Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Davidson Ishmael, officially opened the facility on Wednesday, stating that it was also open to members of the public for a nominal fee.

“I want that as soon as we cut this ribbon that people can actually start utilising the space. It may not be a Surfside gym, but it is still a premium facility and of very high quality in terms of equipment, infrastructure and space.

“As we have invested . . . in you [the staff] and your wellbeing, I want to encourage every member of the Psychiatric Hospital team and those at the rest of the healthcare facilities, in addition to the public of Barbados to make good use of this space,” Ishmael said.

The minister added that if “we are going to be talking about health and wellness as a Ministry of Health and Wellness, we have to make sure that we’re providing as many avenues and opportunities for our staff or team members to be at their optimum”.

“Part of being at your optimum is being able to have access to healthcare facilities and also gym facilities that would allow you to be able to function at your best. We believe that everyone has a right to good healthcare, mental health as you guys are part of this whole mental health system and infrastructure that we have placed in Barbados to be able to provide this service to our people. We understand that you, too, have to be at your best level and at your best quality of mental healthcare . . . ,” he said.

Ishmael explained that the reopening of the facility was another prong in government’s efforts to ensure that the island’s healthcare service providers are given access to spaces that would allow them to be at their best.

“Therefore, you can then provide that service, that excellent service that you’re already doing [and] continue to provide that excellent service to the patients who are here at the hospital as well.”

He urged members of the public to utilise the facilities which will be made accessible to them at a “minimal” fee.

“We want persons to be able to come into the actual environment of the Psychiatric Hospital, understanding that this is a safe space. It is a safe space, just like any other space in Barbados, and we therefore want people to be able to traverse through understanding that they can come to this gym.

“They can exercise within the environs of persons who are seeking assistance and seeking care, but this is not a place that they can run from or should run from, but this is a place where we can embrace holistically as a society,” Ishmael said. (BGIS/FW)

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The Barbados Drug Service (BDS) has advised that persons should expect

increased wait times at some polyclinic pharmacies, until further notice, due to the implementation of a new Pharmacy Management System.

These include the pharmacies at the Winston Scott Polyclinic, David

Thompson Health and Social Services Complex, St Joseph Out-Patients Clinic, and the St Andrew Out-Patients Clinic.

The new system is expected to result in an improvement in patient records

management, treatment, and pharmaceutical health care and safety.

Management of the BDS regrets any inconvenience this temporary increase in wait times may cause and encourages members of the public to arrange their business accordingly. (BGIS)

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Natural honey, molasses, unrefined maple syrup, fruit purees, dates prunes and Stevia are examples of healthier alternatives which can be used in moderation in place of refined sugars

View the full post Sources and benefits of natural sugars  on NOW Grenada.

Santo Domingo.- Over the weekend, the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance fell victim to a cyber attack, resulting in the theft of over 8,000 files containing Covid-19 vaccination records. The breach, perpetrated by unidentified individuals, compromised sensitive information including names, phone numbers, and addresses of vaccinated individuals from various sessions organized by the Dominican State.

Sources familiar with the incident revealed that the stolen data is likely to be traded on the Dark Web for prices ranging from 1 to 3 euros (approximately RD$190). This unauthorized access was facilitated by the absence of updated antivirus protection on the Ministry’s computers, leaving them vulnerable to malware and malicious software.

An ongoing investigation, led by the National Police, has traced the breach to a specific Internet Protocol (IP) address. However, apprehending the perpetrators proves challenging, given their potential presence within the Dominican Republic and the sophisticated tools required to access the Dark Web.

Accessing the Dark Web necessitates specialized tools like TOR, a platform known for its anonymity and unindexed nature, making it a hub for illicit activities ranging from drug trafficking to the sale of weapons, counterfeit currency, stolen financial data, and forged documents. Unraveling the network of organizations involved in data theft requires the expertise and resources of agencies like the FBI.

A number of communities in St Michael and Christ Church will be fogged by the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ Vector Control Unit this week.

The Unit will begin its fogging exercise on Monday, April 15, in the following St Michael districts: Brittons New Road, Rolling Road, Taitts Road, Eastmond Road, Gunsite Road, Bonnetts Housing Area, and surrounding districts.

It will then visit Thomas Road, Club Morgan Road with avenues, Plantain Walk, Clapham Drive, Simmons Road, and Rendezvous High Ridge with avenues, on Tuesday, April 16.

On Wednesday, April 17, the team will spray Fordes Road with avenues, Clapham Heights, Clapham Road, Clapham Park, Adam’s Road, Observatory Road, Clapham Ridge, Laynes Road, Clapham Close, and neighbouring districts.

