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Op... The Bible is not against self confidence but it is against over confidence. At 1st Corinth 10:12,13 which says in parts “Let him that thinks he is standing beware that he does not fall.” ,Apostle Paul was warning against over confidence which has elements related to pride. So it is good to be self confident but it should be to a proper degree so that it does not become overconfidence. Harpyeagle: |
PrincewithGod:Well, here are some true facts about rapture. First of all, lets establish the basic meaning of rapture, which is, the belief that faithful Christians will be bodily caught up from the earth, to be united with the Lord "in the air". The truth is, this cannot be done physically with human eyes or people going to heaven with their physical bodies. (1 Cor 15:50 says so). Besides, it is not every Christian that will go to heaven to be with Jesus. There will be millions of people who will dwell on the earth forever. (Ps 37:29) |
I am going to state a direct reference to Jehovah Almighty in the Bible, although there are many references to Jehovah Almighty in the Bible. You can go through Genesis 17:1, 2 Corinth. 6:18, Rev 15:3 amongst many others. |
OtemAtum:Just a simple question, do you have a Bible? |
Op.... I understand your point and your atheistist view. As regards your question, Humans were created to be immortal ( that is, to live forever). Jehovah God created the first man in his image, that is, infused with moral qualities. Gen 1: 26,27. Also, looking at the human body and the way we were created shows man was created to live forever. The human brain has the capacity to store information for thousands of years and even more. |
Sexual assault is sexual contact that involves force upon a person who is not consenting or incapable of consenting due to age, physical or mental incapacity. It encompasses all forms of sexual violence, rape, and harassment by someone in a position of trust or authority to assert power and control over another person. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), sexual assault or violence is in all cultures and areas of the world with as high as 1 in 5 women reporting sexual violence and 1 in 3 women reporting that their first sexual experience was forced in some parts of the world. Men are also victims of sexual assault with around 1 in 200 men reporting sexual violence. Sexual assault is very common and is seen in nearly every part of the world. Children and the elderly are also at risk. Sexual assault is deemed serious if it involves rape or assault by penetration and less serious if it is limited to indecent exposure or unwanted touching. Sexual violence encompasses acts that range from verbal harassment to forced penetration, and an array of types of coercion, from social pressure and intimidation to physical force. It occurs in intimate relationships, within families and communities, during conflict and situations of great unease. Most of the perpetrators are known to the victims, and only a small fraction of cases involve total strangers. Who is affected? Sexual assault is a serious problem in the world today, as it is both a public health and human right concern. It can happen to anyone regardless of age, gender, or sexual orientation, although women are at a higher risk. The following persons are especially at risk: Children Adolescents Young women Prisoners Sex workers Homeless people People with disabilities What are the effects of sexual assault on victims? Overall, sexual assault is a traumatic and painful experience for the survivor with both immediate and long-term physical, mental and reproductive health complications which may include trauma to the reproductive tract, unintended pregnancy, unsafe abortion, sexually transmitted infections, depression, anxiety, sleep difficulties, and suicidal behavior. In the immediate period, victims may experience shock and denial, low mood and mood swings, nightmares and flashbacks and guilt, or blame. What should you do if you experience sexual violence? Seek immediate medical help This is the next step in dealing with sexual assault, especially in cases of rape, after ensuring your safety. Hospitals are equipped with rape kits and trained personnel who will carry out a quick physical examination and ask you questions about the incident. They record the findings immediately according to regulations and policies and also take samples for forensic evidence which may be helpful in the event pf a criminal investigation and to screen for diseases. Ensure that you do not wash your clothes or yourself before you present at the hospital to provide adequate samples for forensics. Emergency contraception and prophylaxis for HIV will also be offered. If there is any physical trauma or injury, appropriate care will also be provided which may require surgery in some cases. Talk to someone Getting the required help after experiencing sexual assault may be cumbersome or confusing. Talking to a trusted friend or relative will be beneficial in getting support as you seek further help. Consider legal support or reporting to the police In Nigeria, sexual assault and similar offenses are criminal offenses punishable by law. Globally, formal reports to the police are low compared to the number of incidents for many reasons. If you intend to take legal proceedings, talk to a lawyer, and make a formal complaint with the police. If you require other forms of support, consider enlisting the help of “specialized centers for victims of sexual assault” like Mirabel center. They have specially trained support staff ready to offer mental support in the immediate period and later on. Mood disorders such as depression may occur in the weeks following assault and professional help may be necessary which can be provided for by these organizations. https://www.nigerialog.com/health/what-to-do-when-you-have-been-assaulted/new/#new |
Albinism consists of a group of inherited abnormalities of melanin synthesis. Melanin is a pigment in the skin, eyes, and hair that protects us by absorbing ultraviolet rays from the sun to prevent skin damage. With exposure to the sun, the skin tans because melanin pigments increase in our skin. In albinism, however, there is an inborn (or congenital) reduction or absence of melanin in the skin. In addition to the skin, melanin is important to other areas of the body, such as the eyes and brain. It is a lifelong condition and it occurs in other animals. What causes albinism? Albinism results from defective production of melanin from its constituent building block units. An error in a complex pathway leads to the low production of melanin or in some cases, no production at all. Albinism is hereditary and the most common forms are autosomal recessive, which means that the genes responsible for its occurrence need to be present in both parents (carriers) who are typically not albinos themselves. What are the types of albinism? There are different ways of classifying the different subtypes of albinism, some of which are based on one’s genetic code or DNA and the error leading to the reduction or absence of melanin. Broadly, albinism can: -Affect the eyes only, called Ocular albinism (OA). The skin and hair may be minimally lighter than the other members of the family but it is restricted to the eyes which are often bluish in colouration. -Affect the eyes and skin, called Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA). Albinism may also affect the skin and other organ systems; including the brain and the nerves of the spinal cord. Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) is the most common form of albinism. Who is affected? Albinism affects around 1 in 20000 people across the globe with some areas having as many as 1 in 2000 people with albinism. It occurs in all races, occurs equally in men and women, and is present all over the world. It is typically discovered at infancy. What are the features seen in albinism? Patients with more severe forms of albinism with obvious skin manifestations are easier for a physician to diagnose compared with those with more subtle forms or those with ocular albinism. The skin in albinos is often whitish, snow-white or cream-colored. The hairs are often brown, yellowish or white and in some rare cases, red or platinum coloured. Skin symptoms include skin photosensitivity. Due to the reduced availability of melanin pigments in the eyes, there are profound changes in the development of the optic system which leads to reduced visual acuity (vision problems), hypersensitivity to light, retinal pigment changes (that appears as red eyes in some people) and an involuntary rapid movement of the eyeballs (called nystagmus). These changes are seen in virtually all cases of albinism. What are the health interventions done for albinos? Albinism is not associated with mortality and life expectancy is the same as for the general population. It also cannot be “cured”. The effects of the reduced melanin production in the eyes, skin and hair does not cause general ill-health and as such, life is essentially normal for albinos. However, the quality of life may be hampered by the severity of affectation of vision, skin photosensitivity, and increased risk of skin cancer. Albinism also has social ramifications because patients may feel alienated as a result of the difference in appearance from their families, peers, and other members of their ethnic group. This can lead to questions about paternity, especially in colored communities. In some parts of the world, albinos are marginalized, ostracized and even victims of violent hate crimes. Healthcare support is rendered via: Low-vision aids: This is often via glasses or bifocal, based on the age of the patient and the degree of visual impairment (nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism). Tinted glasses may be used to reduce photophobia. A cap or a visor may also help when going outdoors. For the treatment of lazy or crossed eyes (or strabismus), it is preferred to start treatment at infancy with eye patches and/or glasses for correction. Regular ophthalmology review is also necessary to prevent ocular complications. Patients will also benefit from the use of sunscreen when going outdoors as it reduces the exposure of the skin to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight leads to the development of skin cancers. https://www.nigerialog.com/health/what-you-need-to-know-about-albinism/new/#new |
