Minister of Health and Wellness the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville said the public should be aware that the Ministry’s National Communicable Disease Surveillance Unit and Department of Public Health teams in New Providence and Abaco are actively monitoring 16 positive cases and family members with Dengue Fever. 

“The public can rest assured that all healthcare facilities are on high alert for Dengue cases,” Dr. Darville said during a press conference at the Ministry of Health on Thursday, August 24, 2023.

“Additionally, we are working with the Department of Environmental Health Services to ensure that usual standard vector control protocols remain in place to reduce the spread of all arbovirus illnesses, like Dengue, within the country.”

Managing Director at the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA), Aubynette Rolle confirmed that there are three persons hospitalized at the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) one of which is in the Intensive Care Unit.

The Managing Director said the hospital is prepared and has spaces now identified to be able to care for patients who come down with Dengue.

However, she explained that due to the on-going renovations to PMH that have halved the size of the emergency room, the public who are displaying symptoms should have a conversation with their physician if they have one or seek to go the clinics to have all of their symptoms assessed and from there they might get a referral. 

The Managing Director said, “The emergency room is full of patients who require emergency care, and when you bring in more patients who are waiting to be assessed, then you are going to have issues in terms of service and timely service.”

She said the country including the clinics will have the tools and medications needed for adults and children.

Residents are advised that Dengue Fever can cause serious illness including severe dengue, dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome which happens when blood vessels become damaged and leaky and a decrease in clot-forming cells (platelets) occurs.

This can lead to shock, internal bleeding, organ failure and death. Symptoms of Dengue Fever include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, rash, aches and pains such as eye pain – typically behind the eyes, muscle, bone and joint pain.

Dengue Fever is a viral illness, spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Although this mosquito can bite at any time it is more active shortly after dawn and before dusk. To protect oneself, despite the heat, persons are encouraged to wear long-sleeved shirts and long trousers of light materials and stay hydrated. The public is further advised to use approved mosquito repellents containing DEET, Icaridin, or IR3535, and according to the product’s instructions.

Head of the Vector Control Unit at Environmental Health Services, Luther Ferguson said the best way for the public to protect themselves from Dengue is to  get rid of breeding sites on their premises including tires, vases and jars.

Mr. Ferguson said part of his Unit’s mandate is to do site inspections, so he asked for the cooperation of the public if they are approached by a Unit officer.

He noted that the Unit also conducts ground fogging, which only gets the adults but as long as breeding sites remain, mosquitos can come back within three to four hours.

Minister of Health and Wellness the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville said the public should be aware that the Ministry’s National Communicable Disease Surveillance Unit and Department of Public Health teams in New Providence and Abaco are actively monitoring 16 positive cases and family members with Dengue Fever.   “The public can rest assured that all healthcare facilities are on high alert for Dengue cases,” Dr. Darville said during a press conference at the Ministry of Health on Thursday, August 24, 2023. “Additionally, we are working with the Department of Environmental Health Services to ensure that usual standard vector control protocols remain in place to reduce the spread of all arbovirus illnesses, like Dengue, within the country.” Managing Director at the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA), Aubynette Rolle confirmed that there are three persons hospitalized at the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) one of which is in the Intensive Care Unit. The Managing Director said the hospital is prepared and has spaces now identified to be able to care for patients who come down with Dengue. However, she explained that due to the on-going renovations to PMH that have halved the size of the emergency room, the public who are displaying symptoms should have a conversation with their physician if they have one or seek to go the clinics to have all of their symptoms assessed and from there they might get a referral.    The Managing Director said, “The emergency room is full of patients who require emergency care, and when you bring in more patients who are waiting to be assessed, then you are going to have issues in terms of service and timely service.” She said the country including the clinics will have the tools and medications needed for adults and children. Residents are advised that Dengue Fever can cause serious illness including severe dengue, dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome which happens when blood vessels become damaged and leaky and a decrease in clot-forming cells (platelets) occurs.   This can lead to shock, internal bleeding, organ failure and death. Symptoms of Dengue Fever include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, rash, aches and pains such as eye pain – typically behind the eyes, muscle, bone and joint pain. Dengue Fever is a viral illness, spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Although this mosquito can bite at any time it is more active shortly after dawn and before dusk. To protect oneself, despite the heat, persons are encouraged to wear long-sleeved shirts and long trousers of light materials and stay hydrated. The public is further advised to use approved mosquito repellents containing DEET, Icaridin, or IR3535, and according to the product’s instructions. Head of the Vector Control Unit at Environmental Health Services, Luther Ferguson said the best way for the public to protect themselves from Dengue is to  get rid of breeding sites on their premises including tires, vases and jars. Mr. Ferguson said part of his Unit’s mandate is to do site inspections, so he asked for the cooperation of the public if they are approached by a Unit officer. He noted that the Unit also conducts ground fogging, which only gets the adults but as long as breeding sites remain, mosquitos can come back within three to four hours.

