FCMB to reward customers in ‘Millionaire Promo Season 7’

Customers of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) across Nigeria are set to enjoy another phase of reward and financial empowerment as the bank rolls out Season 7 of its bumper promotion package tagged, ‘’FCMB Millionaire Promo’’. This follows the huge success recorded and the positive impact of previous editions of the promo since it commenced in 2013. The ‘’FCMB Millionaire Promo Season 7’’, which will run from March to October, will produce another set of 16 lucky customers of the Bank as millionaires through winnings of cash ranging from N1million to N2million. ALSO, READ:

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• Weaker China imports to affect NigeriaIn addition, 152 LED televisions, 152 power generating sets, 912 smart phones and 760 decoders, are to be won. The winners will emerge through electronic selection of all qualified customers at bi-monthly zonal and regional draws to be held in May, July, September and November this year.

The ‘’FCMB Millionaire Promo Season 7’’ is designed to provide extra empowerment, reward and value for customers of the Bank, while encouraging financial inclusion and savings culture. The promo is targeted at all segments of the society, especially existing and potential savings account customers of the Bank. This, however, excludes salary and domiciliary account holders. Speaking on the ‘’Millionaire Promo Season 7’’, the Executive Director, Retail Banking, FCMB, Mr. Olu Akanmu, said: “The FCMB Millionaire promo is unique. The promotion is decentralized to the nineteen zones of the Bank nationwide, increasing the spread of wins across several states in Nigeria. We reward the aspiration of our customers to save and fulfill their dreams.’’ You can View Us on Facebook

We have not devalued the Naira- CBN

The Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) has debunked  insinuations that it has  devalued the Naira and seriously warned currency speculators and their agents that  the  bank will invoke the full weight of applicable sanctions on any persons and authorised dealers found to be involved in such disruptive market behaviour. In  a statement signed by Mr. Isaac Okorafor Director, Corporate Communications “the Central bank of Nigeria (CBN) note with displeasure, the rumours and speculative activities of unscrupulous players in the foreign exchange market, borne out of the impression that the CBN is on the verge of devaluing the Naira, and triggering panic in the FX Market. “These rumours are false, unwarranted and calculated to serve their dubious and selfish ends. We therefore wish to state as that “we have begun a robust and coordinated investigation in collaboration with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and related agencies to uncover the unscrupulous persons and FX dealers who are creating this panic, and the full weight of our rules and regulations will be meted out to them, including, but not limited to, being charged for economic sabotage; for nearly four years, the CBN has successfully maintained relative stability in all segments of the foreign exchange market, which has enabled investors, households and other economic agents to plan and to conduct their genuine foreign exchange transactions with relative ease.” ALSO, READ:

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The statement further said “The introduction of several foreign exchange management measures side-by-side with complementary interventions in food production and manufacturing has drastically reduced food importation, which hitherto constituted a large chunk of the pressure on the foreign exchange market. Although the outbreak of the Coronavirus led to global economic slowdown, fall in the price of crude oil, and less inflow of dollars into Nigeria, the associated public health concerns have also led to factory closures in China, substantial drop in imports, widespread travel restrictions around the world, and cancellation of many conferences, sporting events, business travels, and FX orders; the size of Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves remains robust and comfortable; given the current realities of Nigeria’s genuine and legitimate FX demand. As such, the CBN remains able and willing to meet all genuine demand for foreign exchange for legitimate transactions; and for the avoidance of doubt, the CBN is also working with the fiscal authorities to properly and accurately dimension the immediate and expected impacts of the Coronavirus in order to respond comprehensively and at the same time, ensure a sound and stable financial system conducive for job creation and inclusive growth. “In light of current circumstances and macroeconomic fundamentals, the CBN has not devalued the Naira. Consequently, the CBN will invoke the full weight of applicable sanctions on any persons and authorised dealers found to be involved in such disruptive and speculative market behaviour. You can View Us on Facebook

We have not devalued the Naira- CBN

The Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) has debunked  insinuations that it has  devalued the Naira and seriously warned currency speculators and their agents that  the  bank will invoke the full weight of applicable sanctions on any persons and authorised dealers found to be involved in such disruptive market behaviour. In  a statement signed by Mr. Isaac Okorafor Director, Corporate Communications “the Central bank of Nigeria (CBN) note with displeasure, the rumours and speculative activities of unscrupulous players in the foreign exchange market, borne out of the impression that the CBN is on the verge of devaluing the Naira, and triggering panic in the FX Market. “These rumours are false, unwarranted and calculated to serve their dubious and selfish ends. We therefore wish to state as that “we have begun a robust and coordinated investigation in collaboration with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and related agencies to uncover the unscrupulous persons and FX dealers who are creating this panic, and the full weight of our rules and regulations will be meted out to them, including, but not limited to, being charged for economic sabotage; for nearly four years, the CBN has successfully maintained relative stability in all segments of the foreign exchange market, which has enabled investors, households and other economic agents to plan and to conduct their genuine foreign exchange transactions with relative ease.” ALSO, READ:

• CBN steps up support for entrepreneurs
• Either Now or Later, Nigerians See Increasing Opportunities in Bitcoins
• CBN sets rules for domiciliary account

