Health Care in 2014; How Good Was It?

Hospital services, emergency and elective, should be done with all professionalism.
In about 3 hours, year 2014 will be behind us for good. But we must learn from our past to make the present and future better.

Do you anybody, or you yourself, happen to seek medical help in a hospital?
Did you think their services was unique in a good way, or you thought government should close down this hospital?
Share your experience, and help spread the good name of the hospital that you thought performed outstandingly this 2014.

Send your views about your experience, and what you think should be done better.
For me, I tried to give the best medical help and advice I could render in 2014.

Till next year then, Wish all DQB readers a prosperous 2015!!!

DQB's #WednesdayDelight; Claim it Now!!!

Welcome to this second edition of Doctors Quarter Blog's #WednesdayDelight.
Remember, once you claim the prize, confirm to us that you are the winner by sending details of your name, occupation, pictures (we would like the whole world to identify with a winner).

Here it is; MTN, 6637-2110-8376

Enjoy winning!!! Bumper package coming soon.
NB: If you know how to make the game bigger and better u can reach us on our link below.
SEND IN YOUR DETAILS WINNER!!!

Keep reading Doctors Quarter Blog, Nigeria's finest Health/Medical Blog.

2014: Was It Fair To You??!

In a few hours time, we would bid year 2014 goodbye forever!
It came with a lot of 'goods' and 'bads'. Ebola was a hot topic for us this year. Some clinched mouth-watering deals, others did so well in business. Place year 2014 on a scale from 0% to100%.

For me 2014 was 85%. It was this year I had first hand clinical experience in delivering babies.
It is a great thing for me. The other 15% is for some trouble I had earlier in the year!!!

How was this year 2014 for you? Give your score like I did. We would love to hear it.

New Year Eve? Not For Me.

Earlier today, I got a "Red Alert Message" as follows;
 "Warning! Warning!! Warning!!!. Do not go out from your house from 31/12/2014 @ 11.59am.... because you will not come back till NEXT YEAR!!"
I initially thought it was a threat message, for I do have my fair share of detractors, but it dawned on me; TOMORROW IS YEAR 2015!!!
 
Moving on. I walked into a bank today hoping to finish my transactions and head straight for some other personal business. The banking hall was deserted, which is normally so whenever the local university campus is on break.
 But the polite cashier tried to hasten me as I filled out the forms required to seal the transaction.
I wondered why such a haste. Then it chimed 12.00 noon. I noticed the security man shutting the large doors into the banking hall. I enquired from the young cashier;
 'Why is he shutting the doors?'. And she retorted.
 'It's because tomorrow is new year'. 'We need to go home earlier to be with family and friends'

There again, caught in the no-season mood!!! I believe after my professional examinations coming on next week, I may begin to pay attention to happenings around me. For now, this is the best. I need to pass this examination at one sitting.

If you were also caught unaware, just like me, share your experience with us!!!

Do enjoy your New Year Eve!!!

Reading On A Screen Before Bed Might Be Killing You

I have always thought that there is something detrimental to staying in front of a screen over a long time. Now, new researches suggests that the problem is more serious.

Reading from a screen just before bed, not only makes it harder to fall asleep, but also impacts on how sleepy or alert the next day. The research points to the effect of reading from a light-emitting screen or from a print paper. Read about it here.

So when next you go to be with your device, reconsider the health implications of your actions. It may be for the worse.

Vesico-Vaginal Fistula - Causes

Vesico-Vaginal Fistula (VVF) is an abnormal communication between the epithelial surfaces of the bladder and vagina. It is the commonest gynaecological fistula seen around.

VVF is common in developing countries like Nigeria. This is because Cephalopelvic Disproportion and Obstructed Labour are common occurrences.


Aetiopathogenesis:
A) Obstetric Trauma;
-Pressure Necrosis
-Forceps Lacerations
-Ruptured Uterus
-Difficult Caesaerean Sections

B) Gynaecological Trauma;
-Radiation therapy for gynaecological malignancies
-Chronic foreign body in the vagina or bladder

C) Others;
-Infections
-congenital abnormality of the vagina (rare)
-Coital Injury
-Penetrating Vaginal Injuries
-Packing the Vagina with Caustic Soda
-Fracture of the Pelvis

Women should not be made to suffer VVF, as it causes are almost preventable!!

Ebola in the UK.

BBC.com
A female health, who has just returned from Sierra Leone is being treated for Ebola in Glasgow's Gartnevel hospital. Uk Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, has confirmed that the health worker would soon be flown to The Royal Free Hospital in North London "as soon as we possibly can".

The Health Secretary added: "we are also reviewing our procedures and protocols for all the other NHS workers who are working at the moment in Sierra Leone".

Also at a news conference in Glasgow, First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, stressed that the risk to the general public is extremely low.

A telephone help-line has been set up for any passenger who was on the BA-1478 Heathrow to Glasgow flight: the number is 08000 85853.

Water: Are these facts true!!!

Check out these facts about water, and tell me if you believe any of them to be false?
Keep silent, then it is false!!!

What do you think!!!

Ebola Reaches Scotland!!!

Details and Medical Insight soon!!!

Fertility Prayer in Fertility Clinic

Today started off like any other day! I have been attending consultations in the fertility clinic all this while (as part of the requirement for my MBBS examination) but truthfully, today's encounter has left an indelible scar in my heart.

