Cure for AIDS could possibly be found in South Africa

 As we continue to follow the trends in HIV/AIDS and the hope for a permanent cure whether drugs or vaccine, we stumbbled on this headline:

 "Cure for AIDS could possibly be found in South Africa"
 Early clinical trials in South Africa have given researchers new hope of developing a vaccine for AIDS and a host of other HIV prevention methods are also being tested in South Africa

The South African.com 
Scientists fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic have already revolutionised the safe sex paradigm with advances in Biomedical technology but are still a long way from creating the ultimate weapon – an AIDS vaccine.
They are confident, however, that it can be done and the chances are that this Holy Grail of medicine will be found in South Africa.

www.thesouthafrican.com

South Africa is a leader in HIV research

“South Africa is home to the largest population of people living with HIV in the world. What really distinguishes SA, however, are the strides the nation is making against the epidemic,” says Glenda Gray president of the SA Medical Research Council.

Catherine Williams, a Professional Nurse Counsellor with the TB/HIV Care Association, a Cape Town based NGO, said that it was very exciting that medical science was being creatively applied to the prevention of HIV transmission.

“These exciting new solutions have to take into account social justice issues such as equitable access, gender sensitivity and the structural oppression of vulnerable social groups,” she said.
“I would love to see social scientists, feminist scholars and poverty experts working with medical scientists. Now that would truly be groundbreaking.”

 www.thesouthafrican.com

First Nigeria Hospitals Exhibition, Fair holds Oct. 21-23, 2014

• Thursday, 16 October 2014 00:00
• Written by EMEKA ANUFORO, ABUJA

THE first exhibition of healthcare facilities and services to showcase the Nigerian based hospital facilities, services and professionals to the general public will take off next week, according to the Federal Ministry of Health.
     The exhibition is scheduled for Abuja and would run from October 21 to October 23, 2014 in Abuja.
    It is organized by the Federal Ministry of Health in partnership with the Guild of Medical Directors,  the Association of the General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria,  Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria,  the Medical and Laboratory Scientists Council of Nigeria,  Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and James Daniel Consulting.
     Minister of Health, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu, said in Abuja yesterday that the exhibition would showcase available world class medical facilities,  services and personnel that can take care of any health related problems in Nigerian citizens.
    The objective of the exhibition, he noted,  s to  launch Nigeria as an emerging regional healthcare destination and also promote Nigeria as a preferred destination for domestic patient.
     Chukwu urged Nigerians to believe in the capability of the Nigerian health professionals especially with the success registered by Nigeria in the containment of Ebola Virus Disease.
     He said: “The major objective of this exhibition is to launch Nigeria as an emerging regional healthcare destination and to promote Nigeria as a preferred destination for domestic patient and a hub for regional medical tourism seeking high quality and cost effective procedures and treatments.
   “In view of the foregoing, Federal Tertiary Health Institutions,  relevant state government hospitals,  private hospitals,  diagnostic centers,  laboratories and pharmaceutical companies from across the country will be expected to showcase the available infrastructure, services along with the location of their various healthcare facilities to Nigerians”  stated Chukwu.
     Permanent Secretary of Federal Ministry of Health, Mr Linus Awute in a welcome address stressed that the programme would ultimately place Nigeria on the pedestal of achieving delivery of quality health services to Nigeria citizens.
     He urged the public, stakeholders and the media to plan to witness the “positive trend”, which he said would assist Nigeria in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

the guardian

Ebola: Real-life lessons for nursing students

Jim Douglas, WFAA 6:47 p.m. CDT October 15, 2014

About 50 students in scrubs spent Wednesday practicing with masks, gloves and gowns. And for the first time, they're learning about Ebola as part of the curriculum.

(Photo: WFAA)

For nursing students, minor details of routine procedures were always serious.
Now they can mean the difference between life or death — like a slip when removing a glove.

"No, no, no!" said a nursing instructor at Brookhaven College. "Wash your hands."
Or perhaps using a little too much force taking off a protective mask.
"It can really pop," warned the instructor. "Contaminate even more."

The executive dean over Brookhaven College nursing school canceled clinical work for students this week, recalling them from hospitals and offices to drill again on personal protective equipment.

About 50 students in scrubs spent Wednesday practicing with masks, gloves and gowns. And — for the first time — they're learning about Ebola as part of the curriculum.

