Source: DoctorsHub Nigeria
​
On the 23rd of February, the Nigerian social media became innundate with the unfortunate news of Rukayya, a 4-year girl from Zaria, who got had her leg chopped off because the first hospital that had attended to her when she was taken there misdiagnosed her condition and instituted a treatment on her that resulted in complications. When eventually she was referred to the university teaching hospital, her condition had detoriated and her leg, which had been gangrenous from the botched mistreatment had to go so as to save her life. Rukayya's case, a very tragic one, is just one out of thousands of other similar cases where patients have been grossly misdiagnosed and subsequently made to suffer unjustly.

As expected, the tragic and disturbing news was met with public outcry and calls for the culprits to be apprehended and swiftly sanctioned. But really, what is the position of the law on the issue of misdiagnosis? What does the code of medical ethics say regarding a misdiagnosis? Can patients institute legal actions against doctors on the grounds of a missed diagnosis?


YES, THEY CAN...at least there is a legal provision for that.


But then, just before I explain the nuts and bolts of it, let me quickly make this crucial points:

-The majority of doctors have the best intentions and interest of their patients at heart. It is our desperate desire to see that patients get the best treatment and are able to get their lives back on track as quickly as possible. Most doctors strive to practise medicine according to the guiding principles of the code of medical ethics.

- Secondly, no profession is above mistakes. There are honest mistakes made in all fields of life. It is no different in the medical profession. Medicine recognizes the possiblity of these honest errors and as such, it is not uncommon for doctors to be occasionally pardoned after it has been established that any other doctor of requisite competence would also have made that mistake.


With that said, when and how exactly can one institute legal action against erring doctors who have been found culpable of gross medical negligence? What are the mechanisms that ensure the success of such a legal action? What must the plaintiff (patient) prove, beyond reasonable doubt, to be able to secure a win?

Truth be told: proving a case of misdiagnosis is a herculean task (no be beans, my broda). Before anyone can successfully sue his/her doctor for misdiagnosing him or her, it must first be incontrovertibly established that medical negligence was the result of the missed diagnosis and much more.

What does this mean?


Let me explain.....

Medical negligence is an act or omission (failure to act) by a medical professional that deviates from the ACCEPTED medical standard of care. Now, if you and your lawyer can prove beyond reasonable doubt that the said doctor is guilty of medical negligence, which eventually resulted in your been misdiagnosed, then you have got a case. But again, having a case doesn't mean you are going to win when you go to court. To win in a court of law, you must, after establishing medical negligence, be able to prove the following,


1. That what you are calling a misdiagnosis is actually a misdiagnosis:
Because a lot of medical conditions have their symptoms overlapping, this can also be a tricky one to prove. There are circumstances where any doctor, using his discretion under peculiar cases such as an emergency, can honestly make the mistake of diagnosing a condition as another condition because the two share extremely similar features. There is what is known as differential diagnosis in medicine. Differential diagnosis is the sum total of all the likely conditions that may be causing a patients symptoms. For example, severe chest pain can be caused by heart disease, stomach ulcer, acute pancreatitis, and a host of other conditions. These conditions are called differential diagnosis. Now, a doctor would usually eliminate all the impossibles and narrow the diagnosis to only the possibles and most likely of all. The process of elimination very often requires rigorous tests and examinations.

Often times, the patients are too indigent to afford the series of tests the doctor has outlined. When this happens, the doctor has little or northing to do than to use his own descretion, based on the symptoms and the few tests conducted to reach a diagnosis. Under such circumstances, it becomes very difficult to sue a doctor.....except his diagnosis and the real are so wide apart and have no correlation whatsoever in both symptoms tests findings.


2. That you were harmed or injured as result:
Can you prove beyond reasonable doubt that by misdiagnosing you, the doctor caused you harm or suffering? If yes, then good luck. You can slam him or her with litigations! If not, your case will be thrown out of court. What do I mean? If you come to the court and complain that a doctor misdiagnosed your migraine for something else, you must show that the misdiagnosis has caused you injury or suffering. It goes beyond proving a misdiagnosis ....you must also prove that the misdiagnosis caused you some harm. Without this, you cannot be able to win the case. In the case of poor Rukayya, she suffered serious and permanent injury, and as such, she has a watertight case against those reckless doctors should her parents decide to sue.


3. That the misdiagnosis resulted in over-treatment and payment of unnecessary medical fees:
If a doctor misdiagnosed a seemingly mild and easily treatable condition as something serious or life-threatening, like say, cancer, and you are subjected to chemotherapy or radiotherapy or some surgical procedure, you can sue that doctor if the medical fees incurred are disproportionately higher than the the fees for the missed diagnosis or if during the course of treating you, complications developed (e.g hairloss from chemotherapy, loss of a body organ or part from an unnecessary surgery).

NB: the issue of misdiagnosis is a very delicate one, especially in developing countries like Nigeria where the health system is in shambles and doctors are expected to work like magicians when diagnosing cases. For example, what can a doctor do in an emergency where the patients are too indigent to afford the necessary tests he or she has been asked to do? If a doctor was to use his discretion under such peculiar conditions, would he or she still be found wanting? Except our health system is made to work, the issue of misdiagnosis will always remain a difficult one to prove.

With that said, there are very clear instances when a doctor errs as result of gross negligence (e.g he or she was drunk while reaching a diagnosis) and not necessarily due to lack of medical facilities or resources for enabling his/her accurate diagnosis. For such a doctor, the his/her negligence can be found actionable by a competent court of law.


Also read, "THE TWO TIMES DOCTORS CAN SUE THEIR PATIENTS" via this http://doctorshub.com.ng/2017/02/28/the-two-times-doctors-can-sue-their-patients/.


Thanks for reading!



http://doctorshub.com.ng/2017/03/06/can-i-sue-my-doctor-for-misdiagnosing-me/

Today, the 3rd of March, is WHO's colorectal cancer day. It is a day set aside to create awareness on the prevalence of colorectal cancer (CRC).

CRC, the world's third commonest cancer, is a the cancer of the colon and rectum. A very deadly cancer, 52% of deaths from it occur in developing countries even though it is more prevalent in developed countries.

The need to create massive awareness about this deadly cancer cannot be overemphasized. Help spread by the word!


Read and share, "5 EARLY SIGNS OF COLORECTAL CANCER NOT TO IGNORE" http://doctorshub.com.ng/2017/03/03/5-early-signs-of-colorectal-cancer-not-to-ignore/.

You may also find helpful: PREVENT COLORECTAL CANCER WITH THESE 6 TIPS", http://doctorshub.com.ng/2017/03/02/prevent-colorectal-with-these-6-tips/.


Thanks!

Source: DoctorsHub Nigeria.


It takes colorectal cancer between 10-15 years before it starts rearing its ugly, diseased head. This means that, it takes about 10-15 years for the cancer to develop from its pre-cancer stage to the cancer stage where symptoms become manifest.

However, even in this silent phase of transformation which eventually gives rise to the disease proper, there are one or two signs which, upon meticulous scrutiny, can give a provisional diagnosis of CRC (provisional diagnosis is a is likely but temporary diagnosis that has not been confirmed). When noticed, these signs can be further analyzed and necessary screenings done to reach a confirmatory diagnosis. And really, that is the desire and prayer of every oncologist (doctor who specializes in treating cancers): to get the cancer (all cancers) at their earliest stages when complete cure can be achieved. In the case of CRC, it leaves behind its signature (in the form of unique signs and symptoms), just like an amateur computer hacker leaves behind trackable footprints with which he can be easily identified. Now, why some of these signs are also peculiar to other diseases, they can, by excluding the other possible alternatives, be narrowed down to CRC.


These are the 5 signs and symptoms,

1. FEEELING OF INCOMPLETE BOWEL EMPTYING:
This is when you still feel the urge of defecating even after you have just defecated. This feeling of incomplete bowel emptying can make you spend hours in the toilet just because you are expectating to defecate again. But then, nothing happens. No feaces is comes out, yet the urge to defecate persists.


2. PASSAGE OF BLOOD-STAINED STOOLS:
Whether cancer or no cancer, this is one sign to want to alert your doctor about very quickly. If you are above 50 years of age and you suddenly start noticing this, it most likely would be a CRC that is causing it. Of course, it can also be the reason in younger populations, but it is not that common. Other causes abound too. In any case, always draw your doctor's attention to any instance of passage of bloody stools (the blood may be bright red or dark-coloured).


