Background: Several studies have shown that driving a bus in a crowded urban area is a highly stressful job and carries a high risk for hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of hypertension and CVD risk factors among commercial transport workers in Lagos Nigeria Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 194 commercial bus drivers and 37 conductors at two motor parks in Lagos. Information on biodata, social habits and family history of CVD was obtained via a pre-tested questionnaire. Height, weight, blood pressure (BP), waist and hip circumference were measured. From these measurements we calculated body mass index (BMI) and waist – hip ratio (WHR). Results: The prevalence of hypertension was 17.3% among the respondents. The drivers had significantly higher BP, BMI and WHR compared with conductors. Mean systolic BP was 122.7 ± 20.5 mmHg in drivers versus conductors115.1 ± 16.4 (p = 0.034), diastolic BP of 82.8 ± 12.8 mmHg versus 77.6 ± 11.9 mmHg, (p = 0.022). BMI 24.74 ± 4.10 kg/m2 in drivers compared to 22.15 ± 2.50 in conductors (p < 0.0001). WHR was 0.88 ± 0.08 in drivers versus 0.85 ± 0.09 in conductors (p = 0.05). Risk factors associated with hypertension on multiple regression analysis were age, alcohol consumption and BMI. Among the respondents, 45.9% smoked cigarettes, 29.4% used cannabis while 67.1% drank alcohol. Conclusion: Prevalence of hypertension among commercial bus drivers was lower than in the general population. Hypertension was related to age, obesity and alcohol intake. Smoking and use of hard drugs were highly prevalent among commercial transport workers.

Background and purpose: The hamstrings are among the set of muscles which are highly abused and vulnerable to injury, resulting often in their stiffness. Thus, the purpose of the study was to compare the therapeutic efficacy of two techniques, namely soft tissue massage (STM) and hold relax combined with soft tissue massage (HRS) on hamstring flexibility. Subjects/Materials/ Methods: Forty-five apparently healthy people participated in this study. They were assigned into three groups STM, HRS and control. All subjects had both pre and post treatment evaluation of their hamstring flexibility using sit and reach test, though the subjects in the control group had no treatment. The subjects in the treatment group had treatment thrice weekly for a consecutive 6 weeks period. Results: The results indicate that subjects who received HRS achieved significantly greater increase in hamstring flexibility than the control and soft tissue massage groups (P= 0.00). However, the STM intervention group did not differ significantly from the control group (p = 1.00). Conclusion: It is therefore suggested that HRS constitute a major therapeutic intervention in hamstring tightness.

Aim: To determine the pattern of visual defects among the residents of Support Homes in four locations in Nigeria. Materials and Method: A survey of 74 residents of Support Homes in 4 locations in Nigeria namely Shahuchi (Kano), Regina Mundi Mushin and Old Peoples' Home Yaba (Lagos) as well as Home for the Elderly (Port-Harcourt) was carried out during the months of May, August and December 1998. Results: The prevalence of blindness and low vision was 31.4% and 27.1% respectively. The prevalence of blindness and low vision was highest among 80– 89 year age group and lowest among those less than 50years (0.05)(p< 0.05). Senile cataract was the leading cause of bilateral blindness (59.1%) and low vision(73.7%). Glaucoma was the second commonest cause of blindness (27.5%). Cataract accounted for uni-ocular blindness and low vision in 25% and 100% of eyes respectively. Prevalence of cataract was 83.8% and 61.5% of the blind eyes. Conclusion: Cataract is the leading cause of bilateral and uni-ocular blindness in all the Support Homes studied and is a reversible blindness. Thus the burden of blindness especially in the elderly group in these homes is quite high. The implication of the findings was highlighted and recommendations made.

The hypoglycemic effect of the aqueous extract of Heated (HE) and Non-Heated (NE) leaf extract of the vemonia amygdalina (Bitter leaf/Ewuro) was studied, using alloxan treated albino rats. Rats in groups with Alloxan-induced diabetes (experimental groups) were given the above extracts for 14 days and their mean blood glucose (MBG) compared with alloxan treated rats that had no extracts. Fasting blood glucose of the rats in the different groups were determined at onset i.e day zero and on the 7th and 14th days. The results show a statistically significant reduction of MBG in the extract treated diabetic rats, with the non-heated group (NE) showing greater potency. By the 14th day of treatment, there was a 66% (P < 0.001) reduction in MBG in the NE group, and 50% (P < 0.05) reduction in the heated extract (HE) group. This result suggests that the hypoglycemic agents in the plant are to some extent heat-stable and raises the prospect that people ingesting large quantities of the plant may derive some advantage in the control of diabetes.

Chronic venous insufficiency is a long term sequlae in approximately one third of patients with previous deep venous thrombosis. It could also result from conditions such as congenital absence of the valves, and prolonged standing. Presenting features include pain, edema, venous claudication, skin changes, and skin ulceration. This case report highlights the importance of duplex ultrasonography in evaluating patients with suspected lower extremity deep venous thrombosis and possible complications such as chronic venous insufficiency.

An eight year old girl was diagnosed with anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome after she developed a triad of fever, maculo-papular eruption with extensive skin desquamation and internal organ (liver) involvement six weeks after the commencement of carbamazepine therapy for seizure disorder. This was complicated by Staphylococcal septicaemia. Treatment consisted of withdrawal of the offending drug, use of antibiotics, antihistamines, steroids, hydration and skin care. Her symptoms completely resolved after four weeks and she was discharged home.