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Tag: prevent

  • How to prevent foot diabetes, by experts

    How to prevent foot diabetes, by experts

    Persons living with diabetes need not develop diabetes related foot complications which can lead to amputation, some medical experts have said. They spoke at the third workshop on podiatry (foot care) and diabetes, organised by Rainbow Specialist Medical Centre in partnership with the World Diabetes Foundation and Podiatry Institute, United States (US). The theme was ‘Initiating, implementing and sustaining a national diabetes foot care policy’.

    According to them, foot care for people with diabetes is one of the most overlooked aspects of diabetes management.

    Many with diabetes, they said were unaware that they must take special care of their feet and visit a podiatrist if problems arise.

    The workshop noted why podiatry is essential to people with diabetes. Diabetes causes nerve damage known as peripheral neuropathy and affects the blood circulation.

    They said, poor blood circulation  could affect how the body heals, adding that people with diabetes are more prone to infections.

    Coordinator, Diabetes Podiatry Initiative, Nigeria Dr Rita Isiavwe said foot problems could arise  signs and symptoms are not identified early. She listed some of the problems as damage to the foot, foot ulcers, foot infections, Charcot’s joints or amputation.

    A resource person, Andrew Clarke, from Cape Town, South Africa, described podiatrists as one of the essential professionals within diabetes care.

    He said: ”Podiatrists are on hand at every stage, be it prevention, concern about a foot problem, and dealing with genuine problems once they occur. Today’s podiatrists are uniquely qualified among medical professionals to treat the complex structure of the foot and ankle, based on their education, training, and experience. They can diagnose and treat injuries affecting the lower extremities, provide guidance on proper athletic footwear, prescribe custom orthotics, and evaluate biomechanics.”

    Diabetes Association of Nigeria (DAN) President Dr Mohammed Alkali said diabetes impairs the body’s ability to convert sugar, starch, and other foods into energy. The long-term effects of elevated blood sugar (hyperglycemia), he said could damage the eyes, heart, kidney, nerves, and feet. About five million people are said to be diabetic in the country.

    Alkali, the Chief Medical Director of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), said: “While there is no cure for diabetes, there is hope. With proper diet, exercise, medical care, and careful management at home, a person with diabetes can avoid the most serious complications and enjoy a full and active life. Today’s podiatrist plays a key role in helping patients manage diabetes successfully and avoid foot-related complications.

    “Diabetes warning signs include: skin colour changes, swelling of the foot or ankle, numbness in the feet or toes, pain in the legs, open sores on the feet that are slow to heal, ingrown and fungal toenails, bleeding corns and calluses and dry cracks in the skin, especially around the heel.”

    “Because diabetes is a disease affecting many parts of the body, successful management requires a team approach. Today’s podiatrist is an integral part of the treatment team and has documented success in preventing amputations as over 65,000 lower limbs are amputated annually due to complications from diabetes, after an amputation, the chance of another amputation within three to five years is as high as 50 per cent. Including a podiatrist in a diabetes care can reduce the risk of lower limb amputation up to 85 per cent and lowers the risk of hospitalisation by 24 percent. The keys to amputation prevention are early recognition and regular foot screenings performed by a podiatrist, the foot and ankle expert.”

    To avoid foot problems, Akali advised diabetic to examine ones feet every day and get a thorough foot examination from a podiatist at least, once a year. “See the podiatrist if you notice any cuts, blisters, ingrown toenails, corns or calluses, changes in colour or shape, or heightened or reduced sensitivity in your feet.

    “Wash your feet every day and apply a moisturiser to the tops and bottoms of your feet to keep the skin smooth and soft. Protect your feet by wearing socks and shoes rather than going barefoot. Finally, taking good care of yourself overall will also help you keep your feet healthy. Don’t smoke, exercise regularly and try to keep your blood glucose levels under control. Talk to your caregiver about other ways to prevent foot problems when you have diabetes.”

  • Osun moves to prevent Bird Flu

    Osun moves to prevent Bird Flu

    The Osun government is doing everything possible to case of Avian Influenza (otherwise known as bird flu) in the state, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy Olusegun Aduroja has said.

    He spoke at a workshop for poultry farmers, farm attendants, agricultural extension workers, agricultural science lecturers.

