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Submitted by Caleb Pilgrim

Personally, I would rather deal with systemic issues, despite obvious limitations of time and space. In this vein, you may wish to have Dr. Doughlin and/or others opine on the substance of the PAHO/WHO 2018-2024 report attached.

https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/272851/ccs-brb-2018-2024-

The Coronavirus is no doubt a game changer.  Policy wise, the question remains what exactly is to be done?  Or, in sum, despite bluffing, are we, in the Caribbean, in a situation analogous to the man who puts on a condom well after he has been severely infected?

Arguably, the risks increase drastically if “43%” of the QEH patients suffer from diabetes or diabetic complications.  Ditto other Caribbean islands.

Similarly, data coming out of China/Wuhan indicates that 50% of the fatalities there are for patients suffering from high blood pressure.  Ditto Barbados and the other Caribbean islands. Ditto, heart disease patient(s).  Ditto various cancers as well, not uncommon in Barbados.  In fact, all of the foregoing diseases are already commonplace in B’dos.

Finally, if we must – re the debate on the “social gospel”, perhaps, it was not by accident that we used to meet in John Moore’s Bar/“Rum shop”, where Dr. Doughlin (an Adventist) addressed us before we all drifted off in different directions.

I believe that, based on our reading of the Canon, a reasonable interpretation is that Jesus’s radical gospel absolutely frightened the Establishment of his day.   Thus, his 26 or more healing miracles would have frightened the crap out of the doctors (see for instance Mark’s treatment of the woman with the “issue of blood”, versus Dr. Luke’s treatment of the same issue.   Per Luke, the poor woman had spent all that she had …).

Similarly, the merchants who lost their income, when he fed the thousands, including turning water into wine.  Imagine if you owned a Package Store or an Off License.  The merchants become apoplectic.

Similarly, when he taught a totally contrarian doctrine in the synagogues, the Scribes (the lawyers), Pharisees and Sadducees would have feared losing respect and money, (or vice versa).

I don’t know that we can never escape the relevance of the “social gospel”, so long as the poor, the sick, the infirm and those who suffer remain with us.

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132 responses to “COVID-19 and NCDs”

  1. John Avatar
    John

    Arguably, the risks increase drastically if “43%” of the QEH patients suffer from diabetes or diabetic complications. Ditto other Caribbean islands.

    +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    We have a low smoking rate which may or may not help protect the health services from being overwhelmed.

    Time will tell..

    https://www.macrotrends.net/countries/BRB/barbados/smoking-rate-statistics

  2. robert lucas Avatar
    robert lucas

    The link provided could not be reached..

  3. John Avatar
    John

    Singapore
    16.50%
    New Zealand
    16.00%
    Saudi Arabia
    15.60%
    Palau
    15.60%
    Australia
    14.70%
    Iceland
    14.70%
    Canada
    14.30%
    Bahamas
    11.50%
    Oman
    11.10%
    Barbados
    7.80%
    Panama
    6.10%

    If you look at the deaths in these countries you will see that the number of deaths is small and the load on the health services is in all probability also small.

    If smoking is a major issue, it may mean we will have our share of flu cases but that our health services can cope.

  4. John Avatar
    John

    Just trying to inject a little hope.

  5. John Avatar
    John

    Works ok for me.

    Try googling Barbados Smoking Rate and get in from there.

  6. John Avatar
    John

    Israel has a smoking rate according to the link of 25.2% which is higher than Italy’s smoking rate, 23.7%.

    The median age in Israel, 25.2, is more than 20 years less than Italy, 45.5.

    Many countries in Africa have median ages of less than 20.

    The median age in Barbados is 38.6, getting up there but less than Italy at 45.5.

    USA has a median age of 38.1, and a smoking rate of 21.8%.

    Japan’s median age 47.7 is higher than Italy’s 45.5.

    Its smoking rate 22.1% is lower but not by much.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_median_age

    Haiti has a median age of 23.

    Greece has the highest smoking rate, 43.4% and its population’s median age is 44.5.

    However, its Corona Virus deaths are way below Italy.

    Japan and Greece are interesting.

    Africa may be protected by the extreme youth of its population.

  7. cpilgrimeaqaolcom Avatar
    cpilgrimeaqaolcom

    @ Robert:

    Re Link I cited: See –

    PAHO/WHO 2018-2024 report attached.
    https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/272851/ccs-brb-2018-2024-eng.pdf

  8. cpilgrimeaqaolcom Avatar
    cpilgrimeaqaolcom

    @ John – re injecting “hope”, in the context of overall smoking rates in what some already consider “a failed state” or “a failing state”.

    Understood. But, wouldn’t a better approach for any reasoning and serious policy maker, especially in matters of public health and welfare, not include a multi-variable/multi-level/multi-sectoral analysis? Other than that, are we not engaged in a sort of cherry picking … Perhaps too selective?

  9. Hal Austin Avatar
    Hal Austin

    @John

    You have got hold of the smoking hypothesis and you are sticking to it. Good luck. However, what do you know about the 1854 cholera outbreak in Barbados and how we dealt with it. I have already mentioned public toilets (which have now all been removed). What else.

  10. robert lucas Avatar
    robert lucas

    @ cpilgrimeaqaolcom March 22, 2020 6:38 AM

    Thanks.