The next day, Thursday, April 18, the Unit will go into Christ Church to fog Rendezvous Road, Rendezvous Ridge, Rendezvous Garden, Amity Lodge, Worthing Main Road, Bamboo Road, Craigg Road, Beckles Road, and Harmony Hall with avenues.

The fogging exercise for the week will conclude on Friday, April 19, in St Michael in Bridge Gap, Upper Goodland, Gills Gap and avenues, Browns Gap, Alkins Road, Wilkinson Road, Richmond Gap, Thomas Gap, and Lower Richmond Gap.

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 fog.

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.

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In its most recent update, the Ministry of Health and Wellness stated that since the outbreak began in October 2023, four deaths have been recorded. It added that a number of people were referred to hospital with warning signs and some were hospitalised with severe dengue.

The predominant serotype identified has been type 2, followed by type 3. 

Up to the week ending April 6, 2024, there were 2 915 clinically suspected, and 1 059 laboratory confirmed cases of dengue fever in Barbados. This compares to the same period in 2023, when there were only 158 suspected cases, and 105 confirmed cases. 

The ministry reported that the current outbreak peaked in January, this year, and continued to decline in March. Although lower than February, numbers are still above the outbreak threshold for March. 

Health authorities have advised members of the public to implement measures to avoid contracting the illness, such as using repellent and wearing protective clothing; eliminating breeding sites by keeping their surroundings clean; and using protective window and door screens as well as mosquito nets, at home.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Health and Wellness disclosed that there has been an increase in gastroenteritis cases in the past two weeks, in persons five years and older. It stated that this may be due to more people eating food which is prepared outside of the home. However, cases in children under five years old have not surpassed the threshold of the expected number during this time period. 

“Persons choosing to purchase ready-prepared food are encouraged to check for cleanliness and tidiness of the establishment, including the presence of handwashing facilities if the vendor is itinerant or at a wayside stall.  Patrons are reminded to wash or sanitise their hands prior to eating, after coughing or sneezing into tissues, and after using the toilet facilities,” the health ministry stated.

The public is reminded that hot foods are to be served hot, at 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, and cold foods should be at 40 degrees Fahrenheit and below. Additionally, cooked and uncooked foods should always be separated.

As for respiratory cases, reports indicate that there was an increase in cases in persons five years and older up to April 6, this year, but levels in children under five years old continue to be low from the beginning of the year.

Influenza and other cough and cold viruses not confirmed may be contributing to the increase, the ministry said. COVID-19 infections remain very low, with no deaths recorded within the last month.

Health authorities encouraged Barbadians to practise stringent respiratory hygiene with use of hand washing, hand sanitising and mask wearing by those with symptoms or those vulnerable to severe disease. (BGIS)

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Guyana on Friday launched the Global Strategy for Cervical Cancer Elimination, saying with officials saying that the country has embarked on a countrywide campaign to vaccinate persons against the human papilloma virus (HPV) and screen persons for cancer caused by that virus. With Guyana currently having 40 percent HPV vaccine coverage, Director of the Ministry of ...

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on Friday that it is investigating reports of "a few botulism-like illnesses in several states resulting from botulinum toxin injections (commonly called ‘Botox’) administered in non-medical settings," the agency said in a statement.

"We are coordinating a multi-state outbreak investigation," the agency added. 

WHAT EXACTLY IS BOTOX?

Illnesses have been reported to the Tennessee and Illinois health departments, which are working with the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the investigation, the CDC noted.

In Tennessee, four patients sought medical care after experiencing "botulism-like signs and symptoms" after receiving Botox injections for cosmetic purposes, according to an online statement from the Tennessee Department of Health.

Two of the patients were hospitalized.

"Joint investigations have identified concerns about use of counterfeit products or products with unclear origin administered in non-medical settings such as homes or cosmetic spas," the statement said.

The Illinois Department of Public Health issued a similar statement after two patients reported receiving potentially counterfeit Botox injections in LaSalle County.

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The two individuals reported symptoms that included blurred/double vision, droopy face, fatigue, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath and hoarse voice, the statement said.

The patients, both of whom were hospitalized, received the injections from a licensed nurse who was "performing work outside her authority."

Additional cases have been reported in Kentucky, Washington and Colorado.

"The sources of these botulinum toxin products are unknown or unverified at this time," the CDC stated. 

"Questions about product regulation and product investigation should be directed to the FDA."

