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WHO Unveils Landmark Guideline For Quitting Tobacco Use

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The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued its inaugural guideline on tobacco cessation, which propounds a comprehensive approach to help the over 750 million tobacco users worldwide who wish to quit.

Released on Wednesday, the guideline emphasises the importance of behavioural support from healthcare providers, digital cessation tools, and pharmacological treatments.

It targets adults seeking to quit all forms of tobacco, including cigarettes, waterpipes, smokeless tobacco, cigars, roll-your-own tobacco, and Heated Tobacco Products.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus described the guideline as a significant milestone in the global effort to combat the harmful effects of tobacco products.

He said “This guideline marks a crucial milestone in our global battle against these dangerous products. It empowers countries with the essential tools to effectively support individuals in quitting tobacco and alleviate the global burden of tobacco-related diseases.”

More than 60 percent of the world’s 1.25 billion tobacco users, comprising over 750 million individuals, express a desire to quit, yet 70 percent lack access to effective cessation services.

This gap is attributed to challenges within health systems, including resource constraints.

Dr. Rüdiger Krech, Director of Health Promotion at the World Health Organization (WHO), highlighted, “The immense struggle that people face when trying to quit smoking cannot be overstated. We need to deeply appreciate the strength it takes and the suffering endured by individuals and their loved ones to overcome this addiction.

“These guidelines are designed to help communities and governments provide the best possible support and assistance for those on this challenging journey.”

The World Health Organization emphasized that combining pharmacotherapy with behavioral interventions substantially enhances the success rates of tobacco cessation efforts.

Countries are urged to offer these treatments free of charge or at reduced costs to enhance accessibility, especially in low- and middle-income nations.

WHO recommends varenicline, Nicotine Replacement Therapy, bupropion, and cytisine as effective medications for quitting tobacco.

In 2023, WHO launched a prequalification process for medications treating disorders caused by tobacco use, aiming to broaden global access to recommended tobacco cessation treatments.

In April 2024, Kenvue’s nicotine gum and patch earned the distinction of becoming the first Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) products to be WHO-prequalified.

WHO underscores the importance of behavioral interventions, including brief counseling by healthcare providers (ranging from 30 seconds to three minutes) routinely offered in healthcare settings.

They also advocate for more intensive behavioral support, such as individual, group, or phone counseling, for individuals seeking to quit tobacco.

Moreover, digital interventions such as text messaging, smartphone apps, and internet programs can complement these efforts as adjuncts or tools for self-management.

WHO urges healthcare providers, policymakers, and stakeholders to adopt and implement these guidelines to promote tobacco cessation and enhance the health outcomes of millions worldwide.

Health

Don’t Ignore These Hidden Health Clues In Your Urine

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Your body has subtle ways of communicating essential information about your health—and sometimes, one of the simplest clues is the color of your urine.

Urine, which is about 95% water, forms when your kidneys filter out waste and excess water from your blood. Normally ranging from light yellow to amber, it provides insights into your hydration and more.

Changes in urine color, smell, or frequency can serve as early indicators of potential health conditions.

While most color shifts are harmless and temporary, persistent changes could suggest a more significant issue.

“Tracking these signs can be a simple way to monitor hydration and potentially catch health issues early,” says Dr. Jenna Lewis, a nephrologist at Healthline Clinic.

Here’s a guide to what different urine colors might mean for your health:

Clear or Very Light Yellow

This typically shows you’re well-hydrated. While generally a positive sign, consistently clear urine could indicate overhydration, which may lower salt levels in your body.

Light to Medium Yellow

Often considered the “healthy” zone, this shade reflects good hydration without excess water intake.

Dark Yellow to Amber

A darker shade often indicates a need for more water. This is common in the morning or after exercise and can usually be resolved by drinking more fluids.

Orange

Dehydration may lead to orange urine, but other factors can also contribute. High levels of beta-carotene (found in foods like carrots) or certain medications can turn urine orange.

Persistent orange urine might signal liver or bile duct issues, so consult a doctor if it persists.

Pink or Red

While foods like beets or berries can cause pinkish urine, this color can also indicate the presence of blood, possibly signaling kidney problems, infections, or kidney stones. If diet isn’t the cause, seek medical advice.

