The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communication Commission
(NCC), Dr Eugene Juwah, yesterday (Friday, July 18), said 197,000
subscribers have ported their numbers from one network to another in
their efforts to take advantage of the opportunities availed by the
Mobile Number Portability (MNP) scheme in terms of improved quality of
service.
Dr Juwah, who spoke at a prize giving ceremony for winners of an essay
competition in Abuja, said the mobile number portability has afforded
subscribers a variety of choices, enhanced quality services as well as
deepened competition amongst telecommunication providers.
He expressed hope that the months ahead would see more people changing
their service providers from one to another.
Dr Juwah, who described vandalism of telecoms operators facilities as
one of the major challenges constraining improved quality service
generally, explained that with increasing investment of the operators
on infrastructure, proper protection of the telecommunications
facilities and improved power supply, services to consumers would
continue to improve.
Dr Juwah, said it was pleasing to note that more and more subscribers
were porting their numbers in a rapidly more competitive market
environment.
The first prize winner in the essay competition got five hundred
thousand naira, a computer and a printer while the second and third
prize winners got three hundred and two hundred thousand naira cash
prizes.
The winners are Dasaolu Olawale Johnson, a 400 level Law student of
the University of Lagos (first prize winner); Kadri Zaharat Olamide, a
500 level Veterinary Medicine student of the University of Ibadan (2nd
Prize winner) and Nicholas Ifeanyi Okpala, a 400 level Civil
Engineering student of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.
Saturday, 19 July 2014
Nobody 's story is over
I was telling someone the other day that our society is not fair to a
'has been,' for example, someone who 'has been' married before (and
now unmarried). We are damn too judgmental and that explains why some
people would rather cling to 'unfavourable' situations (including
disastrous marriages) to maintain 'status quo'
A young lady had a habit of saying 'all these divorcees' whenever she
meant to upset her female cousin that had a failed marriage. A few
years down the line, she claimed to be getting married to a man she
boasted so much about. Too many 'stories' were involved but the crux
of the gist is that, that marriage never saw the light of the day
because that man didn't show up at the altar and she was about four
months pregnant at that time. The man has since married another lady
and she is still in the singles market, saddled with a young daughter.
And the lady she tagged a'divorcee' has long remarried, blessed with
two kids- a woman that was labelled 'barren' in her previous marriage.
It is only someone who does not understand life that will make mockery
of another's situation. Time and time again, life has proved its
unpredictability to us, showing that its tide can turn against or for
anybody-at any time. Do not ever judge whom you have not walked his or
her path. There is every possibility that you won't do half as well
(as them) if you ever find yourself in their shoes.
We put on our 'judgmental cloak' when someone is called a divorcee; we
see everything wrong in them and the females are usually perceived as
wayward (unmarriageable materials), yet we have never cared to reason
that 'nobody can be hundred per cent at fault in a conflict. The other
party must have contributed (in some way) for the conflict to
perpetuate.
Even if the breakup of a marriage was their fault, why would they be
written off on account of their mistakes? Is anybody without a past?
Nobody goes into a marriage to watch it pack up; any relationship
leading to marriage always starts with good intentions. Most people
that find themselves in a failed marriage never imagined it would end
that way but it did. Be careful how you judge every 'divorcee' that
crosses your path in life, especially when you don't know the
direction that your own relationship/marriage can take tomorrow.
For as long as we all breathe, the story is not finished for anybody.
Life will always unfold in both pleasant and unpleasant phases for
each of us. Whatever unpleasant experiences you let another go through
in your hands next time, it might be you that will be experiencing
same from another.
We will be a lot more productive if we get busy improving our own
lives and getting better by the day, instead of making ourselves the
umpires of the 'model' life. It was the Dalai Lama that once said that
"Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't
help them, at least do not hurt them." And Paulo Coelho seemed to have
summarised this for me in his words, "Everyone seems to have a clear
idea of how other people should lead their lives, but none about his
or her own."
The next time you feel compelled to cast the stone, get to work on
your own life because if care is not taken, your story may turn out
worse than that of whom you have been 'labelling.' Life is that
unpredictable!
t.co/hYFCIZuQEO/s/2OLk
'has been,' for example, someone who 'has been' married before (and
now unmarried). We are damn too judgmental and that explains why some
people would rather cling to 'unfavourable' situations (including
disastrous marriages) to maintain 'status quo'
A young lady had a habit of saying 'all these divorcees' whenever she
meant to upset her female cousin that had a failed marriage. A few
years down the line, she claimed to be getting married to a man she
boasted so much about. Too many 'stories' were involved but the crux
of the gist is that, that marriage never saw the light of the day
because that man didn't show up at the altar and she was about four
months pregnant at that time. The man has since married another lady
and she is still in the singles market, saddled with a young daughter.
