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.

Do you often wake up feeling exhausted, even after a full night's sleep? You might be one of the millions of people unknowingly living with sleep apnea. But here's some great news. Apple has just introduced a game-changing feature that could help you identify this hidden health issue right from your wrist.

If you own an Apple Watch Series 10, 9 or Ultra 2, you'll soon have a personal sleep detective on your arm. This new feature uses the watch's built-in technology to monitor your breathing patterns while you sleep, looking for signs that could indicate sleep apnea. 

No more need for complicated sleep studies or expensive equipment; your everyday smartwatch could be the key to uncovering this common but often undiagnosed condition.

GET SECURITY ALERTS, EXPERT TIPS – SIGN UP FOR KURT’S NEWSLETTER – THE CYBERGUY REPORT HERE

The sleep apnea detection feature utilizes the watch's built-in accelerometer to monitor a new metric called "breathing disturbances" during sleep. By analyzing these disturbances over time, the watch can identify patterns consistent with moderate to severe sleep apnea.

APPLE TRANSFORMS AIRPODS PRO 2 INTO LOW-COST HEARING AIDS

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval for this sleep apnea feature, marking a significant milestone in wearable health technology. Apple plans to roll out the functionality to more than 150 countries and regions this month, including the United States, Europe and Japan.

APPLE'S BOLD MOVE INTO AI: NEW IPHONE 16, AIRPODS AND WATCHES

You can view your nightly breathing disturbance data in the Health app on your iPhone, where it will be categorized as either "elevated" or "not elevated." The watch analyzes this data over a 30-day period and notifies users if it detects consistent signs of sleep apnea.

IOS 18: DISCOVER THE NEW FEATURES IN APPLE'S LATEST OPERATING SYSTEM

In clinical validation studies, the notification performance achieved a sensitivity of 66.3% and specificity of 98.5%. This means that while the algorithm is effective at identifying those with moderate to severe sleep apnea, it also minimizes false positives, ensuring that you can trust the notifications you receive.

HOW TO REMOVE YOUR PRIVATE DATA FROM THE INTERNET 

TOP SLEEP ACCESSORIES 2024

Dr. Sumbul Desai, Apple's vice president of health, emphasized the rigorous development process behind this feature. The detection algorithm was created using advanced machine learning with extensive datasets from clinical-grade sleep apnea tests. The studies included diverse participants across various demographics and evaluated both at-home and in-lab sleeping environments.

This new feature has the potential to significantly impact public health by helping identify undiagnosed cases of sleep apnea. Research suggests that up to 80% of sleep apnea cases remain undiagnosed, making this tool invaluable for many people who may not exhibit obvious symptoms.

THE HIDDEN COSTS OF FREE APPS: YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION

To use the new sleep apnea detection feature on your Apple Watch, follow these steps:

Ensure your Apple Watch is running the latest version of watchOS. Here are the steps:

Update your iPhone to the latest iOS version. Here are the steps:

Remember, this feature is designed for users 18 years or older who have not been diagnosed with sleep apnea. If you receive a notification suggesting signs of sleep apnea, it's important to consult with your health care provider for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

SUBSCRIBE TO KURT’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL FOR QUICK VIDEO TIPS ON HOW TO WORK ALL OF YOUR TECH DEVICES

It’s incredible how technology can empower us to take charge of our health, and the new sleep apnea detection feature on the Apple Watch 10, 9 and Ultra 2 is a perfect example. With this tool, you can monitor your breathing patterns while you sleep, potentially uncovering issues that have gone unnoticed for far too long. Just remember, while this feature is a fantastic step toward better health, it’s essential to consult with a health care provider if you receive a notification about possible sleep apnea. Embracing these advancements could lead to a more restful night and a healthier life.

How do you feel about using wearable technology like the Apple Watch for health monitoring? Are you excited about these advancements, or do you have concerns about privacy and accuracy? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover.

Follow Kurt on his social channels:

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

New from Kurt:

Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

New York.- The Dominican Republic is actively working toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030 through initiatives such as the “Policy of Universal Access to Health and Social Security,” part of the government’s central strategy for 2025-2028. During the “Ministerial Meeting of the Group of Friends of UHC and Global Health” at the UN, Minister of Health Victor Atallah emphasized that the country is focusing on ensuring the right to health for all, supported by adequate financial resources and efficient hospital management.

Atallah highlighted two key initiatives: the HEARTS strategy, aimed at preventing and controlling cardiovascular diseases by strengthening primary care, and a national strategy based on the One Health approach, addressing the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health. He also mentioned efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance, zoonotic diseases, and plans to launch a “School Health” program in 2025, benefiting 2.2 million children and adolescents.

Despite progress, Atallah acknowledged challenges ahead but reaffirmed the Dominican Republic’s commitment to building inclusive and resilient health systems. The event, part of the 79th UN General Assembly, brought together health ministers and global leaders to discuss strengthening future health systems, and Atallah’s participation contributed to highlighting the country’s public health advances.