₦airaland Forum

The effect of the rainy is felt mostly on the feet. The mud and murky water from the street are fraught with many infectious agents that most time has more contact with the feet. Here are ways to care for them to ensure that they are protected and these infections are avoided.
Foot infections thrive when the area is moist, wear shoes to protect your feet against moist- thriving bacteria and fungi. Shoes provide protection better than sandals.

It might not be easy to avoid the feet being moist for a long time as water can still seep through shoes . Scrub the feet thoroughly as often as possible with soap for about 10 minutes while taking a bath.
Try as much as possible to keep the feet dry while at home. Apply talcum powder to keep them dry and prevent bacteria from infecting the feet.
It is safer to stay at home when there is feet infection. Do not expose the feet in public places especially swimming pools or bathrooms as there could be the presence of bacteria.
Wear a new pair of socks daily or twice daily because of sweat.
Just as some people moisturise their hands to make it soft , apply antiseptic and moisturiser to the feet to clear any fungi or bacteria.
In case there is any flakiness or redness on the feet, consult a doctor.

https://www.nigerialog.com/health/how-to-avoid-foot-infection-this-rainy-season/new/#new

There are sites that are used in a film that look like stage props or film tricks but are places that actually exist. They are used in films with stories weaved around it that makes it sound so real . It’s really difficult to discern what is real and what isn’ t .
These sites were built by man and are amazing to behold .

Petra

Petra is a city sculpted into a gorge in southern Jordan and was stumbled upon by a Swiss explorer in 1812 . It was shown in the third installment of Indiana Jones film where he went to look for the Holy grail,and some would think it was a set prop. It brought more exposure to this captivating place .
It became a UNESCO world heritage site in 1985 and was recently named one of the new Seventh Wonders of the World .

Stonehenge

Stonehenge is an ancient monument that was built over 3000 years ago . It is found in Wiltshire , England .
In the film Transformer the Last Knight, Stonehenge was an important part of the Transformers ’ history. Hence a lot happened on this site in the film .
Before now , tourist were allowed to walk in the circle between the stones but recently it has been barricaded and they can only stand around it.

The Sphinx of Giza

The Sphinx of Giza was shown in the American fantasy film , The Mummy
( 1999 ) . This is one of the oldest and largest monuments in the world . It has not been confirmed when and why it was built .
The name in Arabic is Abu alhawl, which means the terrible one in English. It can be found on the Giza plateau on the west bank of the Nile in Egypt.

https://www.nigerialog.com/travel/did-you-know-these-sites-were-real/new/#new

Is your child ’s academic performance dwindling?
Does you child react in some way that may seem weird from the norm?
Has your once happy and active child now become reclusive?
Then you may want to think toward an emotional and behavioural imbalance .
While a lot of parents may not think that such traits can be linked to a mental disorder , it is therefore pertinent to rule out such when presented with similar symptoms .
Parents should, therefore, pay adequate attention to the traits their children display .
According Ruqoyah Ogunbiyi , a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Professional , “Mental health discourse are just beginning to gather audience in Nigeria and indeed the world , thus it is no coincidence that the reaction of many when child mental disorders discourse arises is oftentimes stigmatizing .
Children do not think , they are innocent and don ’t have worries , these were some of the responses often gotten when child mental discourse arises .”
She noted that the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) estimates that one in five children have a mental disorder.
Emotional and behavioural disorders are most common and they increase the likelihood of academic underachievement and poor behaviour .
Emotional disorders can be seen in children as early as 4 months and behavioural disorders as early as 3 years .
Yet many parents , teachers and other custodians of children are not aware of these disenabling disorders .
The founder of SaneMindng said that to determine emotional and behavioural disorders, one must be well equipped with knowledge of developmental milestones . “Developmental milestones are set of skills children attain as they grow.
While it is widely agreed that children develop at their individual pace , it must be known that we are more alike than different and milestones should be reached within set range outside of which may be indicative of a delayed developmental .
“A difference from the expected social and physical milestones may be an early sign of an emotional or behavioural disorder.
For example , toddlers are characterized with increased physical/ motor activity compared to older children.
A nine - year -old child that still jumps on the cushion like a toddler would most likely raise a red flag for a behavioural disorder.
“Another means of detection is deviation from the known personality of the child.
Emotional/ behavioural disorders could cause a child to become withdrawn or more talkative / hyperactive . So how well do you know your child ?
Sometimes, children may also show symptoms of emotional disorders in form of consistent , unexplained physical health condition .
For example a child with depression may present with seizures all of a sudden.
This is often differentiated from physical health problems because routine tests show no biochemical explanation of the illness hence unexplained physical health problems.
Ogunbiyi stressed that infantile depression is about the earliest emotional disorders and it is typically seen in infants as young as four months and characterised by failure to thrive without explainable biochemical or neurological cause, separation anxiety can be noticed in about four to seven years .
Typically emotional disorders often begin much earlier than behavioural disorders.
“When parents are concerned about their child ’s mental health , it is best they reach out to qualified professionals .
The pediatrician or General Practitioner ( GP) is often the first point of call to rule out any biochemical or neurological illness that may mimic emotional and behavioural disorders .
If the symptoms cannot be explained then further assessment would be required by a child mental health professional.
Ogunbiyi added : “It is noteworthy that the social environment in which children are nurtured can predispose , trigger or perpetuate emotional and behavioural disorders in children .
Hence , the two most significant institutions in the life of a child , family and school, can make or mar the child.

https://www.nigerialog.com/family/identifying-emotional-behavioural-changes-in-your-child/new/#new

There are certain lessons we were taught as kids and somehow, as we grew up and life became ‘more real’, those lessons faded into the background as though they didn’t hold importance anymore.
However, they are life lessons that you should always hold on to. Are you ready?
1. What is most important is what is inside
These words have found their true meaning now that everything is artificial, from butts to breasts and lashes. Yet, this is not all that there is to these words; it is not just about whether you look fake or not. It is just as important that when you meet people, you don’t measure them by material things. Seek to know who they truly are and the value hidden in them.

2. Re-sharpening is constant
The Good Book says that iron sharpens iron but have you ever stopped to wonder what it feels like for the iron? That’s right! It will definitely be painful. Likewise, you may have to go through painful periods just so you can become more useful.

3. You will make mistakes
Mistakes are inevitable so don’t be in a hurry to say, “God forbid” when you are told that you will make them. All you should do is to pray that they don’t cost you too much and that you are able to learn from them. Mistakes are learning opportunities.

