Bahamas News
Cleveland Clinic Florida Surgeon ‘Weight-loss surgery long-term effects most significant in younger to middle age populations’
#Bahamas, October 13, 2017 – Nassau – For anyone who has ever stepped on a scale and wished they hadn’t, the prospect of going under a gentle knife and coming out thinner seems almost too good to be true. And for many, it has made a difference in their lives they say they only dreamed about. But bariatric surgery – the clinical name for weight loss surgery – involves other lifestyle changes and while it is likely to have long-term benefits for those who are willing to make such changes, it is not a panacea for all. So says Dr. Emanuele Lo Menzo, bariatric surgeon, Associate Professor of Surgery and Director of the Department of Research at Cleveland Clinic Florida.
Dr. Lo Menzo was in The Bahamas last week to address medical professionals during the annual Research Day symposium organized by the University of the West Indies School of Clinical Medicine and Research. In keeping with the theme of this year’s event, “Weight Challenges in The Bahamas, Are We the Biggest Losers?” the South Florida doctor who has performed more than 1,000 surgeries was very clear – as glamorous as it seems to go from obese to slender without all the hard work of eating right and exercising for extended periods of time, weight loss surgery is not for everyone. It is more effective with younger to middle age patients, less so with extremely obese, older patients, he said, quoting a 7-year study by the Veterans Administration that resulted in the senior citizen findings.
Responsible surgeons will only perform bariatric surgery in non-critical cases when patients demonstrate that they are willing to make the other lifestyle adjustments necessary. Most notably, he told practitioners, bariatric surgery, which works by reducing the size of the stomach either by removing a portion of it or by placing a gastric band around it, is about far more than glamour. The surgery can greatly improve overall health and boost longevity.
“Long-term studies show the procedures cause significant long-term loss of weight, recovery from diabetes, improvement in cardiovascular risk factors and a mortality reduction from 40% to 23%. However, a study in Veterans Affairs patients has found no survival benefit associated with bariatric surgery among older, severely obese people when compared with usual care, at least out to seven years,” said Dr. Lo Menzo, author of more than 85 peer-reviewed manuscripts, 25 book chapters and over 200 abstracts.
Bahamas Photographer – Audience at Medical Conference
The U.S. National Institutes of Health recommends bariatric surgery, he said, for people with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 40 unless the individual is suffering from diabetes in which case the BMI ratio indicating surgery recommended could be reduced to 35. That figure is undergoing consideration of even further reduction in cases where other life-threatening conditions exist.
Medical professionals like Dr. Lo Menzo are increasingly concerned about the impact of obesity on non-communicable, preventable diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular conditions including heart disease, stroke and hypertension. Some cases of kidney disease and cancer may also be linked to obesity.
According to Dr. Duane Sands, Minister of Health, 79.2% of the Bahamian population is either overweight or obese. And Dr. Robin Roberts, the Director of the University of the West Indies School of Clinical Medicine and Research, believes there is no weightier issue facing the future of The Bahamas.
“No health care malady presents a greater burden in our population than obesity,” Dr. Roberts said in his Research Day remarks.
Obesity is no longer considered “someone’s fault,” but is recognized as a disease just as alcoholism and drug addiction are, said Dr. Lo Menzo. The one piece of advice he wanted medical practitioners to take with them – when recommending bariatric surgery, refer patients to those surgeons and institutions with extensive and well-documented experience. TV news reports have alerted viewers to what can happen and does happen all too often when someone searching for a quick fix, better body takes a chance with an unqualified person.
Cleveland Clinic Florida with more than 240 doctors representing over 40 specialties is the highest- ranking medical facility in Broward County with two of its specialties earning highest ranking nationally. It is a favourite among Bahamians who make up the largest number of persons seeking medical services at the Weston, Florida facility from anywhere in the region.
Press Release: DPA News
Bahamas News
Get your laugh on, March On, family drama by Gea Pierre, debut this weekend in Turks and Caicos
This is the sixth edition of the relays and the fourth time that The Bahamas has hosted the event, which actually made its debut in The Bahamas in 2014.