And the lady she tagged a'divorcee' has long remarried, blessed with
two kids- a woman that was labelled 'barren' in her previous marriage.
It is only someone who does not understand life that will make mockery
of another's situation. Time and time again, life has proved its
unpredictability to us, showing that its tide can turn against or for
anybody-at any time. Do not ever judge whom you have not walked his or
her path. There is every possibility that you won't do half as well
(as them) if you ever find yourself in their shoes.
We put on our 'judgmental cloak' when someone is called a divorcee; we
see everything wrong in them and the females are usually perceived as
wayward (unmarriageable materials), yet we have never cared to reason
that 'nobody can be hundred per cent at fault in a conflict. The other
party must have contributed (in some way) for the conflict to
perpetuate.
Even if the breakup of a marriage was their fault, why would they be
written off on account of their mistakes? Is anybody without a past?
Nobody goes into a marriage to watch it pack up; any relationship
leading to marriage always starts with good intentions. Most people
that find themselves in a failed marriage never imagined it would end
that way but it did. Be careful how you judge every 'divorcee' that
crosses your path in life, especially when you don't know the
direction that your own relationship/marriage can take tomorrow.
For as long as we all breathe, the story is not finished for anybody.
Life will always unfold in both pleasant and unpleasant phases for
each of us. Whatever unpleasant experiences you let another go through
in your hands next time, it might be you that will be experiencing
same from another.
We will be a lot more productive if we get busy improving our own
lives and getting better by the day, instead of making ourselves the
umpires of the 'model' life. It was the Dalai Lama that once said that
"Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't
help them, at least do not hurt them." And Paulo Coelho seemed to have
summarised this for me in his words, "Everyone seems to have a clear
idea of how other people should lead their lives, but none about his
or her own."
The next time you feel compelled to cast the stone, get to work on
your own life because if care is not taken, your story may turn out
worse than that of whom you have been 'labelling.' Life is that
unpredictable!
t.co/hYFCIZuQEO/s/2OLk
MH17 crash: Ukraine accuses rebels of destroying evidence
Ukraine has accused pro-Russian militiamen at the site of the Malaysia
Airlines crash of trying to destroy evidence of an "international
crime".
For a second day, OSCE monitors at the scene have had their movements
restricted by militiamen.
Reports that bodies have been moved prompted anger from the
Netherlands. Most of passengers were Dutch.
The jet was reportedly hit by a missile over a rebel-held area in east
Ukraine on Thursday. All 298 people died.
Both Ukraine and the rebels have accused each other of shooting it down.
The Boeing 777 flight MH17 was flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur.
It fell between Krasni Luch in Luhansk region and Shakhtarsk in the
neighbouring region of Donetsk.
The passenger list released by Malaysia Airlines shows the plane was
carrying 193 Dutch nationals (including one with dual US nationality),
43 Malaysians (including 15 crew), 27 Australians, 12 Indonesians and
10 Britons (including one with dual South African nationality), four
Germans, four Belgians, three from the Philippines, and one each from
Canada and New Zealand.
t.co/pf7A9q4JN5/s/yByK
Airlines crash of trying to destroy evidence of an "international
crime".
For a second day, OSCE monitors at the scene have had their movements
restricted by militiamen.
Reports that bodies have been moved prompted anger from the
Netherlands. Most of passengers were Dutch.
The jet was reportedly hit by a missile over a rebel-held area in east
Ukraine on Thursday. All 298 people died.
Both Ukraine and the rebels have accused each other of shooting it down.
The Boeing 777 flight MH17 was flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur.
It fell between Krasni Luch in Luhansk region and Shakhtarsk in the
neighbouring region of Donetsk.
The passenger list released by Malaysia Airlines shows the plane was
carrying 193 Dutch nationals (including one with dual US nationality),
43 Malaysians (including 15 crew), 27 Australians, 12 Indonesians and
10 Britons (including one with dual South African nationality), four
Germans, four Belgians, three from the Philippines, and one each from
Canada and New Zealand.
t.co/pf7A9q4JN5/s/yByK
Men, examine your risk for prostate cancer
The prostate is a very important reproductive organ in men. Its major
function is to produce fluids which protect and enrich the sperm.
In younger men the prostate is about the size of a walnut. It is
doughnut shaped and surrounds the beginning of the urethra, the tube
that conveys urine from the bladder to the penis. The nerves that
control erections surround the prostate.
The aforementioned functions of the prostate leave no doubt on its
importance to men's reproductive and bowel functions.