  11. John Avatar
    John

    Hal Austin
    March 22, 2020 7:08 AM

    @John
    You have got hold of the smoking hypothesis and you are sticking to it. Good luck. However, what do you know about the 1854 cholera outbreak in Barbados and how we dealt with it. I have already mentioned public toilets (which have now all been removed). What else.

    +++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    Cholera is not caused by a virus.

    “Cholera is an infectious disease that causes severe watery diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and even death if untreated. It is caused by eating food or drinking water contaminated with a bacterium called Vibrio cholerae.Jul 27, 2019”

  12. John Avatar
    John

    Japan and Greece both have “decrepit” populations.

    Greece has a smoking rate of 43.4%, Japan 22.1%.

    What do they have in common?

    Longevity!!

    Diet perhaps?

  13. Hal Austin Avatar
    Hal Austin

    @ John

    ……, what do you know about the 1854 cholera outbreak in Barbados and how we dealt with it. I have already mentioned public toilets (which have now all been removed). What else..(Quote)

    There was no reference to causation. I was asking if you had any information on how the authorities dealt with the last major health shock faced by the nation. You seem to imagine the questions you want me to ask. Plse stick to my questions and not what you think I mean. Is that the Harrison College way? Or you have caught the BU bug?

  14. cpilgrimeaqaolcom Avatar
    cpilgrimeaqaolcom

    @ Robert;

    URW. Blessed Sunday.

  15. John Avatar
    John

    Hal Austin
    March 22, 2020 7:08 AM

    @John
    You have got hold of the smoking hypothesis and you are sticking to it. Good luck. However, what do you know about the 1854 cholera outbreak in Barbados and how we dealt with it. I have already mentioned public toilets (which have now all been removed). What else.

    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    WATER!!

    The Public Water Supply!!!

    The Fountain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Chlorination!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    There is an article in the BJMHS worth a read if you can access it online.

  16. John Avatar
    John

    Hal Austin
    March 22, 2020 7:57 AM

    @ John
    ……, what do you know about the 1854 cholera outbreak in Barbados and how we dealt with it. I have already mentioned public toilets (which have now all been removed). What else..(Quote)
    There was no reference to causation. I was asking if you had any information on how the authorities dealt with the last major health shock faced by the nation. You seem to imagine the questions you want me to ask. Plse stick to my questions and not what you think I mean. Is that the Harrison College way? Or you have caught the BU bug?

    +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    Any Bajan knows it was WATER!!

  17. John Avatar
    John

    Yellow Fever, like the Corona Virus is a viral disease but the vector for its spread is the mosquito.

    Mosquitoes thrive in the tropics but in the temperate climates they are seasonal, and so too is Yellow Fever.

  18. Hal Austin Avatar
    Hal Austin

    @ John

    If you do not know, plse put your hands up or ask like me. Have you read any reports on the outbreak? I suggest you read Rev James Young Edghill, a Moravian clergyman, on the subject.
    There is no mention of Quakers during that episode.

  19. John Avatar
    John

    John
    March 22, 2020 8:01 AM

    Hal Austin
    March 22, 2020 7:57 AM
    @ John
    ……, what do you know about the 1854 cholera outbreak in Barbados and how we dealt with it. I have already mentioned public toilets (which have now all been removed). What else..(Quote)
    There was no reference to causation. I was asking if you had any information on how the authorities dealt with the last major health shock faced by the nation. You seem to imagine the questions you want me to ask. Plse stick to my questions and not what you think I mean. Is that the Harrison College way? Or you have caught the BU bug?
    +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
    Any Bajan knows it was WATER!!

    +++++++++++++++++++++

    Well, atleast some Bajans and not those in the GOB!!!

  20. John Avatar
    John

    Hal Austin
    March 22, 2020 8:07 AM

    @ John
    If you do not know, plse put your hands up or ask like me. Have you read any reports on the outbreak? I suggest you read Rev James Young Edghill, a Moravian clergyman, on the subject.
    There is no mention of Quakers during that episode.

    +++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    Many Barbadian Quakers had by the mid 1700’s moved to Pennsylvania.

    The most recent Quaker grave of which I know is the one of Rowland Gibson, 1839 in the Quaker Burial Yard next door to the Synagogue.

    Interestingly Cholera appeared after they left!!!

    Must have known a thing or two about public health perhaps.

    Senn (1946) is also a good source as well.

  21. John Avatar
    John

    This is a short history of what the authorities did.

    THE PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY

    If irrigation should be introduced in Barbados care must be taken that it does not affect the Public Water Supply. On the other hand, if full use should be made of the island’s water resources, it might be necessary to make certain alterations in the Public Water Supply system. For these reasons it became necessary for the writer to enquire into some aspects of the Government Water Supply system, especially as regards the sources of supply and the quality of the water of the various sources.

    I. SHORT HISTORY

    In, early days the water supply of Barbados was entirely derived from the ponds which were formerly much more numerous than they are now, from springs, from water-wells and rain water tanks. In the absence of springs, the labouring classes were generally supplied from ponds and shallow wells, the better classes from wells and rain water tanks ; estate supplies for stock and factories were drawn from ponds and tanks, and wells were seldom resorted to by estates or labourers until the supply from tanks and ponds had completely failed. This was due to the fact that only very few were equipped with pumping machinery, and the labour of drawing from wells by rope and bucket drove the labouring class to the ponds as a matter of convenience and economy. On the other hand, the wells were the only reliable source of supply for the rural population during extended droughts.

