Health
Health alert: Rising kidney disease rates and essential preventative measures
DDM News
The alarming rise in kidney diseases among young people has raised serious public health concerns worldwide.
Diaspora digital media (DDM) recorded high-profile cases such as that of the daughter of Nigerian Senator Ike Ekweremadu, who is currently battling kidney disease, have highlighted the severity of the issue.
The situation has drawn attention to the urgent need for individuals to adopt healthy lifestyles and preventative measures.
Recently, news broke that a Nigerian actor lost his life due to kidney disease, emphasizing the fatal consequences of neglecting kidney health.
Furthermore, Hon. Teko Lake, Nigeria’s Minister of Public Works, is currently on life support due to kidney complications, underscoring the importance of paying attention to kidney health.
In light of these developments, healthcare professionals from the Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba medical communities in the United States have come together to raise awareness and offer guidance on how individuals can safeguard their kidneys and prevent disease.
Dr. Okyere, who is leading this initiative, has shared valuable insights on how kidney disease can be prevented, stressing that prevention is often the key to a healthy life.
According to medical experts, kidney disease is not a condition that only affects the elderly or those with pre-existing health issues.
It has increasingly been affecting younger individuals, often as a result of lifestyle choices that put a strain on the kidneys.
Understanding the root causes of kidney disease and taking preventive steps can significantly reduce the risk of kidney failure and other associated health complications.
Top 6 Causes of Kidney Disease
1. Delaying Urination: One of the most common habits that can damage kidney function is holding in urine for too long.
This practice can harm the bladder, and when the urine backs up into the kidneys, it can lead to severe infections and conditions like nephritis or even uremia.
Medical professionals recommend responding to nature’s call as soon as possible to avoid long-term kidney damage (American Kidney Fund, 2020).
2. Excessive Salt Intake: Consuming excessive amounts of salt is a major contributor to kidney problems.
High salt intake leads to increased blood pressure, which can damage the kidneys over time.
Experts suggest that individuals should aim to consume no more than 5.8 grams of salt per day to keep kidney health intact (National Kidney Foundation, 2021).
3. Too Much Meat Consumption: While protein is essential for the body, consuming large quantities of meat can lead to kidney strain.
The process of protein digestion produces ammonia, a harmful toxin that the kidneys must filter out.
High meat intake can overwhelm the kidneys, leading to long-term damage.
Reducing meat consumption can help preserve kidney function (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 2021).
4. High Caffeine Intake: Many popular soft drinks and sodas contain high amounts of caffeine, which can increase blood pressure.
Caffeine’s impact on blood pressure can directly affect the kidneys, leading to kidney complications.
Medical professionals advise reducing the consumption of caffeinated beverages to protect kidney health (Mayo Clinic, 2021).
5. Inadequate Water Intake: Hydration is crucial for the proper functioning of the kidneys.
When the body is not adequately hydrated, toxins accumulate in the bloodstream because there isn’t enough fluid to help flush them out through the kidneys.
Drinking more than 10 glasses of water daily is essential for kidney health.
The color of your urine can serve as an indicator of hydration—darker urine signals dehydration, while lighter urine is a sign of proper hydration (American Urological Association, 2021).
6. Delayed Treatment of Health Issues: Promptly addressing health concerns is essential for overall well-being, including kidney health.
Many individuals neglect regular health checkups or delay treatment when issues arise.
This can exacerbate health problems and lead to kidney disease.
It is vital to seek medical attention as soon as symptoms of kidney problems appear to prevent further damage (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2020).
Dangerous Medications to Avoid
In addition to lifestyle factors, certain medications can contribute to kidney damage and should be avoided.
These include:
D-cold
Vicks Action-500
Actified
Coldarin
Cosome
Nice
Nimulid
Cetrizet-D
These medications contain Phenyl Propanol-Amide (PPA), which has been linked to strokes and kidney damage.
Many of these drugs are banned in the United States due to their dangerous side effects.
It is crucial to be cautious when taking over-the-counter medications and consult a healthcare provider before using any of them (FDA, 2020).
Health Tips to Protect Your Kidneys
To maintain kidney health and prevent disease, there are several lifestyle habits and health tips to follow:
1. Answer Calls with the Left Ear: Research suggests that using the left ear for phone calls may reduce exposure to harmful radiation, potentially protecting overall health (University of Texas, 2018).
