We Need Stricter Tobacco Law In Nigeria – Erameh

By Winifred Ogbebo — Sep 22, 2014 Comment

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy, a civil society organization, is a research and advocacy-based group in Abuja. It has been working with another organization called the National Tobacco Control Coalition for the passage of the National Tobacco Control Bill which is before the National Assembly. The programmed officer of the advocacy group, Austin Erameh, in this interview with WINIFRED OGBEBO, talks on the need for a stricter tobacco law in the country. 

Why the interest in Tobacco Control Bill?

Our interest in this bill is that it should not just get passed as soon as possible but also the executive bill which we believe is a more comprehensive bill should actually get to be harmonized with that of the private-member sponsored bill. The provisions in this bill actually contain far reaching exceptions which we believe will go a long way in being a veritable control tool for distribution as well as manufacturing of tobacco in the country.

We believe too that the media has a crucial role to play considering the fact that the media is a good source of information dissemination as well as formation of public opinion across the society. On the other hand, we are not so insensitive. We also know that smokers also have the right to smoke but we on the other side believe that inasmuch as they have their own right, non smokers’ right should also be protected. So we actually feel for the tobacco industry but we as advocates believe strongly that the control of this tobacco should come into immediate force.

What is the effect of tobacco consumption on people?

The health risk is enormous. The industry gives economic reasons of providing jobs; since we came on board, we have undertaken research and various and numerous reasons are put forward but we as advocates believe that when you sum up the effects of unregulated tobacco consumption, it far outweighs the economic contribution these industries claim to actually provide.

Tobacco is the only commodity or the only proof that you as a consumer, consume and it affects me, a non-consumer of the product. Take for instance, alcohol, it has no second hand effect but in terms of smoking tobacco, just the puff can affect a non-smoker. So it’s actually a public health issue.

Very recently, there was a workshop which actually brought to bear and exposed the mode of manufacturing that actually goes into the industry. It is highly mechanized. So when the industry comes with arguments that they provide jobs, in real sense, the number of jobs that it provides is highly exaggerated. In terms of the farmer, we believe and that is why we advocate for an alternative cropping system that could actually replace tobacco crops and in its stead actually become more environmental friendly. So we are taking these entirely not singularly but on a more comprehensive basis. So we believe that cumulatively, it’s not something we have not considered but we believe that in terms of the economic reasons the tobacco industry provides, it’s really nothing to go by.

What is the global figure on the dangers of smoking?

Globally, six million cancer patients are recorded annually from tobacco uses. Nationally, the recent release of Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) stated that about 50 per cent of youths become victims of tobacco use through second hand smoking and all that.

We are calling on government to support the tobacco farmers to diversify their products and other means of living.

What are your expectations concerning the bill?

We have a well-researched memorandum that has been put forward as an independent advocacy organization as well as members of the coalition. Contained in this memorandum are facts and figures on the amount of taxation the federal government actually gets from tobacco industry.

Like I mentioned earlier, in terms of generating income for the federal government, the tobacco industry, like other industries, is highly subsidized. They give them high level of incentives as companies. In terms of tax generation, they are not really taxed heavily.

Ebola: WHO Asks Nigeria To Provide Expertise, Build Capacity In West Africa

By George Agba, Winifred Ogbebo — Sep 26, 2014 Comment

The World Health Organization has urged Nigeria to provide expertise and build the capacity of other countries in the sub-region on how to contain the Ebola virus disease in their countries.

Executive secretary of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Mohammed Ado gave the hint this to after the meeting between President Goodluck Jonathan and the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Margaret Chan, on the successful containment of the Ebola Virus Disease in the country and the effective transmission polio melitis.

Ado also hinted that WHO is set to announce Nigeria as the next country to exit from polio endemic country having successfully reduced the burden by 95 per cent between 2013 and 2014.

His words: “Mr President had interaction with WHO DG, we discussed the issue of polio melitis ‎ and she commended Mr. President for the leadership and effective management that had led to effective transmission polio melitis in Nigeria ‎and also containing the ebola virus outbreak. And Nigeria was well commended because Mr. President demonstrated highest level of leadership and other countries were called upon to emulate the good work of Mr President.

“You will recall that for polio melitis between 2013 and 2014 Nigeria was able to reduce by 95 per cent the burden in the country. Nigeria is being tipped as the next country to exist from polio endemic country and was again commended by all countries and the leadership of Mr. President was appreciated by WHO and other countries were called upon to emulate Nigeria’s example”.

On how Nigeria can benefit from the new committee on Ebola, Ado said, “Nigeria’s roll in containing the ebola outbreak in the country was well commended and other countries were called upon to emulate us. In fact one key thing that came out from the meeting between Mr. President and WHO DG was for other countries to benefit from Nigeria’s expertise in terms of containing ebola and Nigeria is going to support other countries in terms of capacity building, in terms of the emergency operation centers that we used.

Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Health has said it has discharged all the remaining Ebola contacts under follow-up in both Lagos and Port Harcourt.