4. Always leave a mark
When you use sharpened iron, it always leaves a mark. Thus, it does not matter how long you spend at a place, whether it is a new job, school or neighborhood, make sure you leave a mark so that people feel when your impact even when you are not there.
These seem like soppy life lessons to you? They are worth remembering all the same.

https://www.nigerialog.com/random-thoughts/grow-up-but-never-forget-these-life-lessons/new/#new

Located off the coast of Jonesport , Mistake Island is just a 30 - acre island in the state of Maine , US with coordinates – 44 ° 28 ’29 . 2″ N , 67 ° 32 ’ 06 .4 ″ W .
This island consists of a lighthouse – Moose Peak Light , few houses, and some vegetation . Although it may seem as though the name “Mistake Island ”was coined just for no reason or as a joke, the name is actually a corruption of the word “Moosabec ” – a name believed to have had its origins in an Abenaki word , possibly meaning “moose head” .
Looking at the surroundings around Mistake Island , there seems to be no logic at all for it’s name .
This only shows that there don’ t always have to be a reason behind naming places .


https://www.nigerialog.com/travel/ever-heard-of-the-mistake-island(photo)/new/#new

Sweet potato lives up to its name . It’s delicious and easy to prepare . With the right blend of ingredients , this food makes a delicious meal to be savoured.
Thyme roasted sweet potatoes is a simple meal with few ingredients that results in a delicious potato dish . Here are the simple steps in preparing it.
Ingredients
4 medium sweet potatoes
1/ 3 cup fresh thyme leaves
3 tbsp olive oil
4 large garlic cloves
1/ 2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/ 2 tsp , ground red pepper

Method
1 . Preheat oven to 400 degrees .
2 . Cut potatoes into pieces , preferably one and a half inch slices and wash .
3 . In a bowl , mix the potato slices , thyme , olive oil , garlic, salt , and ground red pepper flakes until the potatoes are well covered in the ingredients.
4 . In a baking sheet , lay the potatoes carefully ensuring that they are well laid not to overlay each other.
5 . Place baking sheet on a baking tray and place on the top rack of preheated oven .
6 . Roast the sweet potatoes for about 40 minutes until they are tender and slightly golden brown.
7 . Serve immediately .

https://www.nigerialog.com/food/fall-in-love-with-this-simple-potato-recipe/new/#new

While it's Ok to give your boo money and assist them financially, do you know where and when to stop?
Remember that time when some Twitter user narrated a viral story of how some guy took a quick loan of from his girlfriend for his business and it turned out that he used it to fund his wedding with another woman? Of course you do, and it is scenarios like that that recreate the need to talk about lovers, and how money affects their romantic relationships.
When the effect of money on relationships and marriages is talked about, it is often from the perspective of who pays for what, and how best partners should relate with each other’s money. But maybe it’s time to talk about where to draw the line when giving your boo money, and when interacting with them in a financial capacity.
First things first, it needs to be mentioned that relationships are meant to be two-sided and all efforts are meant to flow from both sides – from acts of affection to financial intercourse. In other words, helping each other meet financial needs is not bad in any way. Granting a loan, or giving money to help a lover’s course is a great gesture.
Whether you are in a relationship or married, if you can help a partner with some financial aid, go ahead and do it. If you are in a relationship with someone who you consider undeserving of your financial assistance, maybe they are undeserving of a relationship with you altogether.
Whatever you do, make sure that would do the same for you if they were in your shoes.

Where to draw the line
That being said, however, there’s a place to draw the line and that’s to never give more than you can do away with. It’s the same rule that applies with people who are not even in a relationship with you. If you can’t let a certain amount go, then don’t loan it to a boo. It’s a precautionary measure and it is a wise one, especially for people whose relationships are still at the early stages.

In a marriage
When you are married, there’s more space to be 'daring' because of the wholeness that marriage presupposes. Being married means you are with the person body spirit and should be able to take more risks, to give more of yourself to them, and for them.
In conclusion, one needs to realise that nothing beats being with the right person, whether in a marriage or in a relationship, who wouldn't make you regret any action taken in love and as an expression of how genuinely you care about them.
Hopefully, everyone reading this finds that kind of comforting and reassuring kind of love.

https://www.nigerialog.com/romance/where-do-you-draw-the-line-when-giving-your-partner-money/new/#new

Pregnancy is a delicate time in a woman’s life . This is due to the complications that can occur not just on the woman but on the foetus . It is important to do everything possible to avoid putting the woman and the foetus at risk .
It is important to maintain a healthy diet that will guarantee a smooth and healthy time of pregnancy . Here are some foods to avoid during pregnancy:

Raw eggs
Some food contains raw eggs. Like ice cream , cake icing , also avoid scrambled eggs because they are not as well cooked as hard - boiled eggs .
Raw eggs may be infected with salmonella which affects the mother . In a severe case , this might cause cramps that could result in stillbirth .

High mercury fish
Mercury is poisonous and all pregnant women should avoid eating this . Fish that contain mercury include tuna and mackerel .

Alcohol
Pregnant women should avoid alcohol completely . It increases the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth . An even small amount can affect the brain development of the child.
It can also cause alcohol dependency syndrome which causes facial deformity in the child or mental retardation.

Processed junk food
Some women crave junk food when they are pregnant . This contains extra calories that the body does not require. They contain high sugar that can increase the risk of developing diabetes and heart disease .
During pregnancy , the body requires proteins and iron .

Caffeine
High caffeine intake could increase chances of miscarriage and low weight of a child . Caffeine is found in tea, chocolate and energy drinks . Some studies have shown that caffeine can cause premature birth . Other drinks to avoid include soft drinks , diet cola and other carbonated drinks.

https://www.nigerialog.com/health/avoid-these-foods-if-you-are-pregnant/new/#new

Whether you are a regular fitness junkie or a beginner , chances are that you may have faced some form of intimidation at the gym before. The sights, the sounds and even the smalls can make one afraid, overwhelmed or anxious at some point.
“Gymtimidation ”, as we ’re going to call it, is one thing that stops people before they start working out .
Here are three ways to make your stay at the workout centre welcoming :

Find the right fit
There are many types of gyms and gym-goers, Some look like you stepped into an activewear fashion show and others focus on specific workouts like Zumba or Pilates. Make sure the gym meets your needs and their style and clientele make you feel comfortable . You can also get a workout buddy who can help with every aspect of gymtimidation.

Don ’ t fear the equipment
Find out what equipment you need and how to use it. To do this , you have to be clear about your goals and needs , whether it’s weight loss or strength -building . Some gyms offer free tours of the equipment . Feel free to ask questions and state what you need.

Don ’ t gymtimidate others
You also need to make the gym a welcoming environment for others. If someone makes eye contact or tries to talk , feel free to smile at them or talk to them . If someone looks confused at a machine , it’s okay to ask if they need help. Back off if they say no. Don ’t stare at others or go around commenting on their bodies or workouts.
Re - rack weights if you’ re lifting the highest number of weights so that the next person doesn ’ t have to struggle with taking them down. If you see other members engaging in gymtimidating behaviour, consider pulling them aside to help them understand why it’s not cool.

https://www.nigerialog.com/health/three-ways-of-overcoming-intimidation-at-the-gym/new/#new

You would not want to look back at your youth and discover that there are bits you regret. This is why it is most important that you do your best to get it right now that you are young and your wits are still about you. A step towards doing that is reading this article and internalizing the following:
1. Marrying the wrong person
Marriage is a lifetime deal so it would not make sense to slug it out with the wrong person. The wrong person here means someone who does not respect you, support your dreams, who abuses you emotionally and physically or who does not help you grow spiritually.

2. Not taking care of your body
All the messed up things like alcohol and drugs that you take while you are young will catch up with you. Also, the exercise you procrastinate over is sure to rear its head later in life.

3. Not making financial investments
It is good to give your best to where you work but don’t waste your best years there. If at all you must work for someone, be on the lookout for what you can invest in. In the long run, it will all come in handy.

4. Not pursuing your dreams to full capacity
It is good to have aspirations but it will all be useless if you don’t venture out of your comfort zone to ensure they come to life. What is even worse is a half-hearted effort. Go all the way now and try every possibility so that you don’t torment yourself later on, wondering what you could have achieved.