Botulism is a "serious and sometimes fatal" illness that occurs when a toxin attacks the body’s nerves, according to the CDC.

Initial symptoms usually include muscle weakness around the eyes, face, mouth and throat, which could also spread to the neck, arms, torso and legs.

Other symptoms can include blurred or double vision, difficulty breathing, trouble swallowing, drooping eyelids, slurred speech and difficulty moving the eyes.

"What’s particularly concerning are the respiratory problems that some are experiencing," Dr. Salar Hazany, a certified dermatologist and reconstructive surgeon at Scar Healing Institute in Beverly Hills, told Fox News Digital.

"If the wrong patient begins having trouble with their breathing, it could be fatal."

Dr. Craig Lehrman, director of aesthetic surgery at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, noted that fake Botox has been an issue since the early 2000s.

"Unfortunately, I treat several patients a year who have received non-approved injectables of things they are told to be safe, which ends up having serious consequences," he told Fox News Digital.

"It has mostly been linked to injections in settings such as someone's home or a poorly regulated med spa."

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Botox is made from a specific type of Clostridium botulinum, a bacteria that produces paralysis in the muscles where it is injected, he said.

"The people receiving the presumed counterfeit Botox are suffering from an illness that is similar to botulism, caused by the same bacteria," he said.

There are strict safety criteria for the use and storage of Botox, and serious risks come with the injection of fraudulent or poorly managed products, Lehrman warned. 

"Botulism can carry detrimental effects ranging from infection, to permanent deformity, to serious wound formation."

"​​Cosmetic injections should be an FDA-approved product, administered by licensed providers and in licensed settings," the CDC stated. 

There has been a large increase in the number of people offering these services who are not board-certified in the fields of plastic surgery, dermatology or ENT, according to Lehrman. 

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"I would advise potential patients to do their research on the person who will be injecting them — and not just search for the cheapest option," he said. 

"I would recommend going to a center that has rigorous standards of education and a track record of safety."

In most cases, Botox injections are safe, according to experts.

"Laboratory-confirmed cases of systemic botulism occurring after cosmetic or therapeutic injections of botulinum toxin are rare," the CDC said in its statement.

Millions of injections are performed each year by licensed medical providers and have been shown to be safe when done in the correct manner, Lehrman added.

"Those considering Botox should research the background of the provider and make sure that the practice has not racked up a number of complaints," added Hazany.  

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"Do not go to an unlicensed provider. If the offer seems too good to be true, it probably is."

Anyone who experiences botulism-like symptoms following an injection should seek medical attention, according to health officials.

Fox News Digital reached out to Abbvie (manufacturer of Botox), the FDA, the Tennessee Department of Public Health, and the Illinois Department of Public Health requesting comment.

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

This groundbreaking initiative kicked off on Sunday, April 6, ...

Santo Domingo.- The Chamber of Deputies passed a bill this Tuesday in its first reading, mandating the implementation of neonatal screening for the early detection of congenital and metabolic diseases in the child population of the Dominican Republic. The objective of this legislative measure is to ensure that all newborns receive early detection, care, and monitoring for potential metabolic and congenital diseases through neonatal screening tests.

The initiative was introduced to the Upper House by Senators Lía Díaz Santana (PRM-Azua), José Antonio Castillo (FP-San José de Ocoa), and Bautista Bauta Rojas Gómez (FP-Hermanas Mirabal), and subsequently approved by the Senate Plenary.

Although the legislation has been approved on previous occasions, it failed to progress in the Lower House. However, next week, the bill could be ratified in its second reading, as indicated by Alfredo Pacheco, President of the Deputies.

What is neonatal screening?

Neonatal screening encompasses a series of procedures aimed at early detection of Inborn Errors of Metabolism (IEM) and diseases that could compromise the quality of life and present congenital metabolic abnormalities. One example is the collection of blood samples from the umbilical cord and heel of newborns, enabling specific tests to detect, treat, and provide ongoing monitoring throughout life for metabolic, endocrine, visual, or auditory disorders. These screenings are crucial as undetected conditions could lead to physical or cognitive disabilities and increased infant mortality rates.

Regulations and Implementation

Within 90 days of promulgation and publication of the regulations, the President of the republic will issue guidelines for the law’s implementation. Furthermore, a 24-month (two-year) period is stipulated from the law’s enforcement date to enable both public and private health centers across the country with necessary equipment and personnel to conduct neonatal screening tests for all newborns.

The law will come into effect upon its promulgation and publication, following the constitutional mandates and expiration of deadlines outlined in the Civil Code.