In fact, physicians say that men with problems with their prostate
will experience painful ejaculation after sex, decreased libido
(sexual urge) and a reduced ability to get an erection.
It goes without saying that every man should do everything possible to
guard his prostate from getting damaged.
Consultant Urologist, Dr. Segun Atobatele, says prostate cancer is the
second highest cause of male cancer deaths.
Atobatele explains that prostate cancer occurs when cells in the
prostate grow out of control, break out of the prostate and invade
distant parts of the body, particularly the bones and lymph nodes,
producing secondary tumours, a process known as metastasis.
He notes that once the cancerous cells escape from the prostate, a
"cure" becomes impossible but it can be treated.
The urologist states that studies show that 80 per cent of men would
be diagnosed with prostate cancer before the age of 80, but adds than
many of the older men diagnosed with early stage of the disease will
end up dying of other causes other than prostate cancer.
Atobatele says, "There are different kinds of prostate cancers. Some
are very slow-growing and never become a serious health problem.
Others are more aggressive and more dangerous."
"All men can get prostate cancer, but it is more common in older men.
Prostate cancer usually strikes men over the age of 50, and the risk
goes up with age. As you grow as a man, the prostate gets more prone
to damages due to wear and tear."
However, experts are worried that more younger men are being diagnosed
with prostate cancer and note that the disease is more
life-threatening in younger persons when compared to adults.
Scientists at the University of Michigan Health System in a new study
warn that the number of younger men diagnosed with the disease has
increased by six-fold in the last 20 years, and the disease has been
aggressive in these younger men, going by their analysis.
They say when prostate cancer is diagnosed in younger men, the damage
is often irreversible and impossible for affected persons to live or
cope with.
The lead researcher, professor of internal medicine and consultant
urologist, Kathleen Cooney, says that it is better for younger men to
take a cue from women on their breast cancer risks by evaluating
theirs for the disease as they grow older, so they can do all to
prevent it.
"Early onset of prostate cancer tends to be aggressive, striking down
men in the prime of their life. The tumour in men below 50 grows
faster than usual. These fast-growing tumours in young men might be
entirely missed by screening because the timeframe is short before
they start to show clinical symptoms," she notes.
The scientists, however, note that one thing is for sure: early onset
of prostate cancer is hereditary, which means that having a family
member with the disease increases one's chances of developing the
disease by more than 60 per cent.
Cooney states, "Men with a family history of prostate cancer have a
two- to three times greater chances of being diagnosed with prostate
cancer before they are 50. That risk increases for young men with
multiple affected relatives.
"It runs in families, including extended families. Many young people
that have the disease had either an uncle, cousin, not always father,
with the disease as well."
They suggest that genetic counseling or increased surveillance in
younger men with a family history of prostate cancer may increase an
individual's chances of surviving the disease.
It is not just those with a family history of prostate cancer that are
at risk, physicians say that blacks, especially those of African
descent, are more likely to be diagnosed with the disease before they
are 60.
Atobatele notes, "Blacks, especially African men, who have a higher
risk may want to start screening at an earlier age. They should also
consider seeing their doctors regularly after they are 50, as the
disease can only be diagnosed by an expert.
t.co/xyujcTGgwS/s/A-CH
function is to produce fluids which protect and enrich the sperm.
In younger men the prostate is about the size of a walnut. It is
doughnut shaped and surrounds the beginning of the urethra, the tube
that conveys urine from the bladder to the penis. The nerves that
control erections surround the prostate.
The aforementioned functions of the prostate leave no doubt on its
importance to men's reproductive and bowel functions.
In fact, physicians say that men with problems with their prostate
will experience painful ejaculation after sex, decreased libido
(sexual urge) and a reduced ability to get an erection.
It goes without saying that every man should do everything possible to
guard his prostate from getting damaged.
Consultant Urologist, Dr. Segun Atobatele, says prostate cancer is the
second highest cause of male cancer deaths.
Atobatele explains that prostate cancer occurs when cells in the
prostate grow out of control, break out of the prostate and invade
distant parts of the body, particularly the bones and lymph nodes,
producing secondary tumours, a process known as metastasis.
He notes that once the cancerous cells escape from the prostate, a
"cure" becomes impossible but it can be treated.
The urologist states that studies show that 80 per cent of men would
be diagnosed with prostate cancer before the age of 80, but adds than
many of the older men diagnosed with early stage of the disease will
end up dying of other causes other than prostate cancer.
Atobatele says, "There are different kinds of prostate cancers. Some
are very slow-growing and never become a serious health problem.
Others are more aggressive and more dangerous."