The statement further said “The introduction of several foreign exchange management measures side-by-side with complementary interventions in food production and manufacturing has drastically reduced food importation, which hitherto constituted a large chunk of the pressure on the foreign exchange market. Although the outbreak of the Coronavirus led to global economic slowdown, fall in the price of crude oil, and less inflow of dollars into Nigeria, the associated public health concerns have also led to factory closures in China, substantial drop in imports, widespread travel restrictions around the world, and cancellation of many conferences, sporting events, business travels, and FX orders; the size of Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves remains robust and comfortable; given the current realities of Nigeria’s genuine and legitimate FX demand. As such, the CBN remains able and willing to meet all genuine demand for foreign exchange for legitimate transactions; and for the avoidance of doubt, the CBN is also working with the fiscal authorities to properly and accurately dimension the immediate and expected impacts of the Coronavirus in order to respond comprehensively and at the same time, ensure a sound and stable financial system conducive for job creation and inclusive growth. “In light of current circumstances and macroeconomic fundamentals, the CBN has not devalued the Naira. Consequently, the CBN will invoke the full weight of applicable sanctions on any persons and authorised dealers found to be involved in such disruptive and speculative market behaviour. You can View Us on Facebook

‘Technology will boost productivity’

Technology is transforming the workplace and fundamentally changing the way companies around the world are hiring talent, Aptech Limited said on Wednesday. Its International Head and Vice President, Kallol Mukherje, who spoke in Lagos, said skills, both technological and human, are quickly becoming the new professional currency, a benchmark by which managers and human resource leaders are evaluating candidates. He said more and more, employers are evaluating candidates first and foremost based on their skills rather than on their previous job titles or formal degrees. The most sought-after candidates have technology skills combined with human skills, a blend that translates into success in today’s rapidly changing workforce. ALSO, READ:

• Africa and Its Technology Advancements - National Geographic Reports
• How Technology can Transform Nigeria & Africa
• Lawan urges Finland to partner Nigeria on hi-tech, trade

He said for the nation to have a reservoir of tech skilled manpower, he said the manpower arm of the organisation, Aptech Computer Education, will continue to offer skills that define individuals’ career success He said: “The employer wants to see value to the organisation by skills. Education needs to be skill-based and industry relevant. Only theoretical knowledge won’t lead to career success. “Information technology is a dynamic field. If one wants to stay ahead in IT, one needs to know the latest trends and technologies. Concepts like programming, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, Data Science are among the most in-demand skills of the future. “Aptech ensures skilled in the latest technologies with a legacy of 33 years in education and training, imparting skill-based learning to more than seven million students across 40 countries. It’s been over two decades since Aptech commenced operations in Nigeria.” Mukherje said there more than 25 centres spread across the major cities of Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Abeokuta, Alagbole, Awka, Ikorodu, Ibadan, Owerri, Port Harcourt, Ajah and Asaba, that have trained thousands of students in Nigeria and continue to empower millions in this nation. “Bridging the skills gap of the students and enabling them to secure employment is our main motive. We have career courses like Advanced Diploma in Software Engineering (ADSE), Aptech Certified Network Specialist (ACNS) and Aptech Certified Nxt-Generation Professional (ACN Pro) which aim to launch your career in the booming IT industry. Aptech take pride in our updated curriculum which adds value to your education making you skilled in the right way. “We have alliance with top-notch universities like Middlesex University, London and Lincoln University College, Malaysia which help you obtain international degree through credit transfer facility. “We also offer Level five Diploma in Computing from NCC Education, a top awarding body in UK that offers certifications. Life at Aptech is filled with productive learning and enriching interactions that enable holistic development of our students. We believe that skills are the new global currency and if you want to sustain the competitive and ever-changing world of work, you need skills to drive your growth,” Mukherje said. You can View Us on Facebook

‘Technology will boost productivity’

Technology is transforming the workplace and fundamentally changing the way companies around the world are hiring talent, Aptech Limited said on Wednesday. Its International Head and Vice President, Kallol Mukherje, who spoke in Lagos, said skills, both technological and human, are quickly becoming the new professional currency, a benchmark by which managers and human resource leaders are evaluating candidates. He said more and more, employers are evaluating candidates first and foremost based on their skills rather than on their previous job titles or formal degrees. The most sought-after candidates have technology skills combined with human skills, a blend that translates into success in today’s rapidly changing workforce. ALSO, READ:

• Africa and Its Technology Advancements - National Geographic Reports
• How Technology can Transform Nigeria & Africa
• Lawan urges Finland to partner Nigeria on hi-tech, trade

He said for the nation to have a reservoir of tech skilled manpower, he said the manpower arm of the organisation, Aptech Computer Education, will continue to offer skills that define individuals’ career success He said: “The employer wants to see value to the organisation by skills. Education needs to be skill-based and industry relevant. Only theoretical knowledge won’t lead to career success. “Information technology is a dynamic field. If one wants to stay ahead in IT, one needs to know the latest trends and technologies. Concepts like programming, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, Data Science are among the most in-demand skills of the future. “Aptech ensures skilled in the latest technologies with a legacy of 33 years in education and training, imparting skill-based learning to more than seven million students across 40 countries. It’s been over two decades since Aptech commenced operations in Nigeria.” Mukherje said there more than 25 centres spread across the major cities of Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Abeokuta, Alagbole, Awka, Ikorodu, Ibadan, Owerri, Port Harcourt, Ajah and Asaba, that have trained thousands of students in Nigeria and continue to empower millions in this nation. “Bridging the skills gap of the students and enabling them to secure employment is our main motive. We have career courses like Advanced Diploma in Software Engineering (ADSE), Aptech Certified Network Specialist (ACNS) and Aptech Certified Nxt-Generation Professional (ACN Pro) which aim to launch your career in the booming IT industry. We take pride in our updated curriculum which adds value to your education making you skilled in the right way. “We have alliance with top-notch universities like Middlesex University, London and Lincoln University College, Malaysia which help you obtain international degree through credit transfer facility. “We also offer Level five Diploma in Computing from NCC Education, a top awarding body in UK that offers certifications. Life at Aptech is filled with productive learning and enriching interactions that enable holistic development of our students. We believe that skills are the new global currency and if you want to sustain the competitive and ever-changing world of work, you need skills to drive your growth,” Mukherje said. You can View Us on Facebook

