The Nigerian Government has been urged to build the Lafia Teaching hospital close to the Federal University Lafia for the convenience of Medical Students.
The Call was made during a press conference by the convener, Nasarawa South Youth Volunteers, Bukhari Nata’ala in Lafia the State Capital.
Bukhari Nata’ala stressed the importance of the teaching hospital, as it will not only serve as a training ground for the students but will also offer specialised Tertiary Health services to patients within the state and other neighboring states like Benue and Plateau.
Nata’ala further said that Senator Umar Tanko Almakura representing Nasarawa South Senatorial District sponsored a bill for the establishment of Federal University Lafia Teaching Hospital.
The bill has scaled second reading and seeks to facilitate the clinical training of medical students that will be of international standard to compete with their contemporaries.
According to Nata’ala, “It is of importance to note, the essence of the bill to provide a legal framework for the operation of the proposed Teaching Hospital for clinical training of medical students of the college of medicine FULafia”
Federal University of Lafia (FULafia) was established in February 2011 by the Government of Nigeria for Public benefits by promoting education and providing university in every state.
FULafia rose among the fast-growing new Federal Universities, with five faculties and over 60 departments.
To this note, the National Universities Commission, NUC carried out resource verification of some of the new faculty such as the College of medicine and got approval to admit students for MBBS, Nursing, and Radiography.
It was earlier stated by the Minister of Health Dr. Osage Ehanire that the Nigerian Government had commenced the process of upgrading the federal medical center Keffi to a teaching hospital.
“The Capital of Nasarawa State is in great need of the teaching hospital than Keffi who already has the Federal Medical Center Jabi and due to her proximity to Abuja which host Gwagwalada teaching Hospital, National Hospital Garki Clinic, Maitama clinic, and many private hospitals,” Nata’ala further stated.
The Katsina State Government confirmed on Wednesday the outbreak of cholera cases in some local government areas of the state.
This was disclosed by the Executive Secretary of Katsina State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Shamsuddeen Yahaya, during an interview on Wednesday in Katsina.
Yahaya, who did not disclose the affected LGAs and the number of victims, but said the state government, had taken necessary measures to prevent the further spread of the outbreak.
He further explained that the state government had provided adequate preventive facilities to be distributed across the 34 LGAs in the state.
“Wherever you see cholera outbreak, it is related to poor personal and environmental hygiene” he said.
He noted that in their facilities, they have surveillance focal persons while in the communities they have informants, saying; “this is how they report from the community to the local and state levels”.
Yahaya added that recently the state government provided additional drugs that would soon be distributed across the facilities in the state.
“Under surveillance, we have what is called active case and contact search in the affected areas. Because, when you see one case, it means another is hiding.
“We have laboratories where we conduct laboratory diagnosis of not only cholera but other diseases that cause diarrhea; we have all the necessary facilities to carry out our work perfectly,” he added.
The Minister of State, Nigerian Federal Capital Territory FCT, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, has revealed that about 48% of infants are not optimally exclusively breastfed in the FCT and this has created a margin which could, among others, be the poorest of the poor that requires extra efforts to reach.
The Minister, who made this revelation at the commemoration of 2021 World Breastfeeding Week held in Garki, also described as worrisome that almost half of FCT babies are denied the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding.
Aliyu also revealed that from January to June 2021, FCT has registered and treated 1,728 cases of acute malnourished children under 5years, just as she noted that suboptimal breastfeeding precipitates malnutrition.
She however acknowledged that the administration was making steady progress towards improving infant and young child nutrition in the FCT, noting that the multi-indicators cluster survey report of 2017 shows that the FCT has 52% of infants 0 – 6 months old, exclusively breastfed which was the 2nd best breastfeeding rate in Nigeria.
Theme of event
The Minister said the theme of this year’s event “Protect Breastfeeding: A shared Responsibility” , aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals campaign and it highlights the importance of supporting mothers to breastfeed for as long as they wish and also focuses on how breastfeeding contributes to the survival, health and wellbeing of all children.
“It is gratifying to note that FCT has adopted/adapted and continue to implement all policies and guidelines. As a matter of fact, some FCT health institutions, particularly the Asokoro, and Maitama Districts Hospitals that where designated Baby Friendly are still running twice a week breastfeeding clinic on Wednesdays and Thursdays, while Gosa Sarki and Tude communities in Abuja Municipal, and Kuje Area Councils are designated zero water communities for excellent universal performance in exclusive breastfeeding,” she said.
