Health
Ondo doctors to embark on strike over unpaid allowances
The Ondo State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association has threatened to embark on industrial action if the state government failed to fulfil its promise to review the hazard allowance of its members.
The NMA lamented that for a long time, the doctors practising in the government-owned hospitals in the state were paid a sum of N5,000 as hazard allowance and the state government had approved the upward review of the allowance but there was no implementation yet.
Speaking on the NMA 2023 Physicians’ Week on Monday in Akure, the state capital, the chairman of the Ondo NMA, Dr Omosehin Adeyemi-Osowe, noted that the state government had promised to pay the money this week, failure of which might lead to another industrial action.
According to him, members of the group may not hesitate to go on strike if the implementation of the reviewed allowance is not paid before Friday this week.
He said,” We have many challenges in Ondo NMA, one of them is that we lack personnel. Recently we heard in the news that over 1000 health workers would be employed by the state government. We are still waiting for the recruitment exercise to commence. Another challenge is our allowances, we have had a review recently, and before that review, the hazard allowance has been reviewed upward, before the review of that hazard allowance what we receive as doctors is N5,000.
“This has been reviewed by the Federal Government but up till this moment, Ondo State has not implemented it, but we know that it has been approved, we were promised that there would be implementation in Ondo State, but up till this moment we are yet to perceive the implementation. As of last Friday, the government through the Permanent Secretary on establishment promised that on or before the end of tomorrow (Wednesday) a circular would be out, we are waiting.”
The state NMA, who confirmed that the state had also experienced the ‘japa’ syndrome in the health sector, said the development required the government to improve the welfare of the remaining health workers in the state.
“In Ondo State today, doctors, pharmacists and others are leaving the country for advanced country, we cannot stop them, they have the human right to migrate, but what are those things making them migrate, these are the things we have discussed with the government, we need competitive allowances and salaries as compared to other countries even if we come locally, as compared to other states, these we are not getting, but we believe it would come,
“I want to tell the government that at the end of this week, and we do not have that circular, well, it would not be bad for Ondo State Nigeria Medical Association of doctors to go on strike at the end of this week if we do not have the circular for the implementation of the hazard allowance in Ondo State, the federal workers have been enjoying this since last year, from December 2021, the Federal Government has cleared all the federal workers allowance, they have paid their workers up till today,” he noted.
In the same vein, the National President of the NMA, Dr Uche Ojinmah whose speech was delivered by Adeyemi-Osowe, warned against running the doctors down in Nigeria.
Ojinmah said, “We use this medium to humbly sound a note of warning to all and sundry to never try to run Nigerian doctors down in any way but to always follow due process if aggrieved or in discharging their responsibilities. If anyone has any case against a doctor practising in Nigeria, it should channel such to the Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria for appropriate response being the body statutorily saddled with such responsibility.
“The NMA hereby express her displeasure at the recent media trial of some healthcare workers by the Minister of Women Affairs. We believe that such behaviour is infra dig for one that occupies such a lofty office.”
There’s nothing wrong with having a routine: a go-to breakfast, a skincare regimen, a weekly date night. But when it comes to sex, there are preferred time for the intimacy to increase where both partners enjoy the moment.
From genuine classics, like missionary and doggy style, to twists on tried-and-true techniques, like cowgirl’s helper, these sex positions have best time to enjoy them without any discomfort .
Sex experts shared their thoughts on why other time of having sex are more profitable and enjoyable than night.
Age may be a factor in our preferred sex schedules, too, sex therapist and neuroscience researcher Nan Wise said.
“As a rule, people become more like larks as they age. They like to go back to bed earlier and probably would be more interested in sex in the morning,” Wise, author of “Why Good Sex Matters,” told HuffPost. “Young people tend to be night owls and might be more available or interested in sex in the evening.”
But is there actually a “best” time of day to have sex? We turned to sex experts to get the pros and cons of doing the deed morning, afternoon and night. Here’s what they had to say.
Morning sex
One reason men in particular may be fond of sex before breakfast? Around 8 a.m. is when testosterone levels — the sex hormone that plays a role in libido and erections — are at their peak.
“For testosterone-producing men, mornings are when the levels of testosterone are highest, since it’s made during sleep,” Robin Wilson-Beattie, a disability and sexuality advocate and educator, told HuffPost. “For some men, this means they have a better sexual response in the a.m.”