"All men can get prostate cancer, but it is more common in older men.
Prostate cancer usually strikes men over the age of 50, and the risk
goes up with age. As you grow as a man, the prostate gets more prone
to damages due to wear and tear."
However, experts are worried that more younger men are being diagnosed
with prostate cancer and note that the disease is more
life-threatening in younger persons when compared to adults.
Scientists at the University of Michigan Health System in a new study
warn that the number of younger men diagnosed with the disease has
increased by six-fold in the last 20 years, and the disease has been
aggressive in these younger men, going by their analysis.
They say when prostate cancer is diagnosed in younger men, the damage
is often irreversible and impossible for affected persons to live or
cope with.
The lead researcher, professor of internal medicine and consultant
urologist, Kathleen Cooney, says that it is better for younger men to
take a cue from women on their breast cancer risks by evaluating
theirs for the disease as they grow older, so they can do all to
prevent it.
"Early onset of prostate cancer tends to be aggressive, striking down
men in the prime of their life. The tumour in men below 50 grows
faster than usual. These fast-growing tumours in young men might be
entirely missed by screening because the timeframe is short before
they start to show clinical symptoms," she notes.
The scientists, however, note that one thing is for sure: early onset
of prostate cancer is hereditary, which means that having a family
member with the disease increases one's chances of developing the
disease by more than 60 per cent.
Cooney states, "Men with a family history of prostate cancer have a
two- to three times greater chances of being diagnosed with prostate
cancer before they are 50. That risk increases for young men with
multiple affected relatives.
"It runs in families, including extended families. Many young people
that have the disease had either an uncle, cousin, not always father,
with the disease as well."
They suggest that genetic counseling or increased surveillance in
younger men with a family history of prostate cancer may increase an
individual's chances of surviving the disease.
It is not just those with a family history of prostate cancer that are
at risk, physicians say that blacks, especially those of African
descent, are more likely to be diagnosed with the disease before they
are 60.
Atobatele notes, "Blacks, especially African men, who have a higher
risk may want to start screening at an earlier age. They should also
consider seeing their doctors regularly after they are 50, as the
disease can only be diagnosed by an expert.
t.co/xyujcTGgwS/s/A-CH
Imo Police Uncover Underground 8 Bedroom Kidnappers Hideout
The Imo State Police Command,assisted by some vigilante locals, have
discovered a kidnapper's underground8 bedroomden in a deserted
building.
The hideout, located in Umuchima Village, Okwu Autonomous Community in
Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, is used by suspected
kidnappers to harbour their victims.
The State Commissioner of Police, Abdulmajid Ali, while parading the
suspects, disclosed that the underground hideout, with 8 bedroom, was
discovered through intelligence network and collaboration of the
vigilante men.
He also noted that "it took the police over 3 hours from Owerri, the
state capital, through the thick bush and untarred road to get to the
kidnappers' den.
The villagers, who spoke to newsmen, said they were neither aware of
the underground den nor the nefarious activities that were carried out
in the compound until a kidnapped victim who escaped from the dungeon
in the middle of the night narrated his ordeal.
They said the statue in front of the building was that of the owner of
the building, one Mr Simeon Mpieri, who died 24 years ago.
The police boss further hinted that the buildings will immediately be
confiscated and demolished. He vowed that the command will stop at
nothing until Imo state is free of kidnapers.
A month ago, the state government had given directives that all
abandoned property or uncompleted would be taken over by the
government, so that such places are not turned into an operational
base for criminals.
t.co/qn8tKwrUvK/s/8JFD
discovered a kidnapper's underground8 bedroomden in a deserted
building.
The hideout, located in Umuchima Village, Okwu Autonomous Community in
Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, is used by suspected
kidnappers to harbour their victims.
The State Commissioner of Police, Abdulmajid Ali, while parading the
suspects, disclosed that the underground hideout, with 8 bedroom, was
discovered through intelligence network and collaboration of the
vigilante men.
He also noted that "it took the police over 3 hours from Owerri, the
state capital, through the thick bush and untarred road to get to the
kidnappers' den.
The villagers, who spoke to newsmen, said they were neither aware of
the underground den nor the nefarious activities that were carried out
in the compound until a kidnapped victim who escaped from the dungeon
in the middle of the night narrated his ordeal.
They said the statue in front of the building was that of the owner of
the building, one Mr Simeon Mpieri, who died 24 years ago.
The police boss further hinted that the buildings will immediately be
confiscated and demolished. He vowed that the command will stop at
nothing until Imo state is free of kidnapers.