3. CHANGE IN BOWEL HABITS:
This is an abnormal deviation from once's normal pattern of defecation. For example, some folks must defecate first in the morning just as they are preparing to have a bath, and that would be all for that day . Now, this pattern can be disrupted from them not defecating at all for days or them defecating more than usual, like say 7 times instead of just once or twice per day. It is very important to note that this change in bowel habit persists for weeks, months or years. It can also alternate between constipation and diarrhoea, as explained above. Usually, people first mistake it for diarrhoea, gastroenteritis or some other mild and easily treatable condition. But when it doesn't resolve after several weeks even when treatment for that condition has been instituted, their mental alarms go off. They start getting worried and start asking questions.


4. PERSISTENT BLOATING OF THE ABDOMEN/GAS PAIN:
usually, because the tumor first grows into the lumen of the colon and fills it up, it causes abdominal bloating by obstructing the lumen and preventing easy movement of feaces and gas. You will always notice this feeling of fullness or the feeling that you have something in there. This feeling persists and gets progressively worse indicating that the tumor is growing and getting bigger. Some people can actually feel the growing mass with their hands when they palpate their abdomen . Also, with the accumulation of feaces and gas too, the abdomen can become quite painful. This pain is what is known as gas pain.


5. UNEXPLAINED WEIGHT LOSS:
If you are stressed, you can lose weight. If you are not getting enough sleep, you also lose weight. Again, if you embark on a hunger strike to express your misgivings about the unpopular economic policies of the FG? You also lose weight or starve to death, depending on your stubborness level. All these examples are explicable ways through which people lose weight i.e they have explantions for it. If however, you have been losing some serious weight that you cannot give an account of or you are unable to easily identify ans explain the cause, you must be alarmed. More so if you have one or more of the listed signs above. You would have to be thoroughly screened to exclude causes of severe weight loss like HIV, TB and cancer.


More often than not, these signs and symptoms don't occur in isolation. If you notice one sign, there is a very high probability that one or two other signs and symptoms also present with it. The safest to do is to notify your doctor immediately you notice any of the above signs. Your doctor will know what else to check for, and be able to reach a diagnosis and also quantify the severity of your condition.


Also read, "PREVENT COLORECTAL CANCER WITH THESE 6 TIPS" by clicking on this link: http://doctorshub.com.ng/2017/03/02/prevent-colorectal-with-these-6-tips/.


Thanks for reading!


http://doctorshub.com.ng/2017/03/03/5-early-signs-of-colorectal-cancer-not-to-ignore/

innovate3751:
1 - 1. Let's see who will win! Nice post tho

watchamacallit:
Thanks for the post, doc! Very informative

You welcome!

LAFO:
What of 'eloping from the hospital'?

From the facts available to me, it is not a sue-able offence. Thanks

Source: DoctorsHub Nigeria


A couple of days back I dropped an article, "5 MEDICAL MISTAKES YOU CAN SUE YOUR DOCTOR FOR" (click here to read if you haven't read it:http://doctorshub.com.ng/2017/02/22/5-medical-mistakes-you-can-sue-your-doctor-for/. Although I had expected the article to raise some dust, I never for the life of me expected it to reach the scale it did. As expected the majority of Nigerians welcomed the article and hailed me for illuminating them out of the darkness of ignorance concerning their health rights and code of medical ethics. Also, just as I had anticipated it would be, some colleagues of mine found the piece extremely vexatious. A few colleagues even texted and called me, using the opportunity to lambast me severely for championing such a cause.


Now, even with all the brouhaha that trailed the article, I was, after meticulous consideration of people's comments and opinions, able to pick up one or two salient topics that arose from the numerous arguments that ensued. These are topics that people are really itching to see addressed.
One of such topics is the question of whether doctors are allowed to and can sue patients should the need arise. Surptisingly, over 13 doctors and different other medical practitioners, across the country, emailed me and rquested that I do an article on doctors' rights to sue erring patients. An eye for eye they said.




This is the piece, guys...



But. Do. Not. Rejoice. Yet.


Let me be scrupulously honest with you: the code of medical ethics has been authored, primarily, to benefit and save patients. The patient is at the center of the document. You can take your time to peruse both the international code of medical ethics and our own local code of medical ethics in Nigeria, and see for yourself. Not in any one chapter was there a mention that a doctor can and should slamp his patients with litigations should the need arise. But trust me, there are hubdreds of references in the document where doctors could be found culpable and as such be subjected to the dreadful scrutiny of an investigative panel instituted by the MDCN and when found wanting, a disciplinary panel. While the code of medical ethics remains sancrosanct and inviolable (at least for now), it is worthy to point out that the document has been authored to suit the narrative of the patient, without serious attention to the protection of doctors from frivolous law suits and other unsavoury behaviours and completely false allegations. The only allusion, and a very slight one in fact, to the issue was where doctors were admonished to position themselves such that they don't become victims of litigations from angry patients. See what page 16 (13.5 and 13.6) of the code of medical ethics in Nigeria says,

"Practitioners should be at liberty to take prompt steps to protect themselves from unscrupulous and dubious patients may be out to deceive or manipulate them".

"Practitioners should always take necessary steps to guard against situations that may provoke allegations of impropriety."


From the above quotations, it is obvious, even to the blind, that we, doctors, have to protect ourselves. If we don't, nobody will do it for us. But how can we do this? First and foremost, we must strictly adhere to the laid down principles of the code of medical ethics. But even when are very careful, it is not uncommon for some patients to slam us with frivolous suits out of malicious intent. Like someone commented on my previous article, "these guys are out to see us fall. They eagerly wait to celebrate our downfall". With all of these, what then is the fate of the Nigerian doctor? That would be a topic for another day.


Let us answer this sixty-four thousand dollar question: can doctors sue patients?


YES! We can.


But on what grounds can we sue and institute legal actions patients?



1. DEFAMATION OF CHARACTER
Sadly, for the many ways some dubious patients make our lives miserable, there is very little we can do. However, if a patient defames your character by peddling rumours about you which are false, then you can sue the hell out of that patient! But trust me colleagues, you don't want to do that. The law is indeed an ass, as they say. If you sue your patient for defamation of character, then you must go the extra mile to prove that by defaming you, the patient has caused you financial losses or made you incur other damages. Even if you can prove this, the law has provided a way out for patients: patients can conveniently claim that what they said was just an opinion and not necessarily a target sponsored speech to assassinate your character. Now, since everyone has a right to his or her own opinion, the law, again, sets them free. It is crazy but it is the truth. The only time a doctor can narrowly and successfully get justice in court is if the doctor can prove beyond reasonable that the patient did truly spread the following types of rumors about him or her: rumor that he or she (the doctor) charges, say 25k for a 5k procedure just to extort unsuspecting members of the public, and secondly, a rumor that a senior doctor who is, say a consultant and member of some medical board, is not who he claims to be and not a member of that board.

These are very difficult cases to prove and they consume your time and bring you unwarranted and negative publicity. Let me tell you this, for every ten people who hear or read that you, a doctor, has sued your patient, at least 7 of them will sympathize with the patient, no matter the allegation. It is a very difficult place we have found ourselves in. And really, there is not so much we can do.
However, if a patient sues you first and you convincingly prove to the court that the case lacks merit and was instituted against you out of malice, you can pray the court to compel the respondent (the patient) to pay for damages and fees incurred. That's the most doctors can get, as far as I know.



2. UNPAID MEDICAL FEES
Gone are the days of "a doctor's reward is in heaven". We, too, get hungry and fall sick and have children to send to school. In more civilized and economically prosperous nations, the issue of unpaid medical fees or debts rarely makes the news. This is because their health insurance schemes are so robust and viable that the major health costs of patients are adequately covered by the schemes. But that's there, anyway. This is Naija- where the patients come to you, on their knees pleading for mercy and compassion. Most of them usually have legitimate financial constraints and may require some assistance. However, some patients or family members of patients with a dubious mien, come to us and fabricate very complex and disturbing tales just to get treatment from us, after which they abscond without settling their medical fees. For those kinds of patients? We can sue them! In countries like the US where things are much more advanced and data and information are easily accessed, an unpaid medical debt can mean no employment for that person. You will forever, until you pay, have medical debts reflected alongside your biodata. No employer will employ you seeing that you owe medical debts. No joke.