She worked into the consultation room with so much anxiety and abdominal pain. After establishing rapport with my chief, the consultant, she went on to give her history, including that of the index pregnancy.

I was chosen to do the physical general and obstetric examinations. My examination revealed a solid mass toward the supra-pubic region co-existing with a foetus in an oblique (abnormal lie).
What struck me was that the history revealed that the patient, had already been told that her baby was dead in a peripheral centre. This was the source of her anxiety.

The consultant needed to be sure, so he ordered that an ultrasound scan be other immediately. Before then, I had listened for a foetal heart sound, but the abdominal pain and the fact that the mass was an obstacle, made it totally impossible to elicit the heart sound. She was panicking and shedding tears, as she does not want to lose her baby she had waited 8-years to get. I whispered a little prayer for her!!!

I noticed a young man, I later discovered to be her younger brother, was prancing along the corridor. Though this may be a regular feature in most fertility clinics, I had never been on a team that is to manage infertility of such duration.
   Ultrasound findings revealed that the solid mass was actually a leiomyoma, in red degeneration-- because of the abdominal pain.

She had to be admitted and since was near term, she would be monitored pending when she gets to 37weeks of gestational age (she was 36weeks and 1day today). The consultant assured her that since she has presented to a tertiary centre, maximum obstetric care would be given to her.

I got to find out that she could deliver per vaginam, and after 6weeks post delivery (pueperium), and she is still symptomatic, then an elective abdominal myomectomy would be done for her!!!

900-degree Centigrade Burns Ebola To Death?!

I have actually been wondering how could we ensure that Ebola Virus never come back again!!
I saw this cool tweet on WHO handle!! I also thought 900 degree centigrade would have been the best. See tweet below

But some still believe that heat 900-degree centigrade is not enough ooo... Maybe 1000-degree centigrade will just be okay.... see their response below;

Hear What FRSC Has To Say About Your Watch!!!

I got this Federal Road Safety Commission tweet about wrist watches!!!

DQB also wish our esteemed readers a safe smooth ride into 2015.
Spread the message.

CMD Job; For Women or Not For Women.

A Chief Medical Director practically runs a hospital. He has to be on his toes during any accreditation exercise. So I was the least surprise when I beheld this Amazon CMD.
   Being new to the health facility, I was a 3-month clinical attachment programme, I have heard a lot about her prowess and exploits. Some interns say it was because of her that their October salary was delayed. Resident doctors want to put her to the stake for her obvious role in cutting down the number meant to write the necessary post-graduate exam, that would see them become consultants.
Consultants want to have their way, as most of them are males, and get away with it!!

So I feel a gush of emotions when she walked into the Emergency Paediatric Unit (EPU).
Standing in front of me was an elegantly dressed lady, befitting of her status as CMD. She has a personality that exudes authority. Personal aides were running all around her seeing to her every request as regards the accreditation visit by the Medical and Dental Council. She had everybody on their toes. After doling out the appropriate instructions to those concerned, she quietly got into her chaffeur-driven, government-plated SUV, and zoomed off.

And while there is a substantive Head of Department for Paediatrics, she took charge and left things as it should be. That was when I fell in love with her administrative acumen. I thought she was a fine CMD. As for the accreditation, the Paediatric department got a good grade.
Some of my colleagues believe otherwise. I still hold; that Amazon CMD is still the best for this Job. After all first impressions matter too.

DQB #WednesdayDelight; Be Ready!

In the first edition of DQB #wednesdaydelight last week, we saw a Madonna University Student go home with our #WednesdayDelight Prize.
Read more about winner here

This week we play be and on point. Be ready between 5pm - 6pm on wednesday. Remember it is for loyal Doctors Quarter Blog Readers, with the fastest fingers... keep playing!!!
More soon!!!

5 Ways Marijuana Won In 2014

5 Ways Marijuana Won In 2014 Read all about it here!
Funny article. However, active substance in canabis hold a lot of hope for cure of Alzheimer's disease.

Psychiatric Testing, A Must For Politicians - Obembe

The National President of Nigerian Medical Association has reiterated the call for psychiatric testing for every politician standing in for any elective post next year.

In an interview with Tobi Oderinde, Dr Obembe said every Nigerian should be registered to a general practitioner, who will ensure that the physical, social and mental health of Nigerians are sound.
Read full interview here.

I totally agree with Dr Obembe. In as much as you are willing and ready to serve in whatever position, then you must subject yourself to routine Mental fitness tests, considering our recent past.
Or how else do you want to explain the scaling of the National Assembly Gate by Law-Makers, if not that they may have some mental issues.

Good bless Nigeria!!!

Adult Burkitt's Lymphoma; Rare but Real!

In one of my previous post on Burkitt's lymphoma, I said, this condition is commoner in children.Read about childhood tumour here!
Here is a rare occurrence of Burkitt's lymphoma in an adult, as posted by The Lancet, enjoy;

