Netherlands Queen pays a courtsey visit to Ambode. Read why

The Queen having a chat with the Lagos Governor

The Queen of The Netherlands, Maxima Cerruti, recently paid a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, as part of efforts to advance the United Nation’s financial inclusion advocacy as a vehicle to alleviate poverty and fostering equitable economic growth in Nigeria.

The Queen said she was impressed by the initiatives of the state government to improve service delivery especially towards expanding access to affordable healthcare.
While noting that it was important for governments to prioritize access to affordable healthcare, she particularly lauded the health insurance scheme of the state government, which legal framework had already been put in place, saying that Governor Ambode deserved commendation for coming up with such laudable effort.

“I was very impressed by the leadership that the state of Lagos has taken as to coming up with a law which makes health insurance mandatory and also to able to plan for the future and you are already doing some credit to some health facilities which off course will improve efficiency of a lot of these institutions. I commend you for your efforts and I will like to know from you Mr. Governor, what is your commitment on the future in this field,” she said.
Responding, Mr. Ambode said the health insurance scheme of the state government aimed at expanding access and scaling up healthcare delivery in the state will commence in early 2018.

Stating that the legal framework to guide the implementation of the policy had already been put in place, while every necessary efforts to ensure the success of the scheme were being put in place.

The Govenor, while speaking on the Queen's health care scheme said it is targeted at the most needy and the poor that cannot afford ordinary healthcare.

"we have a law that allows us to do the Health Insurance Scheme which is targeted at the most-needy and the poor that cannot afford ordinary healthcare. We believe that if we pull the resources of every other person in the state together, those that cannot afford will be able to have a chance to access healthcare which is the main objective why the Queen has been going round to promote good healthcare for people generally.

“We want to say that we are deeply committed to that vision and we are committed to that ideals and also say that we will do everything possible to make sure that the Health Insurance Scheme starts up early next year and we can now allow people to have some sense of inclusion which is one of the basic principles of good governance.

Source: Uc news

Monkeypox: Deadly disease breaks out in Bayelsa

Photo source: google

The residents of Bayelsa state are currently living under fear as a deadly virus known as "monkeypox" broke out in the state.

Reports has it that about 11 persons including a medical doctor, have been infected with the virus. The infected persons were quarantined in an isolation center at the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri, Yenagoa.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and the epidemiological team are reportedly tracking 49 other persons who were said to have come in contact with the victims.

The state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Ebitimitula Etebu described monkeypox as a viral disease caused by a group of viruses that include chicken pox and small pox.

He said the virus was first noticed in the Democratic Republic of Congo and later started breaking out in the West African region.

He added that the virus had the Central African and the West African types -"the West African type is milder and has no records of mortality".

"As the name implies, the virus was first seen in monkey, but can also be found in all bush animals such as rats, squirrels and antelopes.

He continued, "The source is usually all animals. It was first seen in monkeys and that is why it is called monkeypox. But every bush animals such as rats, squirrels, antelopes are involved. So, the secretions from particularly dead animals are highly contagious."

He also listed the symptoms of monkeypox as severe headache, fever, back pains amongst other symptoms, noting that most worrisome of all the signs were rashes bigger than those caused by chicken pox.

Etebu said the rashes usually spread to the whole body of an infected person.

On the Bayelsa outbreak, he said, "We noticed the first index case from Agbura where somebody was purported to have killed and eaten a monkey and after that the people who are his neighbours and family members started developing the rashes.

"We have seen cases from as far as Biseni. We invited the NCDC together with our own epidemiological team from the Bayelsa Ministry of Health. We have been able to trace most of the people who have come in contact with the patients.

He also said that the infected people are been quarantined at the isolation centre at the NDUTH and most of them are on admission. He also made it known that all the medical expenses of all the isolated cases is been taken care of.

Etebu however, urged the general public to observe hand hygiene to avoid contacting the disease and also to sensitize the public through various media.