FELA: SON OF KUTI’ re-enacts the fall of Kalakuta Republic

Posted by: FELA

ALMOST 40 years after the historic invasion of Kalakuta Republic, a stage play, Fela: Son of Kuti, is set to relive the incidents that led to the assault, in line with the 

National

 Theatre’s objective of bringing back stage art.

The piece explores certain historical aspects of the then military regime and its attendant brutality. It also depicts the psychological inquest into the minds of few of Fela’s band boys and 

backup

 singers who escaped from Kalakuta Republic during the invasion in 1977.

Fela: Son of Kuti opens with a well-choreographed re-enactment of the events of the day before the attack on Kalakuta. As the play unfolds, some of the boys and ladies are in hiding, hungry and battered. Out of frustration, some of them begin to express their regrets in joining Fela’s band.

The play exposes some of the remote reasons behind the invasion of Kalakuta Republic, like Fela’s critical comments and anti-Festac stance, which necessitated his pre-Festac release of two songs that were extremely critical of the Nigerian government, Ojuelegba and Zombie.

The play will be staged at the National Theatre, Iganmu today and tomorrow, with a grand performance on September 28.

Billed to be performed by Troopers Art Production, a registered member of National Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners and a member of Dance Guild of Nigeria, the drama will be produced by Jubson E- Solution, an Information Technology firm based in Nigeria.

Fela: Son of Kuti is written by Cornel Best Onyekaba, a theatre scholar, arts teacher and journalist. He currently lectures at the Theatre Arts unit of the Department of Creative Art, University of Lagos.

The play, which is directed by Toyin Oshinaike, a theatre Director, a poet and an actor, will be choreographed by theatre art practitioner and dancer, Tobi Odunsi

Alago Denies Sponsoring Fulani Mercenaries In Nasarawa

By Donatus Nadi — Sep 29, 2014 | Leave a comment

Following confessions by Fulani fighters captured by youths after the invasion of Gidan Gambo in Lafia local government area of Nasarawa State that Alago elders hired their 

services

 to lay siege and destroy selected Eggon communities, the pan-Alago socio-cultural body, Alago Development Association, has denied the claims and restated its members’ commitment towards ensuring lasting peace in the state.

In a press statement signed by the national secretary of the body, Hon David Ogwole Ayewa, the group noted that both Eggon and Alago have endured similar violent conflicts for over two years now and have engaged themselves in series of peace and reconciliatory meetings, adding that they would not turn around to deliberately truncate such efforts at rebuilding peace.

“We want to make it abundantly clear that the Alago people in our unparalleled desire for everlasting peace do not have a hand and will never contemplate hiring mercenaries to cause mayhem and unwarranted crises in our land,” the statement said.

It stated further: “Most disturbing is the fact that if we have any such money, big enough to hire, camp, equip and feed hundreds of mercenaries as reported, we will surely use such money more wisely and productively in rebuilding ourselves after the series of damages inflicted on us between 2012 and today”.

The Alago land expressed amazement that such allegations would be attributed to them who have suffered the most inglorious attacks in the face of their magnanimity.

“Indeed, we consider this as a hot chase of shadows just to give a 

dog

 a bad name to hang it, while the real issues are swept under the carpet”.

30 Feared Dead In Japan From Volcanic Eruption – Police

— Sep 28, 2014 | Leave a comment

More than 30 people were feared dead on Sunday near the peak of Mount Ontake in Japan which erupted on Saturday.

The volcano sent huge cloud of ash and rock tumbling down its slopes packed with hikers.

The Police said on Sunday in Tokyo that the victims were found in a state of “cardiopulmonary” arrest.

They added that in line with Japanese custom, they would not confirm their death until a formal examination had been carried out.

The Japanese Fire and Disaster Management Agency, said that more than 40 people were injured many of them with broken bones.

The agency said it was yet to confirm the whereabouts of 45 people.

It said the volcano was still emitting smoke and ash hundreds of metres into the sky, adding that ash from the volcano were found on cars as far as 80 kilometers.

Instant Noodles: What You Need To Know!

Instant noodles are the most commonly consumed fast foods worldwide. Because of their lip-smacking taste, they have replaced our healthy meals and have become the kids’ favorite.

Taking one or two packs here and there may hurt no one, however most people consume lots of instant noodles and this could be potentially dangerous to their health.

Here are some reasons you should minimize consumption of instant noodles:

1. Minimal Nutritional Value: Instant noodle is a highly processed food that lacks nutritive value. It is a junk food. Every single serving of instant noodle is high in carbohydrates, sodium and other food additives, but low on essential elements such as fibre, vitamins and minerals.

2. Instant noodles are packed with high amount of sodium (salt). The average amount of sodium found in some analyzed samples of instant noodles was 900 mg. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of sodium for adults and children over 4 years old is 2,400 mg/day, which can be obtained from just two and half packs of instant noodles.

Therefore, consumption of instant noodles can easily cause excessive sodium intake as sodium is commonly used in our other daily foods.
Excess consumption of sodium leads to hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.

3. Instant Noodles contain Propylene Glycol which has an anti-freeze property, and prevents the noodles from drying by retaining moisture. This ingredient is easily absorbed by the body and it accumulates in the kidneys, heart and liver. It can also weaken your immune system.

