View the full post PAHO: Mental health must be top of political agenda on NOW Grenada.

Santo Domingo.- The Center for Diagnosis and Advanced Medicine and Medical Conferences and Telemedicine (Cedimat) in the country has successfully performed the first percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation, known as Melody, to replace a dysfunctional pulmonary valve in patients who had previously undergone repair for congenital heart disease.

The procedure was carried out on two patients, Maria Alejandra Perdomo, 18 years old, and Elixandra Dipré, 20 years old. Both patients had undergone repair for Tetralogy of Fallot, a heart defect, at a younger age but later developed conditions in their pulmonary valves. Maria Alejandra had severe valve stenosis and insufficiency, while Elixandra had different pulmonary valve conditions.

Cedimat highlighted that this therapy is a minimally invasive alternative to replacing the pulmonary valve, eliminating the risks associated with open-heart re-operation in both children and adults.

The procedure was performed by Dr. John Breinholt, a pediatric cardiologist specializing in catheterization, and Dr. Adabeyda Báez, a pediatric cardiologist. They inserted the delivery system into the femoral vein through a small access hole in the groin and guided it to the heart. Once in position, they inflated a balloon to expand the valve, securing the Melody valve properly.

The implantations took place as part of a social event at the Cedimat Pediatric Cardiology Unit, during which nine open-heart surgeries and 16 catheterizations were also performed. The procedures addressed various conditions, including the total anomalous pulmonary venous return, single ventricle, and severe paravalvular aortic stenosis, among others, according to Rebeca Pérez, coordinator of the unit.

The coordinator and pediatric cardiologist expressed gratitude to the Penn State College of Medicine, UChicago Medicine, the Gift of Life International Foundation, Rotary International, and the Dr. Juan Manuel Taveras Rodríguez Foundation. They also acknowledged the expertise of Madhusudan Ganigara in non-invasive cardiac imaging for patient selection, as well as the support of doctors Rodrigo Soto and Tom Karl, along with the local team, during these procedures and cardiac surgeries.

Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Public Health, represented by pulmonologist and advisor Natalia García, has issued a warning regarding the ongoing heat wave across the country, which is exacerbated by the influx of dust from the Sahara desert. This combination of high temperatures and dust pollution poses a significant risk to respiratory and cardiovascular health among the population.

The environmental pollution caused by heat waves and dust particles leads to the generation of particulate matter. When these particles are inhaled, they can enter the bloodstream and cause vasoconstriction, potentially inducing arterial hypertension. Natalia García explains that exposure to heat increases the likelihood of strokes due to the vasoconstriction caused by suspended particulate matter. The dense heat intensifies the impact of these particles. Consequently, she advises the general population, particularly individuals with respiratory conditions or chronic diseases, to take appropriate measures and avoid overexposure to these conditions.

García emphasizes that individuals with chronic illnesses experience worsened symptoms during such atmospheric heat. For instance, cancer patients should avoid exposure to the heat wave as it can lead to dehydration, requiring emergency care or hospitalization. Such patients must be diligent in taking their medications, attending medical evaluations, avoiding heat exposure, and maintaining proper hydration.

This recommendation also applies to people with diabetes, while individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) face a higher risk due to their susceptibility to air pollution and smoking. The ongoing weather conditions could also trigger an increase in cases of rhinosinusitis, which already has a high incidence in the country.

Meteorological analyst Jean Suriel attributes the rising temperatures to factors such as the Saharan dust clouds, which will continue to affect the country until the weekend, exacerbating respiratory allergies and the heat. Additionally, winds from the south and southeast, along with high humidity, contribute to the prevailing heat wave. The persistence of the El Niño phenomenon and the transition from spring to summer further contribute to the intense heat.

The recent high temperatures in the Dominican Republic indicate the arrival of a scorching summer. With only two weeks until the start of summer 2023 in the northern hemisphere (beginning on June 21 and ending on September 23), the country is expected to experience 94 days of intense heat, particularly between August 15 and October 15, according to Jean Suriel’s warning.

“World Food Safety Day which is observed annually on 7 June, aims to raise awareness about the importance of safe food practices and to highlight the global need for safe food”

View the full post World Food Safety Day: 7 June on NOW Grenada.