"We have mobilised virtually every arsenal at our disposal in terms of sensitising the general public and making them aware by radio programmes, jingles and fliers. Also, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has mobilised fully to Bayelsa State. We are on top of the situation.

"The only thing I will tell the general public is to observe hand hygiene and ensure they don’t come in contact with dead animals and their secretions. The disease is airborne too. So, it is very infectious.

"People should wash their hands whenever they go in or come out of their houses. If they touch with animals, they should ensure that they wash their hands. They should be very vigilant. People should report any similar cases to the relevant authorities.

"A lot of people have come down with the symptoms but they are hiding in their houses. If they hide, there is the propensity for the infection to spread."

Etebu urged residents to be calm as personal protective equipment have been distributed to workers.

Source: tori

Yellow fever outbreak: FG confirms two cases in kwara state

Two cases of yellow fever have been confirmed in Oke-Owa community, Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.

The disease according to the minister of health, Prof Isaac Adewole, was discovered in a young girl in Oke-Owa community.

It was also reported that that the two cases were confirmed from 38 blood samples taken from the village and analysed at a laboratory in Lagos.

The 38 blood samples were thereafter, sent to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control which also authenticated the two earlier confirmed cases of yellow fever.

Yellow fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic disease transmitted by infected Aedes mosquitoes and the symptoms include fever, headache, jaundice, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting and fatigue. In severe cases, bleeding may occur from the mouth, nose, eyes or stomach.

10 things you need to know about water melon that will make you to keep snacking it!!

Water melon (Citrullus lanatusvar) is a large edible fruit that originated in southern African and grown in the tropical area worldwide. Water melon is about 92% water but this refreshing fruit is soaked with nutrients and a lot of health benefits that you can never imagine.

The health benefits of water is a clear saying of the words of Angela Lemond, "foods that are high in antioxidants and amino acids allow your body to function optimally".

These benefits are:

HYDROGEN: It was earlier stated in this article that water melon contains about 92% water which makes it a good fruit for overall hydration. Additionally, the juice is full of good electrolytes. this can help prevent heat stroke.

HEART HEALTH: This is another reason why you should make water melon daily meal. According to health dieticians and nutritionists, water melon contains lycopene (a powerful agent that protects the cells from damage) which helps to lower the risk of heart disease. it also helps to reduce hypertension and lower blood pressure in obese adult.

the human heart

THE ARGININE EFFECT: Do you know that water melon contains a nutrient called arginine? this nutrient helps improve blood flow and help reduce the accumulation of excess fat in the body. so? what are you waiting for?

DIGESTION? water melon can not be a complete phyto nutrient without digestion. it contains fibre, which encourages a healthy digestive tract and helps keep you regular.

the human digestive system

REJUVENATES THE SKIN: Lorine media gathered that people who have smooth skins, beautiful and healthy looking is as a result of those fruits that helps to rejuvenates and replenish the skin. In other words, always go for foods and fruits that will not only bring out that colour you so desire to have but will also keep you regular.

PERFECT DETOXIFIER: Yes i call it a "perfect detoxifier". water melon not only smoothens the skin but also detoxifies the body (removes harmful or unwanted substance from the body). However, to achieve this always take it in the morning before breakfast and night after supper.

CANCER PREVENTION: Like other fruits and vegetables, water melon may be helpful in reduction of cancer through their antioxidant p 

Top 10 wonderful health benefits of tiger nut

   

Tiger nut

 Ever heard of tiger nut? According to research, tiger nuts are small root vegetables which comprised 80% of our diet around 2 million years ago. This super food originates from Africa. 

Tiger nut is called “Aki Hausa” by the Igbo and “Ofio” by the Yoruba while the Spaniards call it “Horchata”. 

The high fibre content of tiger nut makes it a wonderful colon evacuator and cleanser. A single ounce of tiger nuts has 40% of our daily recommended fibre.