    Ninety years ago not even Bridgetown had a public water supply. Drinking water was obtained from “depression springs” in the vicinity, mainly from “Beckles Spring” situated on the Bay Estate. The water from this spring was sold by the owner to persons who made a trade of carting it in casks to different parts of the town: where it was sold at the price of 2 cents for four gallons (Lit. 19).

    In 1854 an English engineer, Lewis N. Samuel reported to the Barbados Legislature on the possibility of a water supply and of a sewerage system for Bridgetown, on the sanitary conditions of which he writes “Few towns offer a greater accumulation of evils arising from the want of good sanitary measures than this city”: (Lit. 19). As possible sources for a water supply Samuel’s report (Lit, 18) mentions Beckles Spring, Porey’s Spring, the springs at Coles Cave and at Codrington College and a gathering ground near Fort George. His conclusions are that a sufficient quantity of water could only he obtained from a combination of Beckles Spring with Coles Cave and Porey’s Spring in combination of Coles Cave, Pore’s Spring and College Spring. Although the estimated cost of the second project was nearly twice the one of the first, Samuel gives it preference, as it would be a pure gravitation supply whereas in the case of Beckles Spring pumping machinery was needed to lift the water to a reservoir to be erected at Grand View.

    By the Water Works Act 1857 (Lit. 1) a joint stock company was formed under the name “The Bridgetown Water Works Company” which was guaranteed a Government subsidy of £5,000 per year under the condition to supply the City with 500,000 gallons per day of pure and wholesome water. The Act stated that the works had to be commenced on or before 1.1.1859 and completed before 1.1.1862. The Legislature also reserved its right to purchase the Water Works at any time after the end of twenty years from 1.1.1862. The “Bridgetown Water Works Company” obtained its first supply from Newcastle springs (St. John), and a pipeline was laid from there to town. At a somewhat later date (?) the spring at Codrington College was incorporated.

    The conditions in Bridgetown were thus considerably improved, but the rural population was still dependent on the ponds. As a result of a serious drought during the years 1870-1872, 189 ponds out of 257 in 6 parishes dried up and the situation of the rural population became desperate. The then Governor, Sir Rawson W. Rawson, recommended to the Honourable House of Assembly “that it should without delay provide for the appointment of some competent person or persons, to make a full and careful enquiry into the existing sources of water supply throughout the Island, and to report upon the means and cost of rendering them available for the use of the Population and Stock” (Lit, 17). At the same time, the Governor requested the Superintendent of Public Works, J. W. Clarke to prepare a paper on the water supply of the Island (Lit. 8). No action seems to have been taken by the Legislature and, Clarke’s excellent report disappeared into a drawer. It has already been report (p. 16) that Clarke had correctly recognised the principles which control the underground water resources of Barbados, but he also put forward an excellent plan of research, which coincides in many points with the one followed by the writer during his present survey of water-wells. Clarke closes his report with the following- sentences the most important of which are underlined by the writer (Lit. 8) :

    “A better supply than we now have is undoubtedly attainable, the questions being simply, whether the cost is deterrent? whether the cost would be greater than the value? which is the best and cheapest mode of improvement that can be adopted ? But these questions cannot be satisfactorily solved without a careful enquiry and consideration.”

    “It seems reasonable to infer that the surface line of the Coral formation is parallel, at least in many eases, to that line which is the line of contact between the Coral and the Substratum; if it were practicable to search into this theory and establish it as a fact, it would show what underground reservoirs of water exist either in the fluid state or held in store in the Coral; this knowledge would be so far important that it might be known where wells could, in some instances, be sunk with the certainty of finding a supply; in others with the probability, more or less great of doing so, and by removing the uncertainty which exists, it would give confidence to persons desirous of sinking wells, and encourage others to save money which they may lose by undertaking a work of that of that kind with no better guide than that held out by necessity and hope.”

    And as the coral is pierced with so many wells of known depths and varying yields, it seems possible to attain this knowledge by making a section of the surfaces between a sufficient number of these wells and by referring their heights and depths to a common datum line. With this information, aided by other useful observations, there need be no longer any indecision as to whether to sink a well or not, whether to fit a well with a pumping engine or to be content with the old bucket supply.”

    In January 1880 the College and Newcastle mains were carried away by landslips and Bridgetown was left without water for 12 days. This accident demonstrated how risky it was to rely on these two sources of supply which are always threatened by landslides. Moreover, the water supply had – with the consent of the Legislature – been extended to St. Ann’s Garrison and other suburbs of Bridgetown, as well, as to several estates situated along the water main. For these two reasons the Bridgetown Water Works Company looked out for additional sources of supply. An engineer, D.F. Hughes-Hallet, visited Barbados from July to December, 1884, and reported to the Bridgetown Water Works Company (Lit. 18). As possible sources of supply Hughes- Hallet mentions: Coles Cave, Chimborazo Catle Grant springs, Joes River Springs, Bath spring, Bowmanston well, Beckles spring, Indian River, Freshwater Bay springs and the Valley of St. George. Unfortunately, this engineer did not recognise the true nature or the extensive reservoirs in the bottom of the Valley of St. George, upon which he writes (Lit. 13):

    “I was of the opinion that there was a large supply of water to be obtained here, both from what I heard and also from the amount of water flowing into the sea at various points along the Southeast coast of the island. But on pumping at the rate of 240,000 gallons a day at Hampton, the only place at which I could test in the amount of water, I found after 12 hours pumping that the supply was not equal to the demand of the pumps though I had been informed that these pumps had been worked for some days without stopping, I therefore conclude that the supply is much affected by the season thus bearing out your experience a year or two ago when you were about to put up pumping machinery at the Valley Estate. I feel strongly that there is a large quantity of water at the Valley but it appears as streams and not as an underground lake.”