5. Burning bridges
The right relationships can get you anywhere in the world so don’t be too quick to dump people. Be mindful of how you treat them too.
Whatever you do, make the most of today and learn all you can to develop yourself!

https://www.nigerialog.com/random-thoughts/life-mistakes-you-shouldnt-make/new/#new

People speak about self-love a lot and some mistaken it for just buying things for yourself, yes that’s a part of it but being kind to yourself is a lot deeper than that.
Being kind to yourself means not beating up yourself for your mistakes or for things that are beyond your control.

Being kind to yourself means that you don’t push your body too hard to the point of exhaustion.

Being kind to yourself means removing yourself from toxic environment that will have a negative effect on your mind and body.

Being kind to yourself means that you seek help when you have mental issues or when you suspect yourself to be suffering from issues such as depression, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders etc.

Being kind to yourself means that you eat healthily and you try to put yourself first in situations.

Being kind to yourself means putting an effort to understand yourself because mastering yourself means dealing easier with yourself.
Be kind to yourself, you are all you have. At the end of the day, no matter how hard you try you can’t save anyone or help anyone if you don’t help yourself first.

https://www.nigerialog.com/random-thoughts/learn-to-be-kind-to-yourself/new/#new

While ginger may have many benefits and is a root of the plant Zingiber officinale , it is a natural anti- inflammatory and antioxidant whose benefits are in large part to compounds in the root like gingerones , gingerols, shogaols , and paradols .
Ginger in tea , ginger ale or even while eaten with food has often been used to treat treat nausea , indigestion and diarrhea . It is also a good source of some vitamins and minerals that are very essential to men’ s health .
Here are five surprising benefits of ginger for men ;

Prevents Prostate Cancer
Affecting million of men per year , ginger can be used to cure the nausea associated with cancer treatments and may also stimulate appetite.
A study discovered that whole ginger extract prevented the growth of prostate cancer cells and caused existing cells to commit cell suicide. Using a mice, they found out that a daily intake of 100 mg of whole ginger extract per kilogram of body weight per day inhibited the progression of cancer cells by about 56 % and also noted that ginger did not cause any damage to non -cancerous cells .
Prevents Heart Disease
Ginger a good source of vitamin B-6 , magnesium and potassium can help prevent heart disease . As high blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease these three compounds helps reduce the risk of developing heart disease .
Studies have shown that ginger may also lower cholesterol and prevent clogged blood vessels that can lead to heart attack and stroke .
It is however , very important to note that high doses of ginger have been known to worsen certain heart conditions. If you have heart problems, make sure to consult your doctor before taking ginger.
Infertility and Erectile Dysfunction
Although the University of Maryland Medical Center has stated that it is rare to develop a manganese deficiency , having insufficient amounts in your diet may also lead to infertility and erectile disorders . Which is why Manganese , a mineral contained in ginger and found throughout the body, is essential to neurological health and helps to form and trigger the release of the sex hormone testosterone .

Prevents Colon Cancer
Men are at a higher risk of developing colon cancer than women and is the 2 nd leading killer among cancers in the United States . According to a study carried out by a team led by Chul -Ho Jeong at the University of Minnesota, gingerol, the compound that gives ginger its spicy taste , may help to treat and prevent cancer . Based on these findings , the National Institutes of Health are currently conducting clinical trials exploring ginger’s use in chemoprevention for colon cancer and the University of Minnesota is working on creating pharmaceutical drugs using gingerol as an anti -cancer drug.

Regulates blood sugar level
Due to its manganese and magnesium content, ginger plays a role in the treatment of diabetes . As suggested by the University of Maryland Medical Center, these minerals present in ginger helps to regulate blood sugar in both diabetic and non -diabetic men . With blood concentrations of these minerals lower than average in people with diabetes , ginger may be essential to preventing both the development of and complications that may arise from diabetes in men .

https://www.nigerialog.com/health/ginger-the-secret-to-longer-lives-for-men/new/#new

Badagry is a coastal town and local government area in Lagos State, Nigeria.
The coastal town of Badagry , traditionally known as Gbagle , is situated between the city of Lagos, and the border with Benin Republic at Seme. It was cut out of Nigeria in 1863 and eventually added to the state of Lagos as part of Nigeria by the United Kingdom in 1901.
Being the second largest town in Lagos State, Badagry is surrounded by lakes, creeks and island, which makes beaches and resorts one of the major attractions of the ancient town.
Here are a few quick facts about the indigenous people of Badagry:
1. Badagry is a monarchy headed by the Wheno Aholuship , a kingship head by the Akran of Badagry and his seven white cap high chiefs. The white cap chiefs administer the eight quarters which Badagry is divided into. These divisions are Ahovikoh, Boekoh, Jegba, Posukoh, Awhanjigo, Asago, Whalako and Ganho.

2. The title of Badagry’s royal father is Oba Akran, a kingship so influential that one of longest commercial avenues (a 2.14kilometere stretch) in Ikeja, Oba Akran Avenue, was named after it.

3. Badagry locals, comprising of the Aworis, Egun, Yoruba and Ogu people, are known for their hospitable disposition and their famous snack, Ajogun, made from cassava, best enjoyed with coconut water sucked from a straw plunged deep into the coconut.

4. Because of its proximity to the ocean, Badagry became the key port for export of African slaves to the Americas. Till date, there is a small museum in the building of the first Christian mission that showcases the manacles and other relics of the hugely lucrative and barbaric trade in humans.

5. Founded in the 15th century, Badagry was said to have been named from a dual corruption of Agbedegreme (which means Agbedeh’s farm in “Ogu” language) to Agbedagari and Agbedagari to Badagry by Yoruba settlers and European slave traders respectively. It is believed that Agbedeh was the famous farmer who founded the town.

6. Christianity was first preached in Badagry as it was the town where Christian mission workers came to and practiced their work. However, the traditional worshipping of the Supreme Being (Jiwheyewhe mawu ose) through lesser gods such as Ogun (God of iron) and Hevioso (god of thunder) is still very much practiced. Being mainly fishermen, the Egun people also worship Olokuna water deity which is usually appeased for abundant fishes.

7. The first two-storey building was built in Marina, Badagry in 1845.

8. Common native food to the Egun includes pap and stew, azin bokun. The Egun people basically have similar kinds of food with the Yoruba. These items of food also include some of the Yoruba native dishes like eba, semo, amala, fufu, tuwo etc, while native soups in Egun include Benin Red Sauce, Peanut Sauce, and also vegetable soup.

https://www.nigerialog.com/culture/badagry-about-the-indigenous-people-of-lagos/new/#new

The shift to motherhood can be a herculean task and if you are not careful, you can lose your sanity.
You are not a superhero, so do not be afraid to ask for help when you are choking under the weight of it all. Once in a while, it is necessary to have some you-time, so you could ask trusted friends to help out or get a sitter and do something that relaxes you.
It can be so easy to consider your own needs last when the kids come. while that is truly noble and the story of a lot of parents, it is important that you take out time and care for yourself. Eat healthy, exercise and take occasional time-outs. This will help you avoid breakdown and give you the needed strength to take care of others.

You need the strength and companionship of adults. Make out time for activities with your support groups (friends, families, your significant other and so on).

