Santo Domingo – The Ministry of Public Health yesterday highlighted the challenge posed to health systems by dementias caused by various diseases and brain injuries, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common, representing between 60% and 70% of cases.

In view of this reality, he is developing a plan based on Law 352-98 and the “Dementia Response Plan in the Dominican Republic 2020-2025,” which focuses on improving the quality of life of people with dementia, their caregivers, and their family members.

The plan, explains the Ministry of Public Health, proposes four lines of action: strengthening public policies, promoting health and preventing dementia in the community, improving access to comprehensive care, and developing information and monitoring systems.

In addition, it emphasizes multisectoral collaboration and the promotion of human rights.

The details of the plan are contained in epidemiological bulletin number 36, released yesterday by the Ministry of Public Health. This bulletin highlights Alzheimer’s disease as a central issue of interest.

She says that dementia is a syndrome that causes memory loss, communication problems, and mood swings due to brain damage, which is progressive and requires care as it progresses.

Remember that, although there is no cure, early diagnosis and symptom management can improve quality of life.

Risk factors can be identified and modified to prevent cognitive decline.

Population ageing

It highlights that, in the Dominican Republic, the proportion of people over 60 has increased from 2.7% in 1950 to 6.1% in 2015 and is estimated to reach 15.2% by 2050.

It points out that the country’s population over 65 years of age grew from 3.7% in 1981 to 9.3% in 2014. Life expectancy has also increased, from 46.1 years between 1950 and 1955 to 71.0 years in 2010, and is expected to reach 79.6 years by 2050.

Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease is a common form of dementia that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is a progressive disease that begins with mild memory loss and can lead to an inability to hold a conversation and respond to the environment.

It highlights that in the Region of the Americas, more than 10 million people are living with dementia, and the number is estimated to double every 20 years, with Latin America and the Caribbean experiencing a significant increase from 3.4 million in 2010 to 7.6 million in 2030.

The Ministry of Public Health report highlights that, currently, more than 55 million people in the world live with dementia, and more than 60% of them are in low- and middle-income countries. Almost ten million new cases are registered every year.

Women are disproportionately affected, as they face higher rates of disability and mortality due to dementia, as well as performing 70% of the hours of care for those who suffer from it.

Dementias have a significant economic impact, with a global cost of $818 billion in 2015, and it is estimated that by 2030 they could exceed $1 trillion.

In the Caribbean, the cost of dementia increased by 18.2% between 2010 and 2015.

The Vector Control Unit of the Ministry of Health and Wellness will be stepping up its mosquito reduction exercise by visiting six parishes this week.

On Monday the team will target areas in St John and St Philip. These include College Savannah with avenues, Fortescue, St Mark’s, Consent Bay, Blades Hill, and Three Houses.

The next day the following districts in St Michael, will be sprayed: Station Hill, Goodings Road with avenues, Bellevue Gap, and Deane’s Village.

The Unit will go into Christ Church on Wednesday and fog Parish Land, Thyme Bottom, Fairy Valley, and surrounding communities.

On Thursday the Unit will visit districts in St James and St Thomas. They are Bagatelle Terrace with avenues, Kew Road, Redmans Village, Hoyte’s Village, and environs.

The fogging exercise for the week will conclude in Christ Church, on Friday, when the team goes into Coverley Drive, Coverley Stage 2, Coverley Gardens, Pilgrim Road, Pilgrim Palms, Pilgrim Place A and B, and neighbouring districts.

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)

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Punta Cana – Health care from the moment of myocardial infarction is an Achilles heel. However, the subject is not as obscure as it used to be. Specialists at the Dominican Society of Cardiology Congress in Punta Cana, Higüey, discussed this aspect.

In this scenario, the Minister of Public Health, Victor Atallah, and other physicians stated that deaths due to heart attacks continue to be the leading cause of death in cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and therefore insisted that timely attention and timely intervention is the most important thing.