    He said the government was taking preventive measures through the workshops to prepare stakeholders in the poultry farm sub sector to against possible outbreak of the disease in the state. .

    The state government partnered with a private poultry giant, Tuns Farm Limited. Its Managing Director, Olalekan Badmus, said the sensitisation was also intended to equip the public with the basic tips on the prevention and control of the disease. However, he allayed the fear about the epidemic, assuring that it had not occurred in Osun.

    Badmus said only 15 cases of the disease had been traced to small farms in the affected states.

    He said preventive measures had since been taken by the government and experts by destroying the affected birds in the affected farms.

    He assured of the government’s efforts to ensure effective management of the control posts to check indiscriminate entry of poultry products into Osun, especially from states where cases of the epidemic had been reported.

    Badmus also said the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development had since assured the public that the situation was under control.

    On the level of the awareness programmes so far, Badmus said  Tuns Farms had sponsored a handbook on prevention and control of the disease, adding that the book had since been in circulation in all the parts of the state.

    Chairman, Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Osun State Chapter, Chief Oluyemi Olukiran, said: “There are 36 states in the country with hundreds of farms in each state, if AI only affects three farms in Lagos, Rivers and Kano states, the situation can’t be said to be epidemic and should not be blown out of proportion. The signal from where it occurred is a warning to other farms from those states and the remaining 33 states to take preventive measure against the onslaught of the disease. Our farmers are advised to immunise their birds properly, the farm attendants and visitors should make use of disinfectants, the access to the birds by the visitors should be controlled and also exchange of farm implements should be avoided.”

    The Deputy Director, Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Abosede Olatokun, stressed that the key to adequate bio-security is the maintenance of good hygiene both within and around their poultry farms.

    She urged the poultry farmers to always watch and control the entry of people and other animals from other farms into their farms, adding that they should try as much as possible to avoid borrowing materials to be used in their own farms from other farms.

    Another speaker, Dr. O. Tanimowo enlightened the participants on early detection and prevention of the disease so as not to allow it spread to other places.

    They advised the participants to adhere to the instructions of the lectures so that the presence of the disease will not find way into the state.

    Also delivering a lecture on proper medication for poultry birds, Dr. Adisa Adaramola, urged farmers to urgently seek help from experts if a particular drug fails to give the desired results after administering it on birds. While advising the farmers against self-medication on their birds, the poultry health expert charged the farmers to take precautionary measures at all times.

    In another lecture, while the participants were advised to report signs of the disease to the state office, they were also urged to endeavour to keep records and statistics of activities on their farms very well so that it can be easy to deal with the cases.

    Mr. Nurudeen Ibrahim of Adeen Farms, Ede and Mr. Oladepo Lawal of Labake Farms, praised the state government for organising the  workshops.

    On behalf of other participants, they said they have been equipped to guide against the deadly scourge.

    The Coordinating Director, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Oluwabukola Aluko, who expressed appreciation to the administration Governor Rauf Arebgesola for the workshops, called on the farmers and other stakeholders to protect themselves and the state from contracting the disease.

    Aluko urged the participants to be vigilant and report any strange disease affecting birds to the appropriate quarters for the necessary action. She gave out telephone numbers to the participants in case of emergencies.

    Bird flu was first recorded in Sambawa Farm in Kaduna, Kaduna State  in August 2006.

    It re-emerged in January, last year in Kano and Lagos states. Early this year, about 322 farms in 18 states were affected.

  • ‘You can prevent cancer’

    ‘You can prevent cancer’

    A naturopath, Dr. Jamine Bowring, who has special interest in the mind/body connection and its relationship to diseases, has formulated some whole food vitamins. She answers the first question. Darlington Okafor, a natural medicine practitioner and Executive Director of Programmes, Green Centre for Alternative Medicine Practitioners (GCAMP), takes the second.

    By following all these steps, we can stop Cancer in its tracks. I know this is controversial, but it’s my opinion based on my life, and experience. Take charge of your health and you take charge of your life.