    Hughes-Hallet recommended to lead the water of the Bath spring and three Joes River springs, one of which carries the significant name of “Belly Ache Hole”, into the existing Newcastle Spring. His main recommendation, however was to put up a pumping station on the Endeavour part of the Bowmanston Estate, where a well, first mentioned in 1881 had penetrated a cavern, in which a large subterranean stream was running. This engineer advised to sink a new well to the South of the present one, to build a masonry dam to the South of the new well about 2/3 the height of the cave for backing up the water, and to supply the station with two sets of engines, boilers and pumps each capable of producing 400,00 gallons of water per day and so arranged that either set could be used, the other being in reserve. During the time Hughes-Hallet was in Barbados, the proprietor of Bowmanston was “endeavouring to get up a company to supply Bridgetown and the island with water” (Lit. 13), but in case he would refuse to sell the water right to the Bridgetown Water Works Company, this latter had the possibility to tap the stream higher up at the Pool.

    After a serious drought, which caused much suffering, the Legislature on 22.6.1885, appointed a “Commission to inquire into, and report upon the Water Supply of the Island, with the view of suggesting some efficient, and economical mode of providing an abundant and continuous supply of pure water for all classes of the community resident in the rural districts” (Lit, 5). At the time when this commission began its inquiry, a Mr. Robert Walker, who had provisionally become the proprietor of the Endeavour part of Bowmanston Estate arrived on the island, accompanied by Mr. Edward Easton, an English hydraulic engineer and Attorney of a company which had been formed in England with the object of establishing a system of Water Works in the rural districts of Barbados similar to those in Bridgetown. Mr. Walker had agreed to sell his water right at Bowmanston to the above mentioned company, which offer was accepted subject to certain conditions, the fulfillment of which Mr. Easton was charged with the duty of ensuring. However, the latter having visited the Bowmanston Cave on 30.6.1885, did not show any further interest in acquiring the water, rights at Bowmanston on the grounds that the yield would not be equal to 2 million gallons a day continuously, that “the spring was not on the Bomnanston estate at all, but had its source a long distance away and only passed through the Bowmanston Cave” and “that the structure of that cave was constantly changing, owing to the falling in of the roof and sides which might at any time dam the flow up entirely.” Consequently negotiations between Mr. Easton and Mr. Walker broke down and the latter offered to sell his water rights at Bowmanston, together with 4 acres of land, to the Barbados Government for the little sum of £20,000 (Lit 5. p 41.)

    On the other hand, Mr. Easton, on behalf of his company submitted a proposal to the Water Commission 1885, to establish a satisfactory water supply system for all the rural districts of the island. After several proposals and counter-proposals had been made by both parties, the project finally assumed the following shape, which “as submitted to the Legislature by the Water Commission.” The company would construct and maintain, at their expense, complete water system supplying the rural parts of the island, up to an elevation of 750 feet above sea-level, with an ample supply of pure water to be distributed by 400 free public taps each giving not more than 5,000 gallons per day on a guarantee by the Legislature to pay the company an annual subsidy of ??????????? The works had to be commenced on or before 31.12,1886 and completed on or before 31.12.1888, The Legislature reserved its right to purchase the Water Works at any time after the end of twenty years from 31.12.1888. On these terms the “Water Supply Act. 1886” (Lit. 2) was passed and an incorporated English joint stock company was formed under the name of “The Barbados Water Supply Company ” and under the attornsyship of Mr. Easton, His plan was, to intercept some of the underground streams and by means of tunnels to bring the water to the surface at various points, whence it could be distributed by gravity to all places which are at lower levels than the spot where the water is intercepted. The sources of water used by The Barbados Water Supply Company were: Coles Cave, Harrison Cave, Bakers Cave, Edghill and Plumtree gully, the waters of which were brought to the surface through tunnels for example Harrison tunnel and Plumtree tunnel.

    Meanwhile, the dry year of 1885 was followed by another dry year in 1886 and as a result the combined yield of Newcastle and College springs had diminished from 1,073,882 Barbados gallons in August 1884 to 575,640 Barbados gallons on 10th April 1886. This amount would have been sufficient for supplying Bridgetown, but as several estates situated along the main drew water from it the amount reaching the city was much beneath the one stipulated in the Water Works Act of 1857. A complaint was therefore made by the Health Commissioners of the Parish of St. Michael against the Bridgetown Water Works Company, for not fulfilling their contract to supply the town with 500,000 gallons per day of wholesome water and a commission was appointed by the Legislature to inquire into and report on this complaint (The Water Inquiry 1886 Lit, 6), The company was found guilty and the subsidy granted to the Bridgetown Water Works Company was stopped, for a time. Consequently this company determined that it was necessary to augment their sources of water supply and on 1.10.88 acquired the proprietary and water rights of the Endeavour part of the Bowmanston Eastate which contained the well leading to the Bowmanston Cave. As already mentioned {p.64} these water rights had been refused in 1885 by the rival water company.