An egg a day could help to keep the doctor away. Eggs remain one of the best and cheapest sources of protein. Eggs also contain antioxidants, calcium, vitamins, and amino acids which are all beneficial to the body. Keep reading for some other amazing benefits of eggs. Boosts the immune system The immune system benefits greatly from the consumption of eggs as they boost the immune system and help fight diseases, viruses, and infections. Eggs also help regulate the thyroxin as it contains ¼ of the recommended daily consumption of selenium. Good Cholesterol (HDL) An egg contains about 212 mg of cholesterol, which falls into the HDL category. That is the good cholesterol type which helps regulate the bad cholesterol, which is LDL. The usual cliché understanding is that eggs are BAD for people suffering from cholesterol. But the thing is, eggs contain HDL, which helps reduce and control the LDL. Therefore eggs are a good supplement to your breakfast but definitely in moderation. Heart health Scientists have found with further research, that there are different types of LDL cholesterol that can be bad. These are related to the size of the particles within LDL cholesterol. The bigger the particle, the lesser threat for cardiovascular problems. The best part is that LDL in eggs turns from smaller to bigger particles. Eggs not only have HDL but also amend the LDL in your body to make it more useful and reduce the risk of heart disease. Energy Booster An egg encompasses 15% recommended daily intake of riboflavin combined with B2 vitamin, which helps to provide the energy needed for the day. Healthier looking hair and skin The hair and skin benefits from vitamins B5, B12, and B2 found in an egg. B complex vitamins help nourish the skin, hair, eyes, and liver. The protein that is available in eggs help keeps the hair supple and strong. Biotin (a type of Vit B) keeps the scalp healthy promoting hair growth. Eggs help increase blood levels of lutein and zeaxanthin gives you younger-looking and supple skin while keeping the cholesterol levels in check. Protection for the Brain Consuming eggs for breakfast will help you be more focused and feel sharper throughout the day. Choline, an essential nutrient, which is a neurotransmitter, is available in eggs. It helps in communication skills and maintaining a good memory. Amino Acids 9 essential amino acids can be found in eggs. The acids namely: histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. Eggs are also rich in 3 non-essential amino acids, which are – alanine, aspartic acid, and glutamic acid. Mental Health The 9 amino acids found in eggs can help to boost mental health. Amino acid deficiencies are associated with depression, stress, and anxiety problems. Hence not only eggs help with physical health but also mental health. https://www.nigerialog.com/health/8-ways-your-body-benefits-from-eating-eggs/new/#new |
Did you know that you have the ability to reduce your chances of having a car accident, improve your ability to fight off illnesses, and decrease your risk factors for cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s? Yes. Everyone has that superpower; in fact, we use it every day – sleep. Sleep is one of the most powerful activities that our bodies undergo. Often times, sleep is thought of as a passive process in which we merely lay in bed and wake up the next morning, with nothing happening in between. This could not be farther from the truth. What goes on when we sleep? When we sleep, our eyes close, and muscles relax. We gradually lose consciousness and our body cycles from one stage of sleep into the other – Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, and REM sleep and back again. Each cycle takes about 90 minutes. We cycle between these stages about 5 times every night. During this period, your body undergoes repairs after the rigorous activities of the day. It is vital for learning and for the formation of new memories, growth, and development. The American Society of Sleep Medicine advises adults to get at least 7 hours of sleep each night. Getting even an hour less than 7 hours in a night increases your chances of making errors or getting in an accident and it even significantly increases your risk of dying from a heart attack. It is often said that the pillars of good health are diet, exercise, and sleep. Sleep is the foundation for all the other pillars. Have you noticed that when you do not get enough sleep, you often reach for sugary carbohydrate foods? Sleep controls the types of foods your body will crave for. During sleep, the production of leptin (the hormone responsible for satiety) is increased and ghrelin (the hormone responsible for hunger) is suppressed. Good sleep helps you make better decisions Another benefit of sleep is the ability to make better decisions. We often make use of the phrase ‘I’ll sleep over it’, this is an apt recognition of the ability to made useful connections and decisions after sleep. After a good night’s rest, you will often wake up alert and be better prepared to take on the new day, and this includes making smart food choices. Good sleep protects your heart A lack of sleep puts you at risk of cardiovascular problems, such as heart attacks, strokes, arrhythmias, and heart failure. In a 2011 study, it was reported that lack of sleep increases a person’s risk of getting or dying from cardiovascular disease by 45%. When we sleep, the heart relaxes and starts to pump blood at a lower pressure. However, when you do not get enough sleep, your blood pressure goes up and your heart does not relax. This is partly why people who do not get enough sleep are at higher risk of high blood pressure or hypertension. Good sleep helps boost your immune system In a study carried out in the US, where they deliberately infected test subjects with another type of Coronavirus (rhinovirus- responsible for the common cold), it was observed that subjects who got at least 7 or more hours of sleep at night were 4 times not likely to be infected. While those who got less than 7 hours, were reported to have a lower number of T- killer cells responsible for eliminating foreign invaders from the body. The immune system is particularly boosted during the slow-wave sleep stage (stage 3). The brain clears amyloid proteins through the lymphatic system during sleep. The presence of these proteins has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Sleep deprivation can be fatal Sleep deprivation increases a person’s risk of developing cancer, it suppresses the immune system, and it reduces the brain’s ability to retain and process memories. You are more prone to moodiness, forgetfulness, difficulty with concentration, high levels of stress and inflammatory hormones, anxiety, and a substantial decrease in immune function. I encourage you to take full use of this superpower and get more sleep. https://www.nigerialog.com/health/sleep-is-your-superpower/new/#new |
There are warning signs that the body gives before it acquires an illness. These signs show that you may acquire an illness but if these signs and symptoms are taken seriously then most probably you will be able to get rid of the illness a lot sooner. Keep reading below to see five indicators that you may acquire an illness sooner than you think according to Lybate. Loss of appetite If you find yourself losing or having a reduction in appetite, then you may want to check yourself quickly as it can be an indicator of many oncoming illnesses. Note that if you have a reduction in appetite during summer, this should be considered normal but feeling nauseous or detesting food can mean that you are going to have an illness ranging from a simple cold to a strep throat. Swollen neck glands Swollen neck glands are a warning sign you may fall ill to illness including skin infections, ear infections, or the common cold. The neck glands are just below the jawbones and the reason they usually swell is that when there is an infection, the dead cells and bacteria accumulate in the neck glands. Fatigue Fatigue is not when you are tired after the day. It is characterized by being tired all the time or after very little work done. When you face fatigue, it is a sign you may be falling ill. Muscle aches A common symptom of the flu is aching muscles as the flu causes antibodies to be released and these antibodies produce histamines and cytokines, which may travel to muscles and trigger the pain receptors. Fever The body fights infections with a fever as the body is increasing its temperature to kill invading bacteria. Increased body temperature is a good way of knowing if you have infections. https://www.nigerialog.com/health/5-warning-signs-you-may-fall-sick-soon/new/#new |
Changing your lifestyle could be a big step toward diabetes prevention and it’s never too late to start. It becomes even more important to make diabetes prevention a priority if you’re at increased risk of diabetes, such as if you’re overweight or you have a family history of the disease or you have been diagnosed with prediabetes (also known as impaired fasting glucose). Listed below are some diabetes prevention tips according to Healthline: Cut sugar and refined carbs from your diet Eating foods high in refined carbs and sugar increases blood sugar and insulin levels, which may lead to diabetes over time. Avoiding these foods may help reduce your risk. Work out regularly Performing physical activity on a regular basis can increase insulin secretion and sensitivity, which may help prevent the progression from prediabetes to diabetes. Drink water as your regular beverage Drinking water instead of other beverages may help control blood sugar and insulin levels, thereby reducing the risk of diabetes. Control your weight Excess weight is the single most important cause of type 2 diabetes. Losing weight can help if your weight is above the healthy-weight range. Losing 7-10% of your current weight can cut your chances of developing type 2 diabetes in half. Don’t smoke Add type 2 diabetes to the long list of health problems linked with smoking. Smokers are roughly 50% more likely to develop diabetes than nonsmokers, and heavy smokers have an even higher risk. Quitting has been shown to reduce this risk over time. Eat a high fiber diet Consuming a good fiber source at each meal can help prevent spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels, which may help reduce your risk of developing diabetes. Optimize Vitamin D level Consuming foods high in vitamin D or taking supplements can help optimize vitamin D blood levels, which can reduce your risk of diabetes. Drink coffee or tea Drinking coffee or tea may help reduce blood sugar levels, increase insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of diabetes. Minimize the intake of processed foods Minimizing processed foods and focusing on whole foods with protective effects on health may help decrease the risk of diabetes. https://www.nigerialog.com/health/9-easy-ways-you-can-prevent-diabetes/new/#new |
When you’re addicted to alcohol, there comes a point when enough is enough. You’re tired of blacking out, waking up hungover, and having no idea what happened the night before. You’re tired of disappointing friends and family over and over again. Alcoholism treatment and recovery are difficult processes that call for a great deal of steady support. While it’s not advisable to rely solely on alternative therapies or remedies for that support, certain natural approaches may help enhance your well-being while undergoing alcoholism treatment. Here are a few steps to tackle alcoholism; Remove Alcohol From Your Home: This may sound obvious, but it’s a critical first step when self-detoxing. When you first start experiencing withdrawal symptoms, you may not be able to control your cravings. Avoid the temptation altogether by getting rid of alcohol that you have on hand. Clear Your Schedule: For some people, it may seem impossible to clear your schedule for days or weeks, but it’s necessary if you want your detox to be successful. Take some time off work and put aside your responsibilities – at least temporarily – so you can focus on your recovery. Get Support: Just because you’re detoxing from alcohol at home doesn’t mean you should do it alone. Find a friend or family member to help keep you safe during the process and who will get you help in case your withdrawal symptoms get too severe. Eat Right: Once you can start eating again, it’s important to focus on eating a healthy, balanced diet. Eat foods from a variety of food groups in the right amounts to help meet your caloric needs. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, but don’t neglect the importance of whole grains and lean sources of protein. https://www.nigerialog.com/health/4-natural-ways-to-beat-alcoholism/new/#new |