Atallah assured us that the National Health Network would solve part of the problem. “But we are better off. In the National Health Network we are going to reduce to less than two hours the time from when the symptom occurs, to receiving treatment,” he commented.

While participating in the Congress of the American College of Cardiology, which is taking place in Punta Cana, the doctor said that they are working with hospitals and the 9-1-1 Emergency System so that, through an application, the patient is received at the health center and attended to immediately.

Dr. Licurgo Cruz, governor of the Dominican Chapter of the American College of Cardiology, said that variables still allow for slow attention.

Among these, he cited the idiosyncrasy of the patient who self-medicates and seeks care late.

He valued the role of the 9-1-1 System in improving the situation and the availability of life-saving drugs.

Punta Cana – Dominican gastroenterologists and those from other countries will meet next week in Punta Cana to discuss an agenda full of scientific content. Dr. Claralí Almonte, president of the Dominican Society of Gastroenterology (SDG), announced this, saying it is her most important annual scientific activity.

The congress will be held from September 26 to 29 at the International Convention Center in Punta Cana.

The XXXII edition of the meeting is dedicated to Dr. Julio Camarena Trabous, a prominent Dominican gastroenterologist, professor, and past president of the SDG, who will be honored for his career.

Almonte said that the activity is international and will have as its motto “Integration in the approach to digestive pathologies.” It will bring together renowned national specialists and international guests to exchange experiences, approaches, and studies on the latest research related to gastroenterology and digestive pathologies.

They will also discuss training, updating, and growth strategies for gastroenterologists.

“The agenda to be developed in this congress has been prepared with a broad vision and a comprehensive approach adapted to the new times and aimed at responding to the great challenges of health and, especially, of gastroenterology,” said Dr. Almonte.

It is an exchange of experiences among the participants, said the doctor.

Santo Domingo.- The capital’s seafront will be closed to vehicles next Sunday, September 22, in celebration of World Car-Free Day, as announced by the National Institute of Transit and Land Transport (Intrant). This event is part of the 2024 National Sustainable Mobility Week, running from September 22 to 29, aimed at raising awareness among citizens and authorities about improving their quality of life through sustainable transportation choices.

Intrant’s CEO, Milton Morrison, urged the public to rethink their travel habits and work together toward more responsible and inclusive transportation options. He emphasized the importance of collective efforts to foster change.

Now in its seventh edition, National Sustainable Mobility Week promotes the use of eco-friendly transport such as public transit, bicycles, and walking. It also highlights the benefits of the city’s Integrated Public Transport System, including the metro, cable car, and buses.

Residents in St Lucy are calling for a reduction in their water bills or a complete waiver, as they continue to experience worsening water quality.

Discoloured water, which has plagued the parish for weeks, leading to a rare boil water advisory, has led to public outcry, with many questioning why they should pay regular rates for substandard water.

Residents across the northern parish told Barbados TODAY of their frustration with the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) and the Ministry of Health, particularly after the recent advisory to boil tap water. The BWA said in an advisory on Wednesday that routine post-flood testing in various parts of the parish has shown an increased presence of brown water.

The water utility noted that it has been involved in a vigorous programme of mains replacement in the parish and is fully aware of the probability of infiltration of flood water into the distribution system.

It has responded to the problem by increasing chlorination, but residents argue that the water quality remains unacceptable. Many are calling for relief, with some stating that decades of poor water service have reached unbearable levels in recent weeks.

Sheryl Smith, a resident of Coles Cave, said: “That sewage tax should be off ever since and the water rate itself should be reduced. It’s not fair to people. I came to Barbados in 1974, I was born in England,  and the water we have now is far way worse. The water at that time was excellent. What is happening? What is the reason why we are not progressing?”

Smith noted that the water irritated her skin, forcing her household to buy bottled water at a significant cost. She explained that her family buys two cases of bottled water weekly at $37 per case, using the water primarily for consumption, while relying on water truck deliveries for other uses.