4. Instant Noodles may increase your risk of cancer: Some of the chemicals found in instant noodles are also capable of causing cancer. For example, dioxin and plasticisers leached from the containers in the presence of hot water.

MODERATION IS THE BEST THING TO DO! = NobleDoctor!

CJN, NJI chiefs decry unwholesome practices by judiciary workers

Posted by: Eric Ikhilae, Abuja in News 9 hours ago

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Aloma Mukhtar and the Administrator of the 

National

 Judicial Institute (NJI), Justice Rosaline Bozimo, have asked court officials to desist from engaging in corruption and other unethical conduct.

While the CJN warned that any judicial worker caught indulging in the leakage of judgment, bribery and related acts would face legal consequences, the NJI boss said the judiciary could no longer tolerate unwholesome practices by court workers because of their impact on public perception of the court system.

They spoke at the opening session of a national workshop for secretaries, court registrars, process clerks and bailiffs at the NJI in Abuja. It was organized by the institute.

Represented by Justice Walter Onnoghen of the Supreme Court, the CJN noted that “these corrupt activities of the judicial workers have raised serious issues of credibility and integrity about the persons employed to assist the judicial officers in their duties.

“I therefore warn you not to involve  in any misconduct, no matter how minimal. If you indulge in any misconduct and you are caught or suspected to have done so, you will be disgraced out of the judiciary.”

Addressing the over 600 participants at the workshop with the theme: “Revisiting the Code of Conduct for Staff of the Judiciary”, designed to acquaint them with the salient provisions of the Code of Conduct for court employees, Justice Bozimo said the training became necessary because there was gradual, but frightening deviation from the acceptable conduct by judicial employees, amounting to judicial misconduct.

She went on: “This dangerous deviation can no longer be tolerated as it has caused serious damage to the image and integrity of the judiciary.

  “Surprisingly, it has been observed that judiciary workers are not even aware of the existence of the Code of Conduct. As a result of this ignorance, there is a gap between the Code of Conduct and the people it is meant to guide.  This workshop is designed to fill that gap.”

Justice Bozimo, a former chief judge of Delta State, said the workshop was meant to teach participants the rudiments of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) with the hope that the knowledge they would acquire would assist them in doing their work diligently, expeditiously and dexterously.

“No worker of the judiciary of the participants’ cadre can perform his or her duties without the requisite knowledge of the use and application of the computer, be it laptop, desktop, I-Pad, or tablets,” she said.

5 FOOD ADDITIVES TO AVOID AND THEIR SIDE EFFECT

Most of the items we purchase in traditional supermarket are processed and contain additives, man-made preservatives give food and cosmetics a longer shelf life, which allows manufacturers to broaden distribution and bring in bigger revenue. Many of these additives are considered safe by the Food Standard Agency (FSA-UK) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) but much independent research suggests very different results. For centuries people have preserved food by using salts, vinegars, herbs, boiling, refrigeration, root cellars, and other means. Now, food manufacturers utilize an array of specialized chemicals to increase shelf-life and to maintain freshness. Five of the worst additives for your health and their side effects are listed below;

1.      Benzoates: Variations; Benzoic acid (E210), Sodium Benzoates (E211), Potassium Benzoates (E212), Calcium Benzoates (E213).

Uses;

A preservative to prevent the food from moulding. Used in Pickles, Salad dressings, fruit juices, soft drinks, jams and jelly.

Side effects/connected to;

Hyperactivity, Dizziness, light-headedness, trouble sleeping; damage to DNA which is connected to Parkinson and ageing. Notes: Research published in 2007 for the UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) suggest that certain artificial colours, when paired with sodium benzoate (E211) may be linked to hyperactive behaviour. The results were inconsistent regarding sodium benzoate, so the FSA recommended further study. It is currently approved for use in Canada, the USA, the EU, Australia, and New Zealand. Carcinogen? in combination with ascorbic acid (vitamin C, E300), Sodium benzoate and Potassium benzoate may form benzene, a known carcinogen. Heat, light and shelf-life can affect the rate at which benzene is formed.

2.      Nitrites: Variations; Sodium nitrites (E250) (E251), Potassium nitrites (E249) (E252).

Uses;

Preserved food colour in meats, prevent it from going rancid, stop bacteria growing, used in Hotdogs, sausages, cold cuts of meats (hams, bacon etc).

Side effects/connected to;

Irritability, lack of energy, headaches, dizziness, pregnancy complications, infant health problems; link with leukaemia, many cancers such as colon, bladder, stomach, thyroid etc. Notes: Vitamin C reduces the conversion of Nitrite. Occurs naturally in small doses. Carcinogens? When cooked can convert into Nitrosamines which can cause cancer.

3.      Sulfites: Variations; E220, E221, E222, E223, E224, E225, E226, E227, E228.

Uses;

Acts as a preservative to prevent bacteria growth. Used in Ready meals, Pizza and Pie crusts, Wine, Beer, Canned vegetables, Oven chips, Dried fruits.