    The Vita Life is my creation, part of my quest to live a totally healthy balanced life.  It is available in Nigeria and the Director- General of National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr Paul Orhii was at the launch of the products in Lagos. I was motivated to help others find the way to Optimum Health after my mother lost her battle to cancer. She was only 50 years old when she died, I was 19.   As a result of living through that difficult experience, I strongly believe you have to take control of your health, staying on top of it before disease sets in. Healthy eating, relaxation techniques to alleviate stress, all these are the foundations of the Vita Life.  I have found the Vita Life myself and my mission is to guide others to live a healthy, happy life. It’s all natural and easy. I searched high and low for healthy natural supplements and when the ones on the market were full of fillers and chemicals, I created my own line, Vita Tree. I formulated these to optimise your health. I am a firm believer that it’s never too late or too early to begin to live a healthy life and avoid disease. You don’t want to wait until you obtain a diagnosis to take care of yourself and your health. Cancer is a frightening diagnosis and I’m often asked what steps you can take to prevent it. Having a family history doesn’t have to mean you’ll get the disease yourself. I myself have the same genetic history, my mother died of cancer. I strongly believe that you can prevent it. And this is how:

    •Diet: The key is whole foods, nothing processed. Take lots of vegetables and fruits, preferably raw.  Avoid sugar and white flour. Eat lean protein. Drink plenty of water. The basics, that’s all.

    •Supplements: The right whole food supplements can complement your diet and provide you with all the nutrition you need. I created VitaTree Supplements when I couldn’t find a company that was actually totally whole foods only I can guarantee that our supplements are filler-free and only contain whole foods. Our VitaFruits and VitaVeggies have produce that is picked at their peak of freshness then freeze-dried so they maintain all their essential nutrients. Between the two, you get seven servings of essential fruits and vegetables daily, which will enhance your regular diet.

    Omega-3’s are essential, Vita Fish Oil is a great source of the DHA and EPA to help reduce inflammation which can itself lead to disease. The right strain of Probiotics is important; my VitaTree Probiotics are specifically designed for human consumption. Detoxifying on a regular basis keeps your body free of toxins: Vita Detox is gentle enough to use daily. It’s been proven that synthetic vitamins themselves can cause cancer. I personally guarantee that our VitaTree Products are without any fillers or chemicals; they are third-party tested to ensure that no heavy metals, bacteria, etc. are in them. These are true whole food supplements that will enhance your health. When properly nourished, your cells become alive and you feel a vitality that is a sign of great health.

    •Sleep: your body needs adequate amounts of deep, restful sleep every night to allow the cells to regenerate. It’s more important than most people realise. If you’re having troubles getting that restful sleep and don’t want to try addictive sleeping pills, try my Stress and Sleep, the natural sleep supplement.

    •Be happy: a positive attitude, living every day with joy, this can make all the difference to your health. Being sour and glum can take a toll on your health, it takes fewer face muscles to smile than to frown, so smile and be happy.

    By following all these steps, we can stop cancer in its tracks. I know this is controversial, but it’s my opinion and based on my life and experience. Take charge of your health and you take charge of your life.

  • Lifestyle changes can prevent cancer

    Lifestyle changes can prevent cancer

    Nigerian  women have been urged to watch their lifestyles to prevent breast cancer.

    A naturopath, Dr Solomon Abutoh of Towersea Centre, Lagos, who gave the advice, also said conventional treatment of cancer and the effects vary from one person to another, depending on the stage and mode of treatment applied.

    He said: “Some of the unpleasant side effects of conventional treatment of cancer include loss of weight, tightness in the affected skin area, loss of strength in the muscles, numbness and tingling in the chest, under arm, shoulder and the arms. The breast may become firmer, larger or smaller, the skin could become more sensitive or less sensitive. Patients are more prone to infections, bruise or bleed easily, loss of hair and appetite, bone marrow suppression or sores. Nausea and vomiting are the most serious side effects of Chemotherapy. Periods could be irregular or may abruptly stop; some might not be fertile, especially between ages 35 to 40 years. Hot flashes and vaginal dryness or irritation may also occur.”

    He added: “Since prevention is obviously better than cure, which in this case has been elusive, patients are strongly advised to check breast monthly; women aged 20 to 40 should have a health care professional check their breast every year; have a mammogram annually.”

    Abutoh said as in all disease conditions (breast cancer inclusive) the choices we make, our life style, the food we eat and drink, the environment and or conditions we expose ourselves to, are crucial, very crucial for anyone who desires to stay healthy.