She said her family is forced to wear mostly dark clothing as the water stains lighter garments: “It stains the clothes no matter how much baking soda or [stain remover] you use, the stains do not come out.”

Other residents echoed Smith’s concerns. At a village shop, Crab Hill resident Haw Haw Graham argued that water bills should reflect the poor quality of service.

“We shouldn’t be paying for nothing. If you pay for a service, you should be paying for quality. And too much chlorine is not good, it can poison you. That is why we have to boil it.” Graham said.

Fellow bar patron David Slocombe, who lives in Archers Bay, criticised the BWA for leaving unfinished pipework in the community for over a year. “Waterworks men come down here and start working, leave down here, which has bad water, and gone somewhere else. They came from early last year and left about a month now,” he said.

Slocombe lamented that residents are still being charged despite the ongoing issues, including paying a sewage tax without having a sewage system in place.

“The only sewage we have is the water we’re drinking,” he quipped before expressing doubts about whether connecting to the new lines would improve the situation.

Slocombe also pointed to poor road conditions exacerbated by the unfinished work, with dust from passing vehicles creating a nuisance. He, along with other residents, questioned how much longer St Lucy would be neglected in terms of infrastructure development.

Alvin Moore, another Crab Hill resident, shared similar frustrations.

“We should not be paying for water until we get a good water supply. We should not be billed… and talk about the roads – the roads are so bad you have to buy water and car parts too,” he remarked.

In Grape Hall, resident Terrence Clarke revealed that he had been forced to install a costly water filtration system to cope with the brown water coming from his taps.

“But it comes with a cost,” he said, explaining that the filters, which turn brown quickly due to the water quality, are expensive and must be changed regularly. “[The filters] are brown, brown, when being changed and to do so is expensive. I bring them in from overseas. I spent about $1 500 for the system itself and for the filters, one filter is $172.”

Given the expense, the filtration system is only installed on indoor taps, while unfiltered water is still used for washing and gardening.

Clarke emphasised that the situation is particularly unfair to pensioners.

sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb

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Health officials in Los Angeles County on Wednesday warned of an "unprecedented" rise in dengue fever among residents who have not traveled out of the country.

At least three cases of dengue have been reported in residents in the Baldwin Park neighborhood east of downtown Los Angeles after they were bitten by local mosquitoes, Los Angeles County public health officials said.

"This is an unprecedented cluster of locally acquired dengue for a region where dengue has not previously been transmitted by mosquitoes," said Barbara Ferrer, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

Dengue is typically acquired after traveling abroad to a country where dengue is commonly spread. The first locally acquired case in California was reported a year ago.

CDC WARNS OF MOSQUITO-DRIVEN VIRUS AS CASES SPIKE

Dengue spread from mosquito bites within the U.S. has been reported this year in Florida, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, where officials have declared a dengue epidemic.

There have been 3,085 such cases in the U.S. this year, of which 96% were in Puerto Rico, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Symptoms of dengue fever can include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash and mild bleeding, according to public health officials. 

NORTHEASTERN TOWNS ISSUE VOLUNTARY LOCKDOWN TO PREVENT SPREAD OF MOSQUITO-BORNE DISEASE

Symptoms may mimic other viruses such as the flu, though officials say the most serious cases can result in shock, severe bleeding and severe organ impairment which require immediate medical attention.

Los Angeles County Public Health said it is working with other agencies and the city of Baldwin Park to go door-to-door and speak to residents about the risk of dengue and mosquito bite prevention.

Meanwhile, officials are increasing mosquito trapping to identify and test mosquitoes to reduce the risk of any additional spread in the neighborhood.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Suicide is a leading cause of death in the U.S., with over 49,000 people taking their own lives in 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Although most suicides stem from mental health disorders, statistics show that the behavior can sometimes be "contagious," leading to "suicide clusters."

