Over one hundred pupils from Nima cluster of schools in Accra have been sensitized against drug abuse.

The initiative according to the organizers is to join the fight against the prevalence of drug abuse especially tramadol among the youth in the country . The Students were educated on the effect of drug abuse and how it can be prevented.

Students between the ages of 15 and above from upper primary and JHS of "Nima 2" Basic school benefited from the event.

Educating the students on the theme "Drug abuse", a psychiatric clinician Seidu Asima, reiterated the need for the students to become an ambassadors in campaigning against the menace.

He said, drug abuse is Increasing among the youth and hence the need for sensitization.

"Today you will become an ambassador, when you go home pass it on to your friends, your brothers, your parents and to everybody", The clinician advised.

He added that drug abuse affect individuals physiological and psychological hence can cause hallucination, Nausea, vomiting, sweating, dizziness among others.

Mr. Seidu Asima however, advised the students to report anything wrong with them to their parents, community elders, Teachers, Pastors and Imams or visit the hospitals before taking any drug.

He cautioned the students to desist from taking unprescribed drugs since it can affect them.

Speaking to GIJ News, the member of project management Committee of Junior Chamber International (JCI) Accra Elite chapter Karimatu Fuseini
said the selection of Nima Cluster of schools became necessary due to the increase of drug usage among some people in the area.

She said the situation was revealed earlier to them by the assembly man of the area.

"We spoke to the assembly man of Nima-west so he thought it wise that we do it in the school as they are the young ones coming up",she stated.

She further pledged her organization's support to help sustain the initiative in the school.

"The headmaster has given us the go-ahead of visiting them twice every term so it's a privilege. We would really love to be coming for evaluation and also continue the process because it's a trending issue in the whole world now", she added.

Meanwhile, the headmaster of the school Mr. Noah Ayisi has bemoaned the abuse of drugs among students.

"Drug abuse has been a major problem in Nima community here and With the inception of tramadol it is becoming worse.

We see it mostly in the attitude of the boys especially, as some becomes rebellious and and truant", the headmaster revealed.

He said the situation is pathetic and getting worse hence continues sensitization ceremonies and other events will help curb the menace.

Mr. Ayisi expressed satisfaction for the timely intervention from JCI Accra Elite group.

"The event is very very timely because looking at the situation, the tramadol abuse is becoming a menace in our community here in Nima. So it's very very timely", he said.

He however call on civil society organizations and other Non-profit organizations to emulate JCI Accra Elite initiative to help win the fight against drug abuse.

He said government should also intensify efforts to regulate tramadol and other drugs which has become readily available to the youth in the country.

Some participants speaking after the event were optimistic of carrying the cross to become an ambassadors in educating others on drug abuse.

Credit: Richard Mensah

The 2017 Ghana’s Most Beautiful Eastern region representative, Naana Serwaa Boateng had an interaction last Saturday with 80 participants on issues related to Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights at Mensah Dawa in the Eastern Region.

It may be fashionable, you may like how you look, or maybe you’ve gained a little weight and your clothes are too tight now.

First Lady Mrs Rebecca Akufo-Addo has inaugurated the newly-constructed Mother & Baby unit of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.

The new facility has room for 130 babies, eleven children and enough facilities to accommodate 12 simultaneous births.

Mrs Akufo-Addo took special interest in the facility when it was revealed that hundreds of babies and mothers died each year at the unit because of lack of space and facilities.

To stem the tide, she organised a fundraising exercise to help construct a new facility at the hospital.

Inaugurating the facility in Kumasi on Friday, 19 January 2018, she said “This facility, we are commissioning today, is a world-class one, more importantly for me is the fact that it’s the only green hospital in Africa certified by IFC and the World Bank.

I emphasise this point because I believe that Ghana needs to go green in its construction of public facilities. This will save us money over the long term and help preserve our environment.”

Source: classfmonline.com

Most of us are aware of the nourishing, restorative and protective benefits of papaya fruit, but have little knowledge about the healing powers of papaya leaves – which are far more powerful than its fruit.

