Managing Stress During Pregnancy

When you are pregnant, there are days when you may cycle through every possible emotion. And one of the most common feelings that many expecting mothers tend to experience throughout their pregnancy is stress—stress about the baby, stress about the body, stress about preparing for the baby’s arrival, stress about life changes—you name it.

While it’s normal to experience these emotions, periods of prolonged or severe stress during your pregnancy isn’t good for you—OR your baby. In fact, high levels of constant stress can even make pregnancy symptoms worse (like trouble sleeping, body aches, etc.)—or contribute to larger issues like depression, problems with weight (gaining too much or not enough) or even high blood pressure. Finding ways to manage stress is important for any mother-to-be. Here are some ways you can reduce stress during pregnancy. 

Focus On Your Breath

Deep breaths help us get extra oxygen into our body, which in turn helps our muscles, body and brain feel relaxed. But how often do we truly focus on our breathing? Meditation is a great thing to try (there are several apps available that can teach you how), or simply sit calmly and take long, belly-filling breaths in through your nose, then slowly out through your nose or mouth. 

Prioritize Rest

While some pregnant ladies fall asleep at the drop of a hat (especially during the first trimester), sleep doesn’t always come as easily as pregnancy progresses. Your body is going through a lot (you know, the whole growing a human thing), and not getting enough rest can elevate levels of stress. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep a night, and plan for a bedtime that helps you hit that goal. A calming bedtime ritual might help you quiet your mind before you go to sleep—some suggest a warm (not hot!) bath, a cup of herbal caffeine-free tea, calming music, and  little to no screen time. If you are struggling with getting enough sleep, speak to your healthcare provider about additional suggestions.

Move Your Body

Not only is incorporating some movement into your daily activities good for your body, it’s good for your mind, too. Exercise releases chemicals in the body called endorphins, which can improve your mood and even relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety. And don’t let the idea of “working out” intimidate or limit you—just heading outside for a walk is a great way to get your heart rate up. The fresh air and movement can help ease your mind and boost those endorphins. 

Eat Right

Eating right is all about balance. Growing a human is a lot of work and pregnancy cravings are so real. So, ensuring you get a good mix of healthy food and plenty of water is one of the best forms of self care. Don't be afraid to give yourself a treat once in a while—but remember that fueling your body with healthy choices will ensure you and baby are getting the nutrients you need to feel good and strong physically and mentally. And don't forget to take your prenatal vitamins.

Let It Out

Sometimes, just sharing your feelings or worries with someone else can take some of the weight off your shoulders. Talk to other pregnant or new mamas—they will be able to relate, and might even offer advice about what worked to relieve stress during their own pregnancies. You can also try writing out your thoughts—keeping a journal, making a list of the things you are grateful for, or writing to-do lists if there’s simply too much on your itinerary. All these can help calm your mind and lower your stress levels.

If your stress feels unmanageable or you’re worried about your own or your baby’s health,  speak to your healthcare provider. Losing sleep, lack of appetite or unhealthy behaviors means it’s time to get some help managing your stress.

Source: Lancaster HealthHub

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How Diabetes Made Me Sell My Houses And Cars – Ailing Radio Presenter, Femi Adio

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistently high blood sugar (glucose) levels, caused by either insufficient insulin production or the body's inability to effectively use the insulin it produces.

Diabetes manifests with a range of symptoms, often including increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and blurred vision, with some individuals experiencing slow-healing sores and frequent infections. 

Alhaji Femi Adio’s Story  

Alhaji Femi Adio, popularly known as Femi Adio Wonder, who has been battling diabetes for the past three years, recently opened up to TEMITOPE ADETUNJI, of the Punch Newspaper, about his struggles and the financial burden of his treatment

How long have you been a presenter?

It has been almost 25 years now since I started as a presenter and film marketer. But even before that, I had been doing this since I was a child. I’m an independent presenter, a freelancer.

I used to run programmes on Radio Lagos before Eko FM was created. When Eko FM came into existence, all the programmes were moved there. Over the years, I’ve also worked as a freelance presenter on several radio stations, including Paramount FM in Abeokuta.