The human body needs water on a daily basis as it loses water every day even when the body hasn’t done anything stressful. The amount of water lost by the body varies depending on your activity levels and climatic conditions. One good fact however is that the body is tuned to tell you whether you need to replenish your water reservoir. The easiest way to judge if your body needs water is how thirsty you are. Water is needed for good health and there is no replacement for water. Most studies show that about two in three people are dehydrated and need to drink more water. It is necessary to understand the subtle signals that your body sends, indicating you need to drink more water. 1. Hunger even though you’ve recently eaten 2. Joint aches 3. Dull, dry skin and/or definite wrinkles 4. Infrequent urination; and/or constipation 5. The color of your urine is an important marker. Dark urine indicates a need to drink more water 6. Exhaustion and/or mood swings In addition to thirst, it is also important to look at the color of your urine. You should be drinking enough water to turn your urine a light-colored yellow. Dark-colored urine is a sign that your kidneys are retaining fluids in order to maintain your bodily functions, which includes detoxification. As a result, your urine will seem highly concentrated and dark in color. You may also urinate less frequently, for the same reason. Since the thirst mechanism tends to become less efficient with age, older adults need to pay more careful attention to the color of their urine to ensure adequate water intake. Incidence of urination can also be used to judge your water intake. A healthy person urinates on average about seven or eight times a day. If your urine is limited or if you haven’t urinated in several hours, that too is an indication that you’re not drinking enough fluids. There’s no doubt that you need water for good health. A simple effort of substituting all the sweetened, bottled beverages you indulge in with regular pure water can go a long way towards improving your health. It works wonders to help you manage your weight too. The amount of water your body needs, however, is something you need to fine-tune based on your individual circumstances. It is necessary to understand the body requirements and the obvious signals that it’s high time to replenish your fluids. https://www.nigerialog.com/health/are-you-drinking-enough-water-6-signs-you-need-to-drink-more-water/new/#new |
So you have to wear a mask to help stop the spread of the new coronavirus? Wondering how to choose one? Or if it will slip off, or be suffocating? While masks are everyday accessories in parts of Asia, for those not accustomed to wearing them the experience can be unnerving, even daunting. Here are some tips for the uninitiated: Which mask? Unless you are a frontline health worker you do not need a high-spec respirator like the N95 or FFP2, experts say. Leave those for the professionals. When it comes to other types of masks, the advice has shifted with the understanding of the epidemic. Initially, health authorities and the World Health Organization said it was useless for the general population to wear masks in public. Now it is increasingly recommended as part of the public health toolbox, along with frequent handwashing and physical distancing. With medical personal protective equipment off the table, authorities have suggested people buy or make fabric face coverings. The WHO has expressed doubts that these will offer full protection for the wearer but notes that they could stop an unknowingly infected person from passing the virus on to others. This matters because a significant minority of people with COVID-19 do not have any symptoms at all. Those wanting to make their own masks have no shortage of tutorials online to turn to for inspiration. The website of the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has instructions for how to make a no-sew mask by cutting up a T-Shirt. Some countries have published manufacturing standards — even for homemade masks. In France, authorities recommend that they should be made from at least two layers of flexible and, importantly, breathable fabric. There should not be vertical seams where it fits to the mouth, nose, and chin to avoid leakage. Masks produced for sale by textile manufacturers — following either a “duckbill” or “pleated” pattern — must filter between 70 percent and 90 percent of particles expelled by the wearer that are three microns in diameter. The average human hair is roughly 80 microns thick. Very young infants should not wear masks because of the risk of suffocation. Regulations as to the exact age threshold depend on the country. How to fit it Once you have purchased or made your mask, there are some simple tips for wearing it comfortably and safely. The main thing to remember is that a face-covering does not replace other key virus avoidance measures: soap and social distance. It may go without saying, but the mask should be worn on your face, not hung around the neck like a scarf, nor on the forehead like a bandana. This risks contamination. As does sharing the mask with others. To put one on, first, wash your hands. Then holding the mask by its strings, fit it snugly over your mouth, nose, and chin and fasten it in place. With surgical type masks, there is sometimes a rigid bar that goes over the bridge of the nose and can be pinched to fit the face. It is important to ensure it fits comfortably. A badly-fitted mask risks slippage and discomfort, tempting you to touch your face. If you do need to adjust the mask while out, you will need to wash your hands first. Single-use surgical masks can normally be worn for a maximum of a few hours before they should be replaced, depending on the type. It should be discarded earlier if it becomes wet or damaged. In France, the rules state that even non-disposable masks should be worn only for around four hours, meaning you would need to pack several if planning to be using them all day. When taking off the mask, first wash your hands. Holding it by the fasteners, remove the mask without touching the potentially contaminated front section. Wash your hands. After use Single-use surgical masks should be discarded after use, preferably in a closed bin. For fabric models, washing instructions vary by country. The US CDC says they should be washed regularly — after each time they are worn — using a mild detergent, then “dried completely in a hot dryer”. In France, the advice is at least 30 minutes on a 60 degrees Celsius machine wash, then drying either in a machine or open-air, then ironing. Putting the mask in the freezer or microwave to try to kill the virus is not recommended. Even fabric masks have a shelf life as the material degrades with washing. At the slightest sign of wear, throw it away. https://www.nigerialog.com/health/how-to-wear-it-your-covid-19-mask/new/#new |
The top three concerns for a lot of people, especially women have right now is weight gain and how it affects overall wellbeing and health. As the lockdown measures are gradually easing up, you are probably thinking of the best way to lose the extra kgs you added during the 6 weeks lockdown. While you seek a solution, below are a list of seven methods you should not try: First on the list is starvation This is the first thing that crosses the mind is no food, no calories right? Well, that can be counterproductive as the body goes into full survival mode. It stores all the fat it can get and shuts down to conserve energy. It might look like you’ve lost a bit of weight, but you definitely can’t sustain that for long and the health risks are in numbers too. Therefore, rule 101 to losing weight is EATING, by eating we mean eating healthy. Slimming pills You probably want to get a doctor’s prescription before using those. Side effects of this pill range from High blood pressure, diarrhea, sleeplessness, kidney problems, and liver damage…. Not to scare you but ingredients used in some of these pills do not have FDA approval. Coupled with underlying health issues, the pills can cause major health damage. If you most use these, please get a doctor’s prescription. Tapeworm Diet This one here is gross and not popular in this region, however, desperation can cause anything. This involves ingesting tapeworms that, in turn, digest 50% of the food you consume and you get a visible result in days while eating whatever you like. Now, the process of ingesting the tapeworm is what is creeping me out. You have to eat up rotten meat or even feces that is infected with tapeworms. I should probably stop here; I trust Nigerians not to try this. However, there are people who would go any length to lose weight, and obvious risk includes infections and God knows what else. On a lighter note, there might be a less creepy way of ingesting the tapeworm, but you won’t read that in this article. It defeats the purpose. Bye. Slimming tea I will tell you this one for free. Most of these slimming teas are a sham. You pay N10,000 for a slimming tea because a popular celeb is the brand ambassador and the customer care rep instructed you not to eat before noon and after 6 pm while using the tea and you think it’s working? The cause of your weight loss here is the intermittent fasting, not the tea. Next time you think of buying slimming teas, you probably buy almonds to munch on while on your intermittent fasting. Purging or induced vomiting Do I need to expatiate on this? You’ll only lose water weight with this and after a day you’re back to your round, surplus plummy self. Let’s be serious, losing water weight is not worth all that purging and vomiting. Fruit or juice fast This diet method has proving to be very effective and you see the visible result within 10 days; however, it might not be the safest as the body might not get all the nutrients and calories it needs. This diet method needs to be properly researched to know what fruits to eat and what quantity and duration. It can be counter-productive if the body gives an impression of false weight loss. Keto There’s a debate on the health implications of a ketogenic diet. Even with its popularity, eating all that fat and no carb will definitely have its effects. See a nutritionist to know what is best for you. The secret to weight loss is simple, a little dose of exercise, portion control, adequate rest, enough fluid, and mindful eating. https://www.nigerialog.com/health/weight-loss-and-health-7-solutions-you-do-not-want-to-consider/new/#new |
