2015-01-09 16:11
Lagos - Music star D'banj got a signed album from Irish rock band U2.
D'banj shared his joy on his Instagram page and said that he was planning on framing it.
The African Ambassador of BeatsbyDre headphones captioned the picture:
“What
a Great way to kick start the Year. See what I got from my GodFather in
Music .Best Christmas / NewYear gift ever . This one I shall Frame.
Thanks to Greatest rock Band ever U2 ( the Hewson Family ) for this Gift
. Special thanks to my Daddy Godfather BONO for making me know How
special and favored I am. God bless u guys . 2015 is Really Mine...
OooSssHhhEee He share the picture on his Instagram page, and captioned
it”
Friday, 9 January 2015
Birth control shot may boost HIV risk
2015-01-09 10:08
Women who use a specific type of injectable birth control have a slightly higher risk of HIV infection than those who take the pill, said a study Friday.
While the authors noted the link was "statistically significant", they warned it was not enough on its own to justify a complete withdrawal of the drug commonly known by its brand name, Depo-Provera, used by millions of women.
The health risks of pulling the medicine from shelves may far outweigh the potential preventable HIV infections, the authors argued in a paper published in prestigious medical journal The Lancet Infectious Diseases.
A meta-analysis of 12 studies involving nearly 40,000 women in sub-Saharan Africa, showed that use of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), "increases a woman's chance of becoming infected with HIV by 40 percent compared with women using other contraceptive methods or no method," said a statement.
"Although statistically significant, this represents only a moderate increase in relative risk," it added.
Risk is higher for some
The increase in risk was somewhat lower among women "in the general population" than for those already at higher HIV risk, like sex workers.
The analysis showed no increased risk for users of other contraceptive drugs. All the studies had factored in condom use.
"The moderate elevation in risk observed in our study is not enough to justify a complete withdrawal of DMPA for women in the general population," said study co-author Lauren Ralph of the University of California at Berkeley.
Banning DMPA, the most widely used injectable contraceptive, "would leave many women without immediate access to alternative, effective contraceptive options.
"This is likely to lead to more unintended pregnancies, and because childbirth remains life-threatening in many developing countries, could increase overall deaths among women."
Further research was urgently needed to examine the danger for the highest risk women like sex workers and those in a relationship with an HIV-positive partner.
A potential association between DMPA and higher HIV-risk was first noted in 1991, but numerous studies have failed to show a direct causal link.
Women who use a specific type of injectable birth control have a slightly higher risk of HIV infection than those who take the pill, said a study Friday.
While the authors noted the link was "statistically significant", they warned it was not enough on its own to justify a complete withdrawal of the drug commonly known by its brand name, Depo-Provera, used by millions of women.
The health risks of pulling the medicine from shelves may far outweigh the potential preventable HIV infections, the authors argued in a paper published in prestigious medical journal The Lancet Infectious Diseases.
A meta-analysis of 12 studies involving nearly 40,000 women in sub-Saharan Africa, showed that use of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), "increases a woman's chance of becoming infected with HIV by 40 percent compared with women using other contraceptive methods or no method," said a statement.
"Although statistically significant, this represents only a moderate increase in relative risk," it added.
Risk is higher for some
The increase in risk was somewhat lower among women "in the general population" than for those already at higher HIV risk, like sex workers.
The analysis showed no increased risk for users of other contraceptive drugs. All the studies had factored in condom use.
"The moderate elevation in risk observed in our study is not enough to justify a complete withdrawal of DMPA for women in the general population," said study co-author Lauren Ralph of the University of California at Berkeley.
Banning DMPA, the most widely used injectable contraceptive, "would leave many women without immediate access to alternative, effective contraceptive options.
"This is likely to lead to more unintended pregnancies, and because childbirth remains life-threatening in many developing countries, could increase overall deaths among women."
Further research was urgently needed to examine the danger for the highest risk women like sex workers and those in a relationship with an HIV-positive partner.
A potential association between DMPA and higher HIV-risk was first noted in 1991, but numerous studies have failed to show a direct causal link.
Why is my penis skew?
2015-01-09 12:24
Over the years, we have had quite a number of Health24 readers post questions to our Erectile Dysfunction Expert, inquiring about a bent, crooked or curved penis.
Some describe their penis as looking like a banana. Others are worried that it will affect their sexual performance. Most feel that their curved penis is embarrassing and are looking for ways to straighten it, lengthen it or make it look more "normal".
While a focus on the aesthetic side is to be expected, the one thing that very few men expect is that their curved penis could be caused by a medical condition...