NB: Now concerning the case of a physical assault of a doctor by a patient, what is a doctor or nurse to do? If it can proved that such a patient attacked or assaulted you when fully conscious and aware of the consequences of his or her actions against you, and not under the influence of the side effects of drugs or as a result of a psychiatric ailment, you can file a suit against that patient. Even still, it is not advisable to do so. Click on the link below to find read and find out why.


You may also like, "4 REASONS WHY DOCTORS SHOULD AVOID SUING THEIR PATIENTS". Click here to read: http://doctorshub.com.ng/2017/02/28/3-reasons-why-doctors-should-avoid-suing-their-patients/.



Thanks for reading!


http://doctorshub.com.ng/2017/02/28/the-two-times-doctors-can-sue-their-patients/

succyreal:
weed is a brain food

Haba!

innovate3751:
#13. Garri.
Yes, na me talk am!

on a more serious note though, there is absolutely no positive correlation between garri and memory. If for anything, it limits your ability to focus and concentrate.

innovate3751:
#13. Garri.
Yes, na me talk am!

May God help us all in this country. Chain!

decatalyst:
What of garri?

It's the best food of studenta, especially when money don finish towards test and exams.

Walahi, garri and cold water works best for the students' brain

Hahaha. Don't know about that though. Funny reminder though!

innovate3751:
What about doctors who fundle the breasts and genitals of women on the pretense of carrying out a medical examination

it is a form of sexual assault and hence a criminal offence. Thanks

Source: DOCTORSHUB NIGERIA


Have you ever wished you were an Einstein, a Mensa or some gifted savant with a brain that easily demystifies calculus, algebra or some other complex phenomenon such as the wave-particle duality and genetic engineering? If yes, then you are not alone. Part of our desire as humans, apart from riches, power, freedom, etc is a high IQ. We desperately want to be smart, to be able to figure out things quickly with ease and swag.


Sadly, majority of the IQs we get is due to genes- the IQ of our parents. So it's like this: if your grandparents were professors during their live time and your father is a programmer working with Google while your mom is a neuroscientist? You are likely to be born a genius. But even then, it is not always the case. Environment and other factors also play a role.
And foods? Yes, they too. What's their role in the scheme of things? Read this: Eating the right foods is enough to cause a reasonable boost in your brainpower. Although, you can't change or wish into existence that your biological parents be geniuses that very cold rainy night they conceived you, you can start doing something right now that can see a boost in your mental capacity: eat right, eat healthy and eat a lot of brain foods!


Here....


Brain food #1: Sardines

Fish generally, and sardines particularly are a rich source of the omega 3 fatty acid docosahexanoic acid (DHA) which has been found to boost brain function and improve memory in people of all ages. Although, the present economic realities in Nigeria has made sardines a luxury food, they are still one of the few brain foods with a capacity to quickly boost memory and slow down degeneration of neurons seen in old people at risk of Alzheimer's or dementia.


Brain food #2: Beans

This is one cheap and easily accessible brain food that has been underutilized and underreported for its brain-enhancing functions. Beans are a rich source of vitamin B- a water soluble vitamin required for the synthesis of acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter in the brain that aids the formation of memory. So if you cannot conveniently afford a regular supply of sardines for your kids, complement the little you can with beans. They would grow up to become Mensas!


Brain food #3: Eggs

Eggs are another brain food worthy of note. Their rich source of choline makes them an invaluable and necessary booster of brain functions. Boiled or fried or raw, eggs are a sure memory booster. And on the regard of boosting brain function, the egg yolk has been found to be more useful than the egg white (albumen).


Brain food #4: Dark chocolate

Perhaps, this may be yet another reason to encourage your addiction and obsession with chocolates. However, the emphasis here is on dark chocolate, and not the conventional ones which have been doctored by its manufacturers to provide little or no health benefits. Being a rich source of polyphenols and methylxanthines, dark chocolate does not only perform the function of boosting memory- it also boosts mood and is has achieved fame for being a potent aphrodisiac (+18: you really don't need those expensive Viagra pills to do the job if you are a regular eater of those rich, creamy, and dark chocolate bars).


Brain food #5: Curry:

You may be thinking, "what has curry got to do with the brain and memory?" Well, apart from spicing up your foods and given them those divine and celestial aromas, curries play a role in brain function and memory consolidation. Its active ingredient, curcumin, a special polyphenol, is known for bringing about the formation of new brain cells, a process called neurogenesis.


Brain food #6: Avocado

Although, they look so humble and benign, don't be fooled by their appearance: avocados are a superfood for the brain! They contain practically all the vitamins (A, D, E, K, C, and B) and minerals like sodium and potassium which play a role in the electrical generation and conduction of impulses in the brain and elsewhere. So the next time you come across this very humble fruit, give it its due and deserved respect (una no be mate. The fruit is loaded!)


Brain food #7: Green leafy vegetables

In mid 2015, the Federation of American Societies of Experimental Biology (FASEB) conducted a study to know the effect of green leafy vegetables on the brain and to identify the active components in them that are responsible for their effects. They reached a predictably positive conclusion: yes, green leafy vegetables enhance mental activity. Also, they identified vitamin K, present in the green leafy vegetables, as the primary compound responsible for the mental enhancement. Other compounds with mental enhancing effects found include lutein, folate and beta-carotene.


Brain food #8: Coffee

Whether freshly brewed or stale, coffee is a nasty and notorious booster of brain function. Its active ingredient, caffeine, increases focus, mental alertness and memory consolidation. Again, apart from being a neurostimulant, coffee (caffeine) has been discovered to have unholy, libidinal properties.


Brain food #9: Agbalumo (African Cherry)

Research conducted has revealed that agbalumo/udara contains more vitamin C than oranges! Now, how does this fact help the brain or boost memory? Vitamin C has anti-oxidant properties which help slow down the neurodegeneration of brain cells caused by oxidative stress- eventually helping prevent strokes and other neurogenerative insults on the brain. Also, vitamin C is neuromodulator in the synthesis of dopamine in the brain- dopamine, apart from being the chemical that rewards pleasure-seeking behaviours, also plays a role in the development of long term memory. So guys, why don't you all endure the temporary lip smacking experience of eating an agbalumo and making a chewing gum out of it for a brain like Einstein's?


Brain food #10: Tangerines/Orange

Tangerines too? Yes! Also known as satsuma in Japanese, tangerines and oranges are not left out on the list of brain foods anyone desiring a superior brainpower should have. They contain lots of antioxidants, folate, and potassium - which have all been found to benefit the brain. In fact, folate alone has been known to significantly mitigate the risk of Alzheimer's disease and decline in cognition. Tangerines in particular are a rich source of flavonoids which have useful application in the process of memory formation and retention. So guys, let's start licking some oranges and satsumas!


Brain food #11: Milk

Research published in the International Dairy Journal reported that people who drink at least one cup of milk daily do five times better at memory tests than nondrinkers. Milk has a lot of magnesium in it- and magnesium has been implicated in formation and retention of memory. So except you have lactose intolerence, always complement that meal you are eating with a satisfying and nutritious glass of milk!


Brain food #12: Sweet potato

Have you ever tried boiled sweet potato with egg stew? Try it and you will come to know that there is a God indeed! The taste is divine....like one meant for gods! No joke. Now, on a more serious note, sweet potato is one brain food you should have on your checklist of brain foods. At least if not for the deliciousness of its taste, do it for the boost in memory it gives. Containing high amounts of carotenoids with antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties, sweet potatoes come in handy as one type of brain food for both the young and the old!


You may also find useful, "MEMORY LOSS: 10 REASONS WHY YOU ARE SO FORGETFUL!", here:
http://doctorshub.com.ng/2017/02/12/brain-foods-12-foods-that-boost-your-memory/


Thanks for reading!



P.S: please share with someone else if you found it helpful.



http://doctorshub.com.ng/2017/02/12/brain-foods-12-foods-that-boost-your-memory/

Source: DOCTORSHUB NIGERIA


Have you ever wished you were an Einstein, a Mensa or some gifted savant with a brain that easily demystifies calculus, algebra or some other complex phenomenon such as the wave-particle duality and genetic engineering? If yes, then you are not alone. Part of our desire as humans, apart from riches, power, freedom, etc is a high IQ. We desperately want to be smart, to be able to figure out things quickly with ease and swag.