‘Technology will boost productivity’

Technology is transforming the workplace and fundamentally changing the way companies around the world are hiring talent, Aptech Limited said on Wednesday. Its International Head and Vice President, Kallol Mukherje, who spoke in Lagos, said skills, both technological and human, are quickly becoming the new professional currency, a benchmark by which managers and human resource leaders are evaluating candidates. He said more and more, employers are evaluating candidates first and foremost based on their skills rather than on their previous job titles or formal degrees. The most sought-after candidates have technology skills combined with human skills, a blend that translates into success in today’s rapidly changing workforce. ALSO, READ:

• Africa and Its Technology Advancements - National Geographic Reports
• How Technology can Transform Nigeria & Africa
• Lawan urges Finland to partner Nigeria on hi-tech, trade

He said for the nation to have a reservoir of tech skilled manpower, he said the manpower arm of the organisation, Aptech Computer Education, will continue to offer skills that define individuals’ career success He said: “The employer wants to see value to the organisation by skills. Education needs to be skill-based and industry relevant. Only theoretical knowledge won’t lead to career success. “Information technology is a dynamic field. If one wants to stay ahead in IT, one needs to know the latest trends and technologies. Concepts like programming, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, Data Science are among the most in-demand skills of the future. “Aptech ensures skilled in the latest technologies with a legacy of 33 years in education and training, imparting skill-based learning to more than seven million students across 40 countries. It’s been over two decades since Aptech commenced operations in Nigeria.” Mukherje said there more than 25 centres spread across the major cities of Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Abeokuta, Alagbole, Awka, Ikorodu, Ibadan, Owerri, Port Harcourt, Ajah and Asaba, that have trained thousands of students in Nigeria and continue to empower millions in this nation. “Bridging the skills gap of the students and enabling them to secure employment is our main motive. We have career courses like Advanced Diploma in Software Engineering (ADSE), Aptech Certified Network Specialist (ACNS) and Aptech Certified Nxt-Generation Professional (ACN Pro) which aim to launch your career in the booming IT industry. Aptech take pride in our updated curriculum which adds value to your education making you skilled in the right way. “We have alliance with top-notch universities like Middlesex University, London and Lincoln University College, Malaysia which help you obtain international degree through credit transfer facility. “We also offer Level five Diploma in Computing from NCC Education, a top awarding body in UK that offers certifications. Life at Aptech is filled with productive learning and enriching interactions that enable holistic development of our students. We believe that skills are the new global currency and if you want to sustain the competitive and ever-changing world of work, you need skills to drive your growth,” Mukherje said. You can View Us on Facebook

Milk – Is it as healthful as we think

Many people include milk in their diet, but few meet the daily recommended quantities. Experts now urge us to rethink these recommendations and explain why milk may not be as healthful as we think. Dairy milk’s image has taken a bit of a beating, with the likes of oat, almond, and soy milk being hailed as environmentally friendly alternatives. But for many people of all ages, cow’s milk remains a firm favorite —sloshed over cereal, as a frothy companion to coffee, or enjoyed as a bedtime drink. The United States 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines recommend that individuals aged 9 years and over consume 3 cup-equivalents of fat-free and low-fat (1%) dairy products. According to the guideline, put together by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, this includes milk, yogurt, cheese, and fortified soy milk. Yet the average amount of dairy that U.S. adults consume is around 1.6 cups each day, far short of the recommended levels. ALSO, READ:

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  Does that mean we should all look to increase our dairy consumption?

Experts writing in the New England Journal of Medicine do not think so. Instead, they call into question the quality of the evidence underpinning these recommendations and suggest alternative sources to provide us with the nutrients necessary for our health. Strength of evidence is ‘limited’ The debate about milk is, in fact, not a new one. Back in 2014, Connie M Weaver, emeritus professor and formerly the Head of the Department of Nutrition Science at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN, wrote an article in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition highlighting the lack of good quality evidence in support of dairy guidelines. In her article, which was, in part, funded by Danone Institute International, Weaver alludes to the historical reasons behind milk’s importance to our diet. “Dairy foods play a central role in most dietary guidance recommendations. They provide a package of essential nutrients and bioactive constituents for health that are difficult to obtain in diets with no or limited use of dairy products,” Weaver writes. “Since the agricultural revolution, when energy sources shifted from plant foods relatively high in calcium in the diets of hunter-gatherers to cereal crops with low calcium content, the major source of dietary calcium has been milk,” she continues. Milk has featured in every iteration of the U.S. Dietary Guidelines since its first publication in 1917. Every 5 years, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans Advisory Committee updates the guide, reviewing the available evidence. Weaver references research that highlights how following a dairy-free diet in the context of a U.S.-style Western diet left adolescents aged 9 –18 years struggling to achieve the recommended intake of calcium.