    Between November 1888 and 1891 a pumping station was erected on this site under the capable direction of Mr. George Lingwood, then Engineer of the Barbados Water Works Company. Pumping started in 1890 with pumps capable of raising to the surface one million gallons of water per day.

  22. Hal Austin Avatar
    Hal Austin

    @ John

    Thanks. I have got hold of one source and am looking for as many sources as possible. Old the UK National Archives may have that information.

  23. GP Avatar
    GP

    RE I believe that, based on our reading of the Canon, a reasonable interpretation is that Jesus’s radical gospel absolutely frightened the Establishment of his day.

    ACTUALLY A RIGHT DIVIDING OF THE WORD OF TRUTH IN THIS EXCERPT FROM JOHN 11 CLEARLY STATES EXACTLY WHAT CONCERNED THE “frightened the Establishment of his day. “
    45Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.
    46But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done.
    47Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.
    48If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.

    RE Thus, his 26 or more healing miracles would have frightened the crap out of the doctors THERE IS NO RECORD OF THIS AT ALL (see for instance Mark’s treatment of the woman with the “issue of blood”, versus Dr. Luke’s treatment of the same issue. Per Luke, the poor woman had spent all that she had …).
    IF YOU REALLY WANT TO COMPARE WHAT IS WRITTEN IN MARK VS WHAT IS WRITTEN IN LUKE, YOU CAN FIND “WHY FOUR GOSPELS” BY ARTHUR PINK ON LINE. THERE IS NOTHING BETTER THAT I HAVE SEEN ON COMPARING THE GOSPEL ACCOUNTS.

    Similarly, the merchants who lost their income, when he fed the thousands, AGAIN THERE IS NO RECORD OF THIS AT ALL, AND ALL FOUR GOSPELS DESCRIBE THIS EVENT

    including turning water into wine. ACTUALLY THIS WAS A PRIVATE AFFAIR AND THOSE PRESENT WERE VERY APPRECIATIVE OF THE VERY BEST WINE THAT THEY HAD EVER DRUNK

    Imagine if you owned a Package Store or an Off License. The merchants become apoplectic. REALLY?

    Similarly, when he taught a totally contrarian doctrine in the synagogues, the Scribes (the lawyers), Pharisees and Sadducees would have feared losing respect and money, (or vice versa).

    ACTUALLY HE DID NOT TEACH ANYTHING CONTRARY AT ALL. HE REITERATED ESSENTIALLY WHAT THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO HAVE KNOWN, BUT DID NOT BELIEVE ABOUT HIM

    E.G IN THE EPISODE RECORDED IN LUKE 4 HE READ ISAIAH 61. THEIR PROBLEM WAS THAT HE SAID THAT HE HAD FULFILLED THE CITED PROPHECY

    IN THE HOSTILITY RECORDED IN JOHN 5, THEIR PROBLEM WAS THAT HE SAID THAT HE WAS GOD—A CONCEPT THAT THEY THOUGHT WAS BLASPHEMOUS

  24. David Avatar
    David

    This doctor made some interesting observations recently, see the Barbados Advocate attached. The Nation newspaper article is more detailed about the blogmasters concern although unable to link online. In a nutshell he expressed a big concern that enough research is not being done on diabetes given its high incidence in Barbados. He stated that he has been allocated one day a week but overall workload prevents more focus on the disease. The blogmaster finds this incredible. It is a no brainier Barbados should find the resources to make this one of the best research areas.

    https://www.barbadosadvocate.com/news/treating-obesity-key-fighting-diabetes-hypertension

  25. John Avatar
    John

    The Japanese love their tuners!!!

    … part of their diet.

  26. WURA-War-on-U Avatar
    WURA-War-on-U

    Crucial information.

    https://www.facebook.com/500025420/posts/10158181001400421/?funlid=nt1GAneYT31howvg&d=w&vh=i

  27. Mariposa Avatar
    Mariposa

    With many barbadians suffering from chronic illness and a health system on life support
    Why would a govt take such a high risk of giving chance for Corona to infect the populace
    To my thinking such actions can be described as narcissistic or borderline madness

  28. de pedantic Dribbler Avatar
    de pedantic Dribbler

    @David, there are others here who can speak well to this subject but certainly even from a general knowledge awareness the matter of diabetes has been given high visibility in Bim….

    Of course more can always be done in researching these issues but based on groups like the Barbados Diabetes Foundation which was formed in the early 2000s and the efforts docs associated with that would have done I think it’s a bit unfair to suggest that this doc (in Advocate) is some lonesome dove flying in the blustery wind!

    Just an observation.

  29. de pedantic Dribbler Avatar
    de pedantic Dribbler

    @Mariposa, your ripostes have been repeated over and over like “[w]hy would a govt take such a high risk of giving chance for Corona to infect the populace”

    You complete disagree with the calculated gamble the Mia administration made in maintain the status quo
    leading into the visitor quarantines starting today.

    You wanted restrictions weeks ago. Ok. Got that.