Side effects/connected to;

Can be mistaken for Hay fever; runny nose, itchy eyes and wheezing cough. 1 in 10 people will have a reaction of some sort e.g. Rashes, itching, restricted breathing, asthmatic attacks, hives, and cramps. Notes: destroys Vitamin B1 (Thiamine). Carcinogen? Unknown.

4.      Sorbates: Variations; Potassium sorbate E202, Calcium sorbate E203,

Uses;

A preservative that does not change the taste, smell, colour and prevents yeast from growing. Used in dried meats, wine, cheese, yogurts, baked goods, dips, margarine.

Side effects/connected to;

Hypersensitivity (reaction, allergy) to mouth, throat, eyes. Migraine/headache. Notes: relatively harmful compared with other additives. Can be found naturally in Rowena berries. Carcinogen? Does not appear so.

5.      Aspartame; also known as E951.

Uses;

An artificial sweetener. Used in drinks sweeteners, ‘Diet’ or ‘Light’ anything e.g. Soda and yogurts; chewing gum, cooking sauces, drinks power, energy drinks. Can be found in certain vitamins.

Side effects/connected to;

Headaches/migraines, alters level of Serotonin and causes behavioural problems, Depression; Blurred vision, eyes pain, diabetes, emotional and mood disorders; changes the chemistry of the brain, convulsions, seizures, epilepsy, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s. Linked to cancers and brain tumours. Notes: research suggests that it increases hungers by confusing the brain and impedes weight loss. Carcinogen? Yes, linked with cancers. High sugar diet, additionally, a high sugar intake has long been considered bad for you as it is connected to obesity and weight gain but it is also bad for your brain and results in an impairment to think clearly, maintain even moods and behave effectively in social situations. Withdrawal, anxiety, delinquency and aggression are twice as likely in those that consume soft drinks, sugary snacks and ice cream.

To completely avoid these, additives would be a perhaps unrealistic considering many people’s fast paced and complex lifestyles. But we can certainly reduce our intake to the bare minimum and additives such as Aspartame can be removed easily with a little pre-planning. Avoid these where possible to help maintain a clear head and a healthy body. Eat organic or locally grown foods if possible and cook using basic and fresh ingredients. Many farm shops are not actually that expensive, particularly for fresh fruit and vegetables but they are often not as convenient to get to as a chain supermarket. This is the price you pay, but think of all the extra health benefits you shall gain and the positive effects it will have. You are what you eat!

Why We Should All Be Eating More Leafy Greens

Leafy greens are one of the most nutritious, inexpensive and easy to cook real foods! They're also very tasty and one of the simpler things to cook. Leafy greens are available for a large part of the year in one form or another and are usually available at most farmers markets for great prices.

Below you find some great recipes, tips and nutritional facts for leafy greens!

The Quick Lowdown

• NUTRITIOUS- Lots of nutrients in just one serving! Vitamins, essential minerals, fiber and much more.
• VERSATILE- Easy to add to lots of different recipes. Like smoothies for breakfast, salad at lunch, sauteed at dinner.
• DETOX- High levels detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, and cancer fighting compounds

Leafy Greens Nutritional Facts

Not many foods can compare to the high nutritional value of leafy greens. Researchers are finding that eating your greens may be even more important than previously imagined. In putting together this article I found lots of 

quotes

 that stated "it was common for our ancient ancestors to eat up to six pounds of leaves per day". I could not find a accredited source for the quote but I can see that it makes sense. Recent research shows that a gene that is essential for producing critical immune cells in your gut, responds to the food you eat—specifically leafy green vegetables (Dr. Mercola).

We now know that these greens contain an array of antioxidants and other disease-fighting compounds. Researchers also believe that these vegetables play an important role in controlling food allergies, inflammatory diseases and obesity, and may even prevent the development of bowel cancers (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute).

Here's a nutritional breakdown of the top readily available leafy greens:

Kale

• Excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K
• High in Calcium (for a vegetable)
• Also supplies Folate and Potassium

Collard Greens

• Excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K
• Good source of Folate, Manganese, and Calcium
• Cancer preventatvive glucosinolates (glucoraphanin, sinigrin, gluconasturtiian, and glucotropaeolin)
• Similar in nutrition to Kale but more chewy with a stronger taste

Swiss Chard

• Excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K
• Good source of Magnesium, Manganese, Potassium, Iron and Vitamin E
• At least 13 different Polyphenol Antioxidants, including Kaempferol and Syringic Acid
• Unique source of Phytonutrients called Betalains (provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxification support)

Turnip Greens

• Excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K
• Good source of Folate, Manganese, Calcium, Copper, Vitamin E and Vitamin B6
• Bitter taste linked to high Calcium (4x more than cabbage, 2x more than mustard greens)
• High glucosinolate content (phytonutrients with cancer-preventing properties)

Spinach

• Excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K
• Good source of Manganese, Folate, Iron, Vitamins C, B2, B6 and E
• Showed evidence of significant protection against the occurrence of aggressive prostate cancer.
• Glycoglycerolipids help protect the lining of the digestive tract from damage — especially damage related to unwanted inflammation.