    According to him, “The natural healing force within each one of us remains the greatest force in getting well. Certain percentage of all breast cancer cases could be avoided by taking preventive measures. Breast cancer is one of the most widely studied cancers and it has been proven that nutrition can make an impact on risk for individuals with and without a breast cancer diagnosis.

    “Consuming a mostly plant based diet is a good choice. This can be achieved by striving to consume at least five servings of fruits and vegetables and at least one serving of whole grains or legumes per day. Managing your weight is another consideration. Women who had a body mass index (BMI) in the normal range had a 13 percent reduction in risk. The recommendation is to be as lean as possible without becoming underweight. The range for a normal BMI is 18.5 to 25. Reducing dietary fat intake could improve relapse-free survival rates in women with breast cancer. Women with breast cancer may have less risk of recurrence when following a lower fat diet.”

    He advised: “Women should be as lean as possible without becoming underweight; be physically active for at least 30 minutes every day; avoid sugary drinks and limit consumption of energy dense foods; eat more of a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes such as beans; limit consumption of red meats and avoid processed meats; if consumed at all, limit alcohol consumption to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men and limit consumption of salty foods and avoid foods processed with salt.

  • How to prevent violence during elections, by JNI

    The apex Islamic body in the North, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), has said free, fair and credible elections will prevent a repeat of the 2011 post-election violence.

    It noted that the acceptance of the outcome of the elections by all, especially the major stakeholders, was significant to post-election peace.

    Addressing reporters yesterday in Kaduna, JNI’s Secretary General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, on behalf of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, said election stakeholders should ensure justice in the conduct of this year’s polls.

    It said: “…Bearing the burden of the trust of leadership, being conscious of the imperative of truthfulness in salvaging a rather drifting polity and, most importantly for the sake of posterity, the JNI hereby asserts that the most significant antidotes to violence are: free, fair and credible elections on one hand and faithful acceptance of the outcome of elections by all.

    “In any election, there must be winners and losers. We would only get it right when the elections are obviously and manifestly seen to be transparent and credible in conduct and, consequently, the losers accept defeat in good faith.”

    JNI urged the major presidential and governorship candidates to respect the Abuja Peace Accord and avoid utterances that may trigger violence.

    It said: “It is our firm belief that doing everything possible to forestall violence and save lives and property in the forthcoming elections is our collective obligation that we all have to discharge and we must, therefore, stand up to do it faithfully and devoutly.

    “From the Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) distribution and other preparations towards the elections, to the political rallies and campaigns at various levels, there have always emerged issues and incidents that generated excitements, concerns and even anxieties.

    “Against the backdrop of these happenings, the JNI feels obliged to comment with a view to calling on, not only Muslims but the entire citizens of our great country, to demonstrate real and genuine sense of patriotism, responsibility, tolerance and commitment to peace and stability in Nigeria before, during and after the elections.

    “As an important stakeholder in the elections, in the governance of the country and indeed because of its firm commitment to the country’s unity, stability and progress, the JNI believes that this call on the citizens for peace is essentially and genuinely a religious and civic obligation.

    “It has always been the case, not only in Nigeria but in all democratic societies in the world, that seasons of general elections are usually fraught with anxieties, uncertainties and even tensions. It is apparent that the elections in the next two weeks are the most keenly contested in the history of our country…”

  • Lifestyle changes ’ll prevent cancer

    Alternative health practitioners, such as naturopaths and energy therapists, among others, have identified lifestyle changes as a definite way to curtail cancer.

    This was the position at a health seminar on cancer in Lagos. It was organised by the Committee of Concerned Women and Sunshine Foundation, with the theme: Lifestyles that prevent cancer.

    A naturopath, Dr Godwin Ihesie, enjoined the people to eat right, adding that unhealthy food, such as processed food can affect their overall health and as such predispose them to cancer.

    Poor eating habit, he noted, can trigger the disease. “Many do not know what to eat,” he added.

    Ihesie said people should take water, which is a natural endowment to detoxify their system. “It helps to clean the colon as it will flush out unwanted materials from the system,” he said.

    Being inactivite, he said, may trigger the disease as it can make people become obese and consequently put them in danger of some cells becoming cancerous.

    He advised people to engage in regular exercises to burn unwanted fat, stressing that this would promote their health.

