₦airaland Forum

The coronavirus outbreak has become a cause of concern for many and has kept lots of people on their toes. So many precaution methods have been given by the World Health Organisation and this is closely adhered to.

However, the number of coronavirus cases around the globe is ticking up almost hourly and people are understandably concerned about catching it themselves.


Some people have opted for the use of the face mask. However, there are some things to be known about this and below are some of them:

Mask not respirator
A face mask is a lose-fitting disposable device that creates a barrier between the mouth and nose and the external environment, this is according to Meghan McGinty, PhD, affiliate assistant professor of environmental and occupational health sciences at the University of Washington School of Public Health.

They’re not intended to protect you against respiratory illnesses. They’re typically meant to prevent you from inhaling large particles like dust particles.” Respirators, on the other hand, are meant to protect you from smaller particles like viruses.

Healthy people do not need a face mask
The masks are more effective when used by people who are actually sick than by healthy people. There is however an exception. WHO does recommend wearing them if you’re taking care of someone who is suspected of having the new coronavirus. The Centers for Disease Control, CDC, recommends that anyone who has confirmed or suspected Covid-19 should wear a face mask until they are isolated or quarantined. Then they can take it off.

Masks can leak
Masks are loose-fitting, smaller particles (like viruses) can get through. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people who wear respirators for work are required to have the fit checked annually and the seal checked before each use. If all is working well and there are no leakages, all incoming air will be filtered. McGinty says when respirators are used properly, respirators are uncomfortable as they make it difficult to breathe.

Washing your hand is better
Also, washing your hand works better than using a face mask. If soap and water aren’t available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer will do. You should also avoid people who are sick.

https://www.nigerialog.com/health/4-things-to-know-about-face-masks-amid-coronavirus-breakout/new/#new

It is not unusual that relationships go through a rough patch. Some people think a relationship has just two options; you can either be in the relationship or call it quits. Taking a break does not necessarily mean a breakup but in most cases, it leads to a break up because your significant other might just realise the relationship is not worth saving.

There are a variety of reasons why a couple might decide to take a break. Maybe one person needs to reflect on some personal issues relating to self-esteem, trust or deep-seated fear. Maybe both of them just need some time and space to identify the dysfunctional aspect of the relationship before diving into something as sacred as marriage.


How do you know when you need a break rather than break up. Here are some signs to look out for?

When you fight about the same thing over again

Having misunderstandings is normal in every relationship. If you find that you and your partner are arguing over the same thing all the time and the outcome is not changing, it might be time to take a break. Staying away from each other might help you understand their perspective and figure out if it’s compatible with you.It’s not the same as taking a break after a big fight. If you want to take a break because of fighting, make sure you are doing it for the right reasons. Make sure it’s because you are genuinely concerned about the fighting and disagreement and you want to come to a reasonable conclusion by taking some space and time apart. If you want to do it just to gain the upper hand in the fight, you are not doing it for the right reasons and it’s likely to blow up on your face.

When you have doubt about committing to that person

Relationships come with a goal. The goal of spending the rest of your life with that significance is what we all desire to happen someday. While in some relationships, marriage can be daunting for one or both partners. At this point, a break might help you figure out how important your partner is and if they are worth committing to. Sometimes a direct break up would not give you a clear answer. You might feel like your partner is right for you but you’re not ready for a commitment, in that case, you might just talk to your partner and if they agree, you can both decide to take things slow. A break also helps you clear your mind and gives you the strength to break up if you’re not sure they are the right person for you.

When cheating becomes the order of the day

Being cheated on is a deal-breaker for a whole lot of people. Sometimes it’s difficult taking a bow when you cherish and feel that a relationship with that person is really special. Sure that person is special but is it possible to rebuild that trust after the betrayal? It’s normal to want to have some time alone, it’s also important you don’t make a decision in a rush.here are things to look at; Are they remorseful and understand that you are hurt? Have they been completely honest about the level of cheating? Do they understand what it takes to build trust? Asking yourself sincere questions like these can help you know if their cheating is what you can deal with or not. Taking a break at this point helps you see things clearly sometimes.

If you have mismatched expectations of each other

Having mismatched expectations is the same as you both having different plans of what you want the future to look like. When one of you feel the relationship should dominate all aspects of your lives but the other does not feel the same. When you both cannot agree on common ground, you both need a break.one of you may have to grow up and that space might be just what you need. You both need to decide what the relationship means to you.

When you don’t feel listened to

If it ever gets to a point where you don’t feel valued or listened to, that’s not a good sign. You might need your alone time to think what you’re really getting from the relationship. Don’t be quick to break up, be quick to talk to your partner about it and if you don’t see any change, take a break and see what life is without the significant other.

https://www.nigerialog.com/romance/5-signs-you-need-a-break-from-your-relationship/new/#new

Lying since time immemorial has been categorized as nothing less than evil and bad. It is a deceitful act to lure people to do one’s bidding and paramount of all is it center on selfishness.

While some people gruesomely engage in lies, some sparingly or scarcely do so, thus end up being disliked for having the virtue that bluntly speaks truth that should be emulated.
Well again lying is indisputably bad but again there are two sides to a coin. Therefore lying has another side not yet seen to be understood.

We all lie despite our attempts and high moral standards of various backings to shy away from it, though the demarcation between a pathological liar and non-pathological lairs is glaring.

As children, we are in certain structures built in an existing lie. Lying to create a utopia for kids to grow in till reality hits them hard, accordingly lying to give a sense of security, a baton that is therein passed on to the younger ones.


The following are various ways that the good old “lying” can be helpful or probably save a life.
So one reason why lying can be helpful is it shows the developmental trait and growth of a child. According to a study published in the Journal of Experimental Child Psychology children who tell lies called “prosocial lies”, had higher performance on measures of working memory and inhibitory control so they can keep track of the inconsistencies of their fabrications.

According to scientists, “pro social lie” is that lie told for the benefit of someone else and not the one lying.

While the contradiction to this is called “antisocial lie” which is a selfish lie told for personal gain.

Being a pro social liar means more cognitive and emotional effort is invested in it.
Researchers have discovered that everyone develops the capacity to lie at the age of three and then from the age of five, all kids will lie to evade retribution. Again from the age of seven to eleven, they begin to lie to make others feel good or to protect others.

This is a lie built on empathy and compassion as stated earlier “pro-social lie” which is also famously known as “white lie.”

Hence, lying shows humanity in adults and kids engaged in it because empathy reflects their ability to put someone else’s shoes on to know where it hurts.

Again lying to safeguard one’s ego and pride. A scenario of praising an impressive ugly drawing of a child or adult is lying. But in order not to dampen the child’s spirit, perhaps to encourage the child, we then lie. The positive feedback the child has, in turn, helps in building the confidence of the child.

Sometimes too, in a bid to not sound rude or cruel we lie, like an instance of tasting a friend’s bad meal who gleefully asks for your opinion. In cases like this lying through the teeth seems like the way to go.

A child goes through what psychologists call “theory of the mind” which is a way of relating our skill to tell apart our own beliefs, intents, desire and knowledge from what others might have in mind. So pro-social lying according to specialists suggests that it mirrors the development of four distinct human capabilities empathy, compassion, theory of the mind and the combination of memory and imaginations that allows for a brilliant lie when considering the consequences of our words.

Is lying to protect someone’s interest a bad idea, especially when one is aware of a life-threatening situation or just want to take the pain for others? People lie for various reasons like protecting someone’s interest; to save a life to prevent danger. Lying also helps solve a crime story as depicted in the film, Knives Out.

Why do humans lie?
Lying is part of a developmental change that comes with being human and first taught unconsciously in homes.

Lying to lessen burden not to keep people in the know because the truth will hurt them psychologically is such a bad idea as long as there are no consequences the pure intent of a good heart invariably overrides all.

On the grounds of strict morals then religion, lying is thought to be bad, yes when used in ways that are devious and cruel as it is said, “heavy is the head that wears the crown”.

https://www.nigerialog.com/random-thoughts/can-lying-be-helpful/new/#new

The name Africa is a phenomenon. Home to 1.216 billion people, the world’s second-largest population and 2nd largest continent after Asia. Africa is a renowned name that has traveled way beyond the shores of the Nile to the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The name is one, over time that is connected to historical heritages and tied to historical revolutions.

However, there is one significance about Africa’s name which has been a subject of debate for decades. Several schools of thought have emerged on the true name of what we today know as Africa. A school of thought argue that the name Africa never originated from within the people and her people were never associated with the name. In fact, this school argues that Africa was initially named Alkebulan and was widely referred to as Alkebulan before the name Africa was birthed.


In Kemetic History of Afrika, Dr Cheikh Anah Diop writes, “The ancient name of Africa was Alkebulan. Alkebu-lan “mother of mankind” or “garden of Eden”.” Alkebulan is the oldest and the only word of indigenous origin. It was used by the Moors, Nubians, Numidians, Khart-Haddans (Carthagenians), and Ethiopians. Africa, the current misnomer adopted by almost everyone today, was given to this continent by the ancient Greeks and Romans.”

These first sets of Africans conquered empires, moving from one region to another, adding more territories to the Nations’ masses creating today the 2nd largest continent in the world. The moors, to date, hold the topmost position as one of the strongest, richest, and educated empires the whole of history has encountered.

He goes on to argue along with historians in this school that the continent was also called, by many names aside Alkebulan. These names include Ortigia, Corphye, Libya, and Ethiopia.