    But we are were we are… Not so! Continually harping on the past is now IRRELEVANT.

    WHAT do YOU propose are the necessary next steps to move us forward away from our local pandemic THAT the admin has not or are NOT doing??

    Seriously, move yourself off the BS mode and step into some reality…. This is a crucial time in our life (truly once in a life time moment) so let’s try something DIFFERENT…

    Get SERIOUS!

    To my thinking such actions can be described as narcissistic or borderline madness

  30. de pedantic Dribbler Avatar
    de pedantic Dribbler

    … ok let’s try a lil corrective work…

    …You completeLY disagree with the calculated gamble the Mia administration made in maintainING the status quo
    leading into the visitor quarantines starting today…

    And that last paragraph …

    To my thinking such actions can be described as narcissistic or borderline madness..

    …is a Mariposa quote.

  31. Hal Austin Avatar
    Hal Austin

    @ Mariposa

    You do not have to find solutions. Keeping questioning the irresponsible reactions of this government. Close the borders to travellers; carryout an epidemiological simulation of infectivity and its likely outcome; tell us how many ICU beds are available, along with PPEs for front line staff, not just what is on order. Carry out mass tests, as has been suggested.
    @Mariposa, you are doing a public service. We need sound political leadership, not windbags. You must also press Verla on this matter. She is asleep on the job.

  32. Mariposa Avatar
    Mariposa

    Over and over again i have stated my comments are mainly taken from observation
    I post questions and i seek answers
    Maybe i am a pit bull not a narcissist
    Narcissist set out to create deliberate actions to hurt or demean people
    Mariposa like to bark a lot until some one take notice
    Govt actions indeed were reckless now after the horse have bolted looking for answers maybe too little too late

  33. TheOgazerts Avatar
    TheOgazerts

    Let me disobey one of BU regular mantra and give my opinion, because I am a believer that one does not have to be an expert in any area to have an opinion.

    I may be right or I may be wrong, but there are areas where experts have different and opposite opinions and both groups cannot be right. Whilst we should listen to the experts we should no suspend our own thoughts on these matters.

    Item 1
    “Making reference to international research on diabetes, he noted that with a group of three hundred overweight persons with diabetes, medication was stopped and they were given a meal replacement for three months. The regular meals were reintroduced and persons lost weight. ”

    This is also the type of study for developing a eight loss drug. Here it is the degree of weight loss that is important. The endpoints are usually the number of 5% or 10% responders. Whilst losing one or two ounces would make you a loser, those few ounces are not clinically significant.

    Item 2
    “Dr. Krimholtz therefore said that there is a correlation between weight loss and diabetes reversal.”

    This is not new or groundbreaking. Visit any physician and they will stress a change of diet and performing exercise

    Item 3
    “He also added that for everyone who does not have diabetes, there are two to three persons who have diabetes but do not need medication and their condition is well controlled.”

    I really don’t understand that sentence. On the whole a confusing presentation.

  34. Mariposa Avatar
    Mariposa

    Dribbler.

    Seriously
    When i saw what actions govt took i set out to take measures to protect myself
    Leaving all other measures up to govt

  35. David Avatar
    David

    @Dee Word

    Giving high visibility and using the data we can generate and probably have already collected. It is a shame we are not doing a better job to publl back the numbers which keep rising.

  36. TheOGAzerts Avatar
    TheOGAzerts

    A happy morning to all of Barbados: to those who make the list and to those who do not.

    Special greeting goes out to piece (my leader, thought you had become a casualty of the wars) , Hal Austin (it is good to see you back and punching above your weight) and to Mariposa (unable to agree with you on some items, but you are giving as good as you get)

    Have a Great Day Barbados

  37. GP A FAKE UNQUALIFIED DOCTOR. Avatar
    GP A FAKE UNQUALIFIED DOCTOR.

    JOLLY GOOD SHOW THEO!

  38. Freedom Crier Avatar
    Freedom Crier

    RE… THE TOPIC OF THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION AND CHOLERA OUTBREAK

    TED ROSS WHO WAS A PREVIOUS HEALTH MINISTER IN ETHIOPIA WAS EXPOSED THREE TIMES FOR COVERING UP CHOLERA OUTBREAK THERE.

    TED ROSS IS NOW THE HEAD OF THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION. He is the one telling us about the Coronavirus, including telling us not to use Cash. Sounds like he is also an instrument for a Cashless Society! …go figure, a ploy where your every Transition may be Traced and Controlled. He also praised China for their handling of Covid-19.

    Quoted Recently on BU…“WHO that the Chinese strong armed into downplaying the scale of the outbreak in the early stages? The same WHO that hesitated in declaring a pandemic until only a couple of weeks ago when it was clear to any sensible person that were in the midst of one?

    The WHO is a political organization so it should not be assumed that they will always proffer the most sensible, impartial advice.”

    Do you Still Trust the WHO?

    EVENTS 201 WAS HELD SIX WEEKS BEFORE THE CORONA VIRUS WHERE A SIMULATION OF THE INFORMATION WE ARE RECEIVING NOW WAS PLAYED OUT…

    ALL THAT WAS IN THE SCENARIO HAS HAPPENED!