Promotion of breastfeeding
Aliyu said the FCT Administration has supported and would continue to promote the practice of breastfeeding especially putting babies to the breast within the first hour of birth and exclusively breastfeeding the baby for the first six months without water.
She added that breastfeeding plays a very important role in improving children’s health and is one of the best investments for saving infants’ lives and improving the health, social and economic development of individuals and nations.
Effect of cultural practices
Acting Secretary FCT Health and Human Services Secretariat, Dr. Mohammed Kawu, identified cultural norms and traditional beliefs as some of the factors that could undermine the progress made so far in the territory.
Kawu noted that though the ultimate responsibility for ensuring women and children’s rights to protection and survival lies with the government, but acknowledged that these rights cannot be fulfilled without the involvement of the members of households, communities, development partners and the private sector.
He therefore, solicits support for collective responsibility for maximum breastfeeding practices by women to ensure adequate protection, survival and development of the FCT women and children.
Highpoint of the event was goodwill messages delivered by the Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council, Hon. Abdullahi Adamu Candido, development partner and award to the healthiest babies. The first prize went to Chisimdi Ebubedike, second prize was awarded to Mohammed Gidado and Erica Arome got the third prize.
Want to know a simple, delicious way to get your four servings of vegetables per day? Put together a nice, big salad.
At least one sizable salad every day is the perfect way to get your daily servings in all at once giving you flexibility with other meals and making sure you’re always on track with your daily nutrition requirements.
Yes, it’s that easy. Dietitian Laura Jeffers, MEd, RD, LD, gives some tips for creating endless salad combinations with ingredients that are both nutritious and delicious — with each ingredient chock full of the healthy nutrients listed in the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference.
The basics of building a super-healthy salad
Start with local, seasonal produce from your farmer’s market or grocery store, then add protein and a healthy dressing and you’re good to go.
Follow this guide daily to optimize your metabolic health, energy and overall well-being!
1. Get your greens on
Lettuce: The greener, the better. Lettuces is packed with vitamin C, folic acid and potassium
Leafy greens — Jazz things up with spring mix, baby spinach and kale or arugula which are rich in beta-carotene and antioxidants.
Tip: Steer clear of iceberg and other pale lettuces. Their high water content means fewer nutrients.
2. Add some crunch
Celery rich in vitamin A
Cucumber packed with vitamin C
Purple cabbage full of vitamins A and C as well as iron
Pea pods rich in vitamins A and C and iron
Broccoli florets rich in vitamin C
Alfalfa sprouts, a great source of antioxidants
Sunflower seeds or Chia seeds rich in fiber and protein).
Walnuts or Almonds packed with fiber, protein and niacin).
Tip: Avoid croutons, tortilla strips, wonton strips and chow mein noodles. They’re high in fat and sodium and low in nutrients.
3. Create some color
Red, Orange, Yellow or Green Peppers are rich in vitamins C, B1, B2 and B6 as well as folate
Red Onion packed with fiber, phytochemicals
Pomegranate seeds rich in vitamins A, C and E, it also contains fiber, potassium, calcium and antioxidants
Tomatoes are rich in fiber, vitamins A, C and K, as well as potassium and manganese
Avocado has over 20 vitamins and minerals and heart-healthy fat).
Red, Purple or Yellow Beet Roots are high in folate
Tip: Add no more than 2 tablespoons of corn or peas per serving of salad. They’re high in starch just like bread.
4. Punch up the protein
Black beans, garbanzo beans or lentils are great source of fiber
Chicken or Lean Beef
Salmon or water-packed tuna are rich source of omega-3 fatty acids
Hard-boiled eggs known to be rich with Vitamins A, B5, B12, D, Calcium and many more
Low-fat feta cheese, blue cheese, goat cheese, parmesan or mozzarellas are all rich in calcium and vitamin D
Tofu is rich with heart-healthy fat and potassium
Tip: Full-fat cheeses are high in saturated fat. Try pairing small amounts of your favorite cheese with other proteins.
5. Freshen it up with fruit
Apple or pear slices are packed with vitamin C, flavonoids
Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries or blackberries are packed with fiber, flavonoids and vitamin C
Tip: Dried cranberries, blueberries, cherries, dates and raisins are higher in sugar than fresh fruit. A little goes a long way!