In Kemetic History of Afrika Dr Diop also connects the revolution of the present west African countries to have originated from ancient Kemet that is today’s Egypt, West African states like Nigeria, Togo, Benin, Ghana, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea, Mali, South Africa, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Sudan among others. However, many theories have tried to dispute the fact that West Africa states were initially named Africa and had no prior relationship being part of the ancient Kemet which was under the name of Alkebulan during the days of the old. Yet, the argument that west African states originated from Kemet has also been historically backed by Samuel Johnson a Nigerian scholar, who studied the origin of Yorubas in Nigerian for the past 20 years till present. According to Samuel in his Manuscript “The history of the Yorubas from the earliest times to the beginning of the British protectorate,” Samuel argues that some Yoruba historians have led the Yoruba people to believe they originated from Mecca instead of Egypt in North-east Africa. He also asserts that the ancestors of the Yorubas were Coptic Christians from Eygpt. More so, both places share the same traditional beliefs, like the gods they worship and the beliefs of the afterlife.


According to history scholars, the name Africa came into existence in the late 17th century. The name was only initially used only to refer to the Northern parts of Africa. During this period colonialism was in practice, the Europeans roamed Africa and ruled over her people as slave masters. This influenced the change of name from Alkebulan to Africa. The word Africa was initiated by the Europeans and came into Western use through the Romans after the three Punic battles (264 BC to 146 BC) led by Publius Cornelius Scipio and the people of Carthage which is present-day Tunisia. Various theories suggest that the word Africa is derived from both a greek and Latin origin. The Greek word “Phrike” meaning cold and horror, and the Latin word “Aprica’’ meaning sunny.

Yet, historians from several continents have argued against this propagated African name

According to another school of thought, the name Africa has always been in existence before the Romans invaded the land. According to Motosoko Pheko, an African history scholar he writes that, “The name Africa ‘Alkebulan’ has been interpreted as, meaning mother of Nations or mother of mankind, but Africa is also one of the oldest name of names of this continent.” He further argues that the thought that claims that the name Africa never originated from the people and was created by the Romans is totally false. He buttresses his point by indicating that the Greeks occupied Africa in 332 BC, followed by the Romans in 30 BC. The Greeks according to him, already knew Africa with the name Africa. He adds that the name Africa had various pronunciation due to Africa’s diversity in language. It is estimated that there are over 6,000 languages in the world and over 3,000 of them are from Africa. In his essay, he writes “Greeks had earlier called Africa ‘Aphrike’ as they could not pronounce the existing name Af-Rui-ka”.

Furthermore, some African historic scholars have suggested that the name Alkebulan is not in relation to the name Africa. These scholars claim that the said name Alkebulan isn’t of an Arabic origin neither is the meaning. The word Alkebulan in Arabic, Al is a prefix leaving just kebulan as a word, and so far the word is non-existent in Arabic, they claim.

The history of the continent is known but the true name and its origin still raise controversies to date. What are your thoughts?
https://www.nigerialog.com/random-thoughts/what-is-africas-original-name/new/#new

When we cry, the tears that form in our eyes are just as important as the sight our eyes provide. Each teardrop is filled with enzymes required for a healthy eye.

Tears aren’t just mere liquid, the layer of liquid that makeup tears are a compound of elements that helps to keep the eyes healthy and functional. The elements in tears include oily lipids, metabolites, hormones, electrolytes and enzymes.


According to medical reports, our eyes pick up dirt and other particles from the dust in the atmosphere. Our eyes also pick particles from ointments and other substances we apply on the eyes or close to the eyes area.

Specifically, ladies, that apply makeup to the eyes, such as; eyeliners, eye shadows, eye concealers and eyelashes.
With study, it has been deduced that the healthy level of our eyes often depends on how often our eyes secrete tears. It is also dependable on the situation that triggers the tears.

Tears can be induced as a result of our emotions or reflexes. Either way, the tears help to clean the eyes of dirt and give a clearer vision.

Types of Tears

Emotional Tears: The human body is triggered to express what we feel, as soon as the feeling sets in. The brain sends a message to our tear glands to secrete tears when we feel a certain type of emotion, the tear glands are also triggered when we feel physical pains. So when we feel a certain type of emotion such as; happiness, laughter and anger we laugh or cry and possibly do both at the same time. Those tears that spill out in response to sadness, joy or fear is called “emotional tears”.

Reflex Tears: Reflex tears form whenever foreign objects come in contact with the eye. In an attempt to get rid of the object, the eye secrets moisture that flows as tears.

More so, people try to suppress the urge to cry because it is viewed as a show of weakness. In suppressing tears as science suggests, could be detrimental to our health.

Crying is therapeutic to the human state of mind, because it;

Induces a Soothing Effect
Crying helps to regulate our emotions and reduce distress. A medical study of 2014 shows that crying activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps to relax the body.

Relieves Pain
Shedding emotional tears help to relief not just emotions pains but also physical pains. Study shows that crying emotional tears release oxytocin and endorphins. These elements when released in the body system help to ease emotional and physical pain, thereby making the body system feel good.

Aids Sleeping
A 2016 medical research indicates that crying can help babies to sleep better. although, it is still yet to be confirmed if it is applicable to the system of adults. However, it follows in line that the soothing,mood-enhancing and pain relief effect that comes from crying can help to make sleeping easy.

Wash Away Irritants/Dirt
Irritants could be smoke, dust, strands of hair or eyelashes and more. The tears come running from the eyes to protect the eyes. The liquid helps to rinse out the irritants disturbing the eye. Without tears, these irritants could clog to the eyes and prove a great threat to our eye vision.

With these listed benefits of tears, it is safe to say that crying is healthy to the life of every human.

https://www.nigerialog.com/health/4-reasons-crying-is-healthy-for-you/

The bedroom should be a place to get rest and take a break after a long day. However, most people have difficulties sleeping at night because their bedrooms are congested with unnecessary things.

Below are some things to avoid in your bedroom in order to have that blissful and perfect sleep according to The Health:


Television
Often, the blue light that emits from your television will disrupt your sleep cycle. According to sleep.org, “one problem with bedtime TV watching is simply the temptation to stay up late to find out what happens next.” You can always keep your television far from your sleeping zone, set a sleeping time and keep to it.

Phone
Keep your phone away when you are about to sleep. The constant ringing and buzzing of a cell phone should have no place in your bedroom. Aside from the seemingly ever-present stressors of social media, cell phones can actually be harmful to your health.

Though research is not yet conclusive, the RF frequency emitted by cell phones has been listed by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a “possible human carcinogen,” according to the CDC. It hasn’t been proven to cause cancer so far, but it can’t hurt to take a break from spending time around your phone each night.

Food
You don’t just eat in your bedroom, this activity is followed by other activities such as watching television, Netflixing, pressing your phone. All of these activities are to be avoided in your bedroom. The probability of dirtying your room and your bed-sheet is also very high and dirt can lead to poor sleeping habits.
Regardless, if you do decide to eat in your room, make sure you don’t leave your dirty dishes, as they can attract pests.

Old and Low Mattresses
One thing that totally ruins quality sleep is an uncomfortable mattress. If you’re not sleeping as well as you used to and you have an old mattress, you might consider changing. Your pillow should also suit your sleeping style, as people who prefer different positions need different types of support.

Bright Colours
It might not be very easy to sleep peacefully if you have vibrant, stimulating colors all over your walls. A British survey found that shades of blue, yellow, silver, green, and even orange were most conducive to rest and relaxation, whereas purples, browns, and grays in bedrooms were the worst. Keep the colors muted, and you’ll be feeling more calm and relaxed on a daily basis.

https://www.nigerialog.com/health/5-things-to-avoid-in-your-bedroom/new/#new

Following the report that there is now a confirmed case of coronavirus in Nigeria, many Nigerians began to look for ways to protect themselves.

Common knowledge on how to avoid the transmission of disease, including the novel coronavirus, the best way to do that is to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and avoid touching your face.

However, in situations where you cannot wash your hand, the next best thing is a hand sanitizer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also advises hand washing and the use of hand sanitizers to prevent the virus from spreading or taking hold in the first place.

You are not alone in witnessing the prices of hand sanitizers skyrocket to alarming prices in the advent of coronavirus in Nigeria. There have been reported cases of a small bottle of hand sanitizer going for as high as N5,000.

If you are not willing to pay the exorbitant fees being charged by the local stores for a hand sanitizer, you can easily make your own and it really isn’t that hard.

A wide range of sites (most of which are about saving money or reducing dependence on commercial products) have published explanations on how to mix up your own hand sanitizing formula.

Here is how to make your hand sanitizer.

Here’s what you need:

2/3 cup Isopropyl alcohol also known as rubbing alcohol (ethanol based liquids,)
1/3 cup aloe vera gel
Essential oil in your choice of fragrance (optional)
A small or medium mixing bowl
A spoon
An empty container
A funnel (optional, makes it easier if your container has a small mouth like a bottle)
A small piece of masking tape for labelling.

How to make it:

In your mixing bowl, stir the Isopropyl alcohol and aloe vera gel until blended together.
Stir in 8-10 drops of your preferred scented essential oil (optional).
Your hand sanitizer is now made. Next, pour the mixture into the empty container and seal it. Use the funnel if your container has a small mouth like a bottle. Put a piece of masking tape on the container and write “hand sanitizer” on it.

The CDC recommends using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content. This recipe makes a sanitizer with 65% alcohol content.

https://www.nigerialog.com/health/how-to-make-your-hand-sanitizer-at-home/new/#new

Ever considered that getting such remarks as “oh sorry I thought you were someone” or OMG you look so much like someone I know” are the pecks to being human? Such remarks are like checking the box that says “I’m not a robot” which ascertain if one is human.

Clicking the check box in this digital age certifies the level of your humanity; also if such statement of having semblance with someone somewhere or somehow has not been directed your way, I think you should have a rethink on your humanity.