For the purpose of meeting daily nutrient intake, milk and cheese contribute “46.3% of calcium, 11.6% of potassium, and 7.9% of magnesium in the American diet.”

Yet, when it comes to health overall, Weaver writes, “the strength of the evidence for dairy consumption and health is limited by the lack of appropriately powered randomized controlled trials.”

Human health and the environment

Fast forward to 2020, and a new review article in the New England Journal of Medicine picks up the argument. Who both hold positions at Harvard T.H. Chain School of Public Health and Harvard Medical School in Boston, MA, discuss the merits of milk. They also pose questions about the possible risk that consuming it may carry. Both Dr. Willett, a professor of epidemiology and nutrition, and Dr. Ludwig, an endocrinologist, declare no relevant conflicts of interest or industry sponsorship for their article. Medical News Today asked Dr. Willett why he is interested in studying the relationship between milk consumption and health. “This is an important topic because milk is one of few foods that are specifically part of dietary guidelines in the U.S. and many other countries, and the recommended amount in the U.S. (3 glasses per day or equivalent amounts of cheese or other dairy products) would make up a large part of an overall diet,” he explained. “However, studies over the last several decades have not clearly supported the need for such high intakes for prevention of fractures, which has been the main justification, and some concerns about harm have been raised,” he continued. “We thus thought an overview of evidence on risks and benefits would be useful.” But health is not Dr. Willett’s only concern. “Also, milk has a heavy environmental footprint, especially greenhouse gas production, and if everyone consumed 3 glasses per day, this would make avoiding extreme globally warming very difficult,” he elaborated. “This should be at least be considered when making decisions about production and consumption of milk.”

Milk studies have ‘serious limitations’

In their article, the professors highlight the contributions that milk may make to the multitude of aspects of our health. Bone health is probably the most familiar to many people. Milk is a ready source of calcium, a mineral central to developing and maintaining good bone function. Yet, the studies that set the daily recommendations for how much milk and by extension calcium, we should consume, were very small. “The basis for the U.S. recommendations for milk consumption derives from studies assessing the balance of calcium intake and excretion in just 155 adults in whom the estimated calcium intake needed to maintain balance was 741 mg per day,” the professors write in their article. “Beyond small size, these balance studies have other serious limitations, including short duration (2 to 3 weeks) and high habitual calcium intakes,” they continue. The evidence does not support milk consumption to reduce the risk of hip fractures, they further explain. On the contrary, they point out that countries with high milk and calcium intake also have the highest hip fracture rates. The results showed that higher milk consumption leads to an increased risk of hip fractures later in life. How quickly and how tall we grow are two other examples. Research has established a link between these and milk consumption. Yet, the professors urge caution when drawing conclusions at this point. “The health consequences of accelerated growth and greater adult height are complex,” they write. “Tall stature is associated with lower risks of cardiovascular disease but with higher risks of many cancers, hip fractures, and pulmonary emboli.”

Weight, heart health, and cancer

Researchers then turned their attention to a host of other aspects of our health that milk consumption may or may not affect. Several studies have investigated whether milk consumption is beneficial for weight management in adults and children. The professors argue that these showed no “clear effects.” Moreover, they point out that researchers advice to choose reduced-fat dairy, low-fat milk does not appear to have advantages over whole milk for weight control — and in children, available evidence suggests greater long-term weight gain with reduced-fat milk than with full-fat milk.” They also argue that the evidence to support a favorable effect of milk on high blood pressure and cholesterol levels is weak and that studies do not support milk as a risk factor for type 1 or type 2 diabetes. When they looked at cancer, studies showed mixed results. Some studies linked milk consumption to a lower risk of developing colorectal cancer, possibly due to the high levels of calcium found in milk. Other studies, however, pointed to increased rates of breast, prostate, and endometrial cancer. But when it comes to heart disease, they said that “for persons living in low-income countries where diets are very high in starch, moderate intake of dairy foods may reduce cardiovascular disease by providing nutritional value and reducing glycemic load.” Recommendation does not ‘appear to be justified’ So, what is the professors’ overall take on milk? “In our opinion, the current recommendation to greatly increase consumption of dairy foods to 3 or more servings per day does not appear to be justified,” they conclude in the paper. How much milk a person should consume will, they suggest, depends on individual circumstances. “If someone is consuming a poor-quality diet high in refined starch and sugar, as is common in many [low-income] populations around the world, milk can fill in some important nutritional gaps,” “However, if diet quality is otherwise good, the added nutritional benefits of milk will be much less.” But what does that mean for our calcium and vitamin D intake? “When consumption of milk is low, the two nutrients of primary concern, calcium and vitamin D (which is of particular concern at higher latitudes) can be obtained from other foods or supplements without the potential negative consequences of dairy foods,” the professors conclude in their paper. And here is how they propose we can achieve this: “For calcium, alternative dietary sources include kale, broccoli, tofu, nuts, beans, and fortified orange juice; for vitamin D, supplements can provide adequate intake at a far lower cost than fortified milk.”

