African Men More Likely To Die Of COVID-19 Than Women - WHO

Women in Africa are less likely to die from Covid-19 than men, but more likely to succumb to maternal complications due to limited access to reproductive services since the pandemic started, the UN said on Thursday citing reports.

A study of 28 African countries including Guinea, Mauritius and Uganda showed that on average, women accounted for a slightly smaller proportion of coronavirus infections and deaths compared to men.

Overall around 41 per cent of reported Covid-19 cases were women, although the figures ranged widely from 31 per cent in Niger to more than 57 per cent in South Africa.

"In most countries, women are somewhat less likely to die from Covid-19 than men," World Health Organisation (WHO) regional director for Africa Matshidiso Moeti told an online news conference.

But the pandemic had exposed gaps in health services, with women suffering the brunt of disrupted access to care.

"There was a rise in maternal deaths in 10 countries," Moeti said, making reference to another study that collated data between Feb and July 2020.

The highest jumps were recorded in the Comoros, Mali, Senegal and South Africa.

Access to sexual and reproductive care was already poor on the continent before coronavirus hit.

But access was made worse by restrictions to stem the spread of Covid-19, pushing more women to seek risky informal abortions, Moeti explained.

Overstretched hospitals were often unable to see patients seeking non-coronavirus related services, she added.

More data is still needed to determine the full extent of the effect. - AFP

  

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Ooni Of Ife Unveils NAFDAC Approved Herbal Cure For COVID-19

The fear of the COVID-19 virus in Nigerians was again allayed on Thursday as the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, unveiled an indigenous drug for the cure and prevention of the viral infection.

The drug named Verozil, which is available in capsules, blisters packs and liquid, was certified by the body regulating sales and use of drugs in Nigeria, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Verozil, which was launched alongside other three indigenous drugs, was researched and produced by Yem-Kem International Group and Ooni Ojaja Global Outreach. It will be distributed by Organic Remedies.

Oba Adeyeye, who spoke at the launch at the banquet hall, Ooni’s palace, Ile-Ife, said it was a great day and privilege to unveil the indigenous medicines, noting that their potencies have been tested and proven by government and other bodies.

His words: “Today is a great day for in the history of this great nation. I give kudos to the Minister of Health, NAFDAC DG and the Presidency for the success of these products.

 “I want to announce to the whole world that there is a new phase in traditional medicine research that will be berth soon with the introduction of an Executive Bill, which is at the second reading at the National Assembly, on herbal product research. We are also launching bitter leaf, a very powerful product and now it is in gelatin form to be consumed easily by people and it was produced in Nigeria.

“As the world is celebrating their COVID-19 vaccine, we are here to unveil and celebrate our own indigenous medicine.”

Prominent herbal medicine practitioner and founder and Chief Executive Officer, Yem-Kem International Nigeria Limited, Akintunde Ayeni, said the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi phoned him during the COVID-19 and inquired from him what he was doing in respect of the deadly virus.

He said Oba Adeyeye sent him some recipes that they could use in making indigenous medicine to fight COVID-19, which he studied and gave birth to the medicines that were been launched.

Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Job Creation and Youth Employment in the Office of the Vice President of Nigeria, Afolabi Imoukhuede, in his goodwill messages, said COVID-19 has brought to the fore the importance of immunity.

  

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Excessive Sugarcane Consumption May Lead To Poor Sperm Quality In Men

EATING sugarcane might taste yummy to those with a sweet tooth, but its excessive intake can add unwanted inches to waistlines. In a new study, researchers say that excessive intake of sugarcane may also lower semen quality.

 

The researchers found that sugarcane juice can adversely alter a man’s functions by reducing sperm quality and disrupting testicular architecture. According to them, it caused an increase in the percentage of abnormal sperm and decreased sperm viability.

 

Infertility is a problem across almost all cultures and societies. Problems in the male partner, especially as a result of unhealthy dietary habits, are the commonest single group of causes. Many populations, therefore, tend more toward the use of natural dietary substitutes opined to proffer less risk to reproductive functions and more health benefits.

 

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) has been widely known as a raw material for white sugar, cane syrup, molasses, wax, and rum production. Raw sugarcane stalks can be chewed as a snack. Because the stalks are fibrous, they are not eaten per se but merely chewed to extract the juice.