We have majority of the world formed by individual beings but some from birth come as twins that could be identical or fraternal. Despite those who are not twins it seems to be part of our experience to always have a look alike somewhere? So I guess everyone looks like someone perhaps a “twin stranger”.

Having someone who looks like you with no blood link is unquestionably eerie for lack of genetic evidence. Back in the days, jolted by lack of understanding on creation abilities of the human body, twins were an anomaly to certain beliefs.

The Kikuyu of Kenya practiced the killing of twins same as the Igbo’s in the first millennium of the 19th century. As seen in Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart” they were depicted as taboos while for the Yoruba’s twins reflect a source of blessings.

Twins were thus slain in several parts of the world and cultures that regarded them as a threat to sanity.

Thankfully science has vindicated twins as we know them today to be either fraternal or identical, regardless this does not cease the divine/spiritual belief by some cultures.

That said, the world is filled with duplicates of beings scattered in several parts of the world. Could this phenomenon of twin strangers or doppelganger, be a spur to conspiracy theorist spotting look alike that has them saying Tupac Shakur still leaves after being shot four times in 1996 at Las Vegas.

Nourishing this theory further is the unresolved nature of the case where no one has been arrested for Shakur’s death.

The supernatural and spiritual understanding of twins is undisputable. The Greeks beliefs attributes divine powers to twins probably because a good number of some the Greek gods are twins. Artemis the god of war and Apollo the god of prophecy are in fact twins.

Greek gods and twins in Greek mythology were seen as diviners’ as well as special beings that brought balance. Apollo and Artemis have successively become an emblem for perfect relationship amongst twins regardless of their dissimilar behavioral traits and powers which in fact is the balance they strike.

Going back to Yoruba belief, the Ibeji statue currently at the University of Missouri Museum of Art and Archaeology represents the history and culture of Ibeji, the Yoruba deity of twins.

Their culture same as the Greeks reverences twins and sees their existence as one constructed by the heavenly one.

This backs their general disposition to caring with utmost attention for the twin kids making sure no harm befalls anyone, for fear of that happening brings doom on the household.

In turn they believe that twins are a blessing to the parents giving utmost care and attention to twins for they have faith in twins to have supernatural powers that could influence the family’s fortune.

Again in Igbo-Ora in Oyo state, they are known to be the nations home of twins, it is going to be complicated living in such a town.

Claims by the people say that this regular duplicate of beings is attributed to the yam eaten in the town. This theory has since been debunked by scientific proof in spite of the finding of a natural hormone phytoestrogen in the yams.

Doppelganger originating from German origin which literally translates to “double goer” is also believed to be a bad omen as when one meets their doppelganger it means death. But with the doppelganger trend, Ariana Grande various celebrities have seen and met their doppelgangers and had not a hair from their skin removed.

Unequivocally, the mysteries surrounding twins and doppelgangers also called “twin strangers” are uncanny and mesmerizing as well thus the duality they stand for. Dante Gabriel Rosetti’s famous painting with the title “how they met themselves” drawn in 1851 depicts through his art work two lovers taking a stroll and being confronted by their doppelgangers that glow supernaturally. The man draws his sword outraged by this mystery while his lady falls to her death or just faints.

Twinning is now adored which has mothers consciously create the twin illusion through the help of clothes and accessories to appear the same way as their daughters, son or spouse even with the absence of a strong semblance.

Hence popular culture, through modes of dressing accessories even mannerisms has aided the increase thus the effect of twinning in contemporary times. As what was not understood was dreaded and destroyed, has become the cornerstone.

https://www.nigerialog.com/random-thoughts/demystifying-the-phenomenon-of-twins/new/#new

The human skin is like a delicate flower when touched or handled roughly it could wear and tear. Only when properly groomed and hydrated daily would it bloom and glow. Nevertheless, keeping the skin healthy isn’t just by thoroughly bathing, staying hydrated, eating lots of vegetables and using natural skin products, it also involves keeping the sheets we sleep on clean and nice enough for our skin to breathe.

Many at times, people sleep and wake up with skin irritations itching all over, and sometimes a red-like discolouration, which leaves them wondering why, even after making use of good products and following skin health tips. Researchers have discovered that most of these skin irritations are as a result of microscopic organisms that live within bed sheets and pillow sheets.

Here is how:

Dead Skin Cells
The human skin sheds over 500 million skin cells a day, and many fall off when we roll in bed. Each of these dead skin cells piles up in sheets and serve as feed for tiny dust mites in the air that settles on surfaces. This causes the tiny dust mites to grow and multiply which can trigger asthma, allergies and cause itchy eczema on the skin. The dust mites could also cause rashes on the skin to flare.

Body Sweat
The human skin naturally excretes 26 gallons of sweat in bed each year. The moisture at high humidity is an ideal fungal culture medium. Our skin pores have fungi and excrete excess oil when the hot air of the atmosphere causes our skin to sweat which drops on the bed sheets and pillowcases we sleep on. When this happens, the bacteria mixes with critters living within the sheets and serve as enhancers to their growth and breeding.

More so, our sweat droppings make our sheets moist which gives room for dust mites and critters living within our sheets to separate and clog to skin pores and block the pores from the air and excreting excess oil, which is ultimately unhealthy for the skin.

Saliva Droppings
The human saliva is made up of certain bacteria that are just fine within the system because they help to digest our food but on the outside. They are bad for our skin when found within our sheets.

Sometimes while fast asleep we tend to unconsciously drool, which settles on the sheets and mixes with other critters that feed off on dead skin cells. This makes the sheets totally uncomfortable for the skin which causes a person to scratch profusely, sometimes open wounds and bruises in the process.

The causes of unclean sheets cannot be avoided but the damage can be averted and avoided, by following these methods:

Wash Sheets In Hot Water
Washing our sheets in cold or lukewarm water just won’t do because it only slows down and restricts the growth and activities of bacteria and dust mites for a while. Hot water destroys them. This is because all agents and forms of bacteria cannot survive under a hot temperature above 140 F. As such, it is preferable to wash every bed sheets and pillowcases in hot water.

Change Sheets Once In A Week
Sheets are not to last for more than seven days on the bed because it gives room for bacteria to breed within. It takes just one dead skin cell to feed and multiply thousands of dust mites in a day and the human body sheds over 500 million dead skin cells in a day. Now imagine how many dust mites could be breeding in the sheets in seven days, definitely millions.

In case, a sick person occupies the bed, it is recommended to change the sheets three times a week and immediately change the sheets and clean up after recuperation.

Air Sheets Everyday
After each night spent in bed, dry out the sheets in the sun. The heat from the sun kills every form of bacteria and dust mites that could be breeding within the sheets. The sun also exfoliates the smell of body sweat and saliva, leaving the sheets clean and fresh like new.

Also, sheets can be aired just by shaking out and leaving it lay on the bed under the fan or air-conditioner. This also gives room for the sheets to be free of dust mites.

Our sheets are partners to our skin both clean state benefits the other, so keeping clean sheets help your skin feel better, healthy and glowing.

https://www.nigerialog.com/health/your-bed-sheet-could-be-the-reason-you-keep-getting-skin-irritations/new/#new

Before the advent of the Arabs and Europeans to Nigeria, the sophistication of the Nigerian Kingdom was very visible in their peculiar architecture. In a multicultural society like Nigeria, most of the kingdoms had a beautiful and unique architecture that reflected the climate, culture, and beliefs of the people.

The ingenuity of these buildings remains a marvel. Most of the buildings are usually made of mud and thatched roofs, which shows a careful thought in this style of building, the choice of materials is readily available and fits our tropical climate.


Some of the popular and noticeable architecture are the Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba – the three popular tribes.

The Hausa Architecture

A Traditional Hausa architecture is in form of a housing unit large enough to house the man his wives and the children, this housing structure forms part of an extensive walled city with a gate built into a tall of storey building. The traditional Hausa architecture can be categorised into three: calligraphy, surface design and ornamental. Some of such designs are still common and mostly found in the Emir palaces in various northern cities.

With the advent of Islam, there was a slight addition to the architectural plans of these places. An azure (a male section of the house) for example was later introduced to create seclusion of women and keep the women out from external contact with male visitors. Most Hausa architecture was made of simple materials such as mud, stones, grasses, corn stalks and straws for thatch roofing. The muds are made into tubali-sun-dried bricks, a mix of straw and mud is used to make concrete wall plastering. The entrance into the compounds is usually indoor arcs.

A typical Hausa architecture has various sections of a family compound: each having separate functions:

A Zanko-which is a protrusion from the rood parapet; The dakis (rooms) are built based on the number of wives the man of the house(mai gida) has; Darki Girki-the Kitchen; Rumfa-a shade, Shago-usually a place for a matured unmarried male, and Rijiya-a well at the centre of the house.

The Igbo Architecture

The Europeans had the most difficulty in breaking into the Igbo culture, the absence of a central ruling system made that possible, the Europeans had to convince various Heads of clans to gradually get into their culture as there was no single system of one King. This ruling system is depicted in the Igbo pre-colonial architecture. To the Igbo, home means more than just a building or a shelter, a compound building, or a place to return to after a day’s farming or work.

The traditional Igbo house structure was pre-dominantly round-wall mud houses (ulo aja oto) with thatched roofs (aju or atani). The roofing–a pitched roofing, was the commonest design found across the pre-colonial Igbo communities.

To build such, the skeletal framework of the roof is first weaved using bamboo poles or sliced bamboo poles. The bamboo is placed in slopes and then crossed with Palm fronds. To give a formidable roofing structure that can avert incidence such as wind, at various points rafters are knotted or tied The last process is thatching, the skeletal structure is covered with grasses and fronds (raffia mat). Most of these houses had no concrete beams due to the materials available at that time, most used woods and bamboos as a support system or beams.