Recently, you made a post about your health struggles. Can you tell us about it? When did you first notice something was wrong?

Honestly, I didn’t realize it at first. My body had been giving me signs, but I ignored them. I wish I had known earlier before it became this serious.

What is the health condition?

I have diabetes. I’ve spent an unimaginable amount of money trying to manage it. I’ve sold my houses, my cars, and everything I owned, except for the house I currently live in at Abule Oko, Ogun State.

One of my colleagues, also a presenter, was the one who encouraged me to speak out and ask for help. At first, I refused. I was too ashamed. I told him, “I used to be a giver; I don’t want to become a beggar.” But then, Seun Adeboye, the younger sister of the late Gbenga Adeboye, reached out to me. She pleaded with me to share my story, to let people know what I was going through. That was when I finally decided to open up.

How long have you been battling this illness?

It’s been three years now.

How has it affected your daily life?

It has been unbelievably difficult. I haven’t been able to work for the past three years. I cry a lot. I never imagined that I would ever find myself in this situation. It breaks my heart when people tell me, “You’re a good person; you don’t deserve to suffer like this.”

The pain is unbearable. I can’t walk properly. Every step feels like I’m walking on nails or broken bottles. And honestly, I don’t want to die.

Factors Affecting Diabetes

Diabetes management takes awareness. Know what makes your blood sugar level rise and fall — and how to control these day-to-day factors.

When you have diabetes, it's important to keep your blood sugar levels within the range recommended by your healthcare professional. But many things can make your blood sugar levels change, sometimes quickly. Find out some of the factors that can affect blood sugar. Then learn what you can do to manage them.

Food

Healthy eating is important for everyone. But when you have diabetes, you need to know how foods affect your blood sugar levels. It's not only the type of food you eat. It's also how much you eat and the types of food you combine in meals and snacks.

Exercise

Exercise is another important part of managing diabetes. When you move and get active, your muscles use blood sugar for energy. Regular physical activity also helps your body use insulin better.

These factors work together to lower your blood sugar level. The more strenuous your workout, the longer the effect lasts. But even light activities can improve your blood sugar level. Light activities include housework, gardening and walking.

Illness

With diabetes, it's important to be prepared for times of illness. When you're sick, your body makes stress-related hormones that help fight the illness. But those hormones also can raise your blood sugar. Changes in your appetite and usual activity also may affect your blood sugar level.

Alcohol

It's risky for some people with diabetes to drink alcohol. Alcohol can lead to low blood sugar shortly after you drink it and for hours afterward. The liver usually releases stored sugar to offset falling blood sugar levels. But if your liver is processing alcohol, it may not give your blood sugar the needed boost.

Periods And menopause

Periods and menopause both have important effects for people with diabetes.

Changes in hormone levels the week before and during periods can lead to swings in blood sugar levels.

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Strokes Prevention: Nine Important Things To Know - Stroke Action Nigeria

Rita Melifonwu, Founder and CEO, Stroke Action Nigeria

A clarion call has been made to the general public on how to prevent strokes and reduce the prevalence of strokes in Nigeria. This call was made by Stroke Action Nigeria, in collaboration with national, regional, and international partners, as part of its programmes in commemorating the 2024 World Stroke Day, marked on the  29^th of October. The annual event, led by the World Stroke Organization, aims to raise awareness about stroke prevention and encourage individuals to act.

In a press release, made available to Nigeria Natural Health Online www.kimekwu.com, Stroke Action Nigeria stated that even though one in four individuals will experience a stroke in their lifetime, almost all strokes can be prevented by managing nine key risk factors. These risk factors are: Hypertension, Diabetes, Atrial fibrillation, Obesity and overweight, Lack of exercise and physical activity, Smoking, Alcohol drinking habits, High cholesterol levels, as well as Diet high in fat and salt.

According to the organization, “To prevent strokes, Stroke Action Nigeria urges everyone to take the Global Challenge by engaging in thirty minutes of physical activity daily, such as Walking, Biking, Running, Swimming, Yoga, and Team sports like football, basketball, and so on. Join the global effort to prevent strokes because together, we can be greater Than Stroke.”