These are some of the questions we have received:
Peyronie’s disease occurs when a penis develops a layer of plaque, or hard fibrous tissue that can be visible as a lump on the penis. When the penis is erect, the plaque may pull the penis to one side, causing it to appear bent or curved.
It is important to remember that just because your penis isn't perfectly straight, you don't necessarily have Peyronie’s disease. Penises come in all shapes and sizes and a slight bend is quite normal. Men who have Peyronie’s disorder will usually experience other symptoms as well.
According to Mayo Clinic, these other symptoms may include:
- Erectile dysfunction (issues achieving or maintaining an erection)
- A painful penis (this can occur with or without an erection and during sex)
- Shrinking of the penis (penis becomes noticeably shorter)
Also Read: Too much booze may harm your sperm
These symptoms can appear gradually over time or fairly rapidly. If you are suffering from any of these issues it is important to consult a urologist. A urologist is a doctor who specialises in treating reproductive problems in men and urinary issues in both men and women.
These are some commonly asked questions about Peyronie's disease:
1. What causes Peyronie’s disease?
While the causes of this condition are not fully understood, Urology Care Foundation states that abnormal healing after an injury to the penis is a common cause of Peyronie’s disease. This trauma can be relatively minor and is likely to be caused by some form of sexual activity. Researchers have suggested that there are a number of other factors that could also cause the condition. There is also some evidence to suggest that Peyronie’s could be genetic or even the result of an autoimmune disorder.
Read: Circumcision prevents penis injuries
2. How is Peyronie’s disease diagnosed?
A urologist will perform an examination of the penis. During the examination he will look for any hard, fibrous tissue that may be causing the curvature. Urology Health states that in certain situations, the urologist may inject saline solution into the penis, causing an erection. In certain cases, an ultrasound or X-ray of the penis may be required to come to a proper diagnosis.
3. How is the condition treated?
Treatment will usually depend on the symptoms and the specific characteristics of the defect. If the curvature does not cause painful erections or discomfort during sex, often no treatment will be required.
In certain situations, the patient will be given oral medications such as vitamin E or potassium amino-benzoate to reduce the amount of hardened, fibrous tissue in the penis. An anti-inflammatory called colchicines is also prescribed as it has been shown to reduce collagen production.
Penile injections of medications such as verapamil or interferon are also used. The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a new drug, Xiaflex, which can also be administered via injection. Xiaflex works by breaking down the plaque or scar tissue. Such injections offer the benefit of targeting the medication specifically to the affected area.
Also Read: Could your soap really cause erectile dysfunction?
In cases where Peyronie’s disorder is debilitating, a surgical procedure may be required. Even then, it is usually the last option that urologists will consider. According to WebMD, one common procedure involves removing the plaque and replacing it with either a skin or synthetic graft. Another option is to remove the tissue on the opposite side of the area of concern to counter the bending.
In cases where the patient is suffering from severe erectile dysfunction in addition to Peyronie’s disease, a penile implant may be considered.
4. How common is Peyronie’s disease? Because a perceived defect to their penis may be very embarrassing for men, it is likely that Peyronie’s disease is significantly under-reported. For this reason, Urology Health believes that the prevalence of the condition could be anywhere between 1 and 23% of the male population. The condition is rare in younger men with the majority of patients being over the age of 30.
If you suspect that you may have Peyronie's disease or something else affecting your penis, consult a doctor as quickly as possible. No matter how ashamed your are of your penis, seeking professional advice is incredibly important to prevent future complications, to restore your sex life and to recover your self-confidence.
Over the years, we have had quite a number of Health24 readers post questions to our Erectile Dysfunction Expert, inquiring about a bent, crooked or curved penis.
Some describe their penis as looking like a banana. Others are worried that it will affect their sexual performance. Most feel that their curved penis is embarrassing and are looking for ways to straighten it, lengthen it or make it look more "normal".
While a focus on the aesthetic side is to be expected, the one thing that very few men expect is that their curved penis could be caused by a medical condition...
These are some of the questions we have received:
Peyronie’s disease occurs when a penis develops a layer of plaque, or hard fibrous tissue that can be visible as a lump on the penis. When the penis is erect, the plaque may pull the penis to one side, causing it to appear bent or curved.
It is important to remember that just because your penis isn't perfectly straight, you don't necessarily have Peyronie’s disease. Penises come in all shapes and sizes and a slight bend is quite normal. Men who have Peyronie’s disorder will usually experience other symptoms as well.