The family unit a very important unit in Igbo style of government, the architecture of a family compound is simple and headed by an Okpara. An Okpara is usually a titled elder. Most Igbo architecture was built-in for tight encasement which came from their forefather or ancestors who were cave dwellers, the cave provided shelter, warmth and home. The family compound which consisted of a single entrance and exit covered with raffia mats has; Ute/Azani–thatching which is done with grasses and fronds , meeting house (Obi), shrines (Okwu-Alusi) and many rooms (ime ulo) that can accommodate the polygamous family system practised then.

The most important part of the house was the obi, or meeting house. In Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, the protagonist Okonkwo had an Obi where he meets his fellow kinsmen. The Obi was the symbolic centre of the compound, where the head of the family kept his altars and where he entertained his guests. The other rooms were shared among the wives and children. Like in the Hausa style of building, the men’s section is also separated from the women, and the children section is grouped. The men visit the women room in turns when it’s time for copulation.

The Yoruba

They had a large courtyard with a housing style typically called the ‘Orowa.’ These houses were usually a continuous building making up of extended families. The large courtyards were the most important elements in the traditional Yoruba house setting. The building of houses was mostly communal effort using readily available material such as thick mud walls, bamboo rafters or other termite-resistant timber sheets instead of thatch, and a sand plaster to mud walls. The houses extend into large family compounds with several rooms and a group of Courtyard. These are known as agbo’le and are often called by the name of the first head of the family. For example, Agbo’le Adebayo. Every household member is careful in what they do so as not to tarnish the name of the family compound. The rooms had standard units of measurement mostly 10 ft (ese bata mewa). In the courtyard, activities such as cooking, livestock rearing and a store to house the farm implements are a common sight.

https://www.nigerialog.com/culture/pre-colonial-traditional-architectures-of-nigeria/new/#new

Meditation involves the practice of mindfulness or focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity to train attention and awareness. This is done to achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm and stable state.

When you have a deeper connection with yourself, you find your life falling into place. To meditate properly, all you need to do is find a place of tranquillity, get in the desired position, close your eyes, and breath.


Asides bringing you inner and outer peace, below are some other benefits of meditation to your life.

Meditation makes you happier: Meditation helps you to purge off every negativity surrounding you. When you are free of negative energy and vibes around you, you keep a cleaner head for positive thoughts and feelings that ultimately lead to a better and happier state of mind.

Meditation improves sleep: Meditation is like a workout for your brain except instead of picking up weights to build muscle, you are putting down thoughts to build the strength of mind. You sleep easier and better when your mind is free of everyday life worries that may otherwise clog it.

Reduces depression and anxiety: Meditation allows people to take charge of their own nervous system and emotions It decreases anxiety levels and alleviates depression symptoms in those who practice it regularly.

Helps you live in the moment: How many of us rush through each day without taking the time to actually live? More often than not, we look back on our day and wonder where the day went and wish we could have slowed down. Part of living a mindful life is living (and enjoying) the moment as we experience it. Meditation can help you to embrace more of these moments. The more mindful you are with life, the more purposeful and productive you can be.

Meditation helps you love yourself: Every individual is worthy of love and respect regardless of others’ opinions; your reality is what you make of it. If you have a hard time knowing this and accepting yourself, you can benefit by inviting meditation into your life. Meditation can be used to create self-love and acceptance. Only with self-love will you be able to be your true self and experience true happiness.

https://www.nigerialog.com/health/4-ways-meditation-helps-to-improve-your-life/new/#new

A leap year, also known as an intercalary year or bissextile year, is a calendar year that contains an additional day added to keep the calendar year synchronized with the astronomical year.

Below are some facts about leap year:


Caesar, the father of leap year
Julius Caesar implemented the leap year in Rome. The Julian Calendar was implemented in 46 B.C.E. Though it was flawed, it remained in place for 16 centuries until the Gregorian Calendar replaced it.

The reason for doing this was to keep the calendar system in line with the seasons. Roman officials were supposed to insert an extra month every so often, but by the time Caesar began to rule Rome, the calendar had gotten seriously out of whack. Caesar consulted with the top astronomers of the day, and in 46 B.C. decided to add one day (known as an intercalary day, or leap day) every four years to make up the discrepancy between the lunar and solar calendars. Caesar also took the opportunity to rename Quintillis, the fifth month of the year (counting from March), leaving us with the month we call July today.

Leap days must align
Some leap years are purposely skipped. Because the solar year lasts 365.24219 days, the leap day is skipped to remain in alignment with the earth’s orbit around the sun.

February 29 for the witches
February 29 is connected to the Salem Witch Trials. On Feb. 29, 1692, the initial arrest warrants were issued for those accused of witchcraft in the community.

The Salem witch trials were a series of hearings and prosecutions of people accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts between February 1692 and May 1693. More than two hundred people were accused. Thirty were found guilty, nineteen of whom were executed by hanging (fourteen women and five men). One other man, Giles Corey, was pressed to death for refusing to plead, and at least five people died in jail.

Leap Year Association
Leap year babies have their own honour society. More than 11,000 “leapers” are members of the Honor Society of Leap Year Babies. Membership is free.

https://www.nigerialog.com/random-thoughts/5-facts-about-leap-years/new/#new

Dark pigmentations of the knuckles can be as a result of various factors. It may be the reaction to a certain intake of drugs, It may also be inherited and could be a sign of vitamins the body is lacking.

Nevertheless, the factor associated most with black knuckles is as a result of the strong acidic substance found in products used on the skin, breaking down the melanin present in it. These products are commonly referred to as bleaching creams.


Drug reactions
Other than bleaching creams usage of these drugs is linked to why the knuckles could get darker than other parts of the fingers.

These drugs are:

Nicotine acid
Estrogen therapy
Growth hormone therapy
Protease inhibitors
Drug containing these substances causes the knuckles to have darker pigmentation.

Lack of Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12 is a water-soluble vitamin that helps to create red blood cells. The red blood cells help to carry oxygen through the body. When the body does not have enough Vitamin B-12, it could cause the knuckles to start losing its color and get darker.

The symptoms of lack of vitamin B-12 include:

Shortness of breath
Dizziness
Fatigue
Headache

The body system extracts this vitamin from foods such as egg, milk, cheese, and meat. When the body gets little of these foods the skin starts to lose its glow and the knuckles amidst other areas of the body that has higher pigmentations get darker.

Skin lightening products

Many skin lightening products contain Hydroquinone or Lipohydroxy acid which is derived from salicylic acid. These acids bleach the skin by breaking down the number of melanocytes which produces melanin that helps to give the skin a brown color. These compounds are artificial and are recommended mostly to be used for treating skin issues like; melasma, acne scars, eczema and dark spots.


When products containing these acids are used other than for skin treatment, the skin reacts to it especially parts of the skin that have hyperpigmentations. The knuckles are part of the body parts that have hyperpigmentations, so it proves really hard for bleaching products to penetrate and lighten them.

There are more natural ingredients and simpler ways to get rid of dark knuckles, they are as follows:

Soy
The varieties of soy can help lighten the knuckles, It could be either in the bean or milk form. for use, it is recommended to apply on the surface of the knuckles and rinse out after a couple of minutes or leave in longer as desired. The nutrients in soy suppress skin pigmentations from surfacing.

Ellagic Acid
This is extracted from fruits like cherries, pomegranates, and strawberries. Often intake of these fruits and making scrub mixtures with it brightens the knuckles. The acid stops one of the enzymes that helps in the secretion of melanin in the skin.

Sugar and olive oil
Sugar and olive oil mixed together as a scrub helps to exfoliate the dead skin cells on the knuckles. Sugar removes the dead skin cells on the surface of the knuckles while olive oil moisturizes the skin, giving it the glow you desire.

https://www.nigerialog.com/beauty/have-black-knuckles-here-are-the-causes-and-remedies-for-black-knuckles/new/#new

It is another Valentine season.It is time to settle down and watch some romantic film of all time with your partner. Time to share memories that will last for the longest time.


Below are some of the movies you can watch with your partner:

The Vow

“The Vow” is a story of a newlywed Mexican couple (McAdams and Tatum) who are in a car crash. The wife is put in a coma and is cared for by her devoted husband. When she comes to without any memory of her husband or their marriage, the husband woos her and attempts to win her heart again.

A Walk To Remember

When a prank on a fellow high-school student goes wrong, popular but rebellious Landon Carter (Shane West) is threatened with expulsion. His punishment is mandatory participation in various after-school activities, such as tutoring disadvantaged children and performing in the drama club’s spring musical. At these functions, he is forced to interact with quiet, bookish Jamie Sullivan. Somehow, a love story emerges; a story that teaches what love is about.

The Notebook

The Notebook is a romantic drama film directed by Nick Cassavetes and written by Jeremy Leven from Jan Sardi’s adaptation of the 1996 novel by Nicholas Sparks. The film stars Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams as a young couple who fall in love in the 1940s. Their story is narrated from the present day by an elderly man (played by James Garner), telling the tale to a fellow nursing home resident (played by Gena Rowlands, who is Cassavetes’s mother).

To The Boys I’ve Loved

Lara Jean Covey writes letters to all of her past loves, the letters are meant for her eyes only. However, one day all the love letters are sent out to everyone she had ever loved. Her life is soon thrown into chaos when she had to confront them.

Runaway Bride

A columnist fired by his editor/ex-wife for being too chauvinistic tries to redeem himself by chasing a story on spec about a woman who habitually jilts her fiances. The writer relocates to her hometown and falls for his subject who suffers from an identity crisis as evidenced by her inability to determine how she likes her eggs.