Calling it a red letter day, Minister of Health & Wellness, the Hon. Michael R. Darville described the opening of the newly renovated clinic in The Bluff, Eleuthera as a culmination of dedication, planning and collaboration between healthcare professionals, government officials, community leaders and private residents.

The Minister also added, “The clinic also stands as a proud monument of service because of thestrength of the community and its stakeholders to have such a facility to support the healthcareneeds of the community.”

Delivering remarks that drew rounds of applause and audience interaction, Minister Darvillereminded residents attending the ceremony of the comprehensive healthcare plan of thegovernment as outlined in the Blueprint for Change; as he described it as less of a politicaldocument and more of a commitment to the people of The Bahamas. The Health Minister alsoused the opportunity to tout the partnership between health and wellness.

He revealed elements of the STEPS 2019 Survey saying that it reflected the poor health statusof our nation. “We failed on that report card. The Bahamas is reported as having the highestrecord of diabetes in the region with added sugar and excess salt intake also leading to heartattack, stroke and other complications.” Dr. Darville charged nurses attending the ceremony tosee the invaluable contribution of community nursing to the overall health of our nation.

Chief Medical Officer at the Ministry, Dr. Pear McMillan expressed enthusiasm about the clinic’spotential impact on the island. “This Community Clinic is not just a medical facility; it is afoundation for healthier living. With a focus on preventive care, early intervention, healtheducation and services, we aim to empower residents to take charge of their health journey.” Thecommunity is encouraged to embrace this opportunity to prioritize their health and wellness.

Along with community residents also in attendance at the ceremony was: Mr. Sylvanus Petty,M.P. for North Eleuthera, Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly and Chairman of the Waterand Sewerage Corporation; senior Ministry of Health & Wellness officials; contractor MekelMcDonald from MDM Construction and private partner community donors.

Calling it a red letter day, Minister of Health & Wellness, the Hon. Michael R. Darville described the opening of the newly renovated clinic in The Bluff, Eleuthera as a culmination of dedication, planning and collaboration between healthcare professionals, government officials, community leaders and private residents. The Minister also added, “The clinic also stands as a proud monument of service because of the strength of the community and its stakeholders to have such a facility to support the healthcare needs of the community.” Delivering remarks that drew rounds of applause and audience interaction, Minister Darville reminded residents attending the ceremony of the comprehensive healthcare plan of the government as outlined in the Blueprint for Change; as he described it as less of a political document and more of a commitment to the people of The Bahamas. The Health Minister also used the opportunity to tout the partnership between health and wellness. He revealed elements of the STEPS 2019 Survey saying that it reflected the poor health status of our nation. “We failed on that report card. The Bahamas is reported as having the highest record of diabetes in the region with added sugar and excess salt intake also leading to heart attack, stroke and other complications.” Dr. Darville charged nurses attending the ceremony to see the invaluable contribution of community nursing to the overall health of our nation. Chief Medical Officer at the Ministry, Dr. Pear McMillan expressed enthusiasm about the clinic’s potential impact on the island. “This Community Clinic is not just a medical facility; it is a foundation for healthier living. With a focus on preventive care, early intervention, health education and services, we aim to empower residents to take charge of their health journey.” The community is encouraged to embrace this opportunity to prioritize their health and wellness. Along with community residents also in attendance at the ceremony was: Mr. Sylvanus Petty, M.P. for North Eleuthera, Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly and Chairman of the Water and Sewerage Corporation; senior Ministry of Health & Wellness officials; contractor Mekel McDonald from MDM Construction and private partner community donors.