National Sickle Cell Week from 18-24 June will raise awareness about the disease and Grenada’s special status in discovering this inherited blood disorder

View the full post Plight for patients with Sickle Cell Disease in Grenada on NOW Grenada.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the author(s) do not represent the official position of Barbados TODAY.

By Wayne Campbell

“The bicycle is an instrument of sustainable transportation and has a positive impact on climate.”- United Nations.

There was a time when the popular mode of transportation was the bicycle. During that golden era no one was overweight or obese. In fact, hypertension was not so common in the population. As the international community inches towards a world operated by Artificial Intelligence many of us are content with our sedentary lifestyles. The truth is we all like and welcome the trappings of modernity. Unfortunately, this comes at a high price of ill-health. This life is characterised with little or no physical activity. In fact, physical inactivity is responsible for a host of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD’s) such as hypertension, cancer and diabetes. According to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018–2030, physical activity has multiplicative health, social and economic benefits and investment in policy actions to increase physical activity can contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. How many of you were aware that the United Nations has designated a special bicycle day?  

Since its establishment in 2018, World Bicycle Day has been marked annually on June 3 by advocates in many countries. The WHO opines that we must acknowledge the uniqueness, longevity and versatility of the bicycle, which has been in use for two centuries, and that it is simple, affordable, reliable and clean. Additionally, the bicycle as a mode of transportation is environmentally-sound as a sustainable means of transportation, fostering environmental stewardship and health.  

World Bicycle Day is set aside to encourage stakeholders to emphasise and advance the use of the bicycle as a means of fostering sustainable development, strengthening education, including physical education, for children and young people, promoting health, preventing disease, promoting tolerance, mutual understanding and respect and facilitating social inclusion and a culture of peace.

The United Nations General Assembly welcomed initiatives to organise bicycle rides at the national and local levels as a means of strengthening physical and mental health and well-being and developing a culture of cycling in society.

Celebrating the Bicycle

The United Nations states that regular physical activity of moderate intensity such as walking, cycling, or doing sports has significant benefits for health. At all ages, the benefits of being physically active outweigh potential harm, for example through accidents. Some physical activity is better than none. By becoming more active throughout the day in relatively simple ways, people can quite easily achieve the recommended activity levels.  According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), safe infrastructure for walking and cycling is also a pathway for achieving greater health equity. For the poorest urban sector, who often cannot afford private vehicles, walking and cycling can provide a form of transport while reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, diabetes, and even death. Accordingly, improved active transport is not only healthy, it is also equitable and cost-effective. The WHO adds that meeting the needs of people who walk and cycle continues to be a critical part of the mobility solution for helping cities de-couple population growth from increased emissions, and to improve air quality and road safety. The COVID-19 pandemic has also led many cities to rethink their transport systems.

Cycling and Sustainable Development

World Bicycle Day draws attention to the benefits of using the bicycle, a simple, affordable, clean and environmentally-fit sustainable means of transportation. The bicycle contributes to cleaner air and less congestion and makes education, health care and other social services more accessible to the most vulnerable populations. A sustainable transport system that promotes economic growth reduces inequalities while bolstering the fight against climate change is critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.  On March 15, 2022, the General Assembly adopted the resolution on integration of mainstream bicycling into public transportation systems for sustainable development. It emphasised that the bicycle is an instrument of sustainable transportation and conveys a positive message to foster sustainable consumption and production, and has a positive impact on climate.

The United Nations is adamant that everyone can help limit climate change. This can be achieved from the way we travel, to the electricity we use, the food we eat, and the things we buy, we can make a difference. The world’s roadways are clogged with vehicles, most of them burning diesel or gasoline. Walking or riding a bike instead of driving will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help your health and fitness. It is quite unfortunate that in some societies sidewalks or designated lanes are not readily available for commuters to use. It appears that urban planners are biased towards older modes of transportation and made no accommodation for them; of course the bicycle would be classified as such.

Bicycle Patrol

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) states that it uses sidewalk-level police presence through bicycle patrols. These special operations units offer high-visibility and proactive community policing presence that is budget-friendly for any size department. The JCF adds that bicycles can fulfil several roles in a wider range of environments than patrol cars or SUVs, and can be used in many of the same environments as foot beats with faster response times.