    The Rothschild’s and the Rockefellers were the Creators of the World Health Organisation, which is there to Control Health Policies and Perception of the WHO…@ 3.09 min into the Video.

    https://youtu.be/JYH-URp8lQE

  39. Mariposa Avatar
    Mariposa

    Dribbler
    When i was a child and i did not listen to my mom advice after being told not to take action or behave in a manner which was not good
    When the sh.it hit the fan because of disobedience i got some 🔥 lashes
    Mariposa does not have ill will against leaders or those put in place to look out for the people best interest
    However it irks and hurts when citizens are caught in the cross hairs of inept attitudes where a gamble between the people health and certain sectors of the economy well being is put first or being tested
    Hard for me to endorse such actions
    Now as if govt should be excused my questions and comments are being condemn as being overbearing
    Well so be it because seeking answers to such callous and reckless behaviour needs to be forthcoming
    After all the citizens lives are at stake

  40. David Avatar
    David

    What should people with diabetes do if they have the virus?
    It is recommended that people with diabetes plan ahead of time what to do before they get ill. This includes having the contact information of their health care provider at hand and making sure to have an adequate stock of medications and supplies for monitoring blood glucose at home, so that they do not need to leave the house if they become ill. Peope with diabetes who are infected with the virus may see their glycaemic control deteriorate during the illness. They should practice the “Sick day rules” recommended for any stressful situation to improve their diabetes decompensation. They should also contact their health care provider immediately for advice on how to monitor their blood glucose, get adequate refills for medications (especially insulin) and what adjustments they may need to do in their medication or diet.

    Sick day rules for people with diabetes
    Keep hydrated
    Monitor your blood glucose
    Monitor your temperature
    If you are on insulin, also monitor your ketone bodies
    Follow your healthcare team recommendations

    https://www.idf.org/our-network/regions-members/europe/europe-news/196-information-on-corona-virus-disease-2019-covid-19-outbreak-and-guidance-for-people-with-diabetes.html

  41. David Avatar
    David

    High Blood Pressure Not Seen As Major Independent Risk For COVID-19
    Coronavirus Daily
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    March 20, 20204:36 PM ET
    Rob Stein, photographed for NPR, 22 January 2020, in Washington DC.
    ROB STEIN
    Twitter
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    The coronavirus is especially dangerous for older people and people with other health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease and weak immune systems.

    But are people who only have high blood pressure also in greater peril?

    It’s an important question because one out of every three Americans has this condition, which is also known as hypertension.

    The short answer appears to be: People with high blood pressure may be at increased risk, especially if it’s not under control and they have other health problems. But if their blood pressure is under control and they don’t have other risk factors, they probably are not at any greater peril, experts say.

    https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/03/20/818986656/high-blood-pressure-not-seen-as-major-independent-risk-for-covid-19

  42. de pedantic Dribbler Avatar
    de pedantic Dribbler

    NEVER SAID govt actions are to be excused! Bro, this is a pandemic that is frighteningly massive…it will change us and our way of life going forward whether we understand that or not…so I say to you that a critique on this demands more than the standard BS!

    The admin made a political calculus with which you disagree… all good… now, the calculus is whether her gamble pays dividends…. Will we see more deaths from covid19 because of the recklessness you described?

    Will the health system be overran? According to folks on these pages those answers seems to be in her favour but in reality the next 14 days will tell that tale.

    You can’t just shoot from the lip in my view for these simple reasons:

    *you are on the ground and have supposedly still have deep tentacles into the areas of govt
    *You are part of a previous admin and should know what is operationally real and what is not

    So that’s why I say get serious… I also don’t expect you to have solutions per se (how could you when you didn’t have any for anything else in last admin 🤔) but I am still expecting you to move the debate off the ground floor!

    Alas, it’s tough for a partisan to enjoin debate on a rational level… I gone, yes.

  43. de pedantic Dribbler Avatar
    de pedantic Dribbler

    BTW, @ Theo… its just badly versed English moreso than anything else re ““He also added that for everyone who does not have diabetes, there are two to three persons who have diabetes but do not need medication and their condition is well controlled.”

    What the writer is trying to express is that there are people diagnosed as diabetics who are surviving (normally) without diabetes medication (like metformin) because they have kept their condition under controll.

  44. Miller Avatar
    Miller

    @ John March 22, 2020 8:00 AM
    “WATER!!
    The Public Water Supply!!!
    The Fountain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Chlorination!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    Glad to see you have come around to ‘Quaker-understanding’ and can now appreciate the basis of the contention (previously contested by you, Sir John) that access to good potable water was the primary factor behind the continuing settlement of Barbados by the British and its envious location as a maritime port of transshipment of cargo of every kind including slaves.

    Where did you think the Portuguese trading ships used to “re-victualise” especially for their water supplies to cross the Atlantic if not at ‘Los Barbados’ with its stock of wild pigs already on the Easterly island and brought there as a source of food not for the fast disappearing native Amerindians but for the swine-loving Portuguese sailors to and from Brasilia?