When it comes to eczema, many people who suffer it also have food allergies. But those without diagnosed food allergies notice they experience flare-ups of their eczema after they eat certain foods. However, this may be a food sensitivity rather than an allergy and it’s worth paying careful attention to how your diet affects your eczema in case it might help to avoid specific foods. But you should bear in mind that there certain foods that have the tendency of causing a flare-up of your eczema; these include: Canned Foods If you suffer from a type of eczema called dyshidrotic eczema, you may be sensitive to nickel. If so, eating foods containing nickel can exacerbate symptoms, like the small blisters that may appear on your feet and hands. Nickel can be found in a number of foods, including wheat, legumes, oat, rye, chocolate, and cocoa. But since many manufacturers use nickel in the production of cans for food preservation, nickel can also show up in those canned foods. Nuts It’s very common for people with eczema to be allergic to peanuts. If you seem to have developed allergic symptoms, including eczema flare-ups, after eating peanuts, peanut butter, or any other food containing peanuts, you may want to consider allergy testing. Milk Cow’s milk is one of the most commonly cited culprits of eczema flare-ups in young adults. Also, experts caution, that parents shouldn’t just routinely eliminate milk or milk-based products from their children’s diets. If it is completely removed from the diet, they may develop vitamin deficiencies and other issues. This kind of elimination diet should only be reserved for people with severe eczema; so speak with your doctor about the appropriate food substitutes. Eggs In babies and young children, eggs are another common trigger of eczema exacerbation. If you’re trying to avoid them, it may be easy enough to avoid scrambled or fried eggs, but be vigilant about dishes like bread and other baked goods that may contain eggs. Keep in mind it might only need to be a short-term avoidance strategy; as with milk allergies, some children with egg allergies also outgrow them, too. Fish Interestingly, some experts note that certain types of fish, including salmon, sardines, and herring, are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can fight inflammation in your body. But others warn that fish is on the list of foods that commonly cause allergic reactions. You may want to be cautious until you know how your body reacts. Ultimately, before you completely eliminate any foods from your diet, consult with your doctor. He or she can help you determine what steps to take when safely cutting out different food products. https://www.nigerialog.com/health/5-foods-to-avoid-when-dealing-with-eczema/new/#new |
Nigeria Centre for Disease Control confirmed a total number of new 170 coronavirus cases in the country and also a total of two deaths in the last 24 hours. Lagos, the epicentre of the virus in Nigeria, and Kano states have the highest figures. While Lagos recorded 39 new cases, Kano recorded 29 new cases. The spread of the virus further intensified in Ogun state as the state recorded 24 new cases. Bauchi recorded 18 new cases while Kaduna State has 15 new cases, NCDC also announced 12 new cases in Abuja and Sokoto State. Katsina recorded eight new cases, while Borno had seven new cases. Nasarawa recorded three new cases while Adamawa had two new cases and Oyo State got one new case. In total, Nigeria has now confirmed 2558 cases of COVID19, discharged 400 persons, while 87 persons have died. Nigeria will begin a “phased and gradual” easing of more than four weeks of lockdowns in the national capital and the largest city on May 4, President Muhammadu Buhari said in an address on Monday. https://www.nigerialog.com/health/nigeria-records-new-170-coronavirus-cases-total-now-2558/new/#new |
With the coronavirus ravaging the earth, doctors now warn that anxiety symptoms can often be very similar to that of the virus. According to Dr. Sarah Jarvis, clinical director of “Patient Access”: “Some of the symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks – feeling short of breath, palpitations, dizziness, etc – are sometimes also seen in coronavirus.” Here are 4 symptoms and how to differentiate. Shortness of Breath One of the symptoms that can be mistaken for coronavirus is shortness of breath. According to Dr. Jarvis, people take a few minutes to check in with themselves and try to steady their breathing. “The symptoms of panic attacks tend to settle if you concentrate on your breathing and take very slow breaths,” she added. If you were able to calm yourself down and find a steady breathing pattern within those few minutes, you may not be dealing with coronavirus. However, the World Health Organisation (WHO) says if you have coronavirus your chest may begin to feel tight or you begin to feel as though you cannot breathe deeply enough to get a good breath. Shortness of breath associated with the Covid-19 infection is progressive in nature and can become life-threatening over a period of hours to days without medical care. Indigestion Doctors confirm stomach pains, constipation, and diarrhea are signs of anxiety. This is largely because the communication system between your brain and the enteric nervous system, which governs your digestion, is affected by stress. However, Mirror reports researchers recently studied data from 204 patients with Covid-19 in China’s Hubei province and discovered that 48.5 per cent of these patients arrived at the hospital with digestive symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting or abdominal pain. These symptoms, though, were usually accompanied by more typical signs such as a dry cough and high temperature; therefore, if you are only experiencing digestive issues it is unlikely to be coronavirus. Increased heart rate An increased heart rate is a classic sign of anxiety, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Adrenal glands churn out hormones when you are faced when something stressful. So, receptors in your heart react by speeding up your heartbeat as a result which in turn lets you pump more blood to your big muscles so you could either flee or combat a threat. However, a racing heart rate can also signal coronavirus, doctors suggest. Dr. Asif Munaf, an NHS consultant, said an elevated heart and breathing rates could indicate “you’ve potentially got signs of an infection, which in this climate could be Covid-19”. If it’s an anxiety attack, your heart rate should settle if you concentrate on your breathing and take very slow breaths. However, if it’s coronavirus your heart rate is likely to remain fast – especially during any form of exercise or movement Muscle pain If you are suffering from anxiety, your muscles tense up as part of your stress response. Many people with anxiety report feeling tight in their neck, back, or shoulders. But, likewise, some coronavirus patients report muscle soreness across their bodies. According to W.H.O, about 15 percent of all Covid-19 patients experienced body aches or joint pain. These aches are triggered by chemicals called cytokines – which the body releases while responding to the infection. However, muscle pains in coronavirus patients are usually accompanied by other more well-known symptoms. https://www.nigerialog.com/health/4-anxiety-symptoms-that-can-be-mistaken-for-coronavirus/new/#new |
If you live in Abuja, Lagos, or Ogun state, by now you have come to terms with having your movement restricted as part of efforts by the government to control the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. This period of limitation on our movement would require some adjustment and for a while, most of us will struggle with the idea of doing nothing. Think of this lockdown as a much-needed break from rigorous urban life, long commutes, traffic, and stress – Hello Lagos. Here is a big idea for you to try during this lockdown – improve your sleep. Get rid of the notion that sleep is a waste of time, sleep is for the weak and that you will get all the sleep you need when you are dead. Take some time during this period to form good sleep habits that your body will be thankful for. Good sleep health is pivotal to the proper functioning of our bodies. Your brain, eyes, heart, muscles, digestive system, skin, immunity need you to sleep so they can function optimally. To make sure that we are talking about the same thing, here is a definition of sleep that everyone can relate to- Sleep is a natural, periodic state of rest for the body and mind in which the eyes close, the muscles relax and consciousness diminishes. Medical scientists have been able to discover some of the crucial activities that take place during the day sleep, figure out their purpose, and identify problems that can occur when we do not get enough sleep. While there is a small fraction of our population that possesses the so-called short sleep gene – the short sleepers who can power through their day with three to four hours of sleep, most other people need roughly between 7 and 9 hours of sleep. Here are a few habits you can practice to improve your sleep during this lockdown and beyond: Maintain a regular sleep/wake cycle Regular exercise in the morning and/or afternoon Increase exposure to bright light during the day. Avoid exposure to bright light during the night. Avoid heavy meals or drinking within 3 hours of bedtime. Enhance sleep environments (minimize light and sound, adjust the room temperature for comfort) Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine. Have a relaxing bedtime routine. Go to bed only when sleepy Use your bedroom for sleep or intimacy only. These are the principles of sleep hygiene that form part of the CBT-I treatment for insomnia that patients have benefitted from. A few more tips that can help improve your sleep include having a relaxing routine before bedtime, removing distractions from your bedroom, and controlling your thoughts at bedtime. A sleep doctor can help you implement these additional steps properly for maximum effect. Good sleep improves your general well-being, you wake up feeling refreshed, your mind is sharper, it helps lower your blood pressure and improves your memory and your ability to fight infections. On the other hand, people who do not get good quality sleep are at an increased risk of infections, mood disorders, diabetes, hypertension, stroke, and cancer. Also, use this period to personally observe your sleep for any specific problems you may have; 1. If you snore, wake up with headaches and feel tired during the day, it is possible you stop breathing multiple times during your sleep; a condition known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea which can increase your risk of hypertension, diabetes, weight gain, stroke and decreased libido. It helps to get tested and treated for this condition as soon as possible because it can be fatal. 2. If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, you may have insomnia and may need the help of a sleep doctor to help you take control of your sleep. To get more advice about how to improve your sleep and properly treat any sleep problems you may have, visit a sleep clinic and talk to a sleep doctor. https://www.nigerialog.com/health/covid-19-lockdown-idea-improve-your-sleep/new/#new |
