Health

Jamaica confirms second imported case of chikungunya

The best way to prevent chikungunya infection is to avoid mosquito bites.

DR Marion Bullock-Ducasse, director of emergency, disaster management and special services in the health ministry, last night urged Jamaicans to take precautions when travelling to countries with Case of chikungunya. Her call followed the ministry's confirmation of the second imported case of chiku ... Read More

FALCONER… we can either fight back or we can sit and do nothing and wait to get to the hospital ‘Protect yourselves against chikungunya’
SAVANNA-LA-MAR, Westmoreland — Senator Sandrea Falconer, the minister in charge of information ... Read More

Is leptin making you fat?
CHANCES are, you have never heard of leptin. This hormone is, however, very important in the control ... Read More

Gaining control over your hunger
WHEN your stomach starts to rumble and cry out for more food, your first reaction is probably to hea ... Read More

Can knowing about illness affect mental health?

Dr Derrick Aarons | Sunday, July 27, 2014    

We stand a chance of catching things early by doing regular check-ups, where the doctor does a thorough examination and appropriate investigations.

MANY people are aware of the saying 'prevention is better than cure'; it's therefore logical that if you cannot prevent, you should seek to detect early and try to cure. If you detect late, then it might already be too late to bring about a cure. This aphorism applies to many diseases, particularly those that carry possible devastating outcomes such as cancer, or those causing end-organ damage such as heart, liver, and kidney failure, or damage to one's eyesight or brain. We stand a chance of ... Read More

HIV-killing condom?

By Gorgette Beckford | Sunday, July 27, 2014    

HIV-killing condom?

A condom coated with an antiviral gel, VivaGel, is poised to be the next big thing in sexual and reproductive health, thanks to Australian pharmaceutical company Starpharma. The gel was recently approved by Australia's regulatory agency for medical drugs and devices — Therapeutic Goods Administration — after satisfactory performance and safety tests were run. VivaGel contains astodrimer sodium, which is a non-antibiotic, antimicrobial drug that attacks STIs like HIV. The active ingr ... Read More

CHALLENGERS pressing on…

By Anika Richards | Sunday, July 27, 2014    

Gym instructor Gisel Harrow takes the challengers through the motions in her sculpting class which was the first bonus session of the competition.

THE participants in the Jamaica Observer/Gymkhana Fitness Challenge are moving into their third week of chiselling, finetuning and inching closer to their respective goals. So far, based on the points system, they have been keeping strides with each other because the numbers are locked. Last Monday, Gymkhana's General Manager Peter Morris announced the first opportunity for challengers to pull away from the pack in the form of a bonus challenge that would've earned the participants an extra po ... Read More

5 foods to boost fitness, exercise

Bena Nakawuki | Sunday, July 27, 2014    

WITH so many foods to choose from, it can get quite confusing when it comes to selecting foods that will enhance our fitness and exercise routines. However, there are some specific foods which I highly recommend adding to your diet to provide quality fuel for various routines, such as running, walking, cycling, weight training, yoga, and dance. These are my top foods for pre- and post-workout activities: PAPAYA Papaya is often overlooked and not given enough credit; however, it is packed with ... Read More

Benefits of using ice therapy

With Dr Chris Davis | Sunday, July 27, 2014    

When using ice, it must be applied directly to the localised area for exactly 20 minutes - no more, and no less.

This is the first in a three-part piece exploring the several benefits of cryotherapy. I must bring to the readers' collective attention once more the importance and benefits of using ice at home. Ice is a wonderful, practically free therapy that can be utilised for many different things, including pain management and many other beneficial effects. Placing an ice pack on an affected area not only numbs pain and discomfort, but does a tremendously effective job combatting inflammation and loca ... Read More

Low blood sugar

Dr Romayne Edwards | Sunday, July 27, 2014    

In a normal individual, blood sugar levels are constant throughout the day irrespective of meals and activity and tend to vary between 3mmol/L and 9mmol/L.

HYPOGLYCEMIA, also known as low blood sugar, is defined as a blood glucose level less than 3mmol/L or approximately 50mg/dl. Typically, the person with that blood sugar level on finger stick measurement from capillary blood has signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia and returns to normal after glucose is administered. In a normal individual, blood sugar levels are constant throughout the day irrespective of meals and activity and tend to vary between 3mmol/L and 9mmol/L. This constant level is reg ... Read More

Don't punish kids for wetting the bed

Dr Michelle Williams | Sunday, July 27, 2014    

Parents need to reassure their children and encourage them to achieve dryness. (PHOTO: AFP)

BED-WETTING can be embarrassing for kids, especially if they want to stay over at a friend's house or go camping. They also feel guilty and parents might feel frustrated and helpless. Children usually achieve bladder control by age five in girls and age six in boys. However, there is no specific age for dryness and most children will achieve this by 15 years of age. One of the theories for children bed-wetting suggests that the nerves that control the bladder are not fully developed. There is a ... Read More

Eating out without packing on the pounds

BY SUZETTE BONAS Sunday Observer writer bonass@jamaicaobserver.com | Sunday, July 27, 2014    

If fried chicken is a must, discard the skin and thick batter or breading to shave off some calories. (PHOTOS: AFP)

TODAY, dining out affords the busy bodies of the modern world the luxury of enjoying a hot, cooked meal without having to lift a finger in the kitchen. But with summer bodies on the line, grabbing a bite to eat doesn't have to undo those hours in the gym. Instead, think twice about that steaming plate of Alfredo or that side of cheese fries that isn't worth the calories. Nutritionist Kerry Weatherly helps us navigate the restaurant and fast-food options with tips on healthy, satisfying ways to ... Read More

Getting to know... Trevor Dixon

BY ANIKA RICHARDS Sunday Observer staff reporter richardsai@jamaicaobserver.com | Sunday, July 27, 2014    

Dixon before he started his weight loss journey. At right: Trevor Dixon lost more than 100 pounds.

Over the next few weeks, the Sunday Observer will share the stories of each of the challengers, how they got to where they are and their commitment to becoming better versions of themselves. THREE years ago, Trevor Dixon was 290 pounds. He was 20 years old. Did he have an issue with his weight? No. Did he know he was overweight? Yes. Did he intend to do anything about it? No. Not until after he was told to lose weight following a medical examination he completed to start his Bachelor of Scienc ... Read More

Concerns raised over HIV/AIDS rate among older Bajans

Friday, July 25, 2014    

Blood tested for HIV/AIDS

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) — There has been an increase in the number of elderly persons contracting HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases as they venture outside the home seeking romantic encounters, says Cephus Sealey, chairman of the National Assistance Board. Expressing concern about what he described as risky sexual practices among mature Barbadians, Sealey said Wednesday: "Johns are becoming older, as they seek sexual gratification outside the home, they inadvertently pla ... Read More



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