Suicide clusters are defined as "a group of suicides or suicide attempts that occur closer together in time, space or both than would normally be expected in a community," the CDC states.

ON WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY, NEW REPORT IDENTIFIES THREE TOP FACTORS DRIVING SUICIDE RATES

Dr. Caroline Fenkel, a licensed clinical social worker in Pennsylvania and the chief clinical officer at Charlie Health, confirmed that the act can have a contagion effect — particularly among young people.

"When individuals hear about a suicide, especially someone close to their age or in their community, it can feel more accessible as an option in moments of distress," she told Fox News Digital. 

"The more the details are shared, especially in sensational ways, the greater the risk."

Up to 5% of youth suicides can be attributed to contagion, according to Jennifer Kelman, a licensed clinical care social worker in Florida who works with JustAnswer, an expert help on-demand platform.

AMERICAN VETERANS WHO COMMIT SUICIDE ARE 95% MALE, CRISIS OFTEN DRIVEN BY FAMILY DISPUTES, SAY EXPERTS

"It doesn’t necessarily increase for everyone in that community, but rather for those who are struggling as well — with depression, anxiety and other feelings that may be overwhelming," she told Fox News Digital. 

Dr. Deborah Gilman, owner and chief licensed psychologist at Fox Chapel Psychological Services in Pennsylvania, shared the following four factors that could contribute to suicide clusters. 

When people hear about suicides, it can normalize the idea of using it as a way to deal with problems, according to Gilman.

"People often look to others for cues on how to behave," she told Fox News Digital. 

"If they see that many others are choosing suicide, they may believe that it is the socially acceptable or ‘correct’ thing to do."

"Some individuals may feel a sense of connection or empathy with the person who died and may imitate their actions," Gilman said.

"In close-knit communities, schools or social groups, the suicide of one member can lead to others in the same environment feeling similar distress or engaging in similar behaviors."

Some individuals may imitate the behavior of someone who has died by suicide, especially if they are already struggling with their own mental health, she said. 

"This can be due to a sense of hopelessness or a desire to escape their own pain."

People may believe that if others are choosing suicide, it must be a valid option for them as well, according to Gilman. 

"From social learning theory, if the observed behavior — in this case, suicide — is seen as a positive outcome or a solution to problems, it may be reinforced and more likely to be imitated."

‘SLEEP DISORDER DROVE MY SON TO SUICIDE,’ NEW YORK MOTHER SAYS: ‘BROKE MY HEART’

This risk can escalate when a celebrity or widely admired person dies by suicide, she added, as it can have a disproportionate impact on those who look up to that individual.

"Individuals who are already struggling with mental health issues — especially depression and anxiety — may be more likely to experience suicidal thoughts or behaviors," Gilman warned. 

Those experiencing difficult life circumstances — such as job loss, divorce or financial struggles — may be more susceptible, she added.

"People tend to overestimate the likelihood of events that are easily recalled," Gilman said. 

"If a recent suicide has been widely publicized, it may make the idea of suicide more accessible and salient in people's minds."

For those impacted by suicide, experts agreed that it's important to watch for signs of deep distress, including the following.

"Experiencing recurring or intensifying thoughts of suicide is a critical warning sign that immediate professional help is necessary," Gilman advised. 

"For instance, the survivor may start having more frequent thoughts about ending their own life or making plans for it."

NEW YORK TEEN STARTS NONPROFIT FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION THROUGH BASKETBALL TOURNAMENTS: 'WANTED TO HELP'

They may also express feelings of being overwhelmed to the point where they believe suicide is the only option, she said.

People saying they feel like a burden is a "major red flag," according to Thomas Banta, a clinical mental health counselor in Jeffersonville, Indiana.

"Many people who try to end their lives feel they are doing the people around them a favor," he told Fox News Digital.

"When we hear that type of language, intervention is essential."

"Difficulty managing daily responsibilities or activities can indicate that the emotional burden is too great to handle without professional support," Gilman said. 