The world and media are being rocked by COVID-19 making everything seem like it plummets but no!!! There is always a silver lining in every dark cloud. Channeling in the optimistic spirit of social distancing, searching for the plus side to all of this has become apparent, as scientists suggest that the lockdown might be counterproductive and that is as regards mental health. The lockdown has then sufficed to be the much-needed rest that some could not get for years, not knowing how to drop work aside. Hence, the lockdown is an excellent getaway and you do not want to miss out on an opportunity of a lifetime. The mental state of individuals is thus gaining attention and how to deal with the mind is an important aspect to be scrutinized. As an adult, a façade or disguise is displayed but beneath that entire smokescreen is that little boy or girl, that I mean in a good way. The idea of skipping school for flimsy reasons is always a thrill. Also, there also comes a time in one’s adult life where they gleefully look forward to public holidays on weekdays therefore, a valid excuse to skip work. We have hopefully compiled some tips or regime to get around the lockdown in a fun and inspired way with your loved ones under one roof. Rediscover Self The lockdown is a chance to discover yourself again, given that work, family, and external factors have made you incapable of living. And yes, it’s film time!!! Grab hold of the moment and reignite the days when you were once a film maniac; a time you have so missed. Give in with reckless abandon, watching all the film you have put on hold waiting for the right time that did not just show up. Explore Your Bucketlist Given that it is isolation and we definitely do not want to flout the law, thus limited movement to squeeze in plans like learning how to drive or swim. So, some other practical things to do within the confines and period of isolation should be sought, something apt for isolation. Such things to be considered are cooking; exploring your boundaries in the kitchen, as for those who need to sharpen their culinary prowess would sure make everyone in the home smiling and munching with bursts of joy. An occasional breakfast in bed would not be a bad idea too. Get Creative It is family time, all about the family, so now is the time to play with your kids. Shower them with love and not the half-baked love that work has served them for years. Appreciate each other and all that is offered as the period is an endearing one. Have you considered this to be the time of being a visionary? This is applicable as ideas and plans tossed aside with webs taking place can be revived. Feeling sick of being indoors? Try building a routine, teach the kids; have in mind that not all learning has to be academic. Accordingly, you engage them with something creative that spurs their urge to learn such as painting. The UN has estimated 1.25 billion children and young people are at home from the coronavirus lockdown so keeping them busy asides turning the house into that imaginary playground in their heads will likewise be good. Read books, watch comedy shows or probably join varying challenges out there like the TikTok challenge and others, get on the silly gang train. Call in the goofy you and make the world smile just like Donjazzy carrying out his #savage challenge on TikTok. Opportunity comes but once. Therefore in the bid to flatten the curve, we are all encouraged to stay home so we can get passed the universal isolation phase. Do not be perturbed about the times as Yogi Raman says, “Worry drains the mind of much of its power and, sooner or later, it injures the soul” and that we do not want, right? Therefore anticipating these tips on staying healthy in mind and body will help keep mental balance as we wait out for brighter days. As we wake up not knowing what day it is, please do remember to keep the mind stress free and the body moving to your favorite jam. https://www.nigerialog.com/random-thoughts/keeping-body-and-mind-revved-up-during-lockdown/new/#new |
Africa emerges as one of the continents that civilization is rooted in its origin, without influence from other nations. John Henrik an African-American historian once said: “the first light of human consciousness and the world’s first civilization was in Africa”. However, several theories and historians dispute Henrik’s school of thought. Many theories have penned down various conceptions about Africa which have conformed the mind of many into seeing Africa in an image which in reality is just a mirage. Here are some of the conceptions about Africa debunked: Africa is riddled with diseases Over time, Africa has been reported as a continent riddled with diseases. These reports have led people outside of Africa to have the notion that Africa is a disease-plagued continent. In 2001, George W. Bush said of Africa, “Africa is a nation that suffers from terrible disease”. Africa as every other nation has a disease that plagues its inhabitants but this itself is no proof that the continent harbours all kinds of diseases. Citing malaria as an instance, malaria takes millions of lives each year in Africa not because of the disease breeds in the air but because of a lack of access to childhood immunization and basic health care. Nevertheless, battling Malaria has been a relentless effort in various countries in Africa and as such, more immunization programs and health care have been put in place to eradicate malaria. Moreso, Africa holds one of the world’s top continents that possesses natural medicine that cures illness. Africa is always hot Most travellers assume that it is always hot in Africa. True, there are certain countries in Africa that experience hot weather compared to other nations specifically countries situated in tropical West Africa. However, this doesn’t occur all year round. Africa is made up of rainforest, temperate woodland, cool coastal peninsulas, and high altitude mountains. Also, in the depths of the Sahara desert, the temperature becomes freezing at night. There are many countries in Africa during the winter that experience snow. Countries such as; South Africa, Morocco, Lesotho, Tunisia, and Algeria. All Africans are dark-skinned One of the most rampant stereotypes that people have of Africans, is that all Africans are dark-skinned. This ideology is untrue. Africans have different skin pigments and possess distinct shades of skin that cut across various tribes in various regions around the continent. Over time, people from other continents have migrated into Africa and as such mixed with Africans, making it their home and marrying into the African tribe. This has been in existence for generations and as such the descendants from these people have settled in the continent. A major example is South Africa. Some of the locals (Afrikaans) in South Africa are whites. Black is a race, it is not just associated with the colour of the skin. Africa had no civilization in its history Certain historic theories in the past have noted that Africa, before the Europeans’ influence, were barbarians. One of such popular historian is T. Carlos Jacques. In his book, “From Savages and Barbarians to primitives: Africa, Social typologies, and history in Eighteenth-Century French Philosophy,” he likened Africans as people of the stone age and painted a picture of them as barbarians and uncivilized humans. With these theories, people have developed the notion blacks were slaves and uneducated since the beginning of time, but with much pride this is false. African historians and other historian scholars have dug deep to discover that Africans were indeed educated and exposed. The ancient Moors and the Carthaginians who were Africans once ruled the markets of commerce in the world and built great empires with their knowledge of Art and Architecture. All African countries are poor Poverty is one of the problems many African countries struggle with. However, not all African countries are wallowing in poverty. Africa is one of the world’s most rich continents with natural resources which includes Gold, crude oil, coal, and cocoa amongst others. Countries like Botswana, South Africa, Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco rank in the top 100 out of 126 richest countries in the world as of 2019. https://www.nigerialog.com/random-thoughts/5-misconceptions-about-africa/new/#new |
From world leaders and royals to sports stars and artists, the coronavirus has hit millions around the world, including the rich and famous. Here is a roundup of high-profile figures who have died, been infected by or cured of COVID-19. -Deceased- Best-selling exiled Chilean writer Luis Sepulveda, 70, has died at a hospital in Spain some six weeks after testing positive, his publishers announced on Thursday. Tim Brooke-Taylor, 79, a British comic actor best known for TV show The Goodies and radio show I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue, died on Sunday. John Prine, 73, an American folk legend widely considered one of his generation’s most influential songwriters, died on April 8. Jazz great Ellis Marsalis died on April 1 aged 85 after contracting the virus. Senegal’s Pape Diouf, 68, ex-president of French football club Olympique de Marseille, died March 31 in Dakar. Former Republic of Congo president Jacques Joaquim Yhombi Opango died in France on March 30, aged 81. Veteran Afro-jazz star Manu Dibango, 86, and revered American playwright Terrence McNally, 81, both died on March 24, following coronavirus complications. Former Real Madrid president Lorenzo Sanz died March 21, aged 76. Undergoing treatment Marianne Faithfull, 73, a 1960s icon and celebrated singer-songwriter, was hospitalized in London on April 4 after testing positive. -Infected- In Italy, Juventus announced on Wednesday that France’s 2018 World Cup winner Blaise Matuidi and Italian defender Daniele Rugani have recovered. It gave no news of Argentinian attacker Paulo Dybala, who also came down with the virus on March 21. Michel Barnier, who leads the EU’s negotiations with Britain on Brexit, announced March 19 that he had the virus. He returned to work in Brussels on Tuesday. His British counterpart David Frost is also infected. Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson, 55, was discharged from hospital on Sunday, where he spent a week, including three days in intensive care. He is continuing his recovery at Chequers, the country estate of British prime ministers. Britain’s Prince Charles and Prince Albert II of Monaco, who both tested positive and showed mild symptoms, have now come out of quarantine. Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks and his wife, actress and singer Rita Wilson, have recovered and returned home to Los Angeles after being quarantined for two weeks in Australia. Nobel laureate and former Finnish president Martti Ahtisaari, 82, is now recovered and out of quarantine. British actor Idris Elba, who tested positive but was asymptomatic, announced the end of his isolation on March 31. Spanish opera star Placido Domingo, 79 was released from the hospital on March 30. Former AC Milan defender Paolo Maldini and his footballer son Daniel are also recovered, as is Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. Among the 14 NBA basketball players who have tested positive, Rudy Gobert, Donovan Mitchell, Christian Wood, and Marcus Smart have since said they have recovered. The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, also recovered after some days. - In isolation… just in case- Botswanan President Mokgweetsi Masisi went into self-quarantine on April 9 for two more weeks, having recently come out of the first period of 14-day self-quarantine. All of the country’s 63 MPs have also gone into quarantine after a nurse assigned to do a screening of the legislators tested positive. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whose wife tested positive in March, said on April 6 he would try to keep working from home “as much as possible”. Sophie Gregoire Trudeau announced on March 28 that she had recovered. https://www.nigerialog.com/random-thoughts/dead-ill-recovered-celebrities-hit-by-covid-19/new/#new |
Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has on Tuesday confirmed 11 cases of coronavirus in Nigeria. The commission stated that all of the 11 new cases were recorded in Lagos. “As at 11:00 pm 14th April there are 373 confirmed cases of #COVID19 reported in Nigeria,” NCDC said. “99 have been discharged with 11 deaths,” it added. https://www.nigerialog.com/health/nigeria-records-new-11-cases-of-coronavirus-total-now-373/new/#new |
Back pain or backache can be very discomforting. Although it is common, it can make you unproductive when it becomes persistent. Backaches can have causes that aren’t due to underlying disease. Examples include overuse such as working out or lifting too much, prolonged sitting and lying down, sleeping in an uncomfortable position or wearing a poorly fitting backpack. The pain usually resolves with enough rest or home remedies. However, you should speak to a doctor when the pain is chronic or severe. Below are some the ways in which you can relieve back pain: Get Some Rest Not getting enough sleep or an uncomfortable mattress can trigger pain in the back. Proper comfort and alignment of the back is essential for sleep quality and avoiding pain in the morning. Makes sure the pillow is supportive enough to keep the back and neck in a straight line. People who sleep on their side should place an extra pillow between their knees. Medication Backache can be treated with an over-the-counter painkiller, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol. Talk to your doctor before taking pain relievers. Sit Properly Poor posture can make your backache, especially if you sit for long periods. Sit upright, with your shoulders relaxed and your body supported against the back of your chair. Try putting a pillow or a rolled towel between your lower back and your seat. Exercise Exercise has been found to be one of the most effective ways to relieve back pain quickly. Try swimming, walking, or yoga. Engage in a few stretches for at least 30 secs. Or try some yoga poses such as Child’s Pose, Cat-Cow, Downward-Facing-Dog. Massage Research shows that massage therapy has several potential health benefits for backache sufferers. Massage increases blood flow and circulation, which brings needed nutrition to muscles and tissues. This aids in the recovery of muscle soreness from physical activity or soft tissue injury (such as muscle strain). https://www.nigerialog.com/health/5-things-to-do-to-relieve-back-pain/new/#new |
One thing is constant in the midst of the panic about the Coronavirus- We will all be home and need to eat. The kids are home from school and most companies have closed down till further notice, but one thing remains constant, we would need food, so the least we can do is to ensure we nourish ourselves, children, aged dependants and family. Especially for the young children and the aged, a nutritious diet is even much more imperative. A lot of what happens around us is nothing compared with what happens within us. What we eat and feed our children determine most of our life outcomes compared with what happens around us. Here are 5 top traditional foods that should be in every family’s diet at this time for building immunity. 1. NUTS: Think of snacking on slices of cucumber or garden eggs with some roasted groundnuts or peanut butter or almond butter. Think of foods for children that are rich in a mix of grains, peanuts or nut butters as soups? Nuts are rich in manganese & Vitamin E that enhance cell activity. Ensure that aged women especially take foods containing nuts daily, it could be as simple as snacking of a trail of nuts such as cashew, almonds and peanuts. 2. YOGHURT: The probiotics, otherwise known as healthy bacteria, present in yoghurt stimulates the immune system in adult and children. Unfortunately, when it has too much-added sugars or base, it weakens its ability to perform such essential immune-boosting work as expected. Make healthy snacks such as parfait with yoghurts, while at home; it’s a mix of yoghurts, nuts, coconut shavings, honey and fruits such as sliced bananas, pineapples, and apples. Almost every child will say yes to this amazing snack and even adults too. Also, try making a Yoghurt dip for grilled chicken. Use a combination of yoghurt, lemon juice, and honey. 3. VITAMIN-C RICH FOODS: Many think oranges are the only foods rich in Vitamin C, but that is far from it. There are foods such as Green peas which can be steamed and made into purees for babies, and also sweet potatoes which is a great source of beta-carotene. All of these can either be steamed or grilled. From 6 months, you should begin to explore pureed carrots, sweet potatoes, green peas for younger babies in addition to breastfeeding if they have just started solids. It’s powerful what these can do even while babies are growing fast. 4. SLEEP: In similar importance to food is a good sleep to the body. Even if you would be working from home, it is essential to take breaks in between just as you would do at work to rejuvenate. Ensure to take naps, no matter how short and ensure to engage the kids in same. They should enjoy sufficient sleep at this time to refresh, as against watching TV all day. 5. FRUITS & VEGETABLES: Fruits and vegetables are essentially rich in vitamins and minerals and should mostly be eaten raw. From Vitamin A, C, D, which boosts immunity and cell functions, you should ensure you and your family do not go a day without fruits & vegetables in your diet. They are especially essential for children, the aged and everyone in the family. You should also try fruit and vegetable smoothies. For starters, these combinations are tasty: • Watermelon pineapple ginger • Spinach pineapples carrots https://www.nigerialog.com/food/protecting-yourself-with-food-and-sleep-against-coronavirus/new/#new |
The coronavirus came like a plague that it is, so unexpected. The year 2020 was supposed to be one of clear vision and a year of return for everything lost. No one could envision this would be the way to really put the future in perspective, the jolt needed to be aware because now it’s more of taking the past in retrospects. BUT, there is no panic required at this time. First things first, BE CALM This is really it. Do not panic. AT ALL. This can be very tricky especially when you are trying to see if your common cold or malaria is just that and not the COVID-19. You get panicky at that chest tightening in anxiety, you cough from drinking a lot of water or your throat hurts from stifling that cough so your neighbours won’t yell “CORONA”. The media is already said to be creating a panic that is worse than the virus itself and the people are feeding into it, hence, we have a “mass panic” on our hands. The only way to go about getting through this is to remain calm. Get your supply of alcohol-based wipes, hand sanitizers, groceries, fuel and stay warm. Do Not Panic Buy As much as it is important you stock up at this time, you also, most importantly, need to understand when you are overdoing it. Buying gallons upon gallons of milk is not the thing to do at this time. Most of the things you buy in panic would go bad. Not only have you wasted money, but you have also deprived someone else the luxury of having that item. Buy all you need and in the appropriate portions. Know what would keep and what would not. Just know that the regular stops you are taking would be for dairy and perishables alone. Be Careful What You Listen To Now is not the time to feed anyone with conspiracies about who or what is behind this and who or what the virus is not. No! While it is good to focus on the news and social media, you need to be very careful about what you listen to. Spend more of this time on podcasts, family and ignite your sense of positivity while taking precautions and saving yourself and many others. Be Careful What You Broadcast Also important. Now is not the time to spread information that is not from a reliable source. It is important that all news is verified and from a verifiable source before you put it out. The pandemonium ongoing is not to be fueled even further by false information on what drugs would cure the virus or what religion or race or animal it does not affect. SAFETY Be sure to take precautions. It is safe to assume we have all been keeping basic hygiene measures before now so we are only doing it by the second as opposed to just when necessary. It is not easy not to touch your face but you must try. It’s not enough to be aware because the same hands you use to collect your change (balance) are the same you pick your bags with, hold rails with, open doors with, and a host of many other things. As a result, get alcohol-based wipes. Wipe off and throw away (it is advisable you have a plastic bag to dispose of it with each use), get a hand sanitizer, it is pretty expensive at this time but there are DIY’s all over the net and if you could get some homemade, please do. Stock up on fruits and stay positive and warm. If you do not have the virus keep yourself isolated and get help. FUN Get your mind off things for a bit. Turn off the news after an hour and tune into something else. You can’t be with your friends and co-workers and partner at this point so you get to appreciate technology a lot more. There is a lot of fun stuff to do online now more than ever, and with all sports closed, you get to bet with each game, try it! Not everyone has been fortunate enough to be accorded the opportunity to work from home at this time. Take proper precautions, stay hydrated and covered up. Be careful what you touch, who you touch and try as much as possible to keep your distance. Stay Safe Everyone!! https://www.nigerialog.com/health/self-isolating-here-is-what-to-do/new/#new |
