

“We are arranging clinic appointments, test results within 24 hours, and appropriate support and advice from our specialists for these 223 patients and their families.”

The Royal Cornwall said the doctor worked there for a six-month period in orthopaedics between 2011 and 2012.

Its medical director, Dr Malcolm Stewart said: “We understand this will be concerning to patients, however, it should be stressed that the risk of the virus having been passed on to any of the individuals we are writing to is extremely low.

“There has not been any instance of cross-infection following similar look-back exercises in the UK in the past.

“We are writing to 57 patients offering the opportunity, as a precaution, to return to the hospital for a blood test.

“There is no need for individuals to take any special precautions in advance of receiving our letter.”

Dr David Levy, regional medical director for NHS England Midlands and East, said: “We understand that this will be a worrying time for patients who are being invited for precautionary testing and their families.

“However, clinical evidence shows that the risk of infection is extremely low and it is highly unlikely that any of the patients being contacted will have been infected with HIV.

“Advice and counselling is available for those affected by this recall, and we would encourage them to access this support.”

MUST READ: Reasons Why You Must Eat Banana

Banana is extremely healthy and delicious. Some people scarcely eat it while others consume several bunches at least once a week. Whatever your frequency of eating may be, it is time to ramp up your banana eating game. Jumia Travel and Jumia Mobile Week share reasons why you should be eating more bananas.

Aids digestion
Bananas contain a fair amount of dietary fibre that aids digestion. So, if you are not meeting the daily fibre requirements of your body, Banana is the perfect fruit to eat. You should eat one or two after a meal for better results.

Boost Energy
Banana is loaded with so many nutrients including vitamin C, carbohydrates, antioxidants and potassium. Each of these nutrients works together to protect and energise the body.  This is why quite a number of athletes eat Bananas.

Deal with muscle cramps
Do you have muscle cramps almost every day? It is because your body lacks potassium. So with bananas having a reasonable amount of potassium, you can deal with muscle cramps by consuming more of it.

Healthy heart
Potassium is one of the essential nutrients for keeping your heart in good condition. The potassium eases the flow of blood from the heart to other parts of your body.

Prevent heartburn and stomach ulcers
You are likely to have heartburn after consuming a spicy meal. You can prevent this by eating Bananas. It is the same for stomach ulcers.

Low-calorie snack
Calories are units of energy you get from the foods you eat. People on a very low-calorie diet will complain of fatigue, constipation, nausea, and diarrhoea while the result of high calorie is weight gain and higher body fat. So, to get the balance of both ends, you should eat more bananas. Banana has a calorie count of 110.

Improve sight
Banana contains vitamin A which is good for the eyes. It enhances vision and also helps you sleep better at night.

Strengthen your bones
Manganese is an important nutrient for building strong bones and the ultimate source of manganese is Banana.

Liberia mystery deaths disturb WHO

Eleven people have died and five are in hospital, Liberian and World Health Organisation officials said in an update on the mystery illness that hit some people who attended the funeral of a pastor in Greenville, Sinoe County.

A spokesman of the  World Health Organization (WHO) said initial results reported by Liberian authorities had ruled out Ebola as the cause, but could not say whether samples were being sent to other laboratories for confirmation.

On Wednesday, the WHO said Liberian health authorities were taking rapid precautionary steps after the people died of a mystery illness, 10 months after the end of a two-year Ebola virus outbreak.

“It seems all of these people were attending the funeral of a religious leader,” WHO spokeswoman Fadela Chaib told a briefing in Geneva.

“They have taken samples from the dead bodies, and all the samples came back negative for Ebola. They will be looking of course for other haemorrhagic fevers and for bacteria, if there was any common exposure to water contamination or food contamination,” she said.

Eight people remain under observation in J.F. Grant Hospital  in Sinoe county, a four-hour drive southeast of the capital Monrovia, with symptoms including fever, vomiting and diarrhoea, she said.

Hospital staff are wearing protective equipment and contacts of the sick are being traced in the community to see if they have fallen ill, Chaib added.

“WHO, CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control) and other partners are providing technical and logistical support to the rapid response team that has been activated at district and county levels,” she said.

In June last year, the WHO declared Liberia free of active Ebola virus transmission, the last of three West African countries at the epicentre of the world’s worst outbreak of the disease. The epidemic killed more than 11,300 people and infected some 28,600 from 2013 as it swept through Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia, according to WHO data.