Beet Greens

• Excellent source of vitamins A, C, E and K
• Good source of Folate, Pantothenic Acid, Phosphorus, Zinc, Vitamins B6
• Valuable source of Lutein/Zeaxanthin (good for eye health)

How to Choose Leafy Greens

When choosing your greens, the number one rule is to look for leaves that are crisp. You want to hear a slight snap when you crack the stems. If they are wilted, soggy, or slimy, keep looking. Ideally, they have been stored in a cool place but watch out for greens stored in ice. Greens are loaded with water. Ice can crystallize the water and the greens may end up mushy by the time you get them home.

The leaves should smell fresh and, well, really green!

Color is also important. If you have a choice, pick the darkest leaves. Don't worry about a few brown spots, that's perfectly normal, especially at the farmers markets. However, if the edges are consistently brown throughout all the leaves you may want to pass.

Last but not least, is smell. The leaves should smell fresh and, well, really green!

NOTE: Non-organic greens can be very high in pesticides. This is one of those items that are definitely worth buying organic. I'm assuming that because you are an eat local grown.

com

 reader, you know how important it is to buy from a local grower when possible. Make sure your growers are practicing sustainable farming practices and not using heavy chemical pesticides and herbicides. If buying from a local is not an option, then make sure to choose organically-certified greens at the grocery store. (read more about Local vs Organic)

How to Cook Leafy Greens

A lot of people (me included) love the taste of bitter greens. I especially like to pair them as a side dish with a rich, fatty main course like a grass-fed rib eye, or a hearty lamb stew. The bitter greens cut through the fattiness of the main course and bring a nice balance to the plate. But there's also many ways to temper the bitterness of leafy greens by adding golden raisins for sweetness or some toasted pine nuts or sesame seeds for richness. This can completely transform the dish and if you get creative you'll find something that even the pickiest of eaters will love.

there's many ways to temper the bitterness of leafy greens

On the more sturdy greens like Kale and Collards you'll probably want to remove the leaves for the stalks. I do this for Swiss Chard as well. You can cut the stalks away or just rip the leaves off. The stalks can be used for stocks, or in the case of Swiss Chard I just cut them up into bite size pieces and sauce them for about 5 minutes to make them tender before adding the greens to the pan.

General Assembly: World Goes Against Boko Haram, Al-Qaeda, Others

By Abiodun Oluwarotimi — Sep 26, 2014 | Leave a comment

This year’s Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York is almost the toughest for terrorist groups like Boko Haram, Al-qaeda, Al-Shabab and others as virtually all the Heads of governments speaking during the 69th Session have indicated interests to join efforts to decisively combat the menace.

Led by the United States president, Mr. Barrack Obama and United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Heads of governments like the British Prime Minister David Cameron, South Africa president Jacob Zuma, Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, leaders from the Gulf and Middle East regions, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, King Abdullah II respectively, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sis, and others informed the General Assembly on the need for a unified efforts to phase out terrorists from the globe.

Obama in his 20 minutes address lauded the Nigerian government for all its efforts to aid the fight against terrorism in Nigeria and the entire Africa, urging participants to join hands with the United Nations and ensure that they make the war against extremism a major priority.

The US leader added that the terrorist group known as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) must be degraded, and ultimately destroyed.

10 Signs You May Have A Parasite

Having a parasite can be a scary thought.  However, you are not alone, parasites are far more common than you think. It’s a myth that parasites only exist in underdeveloped countries. In fact, the majority of the patients I see have a parasite.  As you will see parasites can causing a myriad of symptoms only a few of which are actually digestive in nature.

What is a parasite?

A parasite is literally any organism that lives and feeds off of another organism. When I refer to intestinal parasites, I’m referring to tiny organisms, usually worms, that feed off of your nutrition.

Some examples of parasites include: roundworms, tapeworms, pinworms, whipworms, hookworms, and more. Because parasites come in so many different shapes and sizes, they can cause a very wide range of problems. Some consume your food, leaving you hungry after every meal and unable to gain weight. Others feed off of your red blood cells, causing anemia. Some lay eggs that can cause itching, irritability, and even insomnia. If you have tried countless approaches toheal your gut and relieve your symptoms without any success, a parasite could be the underlying cause for many of your unexplained and unresolved symptoms.

How do you get parasites?

There are a number of ways to contract a parasite. First, parasites can enter your body through contaminated food and water. Undercooked meat is a common place for parasites to hide, as well as contaminated water from underdeveloped countries, lakes, ponds, or creeks. However, meat is the not the only culprit. Unclean or contaminated fruits and vegetables can also harbor parasites. Some parasites can even enter the body by traveling through the bottom of your foot.

Once a person is infected with a parasite, it is very easy to pass it along. If you have a parasite and do not wash your hands after using the restroom, you can easily pass microscopic parasite eggs onto anything you touch – the door handle, the salt shaker, your phone, or anyone you touch. It is also very easy to contract a parasite when handling animals. Hand-washing is a major opportunity to prevent parasite contamination and transmission. Traveling overseas is another way that foreign parasites can be introduced to your system. If you consumed any contaminated water during your travels, it is likely that you may have acquired a parasite of some kind.