Minister with responsibility for the Environment and Natural Resources and the acting Minister for Transport and Housing, Vaughn Miller says every effort is being made to protect the lives and livelihoods of residents in the immediate communities where an oil slick was reported two days ago, namely residents in Pinder’s Point, North Bahamia, Hunters and Grand Bahama in general.

“The government of The Bahamas is acutely aware of the impact of these types of incidents on the environment and on the lives of our people, and the preservation of the environment remains a priority for the Davis Administration,” Minister Miller said during a press briefing at the Ministry for Grand Bahama on Thursday, August 3, 2023.

The press briefing came two days after a report of oil in the waters near Buckeye Bahamas Hub in Pinder’s Point was made.  Attending the press briefing along with Minister Miller was Senator Michael Halkitis, Minister with responsibility for Economic Affairs and the Acting Minister for Grand Bahama, who represented Minister Ginger Moxey (Minister for Grand Bahama), who was off island.

Minister Miller noted that the meeting was to apprise the general public, through the media, of their findings thus far as it pertains to the investigation of the spill in Pinder’s Point. Minister Miller noted that reports suggest that at approximately 5:54 a.m. on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at Buckeye Bahamas Hub, the terminal began flushing operations to facilitate the transfer of products between two tanks.

The transfer was to allow the first tank to receive a new product via the outer jetty. Minister Miller reported that unrelated to that transfer, two vessels were at the jetty conducting a non-related exercise to the transfer.

“Within minutes of the transfer commencing, the product fuel from loading arm A2, which was inactive, and in the stored position at the time of the incident, began spraying out,” Minister Miller told the media.

“The Government of the Bahamas is advised that this resulted in approximately five to ten barrels of product fuel spraying out in the mist. We are further advised that it is estimated that between two and three barrels of product reached the water.

“Due to the fuel entering the water, an oil sheen was observed. We are advised that the oil sheen began migrating westward and out to sea. The Government was informed that actions taken by the operators of the facility included the immediate suspension of the line flushing operations and the commencement of the containment and recovery efforts.”

According to Minister Miller, once the incident was reported, the Ministry of Transport and Housing immediately activated the National Oil Spill Advisory committee. He added that the Ministry of Transport and Housing, the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources and the Ministry of Grand Bahama are working collaboratively to investigate this incident.

The lead agencies for this investigation are the Port Department, The Department of Environmental Planning and Protection and the Department of Environmental Health Services. Representatives from all of those agencies are presently in Grand Bahama, on the ground.

“Already, the team has conducted aerial surveillance of the area, met with senior management of the Buckeye Bahamas Hub and completed a site visit via boat, where the sheen on the water was indeed confirmed. The investigation remains active and on-going.

“For the benefit of members of the public and in the interest of full disclosure, we wish to clearly note that the operators of the buckeye Bahamas Hub are cooperating with the investigating agencies. Further updates will be provided by members of the public as this investigation progresses.”

According to Arana Pyfrom, Deputy Director in the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection, based on their investigation thus far, it was determined that the oil slick took place approximately three quarters of a mile from land. He admitted that immediate action by Buckeye resulted in good containment in the jetty area.

Anthony Ryan, Public Analysts in the Department of Environmental Health Services says there is some good news amid the situation. That good news lies in the fact that nature is helping to take care of the spill.

“It is moving out to sea,” he said. “In some areas there is sheen on the water surface. My advice is that if you see this stay out of the water for now, to allow the sheen to flush out. Wave action serves as a natural dispersion when you have sheen on the water.  It goes through a dissolve phase and the sun will also help to get rid of it.