A 64-year-old male farmer presented to our hospital in April, 2013, with a 3 month history of painless, progressive swelling of his chest wall and lower jaw, and 10 kg unintentional weight loss. On examination he had multiple lumps about 3 × 1·5 cm around the angle of the mandible, and multiple 10 × 8 cm lumps at the mid sternal region and of the left lower anterior chest wall (figure). These lumps were non-tender to palpation, hard, and tethered, with irregular contours, no tempertature changes or overlying skin changes. Blood tests were normal and HIV serology was negative. CT Chest showed a soft tissue mass 8 × 10·6 × 8 cm encasing and eroding the body of sternum with presternal and retrosternal soft tissue components (appendix), and whole-body PET CT fusion showed increased 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) uptake (appendix). Histological and immunohistochemical examination of a biopsy specimen from the chest wall swelling showed tightly-packed small round cells with high mitotic activity infiltrating fat and starry sky appearance (figure), positive for CD20, Bcl-2, Mum-1, and Bcl-6, and negative for CD10, CD3, Cyclin-D1, and TdT, with Ki-67 nearly 100%. Conventional cytogenetics showed complex structural and numerical abnormalities including characteristic t (8;14) (appendix). We diagnosed high risk group adult Burkitt lymphoma stage IV, and started treatment with modified Magrath regimen of four alternating cycles of R-CODOX-M and R-IMVAC chemotherapy. The patient achieved complete remission with disappearance of sternal swellings, normal peripheral blood counts, normal bone marrow aspirate, and no evidence of 18FDG uptake on repeat PET scan. He remained in remission at last 3 month follow-up in December, 2013.

Hope he gets well quick!!!

Immunization against Vaccine preventable Diseases...

Immunization is the process of stimulating immunity against a particular disease. It involves administration of vaccines.
There are vaccine preventable diseases like;

Poliomyelitis caused by the polio virus
Hepatitis B caused by hepatitis B virus
Tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Pertussis caused by Bordetella pertussis
Diphtheria caused by diphtheria species
Tetanus caused by Clostridium tetani
And a host of others according to the National schedule on immunization.

However, more vaccines are incorporated into a vaccina, hence, there are now polyvalent vaccines or trivalent vaccina. See the recommendations as stipulated by the American Association of Pediatricians, on influenza vaccine... American Association of Pediatricians guidelines on influenza vaccination.

Get yourself and your family vaccinated today!!!

REVEALED!!! Why Men Are Helplessly Attracted To Big Butts - Study

Woow!! I have always wondered why men are so into big buttocks. It has nothing to do with the facial beauty of the woman, believe me. A few colleagues I asked said it's mostly due for sexual pleasure.

Is it possible that men, are attracted to bigger buttocks for reason they don't actually know truly exist?
A study on this I saw on punch newspaper came out with conclusions that will shock you.
Read about it here.

Do this article truly portray your views for why men are helpless with big butt's. If No? Then what is your reason?!!

CHILDHOOD TUMOURS: FACTS AND FIGURE

If you look around, critically, especially on major streets of Lagos, you would come across little children with this kind of facial swelling like the one above!! Or you may know a neighbour's child with this kind of feature? Then it just maybe Burkitt lymphoma.

There are so fact and figures I think you should know, to help you relate with these children;

Children rare have tumours especially malignancies as compared to adults.
When ever you see or hear that a child have a tumour, especially in Nigeria, think Burkitt Lymphoma, for it is commonest childhood tumour in Nigeria.

It's incidence is high in the 'Malaria Belt', that is latitude 10' North to 15' South of the equator.
Classically, it affects children between the ages of 4 -9years; rarely before 1year or after 20years.

Burkitt Lymphoma present commonly with a rapidly growing jaw swelling, loss of dental architecture with visual disturbances.

Burkitt lymphoma is usually confirmed on histology. A "Starry Sky" appearance is seen which confirms the diagnosis.

It is truly an agonising period for both victim and care giver. They would truly need all the support they can get, especially your sincere concern and encouragement.

For more comments or advice on Burkitt Lymphoma in Nigeria, send in your comment to dremekaokolo.gmail.com OR reach us on this blog link post!!!

Preventive Medicine... Way Forward!

A professor of mine once said, "we are moving away from the era of curative medicine, into an era of preventive medicine". I believe him, for it makes sense.
The science of preventive medicine is so real and logical that when you understand it, then it cuts down the "overhead cost", attributable to curative medicine.

Preventive medicine, unlike curative medicine, is proactive in principle. It involves the staying away from the aetiologies or causes of disease condition.

In developed world, there are 3 levels of prevention. But in developing countries, there are actually 5 levels of prevention viz;

-General Health Protection
-Specific Protection
-Early Diagnosis and Prompt Treatment
-Limitation of Disability
-Rehabilitation

The proper implementation of these prevention options, would to reduction of preventable morbidity and mortality in regions, where standard hospital services are either not sufficient and affordable, or not existent. This is the way forward!!

Body Systems: How Many Are There!!

I was in the clinic recently and my unit consultant threw at us a very important question; HOW MANY SYSTEMS ARE THERE IN THE BODY FOR THE PURPOSE OF CLERKING A PATIENT?
I made this my assignment for this night.
Do you know how many systems are in the human body?

Bubbles in the Special Care Baby Unit

The in-patients at the other wards have all been discharged a few days before Christmas. Today is boxing day, and the Special Care Baby unit (SCBU), is still running at full speed.
I looked into one of the incubator at one of"Our Gift", that is how I like to call them, and saw the vulnerability of our gifts, if we were not here to look over them.

The Special Care Baby Unit is an important unit in a tertiary facility, where they are nurtured till they can stand the elements. Most of our gifts are between the ages of 34 - 38weeks old, in one form of distress or another. Save for our newest gift, who is 35weeks old, others are almost due for discharge into the waiting arms of family and friends.
I like to believe they hear me, as I whisper some sweet words into there tiny ear, of course, outside the incubator.