Unlike the fruit, the leaves are bitter to taste due to its high concentration of phytonutrients – which explains its therapeutic benefits.


The nutrition inside the papaya leaf is incredible!

Based on the research studies, it was found that the phytonutrient compounds in papaya leaves act in synergy to display a strong antioxidant and immune enhancing impact in the bloodstream. Papain, alkaloids and phenolic compounds are responsible for their positive biological effects.

The enzymes papain and chymopapain are the two biologically active components of papaya. They aid in digesting proteins and are widely used for treating indigestion, bloating, and other digestive disorders. In addition, the alkaloid compounds, carpaine, pseudocarpaine and dehydrocarpaine demonstrate chemo-preventive effects.

Pure isolated alkaloids and their synthetic derivatives are used as basic medicinal agents because of their antispasmodic, analgesic, and bacterial properties. The phenolic compounds, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, quercetin and kaempferol exhibit potent antioxidant effect. Papaya leaves are also high in minerals like calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, iron and manganese.

Diabetics have 3 good reasons to try papaya leaf extracts

Enhances insulin sensitivity: Poor insulin sensitivity is the cause for type-2 diabetes, which causes inefficient glucose uptake by the cells. Several animal studies and some human studies have shown that papaya leaf extracts were able to demonstrate glucose lowering effect.drnk

A study on Mauritian population showed that papaya leaf extract supplementation decreased the enzyme levels of ALT and AST (bio-markers of type 2 diabetes) among diabetic patients and improved insulin sensitivity.

Decreases diabetes complications: The mix of antioxidants in papaya leaf extracts are helpful in decreasing the secondary complications of diabetes such as fatty liver, kidney damage and oxidative stress. A growing number of well-researched studies have demonstrated the same.

Accelerates wound healing: The process of wound healing is delayed or hindered in a diabetic patient and can cause other complications. Many studies have confirmed that consuming papaya leaves enhanced the process of wound healing – due to its anti-bacterial and remarkable antioxidant action.

The health benefits extend beyond blood sugar stabilization…

Some clinical studies have confirmed that the papaya leaf extracts effectively inhibit cancer cell growth and improve immune activity. A 2010 study, published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacolgy confirmed that the papaya leaf extracts can mediate and boost Th1 type cytokines in the immune system and may potentially treat and prevent certain types of allergic disorders and cancer .

How can I use papaya leaves?

The Japanese, the aboriginals of Australia and many traditional herbal treatments have used papaya leaves for their health-enhancing powers. The tender papaya leaves are cooked and consumed similar to spinach in the islands of East Indies. Fresh, green papaya leaf is used as an antiseptic, while the brown, dried leaves are used as a tonic and blood purifier.

The best way to consume the papaya leaves is in the form of tea. Prepare a tea infusion, by adding 10 leaves to half a gallon of water – allow it to boil till the quantity of water is decreased to a quart. Cool and consume in small doses as needed to treat indigestion, for detoxifying, for immune-building purposes or as a general tonic.

The adverse effects of the papaya leaves have not been tested in humans however animal studies suggest low toxicity, hence they are considered safe for long term consumption.

What are the forms of papaya leaf extracts available in the market?

Papaya leaf extracts are available in the market as capsules, tea leaves and in the powder form for consumption. When you reach for papaya leaf extract supplements, be sure to choose non-GMO, organic supplements since most of the papaya, today, are genetically modified. Many studies have shown that choosing fermented papaya extracts to be more beneficial due to their enhanced antioxidant and immune-boosting effects.

With government-run healthcare turning into a disaster – many people are turning to plant-based remedies that are effective and less expensive, with no side-effects. Papaya leaves are just one of many natural ways to improve your health – especially if you suffer from diabetes.

If you can’t talk to your current doctor about natural healing – find another doctor and take action today.

Medical doctors will from this year, apply for postings after their housemanship.

That is according to the Director General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Anthony Nsiah Asare.

He described as worrying, doctors' reluctance to accept postings to deprived areas after training.

“If you want to work, you apply to the Region you would want to work. This year we’ve started interviewing doctors, we’re not posting them anymore. We’ll not sit in Accra again and post any doctor,” he said.

