Health

BREAKING: COVID-19: Major Markets To Shut Down Temporarily In Edo, Says Deputy Governor

Published

3 years ago

April 6, 2020

Editor

… Makes Face-mask Mandatory

…Edo Now Has 11 Confirmed Cases-WHO

As a way of tackling the Coronavirus, major markets in the Edo State capital of Edo State are to be shut down for one week with effect from Tuesday, April 7, effective from 12:00am (midnight)

Deputy governor of the state, Comrade Phillip Shaibu, who announced this in Benin during a meeting with leaders of market women explained that the decision was taken in order to allow for a proper fumigation of all the markets in Benin.

Shaibu debunked the rumour making the rounds in the state that Governor Godwin Obaseki was down with the dreaded disease, insisting that he (Obaseki) was hale and hearty and only went on self isolation after meeting Mr. Abba Kyari, the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja.

In the meantime, Shaibu said that the traders will be relocated to public primary and secondary schools pending the fumigation of the markets.

According to him, the state Public Works Volunteers (PUWOV) have been mandated to maintain peace at the makeshift markets, noting that armed policemen and officials of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSDC) will not be allowed into the premises as they will be outside to maintain peace.

The Deputy Governor said that only 50 dealers in foodstuffs will be accommodated at each of the temporary markets while the rest of their colleagues will have to wait till March 15 when the markets re-open after the fumigation, adding that the government decided to take the middle course instead of a total closure.

He said: “Only the fumigators will be given access to the markets for the duration of the exercise. It is only the sale of food items that will be allowed at this temporary markets. The traders will have to be relocated to allow for a proper job of fumigating the markets.”

The Deputy Governor disclosed that the state government has mandated that anyone who wants to leave his or home to public places use facemask, saying anyone who flouted this would be prosecuted accordingly.

He noted that, going by the hike in facemask, the state government would liaising with some clothes marchants and tailors in mass production of the face-mask so that people are people can afford it.

“Government has mandated that if at all you must leave your home for public places, you must use a facemask. You can make a local one for yourself. You can use your handkerchief for one. What we are saying is, if you must come out of your house, you must use one. We have discovered that, some persons contracted the virus by unkowningly having contact with people with this virus. So, anyone who does not use facemask in public places would be prosecuted.

“Government is aware that facemask price has skyrocketed, and so many can no longer afford it. What the government plans to do is to liaise with clothes marchants and tailors to have facemask in mass production so our people can afford it”, he added.

On her part, State Coordinator, World Health Organization (WHO), Mrs Faith Ireye said the state has so far recorded 11 cases of the virus and penned down 234 contacts being traced across the state.

While urging people to stay at home in order to prevent spread of the virus, Ireye lamented that people not willing to disclosed information about suspected cases couple with multiple contacts people with the virus had has made the job of tracing contact difficult.

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Health

HEALTH CORNER: Indian Hemp Benefits, Risk In Its Consumption

Published

3 weeks ago

September 9, 2023

Editor

Indian hemp, also known as Cannabis, Igbo or Marijuana, is a controversial substance with potential health risks and benefits. The effects of Indian hemp can vary depending on the individual, the method of consumption, and the dosage. Listed below are some of the potential risks and benefits:

A. Risks:

1. Addiction Potential: Indian hemp contains compounds, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), that can be addictive for some individuals. Regular and heavy use of Indian hemp can lead to dependency, making it difficult to quit.

2. Impaired Cognitive Function: Heavy and prolonged use of Indian hemp can affect memory, attention, and cognitive abilities, particularly in young individuals whose brains are still developing.

3. Mental Health Concerns: Some studies suggest that heavy cannabis use, especially in those with a predisposition to mental health conditions, may increase the risk of developing or exacerbating mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and psychosis (referred to by the medically untrained as madness).

4. Respiratory Issues: Smoking Indian hemp can lead to respiratory problems, similar to those associated with tobacco smoking, such as chronic bronchitis and lung damage.

B. Potential Benefits:

1. Pain Relief: Some individuals use Indian hemp to alleviate chronic pain, including pain associated with conditions such as arthritis or multiple sclerosis. Certain components of cannabis have analgesic (pain-relieving) properties.

2. Nausea and Vomiting: Indian hemp can be used to alleviate symptoms of nausea and vomiting, particularly in individuals undergoing chemotherapy or those with conditions such as HIV/AIDS.