A month ago, the state government had given directives that all
abandoned property or uncompleted would be taken over by the
government, so that such places are not turned into an operational
base for criminals.
t.co/qn8tKwrUvK/s/8JFD
World Marks 'Mandela Day'
Today, the world celebrates the birth of the most respected
anti-apartheid leader and a freedom fighter, Nelson Mandela, who is
seen as an icon in South Africa.
In Nigeria, it was a day of celebration in Delta State, with an event
to mark the anniversary held at Mandela Gardens in Asaba, the state
capital.
It was also an opportunity for the celebration of freedom after
centuries of discrimination and apartheid rule that led to the death
on many South Africans and the imprisonment of Mandela.
During a special press briefing held at the venue, the South African
High Commissioner in Nigeria, Ambassador Mokgethi Monaisa, pointed out
that the day had been set aside to honour Nelson Mandela and celebrate
with nations and people that stood fast with South Africa during its
struggle for which Nigeria is one of them.
The event was held to further strengthen the bilateral relations
between the two countries as it is no longer secret that Nigeria
played an important role and is also identified as a flagship country
for this celebration.
He told reporters that the program was to highlight the values and
ideas that Nelson Mandela stood for as proclaimed by the United
Nations in 2009, setting aside July 8, "Mandala's Day".
It is obvious that South Africans will continue to celebrate their
great icon, although dead but still lives on in the minds of many, now
and in the years to come.
Mandela, affectionately known as Madiba, made history when he became
the first black president of South Africa in 1994, serving until 1999.
A symbol of global peacemaking, and an idol of universal love and
solidarity, he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.
The day was set aside to promote global peace and celebrate the South
African leader's legacy.
t.co/60rkX3IjMi/s/QsKR
anti-apartheid leader and a freedom fighter, Nelson Mandela, who is
seen as an icon in South Africa.
In Nigeria, it was a day of celebration in Delta State, with an event
to mark the anniversary held at Mandela Gardens in Asaba, the state
capital.
It was also an opportunity for the celebration of freedom after
centuries of discrimination and apartheid rule that led to the death
on many South Africans and the imprisonment of Mandela.
During a special press briefing held at the venue, the South African
High Commissioner in Nigeria, Ambassador Mokgethi Monaisa, pointed out
that the day had been set aside to honour Nelson Mandela and celebrate
with nations and people that stood fast with South Africa during its
struggle for which Nigeria is one of them.
The event was held to further strengthen the bilateral relations
between the two countries as it is no longer secret that Nigeria
played an important role and is also identified as a flagship country
for this celebration.
He told reporters that the program was to highlight the values and
ideas that Nelson Mandela stood for as proclaimed by the United
Nations in 2009, setting aside July 8, "Mandala's Day".
It is obvious that South Africans will continue to celebrate their
great icon, although dead but still lives on in the minds of many, now
and in the years to come.
Mandela, affectionately known as Madiba, made history when he became
the first black president of South Africa in 1994, serving until 1999.
A symbol of global peacemaking, and an idol of universal love and
solidarity, he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.
The day was set aside to promote global peace and celebrate the South
African leader's legacy.
t.co/60rkX3IjMi/s/QsKR
Friday, 18 July 2014
Israel ground assault overwhelms Gaza hospital
As Israeli troops pushed into Gaza overnight, intense tank fire shook
parts of Khan Yunis, sending a flood of patients into the southern
city's Nasser hospital.The shells smashed into buildings near the
border with Israel, prompting thousands to flee their homes under the
cover of darkness, only missiles lighting up the sky.
At Nasser hospital, doctors and nurses working 24-hour shifts were on
alert for the wave of patients who began arriving in the early hours.
"The situation is very, very difficult," said doctor Kamel Zaqzuq.
"This is much, much more difficult than the last war," he said,
referring to the previous major conflict between Israel and Hamas
militants in November 2012.
"At night, it's one constant emergency."
He said the hospital was running short on some supplies, including
medical sutures for stitches.
Many of those who arrived at the hospital on Thursday night and early
Friday morning, after the ground operation began, were children, he
said.
For some, it was too late -- doctors said 11 people ended up in the
facility's morgue.
Two were still there on Friday morning, wrapped in white sheets on the
steel shelves of a refrigerator, locked behind a door of rusting iron
bars.
Others suffered grave injuries and were being treated in the intensive
care unit, including 25-year-old Khadija Abu Hamad.
She was hurt in tank shelling in a neighbourhood known simply as
Sharqiya, or eastern district.
Shrapnel ripped through most of her body, embedding itself in her
brain, breaking her left arm and gouging out her left eye.
The little remaining part of her face not covered in bandages was
bruised black and yellow, and metal pins were holding her broken arm
together.
