Background: Globally, very limited studies have explored the unique contributions of hygiene and sanitation practices on the odds for stunting and underweight in children. Hence, the study examined the relationship between environmental hygiene and sanitation practices and odds for stunting and underweight among children under-five years old in rural communities in Ghana. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study, in which study participants were simple randomly selected. All data were gathered from face-to-face interviews and by the use of observational checklist. Data were analysed using statistical product and service solutions software version 21.0. Further, binary logistics regressions model was used to assessed for adjusted odds of stunting and underweight across hygiene and sanitation practice variables. Results: Upon adjustment for the effects of covariates, children from households with toilet facilities had lower odds for underweight compared with their counterparts recruited from households without toilet facility [0.2(0.0-0.8); p = 0.031]. Also, lower frequency (1-3 times a week) of cleaning toilet facility per week was associated with higher odds for underweight compared with the higher frequency of cleaning (4 times or more per week) of toilet facility [4.5(1.3-15.3); p = 0.018]. Conclusions: The study revealed that both stunting and underweight were prevalent among the children. Also, inappropriate sanitation and hygiene practices were associated with increased odds for child malnutrition. The district health administration and the district assembly ought to intensify education on the importance of kitchen hygiene and the need for households to own toilet facilities.

Background: Sometimes children are referred to the EEG lab without overt seizures but with wide array of features of delayed developmental domains like motor delay, cognitive delay, speech and communication delay, visual impairment, hearing impairment. A detailed history and physical examination are most important for the diagnosis. EEG is done to identify the background dysfunction and the cases of Epilepsy. Aim of the study: To see the background function and the cases of Epilepsy through EEGs children presenting with delayed developmental domains. Method: Retrospective analysis was done from the EEG records during a 1year period (ie, 2015). 537 cases were identified with developmental delay but not having overt seizure. Their EEG findings were compared with history and clinical presentation. Results: In this study, 41.7% presented with speech communication problems, 32.4% with cognitive delay, 10.6% with hearing impairment, 8.8% came with motor delay and 6.5% with visual impairment. EEG of 29.5% showed abnormal features. These included 15% with features of focal discharges, 7% with generalized epileptiform discharges, 0.5% with multifocal epileptic form discharges, 2% with features of epileptic encephalopathy, 3% with features of generalized encephalopathy, 2 children with diffuse encephalopathy, and 5 children with non-specific dysfunction, 4 children with generalized low amplitude activities. Conclusion: EEG abnormalities were found in over one-third of the referred children based upon which important decisions could be taken for appropriate diagnosis and management.

This study investigated the impact of toxicological air on cardiovascular indices of non-pregnant women in Bayelsa state. The study subjects consist of two hundred apparently healthy non pregnant women in gas flaring communities selected randomly between the ages of 20 to 45 years. Parameters measured was systolic,diastolic,pulse rate, pulse pressure, mean arterial blood pressure, body mass index using auscultatory, weight and height methods and calculation of the prevalence rate of high blood pressure among non-pregnant women in Bayelsa state. Result from the study shows significant higher mean values of systolic (123mmHg),diastolic (78,75mmHg), mean arterial blood pressure (93,90mmHg) among resident of Obunagha/Polaku and Immiringi located in the epicentre of gas flares compared with Kolo/Otuagila (118mmHg), (72mmHg) and (87mmHg) a non-gas flaring communities. However the pulse rate and pulse pressure was higher (86bpm) (47mmHg) among resident subjects in Kolo and Otuagila compared with Polaku and Immiringi having a decrease percentage difference. Furthermore, the blood pressures of the participants increase significantly with advancing age while the pulse rate decreases. The systolic blood pressure increases among those that fall into the category of underweight compared with other body mass index. The prevalence of hypertension was 14%, prehypertension 42% and a normal blood pressure of 44% respectively. Subjects with prolong exposure to gas flares in their respective communities had higher blood pressure in comparison to short duration of exposure. This study has shown that exposure to the toxic components from gas flares have a detrimental effect on the cardiovascular tree of women residents with resultant increase in their blood pressures in Bayelsa state.

Hot volcanic massage is a treatment from the Far East that has been used for more than 1000 years, and today is an integral part of anti-stress programs in spas around the world. The aim of our research was to study the extent to which this alternative method of massage has proven health benefits through the analysis of already published papers. Material and method: We performed a retrospective analysis of published papers on the effect of heat and massage on pain, stress, depression, and muscle tension. Results: Hot massage has positive effects on musculoskeletal pain, fibromyalgia pain and degenerative rheumatism. Side effects can occur if the heat is too high and causes burns, drop in blood pressure and dehydration. Discussion: Research on the effect of treating volcanic rocks on health problems is scarce. This alternative method can be applied due to the known physiological effect of massage and warmth on a scientific basis along with indications and contraindications. Conclusion: The treatment with volcanic stones has the effects of heat treatment and massage with still insufficiently measurable parameters for the combined effect and concrete evidence.