Have a plan and strictly follow through with it if you want to save your sanity. Planning ahead will save you a lot of stress and make your life easier. This will also help you prioritize tasks and achieve what is needed at the set time.

https://www.nigerialog.com/family/how-to-save-your-sanity-when-the-kids-come/new/#new

If you are new to a city, workplace or anywhere at all, it can be very daunting. You want to connect with people, especially if there is a particular person who has picked your interest, but how do you go about it without being creepy?
1. Assess
Before launching out, you have to do some introspection. Ask yourself if there is a real connection between you and this person you have your eyes on. Is there a specific reason you want to be friends or you are just lonely or motivated by superficial reasons?

2. Go through the process
You can’t rush friendship. It must grow organically and so be patient. It may begin with a mundane small talk before you progress to divulging deep secrets so try not to be too expectant.

3. Take the first step
If you are the quiet type and you really like this person, you would have to step out of your comfort zone. Talk and over time, open yourself up, so the person can reciprocate. If you don’t, the person may not be able to trust you just yet.

4. Spend time together
As you open yourself up, you must find avenues to spend time together, of course, not in a stalker-way. Invite the person for events and in the course, find your mutual interests.

5. Follow him/her
No, I don’t mean you should follow the person around. Social media has become a big part of our lives so following each other on social media allows you two connect better and can be great conversation openings.

6. Ask questions
If there are things about the person you would like to know, don’t snoop around. Just ask. It allows the person open up on his/her terms.
In all these, remember that you should never force any relationship. If the friendship is not blossoming on its own, let it be.

https://www.nigerialog.com/family/getting-to-know-someone-dos-and-donts/new/#new

For a very long time, we have been told that wearing a bra is the proper thing to do. How could you possibly go about your day with your nipples shooting out like headlamps, especially if you are not asking for sex?
However, in the light of recent studies, one must ask if bras are essential clothing items or mere articles worn for the sake of propriety.
French experts say that not wearing a bra might do you a world of good. They say that apart from the sweet comfort we feel when the bra comes off after a long day (can I get an ‘Amen?), constantly wearing a bra could be weakening your muscles. We have believed all this while that wearing a bra keeps gravity from making our breasts sag but these experts say that wearing a bra stops the breast muscles from strengthening and if we let them go free, they will be able to ‘fight’ gravity on their own and remain perky.
In spite of this, other experts still say that the rate at which breasts droop is dependent on a lot of factors such as age, activities, breast size (fuller breasts drop faster), bra type etc. and so saying that going braless is the answer is not conclusive.
Meanwhile, many women have complained of inability to breathe properly, back pains and skin reactions as a result of friction. This is why it is advised that women don’t use too tight bras and get the right size to ensure breast health.
People in the pro-bra camp say that bras help with spine structure and back posture while those who kick against bra use say that going braless is even a lot cheaper.
Obviously, it is not clear-cut what one should do but whatever you choose, put your health first. Don’t go for either merely because you want to go with trends.

https://www.nigerialog.com/metro/bras-yay-or-nay/new/#new

The Lagos State Government has urged residents to take advantage of its ‘Eko Free Health Mission’ to get free medical screening.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris, said the programme was in furtherance of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode administration’s quest to ensure health coverage for all residents.

He urged citizens to visit designated centres around the state for free medical screening.

A statement on Thursday quoted Idris as saying this while giving a progress report of the programme.

According to him, no fewer than 44,000 residents in 19 local government and local council development areas in the state had already benefited from the ‘Eko Free Health Mission’.

He said the statistics obtained indicated that 8,659 individuals were diagnosed with hypertension; 1,018 with diabetes while 281 people were diagnosed with symptoms suggestive of cataracts.

Idris said, “As always, the Lagos State Government is working tirelessly to ensure that all citizens have health care coverage. The present administration’s commitment to sustainable health care and universal health coverage is unshaken and this demands that the state adopts an approach that is not only efficient but also effective in addressing the growing health demand of the Lagosians.”

He said the statistics so far obtained from the programme underscored the need for citizens to take their health seriously.

The commissioner said, “There are a lot of individuals in our state who do not know the status of their health and are not engaged in activities to improve their well-being. Let us all bear in mind that a poor state of health is a significant hindrance to achieving our life dreams and ambitions.”

https://www.nigerialog.com/metro/lagos-urges-residents-to-take-advantage-of-free-check-up/new/#new

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has promised to give the 11-year-old hyperrealist artist, Waris Kareem, support to help him nurture his talent.

Kareem drew the portrait of French President, Emmanuel Macron, in two hours during the President’s visit to the new Afrika Shrine in Lagos.

The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Steve Ayorinde, made this known on Thursday after the governor hosted the artist alongside his parents, teachers and instructor.

Ayorinde stated that Kareem had become a household name through the social media even before Macron’s painting, adding that the visit was to appreciate and encourage the young artist and assure him of the readiness of the government to give him the needed support.

“The governor is interested in his education. We want him to be a successful, well-rounded student and artist.

“The governor has also acknowledged the contribution of Kareem mentor and because he has an arts academy that inspired and produced Kareem, the governor thinks the academy should flourish; so, he will also support him,” Ayorinde said.

Kareem expressed happiness, saying, “I want to study my arts very well; I want to be a great artist in the world.”

https://www.nigerialog.com/metro/ambode-promises-support-for-11-year-old-artist/new/#new

As ideal and nice as this sounds, it is nothing but a pipe dream, a distortion of what truly applies in real life.
If you pay attention to the opinions people have about several subjects, you'll find that there several versions of the 'truth', some ridiculously far off the mark that one wonders why anyone would believe them in the first instance. On the flipside, some 'truths' are not so terribly far off the point, but far off nonetheless. One of such is this belief that someone who loves you will never give up on you.
The idea, apparently is that when someone truly loves you, they never will give up on you, no matter what happens, no matter what you do or refuse to do, and regardless life brings their way or yours. Also, the opinion presupposes that once someone falls in love with you, it is permanent, unchanging and constant regardless of time, life situations, poor choices and other factors.
But exactly how true is this?
As ideal and nice as this sounds, it is nothing but a pipe dream, a distortion of what truly applies in real life. People who love you genuinely today can fall so badly out of love with you in the nearest future. The most constant thing in life is change - never forget that.

Of course, we believe in the romantic, fairytale kind of love too. So we, too, like the idea of a love that is unchanging and forever unfailing but the truth remains that people do fall out of this kind of love and to believe otherwise, to believe that there is nothing that can quench the fire of love in people's heart is to be delusional.
Poor choices, a refusal to devote efforts, a failure to reciprocate the gestures of love someone has towards you, to be lackadaisical and to prove a bad choice for someone is enough to slowly drown out the love they have for you.
It may take time before that fire burning in their heart for you goes out, but surely it will happen if you allow it.
That love can make someone stay with you, irrespective of everything you do is an opinion filled with nothing but a truckload of crap. Don't play yourself, people, don't believe things like this.

https://www.nigerialog.com/romance/is-it-true-that-someone-who-loves-you-will-never-give-up-on-you/new/#new

Suicide is among the biggest killer of black men these days and it's time we took their mental health a lot more seriously.
The conversation around mental health is often centred amongst women. Men, raised under the trope of 'act like a man' often repress their feelings and feel less comfortable sharing with other. This leads to unreported cases of depression and in extreme cases, suicide. Here's why black men need to take their mental health more seriously.
While many in our community believe that suicide is a 'western issue', more and more research is finding that suicide rates among Africans are on the rise, especially among our men. Depression and anxiety are rife as we try to navigate through the harsh realities of modern life and finding a healthy mental balance seems increasingly more impossible to achieve. The subject of mental health was considered a taboo and swept right under the carpet along with its sufferers who were left to deal with their problems virtually on their own. Although a tentative dialogue has been opened and this generation has gone to great lengths to lift the veil shrouding mental health, there are many still suffering in silence, namely men. We must ask ourselves why exactly our men are becoming increasingly more susceptible and why more isn't being done to support them.
In order to fully understand why men are inherently more vulnerable, we need to understand the concept of toxic masculinity and how teaching men to be 'men' is in fact doing more harm than good.