Here are the top 10 beautiful and wonderful health benefits of tiger nut that will make you go wanting for it.

1. Rich in fibre: Studies have shown that tiger nuts are high in fibre. We all need fibre to keep our digestive system in good shape; tiger nut is that very good food that will make your digestive system healthy.

2. Rich in vitamins: It contains vitamin b1 which helps to balance the central nervous system and vitamin e which is good for fertility of both men and women.

3. It is rich in protein and carbohydrates.

4.  Constipation: Tiger nut helps prevent constipation.

5. Controls blood pressure: Another wonderful medicinal benefit is that the nuts are high in arginine amino acid which is beneficial to those fighting with high blood pressure and has been proven to reduce blood pressure.

6. They are a good source of magnesium: Tiger nut contains calcium, magnesium, iron that helps boost the immune system and strengthens the bone and the body tissues.

7. Prevents endometriosis or fibrosis: Tiger nut helps in the production of urine and prevents endometriosis or fibrosis as well as blockage of the tip of the fallopian tube.

8. It is a good remedy for breast lumps and cancer: Another wonderful truth about tiger nut is that the black specie is a good remedy for breast lumps and cancer.

9. Contains healthy oil: Another health benefit is that they contain the healthy oils that are similar to olive oil. The oil extracted from tiger nut consist of 80% unsaturated fats and 18% of the cholesterol causing saturated fat.

10. Helps fight malnutrition: Finally, many believe that tiger nut serves as an alternative to staple foods because it is very cheap and helps fight malnutrition.

In case you have not heard, tiger nut juice is made from the tiger nut. See photo below.

Tiger nut juice

        

  

10 amazing health benefits of onions you need to know

Onion is a monocotyledonous plant allied to garlic used as vegetable and spice. 

Onions are an aromatic that is used as the base for many recipes and help food reach their true flavor potentials. 

Just like many people can never do without adding onion in every food they eat, some people don’t even like seeing the spice in their meals talk more of eating it.

Hello dearies, here are the top 10 amazing reasons why you should never run away from eating onions.

1. Healthy skin: Onions is important because it helps in maintaining a healthy skin.

2. Improved immunity: Onions contain both vitamin c and phytochemicals that increase the effectiveness of vitamin c in your body. That is it makes your immune system strong and healthy.

3. Prevents diabetes: Studies have shown that combination of biotin and chromium helps regulate blood sugar and reduce insulin resistance. Biotin has many positive impacts on your health, one of which is combating symptoms associated with type 2 diabetes.

                                                                                                                                       

4. Prevents cancer: Onion is a spice that is very rich in quercetin (a flavournol found in fruits, vegetables, leaves and grains) thus are a powerful weapon in fighting cancer.

5. Lowers cholesterol: Raw onion promotes HDL (high-density lipoprotein) which is the good cholesterol you need to stay healthy.

6. Brightens the eyes: This may sound weird to some people who have not tried it but it really works. Why do many people like eating raw onion? It is because they know its’ health benefits. Onions contain vitamin A which helps to brighten the eyes.

7.  Anti-inflammatory: Onions have anti-inflammatory properties which helps to fight joint pain and artrithis. It is therefore good that we should always seek out for food with anti-inflammatory properties.

8. Bone density: Studies have also proven that menopausal women who always include onions int their diet or food had a 20% lower risk of health disease.

9. Onions helps to relieve stress: Surprisingly, quercetin (the flavournol found in plant pigment) helps protect your body against stress. During times of prolonged stress, quercetin restrains the enzymes that produces cortisol. Cortisol is produced when you are stressed out and too much of it can cause damage to muscle tissue and protein breakdown in the body.

10. Digestion:  Onions are high in fibre, which is good for maintaining a healthy and regular digestive system.

Now you see the reason why we should always incorporate onion into our diets or food and also munch raw onions. I hope this article really educated you.    