Sadly, majority of the IQs we get is due to genes- the IQ of our parents. So it's like this: if your grandparents were professors during their live time and your father is a programmer working with Google while your mom is a neuroscientist? You are likely to be born a genius. But even then, it is not always the case. Environment and other factors also play a role.
And foods? Yes, they too. What's their role in the scheme of things? Read this: Eating the right foods is enough to cause a reasonable boost in your brainpower. Although, you can't change or wish into existence that your biological parents be geniuses that very cold rainy night they conceived you, you can start doing something right now that can see a boost in your mental capacity: eat right, eat healthy and eat a lot of brain foods!


Here....


Brain food #1: Sardines

Fish generally, and sardines particularly are a rich source of the omega 3 fatty acid docosahexanoic acid (DHA) which has been found to boost brain function and improve memory in people of all ages. Although, the present economic realities in Nigeria has made sardines a luxury food, they are still one of the few brain foods with a capacity to quickly boost memory and slow down degeneration of neurons seen in old people at risk of Alzheimer's or dementia.


Brain food #2: Beans

This is one cheap and easily accessible brain food that has been underutilized and underreported for its brain-enhancing functions. Beans are a rich source of vitamin B- a water soluble vitamin required for the synthesis of acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter in the brain that aids the formation of memory. So if you cannot conveniently afford a regular supply of sardines for your kids, complement the little you can with beans. They would grow up to become Mensas!


Brain food #3: Eggs

Eggs are another brain food worthy of note. Their rich source of choline makes them an invaluable and necessary booster of brain functions. Boiled or fried or raw, eggs are a sure memory booster. And on the regard of boosting brain function, the egg yolk has been found to be more useful than the egg white (albumen).


Brain food #4: Dark chocolate

Perhaps, this may be yet another reason to encourage your addiction and obsession with chocolates. However, the emphasis here is on dark chocolate, and not the conventional ones which have been doctored by its manufacturers to provide little or no health benefits. Being a rich source of polyphenols and methylxanthines, dark chocolate does not only perform the function of boosting memory- it also boosts mood and is has achieved fame for being a potent aphrodisiac (+18: you really don't need those expensive Viagra pills to do the job if you are a regular eater of those rich, creamy, and dark chocolate bars).


Brain food #5: Curry:

You may be thinking, "what has curry got to do with the brain and memory?" Well, apart from spicing up your foods and given them those divine and celestial aromas, curries play a role in brain function and memory consolidation. Its active ingredient, curcumin, a special polyphenol, is known for bringing about the formation of new brain cells, a process called neurogenesis.


Brain food #6: Avocado

Although, they look so humble and benign, don't be fooled by their appearance: avocados are a superfood for the brain! They contain practically all the vitamins (A, D, E, K, C, and B) and minerals like sodium and potassium which play a role in the electrical generation and conduction of impulses in the brain and elsewhere. So the next time you come across this very humble fruit, give it its due and deserved respect (una no be mate. The fruit is loaded!)


Brain food #7: Green leafy vegetables

In mid 2015, the Federation of American Societies of Experimental Biology (FASEB) conducted a study to know the effect of green leafy vegetables on the brain and to identify the active components in them that are responsible for their effects. They reached a predictably positive conclusion: yes, green leafy vegetables enhance mental activity. Also, they identified vitamin K, present in the green leafy vegetables, as the primary compound responsible for the mental enhancement. Other compounds with mental enhancing effects found include lutein, folate and beta-carotene.


Brain food #8: Coffee

Whether freshly brewed or stale, coffee is a nasty and notorious booster of brain function. Its active ingredient, caffeine, increases focus, mental alertness and memory consolidation. Again, apart from being a neurostimulant, coffee (caffeine) has been discovered to have unholy, libidinal properties.


Brain food #9: Agbalumo (African Cherry)

Research conducted has revealed that agbalumo/udara contains more vitamin C than oranges! Now, how does this fact help the brain or boost memory? Vitamin C has anti-oxidant properties which help slow down the neurodegeneration of brain cells caused by oxidative stress- eventually helping prevent strokes and other neurogenerative insults on the brain. Also, vitamin C is neuromodulator in the synthesis of dopamine in the brain- dopamine, apart from being the chemical that rewards pleasure-seeking behaviours, also plays a role in the development of long term memory. So guys, why don't you all endure the temporary lip smacking experience of eating an agbalumo and making a chewing gum out of it for a brain like Einstein's?


Brain food #10: Tangerines/Orange

Tangerines too? Yes! Also known as satsuma in Japanese, tangerines and oranges are not left out on the list of brain foods anyone desiring a superior brainpower should have. They contain lots of antioxidants, folate, and potassium - which have all been found to benefit the brain. In fact, folate alone has been known to significantly mitigate the risk of Alzheimer's disease and decline in cognition. Tangerines in particular are a rich source of flavonoids which have useful application in the process of memory formation and retention. So guys, let's start licking some oranges and satsumas!


Brain food #11: Milk

Research published in the International Dairy Journal reported that people who drink at least one cup of milk daily do five times better at memory tests than nondrinkers. Milk has a lot of magnesium in it- and magnesium has been implicated in formation and retention of memory. So except you have lactose intolerence, always complement that meal you are eating with a satisfying and nutritious glass of milk!


Brain food #12: Sweet potato

Have you ever tried boiled sweet potato with egg stew? Try it and you will come to know that there is a God indeed! The taste is divine....like one meant for gods! No joke. Now, on a more serious note, sweet potato is one brain food you should have on your checklist of brain foods. At least if not for the deliciousness of its taste, do it for the boost in memory it gives. Containing high amounts of carotenoids with antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties, sweet potatoes come in handy as one type of brain food for both the young and the old!


You may also find useful, "MEMORY LOSS: 10 REASONS WHY YOU ARE SO FORGETFUL!", here:
http://doctorshub.com.ng/2017/02/12/brain-foods-12-foods-that-boost-your-memory/


Thanks for reading!


P.S: please share with someone else if you found it helpful.

http://doctorshub.com.ng/2017/02/12/brain-foods-12-foods-that-boost-your-memory/

newyorks:
potential topic.tnx for educating us.

you welcome!

Source: DoctorsHub Nigeria


Let me be sincere here: I expect this article to get me the chastisement and ire of some unscrupulous colleagues of mine in the medical profession who have embraced illegality and wanton unprofessionalism as their guiding principles.


But like seriously.....


.......I don't give a hoot!


If this article would make even one reckless doctor or nurse or any other health caregiver to shape up and practise medicine according to the guiding principles of professional excellence, then it would have been a huge success.


It is really a sad thing, because a lot of medical practitioners commit unspeakably horrible crimes and go scot-free just because majority of Nigerians are unaware of their health rights or even when they know about them, there are no available institutions and structures on ground to investigate these cases of malfeasance to a final conclusion. Because of this, doctors and other health care practitioners arrogate to themselves the power of a god- everyone else must worship and bow before them, even if by force. This ought not to be. And as such, we must take it upon ourselves to work collectively in identifying the few bad eggs in the system, who are denting the image of this nobel profession lest they cause us all to lose our worth and social value.


The follwoing are the 5 UNFORGIVABLE medical mistakes which anyone can sue his or her doctor for:



1. BREACH OF PATIENT CONFIDENTIALITY

This one is like the holy grail of medical practice. It is talked about so much that it is impossible for any doctor who trained from an accredited medical school to claim to be ignorant of it. And the rule is simple: at no time should a doctor or any other member of the health team discuss or disclose the patient's medical information or state of health to anyone who is not part of the medical team caring for him or her. The patient's medical information must be kept confidential at all times, except at such a time when it becomes inevitable to discuss the said patient with another doctor or member of health team in order to reach a final diagnosis or agreement on the best treatment modality for the patient. If evidence, at any time, abounds that a doctor has disclosed your medical information to someone who should not be privy of such information, you have the legal backing to sue that doctor and take away his/her practicing medical licence!



