Health variant of the lithotomy position with the head flexed . The trial revealed that the squatting group had fewer deliveries involving the use of forceps , significantly shorter second stages , fewer perineal tears , but slightly more labial tears . Neonatal outcomes , blood losses were similar in both groups .
We should note , however , that current recommendations from the majority of international health institutions , including the UK ’ s National Institute for Health Care Excellence ( NICE guidelines ), endorse the practice of women utilizing alternative birthing positions in labour and discourage the use of supine positions in normal childbirth .
The evidence-based philosophy upon which the “ modern ” medical industry is built proves that ancient natural health approaches are generally more efficient and cost-effective ; this shows that Africans ought to confidently explore their traditional medical practices and integrate those found to be efficient into modern medicine .
Safe obstetrical practices have been and will continue to be at the core of every nation ’ s heart , and the best possible safe techniques have for long been the focus of medical research . African health leaders are duty-bound to strengthen our health systems and ensure the implementation of guidelines proven to be safe . Clearly , safe childbirth doesn ’ t necessarily require expensive equipment ; it can be achieved and sustained with the available basic knowledge of best practices combined with effective tailored health systems .
Ndayisaba Gateka is a Burundian independent analyst on religion and its impact on culture in Africa . He works in the healthcare sector
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Diabetes Reversal Using African Bitterleaf : Some Scientific Evidence
Chika Ezeanya-Esiobu
Previously uncommon in the region , cases of diabetes across Africa have begun to exacerbate as more and more Africans adopt Western lifestyles and diets . While the disease is more rampant among middle age and older populations , very young children are now daily being diagnosed as diabetic in different parts of the continent . In African traditional pharmacology , water extracts from the leaves of African bitterleaf , scientifically known as Vernonia amygdalina , have been used to successfully treat diabetes for years . In recent times , researchers , aware of the successes recorded in African traditional medicine , have conducted scien- tific studies to that effect . In this article , we shall look at four scientific research papers published in international peer-reviewed journals , which all report that water extracts from bitterleaf contain some compounds that , when used appropriately , are able to reverse diabetes in sufferers .
Being diabetic means that the glucose or blood sugar in an individual ’ s bloodstream is above normal , which can pose serious health risks to the entire body system while targeting specific organs of the body for extreme damage . Complications that can arise from diabetes include kidney damage , eye damage , feet damage , cardiovascular diseases , nerve damage , depression , Alzheimer ’ s , hearing problems and various skin conditions , to mention a few . Diabetes is known as the silent killer , since many sufferers are undiagnosed . There may be no symptoms in the early stages of the disease , although that does not mean the body is not being harmed at that point . As diabetes progresses , there might be mild symptoms that can present in the form of tiredness , weight loss , disproportionate thirst , continuous hunger and frequent urination . The disease has led many Africans to their early grave and incapacitated numerous others .
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