The african oil bean seed

Top 10 health benefits of oil bean you need to know

African oil bean seed popularly called ukpaka/ugba by the Igbo, apara by the Yoruba and ukana by the Efik is a nutrient-packed natural food that has been under-exploited and as a result it call for immediate attention to be massively tapped into.

African oil bean seed is a food that is mostly enjoyed by the south-eastern part of Nigeria. The southeasterners use African oil bean seed or ugba as it is popular called to prepare African salad (abacha), millet (fio fio), achicha, akidi, yam and green vegetables and so on.

For those who do not know, studies have revealed that the African oil bean is parked with a lot of health benefits. These health benefits are:

1. Studies have shown that consumption of African oil bean seed reduces cancer risks.

2. Eating a good amount of African oil bean seed is likely to reduce developing cataracts in the eye.

3. Also, the bark and seeds of African oil bean can be used to produce local ointment for treating itches, cuts, wounds and insect bites.

4. Do you also know that the African oil bean seed is a source of protein?

5. African oil bean seeds contain saponins and alkaloids that possess anti-bacterial properties thus can be used for fighting bacillus cereus, staphylococcus aureus, klebsiella pneumonia and bacillus subtilis.

6. The oil bean seed can also be used to prevent and cure heart failure.

7. It is also a medicinal food used for treating infertility.

8. The bark and leaves of the African oil bean tree have been proven effective for tackling gonorrhea.

9. It is also used for the treatment of stomach ache and inflammation. The pods are burnt by the Yoruba, added to oil or Shea butter and applied to boils and inflammations.

10. Finally, the most amazing thing about the African oil bean seed is that it is n excellent source of oil thus can be used commercially for producing soap, candles and cooking oil.   

The nine wonders of ginger on health

It is often said that “we are what we eat or consume”. Eating good food leads to healthy and wealthy living. In order to achieve this, it is essential to consume foods that builds the body, helps prevents diseases, and sicknesses and makes us physically fit. This food is known as ginger.

         

Ginger as it is commonly called is also known as zingiber officinale roscoe. It is a flowering plant in the family zingiberaceae whose rhizome, ginger root or simply gingers, is widely used as a spice or a medicine. 

However, ginger has been applauded by its consumers as a product that performs wonder works on health. One of the big time consumer of the product, Amuche Egbujie, a first year student in Adult Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN stated that one of the amazing thing she discovered about ginger is that it stops menstrual pain and washes the stomach when chewed raw. Also, another consumer, Uzoamka said that it helps to burn fat, stops cough and also good for the heart.

Another consumer in Home Science Nutrition and Dietetics department bared it all on the uses of ginger in preparation of many foods like stew, indomie,  vegetable dishes, meat, lentil curries, cakes, biscuits, candies and even beverages like wine, tea and to mention but a few. She further stated that it can also be used as food preservative.

Apart from these, ginger has a lot of health benefit which includes:

1.     Cancer treatment: ginger powder helps in treating cancer. It induces cell death in cancer cells.

2.     Reduction of pain: ginger is a natural powerful pain killer. it stops aching of the body and menstrual pain.

3.     Stimulation of essential nutrient in the body: ginger is natural stimulant. It stimulates the gastric and pancreatic enzyme secretion.

4.     Strengthens immunity: ginger helps to improve the immune system. it helps stop cough and throat irritation. It is also good for the heart.

5.     Maintaining of normal blood circulation: ginger contains magnesium and zinc which helps to increase blood flow.

6.     Ginger also helps to get rid of throat and nose congestion

7.     Prevention of diseases and sicknesses: studies have suggested that increasing consumption of plant foods like ginger decreases the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and overall mortality while promoting a healthy complexion and hair, increase energy and overall lower weight.

8.     Cures morning sickness: pregnant women experiencing morning sickness can safely use ginger to relieve nausea and vomiting, often in the form of ginger lozenges and candies.

9.     Decreases inflammation: Gingers has been used for centuries to decrease inflammation and treat inflammatory conditions.