2. FAILURE TO GET INFORMED CONSENT

What is informed consent? It the permission (in the form of a signed document) granted in full knowledge of the possible consequences, given by a patient to a doctor for treatment with full knowledge of the possible risks and benefits. A bit technical, right? Here is what it means- before any doctor performs any medical procedure on you, that doctor must first explain the procedure in detail, including all the risks involved with that procedure to you, after which you can decide to give or not give the doctor the go ahead to carry out the procedure. Without your approval, it is an offence for any doctor to perform any medical procedure on you, EXCEPT at such a time when you are unconscious or in a very critical situation during which no family member of yours is available give assent to the procedure on your behalf. Any doctor found culpable of this offence can and should be sued.



3. ASSAULT OF PATIENT(S)

Assault, in any form, is an offence, even more so in the medical profession where there is zero tolerance for such. It is considered a rare privilege that we, medical practitioners, find ourselves in a position where we can save people's lives and determine the quality of life they live subsequently. This is very rare privilege that must never be abused but should instead fill the caregiver with so much compassion to treat patients with some respect and dignity. This is the standard practice. It is part of the hippocratic oath of medical practice. So really, it becomes very worrying and quite appalling when patients complain about doctors or nurses who assaulted or are assaulting them. It is evil and criminal for a doctor to assault you physically, sexually or psychologically. If you the courage to expose that evil doctor or health care practitioner to the right authorities, he or she would adequately sanctioned and dealt with.



4. SOLICITING SEXUAL FAVOURS BEFORE TREATMEMT

This is one that is quite common in this part of the world. I first encountered it when a friend of mine told me of an instance when she visited a particular hospital (name withheld) for treatmentg for some condition she didn't want her immediate family members to know about. The doctor who saw her, after she had made it clear she didn't want her immediate family to know about it, threatened to expose her if she refused sex with him! Yes, it happened here in Lagos. That is just one incident out of thousands of other unreported cases. And it is very disgraceful and evil and sick. Any doctor, male or female, who solicits sexual favours from his or her patient in return for treatment is culpable of professional misconduct and hence liable to be sued and jailed! In fact, the code of medical ethics prohibits sexual relationship with a doctor and a current patient (when the patient is still undergoing treatment). So really, except a medical practitioner wants to risk litigation, it is to his or her benefit to desist from soliciting or accepting sexual gratifications, even when willingly offered to the doctor by the patient during the course of treatment.



5. COMPLICATIONS RESULTING FROM FAILURE OF THE DOCTOR TO REFER A PATIENT AT THE RIGHT TIME

Standard medical practice makes it very clear that a doctor must, quickly and without delay, refer his or her patient to the next doctor with the requisite skills to treat the patient's condition when it becomes apparent that his (the first doctor) skill or experience is not sufficient to give the patient the best possible treatment.This is how it should be. But trust some doctors to hold on to their patients, ceasing the opportunity to extort and milk them dry until the patient's condition detoriates to a critical stage where complications arise, and in some unfortunate instances, even death occurs. This is pure wickedness from the pit of hell! Now, if it can be proved that the said doctor truly did hold on to a patient even when he or she knew that prompt referral was mandatory and the next line of action, he or she can and should be sued for gross professional misconduct. It is one of the unforgivables of medical jurisprudence.


NB: If you have a case against any reckless, blood-sucking medical practitioner that is worthy of litigation but you don't know how to go about it? Please be courageous enough to send us details of the said case to litigations@doctorshub.com.ng or complaints@doctorshub.com.ng and we shall see to it that your complaint gets to the appropriate authorities and gets acted on.

Also visit http://doctorshub.com.ng/our%20doctors/ if you have any health-related questions or clarifications requiring a qualified doctor's opinion.


Thanks for reading!


http://doctorshub.com.ng/2017/02/22/5-medical-mistakes-you-can-sue-your-doctor-for/

Dareomo:
Well we learn everyday.

Yes boss

kennydotkom:
Habaaa. But which food left to eat bfore sex in order to get energy needed ? When o p said dont eat all the basic foods available. Dont eat semo , fufu, ala, eba ,, haaaaaa wetin remain again. I need to be Educated here.

There's a link at the end of the article for sex foods to eat. Thanks!

watchamacallit:
Hmm. Nice piece! But like seriously, that pounded yam though....breathtaking!

Have you ever wished you were an Einstein, a Mensa or some gifted savant with a brain that easily demystifies calculus, algebra or some other complex phenomenon such as the wave-particle duality and genetic engineering? If yes, then you are not alone. Part of our desire as humans, apart from riches, power, freedom, etc is a high IQ. We desperately want to be smart, to be able to figure out things quickly with ease and swag.


Sadly, majority of the IQs we get is due to genes- the IQ of our parents. So it's like this: if your grandparents were professors during their live time and your father is a programmer working with Google while your mom is a neuroscientist? You are likely to be born a genius. But even then, it is not always the case. Environment and other factors also play a role.
And foods? Yes, they too. What's their role in the scheme of things? Read this: Eating the right foods is enough to cause a reasonable boost in your brainpower. Although, you can't change or wish into existence that your biological parents be geniuses that very cold rainy night they conceived you, you can start doing something right now that can see a boost in your mental capacity: eat right, eat healthy and eat a lot of brain foods!

Here....



Brain food #1: Sardines

Fish generally, and sardines particularly are a rich source of the omega 3 fatty acid docosahexanoic acid (DHA) which has been found to boost brain function and improve memory in people of all ages. Although, the present economic realities in Nigeria has made sardines a luxury food, they are still one of the few brain foods with a capacity to quickly boost memory and slow down degeneration of neurons seen in old people at risk of Alzheimer's or dementia.



Brain food #2: Beans

This is one cheap and easily accessible brain food that has been underutilized and underreported for its brain-enhancing functions. Beans are a rich source of vitamin B- a water soluble vitamin required for the synthesis of acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter in the brain that aids the formation of memory. So if you cannot conveniently afford a regular supply of sardines for your kids, complement the little you can with beans. They would grow up to become Mensas!



Brain food #3: Eggs

Eggs are another brain food worthy of note. Their rich source of choline makes them an invaluable and necessary booster of brain functions. Boiled or fried or raw, eggs are a sure memory booster. And on the regard of boosting brain function, the egg yolk has been found to be more useful than the egg white (albumen).



Brain food #4: Dark chocolate

Perhaps, this may be yet another reason to encourage your addiction and obsession with chocolates. However, the emphasis here is on dark chocolate, and not the conventional ones which have been doctored by its manufacturers to provide little or no health benefits. Being a rich source of polyphenols and methylxanthines, dark chocolate does not only perform the function of boosting memory- it also boosts mood and is has achieved fame for being a potent aphrodisiac (+18: you really don't need those expensive Viagra pills to do the job if you are a regular eater of those rich, creamy, and dark chocolate bars).



Brain food #5: Curry:

You may be thinking, "what has curry got to do with the brain and memory?" Well, apart from spicing up your foods and given them those divine and celestial aromas, curries play a role in brain function and memory consolidation. Its active ingredient, curcumin, a special polyphenol, is known for bringing about the formation of new brain cells, a process called neurogenesis.



Brain food #6: Avocado

Although, they look so humble and benign, don't be fooled by their appearance: avocados are a superfood for the brain! They contain practically all the vitamins (A, D, E, K, C, and B) and minerals like sodium and potassium which play a role in the electrical generation and conduction of impulses in the brain and elsewhere. So the next time you come across this very humble fruit, give it its due and deserved respect (una no be mate. The fruit is loaded!)



Brain food #7: Green leafy vegetables

In mid 2015, the Federation of American Societies of Experimental Biology (FASEB) conducted a study to know the effect of green leafy vegetables on the brain and to identify the active components in them that are responsible for their effects. They reached a predictably positive conclusion: yes, green leafy vegetables enhance mental activity. Also, they identified vitamin K, present in the green leafy vegetables, as the primary compound responsible for the mental enhancement. Other compounds with mental enhancing effects found include lutein, folate and beta-carotene.



Brain food #8: Coffee

Whether freshly brewed or stale, coffee is a nasty and notorious booster of brain function. Its active ingredient, caffeine, increases focus, mental alertness and memory consolidation. Again, apart from being a neurostimulant, coffee (caffeine) has been discovered to have unholy, libidinal properties.