“When you have a spill like this, out to sea and spread out wide, its very difficult to try and clean it all up at once. The company is doing a very good job, because what they’re doing is using d-oil to try and break it up. The combination of using a d-oil, the activities of nature, wave action and the sun, we expect a quick resolution to the sheen that’s on the water.

“Remember, this is not heavy oil sitting on the water. This is a sheen on the surface of the water that will dissipate.”

Asked if the company will be forced to pay for the spill, Minister Vaughn Miller said that once the investigation is done and the company is found to be in the wrong, the company will pay.

“In the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection, once all our findings have been submitted and the Department makes the decision and submits its recommendations to the office of the Attorney General, then, based on that we will determine what we will do.

“But we have always operated under the principle that the polluter pays. And depending on the extent of it will determine how much the polluter pays. We just have to enforce it.”  

Minister with responsibility for the Environment and Natural Resources and the acting Minister for Transport and Housing, Vaughn Miller says every effort is being made to protect the lives and livelihoods of residents in the immediate communities where an oil slick was reported two days ago, namely residents in Pinder’s Point, North Bahamia, Hunters and Grand Bahama in general. “The government of The Bahamas is acutely aware of the impact of these types of incidents on the environment and on the lives of our people, and the preservation of the environment remains a priority for the Davis Administration,” Minister Miller said during a press briefing at the Ministry for Grand Bahama on Thursday, August 3, 2023. The press briefing came two days after a report of oil in the waters near Buckeye Bahamas Hub in Pinder’s Point was made.  Attending the press briefing along with Minister Miller was Senator Michael Halkitis, Minister with responsibility for Economic Affairs and the Acting Minister for Grand Bahama, who represented Minister Ginger Moxey (Minister for Grand Bahama), who was off island. Minister Miller noted that the meeting was to apprise the general public, through the media, of their findings thus far as it pertains to the investigation of the spill in Pinder’s Point. Minister Miller noted that reports suggest that at approximately 5:54 a.m. on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at Buckeye Bahamas Hub, the terminal began flushing operations to facilitate the transfer of products between two tanks.   The transfer was to allow the first tank to receive a new product via the outer jetty. Minister Miller reported that unrelated to that transfer, two vessels were at the jetty conducting a non-related exercise to the transfer. “Within minutes of the transfer commencing, the product fuel from loading arm A2, which was inactive, and in the stored position at the time of the incident, began spraying out,” Minister Miller told the media.   “The Government of the Bahamas is advised that this resulted in approximately five to ten barrels of product fuel spraying out in the mist. We are further advised that it is estimated that between two and three barrels of product reached the water. “Due to the fuel entering the water, an oil sheen was observed. We are advised that the oil sheen began migrating westward and out to sea. The Government was informed that actions taken by the operators of the facility included the immediate suspension of the line flushing operations and the commencement of the containment and recovery efforts.” According to Minister Miller, once the incident was reported, the Ministry of Transport and Housing immediately activated the National Oil Spill Advisory committee. He added that the Ministry of Transport and Housing, the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources and the Ministry of Grand Bahama are working collaboratively to investigate this incident. The lead agencies for this investigation are the Port Department, The Department of Environmental Planning and Protection and the Department of Environmental Health Services. Representatives from all of those agencies are presently in Grand Bahama, on the ground.   “Already, the team has conducted aerial surveillance of the area, met with senior management of the Buckeye Bahamas Hub and completed a site visit via boat, where the sheen on the water was indeed confirmed. The investigation remains active and on-going.   “For the benefit of members of the public and in the interest of full disclosure, we wish to clearly note that the operators of the buckeye Bahamas Hub are cooperating with the investigating agencies. Further updates will be provided by members of the public as this investigation progresses.” According to Arana Pyfrom, Deputy Director in the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection, based on their investigation thus far, it was determined that the oil slick took place approximately three quarters of a mile from land. He admitted that immediate action by Buckeye resulted in good containment in the jetty area. Anthony Ryan, Public Analysts in the Department of Environmental Health Services says there is some good news amid the situation. That good news lies in the fact that nature is helping to take care of the spill.   “It is moving out to sea,” he said. “In some areas there is sheen on the water surface. My advice is that if you see this stay out of the water for now, to allow the sheen to flush out. Wave action serves as a natural dispersion when you have sheen on the water.  It goes through a dissolve phase and the sun will also help to get rid of it. “When you have a spill like this, out to sea and spread out wide, its very difficult to try and clean it all up at once. The company is doing a very good job, because what they’re doing is using d-oil to try and break it up. The combination of using a d-oil, the activities of nature, wave action and the sun, we expect a quick resolution to the sheen that’s on the water. “Remember, this is not heavy oil sitting on the water. This is a sheen on the surface of the water that will dissipate.” Asked if the company will be forced to pay for the spill, Minister Vaughn Miller said that once the investigation is done and the company is found to be in the wrong, the company will pay. “In the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection, once all our findings have been submitted and the Department makes the decision and submits its recommendations to the office of the Attorney General, then, based on that we will determine what we will do. “But we have always operated under the principle that the polluter pays. And depending on the extent of it will determine how much the polluter pays. We just have to enforce it.”  

