Smileband general news

Boasting a 25ft swimming pool and a charming sun terrace, this is the luxury apartment block in Haiti where Oxfam aid workers cavorted with young prostitutes at a sex party likened to a 'Caligula orgy'. Terracotta walls, palm trees and floral arrangements give the gated complex the feel of a Mediterranean holiday villa.

The six-bedroom serviced complex, which can sleep 12, was rented to Oxfam for around £1,200 a month – an astronomical sum by Haitian standards.

The Daily Mail found it in a rundown part of Haitian capital Port au Prince after three sources confirmed it was used for the alleged sex parties.

Each of the rooms comes fully furnished so that aid workers do not need to buy their own furniture. The complex – known locally as 'the whorehouse' – has a living room with a flat screen TV and three comfy seats with plenty of space for entertaining.

It was here that video footage was said to have been filmed showing aid workers partying with prostitutes who wore Oxfam T-shirts.

One source said at least five half-naked girls were running around at a 'full-on Caligula orgy'. Such gatherings were referred to as 'young meat barbecues'.

The villa comes with an armed guard as well a 12ft security gate with barbed wire on the top. By contrast, some of the other houses in the area still bear the scars from the 2010 earthquake, which killed 220,000 and left 1.5million people homeless.

The hilly and chaotic streets are choked with pedestrians, traders and traffic. There are potholes everywhere and cars bounce around on the uneven surfaces. <!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->

<script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=UA-109237959-1"></script>

<script>

  window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || [];

  function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);}

  gtag('js', new Date());

  gtag('config', 'UA-109237959-1');

</script>

Smileband health topics

What is botulism?

Botulism is a life-threatening poisoning caused by toxins produced by the bacterium clostridium botulinum. The toxin attacks the nerves, brain and spinal cord and can affect people of any age. Left untreated, paralysis can spread to the lungs, causing breathing failure and death.

Botulism is rare in the UK.

How do you get botulism?

There are three different ways of contracting botulism. These are classified as:

• Food-borne botulism: when you eat something contaminated with the toxin as a result of it being improperly canned or preserved
• Wound botulism: caused when a wound becomes infected with botulinum spores which then germinate, reproduce and then produce toxins. An increase in reported cases has been linked to injecting drug users
• Infant botulism: a very rare condition where a baby swallows some botulinum bacteria spores, which then produce toxins in their intestines. The spores are sometimes found in honey, which is why honey is not recommended for children under 12 months old, who will not have had a chance to develop a defence against the spores.

The infection cannot be spread from person to person.

ADVERTISEMENT

What are the symptoms of botulism?

The first signs of food-borne botulism are usually nausea and vomiting. Diarrhoea is followed by constipation.

More serious symptoms usually begin between 12 and 36 hours after contamination, but can start within six hours or take as long as eight days to appear. These symptoms include blurred vision, difficulty swallowing and speaking and droopy eyelids. As the toxin spreads, this is followed by general muscle weakness, paralysis in the arms and difficulty breathing.

The symptoms of wound botulism begin four to 14 days after infection. They begin in the nerves connecting the brain to the spine before spreading through the rest of the body.

The effects on the nervous system of wound botulism are the same as food-borne botulism, although they take longer to develop.

Infant botulism usually begins with constipation. Several days later, neurological symptoms develop which include an inability to suck, a floppy head and muscles, poor reflexes, heavy eyelids and unfocused eyes. 

<!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->

<script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=UA-109237959-1"></script>

<script>

  window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || [];

  function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);}

  gtag('js', new Date());

  gtag('config', 'UA-109237959-1');

</script>

Smileband general news

New mobile fingerprinting technology involving an app and a mobile scanner will allow frontline officers to use their smartphones to identify people in less than a minute. This is a worrying concept of discrimination to the human society, an aim of a concept that can be used as false ways to arrest people but changing data on a system that has the required motive to discriminate people within social society through corruption and lies that police relate when aiming racism within there constitutional environment. Smileband <!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->

<script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=UA-109237959-1"></script>

<script>

  window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || [];

  function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);}

  gtag('js', new Date());

  gtag('config', 'UA-109237959-1');

</script>

Smileband general news

There was precious little emotion on display at the end of McMafia – from James Norton’s protagonist Alex Godman or the viewers I expect. The finale was easy to enjoy but hard to take seriously and if Godman didn’t seem to care a great deal about the type of man he had become then he and McMafia’s creators could hardly expect us to.