Now and then, the mothers of our gifts would troop in to breastfeed them, or spoon food them; never bottle feeding. Most can suckle independently now; that is a good sign.
The oldest of them now have this high sounding cry, unlike when he was admitted to be treated for meconium in amniotic fluid. He has since shown remarkable improvement.

I ll spend a few more hours with them, before I rush back to my abode to open some gifts I got. After all, it's boxing day!!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS.... COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON!

Drink it up!!!

Fluid is so important for the metabolic function of the body. Water, being the universal solvent, makes up over 60% of the human total body weight. This value is slightly different when comparing the male and female morphology. Males have more body water compared to a female of the same age and height.

Dont joke with your clean water...  you need it to function optimally.

Chicken on Christmas, Good for the Heart.

Today started as though nothing eventful would happen. But all that changed when I got a whatsapp group message, informing me that a chicken party was going down today. I thought to myself, this must me a get- together that would be put together by none other than my course mates.

I was right about the organisers, but was so wrong about the event itself. It surpassed all expectations. We are calling it the Chakala Chicken party.
Chakala, a local sauce mixed with roasted chicken, was served hot and steaming after the initial dessert.

Chicken, being a popular food on a day like today, Christmas, is eaten all around the world. It is quite affordable and generally loved by all who have tasted it.
But what is more striking is that, Chicken help preserve the heart. Yes!!! You heard me well.

Chicken contains fatty acid that is good for the heart. It has little low density lipoprotein or "bad cholesterol", that clogs the heart and blood vessel, predisposing to coronary heart diseases.
Chicken actually help you to maintain an optimum weight without accumulating excess weight.

It is also thought that chicken contain selenium, a trace element that have been shown to fight against cancers in the body due to it antioxidant activity.

So, I did not mind consuming a chunk of chicken parts offered me at our mini-party.
I did have a swell time, especially as I spent it amongst friends and colleagues.

How did you spend your christmas? Do share with us!!!
Merry Christmas!!!!

DQB WISHES YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS

All bloom and green seem more beautiful in this season of love, this season of sharing...
Share a smile, a helping hand, or anything at all, and see how you truly matter despite the grim and sadness around.
Joy, truly is to the world, for our Saviour reigns.
From #DoctorsQuarterBlog (DQB), we wish you are esteemed readers, a Merry Christmas and an Outstanding Prosperous New Year..
Merry Christmas.....

Ebola 2014: Remembering Health Workers Who Died.

The Lancet have compiled a list of those who were quite outstanding in the fight against Ebola during the early stages of the scourge. This compilation is not really exhaustive. Read about them here.

For me, the most striking was Dr Ameyo Adadevoh. She has been called by many, as the Saviour of a Nation. After reading all that she had done to ensure that the Ebola Virus Disease did not spread beyond the confines of First Consultants Hospital, I was truly inspired.

She truly was a heroine. Maybe, she could have acted differently, but I gathered she might not have been able to live with it!!!

Merry Christmas!!!

WHO: Facts and Figures on Suicide

The World Health Organisation has said on it twitter handle that;

1) Over 800000 people die by suicide every year.
2) Suicide is the leading cause of death among 15-29 year-olds.
3) There are more deaths from Suicide than from War and Homicide put together!

These facts are truly worrisome..

#WednesdayDelight; Winner Emerges!!!

An ardent and loyal DQB reader has emerged to be the pioneer winner of #WednesdayDelight!!!.
He is a 500L Medical Student of Madonna University Nigeria. He is Odedokun Samson.
He sent in his profile and some cool pix!!!

Here he is!! The pioneer winner of our maiden #WednesdayDelight
See more cool photos after winning... Till next week, keep reading Doctors Quarter Blog (DQB)

#WednesdayDelight: HERE IT IS

Happy Christmas Eve Dear DQB readers!!
It begins today, 24th Dec 2014---- #WednesdayDelight....
Make sure that once you win this prize, send in your details to us, because we have a bigger stake for the most dedicated DQB reader... and to confirm to other readers that we mean well.

MTN prepaid card--- 3223-2620-2038

Tell others as you keep winning big because you read Doctors Quarter Blog.
Confirm and spread the goodnews!!

Hilarious; Big Baby See Father Christmas!!!

Abeg ooo? I know we are in season of Christmas, but what do you think about this?!! A word or two for him please?!!

USMLE - Chromosome 15 Facts

See this lovely tweet from USMLE about conditions of chromosome 15 abnormality. Oya, medical students over to you!!!

Ebola To Last One Year - Ebola Discoverer, Peter Piot

Peter Piot still believes more work needs to be done. He however told BBC that he was encouraged by the work so far in Ebola torn regions, especially Sierra Leone.
He agrees the disease may be with us throughout 2015. Read more here
God help us all!!!

God Why Did You Create The Poor? - A True Life Story By Muyiwa Adetiba

I saw this touching life story by Muyiwa, on The Trent. I thought it made a good read, so I decided to share it. Enjoy!!! Read it all here
I love this part so much;

"In a normal setting, a ten-year old should have finished her home work by six, had one or two hours of play time with her peers and be looking forward to an evening meal. She should not at ten, be balancing books with dire consequences if they didn’t add up. She should not have to miss out on the joy of childhood so easily or lose the innocence of childhood so quickly. A child on the road at six in the evening is at a considerable risk. What the danfo drivers might not do the okada drivers will accomplish. Then there are the child molesters, child abductors and child rapists. In all probability, her walk home at dusk, would take her through short cuts that would further expose her to untold risks. Would she tell if she was raped or molested? In any case who would listen? Her death would be as insignificant and invisible as her life has been. And how far would she go to get an extra Naira into her pocket?"