    The alternative medicine practitioner said God has arranged food in seasons and as such there are protective food and energy food. Protective foods are vegetables and fruits, which nourish the liver. “Carrot and mango are good. They help the kidney and urinary system. Also, they strengthen people’s immunity.

    “These fruits and vegetables have the neecessary antioxidants that people need to build their immunity.”

    Ihesie said during those seasons when there are different fruits and vegetables, people are able to strengthen their immunity.

    “So, my advice is for people to consume fruits in season as they help boost immunity. They also remove toxins and free radicals from the system,” he said.

    Ihesie said cancer can afflict people when there is disharmony in their system.

    Explaining this, he said, cancer is a cell that has lost information in a system, and as such becomes rebellious.

    “Any cell that has lost its link with the medium gross matter can ail the body,” he said.

    The naturopath identified the liver as the only organ that can help an individual prevent cancer in any organ in the body.

    He, however, said people often abuse it, especially with tobacco smoke, which is its number enemy.

    “When tobacco smoke is mixed with atmospheric oxygen, it produces more than 200 other dangerous chemicals.

    Ihesie said the foundation of cancer is laid at infancy.

    He said more than 99 per cent of women who have had emotional trauma develop breast and cervical cancers.

    “Emotional trauma will further ruin the activities of the liver,” he said.

    An energy therapist, Mrs Chinwe Emegokwue, said ideally no part of human body should be painful.

    According to her, pain is a sign that an organ is diseased or that there is weakness.

    She said people should take control of their thoughts because they determine their words. That is, through thoughts people frame their words and as such habit is formed and it becomes people’s belief. Their belief then becomes their destiny.

    Mrs Emegokwue described energy medicine as a way of balancing the energy.

    She said energy therapy complements other therapies, stressing that this makes it a self help therapy of some sort.

    The energy therapist said by being angry or having animosity can make people can develop negative energy, which can affect their wellbeing.

    Besides, it makes us to have negative energy, which gives rise to negative vibration because man is an energy field.

    “Negative vibrations kill our cells. And gradually we are digging our grave without knowing,” he

    Mrs Emegokwue said every part of man’s body is liable to the disease, especially when there is negative energy flow.

    This, she said, can also cause blockage to the intestines, especially the small one.

    Being worried can result to stomach upset and then progress to ulcer.

    She described the large intestine and the lungs as the region of confusion is the body, adding that when there is order within the human system the man will feel free and well.

    She said too much of concentration leads to stress, stressing that it sometimes put people in trouble.

    The energy therapist said stretching by people can help them remove the blockage, which causes stress.

    She advised people to remove negative energy from their system before going to bed.

    Explaining the steps, she said people must first raise some heat by rubbing the palms together and then touch their body, especially their heads to remove the negative energy.

    “Also, people need to sleep very well. By resting adequately they will be able to maintain their physical and spiritual wellbeing,” she added.

  • ‘How to prevent disintegration’

    The son of former Premier of the defunct Western Region, Alhaji Dauda Adegbenro, Adejare, has called on former President Olusegun Obasanjo and President Goodluck Jonathan to work together to fulfilment of the America’s prediction of disintegration.

    He expressed worry over the frosty relationship between the two leaders, stressing that “the duo have what it takes to stabilise the troubled ship of Nigeria.”

    Adegbenro said both Obasanjo and Jonathan would serve the national interest better by closing ranks “as father and son,” and working together to resolve the challenges confronting the country.

    He said: “Posterity would not forget them, if they prevent the America’s prediction on disintegration from coming to pass. Obasanjo is like a grandfather to me. He loves Nigeria.  Obasanjo and President Jonathan love this country dearly and they will not want any evil to befall her

    “I expect a situation whereby Mr. President would go to Otta residence of Papa for a discussion on project Nigeria without making fanfare of it. After all, there is nothing  strange in father/son behind-the-door discussion. It is even in tandem with African culture to iron out differences for the benefit of the generality of the people,” Adegbenro explained.

    Explaining why he is interested in the unity of the country, he said: “My maternal grandfather, the late Alfred Riwane hailed from Delta State. My paternal grandfather, who was the Premier of the old Western Region, Pa Dauda Adegbenro of the blessed memory, was from Abeokuta, Ogun State. I have a son from Zaria Kaduna State. As a complete Nigeria, where would I eventually belong when Nigeria disintegrate? And I am very sure I am not the only Nigerian with this kind of family setting.”