While many of us are home due to the lockdown caused by the coronavirus outbreak, it can be difficult to maintain healthy eating habits. This, however, can lead to stress eating – consuming food in response to your feelings, especially when you are not hungry. But, there are tips you can put to good use during this period: Have A Healthy Meal Schedule Just because you are stuck at home doesn’t mean you should change your normal eating schedule. If you’re used to having three meals a day, try to continue that schedule while you’re working from home. The same goes for if you typically consume only two meals and a snack, or whichever suits you. Though it’s easy to stray from your normal dietary pattern when your day-to-day schedule gets disrupted, it’s important to maintain some level of normalcy when it comes to eating. Try to maintain a regular eating pattern based on your individual needs and your preferred eating times. If you’re really thrown off and find yourself constantly snacking, try making a schedule that includes at least two solid meals per day and following it until you feel that you have become comfortably consistent with your eating habits. Eat In Portions Don’t be afraid to eat snacks and any of your favorite ‘comfort food’ but while you indulge, do so in moderation. Snacks can provide a boost of nourishment throughout the day, and comfort food can make you and your family feel good during these trying times. It’s common for people to snack on foods directly from the containers in which they were sold, which may lead to overeating. For example, grabbing a pint of ice cream from the freezer and eating directly from the container rather than doling out a single portion of a dish may cause you to eat more than you intended. To combat this, practice portion control by serving yourself a single portion of food rather than eating out of larger containers. Be Mindful of Alcohol! While a glass of wine or a tasty cocktail can be a relaxing way to unwind, keep in mind that alcohol lowers your inhibitions, increases appetite, and may increase the chances of overeating. Plus, drinking too much alcohol harms your health in a number of ways and can lead to dependence issues. Endeavor to stick to one drink per day or less for women and two or fewer drinks per day for men. Drink Water Regularly Being stuck at home gives you more time to focus on a lot of things including healthy habits, such as drinking enough fluids. Maintaining proper hydration is important for overall health and may help you prevent overeating related to stress. Study shows an association between chronic dehydration and an elevated risk of obesity, according to Healthline. Plus, being dehydrated can lead to alterations in mood, attention, and energy levels, which can also affect your eating habits. However, in order to combat dehydration, add a few slices of fresh fruit to your water to boost its flavor, which may help you drink more water throughout the day without adding a significant amount of sugar or the number of calories to your diet. https://www.nigerialog.com/health/4-tips-to-avoid-stress-eating-while-in-lockdown/new/#new |
“Health is Wealth” goes the popular saying. Over the last few months, the entire world has been thrown into bedlam over the infiltration of the “Corona Virus” code-named COVID-19. The virus which has flu-like symptoms was first detected by scientists in China in December 2019, and in the succeeding months, has spread like wildfire to places distant from China, including infiltrating the shores of our beloved Nigeria. This is not the first time our land has been ravaged by a pandemic or an epidemic. One thing Time has taught us is that history repeats itself. The 1918 Influenza pandemic was one of the most deadly in world History. It was caused by an H1N1 virus with a gene of avian origin. It spread worldwide between 1918 and 1919. The total number of deaths of the pandemic was at least 50 million worldwide. According to the Public Record Office London, the influenza hit Lagos on the 14th of September 1918, four years after the Amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates by Lord Fredrick Lugard. The spread in Lagos was fast and devastating such that in the first two months the causality figure was enormous – Lagos lost 1.5% of its 81,941 population. Inhabitants around the seaports of Marina and Apapa, especially seamen working on ships docked on harbour ports were one of the first sets of people to be infected with this virus and from that point, it spread to the hinterland and majority of people on Lagos Island. The Colonial government swung into action by creating different means of spreading information, educating people on how to best stay healthy during that period. House to house disinfection was also done to ensure the safety of people of Lagos. Still, people from Lagos reportedly fled the infested town to other parts of the country. Since the train was the major means of transportation back then, it was a little shocking that in no time the virus spread to Abeokuta, Ibadan, Illorin, Bida, Jebba, Zaria, Kano, and Bauchi. On October 14, 1918, the flu was detected in Onitsha, where a large number of people got infected and died due to the virulent nature of the virus, with insufficient health care to combat it. By December 1918, it had spread all over the country. Right from the first outbreak in Lagos, the colonial authorities worked hard to combat it, but for the migration of people from infected areas to other parts of Nigeria. By mid-1919 the pandemic came to an end, as those who had been infected either died or developed immunity against the virus. During the colonial times, some parts of Yoruba land and other places in the hinterland of the country witnessed plagues and outbreak of diseases which claimed hundreds of lives. People sought native medicine and other unorthodox means to cure these illnesses. One interesting case of an unorthodox approach to another epidemic, Smallpox, was the case of Dr. Oguntola Sapara Williams in Epe. Epe, a small town off the coast of Lagos, was hit by a smallpox epidemic in 1897. The magnitude of the epidemic was so severe; the death toll was more than the community had ever recorded from any disease ever. Dr Oguntola Sapara Williams, the first native appointed assistant surgeon was posted to Epe to help out with the people of the town. While at this posting at Epe, Sapara took the unorthodox step of joining the local smallpox cult with the motive of understanding their operations and eventually terminating their activities which he suspected was not helping the small community. This came about as a result of blackmailing the cult members who would take scrapings from skin rashes of actual smallpox cases and apply on the skin of uninfected persons. In his words: “In 1897 when I took charge of Epe district, the town of Epe was known as the hotbed of the small-pox epidemic. Finding that vaccination and other precautions seemed to fail, I joined the cult and having got into the mysteries I summoned the small-pox priests together and threatened them with prosecution for disseminating the disease and used perchloride (sic) of mercury solutions. They left the town through disgust and since then, up till the time I left Epe, vaccination had scope for doing good work and then the town enjoyed immunity from smallpox, hitherto unknown” One major aftermath of this situation was that the colonial government enacted the Witchcraft and Juju Ordinance in 1917 and made the worship of Sopona (the Yorùbá god of Smallpox) a crime punishable by fine and imprisonment. Let’s not forget the widespread epidemic of leprosy in the entire stretch of Egba land between 1857 and 1859, this led to the establishment of the 1st Hospital in Nigeria by Reverend Father Coquard of the Catholic Church in Abeokuta. The hospital was the first set up as a world-class healthcare and research centre then. The Hospital is known as the “Sacred Heart Hospital” still stands today at Itesi in Abeokuta. The smallpox crisis led to the establishment of medical research departments in Lagos where some of these vaccines were produced locally and also led to the establishment of the Infectious Disease Hospital in Lagos in 1899 and Abeokuta in 1923. A key lesson that was learnt from these cases was that it is important to be extremely proactive in situations like this. Proper hygiene and adherence to government regulations are key. Closure of borders and restricting movement of people from affected areas to non-affected areas is crucial. This is just a phase, and as Nigerian artiste “Veno Marioghae” aptly sang in her 1985 hit single: “Nigeria Go Survive.” https://www.nigerialog.com/random-thoughts/the-nigerian-victory-against-the-1918-influenza-pandemic-and-1897-smallpox-epide/new/#new |
It is good to boost your immune system when necessary as this will help you heal faster from illnesses or fight against external bodies that might be harmful to your body. Experts say some key things for healthy living include; a nutritious diet, adequate sleep, and some diligent hand washing. In general, most people don’t need supplements or vitamins for a healthy lifestyle, although doctors do recommend them in certain cases where people may be deficient. Below are some immune-boosters that might be useful for you especially during this period; Vitamin D Vitamin D does more than strengthen your bones. It’s not a vitamin, but a hormone that boosts your immune system. According to the Healthy, Vitamin D supports a healthy immune system by acting as a so-called volume control, turning up or down our immune cell actions. Supplementing with vitamin D may reduce your risk of getting the flu as well as the common cold. Probiotics Probiotics are friendly bacteria, such as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, that are naturally found in the intestinal tract as well as in fermented foods such as yoghurt. These friendly microbes help protect the body from disease-causing microbes. They also produce substances that keep the lining of the gut healthy, improving immune function and warding off inflammation. Garlic Garlic strengthens certain types of immune cells so the body is better at fighting the common cold and flu invaders. It could also help lower the risk of getting sick and may also reduce the severity of your cold and flu symptoms. You can swallow it like medicine or take it at less interactive hours, when the odour will not revolt anybody who wants to come close to you. Vitamin C Vitamin C has been on and off the immune-system-boosting list because of conflicting research. However, Cook, a doctor says, “Vitamin C supports all aspects of immune function. It’s needed for optimal antibody production and function. Without enough vitamin C, the immune system can be a bit ‘sluggish’ and slower to respond to invading pathogens.” Not only does vitamin C support your immune system when you already have a cold, but there’s also evidence that vitamin C may help the immune system fight infections, which may lead to reduced cold symptoms and cold duration. https://www.nigerialog.com/health/4-immune-boosters-good-for-healthy-living/new/#new |