He added: “Rural experience as a practitioner is very crucial in your profession and career development”.

He was speaking at the graduation and oath swearing ceremony for the School of Medical Sciences, Dental School and the School of Veterinary Medicine in Kumasi.

According to him, every Region will be given a quota of  doctors needed as part of the new arrangement.

He promised government’s efforts to improve working conditions of medical professionals and also upgrade district hospitals and other health facilities in the country.

Dr Asare appealed to the doctors to bring their expertise together and stop seeking greener pastures.

“Put your expertise at the disposal of your countrymen whose tax partly contributed greatly to your education,” he said.

Source: myjoyonline.com

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has said it would not countenance any action or practices by medical doctors likely to impact negatively on quality healthcare delivery in the country.

Dr Anthony Nsiah-Asare, the Director-General, said that it was quite worrying that some public sector doctors and dentists, who are on full time appointment by the government, have in recent times developed the penchant for spending part of their official working hours to work in private health facilities.

“Some of these medical and dental practitioners even go to the extent of referring patients to their private facilities”, he said stressing that the GHS was taking the necessary steps to stem such unethical conduct.

Dr Nsiah-Asare, who was addressing an oath-swearing and induction ceremony for the School of Medical Sciences, Dental School and the School of Veterinary Medicine of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), cautioned practitioners to uphold the code of conduct of the medical profession.

He said doctors and dentists who are keen to work in private practice could team up with colleagues with the similar desires to establish private health facilities in order to work as full time private practitioners in needy and deprived communities.

The ceremony was held under the joint supervision of the Ghana Medical and Dental Council and Veterinary Council of Ghana, and had a total of 241 newly-qualified doctors, including dental and veterinary surgeons, taking the Hippocratic Oath.

Source: GNA

Watermelon is an extremely popular fruit. While we all enjoy eating this sweet refreshing fruit, we usually discard the tiny seeds scattered in it without realizing or rather knowing of their health benefits.



These seeds are loaded with nutrients including fatty acids, essential proteins and lots of minerals.

These seeds are rich in vitamin B like thiamine, niacin, folate and minerals like magnesium, potassium, manganese, iron, zinc, phosphorus and copper. Besides, they are a great source of calories with 100 grams of watermelon seeds providing around 600 grams of calories.

Watermelon seeds, also called as ‘tarbooj ke beej‘ in Hindi are used in Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines. Roasted watermelon seeds are served as a snack or used to garnish salads. In Nigeria they are used in certain soups. Watermelon seed oil is extracted from these seeds which is beneficial for your hair and skin.

To say the least, watermelon seeds are edible and can be a healthy option.



Health Benefits Of Watermelon Seeds

As stated earlier, watermelon seeds are a rich source of nutrients and minerals and therefore, should not be discarded. These seeds have a hard outer covering so they should be chewed before swallowing to get their nutritional content. Some of the health benefits of watermelon seeds are given below.

1. Your body requires amino acids but there are some essential amino acids such as arginine and lysine which the body cannot produce on its own and these have to be provided from food sources. Watermelon seeds contain some of these essential amino acids such as tryptophan and glutamic acids.

Lysine helps in calcium absorption to facilitate formation of collagen and connective tissues in the body whereas arginine improves the body’s metabolism, cardiovascular system and sexual health.

2. Watermelon seeds are good sources of magnesium with 100 grams of seeds providing 139 percent of the recommended daily requirement.

Magnesium is vital for normal heart functioning, maintenance of normal blood pressure, supporting metabolic process and protein synthesis. It is also beneficial in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and hypertension besides controlling blood pressure and diabetes.

3. Watermelon seeds contain lycopene which is good for your face and also helps in improving male fertility.

4. These seeds are excellent sources of multivitamin B and can replace some of the supplements. Vitamin B present in watermelon seeds comprises of niacin, folate, thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B6 and pantothenic acid. B vitamins are vital for maintaining healthy blood, nervous system and effective immune response.

5. These seeds can be used for treating diabetes. Boil a handful of watermelon seeds in 1 liter water for 45 minutes, keeping the pot covered. This concoction should be taken every day like tea.