  45. Mariposa Avatar
    Mariposa

    Dribble
    The admin made a political calculus with which you disagree… all good… now, the calculus is whether her gamble pays dividends…. Will we see more deaths from covid19 because of the recklessness you described?
    -‘-”-”’-””””’-”–”””””””’”””””””””””””””””

    No one should have to be feeling the pressure of unbearable fear because of reckless gamble by Mia under the guise of saving the economy
    Isn’t it enough that the people have been facing unbearable financial pressure because of past govt policies to save the economy
    Now u really think that govt should put the people health on the economic line so that certain sectors of the economy must survive
    Are u serious
    Mia actions are as close to handing out death sentences as close as they can get
    Give me a break there is abdolutely no excuse in the book that would give relevance as one which would put the economy first against the well being of the people

  46. Freedom Crier Avatar
    Freedom Crier

    According to the CEO of the Beijing Hospital, slices of Lemon in a Cup of Hot Water can save your life. The Hot Lemon Water can kill the Proliferation of the Virus in our Bodies. Lemon Sliced into three pieces and put into a cup to which hot water is added will turn into Alkaline water. Consuming Lemon Water preferably first thing in the morning, is a great source of Vitamin C and will definitely help you. Warm Lemon Water can have the same effect as medicines. Treatment with this extract will destroy the Virus and Cure the Flu.

    The Professor Noted that…In addition Acids and Carbolic Acid in lemon juice can Regulate Hypertension and Protect the Narrow Arteries thereby reducing blood clotting.

    https://i.pinimg.com/564x/7f/b6/3c/7fb63cc8e48fb49c649753c832930a5b.jpg

  47. cpilgrimeaqaolcom Avatar
    cpilgrimeaqaolcom

    @ Blogmaster:

    Good intervention re Corona, diabetes and HPB.

    Perhaps, you and others will kindly extend the argument as relates to asthma – I assume asthma is not unknown in Barbados – and other respiratory ailments.

  48. David Avatar
    David

    @Caleb

    As a is prevalent and even at the best of times the QEH is under stress by sufferers. It is good news to learn the Rihanna donated 1.4 million to assist with the purchase of equipment.

    >

  49. cpilgrimeaqaolcom Avatar
    cpilgrimeaqaolcom

    Given the crisis, how many pulmonologists and epidemiologists do you actually have, if any? How many PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)? Masks? Respirators, etc? Does a concerned Public have the right to know, and a right to accurate, transparent information?

    Today. Spain reported 1,700 deaths yesterday, Italy and France still on the ropes?

  50. Freedom Crier Avatar
    Freedom Crier

    THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF GINGER TEA

    Ginger tea is one of the oldest medicinal drinks. From aiding the digestive system to opening inflamed airways, it can act as a health-promoting elixir for the full body. Learn how it heals and how to make it.
    “Everything good is found in ginger,” states an old Indian proverb. That’s why Ayurveda often refers to ginger as a universal medicine. Chinese medicine, the other most ancient yet living tradition, also turns to ginger medicinally because it restores Yang, or hot energy. Currently, India and China produce most of the world’s ginger because it grows best in warm, damp areas.

    The aromatic, spicy root has long been used in both traditional and Western healing systems to make tea. Ginger tea brings with it a host of powerful health benefits.

    GINGER TEA’S HEALING EFFECTS

    Researchers say the active volatile oils and pungent phenol compounds, such as gingerols and shogaols, are what give ginger its power, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Tea made from ginger has high levels of vitamin C and amino acids, as well as various trace elements such as calcium, zinc, sodium, phosphorus, and many others.

    Drinking ginger tea can:
    • Help the body absorb nutrients
    • Help alleviate an upset stomach
    • Help with irritable bowl syndrome
    • Help with weight loss
    • Help fight cancer
    • Help manage glucose levels
    • Improve blood circulation
    • Improve the food digestion
    • Increases the production of gastric juice
    • Protect against Alzheimer’s Disease
    • OPEN INFLAMED AIRWAYS
    • Reduce arthritic inflammation
    • Relieve menstrual discomfort
    • Relieve stress
    • Stimulate appetite

    Ginger Tea has a powerful antispasmodic action, according to herbalist Dr. John R. Christopher.

    Ginger Tea and the Doshas

    Ginger tea’s heating properties and qualities make it useful for treating Vata imbalances, such as digestive issues, because it improves all three phases of gastrointestinal function (digestion, absorption, and elimination).

    During cool weather, sip ginger tea throughout the day. During warmer weather, try a cup in the morning or before a meal. Ginger intensifies Agni (digestive fire) so the Kapha dosha may find drinking ginger tea—2 to 3 cups daily, especially before meals—useful to help stimulate slow digestion and sharpen dull taste buds.

    Ginger tea can slightly increase Pitta dosha, so avoid drinking large amounts if your Pitta is out of balance.

    HOW TO MAKE GINGER TEA

    To make 1 quart of ginger tea, chop an unpeeled 2-inch piece of whole ginger into coarse pieces and place in a 2- to 3-quart pot with one quart of purified water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, allowing the tea to simmer for 15 minutes. Strain the tea and store in a thermos bottle or glass jar.

    To make 1 cup of ginger tea, take a piece of fresh, whole, unpeeled ginger root and grate 1 heaping teaspoon. Stir the ginger into a cup of boiling water and let steep for 2 minutes. Strain or let the ginger settle at the bottom of the cup. Let the tea cool for 2 minutes and then drink and enjoy! Your body will soon reap the many health benefits of ginger.

    https://chopracom.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/field/image/the-health-benefits-of-ginger-tea.jpg

    https://youtu.be/ILdAw1Nv7Mw

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