Brain food #9: Agbalumo (African Cherry)

Research conducted has revealed that agbalumo/udara contains more vitamin C than oranges! Now, how does this fact help the brain or boost memory? Vitamin C has anti-oxidant properties which help slow down the neurodegeneration of brain cells caused by oxidative stress- eventually helping prevent strokes and other neurogenerative insults on the brain. Also, vitamin C is neuromodulator in the synthesis of dopamine in the brain- dopamine, apart from being the chemical that rewards pleasure-seeking behaviours, also plays a role in the development of long term memory. So guys, why don't you all endure the temporary lip smacking experience of eating an agbalumo and making a chewing gum out of it for a brain like Einstein's?



Brain food #10: Tangerines/Orange

Tangerines too? Yes! Also known as satsuma in Japanese, tangerines and oranges are not left out on the list of brain foods anyone desiring a superior brainpower should have. They contain lots of antioxidants, folate, and potassium - which have all been found to benefit the brain. In fact, folate alone has been known to significantly mitigate the risk of Alzheimer's disease and decline in cognition. Tangerines in particular are a rich source of flavonoids which have useful application in the process of memory formation and retention. So guys, let's start licking some oranges and satsumas!



Brain food #11: Milk

Research published in the International Dairy Journal reported that people who drink at least one cup of milk daily do five times better at memory tests than nondrinkers. Milk has a lot of magnesium in it- and magnesium has been implicated in formation and retention of memory. So except you have lactose intolerence, always complement that meal you are eating with a satisfying and nutritious glass of milk!



Brain food #12: Sweet potato

Have you ever tried boiled sweet potato with egg stew? Try it and you will come to know that there is a God indeed! The taste is divine....like one meant for gods! No joke. Now, on a more serious note, sweet potato is one brain food you should have on your checklist of brain foods. At least if not for the deliciousness of its taste, do it for the boost in memory it gives. Containing high amounts of carotenoids with antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties, sweet potatoes come in handy as one type of brain food for both the young and the old.

Also read , "MEMORY LOSS: 10 REASOSNS WHY YOU ARE SO FORGETFUL" here: http://doctorshub.com.ng/2017/02/07/memory-loss-10-reasons-why-you-are-so-forgetful2/.


Thanks for reading!




http://doctorshub.com.ng/2017/02/12/brain-foods-12-foods-that-boost-your-memory/

Damian2016:
;

Lol. Abi o

YoungRichRuler:
Ok

;

Source: DoctorsHub Nigeria


​
Just like there are foods which serve as aphrodisiacs or boosters of sex drive, also there are foods which depress and kill sexual desire and performance, especially when taken a few hours or minutes before the commencement of intercourse. And really, except you want to have a reputation for being that man or woman who can't perform, you should skip these libido-killers before getting yourself naked and having a roll in the hay.


Surprisingly, these foods are not some exotic, fancy foods imported from Mars by Martians when they visited earth on a spy mission. These are foods that are so common that some of us eat them everyday. So if you are currently on the verge of acting out that amorous interlude that often paves the way for a sex romp or if are you anticipating sex with that awesome partner of yours tomorrow or in a few hours, avoid the following 7 foods,


#1. Red meat:
Red meat is all shades of bad-from suya to kilishi to steaks to all other forms which red meat comes in. And as you may have known by now, they also have added to their black book of harmful effects, low sex drive. It has been found that red meats contain chemicals which impair the synthesis of testosterone. Also, they require time to digest and as such can make you bloated. So instead of ordering suya, make it chicken breast or some other sex food.


#2. Beans:
Beans contain an indigestible sugar called stachyose which gets acted upon by certain bacteria found in the colon to release a lot of gas. This is why you pass out a lot of gas following a meal of beans. Of course, the beans makes you bloated- from the gas and by making you drink a lot of water. Beans is a no no for a night or day of good, satisfying sex.


#3. Alcohol (Beers):
While alcohols may temporarily provide you the liquid courage to approach that sultry attractive lady or to flirt with that dashing young man, they don't follow you to the bedroom, restroom or to anu other strange venue you and your partner(s) may decide to use, except for a glass or two of red wine, which has been found to unleash and set free the Anubis in you. Other alcohols, like beers and white wine, especially when excessively consumed are a downer for your sex drive. They make your libido nosedive so rapidly and swiftly. Even red wine, when you take it OTT by excessively ingesting it, plummets your sex drive.


#4. Energy drinks:
Energy drinks might give you a sudden burst of energy for the first few minutes, but they cannot carry you through the duration of the intercourse (assuming you average about 15 minutes before ejaculating). In fact, they eventually work against you by spiking your blood sugar levels and raising total blood insulin concentrations, all of which work to crash your sex drive.


#5. Sharwama:
Saucy foods such as sharwama, French fries, etc have high sodium content. Excess sodium salts cause water to be retained in the body and consequently cause bloating, which is bad for sex. Also and in the long run, the high sodium levels can cause hypertension which also is a known cause of erectile dysfunction.


#6. Heavy foods:
Foods like pounded yam, eba, semo, amala, fufu, etc are a killer of sexual performance. Don't take these heavy foods if you intend engaging in sex afterwards. How exactly do they work against sex? When consumed, they require a lot of energy and blood flow to the stomach for their digestion. So blood is shunted from other body organs like the brain, kidneys, skin, etc to the stomach for their digestion. When this happens, the brain gets low blood flow- causing drowsiness and sleepiness, all of which counter the excitement of dopamine when sex is imminent.


#7. Popcorn:
Popcorn too? Yes! And really, you are not the only one mystified by the list. To be scrupulously honest with you, I rolled my eyes when I stumbled on popcorn even as I researched for the article. But then, it is fact: The inner lining of microwavable popcorn bags and the non-stick pots/pans used for making popcorn have been found to contain perfluoroalkyl acids which have a depressant effect on sex drive. So while you are at the movies, you may want to avoid popcorns if you intend to follow up the movie with a sex romp.


You may also find useful, "10 SEX FOODS TO EAT BEFORE SEX!!!" here: http://doctorshub.com.ng/2017/02/15/10-sex-foods-to-eat-before-sex/.



Thanks for reading!


http://doctorshub.com.ng/2017/02/16/7-foods-to-avoid-just-before-sex/

The skin is the largest organ in humans. And as such it is the most conspicuous of all organs. Now, except you decide to always dress like spiderman, there will always be a part or section of your skin for the world to see, no matter how covered you are. And because people judge us based on our outward appearance, we often go the extra mile in ensuring that we have and maintain a flawless skin... one without blemishes. It is for this singular reason that the market for skin care products is today a multi-billion dollar industry. In fact, it has been predicted that the US skin care market alone would be worth a whooping $11 billion by 2018! So yes, the whole hype about having a smooth and flawless skin is worth it.
So now, you want to have that skin that shines and shimmers even in the dark, right? You want that skin of your dteams- the one that makes even newborn babies go green with envy, right?

Keep reading.

Below are 5 simple but highly etfective tips, that when implemented, would cause you to smile and walk about with a sense of genuine pride.


#1. Avoid excessive exposure to the sun
The UV rays from the sun have a damaging effect on the skin. They cause the skin to age very quickly by exerting oxidative stress on the cells of the skin. In fact, UV rays accounted for 80 per cent of skin ageing, including wrinkles (recent research). Bearing this in mind, you should do everything to minimise your exposure to sunlight. Use sunscreens whenever you can and would be required to be in the sun for some time. Wear protective clothes as well. And agian, there are creams with anti-UVL properties which are rubbed 15 to 20 minutes before getting exposed to the sun. Long-term UV exposure can also lead to pigmentation, reduced skin elasticity and a degradation of skin texture.


#2. Eat right and healthy
Just as there are brain foods and pregnancy foods, so also we have skin foods. These foods, when consumed for a certain duration, are known to aid skin regeneration and renewal. Examples of these skin foods are, carrots, oranges (vitamin C has antioxidant properties), tomatoes, cucumber, pawpaw, watermelons, sweet potato (rich source of carotenoids), fish rich in omega-3-fatty acids, pepper and dark chocolate. These foods all contain their individual ingredients which make them good foods for the skin.


#3. Wash your skin as often as required
For a beautiful, softer and smoother skin, one has to wash one's skin with clean water and some special soaps with skin-enhancing properties. Try to have a bath at least twice daily-one must be before you retire into the other room for a good night's sleep. Also, make it a habit to wash off those very thick layers of makeup from your face before going to bed. They block your sweat pores and trap bacteria within, leading to acne and other skin conditions.In fact, only allow your makeup to last no more than 7 hours on your face!