A WHO advisory group of vaccine experts is due later on Friday to issue their findings after a three-day regular meeting on vaccines. The statement would include an update on “efficacy, safety and timelines for licensing Ebola vaccines”, Chaib said.

According to Dr. Francis Nah Kateh,  the chief medical officer of Liberia, based on initial investigations and the signs and symptoms presented by those affected, the Ministry has ruled out Ebola as the cause of deaths.

“We have gathered additional specimens and are working with other line agencies, most especially the police, in toxicology analysis,” he said. “We want to know if it’s a toxin involved,” Kateh said in a briefing reported by a Liberian online newspaper, BushChicken.com

The investigation, he said, will take some time.

Bushchicken.com said  the victims suffered from stomach pain before dying.

Kateh has cautioned the public to continue practicing all preventive measures instituted by the Ministry that helped to contain the spread of Ebola.

He stressed that people must wash their hands frequently, as well as report sicknesses and deaths of relatives.

Liberia was struck by the Ebola Virus Disease in 2014, a strange disease that claimed an estimated 4,500 lives in Liberia.

HEALTH ISSUES: Medical practitioner advises Nigerians against frequent intake of solid foods

Dr Florence Adigun, an Ilorin-based medical practitioner, on Wednesday advised Nigerians to reduce intake of solid foods.|

Adigun disclosed this in Ilorin that eating too many kinds of carbohydrates has many bad effects on the body.

The doctor also urged that people eat more of fruits and vegetables.

She said that eating solid or heavy foods would lead to gaining body fat, weight and feeling stressed out.

Adigun further explained that eating the right kind of carbohydrates was very beneficial, adding that it made loss of fat easier, while improving sleep and minimising stress response.

She also said it could improve athletic performance, make workouts feel better, eliminate food cravings and reduce tendency to over eat.

Adigun, however, warned against eating late in the night, adding that the ideal time to eat should be between 7.00 p.m and 7.30 p.m.

She said that when foods were consumed late at night, anytime from after dinner and outside a person’s typical sleep and wake cycle, the body was more likely to store those calories as fat rather than burn it as energy.

- Vanguard

Meningitis: Gombe Govt. purchases N4m drug kits

According to NAN, Gombe State Government, has purchased drug kits worth four million naira for the management and treatment of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) to all hospitals across the state.|

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Kennedy Ishaya, made this disclosure in Gombe on Wednesday while presenting the kits to the Managing Director of Gombe Specialist Hospital, Dr Arnold Abel.

Ishaya said the kits were approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the management and treatment of CSM.

The commissioner said the kits would be distributed free to all government health facilities, federal teaching hospitals, as well as private hospitals in the state.

He said that government had already constituted a monitoring committee that would be going round all health facilities to record and monitor the number of drugs given to them.

Ishaya said that he had the assurance of the Acting Governor, Mr Charles Iliya, that more of the drugs would be provided in the state.

“The moment we make a clinical assertion that a patient’s case is ‘suspected CSM’, he or she will benefit from the drugs.

“We are also going to buy vaccines and immunise people, who are within the reach group,” he said.

He further called on the public to always open their doors for cross ventilation, so as to avert the possible occurrence of CSM.

Receiving the drugs, the MD of the specialist hospital, lauded the commissioner for his prompt response and promised to use the drugs judiciously.

HEALTH: Meningitis vaccines got stolen in Zamfara clinic

According to punch, two officials of Bungudu Local Council in Zamfara have been ordered to produce the missing Meningitis vaccines allocated to the area or be sanctioned.

The affected officials are the local council’s Director of Health, Rabiu Dansadau and the Councillor of Health, Sanusi Umar.

The Chairman of the State Sub-Committee for the Procurement, Management and Distribution of Meningitis drugs and vaccines, Alhaji Aliyu Kagara said on Monday in Bungudu that the committee had discovered massive diversion of the vaccines meant for the area.


He said that a total of 400 I.V injections meningitis vaccines was allocated to the area, but only 30 of the vaccines were accounted for.

“When the committee visited the local government, it discovered that 30 persons were treated and there was no trace of the remaining 370 vaccines.

“The two officials must return the drugs and offer convincing explanation of what happened,” Kagara said.

The chairman said that, so far, the affected officials have failed to give satisfactory explanation as to the whereabouts of the remaining drugs.

