HERALD WEEKLY ISSUE 608: 21 March 2012

News Briefs

Intestinal worms in humans - signs and symptoms, adults and children
Worms are intestinal parasites, which infest human beings as well as animals like cats and dogs.
The most common ones are round worm, pin worm, tape worm, and hook worm.
Many allergies in humans are caused by having worm infections. Tissue becomes inflamed and reactions to foods are the result when the body’s white blood cells are increased due to them. Extreme skin rashes may occur with blisters and food allergies or sensitivity may result.
The Cook Islands has a de-worming program where the health department travels to Primary Schools around the island twice a year to treat kids.
Consent forms are sent out to all parents or caregivers for each student before any vaccination day.
Kura Tansley says “A lot of people forget that we should still be vaccinating ourselves even after we leave school. A child should be vaccinated twice a year, and adults need to be de-wormed 6 monthly.”
It is important that people are careful in their food preparation and storage by keeping them away from fly’s ( eggs &larvae) fruit flies, and to practise good oral hygiene ( hand washing after using the toilet), washing of hands before eating, and washing f seasonal fruits and vegetables.
The different types of symptoms arise from carrying worms and why?
Anaemia- worms leach nutrients from bodies causing anaemia. When they are present in large numbers, they can create enough blood loss to anaemia or iron deficiency in some people.
Constipation- some worms can obstruct certain organs like the colon, liver and the bile duct, causing constipation and other problems.
Diarrhoea- most of the time diarrhoea is nature’s way of removing toxins.
Fatigue- symptoms include tiredness, flu-like symptoms, apathy, depression and a lack of concentration.
Gas and Stomach bloating- some parasites live in the upper intestine, which can cause both gas and stomach bloating.
Immune Dysfunction- worms in humans depresses the immune system by decreasing immunoglobulin A.
Nervousness- the waste products from parasites irritate the nervous system, resulting in an anxiety and restlessness.
Other signs and symptoms of worms and parasites in children.
Blisters appear on the inside of the lower lip, wiping of the nose, restlessness and the grinding of the teeth at night, dark circles under the eyes, hyperactive, bed wetting. Headaches, sensitive to light, or nose bleeds are signs they may have worms or parasites.

Pick up your winnings!
The Tattslotto shop is holding onto two box loads of prize winning cheques (around 100) waiting to be claimed.
Perhaps you play lotto and power ball regularly but may not know that you could have won a prize.
Call into the Tattslotto shop and speak to front sales woman Tepaeru Matenga. You could be one of the lucky winners.
Matenga says that though Tattslotto will ring up people that have won and not yet claimed their winnings, they will not do so repeatedly.

Visit by Ambassador of Spain
His Excellency, Mr. Jesús Miguel Sanz Escorihuela, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain, is visiting the Cook Islands from Tuesday 20 – Saturday 24 March 2012. The purpose of Ambassador Sanz Escorihuela’s visit is to present his credentials to the Cook Islands Government and to hold discussions with Government on bilateral and international relations.
Diplomatic Relations between the Cook Islands and the Kingdom of Spain were established in 1998. This year will mark the 14th anniversary of the establishment of relations.
The Kingdom of Spain is a member of the European Union and contributes to the European Development Fund (EDF), the EU’s main development cooperation instrument. As a member of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group, the Cook Islands has benefited from significant EU assistance since 2000 when it first became a member of the Group. Assistance to date has been in the areas of health and education, water and sanitation and, most recently construction of the Pukapuka Cyclone Shelter.
Discussions between the two Governments on possible fisheries cooperation are ongoing.
Ambassador Sanz Escorihuela is based in Wellington and is accompanied to the Cook Islands by his family.
- Foreign Affairs Media Release

Condolences at passing of King George Tupou V
Cook Islands Prime Minister Hon Henry Puna has joined other world leaders in expressing his condolences at the recent passing of Tonga’s, King George Tupou V.
King Tupou died in Hong Kong on the weekend aged 63.
Prime Minster Puna said that since his Coronation in 2008, King Tupou had ushered in landmark constitutional changes to the Kingdom of Tonga – not least of which was his intention to cede most of his powers to a democratically elected parliament.
“His legacy will be one of recognising the Kingdom’s royal heritage as integral to its culture and identity and seeing the Monarchy an instrument of change in evolving democracy in Tonga.”
“As a leader of a nation which is part of our Pacific family our country has strong and enduring ties with the Kingdom of Tonga, a relationship we will always value and uphold.”
“On behalf of the government and people of Cook Islands I extend my greatest sympathies to the Royal family and the people of the Kingdom of Tonga at the passing of King Tupou V.”
Prime Minister Puna said that a decision about Cook Islands government representation at the King of Tonga’s funeral would be made once final details of the funeral arrangements were confirmed.


Herald Issue 608 21 March
- Terms of one China Policy document should be reviewed
- Pacific Media Assistance Scheme Seeks Innovation
- Successful NZ visit by PM
- Rerekura Teaurere New Climate Change Coordinator
- News Briefs

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