The survivor may struggle to maintain a job, manage household duties or care for themselves due to their emotional state.

Engaging in unsafe or self-harming actions is a serious sign that mental health treatment is needed, experts agree.

"For example, the survivor may start harming themselves physically, such as cutting or burning, as a means of dealing with their emotional pain," said Gilman.

"Or they may engage in dangerous activities, like reckless driving, promiscuous sex or substance abuse, which puts their health and safety at risk."

Significant changes in behavior or mood that affect a survivor’s ability to function in everyday life can be a sign that they need help, according to Gilman.

This might involve the survivor becoming unusually aggressive, withdrawn or apathetic, or displaying behavior that is significantly different from their "normal" demeanor.

"Pulling away from friends, family or support groups can indicate that the survivor is struggling more than they can manage on their own," Gilman warned. 

The person might avoid social interactions, decline invitations or isolate themselves from people who usually offer support.

The signs aren’t always obvious, however, Banta noted.

"We also see the opposite end of the spectrum, where somebody will make a plan, and their mood lifts because they feel like they have found an escape," he said.

Experts offered the following tips to help reduce the risk of "clusters" following a suicide.

"It’s important to be cautious about how we discuss suicide publicly," Fenkel said.

The best way to prevent contagion is through responsible communication, she advised.

"This includes limiting the specifics around the method of suicide and focusing on the impact of the loss," she said. 

Offering access to crisis resources can help vulnerable individuals feel connected and supported, Fenkel said.

"It's crucial to highlight help and hope, encouraging those who are struggling to seek support," she said, noting that many schools and communities provide mental health services to help those who are grieving.

Banta agreed, noting that intervention and higher levels of care can stabilize people and help them develop a robust support system. 

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"In terms of public health communication, we must let people know that treatment works and that there is effective help out there," he said. 

"Stigma can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can contribute to suicidal ideation," Gilman warned.

When people feel comfortable discussing their mental health concerns without fear of judgment, they are more likely to seek help from professionals, she noted. 

Fenkel agreed, encouraging people to talk openly and compassionately about mental health.

"Anyone experiencing thoughts of suicide should know that there is help available, and reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness," she said.

Suicide is a "fleeting state of mind," Banta pointed out. 

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"I have worked with many people who felt hopeless and that their lives would never improve, but then they did," he said.

"So if you are struggling and reading this, there is help. Don't give up."

Bayahibe.- The ninth edition of the Bayahíbe race, set for September 22, will see at least 600 participants competing to support the Solca Foundation, which promotes social and educational projects for vulnerable youth. The event is organized by the La Romana Bayahíbe Hotel Association (AHRB) and the La Romana Bayahibe Tourism Cluster (CTRB), with support from the Bayahíbe Municipal District.

The race will begin at 7:00 am from La Punta de Bayahíbe. Over 70 personnel from various security and emergency services, including the Tourist Police and the National Emergency System (911), will ensure runner safety. This year’s race, notable for its mixed asphalt and sand course, is described by Ana García-Sotoca of AHRB and CTRB as a milestone for integrating sports and offering a unique experience.

The event, supported by Santo Domingo Corre, expects 38% female participants, particularly between 30 and 50 years old. It is designed for runners aiming to complete the 10 kilometers in 40 to 55 minutes. Participants will receive medals, with prizes awarded to the top finishers in several categories. The event will also feature entertainment such as Zumba, a foam party, live DJs, and various raffles. Major sponsors include Mitur, Banreservas, and various local businesses and resorts.

A growing number of U.S. adults are hesitant to get recommended vaccines this fall, a new survey found.

The poll, which included 1,006 people, found that only 43% of respondents have gotten or plan to get the COVID vaccine.

Only a slight majority (56%) of adults said they have gotten or plan to get the flu shot this fall.

COVID VACCINE DISTRUST GROWING AMONG AMERICANS, SURVEY FINDS: ‘SHOULD BE A PERSONAL CHOICE’

The poll also found that 37% of those who have gotten vaccines in past years plan to skip the shots this season. 