10 Signs You May Have a Parasite

1. Unexplained constipation, diarrhea, gas, or other symptoms of IBS
2. Traveled internationally and remember getting traveler’s diarrhea while abroad
3. History of food poisoning and ‘your digestion has not been the same since’
4. Trouble falling asleep or wake up multiple times during the night
5. Skin irritation or unexplained rash, hives, rosacea or eczema
6. Grinding your teeth in your sleep
7. Pain or aching in your muscles or joints
8. Fatigue, exhaustion, depression, or feeling of apathy frequently
9. Never feeling satisfied or full after your meals
10. Diagnosis of iron-deficiency anemia

The signs of a parasite can often appear unrelated and unexplained. As I mentioned previously, there are MANY different types of parasites that we are exposed to in our environments. I typically see parasites causing more constipation in patients than diarrhea, but some parasites are capable of changing the fluid balance in your gut and causing diarrhea. Trouble sleeping, skin irritations, mood changes, and muscle pain can all be caused by the toxins that parasites release into the bloodstream. Often times, these toxins cause anxiety, which can manifest itself in different way. For instance, waking up in the middle of the night or grinding your teeth in your sleep are signs that your body is experiencing anxiety while you rest. When these toxins interact with your neurotransmitters or blood cells, they can cause mood swings or skin irritation.

How to Test for Parasites

The best way to test for a parasite is to get a stool test. Most doctors will run a conventional stool test if they suspect a parasite, however these are not as accurate as the Comprehensive Stool tests that we use in Functional Medicine.

Conventional Ova and Parasite Stool Test

Conventional stool tests can identify parasites or parasite eggs in your stool, yet this test comes with many limitations. The problem with this test is that it is only conditionally successful. This test requires three separate stool samples that must be sent to the lab for a medical technologist to view under a microscope. Parasites have a very unique life cycle, where they can rotate between dormant and alive. In order to identify them in this conventional test, the stool sample must contain a live parasite, the parasite must remain alive as the sample ships to the lab, and the medical technologist must be able to see the live parasite swimming across the slide. While these can certainly be useful tests for some people, they are unable to identify dormant parasites and therefore I often see a high number of false negative tests with this type of stool test.

Functional Medicine Comprehensive Stool Test

In my practice, I use a comprehensive stool test on all of my patients. The comprehensive test is much more sensitive than the conventional stool test because it uses Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology to amplify the DNA of the parasite if there is one.  This means that the parasite can actually be dead or in its dormant phase and it will be detected on this test. Because this test utilizes PCR technology it is not reliant on a pathologist seeing a live parasite swimming on the slide. I frequently diagnose parasites in my patients that were missed on conventional stool tests.

How to Treat Parasites

The comprehensive stool test is able to identify seventeen different parasite and so when I know which parasite my patient has I use prescription medications that target specific species of parasites and attack their central nervous systems. If however, the parasite cannot be identified, I usually use Ultra MicrobX, a blend of herbs, including magnesium caprylate, berberine, and extracts from tribulus, sweet wormwood, grapefruit , barberry, bearberry, and black walnut. Ultra MicrobX provides a broad spectrum of activity against the most common pathogens present in the human GI tract, while sparing the beneficial gut bacteria.  Before starting an anti-parasite herbal supplements, I recommend you consult your physician and have your liver enzymes checked if you have a history of liver disease, heavy alcohol use or previous history of elevated liver enzyme.

Fed Govt to rehabilitate surrendered Boko Haram members

Posted by: Bukola Amusan, Abuja

The Federal Government has said it will soon begin the process of rehabilitating and re-radicalizing Boko Haram members, who have surrendered their arms and weapons in the last one week.

Coordinator of the National Information Centre Mr. Mike Omeri, who briefed reporters in Abuja yesterday, said religious leaders, the school system as well as residents of the area where the surrendered insurgents were being detained, would assist in the rehabilitation.

The military said 135 Boko Haram members surrendered their weapons in Biu, Borno State, on Tuesday, while 133 others surrendered elsewhere in the Northeast.

Omeri added that any member of the sect  apprehended without surrendering his weapons and arms would be brought to justice.

He said the armed forces on ground in the Northeast and most especially in the troubled zone had discovered a winning strategy and would not rest until peace and security were restored.

Omeri urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in their support to ensure that terrorism ended.

He said: “Efforts are ongoing to rehabilitate and re-radicalize the Boko Haram members, who have surrendered their arms in the last one week. Religious leaders, indigenes and the school system will be involved in the rehabilitation.

“The Federal Government has a zero tolerance for terrorism. The armed forces will remain strong, undaunted and motivated in the performance of their duties.

“Nigerians are advised to support the fight, it will not last forever and I believe it will soon end.”

On the abducted Chibok girl, Omeri said the Federal Government was working towards ensuring the eventual release and rescue of the girls.

“It is a global challenge, which Nigeria will soon overcome. The Federal Government is taking measures to rescue them,” he said.