Should we drink milk or not?

When MNT asked Dr. Willett whether he thinks people should consider avoiding milk, he explained: “In our review, we concluded that milk is not an essential part of a healthful diet, but consumption of modest amounts is compatible with good health. Thus, we suggested a possible range for health of zero to about 2 servings a day for adults.” “I think having flexibility is good because different people have different preferences for many reasons,” he continued. “For environmental reasons, keeping this to about 1 serving a day on average would be important. This is actually not very different from current consumption, which is about 1.6 servings a day; going to 3 servings a day as has been recommended would be a radical change and is not necessary,” “Milk is deeply woven into the culture of many populations in cold climates because this was a way to provide nutrition year-round when many other foods were not available. In most of the world, people do not consume milk as adults, and it is not essential.” So, how aware are the general public of the recommended milk guidelines? “I think most people are aware of the recommendation but not necessarily taking it to heart,” Bjarnadóttir commented. “This recommendation is also special in a way that it can’t apply to everyone. A great deal of the world’s population doesn’t tolerate dairy, and therefore dairy is not a part of their daily routine.”

‘The dose makes the potion’

What kind of research would Bjarnadóttir like to see in the future to help clarify any links between milk and our health? “There’s already a good amount of research available on milk and dairy, and it’s one of those things that may be hard to study and get concrete results,” “Milk intake in habitual milk consumers vs. milk intake in people not used to drinking milk or don’t tolerate milk will give very conflicting and unreliable results. There are also many confounding factors to consider, such as micronutrient status and macronutrient intakes,” she continued. “Milk may confer much more benefit to people who have a lower protein and e.g., calcium intake than people who generally have higher intakes.” “In addition to that, the dose makes the potion. Consuming too much or too little of anything can have poor health effects. “ “For future research, I think we’d get the most reliable information in well defined randomized controlled trials in well established groups of people of differing ages, with differing habitual intakes, and well recorded nutrient statuses,” Bjarnadóttir proposed. “Those results, coupled with longitudinal observation studies in well established groups of people with a set habitual intake of milk, would give us some good data to work with.” So, does Bjarnadóttir think we should drink milk or steer clear of it? “Although dairy is not a necessary component of a healthful diet, I think that if you tolerate milk and dairy, they can definitely be healthful additions to your diet. Milk is nutrient-dense, high in protein, and readily available,” she said. “My recommendations would be to limit your intake to no more than 2 servings per day and emphasize consuming non-sweetened, full-fat dairy, such as yogurt. That being said, if you don’t like or don’t tolerate dairy, there are plenty of other ways to get the nutrients found in milk and live a very healthy life.” You can View Us on Facebook

Milk – Is it as healthful as we think

Many people include milk in their diet, but few meet the daily recommended quantities. Experts now urge us to rethink these recommendations and explain why milk may not be as healthful as we think. Dairy milk’s image has taken a bit of a beating, with the likes of oat, almond, and soy milk being hailed as environmentally friendly alternatives. But for many people of all ages, cow’s milk remains a firm favorite —sloshed over cereal, as a frothy companion to coffee, or enjoyed as a bedtime drink. The United States 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines recommend that individuals aged 9 years and over consume 3 cup-equivalents of fat-free and low-fat (1%) dairy products. According to the guideline, put together by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, this includes milk, yogurt, cheese, and fortified soy milk. Yet the average amount of dairy that U.S. adults consume is around 1.6 cups each day, far short of the recommended levels. ALSO, READ:

• Senator Lawan Calls for Advanced Security Measures in NASS
• Meet the African tribe that offers sex to guests
• 10 Facts to know about African Religions

  Does that mean we should all look to increase our dairy consumption?

Experts writing in the New England Journal of Medicine do not think so. Instead, they call into question the quality of the evidence underpinning these recommendations and suggest alternative sources to provide us with the nutrients necessary for our health. Strength of evidence is ‘limited’ The debate about milk is, in fact, not a new one. Back in 2014, Connie M Weaver, emeritus professor and formerly the Head of the Department of Nutrition Science at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN, wrote an article in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition highlighting the lack of good quality evidence in support of dairy guidelines. In her article, which was, in part, funded by Danone Institute International, Weaver alludes to the historical reasons behind milk’s importance to our diet. “Dairy foods play a central role in most dietary guidance recommendations. They provide a package of essential nutrients and bioactive constituents for health that are difficult to obtain in diets with no or limited use of dairy products,” Weaver writes. “Since the agricultural revolution, when energy sources shifted from plant foods relatively high in calcium in the diets of hunter-gatherers to cereal crops with low calcium content, the major source of dietary calcium has been milk,” she continues. Milk has featured in every iteration of the U.S. Dietary Guidelines since its first publication in 1917. Every 5 years, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans Advisory Committee updates the guide, reviewing the available evidence. Weaver references research that highlights how following a dairy-free diet in the context of a U.S.-style Western diet left adolescents aged 9 –18 years struggling to achieve the recommended intake of calcium.

For the purpose of meeting daily nutrient intake, milk and cheese contribute “46.3% of calcium, 11.6% of potassium, and 7.9% of magnesium in the American diet.”

Yet, when it comes to health overall, Weaver writes, “the strength of the evidence for dairy consumption and health is limited by the lack of appropriately powered randomized controlled trials.”