2. Avoid Taking Medicine with Cold Water: Cold water can slow down the digestion of medications, possibly making them less effective. It’s recommended to take medications with warm water for better absorption
3. Limit Heavy Meals After 5 p.m.: Eating large meals late in the evening can burden the digestive system, potentially leading to digestive issues and affecting kidney function. It’s advised to keep dinner light and early in the evening (Cleveland Clinic, 2020).
4. Drink More Water in the Morning: Starting the day with a glass of water helps hydrate the body and jump-start kidney function. Reducing water intake in the evening helps prevent overnight kidney stress (National Kidney Foundation, 2021).
5. Optimal Sleeping Hours: The best time for rest is from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. during which the body undergoes critical repair processes, including those that support kidney health (Sleep Foundation, 2021).
6. Don’t Lie Down Immediately After Meals or Medicine: Lying down too soon after eating or taking medication can disrupt digestion and hinder kidney function. It’s important to give the body time to process food and medicine before lying down (WebMD, 2020).
7. Avoid Using Your Phone When Battery is Low: When your phone’s battery is low, the radiation emitted is stronger. It’s advisable not to answer calls when the battery is close to being completely drained (World Health Organization, 2011).
Cancer Warning: The Hidden Dangers of Recharge Cards
A new health alert has surfaced regarding the potential cancer risk associated with silver nitrate oxide, which is found on the coating of recharge cards.
This compound can cause skin cancer if it comes into contact with the skin, particularly when scratched with nails.
It’s recommended to avoid using your nails when scratching off the coating on recharge cards to minimize exposure to this harmful substance (National Cancer Institute, 2020).
Conclusion
Kidney disease is a growing concern, and it is essential to take proactive measures to protect kidney health.
By following the tips outlined above, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of kidney disease and other associated health issues.
Furthermore, avoiding certain medications and being mindful of lifestyle choices such as hydration, salt intake, and proper urination habits can make a big difference in preventing kidney damage.
The message is clear: safeguarding kidney health should be a priority for everyone.
By staying informed and adopting healthier habits, we can protect our kidneys and overall health.
Share this vital information with friends and loved ones to help raise awareness about kidney disease and its prevention.
Remember, prevention is always better than cure, and with the right lifestyle choices, kidney disease can be avoided or managed effectively.
Let’s prioritize health and work together to make a difference.
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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised alarm over the circulation of fake Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachets in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Friday, August 22, 2025, the agency explained that the counterfeit milk is packaged to look like the discontinued Cowbell “Our Milk,” but it is unauthorised and unsafe for consumption.
NAFDAC clarified that Promasidor Nigeria Ltd, the authentic manufacturer, stopped producing Cowbell “Our Milk” in September 2023.
The product was replaced with Cowbell “Our Creamy Goodness.” Despite this, fake versions of the old product have found their way into Nigerian markets.
Picture of Fake cowbell milk.
The counterfeit sachets bear the brand name, NAFDAC registration number, and familiar packaging design, making them difficult for unsuspecting buyers to identify as fake.
Health Dangers of Fake Cowbell Milk
NAFDAC warned that the consumption of these counterfeit products poses serious health risks.
Fake milk could contain toxic chemicals, harmful additives, or diluted ingredients that endanger human health.
Infants, children, pregnant women, and the elderly are the most vulnerable. Possible dangers include:
- Foodborne illnesses
- Allergic reactions
- Organ damage
- Long-term health complications
- In extreme cases, death
Counterfeit Product Details
- Product Name: Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachet
- Purported Manufacturer: Promasidor Nigeria Ltd
- Production Date: 04/2025
- Expiry Date: 12/2028
Picture of original cowbell milk.
NAFDAC Issues Strong Warning
The agency urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and avoid purchasing the counterfeit milk.
Healthcare professionals, distributors, and consumers have been advised to report suspicious sales of substandard or fake products immediately.
Reports can be made through:
The nearest NAFDAC office
Toll-free line: 0800-162-3322
Email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng
NAFDAC also called on traders and retailers to stop selling the fake sachets.
The agency assured the public that strict enforcement measures are being taken to remove the counterfeit products from circulation.
This is not the first time Nigerians have faced risks from fake food and beverages.
