Santo Domingo.- The event, organized by Arium Salud Digital and the Communication and Public Relations firm AF Comunicación Estratégica, will feature participation and support from various public and private institutions.

The third edition of the Latin American Digital Health Congress, titled “Creating the Health of the Future,” will take place on October 9 and 10 at the JW Marriott Hotel in Santo Domingo. This event has received significant backing from stakeholders in the health sector’s digital transformation.

The Ministry of Public Health, Seguros Reservas, Inmotion, Koneksi, TCA, Madih, Farmaconal, Amadita Clinical Laboratory, Hospital Metropolitano de Santiago (HOMS), Humano Seguros, Unión Médica del Norte, Referencia Clinical Laboratory, and CEMDOE are among the sponsors of this edition of the congress.

Additionally, SKYTEL, IntraCare, Global Medica, General Hospital of Plaza de la Salud, Rehabilitation, UNITRADE, Grupo SID, Wellmed, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Médico Express, Mallen, Fortinet, Farmacia Carol, MAPFRE, CEDIMAT, ARS Futuro, INTCOMEX, and New York Presbyterian are supporting the event.

Regarding the support received, Fedor Vidal, CEO of Arium Salud Digital, stated that thanks to events of this magnitude, the Dominican Republic is taking a step forward in contributing to the digitalization of the health sector. The event will provide data on learnings and best practices, showing where the country stands compared to others, what needs improvement, and, most importantly, where it is heading as a nation.

Similarly, Amelia Reyes Mora, president of AF Comunicación Estratégica, highlighted the importance of the media in promoting and broadening the reach of this prestigious event, expressing gratitude to those who have joined the effort, such as: Listín Diario, Resumen de Salud, Medihealth, Technology, Revista Contacto, Factor de Éxito, Diario de Salud, RCC Media, Dia 91 FM, Dominican Today, and Revista GBLAM.

Thanks to the prestige gained in its previous two editions, the event will also have the endorsement of the Dominican Association of Health Tourism (ADTS), the American Chamber of Commerce of the Dominican Republic (AMCHAMDR), Cámara TIC, the Dominican Institute for Quality (INDOCAL), Iberoamerican University (UNIBE), the Digital Agenda 2030, and the Dominican Health Association, ASADI.

The 3rd Latin American Digital Health Congress will be a platform where experts will discuss the challenges and future of the health industry, and the impact of digital transformation and artificial intelligence.

For more information and registration, visit congresosaluddigital.com or call 809-563-2663.

The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has brought severe flooding to the southeast.

With excess water in the home, there’s an increased risk of mold growth, which can lead to serious health risks.

As Hurricane Milton heads toward Florida, experts are once again issuing warnings about the dangers of mold exposure.

HURRICANE EFFECTS POSE ‘TREMENDOUS’ HEALTH HAZARDS FOR AMERICANS, DOCTOR WARNS

Mold in your home can look like multicolored spots and can smell musty, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In an appearance on "Fox & Friends," Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel noted that wet walls can lead to mold that might not always be visible.

Siegel called out two "very serious molds" that he’s most worried about: black mold and aspergillus.

FOLLOW THESE STEPS IF YOU'VE FOUND BLACK MOLD IN YOUR HOME TO KEEP YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY SAFE

Black mold can appear as black or dark green splotches, Siegel detailed.

Aspergillus is invasive and can cause aspergillosis, an infection that's usually respiratory, according to Mayo Clinic.

Mold can cause a variety of symptoms, such as stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing, wheezing, burning eyes and skin rash.

Both black mold and Aspergillus can provoke allergy symptoms and infections, as well as conditions like hypersensitivity pneumonitis, an allergic reaction that causes inflammation in the lungs, according to Siegel.

‘SMART MASK’ COULD DETECT ASTHMA, COPD AND OTHER MEDICAL CONDITIONS, RESEARCHERS SAY

Mold can also trigger breathing conditions like emphysema or asthma, the doctor added.

"I’m worried about people who are immunocompromised and have chronic illnesses," he said.

"It can be fatal if you’re immunocompromised or if you’ve had a transplant — you can get a severe case of infection from mold."

People with conditions like chronic lung disease can develop an infection in the lungs, the CDC stated.

Mold can develop in as little as 24 hours, Cleveland Clinic experts reported in a news release.

The sooner water damage is cleared up, the less risk there is for mold to grow, according to Maeve MacMurdo, MD, a pulmonologist for Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.

20 WORST PLACES TO LIVE IF YOU HAVE ASTHMA, PER MAJOR HEALTH ORGANIZATION

"Obviously, the sooner, the better, and it’s hard," she said in the release. "People are dealing with a lot, but cleaning up the water and mold remediation is a really big part of it."

For those who have regained power in their home, Siegel recommends plugging in a dehumidifier or air conditioner to dry out the space.