As part of its efforts to foster partnerships and leadership, Stroke Action Nigeria is working closely with the Federal Ministry of Health's non-communicable diseases team, African Stroke Organization (regional partner), and the World Stroke Organization (international partner).

 

The press release also announced that Rita Melifonwu, Founder and CEO of Stroke Action Nigeria, has been re-elected to the World Stroke Organization's Board of Directors for another four-year term. It added that She will continue to play a key role in the World Stroke Campaign committee, Membership Committee, and Advisory Board, focusing on reducing the burden of strokes in Africa.

 

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Fibroid: Why Herbal Remedies Are Proving To Be More Effective

Fibroids, also called leiomyomas, are noncancerous tumors that sometimes develop in the uterus. They are the  most noncancerous gynecological tumors in premenopausal people. Estimates vary, but according to experts, fibroids may affect between 20 and 80 percent of women before age 50.

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in the uterus. They can cause a variety of symptoms, such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and infertility. And over the years, surgical intervention in the treatment of fibroid has been noted to have some underlying health risks for the fibroid patient. That’s why many women now seek natural remedies for uterine fibroids.

Risks Of Surgical Intervention

Surgical procedure in the treatment of fibroid poses a series of challenges and complications. The inherent risks include:

• Excessive blood loss. Many women with uterine leiomyomas already have low blood counts (anemia) due to heavy menstrual bleeding, so they're at a higher risk of problems due to blood loss.
• Scar tissue. Incisions into the uterus to remove fibroids can lead to adhesions — bands of scar tissue that may develop after surgery.
• Pregnancy or childbirth complications. A myomectomy can increase certain risks during delivery if the person becomes pregnant. Fibroids themselves are also associated with pregnancy complications.
• Chances of spreading a cancerous tumor.  A cancerous tumor can be mistaken for a fibroid. Taking out the tumor, especially if it's broken into little pieces (morcellation) to remove through a small incision, can lead to spread of the cancer. The risk of this happening increases after menopause and as women age.

Herbal Alternatives To The Rescue

In view of the above risks involved in the treatment of fibroid, using surgical intervention, most women are now turning to the less harmful and often more effective herbal alternatives. These natural therapies range from lifestyle changes, to appropriate dieting and herbal supplements.

Causes And Symptoms Of Uterine Fibroids

Before delving into natural remedies for uterine fibroids, it’s important to understand the causes and symptoms of this condition. Uterine fibroids can be caused by a variety of factors, such as genetics, hormonal imbalances, and lifestyle habits. Common symptoms of uterine fibroids include heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged menstrual periods, pelvic pain, constipation, frequent urination, and infertility. However, the symptoms of fibroids can vary depending on their type, location, and size.

Natural Remedies For Uterine Fibroids

• Dietary changes and lifestyle modifications: One of the most effective ways to manage uterine fibroids is through dietary changes and lifestyle modifications. Women with uterine fibroids should avoid foods that are high in sugar, saturated fat, and caffeine. Instead, they should focus on consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Exercise and stress management can also help reduce the symptoms of uterine fibroids.

·         A plant based diet may help reduce symptoms of fibroids.

·         Some research suggest that people who eat a diet high in red meat and high energy-dense foods, which are foods that contain lots of calories, fat, and sugar, may be more likely to develop fibroids. Replacing red meat (beef, ham, or lamb) with white meat (chicken or turkey ) may help.

In general, replacing red meats with white meats or plant based sources of protein, such as beans, could be a good move for health. According to the American Heart Association, red meat contains high levels of saturated and trans fats, which can raise cholesterol and worsen heart disease.

·         If a person is unable to get enough of a particular vitamin through their diet, they can consider taking vitamin supplements.

·         A study  looked at the link between fibroids and alcohol and caffeine in black females in the United States. The results suggested that fibroids had links with alcohol, particularly beer, but they did not find an association with caffeine. When considering these studies, it is important to note that just because there is a link between factors (correlation), it does not mean that one causes the other (causality). For example, if a specific diet has associations with a higher likelihood of fibroids, it does not mean that people who follow that diet will develop fibroids.