What’s more, feel-good neurotransmitters such as endorphins and dopamine are released during sex, “which is a great way to be in a good mood and start your day right,” sex therapist Nazanin Moali, host of the podcast “Sexology,” said.
Early birds may feel extra energetic or enthusiastic in the morning hours, which could make them more game for sex at that time, Wise added.
Morning sex has the potential to boost your mood for the rest of the day.
But there are some potential drawbacks, too — namely that mornings tend to be hectic for people who have to juggle getting ready for work, trying to get the kids off to school and other to-dos. A tight schedule can make it hard for some people to be fully present and in the mood for sex.
“Additionally, stress may lead to struggles with sexual functioning — which, in turn, may result in disappointment and not how you would want to start your morning,” Moali said.
Some people may feel energized by morning sex, but for others, getting busy in the a.m. can make them want to curl up in bed and go back to sleep. The cocktail of hormones released during sex and orgasm can make you feel uber-relaxed but also tired, which isn’t ideal when you’re about to face the day.
“For some, orgasms and sexual activity are exhausting and [they] need rest and emotional care afterward,” Wilson-Beattie said. “And you might not have time for that!”
Evening sex
Sex at night is popular for a reason, Wilson-Beattie said. It’s only after the events of the day are behind them that partners finally have a chance to relax and connect without distractions.
“With work, children and activities, nighttime is when things slow down and it’s just you and your partner, wrapping the day off with making love before dropping off to sleep,” she said.
Another bonus? Having sex before bed can make it easier for some people to fall asleep, thanks to the release of hormones such as prolactin and oxytocin.
“A mutually satisfying physical and mental interaction before sleep enhances mood, feelings of well-being, releases stress and makes it easier to switch off the busy mind to go to sleep and stay asleep,” Amer Khan, a Sutter Health neurologist and sleep specialist, told Healthline. “If a satisfying sexual orgasm after an exciting foreplay is a part of that interaction, it is also likely to lead to better sleep.”
Having sex before bed can make it easier for some people to fall — and stay — asleep.
On the flip side, if you’re already mentally exhausted before you even get into bed, then sex might be the furthest thing from your mind.
“The stress or occurrences of the day may still occupy a significant portion of your thoughts, and it’s difficult to transition that into a sexual context,” Moali said.
And if you live with certain health conditions or disabilities, “your body may physically be in too much pain from a full day’s activities” to have sex before bed, Wilson-Beattie said.
A British teacher accused of sexually assaulting a child in Turkey should not be extradited, because she has depression, a court has heard.
Rebecca Richardson, 54, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday as she fights extradition to Turkey over allegations she sexually assaulted a young child while teaching at an international school in Istanbul.
The alleged incident happened in early 2019, when the child would have been four or five years old.
The court heard Richardson, of Cradley in Herefordshire, left the UK in 2000 and spent nearly 20 years living abroad.
She lived in Turkey between 2013 and 2019, but before that had lived in Mexico and Hong Kong, the extradition hearing was told.
Doctors who have assessed her told the court she suffers from depression.
Dr Richard Latham said Richardson suffers from moderate depression, but her symptoms would worsen if she were to be extradited and imprisoned in Turkey.
As the New Year approaches, excitement fills the air as we prepare to say goodbye to 2024 and welcome 2025.
This time of year is all about fresh starts and new resolutions, inspiring people to set goals and embrace positive changes. Celebrations are everywhere, with friends and family gathering to enjoy each other’s company. From lively parties to fireworks lighting up the night sky, these moments create lasting memories.
New Year’s is more than just a date, it creates hope and renewal of new beginnings. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the past year while looking forward to new experiences and opportunities. The season encourages us to express gratitude for those who have supported us through life’s challenges. Sending heartfelt wishes to friends is a lovely way to strengthen these important bonds and spread joy.
As we celebrate the joys of friendship, let’s cherish the connections we have and look ahead to a year filled with love, laughter, and meaningful moments. Whether you’re planning a big celebration or a quiet gathering, the spirit of the New Year brings everyone together in anticipation of what lies ahead. Let’s embrace this time with open hearts and minds as we step into 2025!
Here are Happy New Year wishes for your family and friends
Let’s make 2025 our best year yet!
Wishing you a year where every day feels like a celebration. Happy New Year!
A new year, a new chapter and tons of new memories to be made together!
Happy New Year! We know that this past year has been full of challenges, and we pray that the coming year brings brighter days. Sending all our love and good wishes.
You deserve all the best: May all your wishes come true in 2025!