He got the true picture of child abuse and neglect!

Job Vacancies for Nurses!!

(Medical world Nigeria)

Applications are requested from interested candidates for Nursing positions at Lagoon Hospitals, a JCI Accredited Facility. 

The Lagoon Hospitals Group was established in 1986 with Lagoon Hospital Apapa, now the flagship hospital, followed by Lagoon Hospital Ikeja and Lagoon Hospital Victoria Island. The Group has since added 2 new outpatient locations: 

Lagoon Clinics in Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja and Lagoon Specialist Suites in Victoria Island. 

Our hospitals are highly specialized in orthopedics & Trauma, General Surgery including minimal access surgery, Critical Care, Medical & Surgical Oncology, Urology, Cardiology, Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Paediatrics, acute care and emergency medicine. Mother and child-care is across 2 sites in Apapa & Ikeja including diagnostics and therapeutic minimal access and open procedures related to the practice of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. We provide comprehensive treatment of fibroids and infertility management. Our sites deliver more than 60 babies per month.

Matron 

Requirements

One (1) Matron in charge of the second floor at Apapa that includes Intensive Care Unit (ICU)/High Dependency Unit (HDU), inpatient wards and operating theatres

13 years and above related working experience in acute secondary or  tertiary care hospitals.

Assistant Matron 

Requirements

One (1) Assistant Matron in charge of our Diagnostics/Health Assessment Centre

9-10 years related working experience in acute secondary or tertiary care hospitals.

Nursing Sisters 

Requirements

Nursing Sisters: (five (5) numbers) Two (2) to form part of our Operating Theatres and ICU/HDU teams on the second floor Two (2) to form part of our Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit and labour ward teams on the first floor 

One (1) to join our Diagnostics/Health Assessment Centre team

4 - 5 years related working experience in acute secondary or tertiary care hospitals

Method of Application

Documented evidence or certificates of experience in the advertised areas will be an added advantage 

Full registration and affiliation with relevant bodies with current licenses. 

Ability to multi-task and work as part of a team is highly essential. 

All these positions attract good remuneration with opportunities for career development and self-fulfillment through training and continuing professional education.

Interested candidates should forward their applications, copies of credentials and curriculum vitae with contact telephone numbers within two weeks of this publication to: Recruitment@Lagoonhospitals.com 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Never Speed Drive - FRSC

In this 'ember' month when everybody seems like something is running after them, Federal Road Safety Commission cautions against speed driving... #speedkills# #slowdown#

I believe them.. You should play your part!!!

Christmas Gift: DQB offers loyal readers #WednesdayDelight

Hmm!! For those of you who still have not heard all about #wednesdaydelight, read here.
Hope you are ready to grab this xmas gift. Tell your friends, peeps, family and loved ones.
It starts on the eve of Christmas (tomorrow).

Do remember that as you win the prize send in your comment so that we will be sure all is alright.
Remember, you letting us know you are the winner will let this promo go on for a long time.

Thanks in anticipation for letting us serve you better.
Compliments of the season.

Abia State University Reduces School Fee of Medical Students

The NAN; The Abia State University on Tuesday confirmed the reduction by 20% of the school fees of her medical students.

Mr Udo Nwokocha, Dean of Students Affairs told the News Agency of Nigeria that the reduction actually cuts across all faculties.

This must be a good news for ABSU students who actually staged a peaceful protest in 2012.
Talking about Christmas Gift to the students.

Meet DQB Person of The Week: Dr Lewis-Hall

A Lady got it this time. Meet her-- Dr Freda Lewis-Hall, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, Pfizer Inc. Read More about Dr Freda.

Now you know!!!

Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine#: WHO Launch

The World Health Organization (WHO) yesterday said that pneumonia alone claims the lives of approximately 177,000 children under five years yearly in Nigeria, with over 800,000 children under five years of age dying from pneumococcal diseases globally.

It also disclosed that less than two years of age are the most affected, especially in developing countries.

WHO Country Representative, Dr. Rui Vaz, who made the disclosure yesterday in Lokoja during the launching of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PVC), pointed out that the death rate may be up to 20 percent for pneumonia and as high as 50 percent for meningitis.

'In Nigeria, pneumonia alone claims the lives of approximately 177,000 children under five years annually.

The PCV prevents diseases caused by pneumococcal bacteria while its introduction into the country EPI will improve the child health outcome of the country and accelerate the progress of the country towards achieving the MDG4 Goal of reduction of infants mortality rate by 2015.

The Representative, Dr. Tosho Musa, said WHO has just concluded assessment of the country's PCV readiness to be introduce in 11 states of the country, assuring that it will continue to provide the technical in all the phases of PCV introduction in the country at all level of government.

Representative of the manufacturer of the drug, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Dr. Bode Adesoji said the launch of the drug in Nigeria is a significant step towards achieving the MDG4 goal in the country.

Adesoji said the PVC would bring a remarkable improvement in the reduction of maternal mortality rate in the country.

#WednesdayDelight Debuts on DQB!!!

As part of our reward to DQB's loyal readers, #WednesdayDelight is here for you.
This reward starts officially on Wednesday 24/12/2014, the eve of Christmas. On every Wednesday, DQB will reward you with a prepaid recharge card, between the hours of 5pm to 6pm local time.
This promo applies to our Nigerian audience for now.
When you do win this weekly package, you would kindly send us ur email address for stock-taking.
So get prepared people!..