Herbal Remedies

There are several herbs that may help in managing uterine fibroids. Chasteberry, also known as vitex, has been said to help with heavy menstrual bleeding, painful periods, and other fibroid symptoms. Green tea also contains a bioflavonoid that can reduce inflammation, as well as possibly reduce the size and number of fibroids.

Herbal Supplements

There are several supplements that can help manage the symptoms of uterine fibroids. Vitamin D, magnesium, vitamin E, vitamin B1 & B6, and omega-3 fatty acids are all believed to be effective in reducing the menstrual pain, bloating, and cramping associated with uterine fibroids. Additionally, getting enough vitamin D and vitamin A can decrease the risk of developing fibroids.

• Castor oil is a natural remedy that is sometimes used in the treatment of uterine fibroids. It is believed that castor oil has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which may help to reduce the size of fibroids and relieve symptoms such as pain and heavy bleeding.

In conclusion, herbal alternative to surgery in the treatment and management of fibroid is believed to be more effective than surgical intervention. And the good news is that there are several proven and result-oriented supplements available in the market.

 

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Diphtheria Outbreak: Expect More Cases In More States - NCDC

The number of confirmed cases of diphtheria disease has risen to 123 in the country, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. This is even as the agency warned that people should be wary because there is likely to be more cases in more states in the days ahead.  

The Director General of the NCDC, Dr Ifedayo Adetifa, disclosed this on Monday.

This is just as the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, urged parents to ensure that their children get vaccinated against the infection as the country is still battling Lassa fever, measles, meningitis, and yellow fever.

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by the bacterium called Corynebacterium species that affects the nose, throat and sometimes, skin of an individual.

It spreads easily between people through direct contact with infected people, droplets from coughing or sneezing, and contact with contaminated clothing and objects.

Adetifa said the cases were recorded in Kano, Lagos, Yobe, and Osun States.

According to the DG, the highest number of confirmed cases and deaths were recorded in Kano State.

He said, “Based on the latest reports from states shared with the NCDC as of January 22, 123 confirmed cases and 38 deaths have been recorded.”

A breakdown of the cases showed that Kano State recorded 100 confirmed cases with 32 deaths, followed by Yobe State with 17 confirmed cases and three deaths; Lagos State recorded five confirmed cases and three deaths, while Osun State recorded one case.

Speaking at a ministerial press briefing in Abuja on Monday, Ehanire said “Diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable disease and we are urging that people should get vaccinated. The vaccines are there and we need cooperation and uptake.”

Also speaking, the Director of Special Duties and Partnership of the NCDC, Dr Priscilla Ibekwe, said the agency is working with state Ministries of Health and partners to enhance surveillance and response to the outbreak.

Ibekwe, who represented the DG at the briefing, said there may be more cases from more states.

She said “Given the sub-optimal coverage for the third dose of diphtheria containing pentavalent vaccine (54 percent – 2021 MICS and NICS) in the country, we expect more cases from more states.

“In view of this, we have deployed the Rapid Response Team members to support state response and media engagements with the DG.”

  

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NAFDAC Warns Nigerians Of Toxic Cough Syrups

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned Nigerians against two substandard cough syrups identified in Uzbekistan.

In a statement on Monday, NAFDAC identified the products as Ambronol syrup and DOK-1 Max syrup.

The agency said the syrups were manufactured by Marion Biotech, India, adding that the manufacturer has not provided guarantees to the World Health Organisation (WHO) on the safety and quality of the products.

It said laboratory analysis of samples of both products carried out by Uzbekistan’s ministry of health, found the syrups contained unacceptable amounts of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol.

“Diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol are toxic to humans when consumed and can prove fatal. Toxic effects can include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, inability to pass urine, headache, altered mental state, and acute kidney injury which may lead to death,” the statement reads.

“These substandard products are therefore unsafe and their use, especially in children, may result in serious injury or death.

“NAFDAC implores manufacturers of liquid dosage forms, especially syrups that contain excipients including propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, sorbitol, and/or glycerin /glycerol, to test for the presence of contaminants such as ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol before use in medicines.