Pretty Woman

It stars Gere as an out-of-town millionaire, visiting Los Angeles, who borrows his friend’s car and gets lost on Hollywood Boulevard. He asks a hooker for directions to his hotel. She offers to tell him, for five dollars. For $10, she’ll guide him there. She agrees and it turns out that she knows a lot about cars. This intrigues him, and the result is that he invites her to join him in his hotel suite, a love story is born.

Have a great Valentine’s Day celebration with these films.

https://www.nigerialog.com/tv-movies/6-films-to-watch-this-valentine/new/#new

Lubrication, especially vaginal lubrication is an important part of sexual arousal. It readies the vagina for penetration and reduces any accompanying friction or irritation. In this regard, a medical expert has warned against the practice of using saliva as a lubricant during sex.

Dr Kolade Johnson who works in a private hospital said that if anyone with a mouth sore use saliva as a lubricant, the partner would be exposed to genital herpes.


He said other diseases that could arise from using saliva as sex lubricant include Human Papilo Virus (HPV), syphilis, chlamydia and even gonorrhoea among others.

The medical expert said it could be worse for women as saliva could upset the vagina environment to cause vaginal or yeast infections.

“Saliva cannot even be as slippery as expected which can easily cause tear because it gets dried up easily. Also, if the person has bad breath it can cause horrible smelling discharge.”

The doctor advises that couples should engage in pre-intimacy before sex as this helps to create lubrication in the vagina. However, in an instance where pre-intimacy doesn’t achieve the desired result, Dr Johnson proffers that one should get a lubricant from a registered pharmacy.

“So, the best thing is to engage in pre-intimacy to get wet before the real action. But if that is not attainable, get a lubricant in registered pharmacies and not popular chemists around or people hawking drugs”

Artificial lubricants reduce vaginal dryness. Lubes are available in many different textures, flavours, and materials to suit a person’s needs and preferences.

Lubes come in a variety of bases; water, silicone and oil.

Water:
Water-based lubricants containing glycerin are popular. However, glycerin-free options may be more suitable for people who get frequent yeast infections.

Silicone:
Silicone-based lubricants last longer than water-based lubricants, making them a good option for people with severe vaginal dryness or a history of pain during sex. They are not safe to use with silicone intimacy gadgets, though, and they can be greasy.

Oil:
Oil-based lubricants include many readily available products, such as kitchen oils. They are usually edible and are safe for the vagina, but they can be messy. Synthetic oil-based lubricants, such as mineral oil and petroleum jelly, can work well but may also irritate the vulva.

https://www.nigerialog.com/health/medical-expert-warns-against-use-of-saliva-as-sex-lubricant/new/#new

The trains of thoughts that comes when you see an Egungun is to either run as fast as your leg can carry you, scream and pass out or just hold your ground and become crippled temporarily with fear while the Egungun passes.

So, what is the evolution of Egungun in Yorùbá culture? How did they come into existence? Who are they and how have they been able to maintain and create a fearful disposition over the years.

Historians and culture experts have argued over the years on the Nupe influence on Yoruba culture, especially with the introduction of Egungun in Yorùbá land. True, there was the Nupe influence, but we should acknowledge that the Yorùbá culture had its traditional take off with the Egungun culture.


It is important to note that the functional objective of the Egungun in Yorùbá culture is divided into the different parts; ancestral protection, theatrical performance, some were summoned before any Military expeditions in pre-colonial times, as a way of checkmating the excesses of the Oba, and promoting family or societal cultural aesthetic and lastly as a medium of cultural preservation.

The colourful exhibit and fancy dresses outlay of any Egungun in Yorùbá land was borne out of its core genesis and cultural flamboyancy that best describes the beauty of culture, tradition and heritage. It’s bold and fearful outlook creates a persona of “god/ancestors like image on earth.” However, no matter how comical and fun looking any Egungun is, one needs to understand the powerful spiritual, cultural relevance and strength they possess, thus making them supernatural beings in their own right. In Yorùbá land, this state of spiritual relevance earns them the appellation “Ara Orun kin kin” meaning: “Members of the celestial order.”

The Physical performance of any Egungun is propelled by the spirits of the ancestors of that particular Egungun. Thus making the performer and the “Eku” (the costumes of the Egungun) one. Not just mere mortals at the moment of the display, they represent spirits of the dead, ancestors and gatekeepers that guard the gates of Olodumare. In movement and appearance, the masquerade depicts the presence and power (aṣẹ) of the ancestors.

According to Yorùbá oral tradition, Eesa Ogbin Ologbojo, the eponymous ancestor of Yorùbá carvers was the first masked performer in the court of the Alaafin of Oyo. The first costume consisted of several layers of sash, or ooja, borrowed or appropriated from women- hence the tradition of intricate assemblages of colorful fabrics by any Egungun.

The Alapini seats as the head in the hierarchy of the Egungun fold. Performers are always male members of the Egungun cult. Slaves, the uninitiated and ill-mannered people are forbidden. Women do not dance around or in front the Egungun, but their chant and songs are essential to the melodramatic success of the festival.

Different Egungun in Yorùbá land perform different duties, and their function varies from the origin of their cult to the other. There is technically an Egungun for every age grade, association, worship of deities, artisan association, and cultural professionals in Yorùbá land.

Egungun such as the “Gelede”, which is a flamboyant and fashionable masquerade, celebrates the very core of African womanhood, advocates for female gender equality and protects the rights of the women, although men commonly wear the headdress.

On September 2, 1853, the death of Oba Akitoye of Lagos ushered in the very first performance of the famous “Eyo Festival”, at the time, it was called the “Adamu Orisha Play” a theatrical performance as funeral rites for every Oba of Lagos and any important person in the State.


There is the Alapansanpa Egun, used in the past to fight and won many wars in and outside Ibadan. This masquerade is renowned and his importance to Ibadan cannot be overemphasised. He comes out once a year (in June), and must go to the Olubadan’s palace where he whips the Olubadan with his whip three times after which the Monarch blesses him with gifts and other items. If he does not go to the Olubadan’s Palace, prosperity and peace will cease in the land, meaning the Olubadan is a bad person.

There is also the famous Danafojura (Egungun Oni Mojesin Baba Ibeji) from Oyo Kingdom. This Egungun is fire-resistant –No matter the size of the fire, He cannot be consumed. He has the power to make people unconscious and revive them. He is an ancient and powerful Egun highly feared and respected among his peers, where he is considered as an “ELDER” in the clan. He displays his dance inside a blaze of a huge fire burning. His name “Danafojura” which means, “Set me on fire” is what he says to his handlers the moment he sets out of his coven.

Some Egungun come out at certain times and season of the year, making it festive periods, some at will, and some unannounced – a sign of danger coming into that community or region might trigger this.

Just like the colorful hundreds of fabrics that form the basis of the Egungun costume all glued to the body of the Egun, the significance of the Egungun in Yorùbá cultural set up is to uphold the cultural reliance and tradition of the land using culture an anchor for a progressive future.

https://www.nigerialog.com/culture/significance-of-egungun-in-yoruba-cultural-history/new/#new

Dating in times past seemed like a straightforward but with the advent of the internet, the game has changed. Whether you like it or not, online dating is a thing and it is here to stay.

If you are new to online dating, there is no need to be intimidated as a piece of friendly advice can help you understand the dos and don’ts of online dating.


DO’S

Keep an open mind

If you are going to record success in online dating, you need to be prepared to have an open-minded. There are many people who may try to shame you for trying to find love or a partner online but keep in mind that you are exposing yourself to meeting some really cool people you may not meet otherwise.

Have a catchy profile

Have interesting profiles yourself in your profile. Let your profile include such as your hobbies and your interests because your profile is how potential matches get to know about you. Without chatting you up, you want to give those viewing your profile as much insight into your personality as possible.

Have a good opening line

Having a lame opening line like, “hey what’s up?” isn’t going to set you apart in the sea of online dating users. Read the person’s profile and reference something specific to them in your first message. This shows that you paid attention to their profile and aren’t just sending the same message to everyone.

Be yourself

Stay true to yourself with your online profile and when talking to matches. You might end up meeting these people in person and, if your online self is totally different than your real-life self, it might create some problems.

Stay Safe

Online dating can be dangerous if you don’t treat with caution hence why you need to be careful when giving out personal details. Ensure that you always meet for the first time in a public location and trust your instincts. Use your best judgement when meeting someone from online and if anything feels off, get out of there.

DON’TS

Guard your private information

Never ever disclose personal information like your home address when talking to people on dating apps or social media. Being overly cautious with someone new is advised.

Take every information with a pinch of salt

Don’t be overly trusting when talking to strangers online because expecting everyone to be as honest as you are is dangerous. From posting old photos to lying about their backgrounds, people can be anything they want to be online hence why it is important to try and get to know the other party in person and preferably in a public and safe space for the first time.

Don’t base your choices on just photos

It is easy to get lured into the bait of choosing the most attractive profiles when dating online but it is equally as important to consider the person’s personality, traits and interests especially when you are looking for something serious.

Avoid online “shopping”

Don’t let too many options get the better of you. If you’ve met someone you’re interested in, there’s no need to keep looking for new suitors online. It can be easy to get distracted by the sheer number of eligible people who post dating profiles online or on mobile apps, but once you’ve got a good thing going, it might be time to delete your profile. Beware of juggling too many people at the same time. While it’s perfectly okay to go slowly and initially see more than one candidate, especially if your dates are continuing also online, the giddiness of “so many profiles, so little time” can be self-defeating.