  • Tips to prevent cold

    There are no known cures for colds and flu, so cold and flu prevention should be your goal. A proactive approach to warding off colds and flu is apt to make your whole life healthier. The most effective way for preventing the flu is to get the flu shot. It works better than anything else. But there are other strategies you can employ as well. Here are 8 tips you can use to help prevent colds and the flu naturally:

     • Wash your hands

    Most cold and flu viruses are spread by direct contact. Someone who has the flu sneezes onto his or her hand and then touches the telephone, the keyboard, a kitchen glass. The germs can live for hours only to be picked up by the next person who touches the same object. So wash your hands often. If you can’t get to a sink, rub an alcohol-based hand sanitizer onto your hands.

    Don’t cover your sneezes and coughs with your hands

    Because germs and viruses cling to your bare hands, muffling coughs and sneezes with your hands often results in passing along your germs to others. When you feel a sneeze or cough coming, use a tissue, and then throw it away immediately. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the inside of your elbow.

     Don’t touch your face

    Cold and flu viruses enter your body through the eyes, nose, or mouth. Touching their faces is the major way children catch colds and a key way they pass colds on to their parents.

      Do aerobic exercise regularly

    Aerobic exercise speeds up the heart to pump larger quantities of blood; makes you breathe faster to help transfer oxygen from your lungs to your blood; and makes you sweat once your body heats up. These exercises help increase the body’s natural virus-killing cells.

    Eat foods containing phytochemicals

    “Phyto” means plants, and the natural chemicals in plants give the vitamins in food a supercharged boost. So put away the vitamin pill, and eat dark green, red, and yellow vegetables and fruits.

    Relax

    If you can teach yourself to relax, you may be able to rev up your immune system. There’s evidence that when you put your relaxation skills into action, your interleukins — leaders in the immune system response against cold and flu viruses — increase in the bloodstream. Train yourself to picture an image you find pleasant or calming. Do this 30 minutes a day for several months. Keep in mind, relaxation is a learnable skill, but it is not doing anything. People who try to relax, but are in fact bored, show no changes in blood chemicals.

     •Source: http:www.webmd.com

  • Don: Ewedu can cure, prevent Ebola

    Don: Ewedu can cure, prevent Ebola

    A professor of Ophthalmology at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Guiness Eye Centre, Prof  Adebukola Adefule-Oshitelu, has claimed that ‘Corchorus’ popularly known as Ewedu in Nigeria has the potency to both prevent and cure the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

    Prof Adefule-Oshitelu had equally championed Garcinia Kola (orogbo) as a remedy for eye diseases, especially glaucoma.

    According to Prof Adefule-Oshitelu, Ewedu as a cure and a preventive substance for Ebola was revealed to her divinely; under the ‘Great Divine Holy order of the Third Era”. According to her, Ewedu cures Ebola by improving an infected person’s immune system, likewise providing prevention against the deadly virus for uninfected persons.

    “The qualities inside Ewedu is so much that it will kill Ebola by preventing the virus from replicating and destroying more organs in the body. This would immediately stop the symptoms such as high fever, diarhoea and vomiting. Ultimately, leading to the cure,” Oshitelu said.

    According to her, for a cure, attention has to be paid to how the Ewedu is prepared. “The way it will be prepared will be different from the normal way Ewedu is cooked. “Provide the vegetable in good quantity; should be washed and rinsed with liquid vinegar, afterwards blend and cook with drinkable water, for five minutes. No salt, potash or seasoning should be added, take 25cl or half tumbler of the preparation in an empty stomach first in the morning, daily for a week. This would boost a person’s immunity so that such become impregnable to the virus.” Oshitelu said.

    She said: “For prevention, follow these steps described above and use once weekly throughout the period of infestation. These are divine revelations and anyone interested in taking advantage of it is welcome.”

    Prof Adefule-Oshitelu can be reached via: info@greatdivineholyorder.org or visit www.greatdivineholyorder.org

  • How to prevent Ebola from spreading

    How to prevent Ebola from spreading

    Personal hygiene is very important, particularly washing of hands after defecation and before eating and cooking. In the face of Ebola outbreak in the country, OYEYEMI GBENGA-MUSTAPHA writes on natural ways of maintaining personal hygiene.