These units can be a float in a parade, monitor the crowd along the route, be used in rural and urban search and rescue, provide security in dense pedestrian centres, patrol inside buildings  whether a mall or apartment complex and provide highly-effective crowd control mechanisms at demonstrations.  Fascinatingly, the JCF has a unit which the officers patrol solely on bicycles. Of course many Jamaicans are still divided on this issue of having police officers on bicycles. Interestingly, there is no discrimination along gendered lines as both male and female officers are included in this unit. 

Benefits

Cycling is often recommended as a low-impact and engaging workout for people of all ages. It is an aerobics exercise and helps strengthen your heart, blood vessels and lungs. Like other aerobic exercises, cycling can build up your muscular strength and endurance. Additionally, cycling can improve one’s mental health. Cycling can also be good for your mind. For one, it helps create positive endorphins in your brain. Given that cycling is a relatively low-impact exercise, it’s an ideal form of exercise if you have arthritis and osteoarthritis. This is because cycling does not place a lot of stress on your joints.

However, it is rather unfortunate that in Jamaica it appears that there is a lack of vision regarding the development of green spaces as well as designated parks where families can ride bicycles and have some bonding and fun together. We need to advocate for more cycling trails in the development of housing solutions as this will not only add to the aesthetics of the community but also aids in the physical well-being of all.

Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues.

waykam@yahoo.com

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Based on scientific studies, a pregnant woman infected with dengue can pass the virus on to her foetus during pregnancy or around the time of birth

View the full post Ministry of Health secures mosquito nets on NOW Grenada.

Santo Domingo.- The Technological Institute of Santo Domingo (INTEC) and Macrotech, a specialized company in comprehensive health services, have signed a collaboration agreement to promote educational and scientific initiatives that improve the quality of life and contribute to the sustained development of the Dominican Republic.

Dr. Julio Sánchez Mariñez, the rector of INTEC, and Joaquín Toribio, the founder and general director of Macrotech, signed the agreement. The collaboration aims to support educational and scientific activities for students in the Biomedical Engineering program, including internships for students from various fields of study at the university.

Dr. Sánchez Mariñez expressed his appreciation for Macrotech’s support and highlighted the importance of developing technical capacities to design solutions for complex health issues. He emphasized the positive impact of the collaboration on society and sustainability.

Joaquín Toribio, the general director of Macrotech, expressed satisfaction in contributing to the development of technical skills and offering the company’s laboratory practical training in the Biomedical Engineering program. This commitment reinforces their dedication to societal contributions.

The signing ceremony, held at the university, was attended by Macrotech representatives Melissa Bisonó, the commercial director; Esteban Rodríguez, the regional senior marketing manager; and Norelyn Ramírez, the regional communications manager. INTEC was represented by Alliet Ortega, the Vice Chancellor of Administration and Finance; Arturo del Villar, the academic vice-rector; and several deans and faculty members from various areas of study.

The collaboration between INTEC and Macrotech will foster innovation, research, and the development of skills in the healthcare sector, contributing to the advancement of the country’s healthcare system and the well-being of its population.

(AFP) — The virus causing record cases of avian influenza in birds across the world is changing rapidly, experts have warned, as calls increase for countries to vaccinate their poultry.

While emphasising that the risk to humans remains low, the experts who spoke to AFP said that the surging number of bird flu cases in mammals was a cause for concern.

Since first emerging in 1996, the H5N1 avian influenza virus had previously been confined to mostly seasonal outbreaks.

But “something happened” in mid-2021 that made the group of viruses much more infectious, according to Richard Webby, the head of a World Health Organization collaborating centre studying influenza in animals.

Since then, outbreaks have lasted all year round, spreading to new areas and leading to mass deaths among wild birds and tens of millions of poultry being culled.

Webby, who is a researcher at St Jude Children’s Research Hospital in the US city of Memphis, told AFP it was “absolutely” the largest outbreak of avian influenza the world had seen.

He led research, published this week in the journal Nature Communications, showing how the virus rapidly evolved as it spread from Europe into North America.

The study said the virus increased in virulence, which means it causes more dangerous disease, when in arrived in North America.

The researchers also infected a ferret with one of the new strains of bird flu.