Avoid getting lured by corny pickup lines

Anyone can promise you heaven and earth online. “Looking to spoil the person of my dreams with flowers and candlelit dinners.” Anyone can write something like this but few are actually interested in doing this for someone they haven’t even met yet.

https://www.nigerialog.com/romance/10-simple-dos-and-donts-of-online-dating/new/#new

Excessive sugar is bad for health. Some sources of sugar are worse than others and sugary drinks are by far the worst.

Below are 11 reasons why sugary drinks are bad for your health according to Healthline.


Sugary soda contains no additional nutrient, just sugar

It adds nothing to your diet except excessive amounts of added sugar and unnecessary calories.

Sugar and acid in soda is bad for dental health

It is a well-known fact that sugary soda is bad for your teeth. Soda contains acids like phosphoric acid and carbonic acid. These acids create a highly acidic environment in your mouth, which makes your teeth vulnerable to decay.

Sugary drinks tend to make you fat

You tend to consume more total calories if you drink soda, as liquid sugar doesn’t make you feel full. Sugar-sweetened beverages are associated with weight gain.

Sugar increases belly fat accumulation

High consumption of fructose makes you accumulate belly fat, a dangerous type of fat linked to metabolic disease.

Large amount of sugar is turned into fat in the liver

Sucrose and high-fructose corn syrup are about 50% fructose, which can only be metabolized by your liver. Excessive amounts may contribute to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Sugar-sweetened beverages may be the leading dietary cause of Type 2 diabetes

A recent study, which looked at sugar consumption and diabetes in 175 countries, showed that for every 150 calories of sugar per day — about 1 can of soda — the risk of type 2 diabetes increased by 1.1%. In fact, drinking as little as one can of sugary soda per day has been consistently linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. A large body of evidence links added sugar consumption — particularly from sugar-sweetened beverages — to type 2 diabetes.

Sugary soda can cause insulin resistance

Excess fructose intake may lead to insulin resistance, the main abnormality in metabolic syndrome.

Sugar may cause leptin resistance

Animal trials suggest that a high-fructose diet can drive leptin resistance. Eliminating fructose may reverse the problem.

Sugary beverages may increase the risk of heart disease

Multiple studies have determined a strong link between sugary beverages and heart disease risk.

Soda drinkers have a higher risk of cancer

Observational studies suggest that sugar-sweetened beverages are linked to an increased risk of cancer.

Sugar consumption is linked to increased risk of dementia

Rodent studies note that large doses of sugary drinks can impair memory and decision-making capabilities.

https://www.nigerialog.com/health/11-ways-sugary-drinks-affect-your-body-negatively/new/#new

Ingredients

Yam
2-3 Eggs
Half cup of flour
Dried pepper (optional)
Salt
Seasoning cube
Red bell pepper (Tatashe)
Scotch Bonnet (Ata Rodo)
Onions
Thyme
Ginger
Crayfish (optional)

Method

Cut the yam in rectangular shapes, wash and boil with salt and water. The water should not be too much so that the yam wouldn’t be too soft and break to pieces.

Beat the eggs in a separate bowl, add salt and seasoning to your desired taste and set aside.

Mix the flour with dried pepper and add some seasoning spices as well and set aside.

Check your yam by putting your fork in the yam. If it goes through then it’s soft enough, remove from the fire, drain the water and keep.

Heat up some oil in a frying pan (enough oil that can deep fry the yam), when the oil is hot, take the yam and soak it in the beaten eggs and make sure it soaks in. Once soaked remove from the egg and roll it in the flour and dried pepper mixture (making sure the flour covers all the sides of the yam) then put inside the hot oil.

Do this same process to all the pieces of the yam and after frying, arrange them on a paper towel to remove excess oil.

Your Yamarita is ready; you can make pepper sauce with it.

https://www.nigerialog.com/food/how-to-make-yamarita/new/#new

They have existed from time immemorial, in Yorùbá culture and other major cultures in Nigeria and Africa in general. These are children who are born to die. They are called different names, varying from one tribe or the other. In Yorùbáland they are known as “Àbíkú” which literally means “Born to die” or “Predestined to die”. The birth of children in the African culture is that spiced up token that brings fulfilment to a marriage, but these children bring pain. Once they are born, there is an expiry tag on their neck. They die before puberty.


These children are believed to belong to a fraternity of demons living in the woods, especially about and within large Iroko trees; and around the trunks of huge silk trees. Once leave their “Ẹgbé” – a gathering of lost children who live within the Iroko tree – with a sworn promise to return to the fold at a specific time. As joyful as it is to have a child, these children bring untold hardship and pain to their parents and even sometimes repeat the painful process. Their process of departure into the spirit realm kicks off with a heavy bout of strange sickness and convulsing fits which the babalawo (native medicine man) sees as obvious signs of “Àbíkú”. After days of constant fever and convulsions, they finally give up their physical attachment to the earth and return to their mates in the spirit world.

So, how did the mystery of the “Àbíkú” start? Well, it has been in existence for as long as the Yoruba race has been in history. It was discovered by traditional medicine men who named them thus because of the short life span the Àbíkú possess, and their ability to have recurrent earth lives, which torment their earthly hosts. Once they die, these children are buried in an evil forest or deep inside a dense forest with lacerations on their body. The reason for the slash or cut is more as a punishment and disgrace – to have them tarnished as they return to their spirit mates, and also to instantly recognise them once they come visiting earth again.

Apart from the inflicted punishment marks which give them away when they are re-born, they also bear special and specific names to distinguish them. Names such as: Apara, Dúrósinmí, Bánjókòó, Málọmó, Kòsókó, Òkúand Tijú-ikú.”

But is this phenomenon really true or is the manifestation of the “ÀBÍKÚ” syndrome what one can likely call traits of Sickle cell anemia or any other disease that leads to infant mortality? In pre-colonial times in Yorùbáland and in Africa, there was no technology to test the blood genotype for intending couples. Everything was based on love, family pedigree and the relationships between families.

People were generally ignorant about this medical issue, thus sickle cell anemia may have been very rampant in the past because men and women got hooked with no knowledge of the blood group of their intending spouses. The traditional medicine men could not have diagnosed a simple biological abnormality with a name that best describes what the child is going through when having crisis; a common situation that sufferers of sickle cell anemia undergo, when their white blood cells can no longer fight infections and protect them.

By the early 60’s, most intending couples still did not check their blood group, and even now in 2020, a couple of cases still go unchecked with proper medical check-couples who elope and ignore all warnings, or in cases of ill-timed pregnancy where abortion was not an option.
In a modern world with increasing technological advancements, is it safe to say that the “ÀBÍKÚ” phenomenon is just an absurd superstition; a simple case of hereditary taint which leads to infant mortality cases; a case of sickle cell anemia?

One thing is sure: professionals from traditional medicine and beliefs practitioners would argue for and against the existence of “ÀBÍKÚS”, while medical doctors would also argue for the fact that if anyone with an AS blood genotype marries a AS, there is a high probability that they would give birth to a child with the SS gene, even though today’s technology now has measures of managing and controlling pre and after birth treatment for sickle cell patients.

There is a thin line between Traditional Medicine/Beliefs and Orthodox Medicine. Àbíkú may just be/may have become that intersection, bringing the much-needed dialogue and balance between science and tradition.

https://www.nigerialog.com/culture/abiku-a-thin-line-that-cuts-between-tradition-and-science/new/#new

Parenthood is a path taken by some. As kids we dream of the days when we would be our own bosses, calling the shots however it pleases us. Oh! how we so yearned for childhood to fast forward so we could be “Big.”

In this era, no doubt, parenthood of the 21st century is outer space looking back to when we were groomed. Presently, there is a lot to contend with. Adults and parents walk in the same path as those before them.

As this journey to parenthood unravels with unpredictable encounters, the once naïve young mind is thus enlightened, making the appreciation for our parents and guardians stronger and more meaningful than ever.



There is no hard or fast rule to life same as when it comes to bringing up children. Parenthood is a ride everyone who becomes a parent takes, not knowing how smooth or catastrophic the ride might be. Self-help books are there to guide but might not work hook line sinker for every Tom, Dick and Harry.

Part of the challenges of the 21st century for parents is the internet and technological advancement which has added to the bucket list of worries parents have to undergo.

This has made parents supercharged, too protective and sometimes paranoid. And you can’t blame them: There are offerings on the internet that expose children to things not fitting such as sex sites. 18 rated content, and there is the fear of having children being preyed on by looming opportunists… the list is endless.

Being a parent is not everything but having a child changes your perspective in all you do. Perhaps that is why parents subconsciously become blueprints, signposts and an example on how to live for their kids.

The hardest part might seem like when you are running after kids high on sugar, but is it really the hardest? Or the teenage years that defines who and what your child becomes? You are petrified of the next mistake the child might make. Perhaps the days of running around might not be bad after all when you can storm your feet and ensure your instructions are adhered to.

Another topic that parents over the years have not gotten around to discussing and educating their children about is Sex. It definitely is one of the awkward moments during a chat between parents and their children, but a most needed and valued one. It helps with creating the right understanding of what it is rather than being misguided from porn sites and wrong influence from friends and other underlying factors. Consider that a proper occasional talk will save you from parents’ nightmares when a child comes home with “I am pregnant” or “I got someone pregnant.”


The topic “sex” has parents walking on eggshells, not wanting to put up stringent rules of engagement for fear of them doing the opposite, while still not wanting to be understood as lenient regarding sex, so they do not think it is alright to indulge in it what so ever way it pleases them. Hence, parents are left in a dilemma of how to g about it the right way.