6. Let in some leftovers
Brussels sprouts contains vitamins C, A and B6 as well as folate
Asparagus rich in vitamins A, E and K and folate
Sweet potatoes high in vitamins A and C and manganese
Tip: White potatoes are high in starch, so add sliced sweet potatoes instead since they’re delicious raw and are super-crunchy like carrots.
7. Consult your cupboard
Black or Greek olives are high in vitamin E and healthy fat
Artichoke hearts rich in fiber, vitamin C and folic acid
Mushrooms rich in B vitamins and vitamin D
Tip: Remember to factor the salt, often high in canned goods, into your daily sodium intake.
8. Dress it up wisely
Lemon juice high in vitamin C and folate
Lime juice also high vitamin C, potassium.
Red wine or Balsamic vinegar.
Olive oil rich in heart-healthy fat
Tip: Use more vinegar and citrus, and less oil. Avoid high-calorie, high-fat Ranch, Thousand Island and French dressings.
On top of all that
Jeffers suggests if you don’t often eat salad, try starting with one or two a week. If that’s too much to start with, try experimenting with hearty bowls of grains, beans, egg, chicken or tuna, then add as many of the veggies mentioned above as you can.
Even fruit salads can at least help you get your 2 to 3 daily servings of fruit.
“After you wrap salads into your diet regularly you’ll be surprised at how you’ll begin to feel good about what you’re eating — and how creative you can get. Then, slowly build up to one each day, plus full-meal salads once or twice a week. You’ll soon have more energy and feel better than ever.”
Final tip: If you really don’t love salad, veggies in any form are fine — just make sure you get those 4 servings in any way you can!
Fermentation is a process that involves bacteria and yeast breaking down sugars.
Not only does fermentation help enhance food preservation, but eating fermented foods can also boost the number of beneficial bacteria, or probiotics, found in your gut.
Probiotics have been associated with a variety of health benefits, including improved digestion, better immunity, and even increased weight loss. This article looks at 8 fermented foods and drinks that have been shown to improve health and digestion.
1. Kefir
Kefir is a type of cultured dairy product.
It’s made by adding kefir grains, which are made up of a combination of yeast and bacteria, to milk. This results in a thick and tangy beverage with a taste that’s often compared to yogurt.
Studies have shown that kefir may come with many benefits, affecting everything from digestion to inflammation to bone health.
In one small 2003 study, kefir was shown to improve the digestion of lactose in 15 people with lactose intolerance. Those who are lactose intolerant are unable to digest the sugars in dairy products. This results in symptoms such as cramps, bloating, and diarrhea.
In addition to helping improve lactose digestion, kefir contains less lactose than milk. When kefir grains and milk are combined to make the kefir drink, the bacteria in the kefir grains help ferment and break down the lactose in the milk.
Another study found that consuming 6.7 ounces (200 milliliters) of kefir daily for 6 weeks decreased markers of inflammation, a known contributor to the development of chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer.
Kefir may also help enhance bone health.
One study looked at the effects of kefir on 40 people with osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weak, porous bones. After 6 months, the group consuming kefir was found to have improved bone mineral density compared with the control group. You can enjoy kefir on its own or use it to give your smoothies and blended drinks a boost.
2. Kombucha
Kombucha is a fermented tea that’s fizzy, tart, and flavorful. It’s made from either green or black tea and has their potent health-promoting properties.
Animal studies show that drinking Kombucha could help prevent liver toxicity and damage caused by exposure to harmful chemicals.
Test-tube studies have also found that Kombucha could help induce cancer cell death and block the spread of cancer cells. Some animal studies have even found that Kombucha helped reduce blood sugar, triglycerides, and LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Although most of the current research is limited to test-tube and animal studies, the benefits of Kombucha and its components are promising. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to determine how Kombucha may affect humans.
Thanks to its rising popularity, Kombucha can be found at most major grocery stores. It can also be made at home, though it should be prepared carefully to prevent contamination or over fermentation.
3. Kimchi
Kimchi is a popular Korean side dish that’s usually made from fermented cabbage. It can also be made from other fermented vegetables such as radishes.
It boasts an extensive array of health benefits and may be especially effective when it comes to lowering cholesterol and reducing insulin resistance.