All this is to serve you better!!!
Thanks. Management.

Gen. Buhari Prays On Twitter!!

See Gen Buhari pray for his running mate!! Cool

I pray when he wins he changes the fortunes of our health professionals and institutions... Amen

Fund Spinal Cord Centre...

The best is still flowing in our health sector. See tweet from Federal Ministry of Health...

How do you see this piece of news!!

See True Pix of Us!

Everybody seemed hooked on to the rave at the moment!! Nobody is exempted... Do You Agree?!!!

Tuberculosis Spread in Health Camp.

Is that not an irony? But it's true, and it happened in Mumbia, India. Read story below;

MUMBAI: As many as 20 staff members of Brihan Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) have been found infected with tuberculosis at a health camp here.

During the health camps held on Saturday in suburban Mumbai to mark the death anniversary of Sant Gadgebaba Maharaj, the original proponent of cleanliness for good health, 20 conservancy staff members (safai kamgars) out of nearly 400 examined by doctors were found infected with tuberculosis, according to an NGO which organized the camp.

The health camps were organized at the solid waste management outpost at Kamani junction in Kurla and at the outpost located in Mhada colony, Chandivili, by a group of NGOs like Panchsheel Mahila Mandal, Athak Seva Sangh and Mahatma Gandhi community centre.

"Recently, the BMC corporators had discussed the health situation of its conservancy staff and the rising cases of deaths of its workers. In the backdrop of this concern, 20 conservancy staff infected with TB at various stages being found at the health camp is serious," said RTI activist Anil Galgali, who heads the Athak Seva Sangh.

Two serious cases have been recommended to Sion Hospital for further treatment, he said.

"These conservancy staff work hard for the cleanliness of Mumbai, hence their health should be of prime importance," Galgali said.

Unless and until the importance of cleanliness is explained to every individual, the goal of complete cleanliness cannot be achieved, said Sudheendra Kulkarni, of Mahatma Gandhi community centre.

Mumbai L-ward's assistant municipal commissioner Prashant Sapkale said he would ensure health check of all staff members in his civic ward.

Which them quick recovery!!!

Accelerate Attainment of MDG 1

As I sat in Church yesterday, hoping to get in touch with my God in different way this time, a man and his wife with 2 kids strolled in. At first, I was not drawn to look their way, afterall I am to concentrate on God, but when the young boy cried for his mother's attention, I had to spare a glance.

The man wore clothes native to the south south of Nigeria, but I can swear had seen better days.
His wife, as much as I feel, felt elegant, but there was something amiss in her appearance. Maybe it was the very cheap weavon she had on, or her skin that looked so dry, I could not just place it.

The two little children, non the wiser, did carry-on like all was well. They both had this look smacked of some degree of malnutrition (of course to a trained eye). Then I thought to myself of the level of squalor still pervasive in our land.

I tried to give reasons for this aberration; 'some I knew I the recent past are now doing so well for themselves' i pondered. Then, "why is this particular family left out in the cold?" My teachers in medical school would say the country's health indices had never been better. Things seem to be improving.

I ask again, "why is this family, like many more I have seen, left out in the cold?"
I believe there has to be some form of accelerated attainment of the Millenium Development Goal 1 (Eradication of Extreme Poverty and Hunger), since the dead-line is next year.
A policy that does not carry along most people is NOT a good policy!!!

Fmr.VP Atiku attacked on Twitter!!

1. I have always believed that VP Atiku can deliver the Nigeria of my dream, where health facilties and education will be effective and accountable. But see his tweet below and response from Nigerians;

WHO announces World Malaria Incidence Declining

“We have the right tools and our defences are working. But we still need to get those tools to a lot more people if we are to make these gains sustainable.”

Dr Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General

The Quote from the Leader of World Health Organisation, is quite cheery.
The number of people in sub saharan Africa infected by asymptomatic malaria is reducing year by year.
Read full article here

But like the article recognises, these are frail gains. Government at all levels must continue the push for a world free of malaria (that common cause of mortality in under five children and in pregnant women).

I do not agree less!!!

La Reve Concert: WHO ROCKED THIS OUTFIT BEST!!!

Now People who rocked this suit best, between Super-Soprano, Donald and Glamorous Tenor, Gabriel... Be sincere please, I would really want to know!!

Donald and Gabriel

La Reve Musical Chorale: See Official Photos From Yesterday's Event

I told you I will get exclusive shots from the glamorous La Reve Musical Chorale Concert that took place in Port Harcourt yesterday. See the official photos below

Ebola Death Toll over 7000

I thought we were winning the war on Ebola? But it seems the people dying are increasing steadily.
Times Magazine put the current latest figure of Ebola death at over 7000.
Abeg ooo.. This has to be fought to a stand-still.

True Life Event; Girl Loses Her Limbs After Contracting Bacteria.

A rare bacterial infection has cost a 9-year-old girl to lost parts of all four limbs and a hospital stay that’s lasted nearly two months.

Alyssa Sippley, of Canada, initially started showing symptoms of an illness in November, but her family thought it was the stomach flu, CBC News reported

Doctors later confirmed it to be type-A strep throat, which within days led to septic shock and caused blood to clot in her limbs.