NB: there is a caveat with the washing of the face: don't overdo it. An average of 2 to 3 washes per day is good. However, when you start washing your face every hour of the day, it defeats the purpose for which it was intended to achieve by causing your face to become dryer.


#4. Use creams that are rich in vitamin E
Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant and such it works in countering the effective of oxidative stress on the skin cells and other cells of the body, hence, fulfilling the function of anti-aging. There are number of creams out there that contain vitamin E as part of their active ingredients. Use them for a softer and smoother skin.


#5. Drink as much water as you need
Apart from being famed as the solvent universalis, water plays a vital role in skin regeneration and renewal, and promotes hair growth as well. Any form of dehydration is not good for skin beauty. Particularly, severe dehydration often presents with dryness of skin the mouth. So instead of that daily can of soft drink or soda, replace it with water. Drink just enough water for a softer, smooother and fresher skin.


For questions, comments, criticisms or clarifications click on the link below.


Thanks for reading!

Source: www.DoctorsHub.com.ng




http://doctorshub.com.ng/2017/02/07/5-simple-tips-for-a-softer-and-smoother-skin/

innovate3751:
Issokay!

Does the thought of sex always fill you with so much revulsion and digust? Do you persistently dread the possibility of sex or seriously dislike the act of someone, irrespective of who they are, flirting with and making sexual passes at you? Do you find the sight of genitals extremely disturbing and distressing? Then it is very possible you are suffering from a condition called sexual aversion disorder.


To be able to understand sexual aversion disorder, one must first understand that there are instances where it is perfectly normal for people to lose interest in sexual activity. For example, it is normal for your libido to nosedive during menopause; directly after the birth of a child; before or during menstruation; during recovery from an illness or surgery; and during such major or stressful life changes as death of a loved one, job loss, retirement, or divorce. Instances such as these are considered as normal and often temporary, unlike what is experienced in sexual aversion disorder.


Sexual aversion disorder (SAD), defined as a persistent or recurrent extreme aversion to, and avoidance of all or almost all, genital sexual contact with a sexual partner which causes distress or interpersonal difficulty, depicts a more severe and disturbing loss of interest in sex. In SAD, there is a persistent and morbid fear of sex (coitophobia): just the thought or intent of engaging in sexual activities causes so much distress, revulsion and disgust. Some sufferers even get to experience panic panic attacks, nausea or chest tightness with shortness of breath. Now, while all sufferers of SAD experience a general aversion towards genitals, in some others just the mere act if kissing, hugging or caressing, even without sex, is met with serious distress.


Sexual aversion disorder can be classified as either primary SAD (lifelong SAD i.e it has always been there from day one) or secondary SAD (acquired SAD- happens in a person who had a normal sexual desire. This usually happens after a major sexual trauma); situational SAD (that occurs only in certain instances and with certain partners) or generalized SAD (that occurs in all situations and with any partner). Regardless of which form it chooses to manifest itslef, there is no denying the fact that SAD is often the reason why a lot of marriages or relationships experience conflicts. Except you and your partner are both aversed to sex, this is one problem you must quickly solve before embarking on any serious relationship.


CAUSES OF SEXUAL AVERSION DISORDER
So what exactly is responsible for this distrubing aversion towards sexual pleasure? What might make anyone exhibit such profound dislike for sex?


#1. Sexual trauma:
When sex is forced and achieved against one's will, it can mess up the person's mind and result in SAD. Be it a rape, abuse or an incest, sexual trauma especially when it occurs during the early formative years, such as childhood and adolescence (when the brain is creating pathways to understand sexuality) can cause SAD.


#2. Overexposure to negative stories about sex:
When you are constantly exposed to very horrible, graphic and negative stories about sex, even before you experience sex, it can accumulate over time and cause you mind to start viewing sex as a misnomer...something utterly bad and unenjoyable. With time, you lapse into an aversion.


#3. Persistent painful and unenjoyable sex:
If every sexual experience you have had was always unbearably painful, this can cause you to start viewing it as a painful and unnecessary experience. Initially, you may try to endure it just to please your partner, but with time you will start to loathe and avoid it.


HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU HAVE IT?
Often times, people are quick to confuse SAD with low sex drive. The two are very different entities and are managed differently as well. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ( DSM-IV-TR ), to meet criteria for a diagnosis of sexual aversion disorder the patient must not only avoid nearly all genital contact with his or her partner, but have strong negative feelings about such contact or its possibility. In addition, the aversion must be causing distress, difficulties and unhappiness either for the person or for his or her partner. Also, there must not be any underlying physical causes, such as certain disorders of the circulatory system, skin diseases, medication side effects, or similar problems that could cause a loss of desire. To be diagnosed with sexual aversion disorder, the affected person does not have to avoid all sexual contact, but must indicate that he or she is actively avoiding genital contact.



WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU HAVE SAD
Sadly, sexual aversion disoder is a difficult nut to crack- but it can be cracked nonetheless, and quite successfully, with patience and dedication. How? Psychotherapy.
A psychiatrist or clinical psychologist, via psychotherapy, can successfully uncondtion and unlearn the experience in SAD sufferers. But again, it often requires time and constant counseling sessions. You must be willing to and actually attend the counseling sessions for cure to be effected. The place of drugs is in the management of some of the symptoms and complications of SAD e.g Anxiolytics for anxiety, antidepressants for depression, etc.


NB: If you are not sure what it is you have or you are sure it is SAD but you are in dire need of help, visit www.DoctorsHub.com.ng and have any one of our doctors attend to you. We would be glad to help you overcome this problem.


Thanks for reading!




http://doctorshub.com.ng/2017/02/05/sexual-aversion-disorder-whh-you-hate-and-avoid-sex-so-much/

So you finally have decided, after enduring so much pressure from your immediate family members constantly admonshing you to get married and start a family, that it is time to relinquish spinsterhood and take on the herculean challenge of parenting a child in the 21st century, right? Welcome on board!


This article is made specially for you.


Regardless of your reason for wanting to get pregnant, it is important that you go about it in a way that guarantees the health and safety of you and your baby. This would involve some planning, no doubt. So ladies, if you want to be overly dramatic, call your men to a roundtable meeting and discuss the pregnancy while also making plans towards it. It is worth it. The health, safety and successful outcome of any pregnancy starts long, even before pregnancy is achieved. If only people planned their pregnancies the way they plan their birthdays.


Here...


#1. Daily intake of folic acid

Folic acid is one of the MUST-HAVE pregnancy supplements.This is because suboptimal levels or outright deficiency of it has be implicated in conditions such as miscarriage, recurrent miscarriage, low birth weight, preterm birth (PTB), preeclampsia, abruptio placentae, and stillbirth.Especially, its usefulness in preventing neural tube defects such as spinal bifida in babies cannot be overemphasized. Even long before a woman achieves pregnancy, it is important that she commences daily intake of folic acid- 400 μg/day in females over 19 years and about 600 μg/day during pregnancy. Folic acid is an over the counter medication, hence, it does not require a doctor's prescription before you can get it.


#2. Maintain a healthy weight

Apart from making you look more physically attractive, the health benefits of a normal body mass index (BMI), 18.5 - 24.9, extend to pregnancy and beyond. Getting pregnant while obese makes that pregnancy a high risk pregnancy. The risk of gestational diabetes, preeclmlampsia, prolonged pregnancy (over-maturity) and difficult labour are significantly increased. These are all conditions that seriously and negatively impact the outcome of pregnancies. So, just before you go screaming "Fat girls are sexy" or "Big is beautiful", consider the health implications of achieving pregnancy while obese. To be scrupulously honest and professional with you, it makes perfect health sense to consciously knock off a few pounds and maintain a normal weight just before pregnancy occurs. This is even more so when you consider the fact that you are still going to gain some 10-15kg of weight during pregnancy.


#3. Go for dental checkups

You may be wondering, "what has the tooth got to do with pregnancy?" The answer is simple: A whole lot! Periodontal disease, if allowed into pregnancy, can cause your baby to be delivered prematurely and to suffer from low birth weight. In fact, the dental checkup should be extended to include the entire duration of pregnancy. Why? Because the process of pregnancy causes hormonal changes that increase the risk of periodontal disease.