Experts warn that counterfeit consumables are becoming more sophisticated, often making them difficult to spot.
Consumers are advised to always check product details, expiry dates, and packaging changes announced by manufacturers.
By highlighting the dangers and raising awareness, NAFDAC says it hopes to protect Nigerians from avoidable health crises linked to fake milk products
Men planning to father children have been strongly advised to marry and start a family before turning 40.
Medical experts warn that delayed fatherhood increases the risk of weak sperm and genetic disorders in children.
In an exclusive interview with PUNCH Healthwise, the President of the Nigerian Association of Urological Surgeons, Professor Nuhu Dakum, explained that male fertility sharply declines with age.
He stressed that sperm quality begins to deteriorate after 40, leaving children more vulnerable to inherited health conditions.
According to him, “Sperm quality reduces with age. The count, motility, and morphology are all affected. There is also an increase in DNA damage, which predisposes babies to genetic diseases.”
Why Men Over 40 Face Higher Risks
Professor Dakum revealed that several factors contribute to poor sperm quality as men grow older.
These include natural biological changes, smoking, alcohol abuse, poor nutrition, and exposure to toxins at work or in the environment.
He emphasized that while sperm decline can vary from man to man, the drop becomes significant around 40.
This means men who delay starting families until middle age could struggle with infertility and pass on genetic risks.
The concern gained fresh attention after a viral post on X (formerly Twitter) sparked a heated debate.
The post claimed that older men produce weak sperm that increases the chances of children developing genetic mutations such as autism, Down syndrome, schizophrenia, and dwarfism.
Medical experts say these claims have some truth.
The Texas Fertility Centre has confirmed that sperm quality and quantity decline with age, leading to age-related male infertility.
Similarly, Healthline, a trusted medical portal, reports that men over 50 experience a significant drop in sperm quality, with sperm count and unhealthy lifestyle habits playing key roles in the decline.
Healthy Living Can Improve Sperm Strength
Professor Dakum, however, clarified that older men can still father healthy children if they maintain good sperm health.
He stressed that healthy living benefits both general well-being and sperm quality.
He said, “There may not be much to prevent if the man is already old, but living healthy improves general health and sperm health.
Options like embryo genetic selection or sperm DNA testing can reduce risks, though these are costly and not widely available. Donor sperm is also an option for couples facing such challenges.”
What This Means for Nigerian Men
The warning is clear: delaying fatherhood comes with health risks for both fathers and children.
Men who prioritize career or wealth before family may unknowingly endanger their future children’s health.
Medical experts now urge Nigerian men to plan early, get married before 40, and adopt a healthier lifestyle to protect their fertility.
With infertility cases rising in Nigeria, the advice serves as a wake-up call.
Alcohol consumption, smoking, poor diets, and late marriages are becoming common among Nigerian men. But experts insist that fertility should not be left to chance.
Starting a family earlier in life, avoiding harmful habits, eating well, and reducing exposure to toxins remain the most effective ways to preserve fertility.
For men who are already older, fertility specialists recommend medical consultations, sperm analysis, and lifestyle changes.
Genetic testing may also help reduce risks when planning for children.
Conclusion
Professor Dakum’s advice highlights an often-overlooked issue in male health. Sperm quality is not permanent, and time works against men just as it does against women.
Nigerian men now face a crucial decision: delay marriage and risk weak sperm, or act early and secure a healthier future for their children.
President Bola Tinubu has approved a major reduction in the cost of kidney dialysis in federal hospitals. The price has dropped from ₦50,000 to ₦12,000.
This move comes as part of his administration’s push to make healthcare more affordable for ordinary Nigerians.
The announcement came on Monday through Daniel Bwala, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Information.
He revealed the development in a post on his official X, formerly Twitter handle.
According to him, the subsidy already covers several federal medical centres and teaching hospitals across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Bwala explained that this policy has started running in major health institutions, ensuring that kidney patients now pay less for treatment.
He also noted that more hospitals will join the scheme before the year ends, giving broader access to citizens.
Currently, patients can access the reduced dialysis service at these hospitals:
1. Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Ebute-Metta, Lagos
2. Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, Abuja
3. University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Oyo State
4. Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri, Imo State
5. University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), Maiduguri, Borno State
6. Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, Ogun State
7. Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos
8. Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Azare, Bauchi State
9. University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Edo State
10. University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Calabar, Cross River State.
More hospitals will be added as the program expands, Bwala confirmed. He stressed that Tinubu’s decision reflects his promise to put citizens’ welfare first.