 

Chewing of sugarcane or consuming sugarcane water or syrup can help treat urinary tract issues and provide a boost of antioxidants, along with providing benefits to pregnant women and diabetic patients. In India, the plant, as well as its juices, are used for abdominal tumours.

 

In the study, the researchers evaluated the reproductive effects of sugarcane juice in male Wistar rats. A sugarcane press juicer was used to extract sugarcane juice. Twenty male Wistar rats, grouped into four, received 1.0 mL/kg/day distilled water (control), and 1.0, 3.2 and 10.0 mL/kg/day of fresh sugarcane juice once daily for eight weeks.

 

The 2020 study, in the Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology involved Eunice Ogunwole Olufadekemi T;  Kunle-Alabi Opeyemi O and Akindele Yinusa Raji from the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan and Bingham University, New Karu, Nasarawa.

 

The researchers thereafter had their sperm, testes and epididymis (the long, coiled tube that stores sperm and transports it from the testes) assessed under the microscope, as well as determine the levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and testosterone in their blood.

 

They reported that the 10.0 mL/kg juice caused a significant increase in testosterone level and sperm count, and it also increased the percentage of aberrant sperm aswell as decreased sperm viability. Sugarcane juice impaired the histological integrity of the testes and epididymides.

 

Previously, these researchers had compared the reproductive effect of cane sugar and molasses, also a byproduct from sugar processing, in male rats, saying that molasses possibly contain compounds with potential ability to disrupt sperm production and reduce sperm quality.

 

In fact, the result of the 2020 study published in the journal, Toxicology Reports indicated that molasses-treated rats showed more aberrations in the seminiferous tubules and epididymis relative to sugar-treated rats.

 

Molasses is gaining popularity as a substitute for refined sugar. The researchers had wanted a safer alternative to refined sugar that is widely reported to block the effect of androgens, the group of sex hormones that give men their ‘male’ characteristics. The major sex hormone in men is testosterone, which is produced mainly in the testes testosterone.

 

No one knows why sperm counts are falling precipitously. Some say sperm are vanishing due to men resting laptops on their laps. Others blame the heat generated from cell phones sitting in pants pockets. But others say the drop is likely due to a variety of factors, including diet.

 

Accordingly, several studies suggest that sperm is influenced by diet, and the effects arise rapidly. For instance, researchers at Linköping University said diet influences the motility of the sperm and this effect may even be noticeable after one to two weeks of a wrong diet.

 

In the study published in the journal PLOS Biology, the scientists examined the sperm quality and other indicators of the health of 15 normal, non-smoking young men, who followed a diet in which they were given all food from the scientists for two weeks. During the second week, the researchers added sugar, corresponding to around 3.5 litres of fizzy drinks, or 450 grammes of confectionery, every day.

 

Perhaps more importantly, a recent study found men consuming at least one soft drink per day had a 33 per cent lower average monthly probability of conceiving successfully with their partner. Women were found to have a 25 per cent lower chance. For both men and women together, soft drink intake was associated with a 20 per cent reduction. 

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Why Regular Consumption Of Zobo With Hypertension Drugs Should Be Avoided - Experts

The consumption of hibiscus tea or zobo is growing in popularity owing to accumulating evidence that it has benefits against excess weight, constipation, upset stomach, diabetes and can safely reduce blood pressure and cholesterol, two major risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

 

Among the best-described health benefits of Hibiscus sabdariffa, also commonly referred to as roselle, is blood pressure control for hypertension and many patients on conventional antihypertensives may also consume iced zobo drink to beat the increasing atmospheric temperature.

 

Studies have shown that a two-week period of zobo extract administration could produce the antihypertensive activity. However, in a new study, experts warn against long term consumption of zobo drink by individuals on captopril, a conventional hypertension medication.

 

According to them, regular intake of zobo drink with captopril, one of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor may be potentially dangerous. This could lead to a lowering of the blood pressure than initially planned.

 

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as captopril dilate the blood vessels to lower hypertension or treat heart failure.

 

Even though the intake of the antihypertensive with zobo drink does not influence the antihypertensive potency of captopril or cause any side effects, they said two weeks of regular intake of zobo drink with captopril can reduce the efficacy of the drug.  This was contained in the 2020 edition of Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

 

Ingestion of zobo drink with conventional medicines such as paracetamol, chloroquine and antibiotics in many communities are very common, without regard to the possibility of herb-drug interactions. Being natural products, individuals wrongly believe they are always safe to be taken with drugs.