    Hygiene refers to conditions and practices that help to maintain health and prevent the spread of diseases. Medical hygiene therefore includes a specific set of practices associated with this preservation of health, for example environmental cleaning, sterilisation of equipment, hand hygiene, water and sanitation and safe disposal of medical waste.

    According to the World Health Organisation  (WHO) despite water shortage and restricted sanitation facilities in emergency situations, it’s critical to ensure that some of the available water supply is used for personal hygiene to minimise health risks. Messages about the importance of hand washing with soap at critical times-i.e. after defecation, after handling babies’ faeces, and before preparing food-are particularly important. As soap may be in short supply during emergencies, the use of ash, sand, lime or other culturally acceptable substitutes should be promoted.

    In extreme settings where people are poor, and at highest risk for morbidity and mortality from infectious disease, the greater need is for families to spend what little income they have on food. For these communities, the use of clean and dried soil and ash for hand washing is preferable to using water only, because it is more effective.

    Hand washing is particularly important in reducing the burden of infectious and parasitic diseases. The hands are the last line of defense against exposure to pathogens which can occur either directly from the hand to the mouth, eye, nose, or other area of the skin, or indirectly by “handling” of food or water.

    For some communities, the use of clean and dried soil and ash for hand washing is preferable to using water only, because it is more effective.   In public health, it is generally accepted that hand washing with soap should be preferred over mud, soil or ash, which in turn is preferable to using water only. All of these options are preferred over no hand washing at all. Government needs to encourage the use of soap rather than mud, soil or ash, but where there is dire need of water, these natural options are in tandem. According to WHO, ash main benefit is its being an abrasive agent.

    Another common soap is the black soap. In West Africa, black soap is known by its Yoruba name, Ose dudu. ‘Dudu’ means the colour black, which comes from the extensive ‘cooking’ of the soap to the point of charcoal. Many cultures in West Afrca use charcoal to detoxify and purify the skin, and this is an integral aspect of the true black soap.\Black soap is made from a centuries  of old recipe of handcrafted shea butter and indigenous West African palm kernel oil. Saponification is provided by adding ashes to the hot oils, then cooking the soap for six hours. The final step is to dry and cure the soap in the sun for three weeks. Black soap is a multipurpose soap, suitable for cleaning, washing shaving, shampooing, and as a general hand and body wash.

    According to the Director, Corporate Affairs/health and Value Business, Pfizer, Mrs Maggie Olele, other ways not to contract Ebola virus include nonlaying of  hands, anointing and holding hands in churches among Pastors, Priests and the congregation and non sharing of Choir gowns et al.

    “At the hair salon the use of unsterilised towels and pedicure, manicure sets can transmit Ebola virus, just as with physical checking of luggage at the airport – the officers are wearing gloves, but have checked myraids of luggage, they will ransack towels et. al. they are safe, you are not. You can insist that the officer change his gloves, while he checks your luggage.

    “People, especially drivers who patronise the mobile local (hausa) pedicure and barbers are exposing themselves as well. Persons who patronise sex workers and sex workers, considering that it is advised that a person with Ebola must hang on for seven weeks before he or she gets a bit proactive with sex ( fidelity to partners is crucial at this point),” she said.

    According to the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), washing hands with soap and water is the best way to reduce the number of microbes on them in most situations. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 per cent alcohol. Why? Many studies have found that sanitizers with an alcohol concentration between 60–95 per cent are more effective at killing germs than those with a lower alcohol concentration or non-alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Non-alcohol-based hand sanitizers may (1) not work equally well for all classes of germs (for example, Gram-positive vs. Gram-negative bacteria, Cryptosporidium, norovirus); (2) cause germs to develop resistance to the sanitizing agent; (3) merely reduce the growth of germs rather than kill them outright, or (4) be more likely to irritate skin than alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

    Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of microbes on hands in some situations, but sanitizers do not eliminate all types of germs. Why? Although alcohol-based hand sanitizers can inactivate many types of microbes very effectively when used correctly, people may not use a large enough volume of the sanitizers or may wipe it off before it has dried. Furthermore, soap and water are more effective than hand sanitizers at removing or inactivating certain kinds of germs, like Cryptosporidium, norovirus, and Clostridium difficile.