UK, US, and Australia Monitor New Covid Variants Amid Surge in Cases

Posted on by Inkoom Esther
Covid Variant

Global health authorities are closely monitoring the emergence of two new Covid variants amidst a surge in cases across the UK, US, and Australia. In response to rising infections, hospitals in the UK have reintroduced mask mandates as they contend with capacity challenges in Covid wards.

The spike in cases has been linked to variants dubbed FLiRT KP2 and JN1. However, health experts have now identified two additional variants, FLuQE and de-FLiRT, which are under scrutiny, particularly in regions experiencing heightened Covid activity such as Australia.

John Gerrard, Queensland’s chief health officer, underscored the importance of vigilance as his state battles a winter-driven surge exacerbated by the FLuQE variant. In the US, reports indicate rapid transmission of FLuQE, adding to concerns about containment efforts.

Australia, grappling with Covid becoming the third leading cause of death for the first time in half a century, is intensifying efforts to curb the spread. The resurgence of Covid has prompted renewed public health measures and renewed urgency in vaccine campaigns.

In the UK, recent data shows a significant 33.5% week-on-week rise in confirmed Covid cases, prompting authorities to urge enhanced precautions and vaccination uptake to mitigate further spread.

As the global community confronts these new challenges posed by evolving variants, health officials stress the importance of ongoing surveillance and swift response to mitigate the impact on public health and healthcare systems.

Lexapro and Weight Gain: What You Need to Know

Posted on by Inkoom Esther

Antidepressant Lexapro (escitalopram) has been associated with weight gain in some patients. Recent research aims to clarify which antidepressants are most likely to cause weight fluctuations.

Study Insights
A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine analyzed electronic health records from over 183,000 patients who used antidepressants for the first time. Researchers monitored these patients’ weight over two years. The findings revealed that after six months, individuals taking Lexapro, Paxil, or Cymbalta had a 10% to 15% higher risk of gaining at least 5% of their baseline weight compared to those on Zoloft.

Understanding Weight Changes
Not everyone who takes antidepressants will gain weight. Joshua Petimar, Sc.D., from Harvard Medical School, notes that the relationship between depression, anxiety, and weight is complex. Some people might gain weight, others might lose it, or some may not experience significant changes.

Thea Gallagher, Psy.D., from NYU Langone Health, explains that stress and depression can lead to both weight gain and weight loss. She emphasizes that weight fluctuations are a normal part of life and should not always be seen negatively.

Why Lexapro Might Cause Weight Gain
Lexapro is part of a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which increase serotonin levels in the body. Serotonin, a chemical associated with mood regulation, also plays a role in appetite and weight control, potentially leading to weight gain in some individuals.

Dr. Mir Ali, a bariatric surgeon, notes that weight gain might occur because patients feel better and thus eat more.

Avoiding Weight Gain on Antidepressants
Hillary Ammon, Psy.D., highlights that responses to antidepressants vary. Some people gain weight on one SSRI but not on another. Prozac and Wellbutrin are often linked to less weight gain. It’s crucial to discuss any weight concerns with your doctor, who might adjust the dosage or suggest alternative medications.

Maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise can also help manage weight. Gallagher recommends aiming for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week and considering a nutritionist’s guidance.

Other Side Effects of Lexapro
Like all medications, Lexapro can cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, constipation, sexual problems, drowsiness, and more. These side effects might diminish over time, with adjustments in dosage or timing.

Communication with Your Doctor
Maintaining open communication with your doctor about any side effects is essential. Your doctor can offer alternatives or adjustments to better manage your symptoms and minimize unwanted effects like weight gain.

By staying informed and working closely with healthcare providers, patients can find the most suitable treatment for their needs.

UGMC CEO Raises Alarm Over Increasing Youth Cases of Hypertension and Diabetes

Posted on by Inkoom Esther
University of Ghana Medical Centre

Dr. Kwame Anim-Boamah, Chief Executive Officer of the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC), has sounded the alarm on the rising prevalence of hypertension and diabetes among young people in the country. He highlighted non-compliance with treatment regimens and misuse of herbal and over-the-counter medications as major contributors to the alarming trend, emphasizing that these conditions now constitute the leading causes of end-stage renal disease.