If we are being brutally honest, we have known for a very long time that men are trapped by their misguided sense of 'masculinity.' Whilst social constructs of femininity mean women are supposed to look good, be beautiful, soft, accommodating and accepting, social constructs of masculinity demand simply that men prove that they are 'men' through a series of damaging practices that are instilled in them from as early on as birth.
As a result, young men learn from a very early age to internalise rather than express their feelings which goes on to have adverse effects on their emotional development later on in life. It doesn't mean that they have fewer emotions but suppress the urge to express them as freely.
Herein begins a lifetime of emotional disillusionment and when we suppress our emotions, our issues begin to present themselves in other, more dangerous and harmful ways. »

In his book,Why Men Can’t Feel, Marvin Allen states, “We encourage boys to be competitive, focus on external success, rely on their intellect, withstand physical pain, and repress their vulnerable emotions. When boys violate the code, it is not uncommon for them to be teased, shamed, or ridiculed.” The cliche about men not being in touch with their emotions says nothing about inherent markers of maleness. It instead identifies behavioural outcomes that have been rigorously taught, often by well-meaning parents and society at large.”

So, what steps can we take to unlearn this behaviour? How can we become our brother's keepers? First, it's important to understand the signs of depression and anxiety. Yes, lack of confidence, isolation, mood swings and low self-esteem can be signs of growing mental health problems but in men it's important to add that acting out, uncharacteristically loud, exuberant and obnoxious behaviour can also be indicators. Men are more likely than women to suffer from rage disorders and use alcohol or drugs as a means of self-medication.

The key is to pay attention to the men in our lives. Often, their behaviour can go overlooked and any changes attributed to external factors but it's important to establish a dialogue and safe space for them to discuss their feelings.

To survive in our society, we preach the idea of endurance, that we must somehow be steadfast as life constantly does its worst but human beings are not infallible. We often stumble and fall and in this instance, prevention does not trump cure. In this instance, knowledge and understanding are what we need to combat the effects of mental health problems.

Too often, men who are suffering do so alone, believing that revealing their personal pain is tantamount to failing at their masculinity. We are a society that has more respect for the walking wounded than we do for those who let life 'get to them. It’s critical that we begin taking more seriously what we do to little boys, how we do it, and the high emotional cost demanded by 'masculinity', which turns emotionally whole little boys into emotionally debilitated adult men.

We have set an unfair and unachievable standard and by trying to live up to it, we find our men are inadvertently killing themselves. We must evolve past our obsolete ideas of masculinity and what it means 'to be a man.' We must start seeing men as just that; men. They should have no expectation placed upon their emotional and mental capacity and certainly no need to prove who they are to society at large or themselves.

https://www.nigerialog.com/random-thoughts/why-black-men-need-to-take-their-mental-health-more-seriously/new/#new

Bad smells can be a nightmare . It can come from the fridge because of power failure or from fruits and vegetables that have been kept longer than their shelf life . It could be smell from garbage cans due to accumulated rubbish evacuated late by the environmental agency .
Here are few tricks to get rid of bad smells .

Fridge
Clean the shelves in the fridge , and place baking soda inside the fridge on one of the shelves. Change the baking soda every month. It absorbs bad smells
Vanilla is another freshener. Absorb vanilla in a small ball of cotton wool and place on a shelve inside the fridge . Check the cotton balls and change it weekly

Garbage can
Clean the garbage can and place lemon or orange peels inside it.

Sprinkle a generous amount of ground coffee in the garbage . It can help to get rid of bad smells .
Vinegar can also be used to dispel bad smells because it has a strong smell .

https://www.nigerialog.com/health/get-rid-of-bad-smells-with-these-simple-tricks/new/#new

Are you trying to lose weight, or just trying to fill your diet with low cholesterol meals? Here's how to make Egusi soup without palm oil.
Ingredients
5 Cups of Egusi (1 mudu)
2 cups ground crayfish
2 red onions
8 large red bell peppers (the more peppers, the more colourful)
1 kg beef
1/2 dried stock fish head
1 large dried catfish (optional)
10 pieces of kpomo (optional)
3 beef seasoning cubes
Salt
1 small bunch ugu leaves (Fluted pumpkin)
Water
Preparation
1. Boil the beef and stockfish head with some salt, onion and water enough to cover the beef. Allow to boil and cook until meat is tender before adding your washed soft kpomo and washed dried catfish. Leave for 15 more minutes then turn off the heat and set aside.

2. Blend the peppers, wash and chop green vegetables, then set aside. The ground melon should be mashed or pounded again in a mortar with a little water until egusi oil begins to show.

3. Pour the crayfish and chopped onions in a heated dry pot for about a minute.

4. Pour in the blended red bell peppers.

5. Stir and cover the pot to boil for about 2 minutes, then add 2 seasoning cubes. Stir and cover the pot again to boil for three to five minutes.

6. Add the stock from your boiled meats. If stock is not enough, you can add some more hot water or continue to adjust by adding water as you cook.

7. Add the now pounded, soft and fluffy egusi. Do not stir but cover and let the pot boil for about five minutes before adding the remaining seasoning cube. Keep checking and stirring well at intervals of 5 minutes (twice) before covering to boil for the last five minutes.

8. Pour in the cooked meats and stir.

9. Turn down the heat and let the meats simmer in the stock for about 2 minutes.

10. Add the vegetables and stir for about 30 seconds before turning off the heat.

Your fit fam Egusi is ready to be eaten! It is best served with hot pounded yam or eba.

https://www.nigerialog.com/food/how-to-make-egusi-soup-without-palm-oil/new/#new

Not a lot of Nigerians know about the real owners of Abuja, the Gbagyi people, whose land was reclaimed from them to form the seat of power.
Somewhere deep in the obscure lands of Abuja, Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory, are the indigenous people of Gbagyi or Gwari, who were the original settlers in the town before it was even carved out to be the seat of power.
In 1976, the then military government had the bright idea to find a 'no-man's land' in the geographic centre of the country, which no one group could lay claim to, and an area in which Nigerians could unite under.
Except the 8,000 square kilometres of land upon which the capital stood, which includes the Presidential Villa, the National Assembly or parliament, dozens of Federal Government parastatals and institutions, and suburban neighbourhoods and malls, was somebody's land, the Gbagyi.

They were hurriedly forced off their land by the military government to make way for the construction of the new capital, and promised compensation and resettlement. The government also grossly underestimated the number of Gbagyi people living on the territory as they continued with their plan for the area.
Many displaced families were given housing, but some lived in transit and settlements camps for a long while and compensation plans were bungled.
Now, decades later, the ethnic group still feel that the federal government has shortchanged them, and deprived them of their lands and heritage.
However, in this article, the rich culture and heritage of the Gbagyi people will be highlighted.