Insulin is responsible for transporting glucose from your blood to your tissues. When you sustain high levels of insulin for long periods, your body stops responding to it normally, resulting in high blood sugar and insulin resistance.
In one study, 21 people with pre diabetes consumed either fresh or fermented Kimchi for 8 weeks. By the end of the study, those consuming fermented Kimchi had decreased insulin resistance, blood pressure, and body weight.
In another study, people were given a diet with either a high or low amount of Kimchi for 7 days. People in the first group received 210 grams (7.4 ounces) of Kimchi a day. People in the second group received only 15 grams (0.52 ounces).
Interestingly, a higher intake of Kimchi led to greater decreases in blood sugar, blood cholesterol, and LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Kimchi is easy to make and can be added to everything from noodle bowls to sandwiches.
4. Probiotic Yogurt
Yogurt is produced from milk that’s been fermented, most commonly with lactic acid bacteria.
It’s high in many important nutrients, including calcium, potassium, phosphorus, riboflavin, and vitamin B12. Yogurt has also been associated with a wide variety of health benefits.
One review of 14 studies showed that fermented milk products such as Probiotic yogurt could help reduce blood pressure, especially in those with high blood pressure.
Another study found that a higher intake of yogurt was linked to improvements in bone mineral density and physical function in older adults.
It may also help prevent weight gain. A 2015 review suggested that eating yogurt was associated with a lower body weight, less body fat, and a smaller waist circumference
Remember that not all yogurt varieties contain probiotics, as these beneficial bacteria are often killed during processing.
Look for yogurts that contain live cultures to make sure you’re getting your dose of probiotics. Additionally, make sure to opt for yogurts with minimal added sugar.
5. Miso
Miso is a common seasoning in Japanese cuisine. It’s made by fermenting soybeans with salt and koji, a type of fungus.
It’s most often found in Miso soup, a flavorful dish made up of miso paste and stock. Miso soup is traditionally served for breakfast.
Several studies have found health benefits tied to miso.
In a 2003 study involving 21,852 Japanese women, consuming miso soup was linked to a lower risk for breast cancer
A 2007 study of more than 40,000 people showed that a higher intake of miso soup was associated with a lower risk for stroke in Japanese women
Miso may also help lower blood pressure and protect heart health. In fact, a study in rats found that long-term consumption of miso soup helped normalize blood pressure.
A study in middle-aged and older Japanese adults found that frequent consumption of miso soup might lead to a lower heart rate. This study also concluded that miso soup didn’t elevate blood pressure, despite its saltiness
However, other Japanese studies have linked frequent consumption of miso soup, and its large amounts of salt, to a higher risk of stomach cancer.
In one study, an increased risk of stomach cancer was associated with eating at least 3 or 4 cups of miso soup per day. In another study, males who ate 1–5 cups per day saw their risk of stomach cancer increase
Many of these studies show an association between miso consumption and better health, but they don’t take other factors into consideration. More studies are needed to evaluate Miso’s health effects.
Besides stirring Miso into soup, you can try using it to glaze cooked vegetables, spice up salad dressings, and marinate meat
Water levels in the southern part of Utah’s Great Salt Lake have dropped to their lowest levels ever recorded, and experts say conditions at the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere will decline further as extreme drought chokes nearly the entire state.
The U.S. Geological Survey announced Saturday that average daily water levels dropped by about an inch below the previous record of 4,191.4 feet above sea level, which was recorded in 1963. The agency’s records of Great Salt Lake’s elevations date to 1847.
Great Salt Lake’s water levels have gradually been receding, but the recent declines have been aggravated by the megadrought gripping the Western U.S.
According to the latest report from the U.S. Drought Monitor, released Thursday, more than 99% of Utah is under “extreme” drought conditions. Almost 70% of the state is experiencing “exceptional” drought, the highest category.
“It’s already concerning that Great Salt Lake has been on a slow decline, but the drought has accelerated that decline,” said Candice Hasenyager, deputy director of the Utah Division of Water Resources. “It’s really alarming.”
There are still months to go in the lake’s typical dry season, which generally stretches from June through the fall. It’s likely that water levels will continue to drop, said Ryan Rowland, data chief at the U.S. Geological Survey’s Utah Water Science Center.
“We think we could drop another foot to a foot and a half,” Rowland said.
Human activity has been one of the biggest contributors to the lake’s receding water levels, with increased water consumption for farming, mineral extraction and support for the municipal and industrial sectors all playing roles, Hasenyager said.