“Although the products are not in the NAFDAC database, importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers are advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale, and use of the substandard (contaminated) syrups. All medical products must be obtained from authorised/licensed suppliers. The products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked.” 

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Premature And Delayed Ejaculation: What You Must Know

Premature ejaculation is one sexual health issue that many couples have had to deal with in recent times. But it is also an issue that is rarely discussed even by those genuinely suffering from it and this has given rise to misconceptions of what quick ejaculation really is and what it is not. There is this over-bloated claims, most times not true, of men who can go on for as long as thirty minutes or one hour and more on top of a woman; and when someone who lasts for just five minutes hears of such claims, he thinks he is suffering from premature ejaculation. But is that really the case? What in fact is premature ejaculation?

A study involving 500 couples found the average time for ejaculation was about 5-and-a-half minutes after starting sex. International guidelines define premature ejaculation as regularly ejaculating within 1 minute of entering your partner.

However, it's up to you and your partner to decide if you're happy with the time it takes you to ejaculate. If ejaculation times are causing you persistent distress then it's a problem that can be helped with treatment.

There are 2 types of premature ejaculation:

• primary premature ejaculation – where you have always had the problem
• secondary premature ejaculation (or "acquired premature ejaculation") – where you recently developed the problem

The causes of primary premature ejaculation are often psychological, such as having a traumatic sexual experience at an early age. Secondary premature ejaculation can be caused by both psychological and physical factors. Physical causes can include drinking too much alcohol and inflammation of the prostate gland (prostatitis).

If your premature ejaculation is caused by a physical condition, treating the underlying condition should help.

Treating premature ejaculation caused by psychological factors can be more challenging. But most men who persevere with treatment find the problem resolved at the end of the day.

There are a number of self-help techniques you can try before getting medical help.

These include:

• using a thick condom to help decrease sensation
• taking a deep breath to briefly shut down the ejaculatory reflex (an automatic reflex of the body, during which you ejaculate)
• having sex with your partner on top (to allow them to pull away when you're close to ejaculating)
• taking breaks during sex and distracting yourself by thinking about something completely different

You may also benefit immensely from having a couples therapy where  you will be encouraged to explore issues that may be affecting your sexual life and be given advice on how to resolve them. You may be shown creative techniques that can help you "unlearn" the habit of premature ejaculation.

Sexual dysfunction in various forms, including premature ejaculation, is often shrouded in mystery for many people—and it’s not because of a lack of scientific research.

This topic is usually swept under the rug since many men would rather uphold their sexual dignity than admit that they aren’t at their sexual A-game.

Unfortunately, this topic avoidance casts unfounded speculation and misinformation about genuine sexual health concerns in these men.

On top of that, there’s also a high prevalence of men suffering from sexual dysfunction around the world. For instance, premature ejaculation has a prevalence rate of 30% in men, the highest percentage in terms of sexual dysfunction prevalence rates, considerably more than erectile dysfunction and low testosterone.

With such a large number of men suffering from this condition, a handful of which are doing so in silence, it’s vital to dispel any myths and unfounded “truths” about the subject to prevent any harmful assumptions from forming.

There are many myths and misconceptions about premature ejaculation (PE).

Myth #1: Only inexperienced men can suffer from premature ejaculation.

False. There’s a pervading stereotype that it’s only the young and naive who experience bouts of premature ejaculation. They may feel that rush of excitement and can’t help but orgasm a bit too soon for their partner’s liking. However, this phenomenon isn’t only limited to the young and inexperienced.

The first myth that needs to be dispelled is that premature ejaculation is a one-time occurrence. This, however, is untrue. Premature ejaculation is a medical condition that happens when a man consistently fails to control his ejaculation over six months. The severity differs from man to man, however, it’s often considered suitable for medical evaluation if it causes significant distress to the man and his partner.

With this new definition, it’s noted that men of all ages can have premature ejaculation. While older men are susceptible to erectile dysfunction and delayed orgasm at a higher relative frequency compared to younger men, it’s still a non-zero possibility for them to come down with this condition.