As of today, the new coronavirus has infected close to 472,381 people worldwide and a clearer picture of the various symptoms caused by the virus has emerged. The three most common symptoms seem to be fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Here’s more on each of those plus other, less common symptoms according to The Health. Fever The most common symptom of coronavirus by far seems to be a fever. A Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report says that 77 percent to 98 percent of people hospitalized with the virus have an elevated temperature. And another analysis reports that the fever is typically 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, sometimes with cold. A fever may or may not be the first symptom reported. About 44 percent of more than 1,000 patients hospitalized with coronavirus in China had a fever when they first arrived at a healthcare facility. That number rose to almost 89 percent after they were hospitalized. Cough A second common symptom is a cough, affecting between 46 percent and 82 percent of patients in the hospital, according to the CDC. Although cough is a fairly widespread symptom, one distinguishing feature of this one is that it’s usually dry, says Dr. Sosa. The CDC believes that Covid-19 mostly spreads through respiratory droplets among people who are in close proximity to one another (within about six feet). That makes it important that people with symptoms cough (or sneeze) into a tissue or the crook of their arm, not their hands. Shortness of breath This is a potentially troubling symptom which the CDC says affects between 3 percent and 31 percent of patients in the hospital. Shortness of breath can also escalate. Respiratory symptoms are one of the main features of Covid-19, with many patients developing pneumonia and some even requiring oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation. Fatigue has also been a common symptom, with the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating this affects 38.1 percent of patients. Aches and Pains This is also called myalgia, muscle aches and pains affected 13.9 percent of patients investigated by WHO. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it’s a common symptom of viral infections like colds and the flu although, flu symptoms typically come on more suddenly. Symptoms in mild cases of coronavirus infection (which is most cases) should subside on their own, says the AAFP. The association suggests calling your doctor if symptoms feel worse than a cold. Headaches Headaches have been reported in patients with Covid-19 affecting about the same proportion of people as a sore throat, and both were relatively rare according to WHO. There are, of course, many different types of headaches all with many possible causes, including stress. The instruction by Medical practitioners is that if you have a headache along with symptoms like a fever, cough, and shortness of breath and have travelled recently or been in one of the areas of the United States, Italy, China, and other high cases states with community transmission, call your doctor. Diarrhea Not many people with Covid-19 have reported diarrhea, according to WHO, only 3.7 percent. However, it is notable in that it’s one of the few non-respiratory symptoms attached to the current outbreak. The first confirmed case of coronavirus in the United States was a 35-year-old man who had returned to Washington state from Wuhan, China and had loose bowel movements not long after being hospitalized. Stool samples did test positive for Covid-19, according to an article in the New England Journal of Medicine. No Runny nose Only 4 percent of patients in one sample reported this symptom but its absence may be notable in itself. “Covid-19 tends to be lower respiratory symptoms more than upper respiratory nasal symptoms.” Stanford Children’s Health is recommending that children who have congestion along with fever, cough, congestion, and nausea be tested for the flu. Those who have fever, cough, problems breathing and fatigue without a runny nose or nausea may be candidates for Covid-19 testing. Asymptomatic According to a report issued by the World Health Organization (WHO), some cases of Covid-19 have been asymptomatic, patients didn’t have any symptoms, but most of these people develop symptoms later. A big concern is whether or not people with coronavirus but without symptoms can still spread the disease. The CDC reports that there have been asymptomatic transmissions, although the WHO states that this does not seem to be the main way the infection is spread. It has been generally advised that people should stay at home during this period to avoid getting infected. https://www.nigerialog.com/health/coronavirus-8-symptoms-everyone-should-look-out-for/new/#new |
Many are scrambling to the internet in search of knowledge about hantavirus following the death of a man from China’s Yunnan province. On Monday, the man tested positive for hantavirus and China’s Global Times tweeted that the man from Yunnan Province kicked the bucket while on his way back to Shandong Province. He died while in transit and the 32 others on the transport were likewise tried for the infection. This news has led to some panic across the globe considering that the world is still reeling from the effects of the novel coronavirus that has left thousands dead with several thousand more infected. Before you panic, it is advisable that you learn about the hantavirus that causes hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). What is hantavirus? The first thing you need to know is that it is caused by rodents. The Centre for Disease Control says that the virus is spread mainly from rodents. The CDC says “Hantaviruses are a family of viruses spread mainly by rodents and can cause varied disease syndromes in people worldwide. Each hantavirus serotype has a specific rodent host species and is spread to people via aerosolized virus that is shed in urine, feces, and saliva, and less frequently by a bite from an infected host. The most important hantavirus in the United States that can cause HPS is theSin Nombre virus, spread by the deer mouse. “Hantaviruses in the Americas are known as “New World” hantaviruses and may cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). Other hantaviruses, known as “Old World” hantaviruses, are found mostly in Europe and Asia and may cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS),” the CDC website said. Causes Inhaling virus particles from rodent urine, droppings or saliva can infect an individual with hantavirus according to Govt of Canada’s Public Health Service. It can also be gotten by either touching objects or eating or food or saliva that has been released in the air. Rat bites can also cause it but it’s very rare. The CDC says: “Rodent infestation in and around the home remains the primary risk for hantavirus exposure. Even healthy individuals are at risk for HPS infection if exposed to the virus.” Symptoms The incubation period for HPS and symptoms deliver over 1 to 8 weeks. Early symptoms of HPS incorporate weakness/fatigue, fever, muscle aches (thighs, hips, back, and shoulders), alongside migraines, dizziness, and chills. Other symptoms include headaches, abdominal pain, nausea vomiting, diarrhea. Later symptoms include lungs filling with fluid, which feel like a pillow on one’s face. Whenever left untreated, it can prompt hacking and brevity of breath and can be lethal, with a death pace of 38 percent, as indicated by the CDC. Treatment There is no specific treatment other than medical care and ICU, where oxygen therapy can help with respiratory distress. The earlier the patient reaches ICU, the better it is. Prevention Minimize contact with rats at home or work. Clean up properly and use pest control. The medical information provided in this article is provided as an information resource only. This information does not create any patient-physician relationship and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. https://www.nigerialog.com/health/hantavirus-causes-symptoms-treatment-and-prevention/new/#new |
The world is currently under the siege of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), a deadly disease that the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a pandemic. The number of confirmed cases of infections and deaths has not only left many in panic but has also served as the petri dish to breed various forms of conspiracy theories and myths. Here are some of the theories around the coronavirus: It Is Caused By 5G Technology Some people have linked the viral disease to the advent of the superfast 5G wireless technology. According to the proponents of this theory, the coronavirus was caused as a result of the radiations from the 5G technology. American singer, Keri Hilson is a subscriber to this notion. On Sunday (March 15), Hilson took to her Twitter page where she expounded how 5G supposedly infects humans with the virus. There is no evidence that 5G is harmful to humans. 5G is the next generation of wireless network technology, following on from 4G. Like 4G, 3G and 2G before it, 5G mobile data is transmitted over radio waves—a small part of the whole electromagnetic spectrum (which includes microwaves, visible light and X-rays). These radio waves are non-ionising, meaning they don’t damage the DNA inside cells. It Was Bioengineered In A Lab In Wuhan, China Indeed, the virus was first detected in the city of Wuhan in Hubei province, China in December 2019. Coincidentally, there is a biosafety level-four (BSL-4) laboratory situated in Wuhan, the city where the whole outbreak started. However, this fact has been exploited by conspiracy theoreticians who propose that the coronavirus was bioengineered as a bioweapon in the Wuhan lab. In February 2020, virus expert and global lead coronavirus investigator Trevor Bedford observed that “the evidence we have is that the mutations [in the virus] are completely consistent with natural evolution.” Did Nostradamus Predict Coronavirus? Followers of Nostradamus, French astrologer, physician and reputed seer are convinced the mystic predicted the coronavirus. One of his text which had earlier been interpreted as an earthquake prediction has been reevaluated. “The sloping park, great calamity, Through “the Lands of the West” and Lombardy (Italy) The fire in the ship, plague and captivity; Mercury in Sagittarius, Saturn fading.” The sloping park has been interpreted as Hankou Jiangtan, a slopy park in Wuhan while Lands of the West ” and Lombardy to mean Europe, the plague and captivity to mean the coronavirus and city lockdown. There is no credibility to this claim. According to Brian Dunning, an American writer and producer who focuses on science and scepticism, anyone who interprets Nostradamus’ writings as prophecies of the future does so with a great deal of hindsight. Asides Nostradamus, Microsoft founder Bill Gates and writer Dean Koontz have also been credited with supposedly predicting the virus. Gates during a 2015 speech at a TED conference in Vancouver and Koontz in his book, “The Eyes of Darkness”. Coronavirus Is A Death Sentence No. There is nothing farther from the truth than this. Last month, scientists from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention published a research paper analyzing the data for the first 72,314 people diagnosed with Covid-19. The report concluded that 80.9% of COVID-19 cases were mild. The figures from China give some indication that most people do recover from the illness. According to CNN, in a situation report published on Thursday, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention said that of the 80,928 confirmed cases in mainland China, 70,420 people have been “cured and discharged from hospital”. https://www.nigerialog.com/health/4-conspiracy-theories-on-coronavirus/new/#new |