 

When herbal therapies and drugs (prescription or non-prescription medications) are used together, they can interact in the body, causing changes in the way the herbs and/or the drugs work. Such changes are called herb-drug interactions. They can be beneficial or harmful, depending on the type of interaction.

 

More than 300 species of hibiscus can be found around the world and most of its varieties are used as ornamentals. However, there are two main types of Hibiscus sabdariffa cultivated for its jute-like fibre and its edible calyces. Its infusion made from its bright red calyces, which is commonly called zobo, is consumed hot or cold. This tea is often sweetened with sugar.

 

For the study on the possible effect of prolonged administration of zobo extract on captopril in the body, male rats were divided into two groups of six. The first group received a single dose of captopril suspension while the second group received zobo daily for two weeks prior to the same captopril dose.

 

Multiple blood samples were collected at predetermined times after the antihypertensive was administration and its concentration in these blood samples were assessed using ultrahigh-pressure liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

 

Previously, experts at the Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, said taking zobo along with the prescription drug lisinopril, a blood pressure medication, ensures its better effectiveness in blood pressure control.

 

The availability of lisinopril alone and in the presence of Hibiscus tea was determined at the stomach, intestine and blood pH.

 

The 2019 study, which involved I. Nasir, M. Aminu, A.M. Ismail, A Salisu and G Magaji, published in the Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, found that taking lisinopril with zobo drink or hibiscus tea could enhance its availability consequent to the increased dissolution of lisinopril in simulated gastric, intestinal and blood pH.

 

Dr I. Nasir declared: “It is a common practice to see individuals taking a prescription drug for antihypertensive medications outside the hospital while also taking zobo drink and moringa. They believe that when they take it together, they get better. And when you check their blood pressure, it would have dropped miraculously.”

 

He added “the result of the study has proven that the zobo drink helps in checking their high blood pressure.”

 

According to him, “its pharmacological effect will definitely be seen. In fact, there is a banker; all that she takes in the morning for her hypertension is the sour zobo drink which contains no additive like sugar.

 

“Many studies have shown that zobo drink has some antihypertensive effect. In fact, some prescribers recommend that instead of using water to swallow the drug, they could use a zobo drink. But they advise not to take zobo drink that contains sugar.”

 

The researchers, however, said further studies on the effect of varying concentrations of zobo on the bioavailability of lisinopril would still need to be evaluated.

 

However, people taking blood pressure medications like the Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as lisinopril should avoid consuming large amounts of zobo as well as foods high in potassium including avocados, oranges and orange juice, potatoes, spinach, tomatoes and tomato source.   

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Recommended Forms Of Exercise For Older People

Exercise is one of the keys to living a quality life as we age. There are no official fitness guidelines for older adults, but the basic exercises for seniors are the same at every age. If you need tricks and tips about exercise for older adults, we have listed some out below for you.

Aerobic Exercise:

From walking, dancing, biking to swimming, aerobic exercise stimulates the heart rate and breathing rate. Not only good for fitness, but it also helps for both physical and emotional health. Another good thing about aerobic exercise is that your body gets better at using oxygen and burning fat when you do regular aerobic exercise.

Resistance Exercise:

You can have your resistance exercise either from the comfort of your home or by hitting the gym. You should consider tubing if you are looking for a simple but effective resistance exercise at home. You can do a lot of different exercises with tubing as it is versatile. You can start with a set of four for about, they come in colors to denote the tension. If you order them, make sure to order the strap that allows you to attach the tube to a door, and if you want to work your legs, ask for leg straps.

Flexibility Exercise: 

Though it may not sound as exciting as a six-pack, flexibility is key to feeling mobile, agile, and strong in our bodies. Stretching—especially when paired with deep breathing, like in yoga—promotes both greater range of motion (your joints’ abilities to move to their fullest potential) and extensibility (how well your muscles and connective tissues allow those joints to move). Plus, yes, it also strengthens your muscles.

Balance exercise:

We recommend some or all of these exercises every day for the best results. It is advisable to also have someone nearby for support if you have concerns about falling over. You should also speak with your doctor before doing these exercises if you have a balance disturbance or are concerned about whether it is safe for you to do them.