Happy New Year! Let’s promise to stick to our resolutions this year… or at least try!
Wishing you a Happy New Year and a blessed year ahead. May God’s light guide your way in 2025.
Here’s to health, wealth, and all-around success. Happy New Year!
Wishing a big Happy New Year to my amazing [parent/sibling/child]. I love you endlessly and can’t wait to tackle the new year with you.
As the New Year unfolds, may it bring you moments of clarity, opportunities for growth, and the courage to pursue your dreams. Happy New Year!
May the New Year be a canvas for you to paint a vibrant and colourful future. Here’s to creating beautiful memories together. Happy New Year!
Wishing you a New Year filled with new achievements, exciting challenges, and great moments with your loved ones. Let’s make this year even better than the last!
Wishing you balance, fulfilment, and joy in all areas of life this New Year. Let’s continue to support and motivate each other through 2025!
Happy New Year! May this year be filled with accomplishments and growth, both personally and professionally. Let’s make it one to remember!
Wishing you a New Year full of bright smiles, new friends, and so much fun that your heart bursts with happiness every day!
Happy New Year! Always remember that you’re smart, brave, and kind. 2025 is going to be a year of amazing adventures for you!
As the New Year begins, let us leave behind all our worries and embrace the future with hope and joy.
Happy New Year! May this year bring you closer to your dreams and inspire you to reach new heights.
Happy New Year 2025! Wishing you a year filled with peace, joy, and abundance.
May this New Year bring you the courage to face challenges and the strength to overcome them.
Sending you my warmest wishes for a fabulous 2025 filled with joy and success!
Cheers to health, happiness, and prosperity in the New Year! Let’s make it memorable!
As the year comes to an end, let’s reflect on our achievements and look forward to new beginnings.
May the lessons of the past year guide you in the New Year. Happy 2025!
Wishing you peace and happiness as we welcome another year of possibilities.
Let’s leave behind what weighs us down and embrace the new opportunities ahead.
Happy New Year! Hope you have a year filled with positivity.
Wishing you and your family endless blessings this year. Happy New Year 2024!
I hope your life is filled with surprises this year. Happy New Year!
Wishing you a year filled with laughter. Happy New Year!
Wishing you and your family a year filled with happiness. May this year bring lots of prosperity. Happy New Year!
As you say goodbye to 2023, and welcome the year 2024, may happiness follow you always. Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! May the coming year be filled with fresh starts and exciting journeys.
Wishing you a year of fulfillment and happiness. Happy New Year!
May the new bring countless blessings to you and your family. Happy New Year!
Wishing you a year of happiness and good luck. Happy New Year!
Wishing you a year of growth and success. Happy New Year!
May the new year bring lots of love and light to your family. Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! I hope this year brings a lot of opportunities and the fruits of success to you.
May the new beginnings fill your life with magical moments. Happy New Year!
May the new year brings exciting opportunities to you. Happy New Year!
As the new year arrives, I pray for your good luck and good health. Happy New Year!
Wishing you and your loved ones a fantastic year ahead! Happy New Year!
Wishing you 365 days of happiness and laughter. Happy New Year 2024
Here’s to another year of togetherness. Thank you for being in my life. Happy New Year!
May this year fill your heart with immense joy. Happy New Year!
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has ordered the recall of Dove Beauty Cream Bar Soap (100g) with batch number 81832M 08, produced in Germany, due to the presence of a chemical impurity.
NAFDAC said the product violates the Cosmetic Products Regulation by containing Butylphenyl Methylpropional, also known as Lilial, a chemical associated with serious health risks.
In a statement on its website on Monday, the agency explained that BMHCA has been banned in cosmetic products because it can harm the reproductive system and potentially affect the health of unborn children.
It added that the chemical has been linked to skin sensitisation, triggering allergic reactions in some users.
The statement read, “The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is alerting the public about the recall of Dove Beauty Cream Bar Soap (100g) with batch number 81832M 08, produced in Germany, due to chemical impurity.
“The product does not comply with the Cosmetic Products Regulation, as it contains Butylphenyl Methylpropional (BMHCA), which is prohibited due to its risks of reproductive harm, danger to unborn children, and potential for causing skin sensitization. Several regulatory authorities in the EU have already banned its marketing.”