Human health and the environment

Fast forward to 2020, and a new review article in the New England Journal of Medicine picks up the argument. Who both hold positions at Harvard T.H. Chain School of Public Health and Harvard Medical School in Boston, MA, discuss the merits of milk. They also pose questions about the possible risk that consuming it may carry. Both Dr. Willett, a professor of epidemiology and nutrition, and Dr. Ludwig, an endocrinologist, declare no relevant conflicts of interest or industry sponsorship for their article. Medical News Today asked Dr. Willett why he is interested in studying the relationship between milk consumption and health. “This is an important topic because milk is one of few foods that are specifically part of dietary guidelines in the U.S. and many other countries, and the recommended amount in the U.S. (3 glasses per day or equivalent amounts of cheese or other dairy products) would make up a large part of an overall diet,” he explained. “However, studies over the last several decades have not clearly supported the need for such high intakes for prevention of fractures, which has been the main justification, and some concerns about harm have been raised,” he continued. “We thus thought an overview of evidence on risks and benefits would be useful.” But health is not Dr. Willett’s only concern. “Also, milk has a heavy environmental footprint, especially greenhouse gas production, and if everyone consumed 3 glasses per day, this would make avoiding extreme globally warming very difficult,” he elaborated. “This should be at least be considered when making decisions about production and consumption of milk.”

Milk studies have ‘serious limitations’

In their article, the professors highlight the contributions that milk may make to the multitude of aspects of our health. Bone health is probably the most familiar to many people. Milk is a ready source of calcium, a mineral central to developing and maintaining good bone function. Yet, the studies that set the daily recommendations for how much milk and by extension calcium, we should consume, were very small. “The basis for the U.S. recommendations for milk consumption derives from studies assessing the balance of calcium intake and excretion in just 155 adults in whom the estimated calcium intake needed to maintain balance was 741 mg per day,” the professors write in their article. “Beyond small size, these balance studies have other serious limitations, including short duration (2 to 3 weeks) and high habitual calcium intakes,” they continue. The evidence does not support milk consumption to reduce the risk of hip fractures, they further explain. On the contrary, they point out that countries with high milk and calcium intake also have the highest hip fracture rates. The results showed that higher milk consumption leads to an increased risk of hip fractures later in life. How quickly and how tall we grow are two other examples. Research has established a link between these and milk consumption. Yet, the professors urge caution when drawing conclusions at this point. “The health consequences of accelerated growth and greater adult height are complex,” they write. “Tall stature is associated with lower risks of cardiovascular disease but with higher risks of many cancers, hip fractures, and pulmonary emboli.”

Weight, heart health, and cancer

Researchers then turned their attention to a host of other aspects of our health that milk consumption may or may not affect. Several studies have investigated whether milk consumption is beneficial for weight management in adults and children. The professors argue that these showed no “clear effects.” Moreover, they point out that researchers advice to choose reduced-fat dairy, low-fat milk does not appear to have advantages over whole milk for weight control — and in children, available evidence suggests greater long-term weight gain with reduced-fat milk than with full-fat milk.” They also argue that the evidence to support a favorable effect of milk on high blood pressure and cholesterol levels is weak and that studies do not support milk as a risk factor for type 1 or type 2 diabetes. When they looked at cancer, studies showed mixed results. Some studies linked milk consumption to a lower risk of developing colorectal cancer, possibly due to the high levels of calcium found in milk. Other studies, however, pointed to increased rates of breast, prostate, and endometrial cancer. But when it comes to heart disease, they said that “for persons living in low-income countries where diets are very high in starch, moderate intake of dairy foods may reduce cardiovascular disease by providing nutritional value and reducing glycemic load.” Recommendation does not ‘appear to be justified’ So, what is the professors’ overall take on milk? “In our opinion, the current recommendation to greatly increase consumption of dairy foods to 3 or more servings per day does not appear to be justified,” they conclude in the paper. How much milk a person should consume will, they suggest, depends on individual circumstances. “If someone is consuming a poor-quality diet high in refined starch and sugar, as is common in many [low-income] populations around the world, milk can fill in some important nutritional gaps,” “However, if diet quality is otherwise good, the added nutritional benefits of milk will be much less.” But what does that mean for our calcium and vitamin D intake? “When consumption of milk is low, the two nutrients of primary concern, calcium and vitamin D (which is of particular concern at higher latitudes) can be obtained from other foods or supplements without the potential negative consequences of dairy foods,” the professors conclude in their paper. And here is how they propose we can achieve this: “For calcium, alternative dietary sources include kale, broccoli, tofu, nuts, beans, and fortified orange juice; for vitamin D, supplements can provide adequate intake at a far lower cost than fortified milk.”

Should we drink milk or not?

When MNT asked Dr. Willett whether he thinks people should consider avoiding milk, he explained: “In our review, we concluded that milk is not an essential part of a healthful diet, but consumption of modest amounts is compatible with good health. Thus, we suggested a possible range for health of zero to about 2 servings a day for adults.” “I think having flexibility is good because different people have different preferences for many reasons,” he continued. “For environmental reasons, keeping this to about 1 serving a day on average would be important. This is actually not very different from current consumption, which is about 1.6 servings a day; going to 3 servings a day as has been recommended would be a radical change and is not necessary,” “Milk is deeply woven into the culture of many populations in cold climates because this was a way to provide nutrition year-round when many other foods were not available. In most of the world, people do not consume milk as adults, and it is not essential.” So, how aware are the general public of the recommended milk guidelines? “I think most people are aware of the recommendation but not necessarily taking it to heart,” Bjarnadóttir commented. “This recommendation is also special in a way that it can’t apply to everyone. A great deal of the world’s population doesn’t tolerate dairy, and therefore dairy is not a part of their daily routine.”