Walk a straight line: Use a string lie on the floor like floor tiles and try to walk along with it. What you are trying to do is to land one foot in front of the other heel first. Try with arms extended out and then relaxed at your sides. As you get better with this, you can move on to walking forward to one end and then back to the other. Do this 10 times.

Stork: Stand on one leg, keep your arms at your side with your shoulders relaxed, and try to balance for 30 seconds. Repeat one to two times with each leg every day. You can increase the minutes as the weeks go by. Also, make it more challenging by trying to swing your arms like you’re running. That will throw you slightly off balance and you will need to make corrections to maintain your balance. This is good for your core and abdominal muscle groups that are involved in balancing. Another way to make it more challenging is to hold bottles of water in each hand.

Nose toucher: Stand with your right leg approximately 24 inches in front of your left, bend your knees slightly, and try to touch your nose with your finger. The more in line your feet are with each other the more challenging this will be. Once you can do it well with either leg in front of the other, try this exercise with your eyes closed.

Sit-stands: Sit on the edge of a sturdy chair and try to stand up without swinging your arms forward, and then sit back down very slowly. Repeat 10 times. If you need help, go ahead and let your arms reach forward for balance, but then over time, try to do them without the assistance of your arms.

Marching: For this, you will need a strong chair for balance. Lift your right knee up toward your chest, then lower to starting positions. The left knee can be bent slightly. Repeat 10-15 times with the right leg, and then do the left leg. As you master this, you can move to touch the chair with one finger for balance and then eventually without holding onto any support at all, and finally with your eyes closed. You can also try alternating the marching between the left and right leg instead of one set with one leg.

Side leg raises: Hold on to a sturdy chair for balance and lift your right leg out to the side. The left knee can be bent slightly. Repeat 10-15 times with the right leg then do the left leg. You can progress to touching the chair with one finger for balance, then eventually no holding at all, and finally with your eyes closed.

Heel raises: Hold on to a sturdy chair for balance and rise up on to your tippy toes. Repeat 10-15 times. You can progress to touching the chair with one finger for balance, then eventually no holding at all, and finally with your eyes closed.

Step-ups: Stand in front of a staircase and step up with your right foot, then up with your left, then back down with your right, then back down with your left. Repeat 10 times. If you need a little support, hold on gently to the railing, or better yet, just touch the wall with your fingertip.

  

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How Heavy Drinking Damages The Body

There are several ways heavy drinking is affecting your body. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), heavy drinking is characterised as more than four or five drinks in a two-hour sitting.

From DNA to hormones, heavy drinking can alter your body’s biology in a big and detrimental way. Heavy drinking bouts Change Your DNA And Make You Crave More Alcohol

A study, published in December 2018 in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, identified two genes that are subject to change — one affecting the body’s biological clock and one regulating the stress response system. The study’s authors, from Rutgers University also found that the genetic changes in binge and heavy drinkers were associated with a higher desire for alcohol.

Increase the Risk of Cancer — Especially of the Head, Neck, Liver, and Breast

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) cites several studies that say heavy drinking increases chances of developing cancer.  A study published in August 2012 in the journal Annals of Oncology shows that your risk of cancer increases if you are a heavy drinker. A 2012 study published in October 2015 in the International Journal of Cancer also shows that over 5 percent of new cancer occurrences nearly 6 percent of all cancer deaths worldwide were estimated to be attributed to alcohol. According to the NCI. heavy drinkers are 5 times more likely than nondrinkers to contract esophageal cancer.

Affect Long-Term Memory and Brain Structure

Reports by the American Addiction Centers.  say that heavy drinkers over a long period of time stand the risk of long term problems with brain function as well as risk of changing the brain’s “hard wiring,” which can lead to cognitive problems even after sobriety is attained.

Cause Hormonal Disturbances

Binge drinking affects the body’s endocrine system according to research published in September 2013 in the journal Endocrine and Metabolism Clinics of North America. The study found that heavy drinking can disrupt communication between the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems with resultant effects like stress abnormalities, reproductive deficits, body growth defects, and immune dysfunction.

Change the Composition of Organisms in the Gut

Alcohol can interfere with the composition and function of microorganisms found in the body. A study published in 2015 in the journal Alcohol Research: Current Reviews found that chronic alcohol consumption can cause bacterial overgrowth and imbalances in the intestine. This can cause digestive issues like stomach pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, and rosacea.

  

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