President, World Athletics, Sabastian Coe said after three very successful editions from 2014 to 2017, the World Athletics Relays has quickly become one of the World Athletics vibrant competitions, developing a culture of fun and innovation that gives it a unique flavour.
He thanked the Bahamas Government, the local World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 committee and the Bahamian people for agreeing to host the relays. However, his main thanks were to the “world’s best sprinters” travelling from all the continents to compete in preparation for the road to Paris, France, in two months’ time.
During the opening ceremony, the athletes were given words of advice from Carl Lewis, one of only four Olympic athletes to have won nine Olympic gold medals, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
He said, “Keep it simple, do not try to do anything extra. Do what your coaches said. Leave on time, leave on time, leave on time.”
The athletes and crowds were treated to the sounds and sights of Junkanoo at the end of the opening ceremony. The Junkanoo performers stuck around for the two days of competitions, playing for the sprinters as they competed on the track.
Teams competed in the Women’s and men’s 4x100m, and the women’s men’s and mixed 4x400m. A total of 14 teams at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 automatically qualified for places at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Both days of competition were important, as day two offered another chance for qualifications for those teams unsuccessful on day one.
Bahamians were made proud as the country set a new national record during the mixed 4x400m relays thanks to the efforts of 16-year-old Shania Adderley, a student of Tabernacle Baptist Academy.
The team came first in their heat on Sunday evening after not being able to gain a spot for the Paris Olympics on the first day of competition.
Other sprinters on the team included Alonzo Russell, as well as Olympic champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his remarks at the Opening Ceremony for the World Athletics Relays 2024, on May 4, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis welcomed the special guests, athletes, officials, and “all lovers of athletics from around the world” to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium here in the “vibrant heart” of Nassau, Bahamas.
“This weekend, the world’s finest athletes gather on our shores to embark on a journey that is not only about speed and strength but also about dreams and determination,” Prime Minister Davis said. “From the serene beauty of our islands to the historic grandeur of Paris, this event marks a crucial path to the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.”
He added: “Here in The Bahamas, we are no strangers to world-class athletics or the warmth and exuberance that such international gatherings bring. It is a distinct honor to once again welcome the World Athletics Relays back to our islands. This event holds a special place in our hearts, symbolizing a bridge between nations brought together by the universal language of sport.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that that year’s theme, “Paradise to Paris,” captured the essence of that journey.
“It is here, amidst the splendor of our sun-kissed beaches and the rhythmic sway of our palms that the chase towards Olympic glory begins anew,” he stated. “We are thrilled to offer a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, where every sprint, every baton pass, and every victory lap is set against the picture-perfect canvas of our islands.”
He added: “To our athletes, I say this: as you stand on the precipice of your dreams, ready to catapult yourself into the annals of history, know that you are part of a legacy of excellence and determination. This weekend, you are not only competitors but also ambassadors of your countries and the spirit of sport. We are especially proud of Team Bahamas, who carry the weight of their performance and the hopes and pride of our nation. You embody the spirit of The Bahamian people, and we are behind you every step of the way.”
Prime Minister said that to the international visitors, he extended “the warmest Bahamian welcome”.
“Over the next few days, as you revel in the thrill of competition, take a moment to bask in the beauty of our island,” he stated. “Discover why we proudly say, “It’s Better in The Bahamas.” Whether it’s the hospitality of our people, the tranquility of our waters, or the rhythm of our culture, you are in for an experience that captures the heart and rejuvenates the soul.”
“Let us celebrate the unity and friendship that sports foster, cheering every athlete and savoring the spectacle of human potential at its best,” Prime Minister Davis added. “I hope the races are swift, the results are inspiring, and the memories are lasting.
“Welcome to The Bahamas, the paradise where champions chase their dreams to Paris. As your host, it is my immense pleasure to declare the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024 officially open. Let the games begin.”
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