On the issue of one of the abducted girls, who escaped from the Boko Haram custody, police spokesman Emmanuel Ojukwu said on September 24 about 5pm, a girl was seen at Mararaba, Mubi in Adamawa State wandering. He said she was picked up and upon interrogation, it was discovered that she was one of the abducted Chibok girls, who escaped.

“She is undergoing medical treatment after which she will re-unite with her family,” Ojukwu added.

Police Parade 19 Suspects, Recover 9 Stolen Vehicles In Nasarawa

By Donatus Nadi — Sep 26, 2014 Comments

The Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested 12 suspected armed robbers and seven persons for illegal possession of firearms and charms.

The state police spokesperson, ASP Ismaila Numan, who paraded the suspects at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Lafia, the state capital, said nine stolen vehicles were also recovered from them.

Numan explained further that one camouflage trouser, as well as 44-7.62 mm and 4-9 mm ammunitions were also recovered from them.

He revealed that detectives from the New Nyanya Divisional Police Headquarters , New Karu local government area, arrested Ezekiel Joseph and Bitrus Joseph in Kachia, Kaduna State, with a stolen Toyota Sienna belonging to a resident of New Nyanya, Obekpa Okewu Patrick.

Numan also disclosed that, following a tip-off from a police source, a team of cops from the Masaka Division (in the same local government) arrested armed robbery suspects, namely; Uche Odii Daniel; Lewis Agiopu and Usha Fosty, while the State Anti-robbery Squad (SARS) also arrested Salisu Moh’d, Joshua Atasba, Kelvin Onoja and Ezekiel Okwula with two stolen Toyota Corolla cars, two Honda Academy cars and one Nissan Sunny.

“Also, on August 19, 2014, at about 1200 hrs, one Inspector Oliver Gapen and his team attached to Operation Nasara arrested and brought to the SCID, Lafia, and reported that on the same day at about 0830 hrs, while on stop-and-search duty on Obi-Agwatashi Road, they intercepted one Yahaya Abdullahi and Ya’u Aliyu of Azara on a motorcycle and found in their possession one locally made pistol, one locally made shot-gun, one cutlass, as well as one knife and a torchlight were all recovered from them,” he added.

The PPRO gave the names of other suspects who were paraded for illegal possession of firearms as Danlami Ayaka, Monday Iwu, Mohammed Danjuma, David Bamaiyi, John Arigu and Yohanna Bala.

While appreciating the general public for its cooperation in ensuring that the state is rid of crimes and criminals, Numan admonished them not to relent in giving the police useful information.

16 Most Powerful Militaries In Africa [View List]

When it comes to the military strength of all African countries, the keywords to consider are “not enough information.”

The Global Fire Power ranking, or GFP, measures countries’ military strength and assigns a power index number in order to compare them to other countries. Many factors are taken into consideration, and smaller countries can compete with larger ones due to points given for refinement and technological advancement.

Based on available information, the following countries represent the most powerful militaries in Africa as of Aug. 4 2014, according to GlobalFirepower.com.

Numbers reflect each country’s power index, derived from a unique algorithm developed by GFP. A perfect score is a 0.0000. The lower the number, the stronger the military, and bonuses and penalties are added to country scores as needed.

16. Zimbabwe – Power Index: 3.0955

The Zimbabwe Defense Forces (ZDF) include the Zimbabwe 

National

 Army and the Air Force of Zimbabwe. Being a landlocked country, they lack a naval force. The country also holds a strong paramilitary force with its own air wing. ZDF includes 30,000 active personnel, 20,000 reserves, 325 armored fighting vehicles, and 92 aircraft.

15. Ghana – Power Index: 2.9726

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) are supervised by the Ghanaian Ministry of Defense, and are under the command of President John Dramani Mahama. The GAF’s external operations since the 1960s have seen involvement in turbulent international situations including the Rwandan genocide, the Iran-Iraq war, and the Lebanese Civil War. Active front line personnel number 13,500, armored fighting vehicles for the land forces number 125, and the GAF has 24 aircraft, and 23 naval vessels.

14. South Sudan – Power Index: 2.7689

Founded as a guerrilla movement in 1983, the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) played a large and violent role in the disastrous Second Sudanese Civil War. Its commander-in-chief is Salva Kiir Mayardit, and it has a land force with 110 tanks, 250 armored fighting vehicles, 210,000 active front line personnel, and a tiny air force with nine aircraft.

13. Uganda – Power Index: 2.6895

The Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF) was formerly the National Resistance Army, renamed after the 1995 enactment of the constitution. It has almost managed to push the violent Lord’s Resistance Army — a children’s army — out of Uganda. UPDF relies heavily on Russian, Polish, and Chinese military materials. Its land systems consist of 350 armored fighting vehicles and 25 towed artillery pieces; 43 aircraft and eight naval vessels.

12. Democratic Republic of Congo – Power Index: 2.6642

The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) started coming into its own after peace was restored following the horrendous Second Congo War, which ended in 2003. The military’s greatest asset is its land forces, although it also holds small air and naval units. Because of massive ongoing instability in the region, the U.N. has deployed armed forces to assist the FARDC. Some features of the DRC’s military include 90 tanks, 200 armored fighting vehicles, 42 aircraft types, and 20 naval vessels.