Brief history
Gbagyi or Gwari (also spelled Gbari) are peaceful, agriculturalist, artistic and Nupoid-speaking people living in North-Central geo-political zone of Nigeria. They predominantly live in the Niger, Kaduna States and the Federal Capital Territory. They are also found in Nasarawa and Kogi States in central Nigerian Area. Gbagyi is the most populated ethnic Group and indigenous in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria, where their major occupation is farming.
According to oral tradition, the first settler was a hunter who went to hunt in Paikokun land, a thick forest in Abuja. Paikokun was the name of the mountain where the first settler inhabited.
The Gbagyi people initially used to live on mountain tops because they believed they were safer on the mountain than at the plain before western civilization made most of them relocate to the plain.

How to spot Gbagyi
Very unique to the Gbagyi women is the placing of goods however heavy on their shoulder. They believe the head represents the king of the entire body, hence, it should not be disturbed. They call the part of their body they place their goods as Bwapa. They also believe the load feel lighter on their shoulders than on their heads. It is very much still in practice till date.

Marriage
Marriage among the people of Gbagyi is soaked in deep tradition. When a man announces his interest in a woman, he would have to serve 7 years in the bride’s father’s farm, labouring and supplying grains and other produce to the bride’s house in order for her to be well fed. Nowadays, the groom simply pay the bride’s price instead of serving 7 years in the bride’s father’s house.

Religion
In their traditional religion, some Gbayi believe in a God called Shekwoi, the one who was there before their ancestors, but they also devote themselves to appeasing deities of the god such as Maigiro.
Indigenously, their main religion is Knunu, which they believe protects them from the evil that exist in the community. They worship the Knunu by offering fowl and beer as a sacrifice to a special tree found deep in the forest.
With westernisation, Islam became more prominent among the people after the Fulani jihad while Christianity was introduced to the people by the Sudan Interior Mission, also known locally as Evangelical Church of Africa. The Gbagyi people found it easy to embrace Islam more than Christianity because some practices of Islam such as devotion, using of amulets and polygamy were also practised in their indigenous religion.

Food
The Gwari people enjoy eating a meal known as Wyizhe. It is made from Guinean corn which is also used to make a special drink known as Zhepwo. The Gwari people also enjoy drinking a soup known as Knadolo made from locust beans.

Clothing
The Gbagyi people wear tie and dye clothing known as Ajeside, made from local cotton and traditional woven and dyed.

Occupation
The Gbagyi people are mostly farmers although they are also good in wood fetching, pottery, and blacksmith.
The Gbagyi people were also well known for their visual art most especially pottery. Other arts practised by the Gwari people are sculpture, iron smelting, domestic craft and smelting.

https://www.nigerialog.com/culture/about-the-real-owners-of-abuja/new/#new

Looking for a place that is filled with nature and reminds you of your roots ? Osun State is a city rich in culture and nature -friendly . Perfect to visit during the holiday , this is one place you want to visit with your family and have the fun of a lifetime .
Here are some places you do not want to miss :
Ile - Ife
For the Yorubas, mythology is not complete without the mention of Ile -Ife. It is in this ancient city that Oduduwa ( the first king of Ife and brother to Obatala ) landed on earth from heaven with his creation items . It is also home to the palm nut tree which has become a representation of the historic city and the Yoruba race .
National Museum, Ife
Established in Ile- Ife in 1948, this is the perfect place to get in touch with Ife and other ethnographic antiquities including bracelets and rings from the 10 -11 th century CE and the historic Ibeji ( twin ) figures .

Erin - Ijesha Waterfalls
Also known as Olumirin waterfalls , this place is believed to be a spiritual source of purification . The best part is, it gives off an impression of a seven - part waterfall .

Oduduwa Groove and Shrine
Here, you get the opportunity to see a carved image of Oduduwa , the progenitor of the Yoruba race , holding his staff . It is also here that he is buried. Interestingly , there is a naturally carved map of Africa .

Ooni Of Ife Palace
Built in 1937, although it has been given a facelift , the palace still carries the aura of the revered king of Ife , Oba Adeyeye Ogunnusi .

https://www.nigerialog.com/travel/five-historic-interests-in-osun-state/new/#new

To anyone privy to Nigeria ’ s social media space , ‘Feminism ’ is a common buzzword often as divisive as politics and sports. On Twitter , threads have covered domestic violence and marriage, consent and rape , career tips for women and how to negotiate better workplace compensation .
As with politics and sports, there have been opposing sides to many feminist views. Many perceive the promotion of feminism as an affront to Nigerian cultures and traditions . But is campaign repressive practices an affront on any culture ?
Our Twitter feminists are advocating for women to get treated equally as men in all spheres of life . The struggles of women differ around the world and so it’s only normal that the feminist movement would have different motives.
Women once weren ’t allowed to vote, go to school , own property or travel without the consent of a man . In some parts of Nigeria , we have moved past these issues , while in other parts they are still controversial . But Nigerian women still face marginalisation in divorce cases and trivialisation of crime against women ( such as rape and domestic violence ) .

Just believing in these things and looking to speak and act against them makes one a feminist. And the same way our women benefit from the words and actions of our women of years past by enjoying rights to education, voting, working full -time jobs and commanding equal pay relative to their male counterparts , is the same way women of today are expected to keep speaking and acting so the women of tomorrow won ’t have to remain marginalised .
Hence the popular mantra coined by Nigerian award - winning writer and feminist Chimamanda Adichie , “We should all be feminists”.
Although Adichie is not on Twitter herself , her speeches, interviews and quotes have become online scripture for the movement and those who echo her views have been called “Daughters of Chimamanda , ” originally intended as a slur but now worn unashamedly as a title of feminist pride by many .
While we often separate social media from reality , the impact of this online movement is delivering tangible results.
In January 2017 , Oghenekaro Omu , founder of Sanitary Aid for Nigerian Girls tweeted , “Going to put together funds to buy girls in public secondary schools and IDP camps sanitary pads for next month. Hit me up if you want to help .”
In 48 hours , she generated over N700 ,000 in donations and became the first of many sanitary drives aimed at providing free sanitary products to girls from low - income families and IDP camps across Nigeria .
More radical tweets have seen victims of rape being given platforms to make allegations and confront their abusers . This may not provide criminal justice , but it often provides closure and awareness regarding the threats of sexual violence.
Social media has given activists a tool to reach a greater audience and scale their impact and, though progress may seem slow , we would eventually end up better for it.
Feminism is not a bible of do’s and don’ts , dogma and rituals. It is a mindset and a lifestyle . Like everything else under the sun , it has been bastardized and misappropriated. But in its purest form, it simply demands that women be given the same rights, rewards and free will to strive to attain whatever type of life they choose without discrimination . It is nothing complicated.

https://www.nigerialog.com/random-thoughts/daughters-of-chimamanda-twitter-feminists-revolution/new/#new

Prepare for a trip down memory lane. The good old days had a variety of shows that formed a strong part of the “Golden age of television ” in Nigeria before the Nollywood home-video boom occurred . If you grew up in Nigeria in the 90 s and never watched an episode of any of these shows , then you probably never watched television . Here are some of the television shows that captured the hearts of Nigerians in the 1990 s.

