insert_link Health / Medical INTERVIEW: Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month: A Conversation with Bianca Özcan Windhoek, Namibia – In a recent interview with Future Media’s Leonard Witbeen, Bianca Özcan, a passionate advocate for rare diseases, highlighted the critical issues surrounding Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) during August's Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month. Bianca began by addressing the profound impact SMA has on individuals and families. "SMA is a rare, progressive neuromuscular condition characterized by muscle weakness and atrophy, which can severely affect daily activities such […] todayAugust 9, 2024 15
insert_link Health / Medical In-Focus: Marelize Mentz of Lady Pohamba Private Hospital Highlights Community Engagement and Breastfeeding Week Initiatives In a recent episode of In Focus with Leonard Witbeen on OneAfrica Television, Marelize Mentz, the Marketing Manager of Lady Pohamba Private Hospital (LPBH), discussed the hospital’s ongoing initiatives and future plans. Mentz shared insights into the hospital’s recent engagement with high school students and its role in promoting the healthcare profession among Namibia’s youth. Lady Pohamba Private Hospital, recognized as one of the best healthcare providers in Namibia, recently […] todayAugust 9, 2024 29
insert_link Africa WHO warns M-Pox outbreak in Africa could pose a public health emergency The World Health Organization says it has raised its response to the mpox outbreak in over a dozen African countries. Parts of Africa are witnessing an "unprecedented" spike in mpox cases with 15 countries reporting outbreaks. The WHO is trying to determine whether the outbreak in Africa constitutes a Public Health Emergency of international concern. Corresponding for us is Jody Jacobs. todayAugust 9, 2024 29
insert_link Health / Medical New law to reform health sector The government is establishing a unified Health Professions Council to replace the existing five councils. The Namibia Press Agency reports that Health Minister Dr. Kalumbi Shangula introduced in parliament, saying that the Health Professions Council of Namibia Bill, will merge the Social Work and Psychology Council, Allied Health Professions Council, Nursing Council, Pharmacy Council, and Medical and Dental Council into one entity. The new law will also mandate health professionals […] todayAugust 8, 2024 21
insert_link Health / Medical What your nails can tell you about your health An example of koilonychia (‘spoon nail’). iweevy/Shutterstock By Dan Baumgardt, University of Bristol As a medical student, nails were one part of my anatomy course that I really struggled with. I found it difficult, at first, to stomach the sight of painful nail injuries. My squeamishness may have stemmed from witnessing someone sharply removing a plaster from their stubbed big toe – only to take the whole toenail […] todayAugust 8, 2024 43
insert_link Health / Medical Eating quickly saves time, but it takes a toll on your health – here’s how Simona pilolla 2 / Shutterstock By Esther Martínez Miguel, Universidad Nebrija and Silvia Gómez Senent, Universidad Nebrija Our fast-paced modern lives often rob us of time for basic activities like eating. Many of us grab something quick for breakfast on the way out of the house, or wolf down our lunch so we can gain a sliver more time to be productive at work, or to dedicate to our […] todayAugust 7, 2024 15
insert_link Health / Medical WHO warns of rising COVID-19 infections and potential new variants COVID-19 infections are up worldwide, including at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games where over 40 athletes have tested positive, the UN World Health Organisation warned on Tuesday. WHO experts are also concerned that more severe variants of the coronavirus may soon be on the horizon as wastewater surveillance also suggests the circulation of the virus is between 2 to 20 times higher than current figures indicate. COVID-19 is still very […] todayAugust 7, 2024 34
insert_link Health / Medical Heat risk isn’t just about the highs: Large daily temperature swings can harm human health – maps show who is affected most Low-income neighborhoods with lots of concrete and few trees can heat up faster than surrounding areas. AP Photo/Richard Vogel By Shengjie Liu, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences and Emily Smith-Greenaway, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences This summer has shown how quickly high temperatures can pose serious health risks, with record-breaking heat waves claiming thousands of lives around the world. However, it’s not just high […] todayAugust 7, 2024 22
insert_link Health / Medical 3 reasons you feel hungrier and crave comfort foods when the weather turns cold Klaus Neilson/Pexels By Lauren Ball, The University of Queensland and Emily Burch, Southern Cross University As we move through Autumn, parts of Australia are starting to see cooler weather. For some of us, that can mean increasing feelings of hunger and cravings for “comfort food” such as as pasta, stews and ramen. But what’s happening in our body? 3 things change when it gets cold 1. Our body conserves […] todayAugust 7, 2024 14