6. Watermelon seeds are effective in recovering health after illness and sharpening your memory.

7. Almost half of the watermelon seed contains oil which comprises of 20 percent saturated fat and the rest monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat including omega-6 fatty acids. One cup of dried watermelon seeds contains around 50 grams of fat which constitutes about 80 percent of the daily recommended value. Thus, watermelon seeds are an important source of calories and energy.

8. Protein deficiency is quite common, leading to diseases like marasmus and kwashiorkor in poorer countries of the world. Being high in protein, watermelon seeds can be extremely beneficial in combating protein deficiencies. One cup of dried seeds provides about 30 grams of protein.

Protein and its amino acids are vital for growth and repair of muscles, skin and connective tissues as well as for making enzymes. Protein is also required for the maintenance of long and strong nails.

9. Watermelon seed tea works as a natural diuretic. It can be used for kidney cleansing. Edward Cayce was the person who made this tea popular way back in the 1940s. This tea can be used to treat people coping with urinary infections and eliminate kidney stones.

10. Drinking watermelon seed tea can be quite beneficial for cardiac health. The seeds contain a good amount of magnesium. This mineral helps in stabilizing metabolic processes and ensures the normal functioning of the heart.

11. The healthy fats present in watermelon seeds, including Omega 6 fatty acids and PUFAs, help in reducing the levels of harmful LDL cholesterol in your blood. This, in the long run, helps lower the risk of cardiac ailments and other health complications.



Skin Benefits Of Watermelon Seeds

In addition to their health benefits, watermelon seeds are good for your skin as well. Being rich in nourishing nutrients such as unsaturated fatty acids like oleic and linoleum acids, watermelon seeds keep your skin healthy and glowing from inside. Some of their benefits for skin are as follows.

12. The unsaturated fatty acids in watermelon seeds keep the skin moisturized, soft, firm, well-toned and prevent acne and other skin disorders.

13. Watermelon seeds prevent signs of ageing because they contain antioxidants and oils which make your skin look younger, healthier and more vibrant. These benefits can be observed by consuming a handful or two of watermelon seeds a week.

14. Water melon seed oil, also known as Ootanga oil or Kalahari oil is extremely beneficial for your skin. Being light in texture, it does not clog skin pores, thus allowing your skin to function naturally and is a great moisturizer.

Due to its excellent moisturizing properties, watermelon seed oil is used as an essential ingredient in baby oils.

15. Watermelon seed oil also removes sebum, dirt and grease that build up in your skin pores and are responsible for causing acne and giving a dull appearance to your skin. This oil is suitable for all skin types including dry, oily, acne prone and maturing skin.

16. Watermelon seed extract locks moisture, thus combating the ageing degradation. It also rejuvenates the elasticity of your skin.

17. The wide array of nutrients contained in watermelon seeds protects your skin from certain types of skin cancers and infections as well.

Hair Benefits Of Watermelon Seeds

As stated earlier, watermelon seeds have a high content of protein in them which can keep your hair healthy and shiny. This protein contains certain essential amino acids such as lysine, arginine, tryptophan and glutamic acid which are needed by your body to keep your hair healthy and strong.

18. Roasted watermelon seeds contain copper which is involved in the production of melanin. As you know, melanin is a pigment that provides color to your hair and skin.

19. In addition to its skin benefits, watermelon seed oil can also be used for your tresses. As pointed out earlier, this oil is light in texture that gets absorbed easily without clogging the pores of your scalp. It provides moisturizing benefits and improves hair growth by maintaining hair and scalp health.

20. Watermelon seed oil provides the hair with essential fatty acids which are needed by your hair to prevent breakage and keep it moisturized.



How To Make Watermelon Seed Tea

Edward Cayce, the inventor of this tea, suggested making 2 liters of the tea at a time and consuming it over 2 days. For this you will need:

(i) 2 liters or 8 cups of water

(ii) 4spoons of watermelon seeds, fresh and ground

To make the tea, you need to boil the water on high heat. Then pour the hot water on the seeds in a bowl. Let the seeds steep in the hot water.