The found an unexpectedly “huge” amount of the virus in its brain, Webby said, indicating it had caused more serious disease than previous strains.

Emphasising that the risk in humans was still low, he said that “this virus is not being static, it’s changing”.

“That does increase the potential that even just by chance” the virus could “pick up genetic traits that allow it to be more of a human virus,” he said.

In rare cases, humans have contracted the sometimes deadly virus, usually after coming in close contact with infected birds.

– ‘Scares us’ –

The virus has also been detected in a soaring number of mammals, which Webby described as a “really, really troubling sign”.

Last week Chile said that nearly 9,000 sea lions, penguins, otters, porpoises and dolphins have died from bird flu along its north coast since the start of the year.

Most mammals are believed to have contracted the virus by eating an infected bird.

But Webby said that what “scares us the most” are indications from a Spanish mink farm, or among sea lions off South America, that the virus could be transmitting between mammals.

Ian Brown, virology head at the UK’s Animal and Plant Health Agency, said there has not yet been “clear evidence that this virus is easily sustaining in mammals.”

While the virus is changing to become “more efficient and more effective in birds,” it remains “unadapted to humans,” Brown told AFP.

Avian viruses bind to different receptors on the host cell than human viruses, Webby said.

It would take “two or three minor changes in one protein of the viruses” to become more adapted to humans, he said.

“That is what we’re really looking out for.”

– Vaccinating poultry –

One way to bring down the number of total bird flu cases, and therefore reduce the risk to humans, would be for countries to vaccinate their poultry, Webby said.

A few nations including China, Egypt and Vietnam have already held vaccination campaigns for poultry.

But many other countries have been reluctant due to import restrictions in some areas, and fears vaccinated birds that nonetheless get infected could slip through the net.

In April, the United States started testing several vaccine candidates for potential use on birds.

France recently said it hopes to start vaccinating poultry as early as autumn this year.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s chief veterinary officer, said that vaccinating poultry was not “a silver bullet because the virus changes constantly”.

But traditionally reluctant countries should consider vaccinating poultry more often, Middlemiss told AFP at an event at the UK’s embassy in Paris last week.

World Organisation for Animal Health director general Monique Eloit said that the issue of vaccinating poultry should be “on the table”.

After all, “everyone now knows that a pandemic is not just a fantasy — it could be a reality,” she added.

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Director of the Barbados Drug Service (BDS), Maryam Karga-Hinds, has provided an update regarding some of the drugs which have been affected by recent supply challenges.

Karga-Hinds stated that with respect to the steroid Prednisolone, which is used to treat several conditions, including asthma and Long-COVID, there have been a number of delays in shipment from the contracted supplier, causing the need for a second supplier to be contracted. The shipment of this drug is now scheduled to arrive in two to three weeks. The Drug Service is also currently searching for stock that is readily available.

Additionally, she said there has been an issue with the drug Androcur (Cyproterone), which is used to treat prostate cancer, where the manufacturers have been experiencing shortages with obtaining the raw materials. This has resulted in rationing, leading to buyers not receiving the amounts ordered from the suppliers.

Karga-Hinds noted that the Barbados Drug Service contracted a generic supplier to fill the need, but the product has to be manufactured and the generic is not expected to be ready before the end of June. There is a limited supply on island.

She further stated that in the past few months, there have been significant challenges with Epilim which is used to treat epilepsy. She pointed out that this is not a product which can be easily interchanged.

The local agent has indicated that small quantities of the 300 mg and 500 mg have been shipped, however, the 300 mg strength is scheduled for discontinuation by year-end. The Drug Service is actively looking for a replacement product.

The Director indicated that the supplier of Ibuprofen, an anti-inflammatory drug, has advised that a limited supply is available on island and should be ready for sale shortly.

She also shared that a shipment of Ventolin liquid, which is used to treat asthma, is on its way to the island adding that, recently, a quantity of this drug expired and had to be destroyed because of the lack of demand. Ventolin tablet is no longer on the Barbados national drug formulary.

Karga-Hinds expressed regret over any challenges experienced by the public as it relates to availability of medication. She stated that the management and staff of the Barbados Drug Service will continue to do all in their capacity to re-establish supply of the items that are out of stock.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness is committed to updating the public with relevant information as it becomes available.

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