The News Agency of Nigeria had reported that patients complained to the state governor, Abdulaziz Yari, when he visited that health workers at some meningitis isolation centres were demanding for more for treatment,

NAN learnt that patients pay up N1,000 per vaccine, to get treated.

The governor has already set up a committee under the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Abdullahi Shinkafi, to investigate the matter, while the State House of Assembly has also set up its own investigation committee.

A total of 346 people have died of meningitis and 3,145 infected since the reported outbreak of the disease in Zamfara.

HEALTH WARNING: Sickle cell patients should avoid drug abuse, doctor warns

A consultant paediatrician at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Lokoja, Samson Sule has advised sickle cell patients to steer clear of drug abuse.

Sule said this on Monday in Lokoja at the inauguration of an NGO, SAMVIC Eneche Health Trust Fund; a project of sickle-cell anaemia intervention.

According to him, sickle-cell is an inheritable, genetic and fatal disease which causes red blood cell disorders, classified as sickle cell anemia and which may lead to death, if not properly managed.

“Sickle cell disease (SCD) is not the end of life and not a dead sentence, if properly managed with adequate knowledge and support the patient will survive.”

The consultant, who delivered a special lecture on sickle-cell anaemia, also said adequate management could prevent patients from having frequent crisis.

“Once you have ‘S’ gene in your blood, you are a carrier of the sickle cell but not the disease itself; all the same, you must be careful in selecting your life partner.

“The SS genotype is due to the abnormal formation of sickle-shape cell, instead of the normal disc shape of the blood cells, ’’he said.

He, therefore, advised parents to know their status and encourage their children to do same.

“For parents who delivered sickle cell children; it is not the end of life, it can be managed through drugs, taking enough water, regular check-up, prompt treatment of injury.

“Sickle cell patients should also avoid drug abuse, indulging in traditional practices such as tribal mark, incision and circumcision,” Sule said.

Kelly Rowland gives very graphic detail of how pregnancy changed her lady part

Kelly Rowland, who is mother to two-year-old Titan, recently authored a book titled "Whoa, Baby!: A Guide for New Moms Who Feel Overwhelmed and Freaked Out (and Wonder What the #*$& Just Happened) ."

Following the launch of her book, the singer has been granting interviews and she has not held back about the changes her body has gone through following the birth of her son. At a time when new mothers share only the glamorous part of child birth, making it seem like the easiest thing to do, Kelly's very honest account of the after effects of childbirth is a refreshing change.

"Your vajayjay does not look the same for a very long time,” she told USA Today and added that "the world’s worst idea" had been her decision to hold up a mirror to her genital after her son's birth.
She gave more details in her book, revealing that she was shocked by the state of her vagina when she first looked at it.

She wrote:
"When I finally caught a glimpse of the orifice that was causing me so much pain and sorrow, I almost screamed out loud. That bloody battlefield was my vagina? Was I going to look like that forever? Would Tim (her husband) ever want to come near that nasty scene again?"

"But, I care about it. We go to get it all done up and trimmed and waxed and this and that and it’s all swollen and crazy and you’re just wondering, what just happened?"

Based on her experience, Kelly left an advice for new moms.

"Put away the selfie stick. Do not look in that region when you've just come home from the hospital, and definitely don't capture the image on your cell phone for posterity. Just leave your vagina alone!"

Detroit Muslim doctor charged with genital mutilation on two girls

A Detroit-area doctor has been charged with performing genital mutilation on two young girls from Minnesota. Prosecutors say Dr. Jumana Nagarwala 44, of Northville, Michigan, was arrested Thursday, few days after two 7-year-old girls identified her as the person who performed medical procedures of Female genital mutilation(female circumcision) on them at a Livonia clinic in February of this year.

The FBI says the girls were accompanied to the clinic by their mothers.

Female genital mutilation of minors is illegal in the U.S. unless there's a legitimate health reason. Nagarwala will appear in Detroit federal court Thursday. It's unclear if she has a lawyer yet. In a court filing, the FBI says Nagarwala denied performing genital mutilation.

The FBI also says the doctor is a member of a cultural community that believes in the practice.

Nagarwala is also charged with transportation with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, and making a false statement to a federal officer.

Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel Lemisch said in a statement:
'Female genital mutilation constitutes a particularly brutal form of violence against women and girls. It is also a serious federal felony in the United States. The practice has no place in modern society and those who perform FGM on minors will be held accountable under federal law'.