#4. Watch what you eat

The saying that, "you are what you eat" carries more health implications than people actually know. And when it comes to pregnancy, its not just you...your baby will also be affected by your choice of food. Are you planning to get pregnant? Then tailor your diet to lean towards foods that increase your body's reserve of nutrients. Iron, calcium, vitamin D, etc are very important nutrients which play a significant role in a baby's development. Go for fruits and vegetables instead of junks and opt for fresh homade meals instead of canned and heavily processed foods. Reduce your consumption of seafoods because of their high mercury content. When pregnancy is desired, you and your baby are what you (the mom) eat.


#5. Go for a pre-pregnancy checkup

I cannot, for the goodness of me, complete this list without seriously emphasizing the need for pre-pregnancy health screenings. It is just too important to ignore! For both the woman and her partner. Yet, because of our very poor health index and overall lack of health awareness, we very often neglect this very important MUST-DO-IT before pregnancy screening. And it is really sad because, over 50% of pregnancy and labour complications can be reasonably managed and the risks drastically curtailed when picked up even before they manifest. Talk about difficult labour, sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, prematurity, newborn HIV and AIDS, and a host of other terrible and deadly conditions. With just the right screening, some of these conditions can be realiably and accurately predicted, and be effectively managed if and when they arise.


NB: Now, even though I did not include it in the list, it is extremely crucial you have some good cash stashed somewhere- not just for the expenses that come with pregnancy but also for the upkeep of the baby. Go and ask how much they sell pampers, baby wears or baby foods. And that's when and if your baby is a super-baby who will never have a fever or fall sick. Please, if you genuinely desire a pregnancy, make necessary provisions before you start trying to achieve one.


For questions, comments and similar articles please visit www.DoctorsHub.com.ng


Thanks for reading!


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Being a mom, especially for the first time, can be one of the most cherished and most rewarding moments in a woman's life, as she finally is able to confirm to her mother-in-law and the other numerous witches trying to tie her womb that indeed her womanhood is intact. No shaking. This is especially so in this neck of the woods where women are constantly blamed and ridiculed for not having borne a child, even though in 50% of such cases the man is the sole cause of it. So it is usually no surprise when pregnant women erupt into wild, jubilant celebration, with songs of praise to God Almighty, after a successful delivery.


Even with all the joys that come with childbirth, the happy-happy mood is soon replaced with feelings of dread, anxiety, pain and fear of the unknown when the child starts having a fever, cough or whatever symptom worthy of note. This is not unexpected as babies, especially under five babies, are very prone to infections due to their vulnerable and developing immunity.
Some of these symptoms often resolve with a bit of medical help and maneuvering, while others require very prompt and active medical care so as save the life of the baby in question. These symptoms, the alarm symptoms, are the ones a mother most always be on the look out for....247! Because when missed, they cause very serious complications for the baby.


Below are 10 of the alarm signs/symptoms mothers must always and promptly notify their doctors about;


#1. Yellowish eyes/Skin:

Newborn babies, for the first 3 days or so of life, experience a very mild form of jaundice (physiologic jaundice) that occasionally presents as yellowing of the eyes. This is due to the destruction of fetal red blood cells, and it is a normal occurence. However, when the jaundice becomes progressive and severe, it could be a sign of an underlying liver disease or something else. Usually, it starts from the eyes to the hands, abdomen and finally ends in the legs. Because the pigment, bilirubin, responsible for this discolouration is very harmful to the child's brain, it is very important that this is spotted on time and the doctor be notified promptly.


#2. Convulsion/Fits:

In older kids, this can be very easy to identify. However, in neonates (babies from 0-30 days), it can be difficult spotting this sign. Usually for neonates, it presents of rapid blinking of the eyes, smacking of the lips, occasional facial twitches, etc. Regardless of whether it happens in neonates or infants or children above 1 year of age, this sign must never ever be ignored. If as a mother you ignore this sign, you could possibly end up with a child who is generally dysfunctional with serious disabilities.


#3. High fever:

Any fever in excess of 38 degree Celsius must be rigorously monitored. Especially when the baby is also either coughing with very rapid respiration (pneumonia) or the baby has a very stiff neck (meningitis). Pneumonia and meningitis are two very deadly conditions in children, particularly under five children. As a mom, always have a thermometer with you and take the body temperature of your child whenever you suspect a fever.


#4. Severe stomach ache :

While this may be very difficult to identify in children who are yet to start talking, it no less a very serious symptom not to ignore. Children who are already talking can conveniently complain about this and often point to the actual location of the pain while neonates and children who are yet to start talking will just have this relentless high-pitched cry. Watch out for this symptom as it could be indicative of appendicitis (which is usually an emergency), intussusception (a condition common in children under 4 years, where the upper intestines telescope into the lower intestines) or a strangulated hernia (a very common occurence in children).


#5. Chronic diarrhoea and vomiting:

Is your child stooling and/or vomiting excessively? Then alert your doctor about it. Cholera often presents as diarrhoea and vomiting. And death from it is very swift, and often due to the dehydration and abnormalities in the electrolytes that follow the stooling and vomiting. Mothers MUST know how to prepare oral rehydration solution (ORS) at home and be able to give it to their children when they are stooling and/or vomiting excessively. This simple ORS may be the only thing that will keep your child alive until you get access to a doctor. Click this link to learn how to make and give ORS: http://doctorshub.com.ng/2017/02/02/how-to-prepare-and-give-oral-rehydration-solution-at-home/


#6. Difficulty with breathing:

Difficulty with breathing, often presenting as deep, laboured breathing or rapid, shallow breathing, may be caused by asthma, pneumonia or tuberculosis or any other respiratory infection. Very commonly in infants, it is due to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), a very highly fatal condition where oxygen is unable to get the lungs because the lungs are filled with fluid. Due to the high mortality (death) associated with these conditions, no mom should delay in seeking medical help when they are noticed.


#7. Excessive crying
It is normal for babies to cry when they are hungry, in need of a diaper change or when their mothers are away for too long and when the weather is unbearably hot and uncomfortable. However, when a child keeps crying even in the absence of the factors listed above, then the mother must be alarmed, especially when the cry is a high-pitched one. There a thousand and one possible medical reasons that may be responsible for the child's crying, which is why mothers must be quick to seek expert medical help to help find out the cause of it and to quickly address it.


#8. Bluish colouration of the lips and hands (fingers):

This is called cyanosis. It usually is a sign of defective or suboptimal oxygen circulation. Very common causes of it include congenital heart diseases, asthma, pneumonia, ARDS, cyanide poisoning, airway obstruction, heart failure, etc. It is a sign that portends a potentially deadly underlying condition. Such a child must be given intranasal (through the nose) oxygen quickly so as to avoid disaster.


#9. Distended abdomen:

This is a very common complaint among neonates and infants. A few causes abound but very commonly it is seen in babies who, after being fed formula-based feeds, develop constipation. Even so, it resolves without within a day or two. However, when the tummy gets progessively bigger, there is vomiting, and the baby is not defecating or is constipated, then the doctor must be called and notified. Hirschprung's disease is a common cause of this, and so is congenital megacolon, duodenal atresia, malrotation and other strange-sounding, boring but potentially deadly medical conditions. Always consult a doctor when this is noticed.


#10. Signs of dehydration:

This is yet another one that can assassinate your baby very swiftly and without remorse. Look out for the following signs:
-Dry lips with parched tongue
-Sunken eyes
-Sunken or depressed fontanelles (fontanelles are those places on the baby's head that are unclosed when the baby is born, and often pulsate when felt or closely watched. With time, the skull bones get sutured and the fontanelles close)
-Absence of tears even when the baby cries
-Very low or no passage of urine- usually, day old baby wets one diaper. Two days old wets two and from day 3 until about 6 weeks, a baby may be wetting about 6 diapers every day. If after day 1 or 2, your baby is only doing one diaper or none at all, you must and should be worried.


NB: when the fontanelles are also significantly bulging, the mother must alert a doctor. It commonly signifies a brain infection such as encephalitis, meningitis or hydrocephalus (excess water in the brain).


For questions, comments and clarifications, please leave a comment in the comment box below or click on this link http://doctorshub.com.ng/our%20doctors/ and have any of our qualified doctors promptly attend to you.

Thanks for reading!


P.S: When we care, we #share.




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