According to Mayo Clinic, these other symptoms may include:
- Erectile dysfunction (issues achieving or maintaining an erection)
- A painful penis (this can occur with or without an erection and during sex)
- Shrinking of the penis (penis becomes noticeably shorter)
Also Read: Too much booze may harm your sperm
These symptoms can appear gradually over time or fairly rapidly. If you are suffering from any of these issues it is important to consult a urologist. A urologist is a doctor who specialises in treating reproductive problems in men and urinary issues in both men and women.
These are some commonly asked questions about Peyronie's disease:
1. What causes Peyronie’s disease?
While the causes of this condition are not fully understood, Urology Care Foundation states that abnormal healing after an injury to the penis is a common cause of Peyronie’s disease. This trauma can be relatively minor and is likely to be caused by some form of sexual activity. Researchers have suggested that there are a number of other factors that could also cause the condition. There is also some evidence to suggest that Peyronie’s could be genetic or even the result of an autoimmune disorder.
Read: Circumcision prevents penis injuries
2. How is Peyronie’s disease diagnosed?
A urologist will perform an examination of the penis. During the examination he will look for any hard, fibrous tissue that may be causing the curvature. Urology Health states that in certain situations, the urologist may inject saline solution into the penis, causing an erection. In certain cases, an ultrasound or X-ray of the penis may be required to come to a proper diagnosis.
3. How is the condition treated?
Treatment will usually depend on the symptoms and the specific characteristics of the defect. If the curvature does not cause painful erections or discomfort during sex, often no treatment will be required.
In certain situations, the patient will be given oral medications such as vitamin E or potassium amino-benzoate to reduce the amount of hardened, fibrous tissue in the penis. An anti-inflammatory called colchicines is also prescribed as it has been shown to reduce collagen production.
Penile injections of medications such as verapamil or interferon are also used. The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a new drug, Xiaflex, which can also be administered via injection. Xiaflex works by breaking down the plaque or scar tissue. Such injections offer the benefit of targeting the medication specifically to the affected area.
Also Read: Could your soap really cause erectile dysfunction?
In cases where Peyronie’s disorder is debilitating, a surgical procedure may be required. Even then, it is usually the last option that urologists will consider. According to WebMD, one common procedure involves removing the plaque and replacing it with either a skin or synthetic graft. Another option is to remove the tissue on the opposite side of the area of concern to counter the bending.
In cases where the patient is suffering from severe erectile dysfunction in addition to Peyronie’s disease, a penile implant may be considered.
4. How common is Peyronie’s disease? Because a perceived defect to their penis may be very embarrassing for men, it is likely that Peyronie’s disease is significantly under-reported. For this reason, Urology Health believes that the prevalence of the condition could be anywhere between 1 and 23% of the male population. The condition is rare in younger men with the majority of patients being over the age of 30.
If you suspect that you may have Peyronie's disease or something else affecting your penis, consult a doctor as quickly as possible. No matter how ashamed your are of your penis, seeking professional advice is incredibly important to prevent future complications, to restore your sex life and to recover your self-confidence.
Menstrual cycle can influence efforts to stop smoking
2015-01-09 11:17
Women who want to quit smoking need every advantage they can get. Now, a new study finds that timing a quit attempt around certain points in the menstrual cycle may increase the chances of success.
Women have a tougher time
According to background information from the study, only about one in 10 smokers who quit are still smoke-free after a year, and women have a tougher time quitting than men, even if they smoke the same amount as men.
In the new study, Canadian researchers tracked outcomes for 34 men and women who smoked more than 15 cigarettes a day. They found that the women's craving for nicotine was strongest during their periods.
That may be because declines in levels of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone boost nicotine withdrawal symptoms and also boost the activity of brain circuits associated with craving, the researchers said.
The results suggest that women who want to quit smoking may have a better chance of success if they try to kick the habit after they ovulate, when their levels of oestrogen and progesterone are elevated, according to study lead author Adrianna Mendrek of the University of Montreal.
Sex hormones might play a role
"Taking the menstrual cycle into consideration could help women to stop smoking," she said in a university news release.
The study was published recently in Psychiatry Journal.
According to the study authors, prior research found that female rats became addicted to nicotine and other substances more quickly, and worked harder for the same dose, compared to male rats. This suggests that sex hormones might play a role in addiction, Mendrek's team said.
However, each smoker is unique in terms of tobacco use, personality, personal history, social situation and environment, Mendrek added.
"Stress, anxiety and depression are probably the more important factors to take into consideration," she noted.