"Even if it’s cool outside, you want air-conditioning because you want to get rid of the humidity," he said. "The humidity is where mold grows."

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The doctor also recommends using bleach or vinegar to wipe down mold spots on walls – or hiring a professional to detect and remove mold.

"There are professional organizations that can spot the mold that’s hiding in the nooks and crannies," Siegel said.

For mold prevention, the CDC recommends keeping humidity levels at no higher than 50% in the home.

Air should "flow freely," helped by exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom, according to the same source.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

Fixing leaks in the roof, walls and plumbing will help ensure that no moisture in the home turns into mold, experts advise.

The CDC also recommends not using carpet in rooms where there is more moisture, such as bathrooms and basements, and replacing carpets and upholstery that have been soaked.

When cleaning mold spots, never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners, the agency warned, as this will produce a poisonous gas.

It is best practice to follow the manufacturer's instructions on the bleach container's label, open windows to provide fresh air, and wear rubber boots, gloves and goggles during cleanup, experts advise.

People with persistent symptoms should seek medical attention, MacMurdo urged. 

While the flu season will bring temporary viruses, mold symptoms will continue to linger.

View the full post Health Minister Phillip Telesford not attending PAHO meeting on NOW Grenada.

Santo Domingo – Intelligence and anti-drug agencies in the Dominican Republic are handling information about a new synthetic drug called “Tussi,” known as “pink cocaine.”
Reports indicate that the potent and harmful hallucinogen is being trafficked in Latin American and Caribbean countries.

Listin Diario sources assure that Dominican authorities, concerned about the effects of this potent drug, are carrying out in-depth investigations to find out if the so-called “pink cocaine” is circulating in the country among consumers and traffickers.

According to investigations to which this newspaper had access, the person who consumes Tussi is exposed to multiple risks, such as overdose, severe intoxication, or unexpected adverse reactions.
The effects can vary “from intense episodes of euphoria and hallucinations to severe anxiety, paranoia, panic and in some cases, psychosis,” the study says.

The specialists in charge of the research warn that “pink cocaine” has been proven to affect both the central nervous system and the cardiovascular system.”
The drug can also produce long-term effects, such as brain damage and psychiatric disorders.

The source, who is very close to the investigations into the possible presence of this synthetic drug in the Dominican Republic, assured that drug trafficking networks operating in Colombia, Mexico, and Venezuela are responsible for its production and distribution in Latin American and Caribbean countries.

The concern of the authorities goes beyond the effects that “pink cocaine” can have on public health, as they understand that Tussi “has become a tool for the dynamization of the illicit drug market” with the consequent increase in criminality, exacerbating violence.

According to reports obtained by Listin Diario, intelligence and anti-drug agencies in the country are keeping a close watch on discos and entertainment centers given the severe risk for the youth that the consumption of Tussi represents due to its high potential for physical, psychological, and addictive damage.
The intelligence work is carried out in response to recommendations for the implementation of prevention and control policies to curb the consumption and expansion of this dangerous drug.

The synthetic drug Tussi is also known as 2C or pink cocaine, although it does not contain cocaine. The pink is due to the fact that it contains a food coloring of that color.
As users are often unaware of what it contains, it can cause unpredictable and dangerous psychoactive effects.
Other effects include euphoria, increased energy, restlessness, increased heart rate, decreased appetite, distorted perception, headache, dehydration, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Although cocaine has anesthetic and stimulant properties, the properties of tussi are psychoactive, affecting serotonin, a neurotransmitter related to the control of emotions and mood.

According to information posted on various websites about the drug, its use is highly dangerous, as it leads people to feel that the effects of pink cocaine may not be what they expect and continue using it until they find it.
But they can also become addicted to the sense of risk that arises through what can be a chemical version of “Russian Roulette.”

When someone repeatedly uses pink cocaine, as with any addictive substance, the body begins to develop tolerance and needs to use more and more of it to feel the same effects as the initial doses.
For that reason, it can be deadly for users.

People trapped in addiction require specialized treatment and a detoxification process in a center that offers a program tailored to the needs of each patient, with the aim of reversing their physical and psychological dependence.
Pink cocaine,” originally from Colombia, is causing concern among healthcare providers because of its increasingly widespread use and its harmful effects.

The Vector Control Unit will continue targeting mosquito-prone areas when it conducts its fogging exercise in four parishes this week.

On Monday the following St John and St Philip districts will be sprayed: College Savannah with avenues, Fortescue, St Mark’s, Consent Bay, Blades Hill, and Three Houses.

The Unit will turn its attention to St Michael on Tuesday. It will go into Station Hill, Goodings Road with avenues, Bellevue Gap, Deanes Village, and surrounding areas.