Sippley was rushed to IWK Health Centre in Halifax where she received a blood transfusion. Doctors were forced to amputate both arms from the elbow, one leg completely and the other leg from below the knee.

“You can imagine, you know, she is our world, we were scared to death,” Yves Sippley, Alyssa’s father told CBC News.

The family will be spending Christmas in the hospital with her as she continues recovering.

“We honestly thought that we would’ve lost her because she had a five percent chance to live,” Caitlin Sippley, Alyssa’s older sister told CDC News.

“We’re still greatly concerned, I mean, she’s not completely out of the woods yet,” Yves added.

Caitlin said Alyssa, who also wears hearing aids, is aware that she lost her limbs but that she doesn’t think it will slow her down.

“She has quite the character and everybody always loved her uniqueness,” a post on the family’s GoFundMe page said.

The family said they are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support they have received from all over, even beyond Canada.

“It’s really helped us through all of this. We just hope to God that we get through all of this. I think she will because she has such a strong will to live,” Yves said.
From Fox News.

What You Need To Know About Antibiotics.

I have always known that self prescription is detrimental. Antibiotics is a common over the counter drug that have suffered due to self prescription and even over prescription.  All you need to know about Antibiotic Resistance and how detrimental it is to our health is on the link provided.

Do shun self prescription and visit your Doctor for a Professional look into your complaints. You will not regret it. Or do you think it's a waste of time?

Who Really need this Vaccine?

The National Meningococcal Association posted this tweet;
WHO IS AT RISK?!!

Anyone at any age can get meningococcal disease, but some people have a higher risk for the disease. These include:

• Adolescents and young adults*
• Infants less than one year old
• People living in crowded settings like college dorms or military barracks
• Those with persistent complement component deficiency or anatomic or functional asplenia
• People traveling to certain areas outside the U.S. such as the meningitis belt in Africa
• Laboratory personnel who are routinely exposed to meningococcal bacteria
• Those who might have been exposed to meningococcal disease during an outbreak

*Certain lifestyle factors among adolescents might contribute to their increased risk, such as:

• Crowded living conditions (such as dormitories, boarding schools and sleep-away camps)
• Attendance at a new school with students from geographically diverse areas
• Irregular sleeping patterns
• Active or passive smoking
• Social situations where there is crowding
• Moving to a new residence

Now you know!! Ask you local General Practioner for more details.

La Reve Chorale Underway!!!

Yeaa!!! The La Reve Concert is on right now!! It's truly a night For The Sound of Music!! Fun is truly in the air as our body, soul and spirit are lifted up to heavens by the wonderful voices and orchestrations from the La Reve Chorale...
 Details and official photos soon!!!

NAFDAC Gets International Boost!

THE regional drug laboratory of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Yaba, Lagos, has recorded a major feat with its international accreditation by the National Board of American Society for Quality. 

 

 According to   a statement released by the agency Director of Special Duties, Dr. Abubakar Jimoh, the news of the international accreditation of the laboratory came after a thorough audit and assessment of the quality Management System (QMS) of the entire laboratory carried out by officials of the American Society for Quality, technically known as ASQ-ANSI. 

 

Culled from medical world Nigeria.

Next Step For National Health Bill..

When the news of Presidential accent to the National Health Bill came through, it shock the Health sector down to its marrows. I was so thrilled at the prospects of transformation this bill hold for the Nigerian.
 What is the next move? How do all this metamorphosize into what we can all see, feel and touch.
Then came from the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Mr Awute,at a press briefing in Abuja. Hear him;

  “The next thing that we are going to do is to set up a committee that will look at the various verses of the Act, to give them interpretations that will be in consonance with reality,” Mr. Awute said.
He said parameters for setting up the committee have been thoroughly discussed as the ministry is on the verge of its inauguration.
He also expressed gratitude to the ​l​egislature, ​civil society, industry players and market women association, development partners for their support towards the enactment of the Act.

Smell, Part of Survival Imstincts.

In order to survive, organisms must be able to sense information in their environment and to adapt their behavior accordingly. Animals use their senses, such as vision and olfaction, to perceive visual cues or odors in their surroundings and to process and evaluate the information that is sent via these senses to their brains. They must be able to tell good from bad odors. Good odors are important signals when animals search for food or a mating partner. Female insects also use olfactory signals to select a good oviposition place. Bad smells, on the other hand, can signal danger, for example, rotten and toxic food.

 

Modern functional imaging methods show that these sensory perceptions cause certain response patterns in the brain: Depending on the processed information, specific brain areas are activated. If an odor is rated as pleasant or disgusting, this classification method is called “hedonic valence.” Studies of fruit flies revealed that odor features which could be characterized according to the scales of hedonic valence and odor intensity excited activity in a higher region of the brain, namely, the lateral horn. Depending on whether an odor was categorized as good or bad, strong or weak, brain activity could be made visible in spatially segregated regions of the lateral horn.

 

“We were very surprised to find that the lateral horn, which is a brain region as big as the antennal lobe (i.e. the olfactory bulb of insects), can be segregated into only three activity domains, while the antennal lobe consists of about 50 functional units,” Silke Sachse, head of the BMBF Research Group, summarized. “Our results show that the higher brain is representing categories of odors, i.e. good versus bad odors, rather than the identity of an odor, which is represented at a lower processing stage such as the antenna and the antennal lobe.” Culled from an article on 9ja health.

I have always known there was more to just what the nose have to offer. This proves it!!

Saving A Life..