Myth #2: You have to learn to control your orgasm.

Generally, true. While delaying an orgasm isn’t easy for men suffering from this condition, there are methods and techniques, as explained earlier, you can apply to help you control your orgasm better.

Myth #3: Premature ejaculation is independent of erectile dysfunction.

False. While these two sexual dysfunction conditions present themselves differently, there is an established connection between PE and ED. In one recent study, people with premature ejaculation have a fourfold risk of developing erectile dysfunction.

One significant contributing factor to this is aging. Men over the age of 60 are at higher risk of developing a plethora of health conditions, like diabetes and heart diseases. This can also spill over to their sexual health, and it’s not an impossible occurrence for them to have multi-dimensional sexual health conditions.

Another contributing factor is the mental state of the patient, as people suffering from mental health disorders like anxiety and depression are also at risk of developing both symptoms.

Myth #4: Premature ejaculation is always a psychological problem.

False. While psychological factors can certainly contribute to PE, they are not always the root cause. There are two types of premature ejaculation that men can suffer from, and it’s important to distinguish them as while they may present similar symptoms, the treatment for each type will vary.

These types are:

1. Primary premature ejaculation: Often caused by psychological factors like performance anxiety or a history of sexual abuse.
2. Secondary premature ejaculation: Often a result of physiological factors or underlying health conditions, like excessive alcohol consumption or prostatitis.

In some cases, PE may be caused by physical factors such as an overly sensitive penis or hormonal imbalances. In these cases, it’s important to address the root cause of the condition to treat premature ejaculation.

But quick ejaculation is not the only sexual issue faced by couples. Delayed ejaculation, even though it is not as common as quick ejaculation, is also a problem in the bedroom. Delayed ejaculation — sometimes called impaired ejaculation — is a condition in which it takes an extended period of sexual stimulation for men to reach sexual climax and release semen from the penis (ejaculate). Some men with delayed ejaculation are unable to ejaculate at all.

Delayed ejaculation can be temporary or a lifelong problem. Possible causes of delayed ejaculation include certain chronic health conditions, surgeries and medications. Treatment for delayed ejaculation depends on the underlying cause.

It's normal for men to have delayed ejaculation from time to time. Delayed ejaculation is only a problem if it's ongoing or causes stress for you or your partner.

Some men with delayed ejaculation need 30 minutes or more of sexual stimulation to have an orgasm and ejaculate. Other men might not be able to ejaculate at all (anejaculation).

But, there's no specific time that indicates a diagnosis of delayed ejaculation. Instead, you are probably experiencing delayed ejaculation if the delay is causing distress or frustration, or if you have to stop sexual activity due to fatigue, physical irritation, loss of erection or a request from your partner.

In conclusion, it can be said that what matters is the satisfaction of the couple and not the duration of the sexual intercourse. Whether premature or delayed, it only becomes a problem when it is causing distress in the man or the woman or both. So long as a man can sustain an erection for up to three minutes and above, there is really nothing to bother about.

  

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Deadly New COVID Variant Not Yet In Nigeria - NCDC

Amidst growing global apprehension over a resurgent of a deadly variant of COVID 19 in China and the refusal of the federal government of Nigeria to impose restrictions on travelers from that country, the  Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has said the Omicron sub-variants partly responsible for the rise in COVID cases and deaths in other countries, have not yet been detected in Nigeria.

The agency, in its COVID genomic surveillance report published on Wednesday, said its emergency operations centre (EOC) is monitoring COVID trends in China, the United States, the United Kingdom and other countries with a high volume of traffic to and from Nigeria.

It said before the recent case increase in China and other countries, genomic surveillance has shown that the Omicron variant and its lineages continue to dominate in recorded infections worldwide.

The NCDC said while the rise in the new Omicron sub-lineages XBB.1.5 in the UK and the US, and BF.7 in China raises concern, they have not been detected in Nigeria.