The team will visit St Joseph on Wednesday when they fog Gaggs Hill, Hillswick Road, Phillips Road, Cleavers Hill, Bathsheba, Elizabeth Village, St Elizabeth New Road, Foster Hall, and environs.

The Unit will return to that parish on Thursday, October 3, and will target Blackman’s Tenantry, Horse Hill, Blackman’s Development, Tourville, Bonwell Road, Surinam Road, Nos. 1 to 3 Vaughn Road, and Quarry Road.

The fogging exercise for the week will conclude on Friday, October 4, when the team fogs Carlton Terrace, Straker Road, Black Road Main Road, Spring Garden Nos. 1 to 2, Retreat Terrace, Hinkson Gap, Danesbury Road, and Brighton Road.

Fogging takes place from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. daily. Householders are reminded to open their windows and doors to allow the spray to enter. Children should not be allowed to play in the spray.

Members of the public are advised that the completion of scheduled fogging activities may be affected by events beyond the Unit’s control. In such circumstances, the Unit will return to communities affected in the soonest possible time. (PR)

The post Fogging to be conducted in four parishes appeared first on Barbados Today.

One of the most notable developments is the progress in nurse practitioner training, a critical step for the advancement of nursing in Barbados. According to the President of the Barbados Nurses Association (BNA), Dr Fay Parris, the government has identified a foreign university that will facilitate the training of Barbadian nurses in advanced practice roles. This initiative aims to create a stronger health-care workforce by equipping local nurses with specialised skills.

“We have moved a lot further because the government of Barbados has identified an education university overseas where they will offer Barbadian nurses the opportunity to become nurse practitioners,” the BNA president said. This collaboration is expected to expand the local talent pool of nurse practitioners, who are essential in providing higher-level care in the country’s health-care facilities.

Already, some Barbadian nurses have qualified as nurse practitioners, and the initiative has sparked significant interest among others. 

Parris noted, “We have some Barbadian nurses who are already nurse practitioners, and we have had a lot of interest in the programme because so far, the Ministry of Health and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) have sought to find out from persons their expression of interest in the programme. So, we are moving forward with that programme.”

Currently, Barbados has several clinical nurse specialists, focusing on areas such as education and geriatrics. These advanced practice nurses are playing a crucial role in specialised care, and Parris stressed that more advanced practice nurses are on the horizon. “We are moving forward with having advanced practice nurses,” she said, underscoring the importance of this initiative for the future of nursing in Barbados.

Alongside the strides in advanced nurse training, Barbados is tackling a significant challenge: the shortage of nurses. Parris acknowledged that while the shortage has been a persistent issue, efforts are being made to ensure that health-care standards remain high, particularly in ensuring that every patient receives the care they need. One of the key barriers to addressing the shortage is the time it takes to train new nurses. 

“With that in mind, we know it takes four years to produce a registered nurse. So therefore, we would have had to seek assistance from outside of the island to complement in numbers,” she explained. Barbados has had to rely on external support in the short term to meet the immediate demands in health care.

However, the long-term strategy remains focused on bolstering the local workforce. Efforts to train more nurses locally have begun to bear fruit. Parris highlighted a significant improvement in the pass rates of nursing students in the regional examination — a crucial step in increasing the number of qualified nurses entering the health-care system.

“You would have noted some years ago there was an issue with the pass mark at regional examinations. And that has improved quite significantly. Our numbers are up in the 80s and 90s percentage of pass now,” she revealed. “So that would mean that we have a greater number of nurses leaving the programme to be employed.” This improvement means that Barbados is set to produce a more consistent flow of new nurses into its health-care system in the coming years.

Despite this progress, there remain challenges, particularly for those students who do not pass the regional examination on the first attempt. Recognising this, the government and the BNA are exploring alternative pathways to ensure that even those who initially struggle can eventually join the nursing profession. “We are also looking at some nurses who were not able to pass the exam. We are providing other avenues for that to occur,” Parris noted.

To further secure the future of Barbados’ health-care workforce, the government is also taking steps to ensure that newly trained nurses remain in the country after completing their education. She confirmed that discussions have been ongoing between the BNA and the Ministry of Health and Wellness regarding the bonding of nursing students — a system designed to guarantee that nurses serve in Barbados for a period of time after receiving government-funded education. (RG)

The post How Barbados is enhancing its health-care system appeared first on Barbados Today.

Santo Domingo – The diseases under epidemiological surveillance in the Dominican Republic had low incidences in the last epidemiological week, 37 of the Ministry of Public Health.

According to the official institution, seven cases of dengue, seven of malaria, and four of leptospirosis were confirmed from September 8 to 14.

Meanwhile, there were no cases of coronavirus or suicidal behaviors that are reported in the bulletins.

In terms of mortality, the Public Health authorities reported 44 infant deaths and five maternal deaths.