- 'We had to amputate' -
Next to her was 18-year- old Uday al-Astal, now paralysed on his right
side after shrapnel entered his brain.
And on the other side of the room was a relative of his -- 23-year-old
Yusef Astal.
"He came in with a very serious injury to his femoral artery," said
doctor Moataz al-Jubur, who is supervising the intensive care ward.
"We had to amputate his leg."
Both were wounded in an Israeli bombing on Wednesday. Four of their
relatives were killed -- among them two children, aged four and six.
Across the ward, Jubur was supervising another patient hurt late on
Thursday night as the ground incursion began.
Shrapnel tore into his stomach, kidneys and intestines, Jubur said.
"I keep giving him blood transfusions, but he's in very bad shape."
Downstairs, those with less serious injuries waited for treatment, or
to hear news of loved ones.
Ibrahim Fayyad, 24, was sitting outside his house on Friday morning
when an airstrike hit.
"It happened a few metres away and so I started to run away in fear," he said.
"Even as I was running there was another strike, a plane fired three
times, there was a huge explosion, and there was shrapnel flying
everywhere."
Two of his cousin's sons were killed: 26-year-old Mohammed Fayyad, and
25-year-old Mahmud Fayyad.
- 'Not the first time' -
Jubur has worked at Nasser hospital for more than five years, and was
sanguine when asked about the current conflict.
"This is not the first time I've been in a situation like this," he said.
Israel and Hamas fought a bloody 22-day conflict over New Year 2009,
and again in late 2012, both of which had devastating consequences for
civilians in Gaza.
The current conflict has depressing echoes of those former rounds of violence.
So far, the Palestinian death toll from 11 days of violence stands at
more than 270, while two Israelis have also been killed, one soldier
and one civilian.
UN figures indicate that at least a third of the dead are children,
and emotions in Gaza are running high.
"The whole world is watching while the Palestinians are being
slaughtered," Jubur said, his voice rising.
"They are innocents, people sitting next to their homes, people
sitting with their relatives," he added.
"Where should these people go?"
http://www.punchng.com/news/israel-ground-assault-overwhelms-gaza-hospital/
parts of Khan Yunis, sending a flood of patients into the southern
city's Nasser hospital.The shells smashed into buildings near the
border with Israel, prompting thousands to flee their homes under the
cover of darkness, only missiles lighting up the sky.
At Nasser hospital, doctors and nurses working 24-hour shifts were on
alert for the wave of patients who began arriving in the early hours.
"The situation is very, very difficult," said doctor Kamel Zaqzuq.
"This is much, much more difficult than the last war," he said,
referring to the previous major conflict between Israel and Hamas
militants in November 2012.
"At night, it's one constant emergency."
He said the hospital was running short on some supplies, including
medical sutures for stitches.
Many of those who arrived at the hospital on Thursday night and early
Friday morning, after the ground operation began, were children, he
said.
For some, it was too late -- doctors said 11 people ended up in the
facility's morgue.
Two were still there on Friday morning, wrapped in white sheets on the
steel shelves of a refrigerator, locked behind a door of rusting iron
bars.
Others suffered grave injuries and were being treated in the intensive
care unit, including 25-year-old Khadija Abu Hamad.
She was hurt in tank shelling in a neighbourhood known simply as
Sharqiya, or eastern district.
Shrapnel ripped through most of her body, embedding itself in her
brain, breaking her left arm and gouging out her left eye.
The little remaining part of her face not covered in bandages was
bruised black and yellow, and metal pins were holding her broken arm
together.
- 'We had to amputate' -
Next to her was 18-year- old Uday al-Astal, now paralysed on his right
side after shrapnel entered his brain.
And on the other side of the room was a relative of his -- 23-year-old
Yusef Astal.
"He came in with a very serious injury to his femoral artery," said
doctor Moataz al-Jubur, who is supervising the intensive care ward.
"We had to amputate his leg."
Both were wounded in an Israeli bombing on Wednesday. Four of their
relatives were killed -- among them two children, aged four and six.
Across the ward, Jubur was supervising another patient hurt late on
Thursday night as the ground incursion began.
Shrapnel tore into his stomach, kidneys and intestines, Jubur said.
"I keep giving him blood transfusions, but he's in very bad shape."
Downstairs, those with less serious injuries waited for treatment, or
to hear news of loved ones.
Ibrahim Fayyad, 24, was sitting outside his house on Friday morning
when an airstrike hit.
"It happened a few metres away and so I started to run away in fear," he said.
"Even as I was running there was another strike, a plane fired three
times, there was a huge explosion, and there was shrapnel flying
everywhere."