Very IMP...Read this plzz

1. Let’s say it’s 7.25pm and you’re going home (alone of course) after an unusually hard day on the job.

2. You’re really tired, upset and frustrated.

3. Suddenly you start experiencing severe pain in your chest that starts to drag out into your arm and up in to your jaw. You are only about five miles from the hospital nearest your home.

4. Unfortunately you don’t know if you’ll be able to make it that far.

5. You have been trained in CPR, but the guy that taught the course did not tell you how to perform it on yourself.

6. HOW TO SURVIVE A HEART ATTACK WHEN ALONE
Since many people are alone when they suffer a heart attack, without help, the person whose heart is beating improperly and who begins to feel faint, has only about 10 seconds left before losing consciousness.

7. However, these victims can help themselves by coughing repeatedly and very vigorously. A deep breath should be taken before each cough, and the cough must be deep and prolonged, as when producing sputum from deep inside the chest.

A breath and a cough must be repeated about every two seconds without let-up until help arrives, or until the heart is felt to be beating normally again.

8. Deep breaths get oxygen into the lungs and coughing movements squeeze the heart and keep the blood circulating. The squeezing pressure on the heart also helps it regain normal rhythm.  In this way, heart attack victims can get to a hospital.

9. Tell as many other people as possible about this.  It could save their lives!!

10. A cardiologist says If everyone who gets this mail
Kindly sends it to 10 people, you can bet that we’ll save at least one life.

11. Rather than sending jokes please..contribute by forwarding this mail which can save a person’s life….

12. If this message comes around you ……more than once…..please don’t get irritated……U need to be happy that you are being reminded of how to tackle…Heart Attacks… AGAIN…

From
DR. Joseph Ngigi Mwaura

senior cardiologist

White and Healthy Teeth

A healthy dental structure is attractive and it could send you places. Most families make great strides to ensure every member maintains a good oral hygiene. Children are thought early in life about different techniques to scrubbing the enabling and the glossal surface of the teeth. But studies have shown that one in four children would still develop tooth decay before they reach school age.

So parents or care-givers must supervise children as they start practising the act of tooth brushing.
Also, a good dose of Fluoride has been key to strengthening enamels and keeping germs away from the gums!!!

The following have been proven to facilitate a good hygiene;
Ensure you brush your teeth two times a day. Learn also to floss daily.
Toothbrushes should be changed 3 to 4 times a year!
Teenagers with braces may need special toothbrushes and other oral hygiene tools.

Always consult your Dentist or Orthodontist!!! Have a Tooth Decay Free 2015.
Compliments of the season.

Faculty of O n G has rescheduled its upcoming revision course

The WACS in conjunction with the NPMCN, has rescheduled it's revision course for Doctors preparing for Primaries into O n G next year!!! I saw this on their twitter page!!

See rescheduled programme below;

See Rare Pictures Of Madonna University Nigeria!!

A DQB reader sent in these rare photos of Madonna University Nigeria. I thought they were beautiful and truly, a serene environment for studying!!! See photos below

Public Holiday Declared For Christmas and Boxing Day!

The FG has declared December 25, 26 for Christmas and Boxing day. Similarly, Jan 1 has been declared public holiday to mark New Year!!

The Minister of Interior, Mr Abba Moro, made the declaration on Thursday as he wished all Nigerians merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year!!

COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON!!

DQB PRESS RELEASE: Wednesday Delight

Dear DQB readers, especially my Nigerian Readers, this is still to remind you of the promo to be offered on your favorite medical blog.
Wednesday delight is to reward our loyal readers. Every other Wednesday would see a winner go home with a 200 MTN prepaid airtime. You ll have to check in on this your favourite blog between the hours of 5pm to 6pm. Promo starts from 24th Dec, 2014.

Shine your eyes ooo. More offers soon! So log on and stay on!

La Reves Chorale Debuts..

Yes ooo!! It's happening life. La Reve Orchestral Chorale brings the Sound of Music to us!! The programme is going to be on the 20th Dec, 2014 in Port Harcourt. World class Tenor, Gabriel, Classical Sopranist Donald, Vivian and other amazing singers would be there.

This is music!! This is my Love. Do, be there and you would not regret it.
ANNOUNCEMENT: By Organizers

JOHESU PRESS STATEMENT; Strike To Continue!!

Lol... Hope the discussion between between JOHESU and Govt comes out fine!!! We are in for a lot of mess!!

What Level Is This Structure In The Human Body

What is the anatomical location of this structure!! Build your Knowledge!!! Enjoy

Father Who Lets His Children Have Sex With The Family Dog While He Records It

A ‘devoted family man’ who threw events for local police was allegedly part of ‘one of the most horrific sex rings in memory’ and made his children have sex with a dog.

Metro Uk reportsChristopher Sena, whose Facebook page presents an image of a loving husband and responsible father, was arrested on 23 counts that allege incest, bestiality and felony child abuse, sources said.

And the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, who accuse Sena of operating in ‘one of the most horrific sex rings in memory’, say they recovered a videotape of two of his children having sex with the family dog.

Sena was first arrested on a sexual assault charge in September. The videotape in question was discovered when his wife Deborah and ex-wife Terri were arrested on 11 December.

And the news comes as a shock to the community, in which Sena cultivated a friendly relationship with police and was well-liked by neighbours.

Many of the charges carry sentences that range up to life in prisonment.
THIS IS CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT AT IT'S PEAK!!