During epidemiological week 37, 109 suspected cases and seven confirmed cases of malaria were reported, most of which reside in Greater Santo Domingo and San Juan. He points out that as of EW 37, 799 malaria cases have been confirmed in the country.

Leptospirosis, which to date has caused 31 deaths, in epidemiological week 37, 4 suspected cases were reported, and no confirmed cases were registered.

Suicidal behavior

During epidemiological week 37, no cases of suicidal attempts or behavior were reported, so our surveillance system remains vigilant to ensure the timely detection of any new cases.

It maintains that until EW 37-2024, 21 cases of this event had been reported. 57.1% (12/21) affected female sex in the age group 20 to 29, with 33.3% (7/21) of the cases.

The Ministry of Public Health’s report states that the distribution of cases by provinces of residence was 29% (6/21) in Santo Domingo, followed by 24% (5/21) in San Cristóbal and 19% (4/21) in San Juan. The Rodolfo de la Cruz Lora Hospital reported 33.3% of the cases.

Although no new cases have been reported this week, it is crucial to maintain vigilance in mental health.

The Ministry of Public Health is improving its efforts to improve early detection and support those at risk.

She says that it is essential to promote the importance of seeking help and accessing available resources for mental health to prevent suicide. To this end, the Contact Center “Take Care of Your Mental Health” is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week,

The Epidemiological Bulletin National Epidemiological Surveillance System/Unified Information System is a weekly publication published by the Ministry of Health through the General Directorate of Epidemiology (DGE).

Santo Domingo.- Médico Express has become the health center with the highest number of certified medical tourism professionals (CMTP) by Global Health Care Accreditation (GHA) worldwide, marking a major milestone in the sector. This distinction highlights the center’s dedication to delivering top-tier medical care to international patients and advancing its role in the medical tourism industry.

The CMTP certification is an international benchmark that ensures healthcare providers are equipped with the necessary skills to offer high-quality services, patient safety, and comprehensive management of patient experiences. Médico Express, which is also the first Fitwel-certified health facility in Latin America, has solidified its status as a leader in the rapidly expanding medical tourism sector, with the Dominican Republic being recognized as the top destination in the Caribbean by the Medical Tourism Index (MTI).

Dr. Alejandro Cambiaso, CEO of Médico Express, emphasized that the certification represents the center’s ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation in health tourism. With a skilled team, advanced technology, and a dedicated international department, Médico Express is set to continue enhancing its services and positioning itself as a benchmark for quality and accessibility in the global healthcare market.

Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Health announced that dengue cases are under control, with 7 confirmed cases reported during Epidemiological Week 37, bringing the total to 1,113 cases for the year. The Doctor Defilló National Public Health Reference Laboratory processed 8,383 dengue tests, of which 14.1% tested positive, with the DENV-3 serotype being the most prevalent at 36.3%.

Additionally, 109 possible malaria cases were reported during the same week, with 7 confirmed positives. Affected individuals were mainly from Santo Domingo, San Juan, and the Distrito Nacional. For leptospirosis, 4 suspected cases were reported, but none tested positive.

The bulletin also highlighted the Ministry’s “More Health and More Life Expectancy” program, which addresses cardiovascular diseases using the HEARTS strategy to enhance hypertension treatment and prevent secondary cardiovascular conditions.

Santo Domingo.- The Public Prosecutor’s Office continues to present evidence in the high-profile corruption case known as Operation Octopus, which involves a network that defrauded the Dominican State of over RD$5,000 million. During the latest hearing, key testimonies and documents were introduced to demonstrate fraudulent dealings and the misuse of public funds in the procurement of health supplies.

Leandro Villanueva, director of the General Directorate of Medicines, Food and Health Products (Digemaps), testified that medical supplies such as glucometers and lancets purchased by the Ministry of Public Health in 2013 lacked proper health registration and were not authorized for sale in the Dominican Republic. Despite this, the Ministry acquired these supplies from Domedical Supply, SRL for nearly RD$60 million, a company linked to Alexis Medina.

Further evidence included contracts, invoices, and distribution agreements showing that companies affiliated with Medina, such as General Medical Solution AM, SRL, falsely claimed to be exclusive distributors of certain medicines, including Erythropoietin. Testimony from José Miguel Zorilla, president of Nagada Investment Company, revealed that Medina’s company used false pretenses to sell medicines at inflated prices, profiting significantly from resale schemes that ultimately harmed the state.

Prosecutor Ernesto Guzmán of the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for the Prosecution of Administrative Corruption (Pepca) emphasized that the evidence confirms Alexis Medina’s companies were not eligible for public contracts, as they did not meet the legal requirements. He concluded that these fraudulent activities endangered public health and inflicted financial losses on the Dominican government. The court has adjourned the hearing until September 30 at 9:00 a.m.