‘The dose makes the potion’

What kind of research would Bjarnadóttir like to see in the future to help clarify any links between milk and our health? “There’s already a good amount of research available on milk and dairy, and it’s one of those things that may be hard to study and get concrete results,” “Milk intake in habitual milk consumers vs. milk intake in people not used to drinking milk or don’t tolerate milk will give very conflicting and unreliable results. There are also many confounding factors to consider, such as micronutrient status and macronutrient intakes,” she continued. “Milk may confer much more benefit to people who have a lower protein and e.g., calcium intake than people who generally have higher intakes.” “In addition to that, the dose makes the potion. Consuming too much or too little of anything can have poor health effects. “ “For future research, I think we’d get the most reliable information in well defined randomized controlled trials in well established groups of people of differing ages, with differing habitual intakes, and well recorded nutrient statuses,” Bjarnadóttir proposed. “Those results, coupled with longitudinal observation studies in well established groups of people with a set habitual intake of milk, would give us some good data to work with.” So, does Bjarnadóttir think we should drink milk or steer clear of it? “Although dairy is not a necessary component of a healthful diet, I think that if you tolerate milk and dairy, they can definitely be healthful additions to your diet. Milk is nutrient-dense, high in protein, and readily available,” she said. “My recommendations would be to limit your intake to no more than 2 servings per day and emphasize consuming non-sweetened, full-fat dairy, such as yogurt. That being said, if you don’t like or don’t tolerate dairy, there are plenty of other ways to get the nutrients found in milk and live a very healthy life.” You can View Us on Facebook

Home visits to monitor hypertension could save lives

Regular visits from community health workers to monitor high blood pressure can dramatically reduce cardiovascular mortality and disability in low- to middle-income countries, a new study suggests. As a significant risk factor for cardiovascular and kidney diseases, uncontrolled high blood pressure or hypertension is a leading cause of death globally. But because a person with hypertension has no obvious symptoms, many doctors and healthcare professionals call it a silent killer. Many adults living in rural areas of low- and middle-income countries have hypertension, about 70% of which is uncontrolled by medication. As a result, cardiovascular mortality is increasing in these countries, according to an article in the New England Journal of Medicine. The risk is particularly high in areas where there is significant poverty, and healthcare systems are fragmented. ALSO, READ:

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  There is sample evidence that controlling hypertension reduces deaths from cardiovascular disease.

The challenge in lower-income countries is to develop affordable strategies to encourage people with hypertension to take drugs for reducing blood pressure and lowering cholesterol.

Door-to-door service

In South Asia, China, Mexico, and Africa, community health workers carry out home visits to deliver maternity and child care. So, researchers wondered whether adopting a similar door-to-door healthcare service for people with hypertension would improve control of high blood pressure. To find out, they recruited 2,465 adults with hypertension living in 30 rural villages in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. These 30 communities were randomly assigned to continue usual care or to receive a visit every 3 months by trained community health workers.

The health workers measured blood pressure using digital monitors and gave people advice about lifestyle and the importance of taking medication.

The health workers referred people with poorly controlled blood pressure and those at high risk of cardiovascular disease to specially trained doctors at local primary care clinics. A blood pressure reading has two numbers — for example, 140/90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). The first number is the systolic pressure, which refers to the pressure in arteries as the heart muscle contracts. The second relates to the diastolic pressure, which measures blood pressure between heartbeats. Two years after the study started, the intervention group saw a 5mm Hg greater reduction in mean systolic blood pressure than in the control group. Reduction in mean diastolic blood pressure was also higher among people in the intervention group, and more people managed to get their blood pressure under control. Experts define this as a reading of less than 140/90 mm Hg. Researchers says other research has shown that a sustained 5 mm Hg reduction in systolic BP across a community can lead to a 30% reduction in death and disability from cardiovascular disease. A full cost-effectiveness analysis is underway, but early results suggest that if rolled out across all three countries, the program would cost less than $11 per person per year. “Our study demonstrates that an intervention led by community health workers and delivered using the existing healthcare systems in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka can lead to clinically meaningful reductions in BP as well as confer additional benefits — all at a low cost.” Researchers says uncontrolled hypertension and lack of awareness of the disease are “alarmingly high” in her country. “Controlling BP through lifestyle modification and anti-hypertensive therapy can be the single most important way to prevent the rising rates of cardiovascular disease and deaths in Pakistan,” she says.