Around one-third of respondents also said they don’t believe they need the vaccines mentioned in the survey — flu, COVID, RSV or pneumococcal pneumonia.

Vaccine hesitancy tends to skew younger, as adults aged 65 and older are the most likely to get the recommended immunizations.

The nationwide survey was conducted by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in mid-August 2024.

NEW COVID VACCINES GET FDA APPROVAL FOR 2024-2025 SEASON

These findings come just weeks after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved updated COVID-19 vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer for the 2024-2025 season.

"We’re at the start of respiratory virus season, when you have the triple threat of flu, COVID-19 and RSV," said Nora Colburn, MD, medical director of clinical epidemiology at Ohio State’s Richard M. Ross Heart Hospital, in a press release.

"Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation about vaccinations, but the reality is that they are safe and highly effective in preventing serious illness and death," she went on.

"Older adults, people with certain chronic medical conditions, and those who are pregnant are especially at risk during respiratory virus season."

Dr. Jacob Glanville, CEO of Centivax, a San Francisco biotechnology company, reacted to the poll’s findings.

"It’s obviously not surprising that 37% of people said they had been vaccinated in the past but weren’t planning to this year," he told Fox News Digital. 

RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE COVID VACCINE IDENTIFIED IN STUDY

"We just had a vaccine mandate a couple of years ago, and furthermore, childhood vaccines are very broadly administered, so those 37% are people who wouldn’t be getting a vaccine normally anyway."

The reported rate of 56% for the flu shot is a little above average, Glanville said, as it tends to hover at around 50%.

"Coronavirus vaccination rates are a little lower than for the flu," he noted. 

This could be due to lack of clarity with the public over how COVID should be treated post-pandemic, according to Glanville.

"It’s also fatigue due to the COVID vaccines not being particularly effective at preventing symptoms, which causes people to believe that they are not effective (although they do protect against severe illness)," he added.

Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst for Fox News and clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, said he finds the poll’s findings concerning.

"Both vaccines wane over six months, so a yearly booster makes sense for high-risk groups," he told Fox News Digital.

Siegel estimates that this year’s flu season will be similar to last year’s, which was "moderate," with 25,000 deaths and 400,000 hospitalizations. 

"The flu shot decreases severity and number of hospitalizations by about a quarter, and helps to provide community immunity," he added.

FIRST CASE OF HUMAN BIRD FLU DIAGNOSED WITHOUT EXPOSURE TO INFECTED ANIMALS, CDC SAYS

For COVID, Siegel warned that the virus’ activity is still fairly high — "especially in the western U.S."

The doctor also warned of a new variant circulating in Europe, which he expects will soon be in the U.S., known as the XEC subvariant.

"It seems to be more contagious — it causes congestion, cough, loss of smell and appetite, sore throat and body aches," he told Fox News Digital.

"The new vaccine should provide at least some coverage."

Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center and an attending physician in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, told Siegel that very young children are being hospitalized at a greater rate — "likely because they haven't been vaccinated with the primary series."

"I recommend a yearly booster for the elderly, immunocompromised and those with chronic illness, along with anyone who is at risk for long COVID or has had it previously," Siegel said.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued the following vaccine recommendations.

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Flu: Everyone 6 months and older is advised to get vaccinated against influenza.

COVID-19: The latest version of the COVID vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months and older.

RSV: The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine is recommended for everyone aged 75 and older, as well as those aged 60 to 74 who have certain chronic medical conditions, such as lung or heart disease, or who live in nursing homes, as they are at a higher risk of severe disease. Pregnant women are also advised to get the vaccine during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy.

Pneumococcal: Everyone younger than 5 years and age 65 and older is advised to get the pneumococcal vaccine, along with those who are at increased risk of severe disease.

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Fox News Digital reached out to the OSU research team for comment.