“The sub-lineage seen with cases in China, B.5.2.1 and BF.7, are responsible for the surge in China and does not appear to be increasing unusually in other countries. The NCDC continues to strengthen genomic surveillance of the COVID-19 virus in Nigeria. Since the detection of the Omicron variant in December 2021, its sub-lineage (BQ.1/BQ.1.1) has been dominant in Nigeria,” the report read.

It went on to add:“None of these dominant sub-lineages in Nigeria that are also circulating elsewhere has been associated with any increases in case numbers, admissions, or deaths locally.

“The sub-lineages partly responsible for the current increase in COVID-19 cases in other countries i.e., XBB.1.5 and BF.7 have not yet been detected in the country but B.5.2.1 has been seen here since July 2022 and the others are most likely here already. BF.7 and XBB have also been circulating in South Africa since October 2022 but without any accompanying increase in cases, severe illness, or deaths.”

The agency said regardless of COVID variants in different parts of the world, unvaccinated people and those with established risk factors are vulnerable to severe disease and death.

It, therefore, asked Nigerians to get vaccinated as the vaccine is the most important intervention for preventing severe disease and hospitalization.

The development comes amid concerns over the federal government’s refusal to impose restrictions on travelers from China following a surge in the country’s COVID cases. Other countries that have imposed mandatory COVID tests on travelers from China include Ghana, the UK, Spain, France, Italy, the United States, Japan, India, South Korea, Taiwan and Malaysia.

 

  

 

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Long Use Of Antibiotics May Lead To Cognitive Decline In Middle Age Women

Antibiotics are one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the world. They’re used to treat many different bacterial infections. While most people may only be on a course of antibiotics for a week or two at a time, some may take antibiotics for a longer period to treat certain chronic conditions, such as pneumonia or acne.

While antibiotics can be life-saving, long-term use can come with several side effects – not least of which is the risk of bacteria developing antibiotic resistance. And now, a recent study has also linked long-term antibiotic use by middle-aged women to an increased risk of cognitive decline.

To conduct their study, the researchers collected data from 14,542 participants who had taken part in the Nurses’ Health Study II. This study monitored the health and wellbeing of nurses every two years between 2014-2018. The average age of participants at the start of the study was 54.

The researchers recorded the participants’ antibiotic use up to four years prior to the start of the study. Some women had taken long-term antibiotics (two months or more) for a variety of conditions – such as respiratory problems or acne. Others had not been prescribed any antibiotics. The researchers measured cognitive ability using online tests that participants completed, which measured factors such as learning and working memory.

– can have negative effects on cognition up to 11 years later.

Though few studies have measured both antibiotic use and cognitive function in adults, some studies have shown broad-spectrum antimicrobials (including antibiotics) can affect our cognitive function – causing side effects such as confusion, delirium and poorer attention in both men and women, even after short-term use.

While this recent study showed a link between long-term antibiotic use and cognitive decline, the study has some of limitations to take into account. First, the online cognitive test only assessed four functions. This means we don’t have a full picture of cognitive health, and we do not know if there are other cognitive deficits in addition to those measured in the study.

Another shortfall is that researchers did not collect faecal samples. This means we don’t actually know whether the microbiome changed significantly after long-term antibiotic use – and whether this change persisted. Though the researchers were able to show that antibiotic use had a greater link to poorer cognitive function than other lifestyle factors (such as diet, or other health conditions), it will still be important for future research to look at whether the microbiome really plays a role in antibiotic use and cognitive function.

The age of the participants is also an important factor, as the average age was 54 at the start of the study – which is the time most women experience menopause. Menopause causes hormonal changes that can affect everything from how the immune system works, sleep quality, weight, blood pressure and even concentration and thinking.

Some research also shows that the menopause alters the microbiome. As such, it will be important to future studies to include men in mid-life to see whether they show similar effects.

These research findings indicate that it’s important to pay attention to gut health at all stages of life. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to make your microbiome healthier – such as eating a high-fibre diet and using prebiotics and probiotics. Fresh air and exercise also have positive effects on the microbiome. Of course for persistent problems medical attention should be sought

Lynne A Barker

 Associate Professor in Cognitive Neuroscience, Sheffield Hallam University

 

 

  

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