11. Sudan – Power Index: 2.3465

The Sudanese Armed Forces serve and protect the Republic of Sudan. Their units are comprised of the land forces, air force, navy, and the Popular Defense Force–the military wing of National Islamic Front. Their enemies are the rebel group the Sudan People’s Liberation Army of the Republic of South Sudan — a result of two violent civil wars that split the nation. They receive most of their military equipment from Russia and China, including 360 tanks, 400 armed fighting vehicles, 168 aircraft, and 18 naval crafts.

10. Libya – Power Index: 2.3353

The strength of Libya’s military comes mainly from its large cache of equipment, despite a relatively small number of active troops. Further hampering Libya’s abilities is the continuing violence and unrest stemming from the revolution which began in 2011. A stable government has yet to emerge from it. Regardless, the country still has available 2,500 armored fighting vehicles, 500 tanks, 600 towed artillery pieces, 6,500 logistical vehicles, and much more.

9. Angola – Power Index: 2.2599

The Angolan Armed Forces (FAA), headed by Chief of Staff Geraldo Nunda, succeeded the Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola in 1991. It has three components: the army, the navy, and the air force. Its involvement in training the armies of Cape Verde and Guinea-Bissau was controversial, especially as the leaders of the 2012 Guinea-Bissau coup d’etat cited Angola’s military mission as a primary reason for an uprising. The FAA owns 920 armored fighting vehicles, 140 tanks, 270 pieces of aircraft, and has a navy of 56 craft.

8. Tunisia – Power Index: 1.8635

The Tunisian Armed Forces is composed of three mechanized brigades, one Saharan territorial group, one special forces group, and one military police regiment. They have contributed to peacekeeping missions, including during the Rwandan genocide, and were forced into border clashes with Libyan rebels in 2011 during their civil war. They hold 900 armored fighting vehicles, 350 tanks, a manpower of over five million, 139 pieces of aircraft and a total naval strength of 50.

7. Morocco – Power Index: 1.8499

Highly dependent on foreign equipment, the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces have been involved in the conflict with the POLISARO, a liberation movement fighting for the independence of Western Sahara. They are involved in numerous peacekeeping missions, including in Somalia. The military has at its disposal 2,120 armored fighting vehicles, 1,348 tanks, 323 total aircraft pieces, and a total naval strength of 121.

6. Kenya – Power Index: 1.7689

Kenya has established itself as a vital participant in international peacekeeping missions, and is able to do so due to its merchant marine strength and an enormous labor force – resulting in high available manpower. Though it doesn’t possess as much of its own equipment, its role as a member of international teams allows the Kenyan military to share resources with other countries, strengthening its own capabilities at the same time.

5. Nigeria – Power Index: 1.5261

Due to its size, it’s no surprise that several hundred thousand troops comprise the Nigerian Armed Forces — army, navy, and air force. Like Algeria, an abundant domestic oil supply eases the financial burden of involvement in military conflict. Nigeria has more than 1,400 armored vehicles, 360 tanks, and 6,000 logistical vehicles at its disposal, as well as nearly 300 aircraft and 25 high-powered naval vessels.

4. South Africa – Power Index: 1.3467

As it hasn’t been embroiled in an international military conflict for some time, South Africa uses its highly advanced military for peacekeeping and international cooperation. Its aircraft and naval vessels are notoriously well equipped with the latest technology, and though the country has less than 100,000 active front line personnel, it has the capabilities and manpower for much more. Add to that a vast array of land system technology, and the South African military is a force to be reckoned with.

3. Ethiopia – Power Index: 1.3229

As a landlocked country, Ethiopia has focused its resources on developing its army and air force to an impressive degree (the GFP doesn’t penalize landlocked countries for not having a naval force). Several hundred thousand personnel make up its current force, and it has significant numbers of land and air systems at its disposal. An enormous population allows Ethiopia to maintain a large fighting force, and gives the country one of the greatest militaries on the continent.

2. Algeria – Power Index: 1.1698

As Algeria has a large maritime border, it has developed all its military capabilities to an impressively modern degree, including its land, sea, and air forces. Algeria’s active frontline personnel number more than 127,000 troops and it has nearly 2,000 armored fighting vehicles at its disposal. Algeria also has the added benefit of its own oil reserves, allowing it to use its own fuel to power tanks, aircraft carriers, naval vessels, and more.

1. Egypt – Power Index: 0.6122

Egypt puts itself over the top with regard to military strength due to the sheer size of its armed forces. Nearly 500,000 personnel serve on its active frontline force, far surpassing all its African counterparts. It has nearly 10,000 armored fighting vehicles, 60,000 logistical vehicles, 900 aircraft, and large oil reserves from which to draw. The military has been somewhat undermined in the wake of the Egyptian Revolution, but some argue that its increased role in government has made it stronger than ever. Whether or not this is a cause for celebration or concern will remain debated for some time to come.