There was no sign of celebration or even relief from Godman when he won his war with ruthless Russian mobster Vadim Kalyagin: simultaneously the most predictable and improbable denouement possible. Even though Godman had achieved his aim of destroying Vadim he was still negotiating deals that ensured huge amounts of heroin and cocaine would be safely smuggled into Europe.

‘I don’t know who he is anymore,’ his irritating (ex)girlfriend Rebecca said, rolling off the clichés. ‘I don’t think he even knows himself.’

That was one way of saying the character didn’t really add up. How much better it would have been if Alex had been strangled, stabbed, or shot by Vadim (or all three, knowing him).

After all, settling feuds with violence was what Vadim did. By contrast, Godman was a hedge fund manager from the City and so hopelessly out of his depth he had chipped up in Moscow without a bodyguard let alone a gun, and just after Vadim’s daughter Natasha had been shot dead in a bungled attempt to assassinate Vadim ordered by Alex’s father. Not great timing…

Admittedly of the two Godman was the hero – or meant to be. But his moral compass was so corrupt, it mattered little to the audience and in any case was largely a hollow victory. Godman fired the shot that killed Vadim but if anything he was only putting him out of his misery. The hard part had been done by a hitman who had mown Vadim down with a sub-machine gun.

The previous episode with Alex on the plane heading for Moscow in blissful ignorance about Vadim’s daughter and his father’s assassin.

Their showdown was by delayed by three false alarms.

Godman was intercepted before he’d even entered the country, pulled over at Passport Control, and put in a cell where he was greeted by Vadim’s lawyer/henchman Colonel Ilya Federova (still rocking a black polo neck, naturally). <!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->

<script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=UA-109237959-1"></script>

<script>

  window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || [];

  function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);}

  gtag('js', new Date());

  gtag('config', 'UA-109237959-1');

</script>

Smileband health topics

Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever is a viral infection caused by Marburg virus. The Marburg virus is a RNA virus that is part of the filovirus family (same family as Ebola). Symptoms include:

• sudden onset fever
• chills
• headache
• myalgia
• maculopapular rash (on the 5th day after symptom onset)
• nausea
• vomiting
• chest pain
• sore throat
• abdominal pain
• diarrhea

Symptoms can become more severe and include jaundice, inflammation of the pancreas, severe weight loss, delirium, shock, liver failure, massive hemorrhaging and multi-organ dysfunction.

Marburg is seen in sporadic outbreaks throughout Africa including Uganda, Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Angola, and South Africa.

Transmission 
The transmission from the host animal (African fruit bat) is unknown. Person to person transmission can occur from direct contact of droplets of body fluids from an infected person. Transmission can also occur from handling infected non-human primates.

Incubation period is 5 to 10 days. Patients with Marburg should be placed in a single room with the door closed.

Dedicated medical equipment should be used for the patient care.

Use of needles, aerosol-generating and other invasive procedures should be avoided.

Prevention for Patients 
Prevention methods include:

• Avoid contact with African fruit bats
• Do not directly handle anything that might have come in contact with an infected person's body fluids
• Wear proper personal protective equipment <!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->
  <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=UA-109237959-1"></script>
  <script>
    window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || [];
    function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);}
    gtag('js', new Date());
  
  
    gtag('config', 'UA-109237959-1');
  </script>
  
  

Smileband general news

The Government is reviewing its relationship with Oxfam in the wake of sex allegations against some of the charity's staff. It comes after it emerged the charity failed to share information with other organisations about the misconduct of their former employees. 

Disgraced Roland van Hauwermeiren, 68, admitted to having sex with vulnerable prostitutes at his Oxfam villa in the poverty-stricken country of Haiti where he was based as country director. But the charity decided to allow Mr Van Hauwermeiren to step down from his position and crucially didn't share details of the termination of contract with his new employer. 

The married 68-year-old went on to become head of mission for Action Against Hunger who told MailOnline it had 'no idea' about his background.

The French charity made pre-employment checks but Oxfam did not provide any warning about his 'unethical conduct'.  

A spokesman said: 'We received positive references from former Oxfam staff who worked with him, among them a (former) HR person.'

Mr Van Hauwermeiren led campaigns for them in Bangladesh between 2012-14 but did not renew his contract after the two years.

His current whereabouts is unknown, the spokesman said. 

The Prime Minister Theresa May called for a 'full and urgent investigation' shortly before it was announced the Government would review its relationship with Oxfam. Oxfam said it had publicly announced an investigation into the allegations when they surfaced in 2011 and kept the Charity Commission informed. 

A DfID spokesman said: 'We often work with organisations in chaotic and difficult circumstances.