The dental hygienist is a licensed dental professional registered with the dental association or regulatory body within The Bahamas. The dental hygienist serves as the gatekeeper to the world of oral health. However, they look after more than just teeth and gums. The mouth offers a glimpse into the overall health of the body.

The role of the dental hygienist in promoting best dental health and avoiding systemic diseases is important.

Dental hygienists partner with dentists to empower patients. They share information to help raise awareness on the importance of good oral health. In doing so, dental hygienists tend to focus their attention in the areas of oral hygiene and general education, periodontal disease and gingivitis prevention and treatment, relationship between dental disease and overall health, caries (cavities or tooth decay), and teeth whitening.

Oral hygiene education: Dental hygienists and oral health therapists are professional, highly-trained dental providers who focus on disease prevention, oral health promotion and clinical treatment and education. This is fundamental to the proactive management of oral health. Also, this includes dietary advice and smoking cessation programs.

Periodontal disease: Dental hygienists also help to manage periodontal (gum) disease by carefully removing tartar that builds up on teeth. Also, they educate patients on strategies to reduce tartar buildup. Your dental hygienist will be among the first to support your efforts when your oral health shows significant improvement because of good personal practices.

If gingivitis is untreated, it may develop into periodontal disease which weakens the bone support for your teeth and will eventually result in the loss of the tooth.

Also, periodontal disease has been linked to other diseases including diabetes, heart disease and low birth weights babies. That is why we recommend treating periodontal disease quickly and properly.

Every time you brush and floss your teeth, look for the following – redness or swelling, blood on your toothbrush, floss or pillow, puffy gums, persistent bad breath, metallic taste in mouth, or overly sensitive teeth.

Cavity prevention and early diagnosis: Dental hygienists serve a key function to a personalized, cavity prevention plan. This involves a thorough and comprehensive assessment of individual risk factors, detection of cavities and incorporation of the patient's medical and dental histories. They take bitewings and peri-apical x-rays to aid in the diagnosis of hard-to-reach cavities.

Dentists and hygienists cannot emphasize enough the importance of focusing on these four daily routines to maintain a healthy smile: brush at least twice per day, floss daily and rinse with a non-alcohol mouthwash.

Dental hygienists serve as your dental advocate and will give support throughout the journey to become and remain healthy. Hygienists serve a critically important function in our society. They love their work and enjoy a sense of professional and personal satisfaction when each patient becomes motivated to secure their dental fortunes with good oral health.

Patients who regularly visit their dental hygienist and take their advice have a much better chance to save their teeth, have reduced dental complications and become overall healthier.

   
• Dr. Kendal V. O. Major is the founder and CEO of Center for Specialized Dentistry, which is a comprehensive family dental practice operating in Nassau and Freeport. He is the first Bahamian specialist in gum diseases and dental implants since 1989. He also is a certified Fastbraces provider. His practice is located at 89 Collins Avenue, Nassau at (242)325-5165 or kmajor@csddentistry.com.