Other Dove cosmetic products recalled/banned in other countries due to the presence of BMHCA are Derma Spa Goodness, Men Care, Men Care+ Sensitive Shield, Natural Touch, Nourishing Body Care Light Hydro, Pampering Body Lotion, Go Fresh, Talco con Crema, Go fresh Pera, Extra Fresh, Goodness3 Skincare Ritual, invisible dry antiperspirant spray + Go Fresh Revitalize nourishing shower gel, Caring hand wash and invisible dry.
The agency said the soaps are not on its database.
NAFDAC urged the public to be cautious and vigilant within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale and use of the products.
It said, “Importation of soaps is prohibited in Nigeria as per the restricted and import prohibition list. Beyond the import restrictions soaps and cosmetics are parts of the items ineligible for foreign exchange to import in Nigeria.
“These products are also not available in the NAFDAC database. Importers, distributors, retailers and consumers are advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale and use of the above-mentioned products. Members of the public in possession of the product should discontinue the sale or use and submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.”
NAFDAC also urged health experts to report adverse events experienced with the use of regulated products to its nearest office.
The statement added, “Healthcare professionals and consumers are encouraged to report adverse events experienced with the use of regulated products to the nearest NAFDAC office, via pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng, E-reporting platforms available at www.nafdac.gov.ng or via the Med-safety application for download on android and IOS stores.”
Following recent DNA reports about paternity discrepancies, psychologists have linked paternity fraud, where children do not belong to their supposed fathers to medical errors, inaccuracies in genetic testing, and baby exchange, among others
The mental health experts noted that several variables could lead to a situation where a child’s paternity was questioned, beyond the common blame on infidelity.
According to them, factors such as negligence, ignorance, and genetic testing errors could also contribute to this phenomenon.
They spoke exclusively with PUNCH Healthwise amid growing concern about paternity fraud, with increasing reports revealing that many children have been falsely attributed to men who are not their biological fathers.
In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed a disturbing trend of paternity fraud, where children are discovered not to belong to their supposed fathers.
This phenomenon has left many families in shock, with some marriages ending in divorce due to the discovery.
While infidelity is often linked to the primary cause of paternity fraud, psychologists, however, said there could be other factors at play.
Speaking with our correspondent, the experts said there was a need for couples to explore all options available before jumping to conclusions that the women cheated in the relationship.
While identifying the lack of pre-marital genetic testing as one of the factors that could be responsible, the mental health experts noted that prospective parents overlook the importance of comprehensive genetic screening, which could reveal potential issues before marriage.
They stressed that ignorance or negligence in this area might contribute to unexpected outcomes later in life.
A clinical psychologist at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Dr Juliet Ottoh stressed the importance of exploring multiple factors before jumping to conclusions about infidelity.
Ottoh noted that while infidelity is often presumed to be the primary cause of paternal discrepancies, other significant factors could play a role.
She said these include the negligence of medical staff, inaccuracies in genetic testing, and even hospital errors such as baby exchanges.
Ottoh emphasised the necessity of thorough investigation, including verifying the results of genetic tests through reputable labs before making any assumptions about paternal identity.
“It is not always entirely the couple’s fault. Sometimes, it might just be a result of test errors, ignorance, or negligence. We’ve heard stories of babies being exchanged in hospitals due to negligence, leading to paternity issues,” she stated.
She further said, “There are a lot of factors that may be responsible for this. And that is why you must explore extensively to look at out for what are some of these factors.
“Sometimes, it is not entirely the couple’s fault, it might just be as a result of test, ignorance. In recent times, how many people still go to do genetic tests before marriage? Also, some of these genetic tests are queried.
“So, it is not entirely to say that one person is responsible for all these. Sometimes it is negligence. We have heard stories of where a lot of babies were born in the same hospitals and out of negligence, some of the babies were exchanged and they became a problem for their parents.
“We cannot entirely say it is infidelity that is the cause of all these paternal fraud cases. Before you label a situation, you must take a lot of detailed history to understand where the problem is coming from.
“For me, I will say you just ensure you go to the right lab. As it is, you can even try to get a second opinion from another good lab to ascertain your genotype before you venture into marriage. If you have all of those sorted, then we can begin to query the other options. The most important thing you just get tested and confirm your genotype from a reputable lab.
“There are a lot of implications in marriages when these things come out. Partners need to be patient and understand what the problems truly are. If they understand that, they would be able to amend amicably.”
The psychologist stressed that genetic testing was crucial in such situations but advised couples to seek second opinions from reputable labs to confirm their genotypes before marriage.