'If wrongdoing, abuse, fraud, or criminal activity occur we need to know about it immediately, in full.

'The way this appalling abuse of vulnerable people was <!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->

<script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=UA-109237959-1"></script>

<script>

  window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || [];

  function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);}

  gtag('js', new Date());

  gtag('config', 'UA-109237959-1');

</script>

dealt with raises serious questions that Oxfam must answer.

'We acknowledge that hundreds of Oxfam staff have done no wrong and work tirelessly for the people they serve, but the handling by the senior team about this investigation and their openness with us and the Charity Commission showed a lack of judgment.

'We have a zero tolerance policy for the type of activity that took place in this instance, and we expect our partners to as well.

'The Secretary of State is reviewing our current work with Oxfam and has requested a meeting with the senior team at the earliest opportunity. Oxfam said it had publicly announced an investigation into the allegations when they surfaced in 2011 and kept the Charity Commission informed. 

A DfID spokesman said: 'We often work with organisations in chaotic and difficult circumstances.

'If wrongdoing, abuse, fraud, or criminal activity occur we need to know about it immediately, in full.

'The way this appalling abuse of vulnerable people was dealt with raises serious questions that Oxfam must answer.

'We acknowledge that hundreds of Oxfam staff have done no wrong and work tirelessly for the people they serve, but the handling by the senior team about this investigation and their openness with us and the Charity Commission showed a lack of judgment.

'We have a zero tolerance policy for the type of activity that took place in this instance, and we expect our partners to as well.

'The Secretary of State is reviewing our current work with Oxfam and has requested a meeting with the senior team at the earliest opportunity.'Oxfam said it had publicly announced an investigation into the allegations when they surfaced in 2011 and kept the Charity Commission informed. 

A DfID spokesman said: 'We often work with organisations in chaotic and difficult circumstances.

'If wrongdoing, abuse, fraud, or criminal activity occur we need to know about it immediately, in full.

'The way this appalling abuse of vulnerable people was dealt with raises serious questions that Oxfam must answer.

'We acknowledge that hundreds of Oxfam staff have done no wrong and work tirelessly for the people they serve, but the handling by the senior team about this investigation and their openness with us and the Charity Commission showed a lack of judgment.

'We have a zero tolerance policy for the type of activity that took place in this instance, and we expect our partners to as well.

'The Secretary of State is reviewing our current work with Oxfam and has requested a meeting with the senior team at the earliest opportunity. 

smileband health topics

Ehrlichiosis is a broad term used for infections caused by Ehrlichia bacterial species. The symptoms commonly seen with these infections include fever, headache, chills, malaise, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, rash, and conjunctival injection. Symptoms will vary for individuals.

 

Ehrlichiosis can be a very serious disease if not treated correctly. Individuals who are immunocompromised are more likely to have severe disease.

 

Arizona will typically see 1 to 4 cases of ehrlichiosis reported each year.

 

Arizona 5 year median: 2 cases

 

Transmission

Transmission occurs from the bite of an infected tick. Blood transfusions and organ transplantation are also possible modes of transmission.

Incubation period is between 5 to 21 days.

Lab Tests & Specimen Info

Test*	Specimen
PCR (this test should be used during the acute phase of the disease)	Whole Blood
Serology (Acute and convalescent specimens should be sent and the convalescent should be collected 2-4 weeks after the acute)	Serum
Microscopic examination (this test should be used during the first week of illness)

 Isolation Precautions

Ehrlichiosis is not a communicable disease. 

Standard precautions are recommended in healthcare settings. 

Prevention for Patients
Reducing contact with ticks:

• use insect repellent
• wear long sleeves and pants
• avoid wooded areas and brushy areas with high grass
• perform thorough tick checks after spending time outdoors

Public Health Actions
If an individual develops ehrlichiosis within a month of receiving a blood transfusion or solid organ donation this case should promptly be reported to public health so an investigation can be completed. 

Public health will conduct an epidemiological investigation on a case or suspect case. <!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->

<script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=UA-109237959-1"></script>

<script>

  window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || [];

  function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);}

  gtag('js', new Date());

  gtag('config', 'UA-109237959-1');

</script>

smileband general news

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry are spearheading a new campaign to end stigma around mental health.

The Heads Together campaign is a partnership with experienced and inspiring charities that provide frontline mental health support to people who may need it, whilst raising awareness and tackling stigma. Supported by The Royal Foundation, the Heads Together campaign aims to change the national conversation on mental wellbeing.