Keep taking the pills

The study found that being visited at home by community health workers and referrals to specially trained doctors made people more likely to take anti-hypertensive and lipid-lowering medications. Despite people with hypertension having access to the drugs free of charge through state healthcare in Sri Lanka, only about 25% successfully control their blood pressure. “Traditional approaches to health service delivery, reliant on people presenting to clinics, are clearly not good enough,” he adds. “Instead, innovative models of cardiovascular care must incorporate primary healthcare strategies that enhance reach to undeserved populations.” Researchers believes the public health implications of the new findings in developing countries are far-reaching. “A low-cost program like ours could be adapted and scaled up in many other settings globally, using the existing healthcare infrastructure to reduce the growing burden of uncontrolled hypertension and potentially save millions of lives, as well as reduce suffering from heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, and kidney disease.” You can View Us on Facebook

Home visits to monitor hypertension could save lives

Regular visits from community health workers to monitor high blood pressure can dramatically reduce cardiovascular mortality and disability in low- to middle-income countries, a new study suggests. As a significant risk factor for cardiovascular and kidney diseases, uncontrolled high blood pressure or hypertension is a leading cause of death globally. But because a person with hypertension has no obvious symptoms, many doctors and healthcare professionals call it a silent killer. Many adults living in rural areas of low- and middle-income countries have hypertension, about 70% of which is uncontrolled by medication. As a result, cardiovascular mortality is increasing in these countries, according to an article in the New England Journal of Medicine. The risk is particularly high in areas where there is significant poverty, and healthcare systems are fragmented. ALSO, READ:

• Our brains tells us when to stop drinking
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  There is sample evidence that controlling hypertension reduces deaths from cardiovascular disease.

The challenge in lower-income countries is to develop affordable strategies to encourage people with hypertension to take drugs for reducing blood pressure and lowering cholesterol.

Door-to-door service

In South Asia, China, Mexico, and Africa, community health workers carry out home visits to deliver maternity and child care. So, researchers wondered whether adopting a similar door-to-door healthcare service for people with hypertension would improve control of high blood pressure. To find out, they recruited 2,465 adults with hypertension living in 30 rural villages in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. These 30 communities were randomly assigned to continue usual care or to receive a visit every 3 months by trained community health workers.

The health workers measured blood pressure using digital monitors and gave people advice about lifestyle and the importance of taking medication.

The health workers referred people with poorly controlled blood pressure and those at high risk of cardiovascular disease to specially trained doctors at local primary care clinics. A blood pressure reading has two numbers — for example, 140/90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). The first number is the systolic pressure, which refers to the pressure in arteries as the heart muscle contracts. The second relates to the diastolic pressure, which measures blood pressure between heartbeats. Two years after the study started, the intervention group saw a 5mm Hg greater reduction in mean systolic blood pressure than in the control group. Reduction in mean diastolic blood pressure was also higher among people in the intervention group, and more people managed to get their blood pressure under control. Experts define this as a reading of less than 140/90 mm Hg. Researchers says other research has shown that a sustained 5 mm Hg reduction in systolic BP across a community can lead to a 30% reduction in death and disability from cardiovascular disease. A full cost-effectiveness analysis is underway, but early results suggest that if rolled out across all three countries, the program would cost less than $11 per person per year. “Our study demonstrates that an intervention led by community health workers and delivered using the existing healthcare systems in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka can lead to clinically meaningful reductions in BP as well as confer additional benefits — all at a low cost.” Researchers says uncontrolled hypertension and lack of awareness of the disease are “alarmingly high” in her country. “Controlling BP through lifestyle modification and anti-hypertensive therapy can be the single most important way to prevent the rising rates of cardiovascular disease and deaths in Pakistan,” she says.

Keep taking the pills

The study found that being visited at home by community health workers and referrals to specially trained doctors made people more likely to take anti-hypertensive and lipid-lowering medications. Despite people with hypertension having access to the drugs free of charge through state healthcare in Sri Lanka, only about 25% successfully control their blood pressure. “Traditional approaches to health service delivery, reliant on people presenting to clinics, are clearly not good enough,” he adds. “Instead, innovative models of cardiovascular care must incorporate primary healthcare strategies that enhance reach to undeserved populations.” Researchers believes the public health implications of the new findings in developing countries are far-reaching. “A low-cost program like ours could be adapted and scaled up in many other settings globally, using the existing healthcare infrastructure to reduce the growing burden of uncontrolled hypertension and potentially save millions of lives, as well as reduce suffering from heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, and kidney disease.” You can View Us on Facebook

Northwest Development Bill passes second reading at Senate

Bill seeking to establish the Northwest Development Commission on Wednesday passed the second reading at the Senate. The Bill, titled: “A Bill for an Act to establish the North West Development Commission to act as a catalyst to develop the commercial and industrial potentials of the North West, to receive and manage funds from allocation of the Federation for the agricultural and industrial development of the North West and for other related matters therewith, 2020,” was sponsored by Jibrin Barau (Kano North). In his lead debate, the senator said the Bill was co-sponsored by all senators from the Northwest. ALSO, READ:

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Barau said: “The infrastructure of the zone has been immensely destroyed by the activities of the Boko Haram insurgents, armed bandits and kidnappers across the region, leading to exodus of investors, businessmen, managers of companies and employees. “This destruction is having a major impact on the economy of the region as it has led to severe food shortages, unemployment in a region that has traditionally produced cash and food crops across the Sahel. “All these have contributed to make agriculture and other economic activities to suffer, thereby creating more poverty in the zone. “The Federal Government is in the right position to show concern in the face of the plethora of problems and challenges facing this geo-political zone by creating the Northwest Commission to appropriately address the developmental needs of the zone…” Senate President Ahmad Lawan referred the Bill to the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public for further legislative work. You can View Us on Facebook