Two of his cousin's sons were killed: 26-year-old Mohammed Fayyad, and
25-year-old Mahmud Fayyad.
- 'Not the first time' -
Jubur has worked at Nasser hospital for more than five years, and was
sanguine when asked about the current conflict.
"This is not the first time I've been in a situation like this," he said.
Israel and Hamas fought a bloody 22-day conflict over New Year 2009,
and again in late 2012, both of which had devastating consequences for
civilians in Gaza.
The current conflict has depressing echoes of those former rounds of violence.
So far, the Palestinian death toll from 11 days of violence stands at
more than 270, while two Israelis have also been killed, one soldier
and one civilian.
UN figures indicate that at least a third of the dead are children,
and emotions in Gaza are running high.
"The whole world is watching while the Palestinians are being
slaughtered," Jubur said, his voice rising.
"They are innocents, people sitting next to their homes, people
sitting with their relatives," he added.
"Where should these people go?"
http://www.punchng.com/news/israel-ground-assault-overwhelms-gaza-hospital/
Kate Henshaw set to join race for House of Reps?
There's good news in the air. Nollywood diva, Offiong Kate Henshaw,
has been warming up to join her other colleagues who have since delved
into politics.
kate-henshaw
HVP gathered that the actress was due to declare her intention to
contest the election into the House of Representatives in Cross River
State next year, on her birthday which came up yesterday, in Lagos.
A source close to her, revealed that her campaign.ng account came
alive yesterday night.
Interestingly, if Kate actualises her political ambition, then she
will be setting a new record as the first Nollywood actress to go into
politics in Nigeria.
has been warming up to join her other colleagues who have since delved
into politics.
kate-henshaw
HVP gathered that the actress was due to declare her intention to
contest the election into the House of Representatives in Cross River
State next year, on her birthday which came up yesterday, in Lagos.
A source close to her, revealed that her campaign.ng account came
alive yesterday night.
Interestingly, if Kate actualises her political ambition, then she
will be setting a new record as the first Nollywood actress to go into
politics in Nigeria.
Lifestyle
Do something TODAY that needs to change. Three months from now you
will be glad you started TODAY!
will be glad you started TODAY!
Health Tip
Sleep and wake up at the same time everyday. It helps the body
maintain a regular metabolism rate and stay healthier.
--
Yours faithfully,
Uchechukwu Ihejirika.
maintain a regular metabolism rate and stay healthier.
--
Yours faithfully,
Uchechukwu Ihejirika.
Analogy of Life
Life is like a journey on a train...
with its stations...
with changes of routes...
and with accidents !
We board this train when we are born and our parents are the ones who
get our ticket.
We believe they will always travel on this train with us.
However, at some station our parents will get off the train, leaving
us alone on this journey.
As time goes by, other passengers will board the train, many of whom
will be significant - our siblings, friends, children, and even the
love of our life.
Many will get off during the journey and leave a permanent vacuum in our lives.
Many will go so unnoticed that we won't even know when they vacated
their seats and got off the train !
This train ride will be full of joy, sorrow, fantasy, expectations,
hellos, good-byes, and farewells.
A good journey is helping, loving, having a good relationship with all
co passengers...
and making sure that we give our best to make their journey comfortable.
The mystery of this fabulous journey is ;
We do not know at which station we ourselves are going to get off.
So, we must live in the best way - adjust, forget, forgive, and offer
the best of what we have.
It is important to do this because when the time comes for us to leave
our seat... we should leave behind beautiful memories for those who
will continue to travel on the train of life.
Thank you for being one of the passengers on my train !
Have a very pleasant journey of life.........!
Culled
--
Yours faithfully,
Uchechukwu Ihejirika.
with its stations...
with changes of routes...
and with accidents !
We board this train when we are born and our parents are the ones who
get our ticket.
We believe they will always travel on this train with us.
However, at some station our parents will get off the train, leaving
us alone on this journey.
As time goes by, other passengers will board the train, many of whom
will be significant - our siblings, friends, children, and even the
love of our life.
Many will get off during the journey and leave a permanent vacuum in our lives.
Many will go so unnoticed that we won't even know when they vacated
their seats and got off the train !
This train ride will be full of joy, sorrow, fantasy, expectations,
hellos, good-byes, and farewells.
A good journey is helping, loving, having a good relationship with all
co passengers...
and making sure that we give our best to make their journey comfortable.
The mystery of this fabulous journey is ;
We do not know at which station we ourselves are going to get off.
So, we must live in the best way - adjust, forget, forgive, and offer
the best of what we have.
It is important to do this because when the time comes for us to leave
our seat... we should leave behind beautiful memories for those who
will continue to travel on the train of life.