He attributed this trend to various factors, including the misuse of herbal and over-the-counter medications.


In related health news, UGMC is set to perform two additional kidney transplants this month following the successful completion of six procedures last month. The recent operations, involving six Ghanaian patients aged between 25 and 54, were performed by the Urology Department under the leadership of Dr. Emmanuel Asante. Dr. Asante emphasized the seamless execution of these complex surgeries, underscoring the center’s capabilities in advanced medical interventions and comprehensive post-operative care.

Dr. Anim-Boamah commended the team’s dedication and highlighted that these successful transplants demonstrate UGMC’s commitment to achieving medical excellence and enhancing patient outcomes through innovative practices.

Meanwhile, Barbara Owusu-Hemeng, Media Affairs Manager at UGMC, noted that most donors for the recent transplants were close family members or acquaintances of the recipients. She clarified that UGMC currently conducts living donor transplants exclusively due to the absence of an organ bank, emphasizing the center’s efforts to enhance accessibility and affordability of transplantation services. She mentioned that the current average cost for a kidney transplant at UGMC stands at $25,000, with ongoing initiatives to reduce costs for the benefit of all citizens.

UGMC, renowned as an academic medical center, continues to lead in providing world-class patient care, training, and research, not only in Ghana but across West Africa and beyond. The center remains steadfast in its mission to elevate healthcare standards and pioneer advancements in medical treatment and surgical interventions.

UGMC, renowned as an academic medical center, continues to lead in providing world-class patient care, training, and research, not only in Ghana but across West Africa and beyond. The center remains steadfast in its mission to elevate healthcare standards and pioneer advancements in medical treatment and surgical interventions.

Concerns about Memory: When to Worry and What to Do

Posted on by Inkoom Esther

What are your biggest challenges?

Many of us have experienced the frustration of forgetting details, such as the name of an actor from a favorite movie. The question arises: should we be worried about these lapses, even if they seem trivial? According to experts, the answer depends on various factors.

Dr. Carolyn Fredericks, assistant professor of neurology at Yale School of Medicine, notes that occasional difficulties with recalling less common names, like those of actors, are normal. Similar to forgetting why you entered a room, these lapses become more common with age. Issues such as sleep deprivation, menopause, and attention concerns like ADHD can contribute to such forgetfulness, usually without major implications, as long as they align with peers of similar age.

However, red flags emerge when forgetfulness affects “instrumental activities of daily living” (IADL), such as managing finances, taking medications, and driving. Karen D. Sullivan, a neuropsychologist, suggests that if forgetfulness surpasses what is expected with normal aging and hinders daily activities, it’s cause for concern.

Reporting memory concerns to a Primary care provider (PCP) is crucial. Sullivan advises providing a timeline, specific examples, and family history of neurological conditions. PCPs typically conduct cognitive screening tests and may refer individuals to specialists like neuropsychologists for comprehensive evaluations if needed.

Fredericks uses tests like recalling a five-word list to assess memory. While certain issues may be related to treatable factors such as depression or medication effects, more concerning memory problems, like early-stage Alzheimer’s, might manifest as an inability to remember information even with clues.

Sullivan emphasizes that a thorough evaluation helps identify treatable causes of cognitive symptoms. Even in dementia cases, a neuropsychological evaluation can pinpoint factors exacerbating symptoms, offering potential interventions.

Neurologist Dr. Douglas Scharre suggests using technology for memory aid but stresses the importance of engaging in activities like physical exercise, socialization, reading, language learning, games, and other mentally stimulating pursuits to keep the brain active.

So, while occasional forgetfulness might be part of normal aging, persistent and significant memory issues warrant attention and professional evaluation. Taking proactive steps to keep the mind active can also contribute to maintaining cognitive health.