Great Salt Lake’s water levels have varied throughout history, but climate change is changing how much overall water flows into it. Higher temperatures as a result of global warming are reducing the volume of snowpack and altering precipitation patterns.
Steven Gardiner won Olympic 400m gold to secure the Bahamas’ first medal of the Tokyo 2020 Games.
Gardiner, the current world champion over the distance, crossed the line in 43.85 seconds.
Colombia’s Anthony Zambrano took silver, while 2012 champion Kirani James of Grenada won bronze, completing his full set of Olympic 400m medals, having finished second in Rio.
World record holder Wayde van Niekerk’s reign as defending champion was over when the South African, who has struggled with injury over the past five years, finished fifth in the semi-finals on Monday.
In his absence, Gardiner produced a superbly balanced race, holding back as James and American Michael Norman went out hardest and then reaping the rewards as he stretched clear in the home straight.
“When the gun went off I stumbled a bit coming out but I recovered, I kept it moving, and with 200 metres to go I started to push a little bit. And 100 metres to go, I gave it all I’ve got,” Gardiner said.
“I came across the line and saw my name on the big screen and I was in first place. I’m just happy.”
A karate gold medal, an Olympic first, a national record and a wedding anniversary – all in a day’s work for Spaniard Sandra Sanchez Jaime.
She took karate’s first-ever gold when she won the women’s kata and at 39 became Spain’s oldest Olympic champion.
“It is crazy. I am so emotional, I am feeling so many things together. I am happy, but I want to cry,” she said.
With karate not featuring at Paris 2024, she could also be defending champion for years to come.
She scored 28.06 in the final bout, beating Japan’s Kiyou Shimizu’s score of 27.88 in an empty arena where the only sounds were the competitors’ mid-routine shouts.
Kata demonstrates offensive and defensive techniques against a virtual opponent. Choosing from 102 forms they are scored based on speed, balance, rhythm, sharpness and other factors.
“I think I need more time to believe that this is real. I want to see my kata and make sure it happened because right now I can’t believe it,” Sanchez Jaime added.
The Olympic champion and her coach Jesus del Moral will now remember this date for two reasons, as the historic moment coincides with their wedding anniversary.
“Today, I was five years married,” said Del Moral. “The Olympics should be [every] five years, not four years, I think it’s lucky!”
Team USA will play France in the final of the men’s basketball as they chase their fourth consecutive gold medal.
The Americans recovered from a shaky start to beat Australia 97-78 in their semi-final.
Australia had led by 15 points in the second quarter before the three-time defending champions launched a 34-point run to overturn the deficit.
France later beat Slovenia 90-89 to reach their first Olympic final since Sydney 2000.
The gold medal game will take place on Saturday (03:30 BST).
Team USA’s comeback was spearheaded by Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, the latter outscoring Australia single-handedly in the third quarter.
“I’ve got to give credit to Australia, they came out and hit us with a nice haymaker,” said Durant, who top-scored for Team USA with 23 points, with Booker adding 20.
“We were able to get some momentum going to the half. Guys came out with that intensity, we made shots as well.
“I feel like everything aligned for us in that second half, and that’s who we are.
“I think [teams] want to get us down early in hopes that we panic. We didn’t. We came out in the third quarter with amazing energy and fight.”
Dutch rider Shanne Braspennincx won Olympic gold in the keirin – six years after suffering a heart attack and not knowing if she would compete again.
Braspennincx, 30, crossed the line ahead of New Zealand’s Ellesse Andrews and Canada’s Lauriane Genest.
She recovered her composure after seeing team-mate Laurine van Riessen taken to hospital following a crash with Team GB hopeful Katy Marchant.
Braspennincx missed the Rio Games five years ago with her future in doubt.
When she fell ill in Colorado in 2015 she believed her career was over, after needing surgery to widen a blocked artery and having a stent fitted.
“I thought [I’d have to retire], a heart attack isn’t like something you have when you are an athlete,” Braspennincx said.
“It was a long six months to see if I was able to get the green light to be an athlete again and even when I did it was not smooth sailing to get back to my old level and to get the trust back in my body because that had left me.”
Of her victory, Braspennincx said she did not overthink the job in hand.
“It was pure instinct. That’s how I do it since I race keirin, I listen to my gut feeling,” she said.
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