Speaking on the implications of paternity fraud on marriages and children, the psychologist warned that it could lead to trust issues, mental health problems, and physical health consequences.
“The bedrock of every union should be trust. If you trust your partner, you don’t need to do a DNA test for such reasons,” she noted.
She urged couples to build trust and communicate openly to avoid the complexities of paternity fraud.
By doing so, she asserted, couples could avoid the emotional and psychological trauma often associated with these issues.
“For DNA to be done, the mental health of that child is messed up because there is a query that there was a trust issue. They have already created that gap and lacuna in the child’s life.
“All these trust issues begin to affect the child. If the result comes out that the child does not belong to the father, it is also a problem for the child because he would start asking who is his father. Even if you are the father, there is still going to be a gap.
“It is dicey, it is not something one is entirely open to. It is something people should think through before going to have DNA. Whether the result comes out that you are the father or not, there would still be a problem. So, it is important we thoroughly look at the situation.
“The bedrock of every union should be trust. If you trust your partner, you don’t need to do a DNA test. It affects physical and mental health. So, there must be trust; when trust is built in the relationship, it goes a long way,” she stated.
On his part, a psychologist at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Dr. Samuel Olatoye, said negligence, ignorance, and genetic testing errors could also contribute to paternity disputes.
Olatoye emphasised the importance of thorough genetic testing and counselling before marriage.
“Ensure you go to the right lab and consider getting a second opinion from another reputable lab to confirm your genotype. This will help prevent paternity disputes and ensure that couples are aware of their genetic compatibility,” he advised.
Recently, a leading DNA testing centre, Smart DNA released its 2024 report on DNA testing in Nigeria which revealed that nearly 27 per cent of paternity tests conducted by the centre returned negative.
The report indicated that more than one in four men tested were not the biological fathers of the children.
The report by the centre made available to PUNCH Healthwise also revealed that there had been a notable increase in DNA tests for immigration purposes.
The report also showed a significant geographical disparity in testing, with 73.1 per cent of all DNA tests conducted in Lagos.
Within the city, there was a clear divide between the Mainland and the Island, with Mainland tests comprising 67.5 per cent and Island tests 32.5 per cent.
On gender dynamics in test initiation, the report revealed that men requested 88.2 per cent of all tests, compared to 11.8 per cent by women.
Based on an ethical breakdown of paternity tests, the report added that the Yoruba group accounted for 53 per cent of the tests, while the Igbo made up 31.3 per cent, and the Hausa only 1.20 per cent.
The report also added that most tests were conducted on children aged zero to five years, reflecting a preference for early paternity confirmation.
According to the data, men aged 41 and older were the primary initiators of tests, suggesting concerns related to older paternal age.
The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has announced that the tentative date for the commencement of Mpox vaccinations in Nigeria is October 8, 2024.
Remi Adeleke, the Head of the Public Relations Unit at NPHCDA, disclosed this information, stating that the vaccine deployment is scheduled to begin between October 3 and 6, 2024. This timeline aligns with the three to six weeks required for the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to complete regulatory procedures, including sampling, traceability, and laboratory analysis, following the vaccine’s arrival on August 27, 2024.
Given the limited supply of 9,980 doses of the Jynneos Mpox vaccine, the available doses will be distributed evenly across five states, with each state receiving 1,996 doses.
The total population targeted in these states is 4,750 individuals, who will each receive two doses of the vaccine, administered 28 days apart. The targeted groups include close contacts of Mpox cases, healthcare workers, and individuals with low immune status.
Adeleke further explained that two vaccination sites per state will be identified, focusing on fixed posts at infectious disease referral centers and deploying special teams to target communities where necessary.
The vaccination campaign will be limited to clients aged 18 and above, based on the current strategy. The NPHCDA is also coordinating with the Africa CDC to determine additional vaccine doses that may be available through planned donations.
Earlier this week, the United States government donated 10,000 doses of the Jynneos vaccine to Nigeria. This vaccine, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, is designed to prevent both smallpox and Mpox in adults aged 18 and older who are at risk of infection. Mpox, a rare viral zoonotic disease, primarily affects remote villages in Central and West Africa and is caused by the Mpox virus, which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the Poxviridae family.
In response to the ongoing public health threat, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention declared Mpox a public health emergency of continental security on August 13, 2024. Data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reveals that Nigeria has recorded 48 confirmed cases of Mpox out of 868 suspected cases across 35 local government areas in 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
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