"We're bringing them in, teaching them about Ebola. Haven't done that before," said Juanita Zapata Flint, executive dean over Brookhaven's nursing program. She said it wasn't thought necessary to teach about Ebola in the U.S. — until now.

Student Sarah Hayes said her only fear is for her unborn child.

Brandy Meierhofer said fear is not an issue. "I'm not sure fear is a constructive emotion to have," she said. "Being prepared is the best thing."
But with two Dallas nurses falling ill with Ebola, these students wonder if safety protocols outlined by the Centers for Disease Control are good enough? Is hospital equipment good enough?

"Two nurses still got it. Something is missing," said nursing dean Mark Meyer.
Instructors said students would not be placed with a known Ebola patient, but the problem lies with the unknown.

So they prepare as best they can, and remember why they're here.
"I want to help others," Sarah Hayes said without hesitation.
Student Christine Kozera admits to being leery, but she added this: "We swear an oath. It's part of nursing.

wfaa.com

5 cool scrubs tops for men

If you’re a male nurse in the market for a fall scrubs top to up your wardrobe, check out this roundup of five favorite styles.

Men’s V-neck top: Looking for a fall scrubs top? You’ll want to focus on picking darker (but still bright if you like) colored scrubs, like this Cherokee Workwear wine V-neck top. It features a chest pocket with bartacked pencil slot, set-in sleeves, a back yoke, side vents and double needle detailing.
Men’s V-neck top in Hunter: This Luxe by Cherokee hunter green men’s V-neck top is perfect for fall, and green is a color that looks great on nearly everyone. The top features a double chest pocket with ID loop, back yoke, side vents and double needle topstitching.
Men’s V-neck two-tone top: Can’t decide on a color? Forgo having to make up your mind with this Dickies two-tone men’s V-neck top that features a double chest pocket with an interior mesh pocket, a bungee loop, side vents and double needle topstitching throughout. The raglan sleeves are made with a performance knit mesh fabric that wicks moisture away from the body.
Men’s V-neck print top: We LOVE this brand-new men’s fit V-neck top from Dickies. The dark blue top has a subtle and masculine print—perfect if you want to test the waters but aren’t into, you know, Goofy prints. It features a front and back yoke, a chest pocket with an elastic bungee loop, one sleeve pocket with additional loops for holding pens, and multi-needle solid-color stitching.

“Youtility” men’s V-neck top: Dark purple is a stretch for some people’s taste, but if you’re into trying something new and different, it’s a great color for men. This Dickies top features a chest pocket with an elastic bungee loop, one pocket on the left sleeve with additional self loops for holding pens, set-in sleeves, a back yoke, contrast multi-needle top stitching and side panels with side pockets.
In the comments below, tell us all about your favorite scrubs tops that remind you of fall, where you got them and how your hospital’s scrubs policies have affected your scrubs choices.

http://scrubsmag.com/5-cool-fall-scrubs-tops-for-men/

HIV/AIDS will become a thing of the past if Nigerians obey God – NACA boss, Idoko

As the Muslim faithful celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir all over the world, the Director General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Prof John Idoko, has said it is important to reflect on the significance of the celebration and its lesson as it relates to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care.

According to him, Qu’ran Chapter 37 highlights how, in a singular act of obedience to a divine command, Prophet Ibrahim took Ismail his son, which was begotten in his old age, to a location and prepared him for ritual of immolation as a piety to God.

“As he blindfolded him and was ready to slaughter, behold, a ministration came from the heavens. Allah conveyed good tidings stopping the killing and revealed that a ram had been approved by Him as a replacement for the sacrifice.

“God added that Ibrahim had passed the ultimate test of faith and would be amply rewarded.

“The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), saddled with the responsibility of coordinating the HIV/AIDS multi sectorial response in Nigeria, will like to key into this festival, asking Nigerians to reflect on the lessons of sacrificing one’s most precious thing in the way of God’s command.

“If Nigerians obey the command of God, the HIV epidemic in Nigeria will become a thing of the past, as pre-marital sex, extra-marital affairs and casual sex among young people will not be happening as we learn and become educated regarding the dangers of contracting HIV/AIDS and other relates sexually transmitted infections (STI).”

Prof Idoko said reflecting on the love of almighty Allah, the level of HIV stigma is worrisome among those infected and affected.

“The love Allah showed to Prophet Ibrahim can be emulated by us. This will allow us show love and care to those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.