'According to the complaint, despite her oath to care for her patients, Dr. Nagarwala is alleged to have performed horrifying acts of brutality on the most vulnerable victims,' acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department's Criminal Division added.

'The Department of Justice is committed to stopping female genital mutilation in this country, and will use the full power of the law to ensure that no girls suffer such physical and emotional abuse.'
Nagarwala is reportedly part of a Gujarati-speaking Muslim community in Michigan. She lives in Northville with her husband, Moiz Yusuf Nagarwala, 48, who works at Visteon Corporation, an 'automotive electronics supplier'.

The FBI had launched an investigation after receiving a tip that Nagarwala had performed female genital mutilation on two seven-year-old girls at a Livonia medical clinic, according to the criminal complaint.

The girls said they were told to keep the trip secret.
One of the girls told the FBI that Nagarwala 'pinched' her on the 'place where she goes pee.' 'adding that they were told not to talk about the procedure,' FBI Special Agent Kevin Swanson wrote in the complaint.

A subsequent medical examination showed that the young girls' genitals did not appear normal and a section had been altered or removed.

'Finally, the doctor observed some scar tissue and small healing lacerations,' the agent wrote.
The complaint details the second girl's experience with the doctor and she said she underwent a procedure and identified Nagarwala as the doctor.

'She said that she 'got a shot,' and that it hurt really badly and she screamed,' the FBI agent wrote. 'Her parents told her that the procedure is a secret and that she is not supposed to talk about it. '(The girl) said that after the procedure, she could barely walk, and that she felt pain all the way down to her ankle,' the agent continued.

A subsequent medical exam showed the girl's genitalia had a small incision and a small tear.

On Monday, Minnesota Child Protective Services personnel and a federal agent interviewed the second girl's parents.

They confirmed the trip to Detroit, saying they took the girl to see Nagarwala for a 'cleansing' of extra skin, according to the court filing.

The girl was shown a photo of Nagarwala and said she was the doctor who performed the procedure, according to the FBI.

Henry Ford Hospital where Nagarwala  worked issued the following statement:
'The alleged criminal activity did not occur at any Henry Ford facility,' health system spokesman David Olejarz said Thursday. 'We would never support or condone anything related to this practice.'

CPC Investigations clears Fanta & Sprite, calls for review of industry standards

The four-week old controversy over the safety of Benzoic acid levels in Fanta and Sprite has taken a new twist, as the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) said it found samples of Seven Up (a product of Pepsico) and Lucozade (a product of Glaxo SmithKline) to contain Benzoic levels of up to 330.0mg/kg and 323.53mg/kg respectively – far higher than the Nigerian regulatory standard of 250mg/kg; while Fanta and Sprite, two brands that have been in the eye of the storm, were found to contain levels that were within the standard.

The CPC made this disclosure in a press release issued on Tuesday on the outcome of its investigation into possible safety issues in Fanta, Sprite and other select soft drinks, strongly canvassing for regulatory review and actions for safer soft drinks in Nigeria.

The Council’s investigation came on the heels of public outcry and consumers’ apprehension following the action at the Lagos State High Court in Suit between FijabiAdebo Holdings Limited, Dr Emmanuel FijabiAdebo and Nigerian Bottling Company Ltd, and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, which alleged that Fanta Orange and Sprite may have the potentials to be hazardous due to its incompatibility with the Benzoic Acid Standards in the United Kingdom.

The director general of CPC, Mrs. Dupe Atoki, who disclosed that NAFDAC and SON have been informed about the outcome of the investigation, stated that the Council has also recommended regulatory action and review of the “Benzoic Acid limits in soft drinks as the current standard, which has been in existence since 2008 is overdue for review”, particularly with the requirement for reviews pegged for every five years.

Also in the light of the high level of Benzoic Acid found in isolated cases of Mirinda and Lucozade tested, she said the Council has called for further regulatory investigative analysis, action and review in the levels of the additive in the products.

The director general disclosed that CPC, in commencing its investigation, obtained from the open market in eight locations within the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria,65 samples of soft drinks, made up of Fanta Orange, Sprite, Mirinda and Lucozade and thatthese samples were sent to Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO), a laboratory under the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, for the analysis of the levels of Benzoic Acid and Sunset Yellow in the products.