Allow the mixture to cool and then strain it. The tea is ready for consumption. You can have it up to 4 times a day.




What You Should Keep In Mind

There are benefits of having watermelon seed tea, but you should not go overboard. Cayce did not recommend using the tea every day for a long period. If you are taking kidney infection medications, do not stop these without talking with your doctor.

Hope the article was informative. Please leave us a comment.

Credit: stylecraze.com

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), has downplayed reports of the influx of some fake rice purported to be ‘plastic rice’ on the Ghanaian market.



A video of the supposed plastic rice was circulating on social media platforms cautioning people against the purchase of that particular brand of rice.

But speaking to Citi News, the Public Relations Officer of the FDA, James Lartey, indicated that the authority’s investigations across the country have shown no trace of such ‘plastic rice’ on the market.

“We went around checking and investigating and up till now, in any sample of the said rice, we are not seeing that the thing is on the market.”

Mr. Lartey suggested the possibility of the allegations emanating from the competitors in the rice retail market, but urged the public to report to the FDA if they indeed come across it.

“We are just appealing to the public, if you have a sample or you have seen somebody selling it, just get a sample, bring it to us or call us and tell us where the product is. We will move immediately and deal with it,” he said.

Source: citifmonline.com

Just one serving a day of tomato-based foods can have an incredibly beneficial effect on your health.

Not only can they reduce heart disease, but they could potentially prevent and reverse dozens of diseases if eaten daily. This is one fruit you don’t want to leave out of your diet.



1. REDUCE HEART DISEASE

According to Tufts and Boston University researchers, the highest average intakes of lycopene were linked to almost a 30% reduction in the incidence of cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease, respectively, according to findings published in the British Journal of Nutrition.

2. VITAMIN AND MINERAL RICH

They provide the body with a tremendous amount of natural vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamins B1, B3, B5, B6, B7, excellent vitamin C, folate, iron, potassium, magnesium, chromium, choline, zinc, and phosphorus.

3. TOMATOES CAN REDUCE DAMAGE BY SMOKING INCLUDING SECOND HAND SMOKE

Tomatoes can reduce the amount of damage done to your body by smoking cigarettes or inhaling second hand smoke. Tomatoes contain coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid that work to protect the body from carcinogens that are produced from cigarette smoke.

4. THEY NATURALLY ENHANCE FLAVOR

Tomatoes can enhance the flavor of almost any cooked dish. Whole tomatoes, chopped tomatoes and tomato sauce freeze well for future use in cooked dishes. Cooking tomatoes — such as in spaghetti sauce — makes the fruit heart-healthier and boosts its cancer-fighting ability. All this, despite a loss of vitamin C during the cooking process, substantially raises the levels of beneficial phytochemicals. Research demonstrates that heat processing actually enhanced the nutritional value of tomatoes by increasing the lycopene content.

5. DENSE IN PHYTONUTRIENTS

In terms of phytonutrients, few vegetables compare with tomatoes. They contain flavonones, flavonols, hydroxycinnamic acids, carotenoids, glycosides and even fatty acid derivatives. Better antioxidant protection has also been shown using broad measurements of oxidative stress in different body systems including neurodegenerative diseases.

6. ORGANIC TOMATOES ARE KING

Tomatoes grown by organic methods contain more phenolic compounds than those grown using commercial standards, but be sure of your source as many organic tomatoes imported from Mexico contained residues of pesticides exceeding allowable limits.

7. IMPROVES DIGESTION AND PREVENTS CONSTIPATION

They help to improve the functioning of the digestive system and the liver, and the prevention of constipation, especially when mixed with spinach juice.

8. REDUCES DANGERS OF STATIN DRUGS

Recent evidence shows that just two ounces of tomato paste or a pint of juice a day could be enough to help many patients avoid dangerous statins, the class of drugs commonly prescribed for these conditions, which can lead to heart problems.

9. PREVENT KIDNEY AND GALL BLADDER STONES

They work as a disinfectant to protect the body from diarrhea and prevents the appearance of kidney stones and gall bladder stones in the long term. They also dramatically reduce the incidence of lower urinary tract symptoms.