The cry of a newborn in a home is a moment cherished by firstly the parents then others when done right. Perfection is farfetched so we can never be too perfect but as a parent one has to give their all rather than nothing at all. However, it is a daunting task that those who have chosen the mantle of parenthood have to brace themselves to deal with.

https://www.nigerialog.com/family/the-scariest-role-of-parenthood-sex-education/new/#new

“Don’t you know he is the last child?” a statement that makes the youngest in a Nigerian home almost untouchable. Most grown-up last children would argue that being the youngest has its perks, but trust me when I say its disadvantages are nothing compared to its benefits. One truth nobody will tell you is that as you grow older, your privileges as the last child begin to change, both for the better and for the worse.


From the moment you are given birth to till around age 7, everyone wants a piece of you. They want to carry you on their arms, pull your chubby cheeks, put you on their laps and make funny faces, just for a smile from you. Weird beings we are. During this period, you get everything you ask for. Sweets, toys, a happy meal, a T.V station to watch and no exaggeration, your world with the family heeding to your every command. If they don’t, you simply pull the ultimate move: a loud, annoying cry enough to shatter the glass in your home. Not even the President himself has the power to stop this move that turns a bundle of joy and sweetness into their worst nightmare.

If everybody gets two pieces of meat, you, the sweet little thing, gets three pieces, plus the last piece. Another joy of being the youngest is that you don’t get blamed for wrongdoings, even if you are clearly guilty. I mean, you have your older siblings for that. Smashing a window with a football automatically translates to your older ones breaking a window, in the minds of your parents. Your older siblings, especially the boys, would most times refuse to hang out with you due to the fear of you getting hurt. This is because you as the baby of the house getting hurt is equal to your siblings getting punished. Trust Nigerian parents to always have a baton (a wooden cane), ready-ever-sharp mouth and a hand grenade (rubber flip flops) to launch at you, on standby.

However, between the ages of 8 to age 17, things start to take a turn. Of course, you still get spoiled by siblings, relatives and family friends alike; things take a different turn. Your siblings begin to protest anytime you get the last piece of food. This is the period you start running errands. From collecting your father’s pressing iron from the next-door neighbour to going to the tailor’s shop to collect your mother’s dress. Asides running errands, your movement starts getting restricted out of the fear of you getting hurt or getting linked with bad influence. In addition to that, as the youngest, you must always be home on time. This means no late nights or sleepovers for you. Why keep late nights when you are under pressure to make A’s. You must not “fall their hands.”

From age 18, your perks end. No more last piece of food, special treatment, and “flexing” money. To the world, you are not the last born anymore; you are now an adult. An adult has responsibilities, and those responsibilities come at you fast. It is due to these responsibilities that every action you make is under watchful eyes. Like 2Pac said: “All eyez on me”. This is when you must not mess up.

However, while the world starts seeing you as an adult, to your family, especially the females, you will forever remain a child in their eyes. Being the youngest in a Nigerian home is very sweet; THE PROBLEM LIES IN GROWING UP.

https://www.nigerialog.com/family/the-downside-of-being-the-last-child-in-a-nigerian-home/new/#new

There are days you feel fatigued from emotional stress and no effort from people close to you seems to help. Emotional stress is something many people go through and they find it difficult coping with. When you have drained all the strength from your emotional bank, below are some ways to replenish yourself.

Treat yourself
There are so many activities you get carried away with and at the end of the day, you discover that you hardly have time for yourself or even a chance to give yourself a good treat. Whenever you feel emotionally down, take yourself out on a treat. You can go for a boat ride, have lunch or dinner at your favourite restaurant, go to the movies with your friends, just ensure you do something that takes your mind off work or any unpleasant distractions.


Engage in activities you love
There are so many things that strike your fancy, do those things. Do the things you love, it could be as simple as sitting in the dark and staring at the stars. It can even be taking a walk on a sunless day, just do the things you love doing as these things will help you get better.

Learn to say NO
The desire to want to help lots of people might be overwhelming but you need to know you cannot help everyone, you cannot be there for everybody. Sometimes, learn to say “NO” without feeling guilty. When you tell people no at times, they learn to appreciate your decisions while not taking your availability for granted. The greatest emotional drain is depriving yourself of fun while feeling emotionally exhausted by all the responsibilities and calls on your time and energy.

Drop toxic friendships
If any relationship you have tend to be toxic, drop it. The last thing you should crave for in life is toxic friendships or relationships, they will drain you and leave you at a point zero where you will have nothing to give yourself. You have no love for yourself and you constantly get emotionally drained. For your own sanity, drop toxic friendships and relationships.

https://www.nigerialog.com/health/4-ways-to-boost-your-emotional-well-being/new/#new

Youths are filled with limitless optimism; the feeling that you can achieve anything, be anybody if you try hard, if you look hard enough you can find something redeeming in even the worst of situation.

However, some questions constantly come as a nagging thought; so many what-ifs that can turn your world upside down.


What if at 40 that dream man doesn’t come? What if you decide not to marry but rather travel around the world? What if you marry someone that you are older than? What if you don’t get that dream job? What if you lose that dream job? What if that child doesn’t come as and when due? What if that child dies or you never give birth? What if you decide not to give birth? What if you give birth while in school? What if that person you have hoped on dies or gives up on you? What if you don’t feel loved enough by others? What if you don’t fit into what society calls successful? What if you end up not having that body-size you want? What if you lose your husband or wife?

These are questions that most people avoid, instead of facing these life options, you must pause a little and ask yourself some difficult sincere questions, Only then would you get sincere answers, life does happen.

Life could get depressing especially when people need you to have your life all figured out. Now the question is what if?

What if at 40 that dream partner doesn’t come?

This is a question everyone avoids, just like the Adekunle Gold’s popular “many Saturday done pass and I never marry, Oluwa provide a boo oh,” the silent thought creeps in.

Most humans at early stage of their youth already have dreams of how their dream partner should look like, how they want that fairytale wedding, the dance moves, the colour of “asoebi,” the fact is it might not happen to some as at when they want it and to some, it doesn’t happen at all.

Society has made us believe that the greatest achievement of any human is when they say, “I do’’ As simple as the word may sound, it is not for all and that is fine.

What if with all your beauty and brain, awesome plan, long term relationship and at 40 you are still single, does it mean you are not successful, must it stop you from finding happiness?

In the words of Arthur Rubinstein,

“I have found out that if you love life, life will love you back’’.

Happiness is cheap yet the most expensive accessory to get.

What if you don’t get that dream job?

Don’t we all want a job that will give us the “more than 6 figures” salary? Of course, we do.

However, what if you don’t get it? Or worse still, what if you lose your job? The thought can be so exhausting, just know this; you are in control, no one can force, degrade or control you unless you let them. A good job is not always about the millions you earn, but about what satisfaction and happiness it gives.

What if you don’t get the body size you want?

Looking attractive is everyone’s dream, you want to enter that space and make heads turn. However, do you feel attractive enough? there is so much pressure in having the societal idea of the perfect body size.

Know this, your beauty is never tied to how your body figure is, beauty encapsulates a whole lot of things and body shape is just a tiny part of it.

What if you don’t fit into what society calls successful?

Now before you think you don’t fit in, why not define what success and failure are to you, rather than walking yourself into a corner, think deeper. Your success should not be determined by the metrics of the society, grow at your own pace and watch yourself become a success.

Sit and address the “What ifs.” As silent as they are, they can make or mar you.

https://www.nigerialog.com/random-thoughts/4-what-ifs-that-bothers-your-self-esteem/new/#new

Youths are filled with limitless optimism; the feeling that you can achieve anything, be anybody if you try hard, if you look hard enough you can find something redeeming in even the worst of situation.

However, some questions constantly come as a nagging thought; so many what-ifs that can turn your world upside down.


What if at 40 that dream man doesn’t come? What if you decide not to marry but rather travel around the world? What if you marry someone that you are older than? What if you don’t get that dream job? What if you lose that dream job? What if that child doesn’t come as and when due? What if that child dies or you never give birth? What if you decide not to give birth? What if you give birth while in school? What if that person you have hoped on dies or gives up on you? What if you don’t feel loved enough by others? What if you don’t fit into what society calls successful? What if you end up not having that body-size you want? What if you lose your husband or wife?

These are questions that most people avoid, instead of facing these life options, you must pause a little and ask yourself some difficult sincere questions, Only then would you get sincere answers, life does happen.

Life could get depressing especially when people need you to have your life all figured out. Now the question is what if?

What if at 40 that dream partner doesn’t come?

This is a question everyone avoids, just like the Adekunle Gold’s popular “many Saturday done pass and I never marry, Oluwa provide a boo oh,” the silent thought creeps in.

Most humans at early stage of their youth already have dreams of how their dream partner should look like, how they want that fairytale wedding, the dance moves, the colour of “asoebi,” the fact is it might not happen to some as at when they want it and to some, it doesn’t happen at all.

Society has made us believe that the greatest achievement of any human is when they say, “I do’’ As simple as the word may sound, it is not for all and that is fine.

What if with all your beauty and brain, awesome plan, long term relationship and at 40 you are still single, does it mean you are not successful, must it stop you from finding happiness?

In the words of Arthur Rubinstein,

“I have found out that if you love life, life will love you back’’.

Happiness is cheap yet the most expensive accessory to get.

What if you don’t get that dream job?

Don’t we all want a job that will give us the “more than 6 figures” salary? Of course, we do.

However, what if you don’t get it? Or worse still, what if you lose your job? The thought can be so exhausting, just know this; you are in control, no one can force, degrade or control you unless you let them. A good job is not always about the millions you earn, but about what satisfaction and happiness it gives.

What if you don’t get the body size you want?