The Heads Together campaign is extremely fortunate to be selected as the 2017 Virgin Money London Marathon Charity of the Year. As the UK’s premier charity sports event, with its energetic and positive fundraising, this year’s Virgin Money London Marathon is the perfect springboard for this vital campaign.

A spokesman for The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry said:
“Through their work with young people, emergency response, homeless charities, and with veterans, Their Royal Highnesses have seen time and time again that unresolved mental health problems lie at the heart of some of our greatest social challenges.

“They are passionate about tackling the stigma surrounding the issue. Too often, they have seen that people feel afraid to admit that they are struggling with their mental health. This fear of prejudice and judgement stops people from getting help and can destroy families and end lives. They want to help change the national conversation.

“Heads Together will be the biggest project The Duke and Duchess and Prince Harry have undertaken together. They are incredibly grateful to be working with charities who have achieved so much in the fight against the stigma that surrounds the issue. They want the Heads Together campaign to build on the great work that is already being done across the country so that prejudice and fear no longer stand in the way of people getting the help they need. They want people need to feel much more comfortable with their everyday mental wellbeing and have the practical tools to support their friends and family.

“Their Royal Highnesses would like to thank the Virgin Money London Marathon for making Heads Together their 2017 Charity of the Year. They cannot wait to see hundreds of runners hitting the streets of London next April to end the stigma on mental health once and for all.”
The Heads Together partnership currently consists of the following charities, however the campaign will be open for other organisations to join in the months ahead: <!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->

<script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=UA-109237959-1"></script>

<script>

  window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || [];

  function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);}

  gtag('js', new Date());

  gtag('config', 'UA-109237959-1');

</script>

Smileband general news

A 16-year-old boy has been cleared of killing a man who was shot dead outside a petrol station, while a second teenager who is accused of pulling the trigger remains on the run, possibly in Ibiza. John Pordage, 34, was killed by a single shot to the chest at a BP garage in Chelmsford, Essex, following an altercation with a group of teenagers.

He was returning from a nightclub and on his way to buy cigarettes when he was attacked at around 2.10am on August 5 last year at the garage in Baddow Road. A 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was found not guilty of murder or manslaughter following a four-week trial at Chelmsford Crown Court, Essex Police said.

Tracy Ayling QC, prosecuting, had told the trial that the 16-year-old was with a second teenager, Bradley Blundell.

She said Blundell, who was 17 at the time and is now 18, shot Mr Pordage.

Blundell remains on the run from police, and officers believe he may be using Ibiza as a base.

Crimestoppers is offering a £10,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.

Following the trial, DCI Martin Pasmore of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: 'We remain determined to locate Bradley Blundell and bring him to trial.

'I appeal to Bradley to give himself up. 'We will never give up searching for him and we are liaising with the National Crime Agency and colleagues abroad to locate him.'

The 16-year-old boy admitted perverting the course of justice and handling stolen goods.

His co-defendant Saul Stanley, 18, of no fixed address, was found guilty of two counts of possessing a prohibited firearm, one count of possessing ammunition without a certificate and perverting the course of justice.

He was cleared of two further counts of possessing ammunition without a firearms certificate.

He admitted handling stolen goods.

Stanley and the 16-year-old are due to be sentenced on March 2. 

Smileband health topics

Ringworm is a fungal infection that can be caused by over 40 different species of fungi from the Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton families. The fungus can cause an itchy, red, circular rash on the body. Ringworm can affect different parts of the body including feet, groin, scalp, beard, hands, toenails or fingernails, and arms or legs.

 

Ringworm is a very common infection but those who have weakened immune systems may be at high risk for the infection and may have a harder time fighting off the infection. The fungi can live on skin and in the environmnet.

 

Transmission

Transmission can occur from coming into to contact with a person or animal that has the fungi. Transmission can also occur if you come in contact with the fungi in the environment.

The incubation period is 1 to 3 weeks.

Lab Tests & Specimen Info

Test*	Specimen
Microscopic Examination	Lesion Scraping
Culture	Hair, Skin Scraping

 Isolation Precautions

Standard precautions are recommended in healthcare settings. 

Prevention for Patients

• Keep your skin clean and dry
• Wear shoes that allow air to circulate freely around your feet
• Don't walk barefoot in locker rooms or public showers
• Don't share clothing, towels, sheets or other personal items
• Wash your hands after touching pets 
• <!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->
  <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=UA-109237959-1"></script>
  <script>
    window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || [];
    function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);}
    gtag('js', new Date());
  
  
    gtag('config', 'UA-109237959-1');
  </script>