Women who want to quit smoking need every advantage they can get. Now, a new study finds that timing a quit attempt around certain points in the menstrual cycle may increase the chances of success.
Women have a tougher time
According to background information from the study, only about one in 10 smokers who quit are still smoke-free after a year, and women have a tougher time quitting than men, even if they smoke the same amount as men.
In the new study, Canadian researchers tracked outcomes for 34 men and women who smoked more than 15 cigarettes a day. They found that the women's craving for nicotine was strongest during their periods.
That may be because declines in levels of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone boost nicotine withdrawal symptoms and also boost the activity of brain circuits associated with craving, the researchers said.
The results suggest that women who want to quit smoking may have a better chance of success if they try to kick the habit after they ovulate, when their levels of oestrogen and progesterone are elevated, according to study lead author Adrianna Mendrek of the University of Montreal.
Sex hormones might play a role
"Taking the menstrual cycle into consideration could help women to stop smoking," she said in a university news release.
The study was published recently in Psychiatry Journal.
According to the study authors, prior research found that female rats became addicted to nicotine and other substances more quickly, and worked harder for the same dose, compared to male rats. This suggests that sex hormones might play a role in addiction, Mendrek's team said.
However, each smoker is unique in terms of tobacco use, personality, personal history, social situation and environment, Mendrek added.
"Stress, anxiety and depression are probably the more important factors to take into consideration," she noted.
Signs that Ebola 'may be levelling off' in Sierra Leone
2015-01-09 10:08
Sierra Leone, the country worst affected by Ebola, reported nearly 250 new confirmed cases in the past week but the spread of the virus there may be slowing, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Wednesday.
The epidemic has taken 8 235 lives out of 20 747 known cases worldwide over the past year, it said.
The WHO's weekly report was based on figures reported by authorities in nine countries. Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone account for the majority of infections and fatalities.
"There are signs that case incidence may have levelled off in Sierra Leone, although with 248 new confirmed cases reported in the week to 4 January 2015, it remains by far the worst-affected country at present," the WHO said.
Cases are still under-reported and unevenly spread in West Africa. The virus is spreading most rapidly in western Sierra Leone, where the capital Freetown reported 93 of the new confirmed cases, the WHO said.
"An increasing emphasis will be put on the rapid deployment of smaller treatment facilities to ensure that capacity is matched with demand in each area," the WHO said.
In Guinea, whose capital Conakry remains the worst-affected district, the western prefecture of Fria reported its first Ebola cases.
In Liberia, cases dropped from a peak of more than 300 new confirmed cases per week in August and September to eight new confirmed cases and 40 probable cases in the five days to Jan. 2, it said.
Overall, 838 health workers have been infected, killing 495 of them, the WHO said.
On Thursday, the WHO will host a meeting of representatives from major drug makers, health authorities in affected countries and national regulatory agencies to assess clinical trials of experimental vaccines against Ebola. GlaxoSmithKline, Merck and NewLink Genetics and Johnson & Johnson - are currently testing experimental vaccines.
Sierra Leone, the country worst affected by Ebola, reported nearly 250 new confirmed cases in the past week but the spread of the virus there may be slowing, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Wednesday.
The epidemic has taken 8 235 lives out of 20 747 known cases worldwide over the past year, it said.
The WHO's weekly report was based on figures reported by authorities in nine countries. Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone account for the majority of infections and fatalities.
"There are signs that case incidence may have levelled off in Sierra Leone, although with 248 new confirmed cases reported in the week to 4 January 2015, it remains by far the worst-affected country at present," the WHO said.
Cases are still under-reported and unevenly spread in West Africa. The virus is spreading most rapidly in western Sierra Leone, where the capital Freetown reported 93 of the new confirmed cases, the WHO said.
"An increasing emphasis will be put on the rapid deployment of smaller treatment facilities to ensure that capacity is matched with demand in each area," the WHO said.
In Guinea, whose capital Conakry remains the worst-affected district, the western prefecture of Fria reported its first Ebola cases.
In Liberia, cases dropped from a peak of more than 300 new confirmed cases per week in August and September to eight new confirmed cases and 40 probable cases in the five days to Jan. 2, it said.
Overall, 838 health workers have been infected, killing 495 of them, the WHO said.
On Thursday, the WHO will host a meeting of representatives from major drug makers, health authorities in affected countries and national regulatory agencies to assess clinical trials of experimental vaccines against Ebola. GlaxoSmithKline, Merck and NewLink Genetics and Johnson & Johnson - are currently testing experimental vaccines.