“If this is done, it will not only help encourage more Nigerians to get tested and get treated but it will also allow many more people to be open about their HIV status, thereby making the disease less frightening and dreaded”.

Continuing, Idoko noted that “as true servants of Allah, we are expected to protect our neighbours as much as we protect ourselves.

“Doing this as it relates to HIV/AIDS is to get tested for HIV virus, do all that is necessary to remain negative if tested negative, commence treatment therapy if tested positive, avoid mother-to-child transmission of HIV virus by encouraging all pregnant mothers to attend antenatal clinics and ensure they give birth in government-approved designated hospitals or with trained birth attendants”.

dailypost.ng

20 things every new nursing student needs to know

It’s that time of the year! The fall semester brings a whole new class of new nursing students. Not only new to being a student, but also new to the entire world of nursing.

Trust me when I tell you that being a new student is tough enough. New nursing students not only have to learn the basics of how we do what we do, but also have to try to fit in, and well, let’s face it, survive. All sorts of new faces, new traditions, new gadgets, new places, classes, clinicals and a whole new language?!!

Would you like some tips on surviving? Here’s a quick list of 20 survival tips for the nursing newbie:

1. It’s okay to be nervous and scared. That means you give a darn and want to do well. Trust me, you’re not alone. Your classmates are just as freaked out. Some just hide it better than others.

2. There is strength in numbers. Meet and greet as many people as you can especially your seniors. Be respectful. You’ll be surprised how much you all have in common.

3. Get used to not knowing something. After a decade of doing this job, you still won’t know everything. But that’s no excuse for not knowing something the second time around.

4. Get used to meeting strangers. Give a firm handshake, look them in the eye and say their name twice.

5. Be confident. You are going to meet A LOT of new people during your lifetime as a nurse.

6. Walk the halls of whatever facility your clinical rotation is located. Know your way around. You’re going to need it.

7. Ask questions. Every. Single. Day.

8. Don’t be afraid to admit you don’t know the answer.

9. Study your rear off. Get organized. Your patients are depending on you.

10. Get used to being tired. The lack of sleep doesn’t stop once you graduate.

11. Um. Peeing. Yeah. Get used to not doing that.

12. While we’re at it. Eating. Uhh. Yeah. Get used to not doing that, too.

13. You are going to want to quit. Don’t. You are going to want to cry. Let it out and move on.

14. Never cry in front of a physician. They’re not worth it.

15. You are going to meet a lot of unpleasant folks. Don’t ever let them sway you.

16. Befriend every single nursing aide (CNA) you meet. They are the backbone of this profession.

17. Never, ever, ever shy away from getting your hands dirty. You are not above any task.

18. Never forget what this first year feels like. Once you move forward in your career, help the next generation.

19. Never apologize for doing your job. Advocating for another human being is not easy.

20. Good grief, have some fun!

by Sean Dent

Sean Dent is a second-degree nurse who has worked in telemetry, orthopedics, surgical services, oncology and at times as a travel nurse. He is a CCRN certified critical care nurse where he's worked in cardiac, surgical as well as trauma intensive care nursing. After five years practicing as an RN, Sean pursued and attained his Masters of Science in Nursing. Sean currently practices as a Board Certified Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP-BC) in a Shock Trauma urban teaching hospital. He has been in healthcare for almost 20 years. He originally received a bachelor's degree in Exercise and Sport Science where he worked as a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC).

scrubsmag.com

What Is the (Real) Risk of HIV from Anal Sex?

The risk of HIV transmission through condom-less anal intercourse is seen to be extremely high, as much 18 times greater than vaginal intercourse according a meta-analysis conducted by researchers at Imperial College and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in 2010. The reasons for the increased risk are well known and include such factors as:

• The fragility of rectal tissues, allowing the virus a direct access into the bloodstream through tiny tears or abrasions.

• The porousness of rectal tissues and their high susceptibility to infection even when undamaged.

• The high concentration of HIV in semen and pre-seminal fluid ("pre cum"), which can double the risk of infection with every one-log (i.e., one digit) rise in the person's viral load.

Furthermore, the secretion of blood from damaged rectal tissues can increase the risk for the insertive ("top") partner, providing the virus a route of transmission through the urethra and/or Langerhans cells that line the head of the penis (particularly under the foreskin).

By Dennis Sifris, MD and James Myhre

AIDS/HIV Expert

about.com