According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), unsafe medication practices and medication errors are a leading cause of injury and avoidable harm in healthcare systems across the world. Globally, the cost associated with medication errors has been estimated at USD $42 billion annually. What are medication-related errors? Errors can occur at different stages of the medication use process. Medication errors occur when weak medication systems and/or human factors such as fatigue, poor environmental conditions or staff shortages affect prescribing, transcribing, dispensing, administration and monitoring practices, which can then result in severe harm, disability and even death. Medication-related errors can have…
Author: Abdallah el-Kurebe
Toilets are among the most common places in homes to become “invaded by limescale” and it can be hard to get rid of – but one natural ingredient is fit for the job, claim Mrs Hinch Fans. Limescale is a stubborn issue in the UK, leaving unsightly toilet stains due to calcium and magnesium deposits from hard water evaporation. In kitchens and bathrooms, hard water builds up on sinks, showers, and toilets, producing tough rust and scale marks that are not only an eyesore but also spell trouble for domestic appliances. The toilet suffers a lot from this nuisance because of its frequent use…
The GI-MAP by Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory is a cutting-edge stool test that uses quantitative PCR (qPCR) technology to analyze the DNA of microbes in the gut. It provides a detailed overview of the gut microbiome, identifying both beneficial and harmful organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Additionally, the test includes markers for gut health, digestion, inflammation, and immune function. Understanding how to interpret these results can provide valuable insights into digestive and overall health. The Pathogens section of the GI-MAP reveals the presence of harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites known to cause gastroenteritis and other conditions. Results are reported as colony-forming units per gram of stool (CFU/g),…
In recent, and particularly this year, residents of the Northwest and Northeast Nigeria have found themselves on the frontlines of the effects of climate change. Rising temperatures, destructive floods, and the steady creep of desertification are no longer distant threats but realities that are reshaping lives and livelihoods in these predominantly farming regions. Yet, amid these challenges, there is a growing sense of unity and action as communities come together to build resilience and adapt to the shifting climate. By Abdallah el-Kurebe The regions are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, and farmers, who have relied on traditional…
Sickle cell disease is a group of disorders that cause red blood cells to become misshapen and break down. With the disease, an inherited group of disorders, red blood cells contort into a sickle shape. The cells die early, leaving a shortage of healthy red blood cells (sickle cell anaemia) and can block blood flow causing pain (sickle cell crisis). Infections, pain and fatigue are its symptoms. What are the advanced treatments for sickle cell disease? A blood and bone marrow transplant is a potentially curative therapy for some people with the disease. To be successful, transplants require a well-matched donor,…
Based in Asheville, N.C., Genova Diagnostics is a globally recognized speciality clinical laboratory, renowned for its pioneering systems-based approach to healthcare. Genova’s advanced testing supports healthcare providers in delivering personalized treatments that address the complexities of chronic diseases. Why choose Genova Diagnostics? Chronic diseases often present intricate challenges. Genova’s cutting-edge, system-based tests empower physicians to create targeted treatment plans for each patient. Their easy-to-read, colour-coded graphic reports turn complex test data into actionable insights, improving communication between physicians and patients. Unmatched expertise and commitment to quality As an internationally renowned laboratory, Genova Diagnostics is committed to the highest standards of clinical testing. Their team of expert medical…
Nigeria has a storied history of protests driven by economic hardship, social injustices, and governance failures. From pre-EndSARS protests to the recent August 1 hunger demonstrations, citizens have consistently taken to the streets to demand change. While these protests underscore the urgent need for reforms, the destruction of public and private properties during these events raises critical concerns. As Nigeria grapples with its infrastructure deficit, it is imperative to understand why protesters should avoid vandalism and why government officials must prioritize good governance to prevent violent agitations. By Abdallah el-Kurebe Pre-EndSARS Protests: Before the EndSARS movement, Nigeria witnessed several significant…
Herpetic whitlow is an infection of the skin around your fingernail that can turn a simple finger into a throbbing, painful ordeal. That tiny but mighty blister shows up around your nails, making every touch feel like you’ve hit it with a hammer. It is characterized by painful blisters on the skin near your finger, and typically resolves independently, but it may require an antiviral prescription to hasten a resolution. It is contagious and can spread from person to person. What causes herpetic whitlow? The herpes simplex virus (HSV), which is responsible for cold sores, causes the condition when the virus penetrates…
Investing in digital health today could prevent millions of deaths caused by noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. A small yearly investment of just 24 cents per patient in technologies like telemedicine, mobile messaging, and chatbots has the potential to save over two million lives over the next decade. The investment, according to a new report by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), could also prevent seven million medical emergencies and hospitalizations, easing the pressure on health systems worldwide. The report, “Going Digital for Noncommunicable Diseases: The Case for Action,” was launched…
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can cause the lining of the large intestine and rectum to become inflamed. There may be a connection between ulcerative colitis and alcohol, which also affects the gut. In the past, some studies have shown both the harmful and beneficial effects of alcohol in ulcerative colitis. Newer studies suggest no correlation or a negative correlation between alcohol and ulcerative colitis. The general recommendation is to avoid drinking alcoholic beverages. Alcohol irritates the digestive tract in similar ways to UC, and combining the two may worsen symptoms. While some people with…