Basi and Company
“To become a millionaire , think like a millionaire !” This comedy series , written and produced by Ken Saro -Wiwa, told of an exceptional young man named Basi who had dreams of becoming a millionaire. Basi , with his impeccable English and well -defined mannerisms , intended to become one by tricking wealthy individuals . The show , which drew inspiration from Africa folklore , ran from the late 80 s to the 90 s on NTA . It satirised the widespread corruption in oil -rich Nigeria and its get- rich- quick mentality. The sitcom had an estimated 30 million viewers at its peak and was later published as a comedy fiction book series .

Checkmate
This show was arguably one of the best television series during this time. Checkmate offered a delicious brew of storylines revolving around disharmonious families , cultism and polygamy . Created by Amaka Isaac -Ene and starring Ego Nnamani ( later Ego Boyo ) , Francis Agu and Richard Mofe-Damijo , the show ran from the late 80 s through to 1994. Each character was unique , and the gripping storyline was relatable to many viewers. Checkmate also birthed the evergreen show , Fuji House of Commotion, which focused solely on Chief Fuji ’s dysfunctional family.

New Masquerade
Remember Chief Zebrudaya Okoroigwe Nwogbo alias 4 : 30 , the sophisticated and enlightened World War II veteran ? He was the protagonist of one of Nigeria ’s longest - running sitcoms , The New Masquerade. The show started out as a radio programme called Masquerade transmitted on the East Central Broadcasting Corporation. It was created by the late James Iroha as a comic to relieve the tension and stress caused by the Nigerian Civil War. The 30 - minute comedy show boasted a thrilling cast , including the late Claud Eke , Tony Akposheri and Lizzy Eveome .

Tales By Moonlight
Folklore has always been an important part of the Nigerian culture, and this show was created to narrate traditional Nigerian stories. It kicked off on TV in 1984 and ran into the 90 s. The 30 - minute children’s programme aired every Sunday on Nigerian Television Authority ( NTA) . Each engaging episode featured a woman fondly called “Aunty ” narrating different folklore tales to a group of children seated beneath a tree . At the end of each episode , the kids asked and answered questions and shared different lessons they ’d learned from the stories being told.

Things Fall Apart
Originally written as a novel by the legendary Chinua Achebe and arguably the greatest fiction story to come out of Nigeria , this television series was released in 1987 and aired into the 1980 s. Things Fall Apart tells two overlapping , intertwining stories , both of which centre around Okonkwo , a “strong man ” of an Igbo village in Nigeria . The series gave the iconic Pete Edochie his big break as an actor after honing his skills earlier as a broadcaster . It also featured Nollywood veterans Nkem Owoh and Sam Loco .

https://www.nigerialog.com/tv-movies/relive-your-90s-with-these-epic-nigerian-series/new/#new

Diabetes , often referred to as diabetes mellitus , is a long- term condition that causes high blood sugar level . It occurs when insulin production is inadequate and / or the body cells do not respond properly to insulin. Its most common symptoms include frequent urination , intense thirst and hunger , unusual weight gain or weight loss , fatigue , male sexual dysfunction , and numbness in hands and feet .

Diabetes has different types :
Type 1 Diabetes where the body does not produce insulin.
Type 2 Diabetes where the body does not produce an adequate amount of insulin for proper function .
Gestational Diabetes also exists, which affects females during pregnancy .
Being diabetic doesn ’t restrict you to eating boring or bland foods as there are many healthy, fun meals which are less likely to increase the blood sugar level .
Here’ s a list of healthy local foods which can be enjoyed on a diabetic menu :
Nigerian soups : Vegetable soup , Okra soup , Edikan Ikong , Waterleaf soup , Ogbono soup , Egusi soup , Afang soup

Staple foods ( swallow ) : Wheatmeal fufu , Guinea corn fufu , Unripe plantain fufu

Stews and sauces: Tomato stew , Garden egg stew , Shredded chicken sauce, Shrimp sauce , Fresh Fish sauce or stew , Smoked fish sauce

Low carb meals : Brown basmati rice and stew , Unripe plantain porridge , Moi Moi , Boiled plantain with stew , Roasted plantain with fish sauce, Plantain with beans porridge , Beans and whole wheat bread

Healthy snacks: Garden eggs with peanut butter , Coconuts , Boiled groundnuts , Akara balls , Tiger nuts , Nigerian pear

Comfort foods : Isi ewu, Nkwobi , Cow leg , Cow tongue, Fish pepper soup , Chicken pepper soup , Snail pepper soup , Peppered snail , Liver sauce , Gizzard pepper soup

Healthy drinks : Zobo without sweeteners , Guinea corn ( Dawa ) kunu, Millet ( joro ) kunu, Unsweetened yoghurt

https://www.nigerialog.com/food/healthy-nigerian-meals-for-diabetic-patients/new/#new

Typically , there are three skin types ; dry, oily and combination . Dry skin and oily skin are self - explanatory, and combination skin is a little bit of both. According to Dr Tess Mauricio of M . Beauty Clinic, you can try the three - step blotting test below to determine your skin type .
1. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and water . Use your hands to clean your face and avoid scrubbing too hard .

2. Dry your face with a towel and leave your skin alone for one hour without applying any products or touching it.

3. After one hour , if your face feels tight , you have dry skin . After blotting your skin with tissue paper , if there ’s oil on your T - zone ( forehead , nose and chin) , but not your cheeks , you have combination skin . If you do the same tissue- paper test on your cheeks , and there ’s an oily shine on your T - zone and cheeks , you have oily skin . However , if your skin looks discoloured and feels tingly , you have a sensitive skin .
Now that you know your skin type , you can choose the best products that will deliver a healthier , more radiant complexion.

https://www.nigerialog.com/beauty/determine-your-skin-type-with-these-three-easy-steps/new/#new

Travelling by train in Nigeria is interesting albeit uncomfortable . For some people , train travel is a daily routine while for others , it is a novelty yet , travelling by train in Nigeria is quite an experience.
For some people who like to rough things out , the adventure starts from the terminus . There is a crowd waiting to get a ticket or board the train. Some pace about to shake the boredom while others sit on the bare floor.
When it is time to board , the crowd scramble forward pressing against each other to get a good space on the train.
Save yourself this discomfort , take the first class coach because the economy coach is almost always overcrowded and stuffy , not adding the awful odour emanating from sweating bodies.
Some daredevils board the train illegally and sit on the roof. Others clutch on to the sides and the entrance until they get to their destination.

Don ’t take the train if you have an appointment . You are in for a long ride. These trains are old and are not as fast as the trains you see in foreign films .
Be prepared . Some rail cars might detach from the train , but not to worry the engineers are always on board to couple them back together .