3. Appetite Stimulation: In cases of certain medical conditions where appetite has been compromised, Indian hemp can help stimulate appetite.

4. Epilepsy: Evidence suggests that a specific cannabis-derived medication called Epidiolex can be effective in treating certain forms of epilepsy in children.

5. Reduction of anxiety: A chemical found in hemp works by lowering autonomic and emotional reactions to stress and interfering with the consolidation and extinction of frightened memories, that has been linked to anxiety disorders, autistic spectrum disorder, psychosis, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Please note that the use of Indian hemp for medical purposes should be done under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare professional. Additionally, the legal status of Indian hemp varies globally and within different jurisdictions, so it is important to adhere to local laws and regulations.

Overall, the use of Indian hemp should be approached cautiously, and individuals considering its use should weigh the potential risks and benefits and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Dr. Yeibake, Weriwoyingipre Silver is a Senior Registrar, Paediatrics, Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa.

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Health

HEALTH CORNER: What You Need Know About Chlamydia Infection, Prevention

Published

3 weeks ago

September 8, 2023

Editor

By Silver Yeibake

Chlamydia infection is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It is one of the most prevalent STIs worldwide and can affect both men and women. In 2020 alone, the WHO estimated 129 million new infections worldwide, making it the most common STI.

Chlamydia is primarily transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It can also be passed from a mother to her newborn during childbirth. Many people with chlamydia may not experience any symptoms, which increases the risk of unknowingly spreading the infection.

When symptoms do occur, they can vary between men and women. In men, symptoms may include a burning sensation while urinating, discharge from the penis, and swollen or painful testicles. Women may experience abnormal vaginal discharge, painful urination, and pelvic pain. Chlamydia can also infect the rectum and throat, leading to symptoms such as rectal pain, discharge, or a sore throat.

If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, which can cause infertility or increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy. In men, untreated chlamydia can lead to epididymitis, a painful condition that can affect fertility. Chlamydia also increases the risk of contracting or spreading HIV.

Fortunately, chlamydia can be easily diagnosed through a simple urine test or a swab from the affected area, such as the cervix, urethra, rectum, or throat. It can be treated effectively with antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare professional. It is important to complete the full course of medication to ensure the infection is properly cleared.

To prevent chlamydia and other STIs, practicing safe sex is crucial. This includes using condoms correctly and consistently, getting regular STI screenings, discussing sexual health with partners, and considering mutual monogamy or maintaining a long-term mutually monogamous relationship.

If any STI is suspected, it is important to seek medical attention for properevaluation, diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, informing sexual partners so they can also get tested and receive treatment if necessary is essential to prevent further spread of the infection.

Dr. Yeibake, Weriwoyingipre Silver is a Senior Registrar, Paediatrics, Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State

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Health

LP Unable To Prove Claims Of Over-Voting, Presidential Tribunal Rules [Live

Published

3 weeks ago

September 6, 2023

Editor

The Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal (PEPT) is set to deliver judgement today. Security is already beefed up ahead of the verdict.

Nigerians from all walks of life are waiting eagerly to witness the televised live proceedings from the Tribunal venue at the Court of Appeal in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) are challenging President Bola Tinubu’s declaration as the winner of the 2023 presidential election.

04:37 pm: The petitioners have failed to establish their allegations of overvoting and voter suppression, the court ruled.

4:03 pm: The court is highlighting issues of corruption which Obi claimed were recorded in the elections. They include vote suppression, inflation of results, and over-voting.

But Just Tsammani said some paragraphs relating to these claims have been struck out earlier due to their vague and generic nature.

3:41 pm: The PEPT ruled that Obi failed to establish that INEC intentionally refused to quickly upload polling unit results to IReV so as to alter the results in Tinubu’s favour.

“The petitioner made the allegation of non-compliance a substantial part of their case. By the provisions of Section 135(2) of the Electoral Act, they are required to show how such noncompliance substantially affected them. If they fail to show the same, the petition fails,” the court ruled.

3:12 pm: According to the PEPT, INEC regulations and the Electoral Act give room for manual collation of results. It said electronic transmission is optional at best.

3:08 pm: The court added that the only device that must be used by INEC for elections is the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS)

It noted that there’s no regulation showing BVAS must be used to electronically transmit results from polling units.

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