10. HEALTHY HAIR

Drinking tomato juice constantly improves the appearance and texture of hair, and since it is rich in vitamin k, it helps to strengthen the tufts of hair and increase its luster as well as the revitalization of growth.

11. SKIN HEALTH

Rich tomato components fight acne and prevent damage to skin cells. Studies have indicated that drinking two cups of tomato juice a day helps to improve the overall appearance of the skin in a short period of time.

12. BONE HEALTH

Tomatoes help maintain healthy bones strengthened by enhancing the ratio of calcium in the body. Interestingly, the connection of tomato intake to bone health involves the rich supply of antioxidant in tomatoes.

13. STRENGTHENS IMMUNE SYSTEM

Daily consumption of tomatoes is working to increase the proportion of vitamin C in the blood, which inhibits the levels of stress hormones and strengthens the immune system. So drinking tomato juice helps ease tension and stress.

14. REDUCE BLOOD CLOT RISKS

Tomato juice helps to reduce the risk of blood clots. The excessive clumping together of platelet cells can cause problems for our bloodstream in terms of blockage and unwanted clotting, and prevention of this excessive clumping is important for maintaining heart health. Numerous phytonutrients in tomatoes have been shown to help prevent excessive clumping of our platelet cells.

15. INCREASES FAT BURNING CAPACITY

Tomatoes stimulate the production of the amino acid carnitine which has been shown in research to speed the body’s fat-burning capacity by over 30 percent.

16. PROTECTS VISION AND DEGENERATIVE EYE DISEASE

Because tomatoes are a rich source of the phytonutrients beta carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, they can help improve vision and protect your eyes from degeneration.

17. PREVENTS STROKE

New research in the journal Harvard Health Letter found that diets rich in tomatoes can help prevent stroke. The scientists chalk up the results to tomatoes’ rich lycopene content.

18. RESTORES BIOCHEMICAL BALANCE IN DIABETICS

According to new research in the journal Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics , scientists created diabetic conditions in animals and fed some lycopene while others were fed their typical diet free of lycopene. The biochemistry of animals fed lycopene returned to normal while the others stayed at diabetic levels. This study shows promise that lycopene (found in tomatoes) can help restore biochemical balance in diabetics.

19. REDUCES PROSTATE CANCER RISK

Tomatoes are rich in natural fiber which maintains the health of the colon as it reduces the risk of prostate cancer which affects 1 in 8 men. One key tomato nutrient that has received special focus in prostate cancer prevention is alpha-tomatine. Alpha-tomatine is a saponin phytonutrient and it’s shown the ability to alter metabolic activity in developing prostate cancer cells. It’s also been shown to trigger programmed cell death (apoptosis) in prostate cancer cells that have already been fully formed. Research on alpha-tomatine has also been conducted for non-small cell lung cancer, with similar findings.

20. REDUCES BREAST CANCER RISK

Breast cancer can also be reduced with tomatoes. Exciting research in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute shows that higher amounts of carotenoids including alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, and total carotenoids may have a reduced risk of breast cancer.


Tips for Preparing Tomatoes

Before serving, wash tomatoes under cool running water and pat dry.

If your recipe requires seeded tomatoes, cut the fruit in half horizontally and gently squeeze out the seeds and the juice. However, we encourage you to think about the recipe and consider whether the tomato could be incorporated with seeds intact. There are simply too many valuable nutrients in the seeds that you would not want to lose unnecessarily.

When cooking tomatoes, we recommend avoidance of aluminum cookware since the high acid content of the tomatoes may interact with the metal in the cookware. As a result, there may be migration of aluminum into the food, which may not only impart an unpleasant taste, but more importantly, may have a potentially unwanted impact on your health.

Whenever possible, try to develop recipes that make use of the whole tomato. We’ve seen research showing higher lycopene content in whole tomato products. For example, when the skins of tomatoes are included in the making of the tomato paste, the lycopene and beta-carotene content of the paste is significant higher according to research studies.