Thank you for being one of the passengers on my train !
Have a very pleasant journey of life.........!
Culled
--
Yours faithfully,
Uchechukwu Ihejirika.
From Doctor Health Says
Ten Most Important Reasons Why You Should Eat Cucumbers
Cucumber belongs to the family cucurbitaceae which includes some other vegetables like melon, gourd and squashes. It is one among the oldest and most cultivated food in the world. Research shows that, after tomatoes, onions and cabbage, cucumber is said to be the fourth most widely grown vegetable. It is common in temperate regions. Cucumber is regarded as a healthy food because it is low in both fat and calories. Also, it contains minerals and vitamins.
So, here are the seven most important reasons why you should eat cucumbers:
1. Bad breath: The phytochemicals present in cucumber kills the bacteria in the mouth that cause bad breath. Take a slice of cucumber and put it on your mouth for few seconds and remove.
2. Reduce the risk of having cancer: Cucumbers contain three lignans named lariciresinol, pinoresinol and secoisolariciresinol which reduced the risk of several cancer diseases like breast cancer, prostate cancer, uterine cancer etc.
3. Keeping the kidney in shape: It has the ability to lower the uric acidic levels in human system.
4. Healthy hair growth: The present of minerals like silicon and sulphur help promote healthy hair growth.
5. A good cure for diabetes: Studies have shown to us that cucumbers juice cure diabetes because it contains hormone used by the cell of the pancreas for the production of insulin.
6. Promoting joint health: Since cucumber contains silica, it has the ability to strengthen the joint and connective tissue. A lot more other vitamins and minerals are present such as Vitamin A, B1, C, and D, Calcium, folate etc.
7. Stability of blood pressure: Those that have blood pressure either high or low should try and eat cucumber for proper blood regulation.
8 Helps in weight loss: Cucumber can reduce much weight if used in salad and soup because it has a very low fat.
9. Proper nail formation: Due to the presence of silica in cucumber, it helps to avoid the spoiling or removing of the nails in both toes and fingers.
10. Treatment for constipation: Cucumber contains an enzyme called Erepsin which aids in the digestion of protein.
Like my page=> Doctor Health Says Doctor Health Says for more health information and you will never be sick again in your life.
SHARE THIS POST FOR YOUR FRIENDS TO READ AND LEARN TOO!!!
Visit Our Website: www.doctorhealthblog.com for more health tips
Ten Most Important Reasons Why You Should Eat Cucumbers
Cucumber belongs to the family cucurbitaceae which includes some other vegetables like melon, gourd and squashes. It is one among the oldest and most cultivated food in the world. Research shows that, after tomatoes, onions and cabbage, cucumber is said to be the fourth most widely grown vegetable. It is common in temperate regions. Cucumber is regarded as a healthy food because it is low in both fat and calories. Also, it contains minerals and vitamins.
So, here are the seven most important reasons why you should eat cucumbers:
1. Bad breath: The phytochemicals present in cucumber kills the bacteria in the mouth that cause bad breath. Take a slice of cucumber and put it on your mouth for few seconds and remove.
2. Reduce the risk of having cancer: Cucumbers contain three lignans named lariciresinol, pinoresinol and secoisolariciresinol which reduced the risk of several cancer diseases like breast cancer, prostate cancer, uterine cancer etc.
3. Keeping the kidney in shape: It has the ability to lower the uric acidic levels in human system.
4. Healthy hair growth: The present of minerals like silicon and sulphur help promote healthy hair growth.
5. A good cure for diabetes: Studies have shown to us that cucumbers juice cure diabetes because it contains hormone used by the cell of the pancreas for the production of insulin.
6. Promoting joint health: Since cucumber contains silica, it has the ability to strengthen the joint and connective tissue. A lot more other vitamins and minerals are present such as Vitamin A, B1, C, and D, Calcium, folate etc.
7. Stability of blood pressure: Those that have blood pressure either high or low should try and eat cucumber for proper blood regulation.
8 Helps in weight loss: Cucumber can reduce much weight if used in salad and soup because it has a very low fat.
9. Proper nail formation: Due to the presence of silica in cucumber, it helps to avoid the spoiling or removing of the nails in both toes and fingers.
10. Treatment for constipation: Cucumber contains an enzyme called Erepsin which aids in the digestion of protein.
Like my page=> Doctor Health Says Doctor Health Says for more health information and you will never be sick again in your life.
SHARE THIS POST FOR YOUR FRIENDS TO READ AND LEARN TOO!!!
Visit Our Website: www.doctorhealthblog.com for more health tips
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