Brown or Cola-Colored

This shade may suggest dehydration or, in some cases, a more severe issue. Brown urine can indicate liver or kidney problems, or a condition called rhabdomyolysis, where muscle tissue breaks down. Persistent brown urine warrants a visit to the doctor.

Blue or Green

Rarely, certain medications, dyes, or health conditions can produce blue or green urine. While often harmless, persistent blue or green urine should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Cloudy or Milky

Cloudy urine may indicate an infection or excess minerals. It could be a sign of a urinary tract infection, kidney stones, or mild dehydration. Sometimes, excess proteins or fats may also cause this cloudiness.

Most changes in urine color are temporary, especially when related to hydration, diet, or harmless compounds. However, experts agree that if unusual colors or symptoms persist, a consultation with a healthcare provider is wise.

“Listening to your body’s signals, even through something as simple as urine color, can offer valuable insights into your overall health,” adds Dr. Lewis.

By keeping an eye on these colors, you can stay on top of hydration and potentially catch health issues early.

 

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JUST IN: JOHESU Launches Nationwide Strike Over Unresolved Demands

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Members of the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Health Care Professionals (JOHESU) have announced a seven-day warning strike set to begin at midnight on Friday.

This action follows a 15-day notice of industrial action issued to the Federal Government.

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Addressing journalists in Abuja, JOHESU’s national chairman, Kabiru Minjibir, outlined the union’s primary demands, emphasizing a need for immediate action to address ongoing concerns affecting healthcare workers across the nation.

Key demands include the urgent implementation of the consolidated health salary structure and the payment of a 25 percent review of arrears from June to December 2023.

The union is also calling for an upward review of the retirement age for healthcare workers, a tax waiver on healthcare workers’ allowances, and the immediate disbursement of COVID-19 inducement hazard allowances.

Minjibir urged all union members nationwide to adhere to the strike directive, underscoring that compliance would be essential in pushing for their demands.

 

 

 

 

Details shortly…………. 

 

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Medical Emergency: Journalist, Kola Kuforiji Requires Financial Support 

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In a world where health is wealth, Kola Kuforiji, a Nigerian journalist  who had worked for about two decades with Rhythm FM (Sliverbird Group) reporting business is facing an unthinkable challenge, and needs urgent help.

Kola, a 54-year-old husband and father of two, whose life was turned upside down when he was diagnosed with a drug-resistant, Parkinson’s disease with pronounced difficulty in walking and tremor has been very ill for more than two years and the severity and debilitating nature of his illness has depleted the  finances of his family.

He was initially treated at   Ikorodu General Hospital, Lagos, where a presumptive diagnosis of his medical condition was made.

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He was over a year ago referred to LASUTH, but there has been little improvement in his health.

Medical treatment abroad now offers the best option for his recovery with a recommendation from  Atasehir Medicana International Hospital – Atasehir / Istanbul, Turkey confirming that he will need a Deep Brain Stimulation surgery.

The expected total cost of the Deep Brain Stimulation surgery with traveling expenses is put at  $35,000 (USD) about N57 million at recent exchange rate.

Meanwhile friends of Kola have initiated moves to seek financial support from concerned citizens to help bridge the gap and ensure that he receives the care he needs to overcome this challenge.

A bank account to receive fund for the urgent medical intervention has been opened for donation that will bring hope and healing to Kola and his family.

Name of Account: SOS FOR JOURNALIST KOLA KUFORIJI

Account Number: 1790322317

Bank: Polaris Bank

Kola’s story is one of courage, resilience, and determination, but it’s also a story of urgent need.

He had worked for about two decades with Rhythm FM (Sliverbird Group) covering business at large and had  contributed immensely to deepening understanding of the economy.

Over the years  he has explored his media platform as a strong tool to drive financial inclusion and expanding frontier of knowledge of Nigerians on the activities and stride of the energy, banking and finance sectors at large to national development.

Despite his illness, Kola remains hopeful and determined to overcome.

Use this link to join SOS FOR JOURNALIST KOLA KUFORIJI WhatsApp group https://chat.whatsapp.

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