An upside to travelling by train is the breathtaking views . It gently moves by like flicking through the pages of a book

https://www.nigerialog.com/travel/what-to-expect-in-nigeria-train-travel/new/#new

Daniel was an overweight child . He was nicknamed the ‘Fat Kid ’ in school , and grew worse over the years . He had a low self -esteem and saw constant eating as his ‘ peace’. He fell into depression , and turned to food for comfort. His family members tried to help with his eating dysfunction , but he would hide these snacks , and eat them when no one is watching. Soon he was diagnosed with heart disease , Diabetes and High blood pressure . Daniel needed help , not just with his weight gain, but first , with his mindset towards food ; then his diet .
Can what you eat affect your mental health ?
Research findings reveal that a nutritious diet isn ’t just good for the body; it is great for the brain too . This knowledge is giving rise to a concept called “nutritional ( or food ) psychiatry ”. A very large body of evidence now exists that suggests diet is as important to mental health as it is to physical health . A healthy diet is protective and an unhealthy diet is a risk factor for depression and anxiety . Traditionally , we have not been trained to ask about food and nutrition . By shaping your diets , you can improve your mental health and decrease the risk of psychiatric disorders.
If you eat a sweet snack , such as a chocolate or a sugary donut, you will get a spike of energy which is soon followed by a crashing low energy . Sugar highs and lows are just one of the many ways food can affect how you feel.

Here are some more details on how good nutrition impacts mental health :

1. It’s crucial for mental development : We are, quite literally, what we eat . When we eat real food that nourishes us , it develops the protein - building blocks, enzymes , brain tissue, and neurotransmitters that transfer information and signals between various parts of the brain and body .

2. It puts the brain into grow mode : Certain nutrients and dietary patterns are linked to changes in a brain protein that helps increase connections between brain cells . A diet rich in nutrients like omega -3 s and zinc boosts levels of this substance . On the other hand , a diet high in saturated fats and refined sugars has a very potent negative impact on brain proteins.

3. It fills the gut with healthy bacteria : And that’ s good for the brain . Trillions of good bacteria live in the gut . They fend off bad germs and keep your immune system in check , which means they help tame inflammation in the body. Foods with beneficial bacteria ( probiotics ) help maintain a healthy gut environment . A high - fat or high -sugar diet is bad for gut health and therefore , your brain .
Five foods that keep the mind working at its best :
1. Lean Protein : Adding protein to your meals can help slow the absorption of carbohydrates in your blood and increase the release of Dopamine, which can improve your mood and energy for several hours after eating . Try adding these smart protein choices to your diet : Eggs , Poultry , Seafood and Low - fat yogurt .

2. Vitamins : There are a few specific vitamins that are helpful for mood. For example , vitamin D helps relieve mood disorders, such as seasonal affective disorder. To get your daily dose of vitamin D, you can also try the following foods : Low -fat milk , Egg yolks and Soymilk . Early morning Sunlight is also important as well as this is a natural source of Vitamin D.

3. Whole Grains : The primary source of energy for the brain is glucose, which comes from carbohydrates . Simple carbohydrates aggravate low mood by creating spikes in blood sugar and have been shown to have effects on the brain similar to drugs of abuse . In contrast , complex carbohydrates release glucose slowly, helping us feel full longer and providing a steady source of fuel for the brain and body . Healthy sources of complex carbohydrates include: whole -wheat products , oats , beans and soy .

4. Fish : Foods high in omega - 3 fatty acids, such as wild cold water fish ( e . g . salmon , sardines and mackerel ) , seaweed and walnuts , have been shown to reduce symptoms of depression , attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) and other mental disorders . This is likely because of the effect omega -3 s has on the production of neurotransmitters ( brain chemicals responsible for our moods) , such as: Dopamine and Serotonin .

5. Leafy Greens : Your green vegetables are very important . Leafy greens such as spinach and broccoli are high in folic acid. Deficiencies in folate as well as other B vitamins have been linked with higher rates of depression , fatigue and insomnia .
It is important to know how what you eat , can affect your mental health . By working with Daniel on ways to live healthy which involved exercise , emotional intelligence, healthy eating , positive affirmations and increasing his dose of D.O .S. E ( Dopamine, Oxytocin , Serotonin and Endorphin) , he was able to work on his excessive weight gain , and live a healthy and happy life .
A good percentage of actions we take start from the mind . You have to train your mind to be stronger than your emotions, or else you will lose yourself every time .

https://www.nigerialog.com/health/your-diet-can-affect-your-mental-health/new/#new

It’s another weekend and a time to relax and get off work .
Staying indoors can get boring sometimes so rather opt for more fun ways to spend the weekend like visiting new places ,hanging out with friends and family, going to see a movie with a lover ,etc.
Here’ s a curated list of interesting films we think you should see showing at Film house cinemas .

TAG
Based on a true story , the New Line Cinema comedy “Tag ” shows how far some guys will go to be the last man standing . As five highly competitive friends hit the ground running in a no - holds -barred game of tag they have been playing since the first grade .However ,the game this year coincides with the wedding of their only undefeated player , which should finally make him an easy target but he knows they are coming , and he is ready !
Starring: Jeremy Renner , Ed Helms , Jake Johnson

INCREDIBLES 2
14 years after the debut of the first film , the sequel picks up immediately after the events of the first , following the adventures of the superfamily. As Elastigirl springs into action to save the day , while Mr . Incredible faces his greatest challenge yet taking care of the problems of his three children .
Starring: Craig T . Nelson , Holly Hunter , Sarah Vowell

OCEAN ’ S 8
Debbie Ocean gathers an all - female crew to attempt an impossible heist at New York City’s yearly Met Gala .The film promises to bring all the fun , thrills and charm as it features Cate Blanchett , Anne Hathaway, Mindy Kaling , Sarah Paulson, Helena Bonham Carter , Awkwafina and Rihanna.

FANTASTIC NUMBERS
Fantastic Numbers, tells the story of twins separated at birth who bumped into each other in a seemingly dramatic circumstance and became sworn enemies instead of brothers that they are.
In a similar fashion , triplets who were thrown away by their biological mother led their separate lives until fate brought them together at a time they needed one another the most .

JURASSIC WORLD : FALLEN KINGDOM
Owen and Claire sets a campaign to rescue the remaining dinosaurs from an impending volcanic eruption . In a mission to save the remaining creatures from facing extinction , they uncover a bigger conspiracy .
Starring: Chris Pratt , Bryce Dallas Howard, Danielle Pineda, Rafe Spall and lots more .

https://www.nigerialog.com/tv-movies/top-five-films-showing-this-weekend/new/#new

At the beginning of the year , a lot of people made new year resolutions. The list may include diet and weight loss .
The year is half gone and this is the time to check and add skin care because it is important to healthy living.

Wear sunscreen every single day
Sunscreen is important . It protects the skin against the harmful UV rays of the sun and slows ageing . Apply it every day even when it’s raining , although it’s a dull day , the sun is still at work .

Don ’ t forget about your body
There is so much focus on the face and the body is always forgotten. Take care of the body and use body scrubs at least every month . Use salt as a natural scrub or visit a spa . Do not forget to moisturize .

Exfoliate more often
Dead skin cells build up and you must remove them . Moisturisers are good but you need to exfoliate . You can use homemade exfoliators or buy a preferred beauty product that suits your

Do not use expired products
Expired products are not good for the skin . Drugs are not the only products that have expiry dates . Check for dates and discard them if they have been there for a long time . Also , check if the colour and smell have changed and discard them if they have . Using expired product may cause irritation .

Stick to one beauty product at a time
Many beauty products launch every day with the promise of its magic and how it will solve all beauty problems . Do not be tempted to change , there will always be another big thing.
Rather be patient and allow a beauty product do its work before switching to another one.

https://www.nigerialog.com/beauty/five-top-beauty-resolutions-to-make-in-the-remaining-half-of-the-year/new/#new