How Enyeama lost crown to Yaya Toure
2015-01-09 14:29
Lagos - The voting pattern for the 2014 African Footballer of the Year has revealed that Vincent Enyeama finished third behind Yaya Toure and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Ivory Coast and Gabon respectively, SuperSport reports.
The 32-year-old LOSC Lille goalkeeper had been tipped as the main challenger to Toure in the Caf award prior to its announcement of winners in Lagos on Thursday night.
But instead it was the Nigerian captain and goalkeeper, who finished in third place and 70 points behind Yaya Toure, who has now won the African Footballer of the Year award for a record fourth successive time.
Also read: Enyeama congratulates Brahimi
The voting pattern released by Caf shows that Toure got 175 points while 120 went to Aubameyang and Enyeama got 105. Ghana captain, Asamoah Gyan and Nigerian winger, Ahmed Musa, who made the top-five got 94 and 78 points respectively from the coaches and technical directors who voted.
Interestingly, many pundits and football enthusiasts might find it shocking that only two coaches or technical directors from Guinea and Swaziland deemed Enyeama fit to be the 2014 African Footballer of the Year. However, 13 of those who voted including the Nigerian coach or technical director believes Enyeama was second best last year.
Read more at SuperSport.
Lagos - The voting pattern for the 2014 African Footballer of the Year has revealed that Vincent Enyeama finished third behind Yaya Toure and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Ivory Coast and Gabon respectively, SuperSport reports.
The 32-year-old LOSC Lille goalkeeper had been tipped as the main challenger to Toure in the Caf award prior to its announcement of winners in Lagos on Thursday night.
But instead it was the Nigerian captain and goalkeeper, who finished in third place and 70 points behind Yaya Toure, who has now won the African Footballer of the Year award for a record fourth successive time.
Also read: Enyeama congratulates Brahimi
The voting pattern released by Caf shows that Toure got 175 points while 120 went to Aubameyang and Enyeama got 105. Ghana captain, Asamoah Gyan and Nigerian winger, Ahmed Musa, who made the top-five got 94 and 78 points respectively from the coaches and technical directors who voted.
Interestingly, many pundits and football enthusiasts might find it shocking that only two coaches or technical directors from Guinea and Swaziland deemed Enyeama fit to be the 2014 African Footballer of the Year. However, 13 of those who voted including the Nigerian coach or technical director believes Enyeama was second best last year.
Read more at SuperSport.
Glo NPL promises good times in 2015 season
2015-01-09 17:29
Lagos - After a blistering show in the 2013/14 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season, the countdown for the new season has started, SuperSport reports.
There have been a hue and cry about the kick-off date for the new season being fixed for March 7 as too distant into the New Year since African champions, the Super Eagles, will not take part in the Africa Cup of Nations following their failure to qualify for the tournament in Equatorial Guinea.
But the off-season has been ongoing with a handful of transfer speculations involving the movement of players and managers. The big news of the off-season so far has been the governance structure.
Two years down the line, and the Nigerian top flight appears to be getting out of the wood from its previous governance crisis. The club owners, who had earlier opposed this governance idea, made the announcement of the board themselves. The club owners also stated that the NFF general assembly also ratified the LMC governance structure.
“Following the endorsement and adoption of the new League Governance Structure for the Premier League in Nigeria by the NFF Executive Committee and its subsequent ratification by the General Assembly, as well as approval by the CAC, a new League Board has been okayed by the Club Owners and the League Management Company.
Read more at SuperSport.
Lagos - After a blistering show in the 2013/14 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season, the countdown for the new season has started, SuperSport reports.
There have been a hue and cry about the kick-off date for the new season being fixed for March 7 as too distant into the New Year since African champions, the Super Eagles, will not take part in the Africa Cup of Nations following their failure to qualify for the tournament in Equatorial Guinea.
But the off-season has been ongoing with a handful of transfer speculations involving the movement of players and managers. The big news of the off-season so far has been the governance structure.
Two years down the line, and the Nigerian top flight appears to be getting out of the wood from its previous governance crisis. The club owners, who had earlier opposed this governance idea, made the announcement of the board themselves. The club owners also stated that the NFF general assembly also ratified the LMC governance structure.
“Following the endorsement and adoption of the new League Governance Structure for the Premier League in Nigeria by the NFF Executive Committee and its subsequent ratification by the General Assembly, as well as approval by the CAC, a new League Board has been okayed by the Club Owners and the League Management Company.
Read more at SuperSport.
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