By cutting costs, the government wants to ease the financial pain that families face while battling chronic illnesses.
Furthermore, this step is not an isolated policy. It fits into the Tinubu administration’s wider healthcare reforms.
Alongside dialysis subsidies, the government is rolling out oncology and diagnostic facilities to improve cancer and disease detection.
In addition, about 120,000 frontline health workers will undergo retraining to boost the quality of care across the country.
The President has also redesigned the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) to make primary healthcare more accessible in rural and urban areas.
Another key reform is the approval of free Caesarean sections for vulnerable pregnant women in federal hospitals, further showing the government’s focus on saving lives.
With these reforms, Tinubu aims to rebuild trust in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
The reduction in dialysis cost, in particular, gives hope to thousands of kidney patients who have long struggled with overwhelming medical bills.
Featured
Nigerian scientist Dr. Samuel Achilefu invents infrared goggles to detect cancer cells in real time
DDM News
(DDM) – Nigerian-born scientist Dr. Samuel Achilefu has developed groundbreaking infrared goggles that allow surgeons to see cancer cells while operating.
The revolutionary technology makes cancer cells glow in real time, enabling surgeons to identify and remove tumors with higher accuracy.
Before this invention, doctors struggled to confirm complete tumor removal during surgery and often relied on lab results afterward.
Dr. Achilefu’s fluorescence-guided goggles eliminate that delay, improving precision and significantly reducing patient trauma.
The innovation also reduces the likelihood of repeat operations, giving patients a better chance at faster recovery.
DDM gathered that Dr. Achilefu, a distinguished radiologist, has published more than 300 scientific papers.
He also holds over 70 medical patents in the United States, cementing his place among the world’s leading innovators in medical science.
Born in Obingwa, Abia State, Nigeria, his academic journey took him across continents.
He earned a PhD in molecular physical and materials chemistry before completing postdoctoral training at Oxford University, focusing on oxygen transport systems.
Today, his work blends chemistry, engineering, and medicine to transform cancer treatment globally.
Surgeons using his device no longer have to rely solely on touch or sight to trace tumors.
Instead, the glowing effect of cancer cells under infrared light allows for precise cutting with minimal risk.
Medical experts say this innovation could revolutionize cancer surgeries worldwide.
Dr. Achilefu’s achievements are celebrated not only in the U.S. but across Africa, where he remains a source of inspiration.
He has received international awards for innovation, including recognition for improving global healthcare outcomes.
His invention underscores the power of African excellence in science and technology.
#TheAfricanDream continues to spotlight innovators shaping the world from humble beginnings.
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(DDM) — Waking up to find a wet pillow can be uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing.
While occasional nighttime drooling may be caused by simple factors like sleeping positions or temporary nasal congestion, persistent drooling during sleep could indicate deeper health concerns.
Medical experts told DDM that chronic drooling, medically referred to as sialorrhea, should not be ignored, as it may be an early warning sign of certain medical issues.
One possible cause is sleep apnea, a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This can lead to mouth breathing and increased saliva flow.
Another is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), in which stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, irritating the throat and triggering excessive saliva production.
Neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, or the aftermath of a stroke can also impair muscle control, making it harder to swallow saliva during sleep.
Allergies and sinus infections are another common trigger, as blocked nasal passages force individuals to breathe through their mouths, increasing drooling.
Dental issues, including misaligned teeth or oral infections, may contribute by affecting jaw alignment and swallowing patterns.
Lastly, certain medications, especially those with side effects that increase saliva production or relax muscles, can worsen nighttime drooling.
Health professionals recommend that anyone experiencing persistent drooling during sleep should seek medical evaluation to rule out serious conditions and find targeted solutions.
Possible treatments may include lifestyle adjustments, medication changes, dental corrections, or therapies to improve muscle control.
DDM gathered that, in some cases, treating the underlying condition, such as managing GERD or addressing allergies, can significantly reduce nighttime drooling.
Ignoring the symptom may lead to complications, including skin irritation, disrupted sleep, and social discomfort.
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