Looking attractive is everyone’s dream, you want to enter that space and make heads turn. However, do you feel attractive enough? there is so much pressure in having the societal idea of the perfect body size.

Know this, your beauty is never tied to how your body figure is, beauty encapsulates a whole lot of things and body shape is just a tiny part of it.

What if you don’t fit into what society calls successful?

Now before you think you don’t fit in, why not define what success and failure are to you, rather than walking yourself into a corner, think deeper. Your success should not be determined by the metrics of the society, grow at your own pace and watch yourself become a success.

Sit and address the “What ifs.” As silent as they are, they can make or mar you.

https://www.nigerialog.com/random-thoughts/4-what-ifs-that-bothers-your-self-esteem/new/#new

Water has no enemy goes the popular saying and when it comes to the wellbeing of the body, water surely plays important roles.

You might already be familiar with the recommendation to drink at least eight glasses of water daily in order to stay properly hydrated.


However, drinking eight glasses of water to stay hydrated is not enough, knowing the specific times that drinking water can actually boost your overall health and cognitive functioning is equally as important. Science shows that drinking water at the correct times of day can help to prevent common problems such as stomach pain, IBS, bloating, fatigue, overeating, high blood pressure, constipation, and even heart attack and stroke.

Keep reading to find out the right times of day to drink water.

First thing when you wake up

To start your day, you should drink a glass of water right when you wake up because drinking water on an empty stomach is beneficial to your body both internally and externally. That early morning glass of water not only jumpstarts your brain and body out of sleep mode, it also gets rid of any toxins and stubborn free radicals that have accumulated in your circulatory system overnight. When next you have that glass of water first thing in the morning, remember that you are cleaning and purifying your body’s internal.

Drink water before a meal

Drink one glass of water 30 minutes before a meal to help digestion and keep your caloric intake in check. The water helps to prepare your intestines for the food coming in; water wakes up taste buds and moisturises the stomach lining so brittle or acidic foods won’t be uncomfortable. Drinking water before your meal also prevents over-eating.

Drink water before and after a workout

Depending on your body’s fluid levels at the time, you may need one or more glasses of water before you hit the gym to protect against dehydration during your workout. Keep yourself hydrated while exercising, but avoid drinking too much. After your workout, it’s important to drink a lot of water to replace the fluids lost through sweat and humidity.

Drink water before a bath

Drink one glass of water before taking a bath to help lower your blood pressure. The water should be warm to promote dilation of your blood vessels, which causes blood pressure to drop. Furthermore, drinking water dilutes sodium levels in the body, which further aids in lowering blood pressure.

Drink water before bedtime

An hour prior to bed will help you replenish any kind of fluid loss during sleep. If you are fully hydrated before going to bed and sleeping, you can lower the risk of heart attack and stroke, as dehydration elevates the risk factors for cardiovascular disease. A heart attack occurs mostly in the morning because the blood is thicker due to loss of water But if you are patient of a kidney stone or heart problem, it is advised to avoid this glass. It may put extra pressure and weaken these organs.

Drink water when you are tired

Drinking a glass of water when you feel tired will help to power up your brain. Since your brain consists of 75% water, drinking a glass or two when you’re feeling sleepy will help to replenish your noggin’s fluid levels, and increase cognitive functioning.

Drink water when you are exposed to germs

If you have been around sick people, drink a little more water than usual to help wash away germs and viruses that your body may have picked up. A well-hydrated body encourages bacterial and viral invaders to move along so they don’t settle in and multiply in your system.

Drink more water when you are ill

When you’re sick, you need to drink plenty of fluids, including water, to get better.

https://www.nigerialog.com/health/8-best-times-to-drink-water-to-stay-healthy/new/#new

Facial hair has found their way into the top ten beauty trends for men, but what they usually don’t tell you is that maintain a beard makes having one a lot of work.

This is because to maintain healthy facial hair, there is no shortcut to keeping it all in check; instead, it takes a little patience.

Just like the hair on your head, your beard also needs to be carefully groomed to keep you from looking unkempt. A thick healthy beard does not grow overnight; you need to tenderly take care of your beard for it to blossom.
Here are 5 steps to help you with maintaining a healthy facial hair:

Wash Your Beard With Natural Shampoo For Men
A clean beard is a healthy beard and just like your hair, your beard also needs to be washed. This is why you should make sure to wash your beard between two to three times weekly with men’s natural shampoo.

Asides from keeping your beard clean, this will prevent the buildup of sweat, excess oil or dirt in your beard and keeps it smelling great.

Opt for sulphate free shampoos made using natural ingredients instead of chemical-based shampoos as it wouldn’t be wise to put chemicals on the hair that surrounds your mouth.

Keep Your Beard Hydrated And Conditioned
Now that your beard is clean, it also needs to be soft and shiny; this is where beard oils come in. using a beard oil keeps your beard conditioned and shiny. When picking out a beard oil, remember that the best beard oils are made using natural ingredients, premium essential oil, and extracts.


Beard oils also help in moisturising the skin underneath your beard preventing flakes, itching and maintaining follicle health.
Do this by applying a few drops of oil on your palm and massaging the beard oil into the base of your beard. Work your hands through your beard until you reach its hair tips making sure that the oil is spread evenly on your beard and the skin below. Do this once a day for more effective results.

Keep Your Beard Evenly Trimmed
Another essential tip to keeping your beard well kept and healthy is to trim it. Beard hairs often do not grow evenly and as it grows out, you might also want to add a bit of shape.

Using a pair of scissors, snip off uneven patches, split and loose ends off your beards to keep it trimmed and even. Remember to follow the natural contour of your face while doing this to ensure that your hair is kept in uniform length. Use a small comb to brush out your beard when trimming to identify what parts need to be cut shorter and make sure they are of equal lengths.

Style Your Beard Right
Trimming your beard properly makes styling it even easier. Certain points should be considered when styling your beard. For one, you should use ‘the smiley face technique’. Using this technique, start by shaving higher than your chin and follow the curve created by the jawline.

Regularly comb your beard using small combs depending on the size and length of your beard. When choosing a beard style, also consider the shape of your face, full beards are great for men with long, angular faces.

Maintain a healthy diet
Like the hair on your head, your facial hair is also affected by your nutrition. In fact, your diet determines how fast your beard grows as well as how great it looks. Opt for a healthy diet rich in Omega-3 and vitamins.

Also, make sure that your diet is rich in protein and saturated fats to allow your hair to grow on to its full potential.

To deal with dry flakes and itchiness, consider using coconut oil as a more permanent treatment. Coconut oil keeps your beard hydrated and gets rid of dry flakes. Simply run a little bit of coconut oil through your beard twice daily to get rid of dry flakes.

Maintaining your beard can take a little more time than you would expect which is why you need to be patient and carefully follow the steps listed above when caring for your beard.

https://www.nigerialog.com/beauty/5-steps-to-maintaining-a-healthy-beard/new/#new

Family values are precious ethics to a whole lot of families, they are the foundation forming the precepts and ways set by families implying how they should be. Every family grows with a sense of pride when any member excels. It is a success for the individual but as well an achievement that shapes the nature and attitude of the family at large. No doubt we know that family is the first contact of socialisation for all humans so, despite the downside of family expectations, it definitely has a great influence in our lives and who we eventually turn out to be.

Sadly, the diversity of living in this age seems to have a backlash on how families are formed and how their values are built. It seems like having to be spoiled with a lot of choices on easy living has fueled some teeny-weeny gap in family formation. You know how?

Dredge up the times of watching television together as a family, having to grudgingly seat and watch what someone else is seeing because you have no choice? Those times are over for a lot of people. All hail the age of technology, smartphones and gadgets. Beyond doubt, the age of “fast forward” widens the gap as much as it makes the world smaller and more accessible. The love and togetherness that could and starts at the gathering in the sitting room are well sadly over as it puts the family members at a distance of each other even when in the same house.

The kids and everyone else are with their electrical gadgets and are all in their rooms talking to strangers rather than creating a relationship with their family members. Creating a relationship with the outside world is sidelining the buildup of family values and respect. Though we would give credit to the fact that innovations still come up with ways that draw families closer virtually. For instance, with the change in family-type due to job type being commuter marriages, parents who leave far away from their children are brought together through FaceTime. This way, near or far, values and traditions are being instilled which can be argued is better than being in the dark ages. These gadgets also help in enhancing family values such as keeping tabs on the location of the children and aiding with tracking their children’s activities. So as much as it divides, it also attempts to close the gap it created.

Fighting for remotes and having small talks in between watching television is greatly becoming a thing of the past and due to the high addiction of phones and the need for constant entertainment, dinner time too has become a moment of phone chiming and plate clicking. Needless to say, family values are not just about subjection to horrible TV programs or eating together, No! Rather it is the small talks in between that leads to the windows of wisdom opening up. These moments are as short and quick as can be, but sure to do last a lifetime. But again, how has it impacted the relationship with families that have a travelling father or a travelling mother? That you will all answer yourselves, so let us not throw away the baby with the bathwater. How we handle whatever is given to us generally depends on our management. One important thing to consider too is that like lady justice with the blindfold on, but yet can hold the scale in balance, that is the key to seek balance in all.

There are two sides to a coin. William Blake a famous English poet tries to illustrate with his poems the dependency of good on evil and evil on good. It is what you make out of a situation that counts and not entirely the situation itself.

Some values and expectations are indeed hard to keep up with but I’d go with the words of Pink “we gotta get up and try.”

https://www.nigerialog.com/family/managing-family-values-in-a-technologically-advanced-society/new/#new

Many years ago, you were probably thinking by the age of twenty-something, you would have your favourite car, blasting loud music and going through life with that special someone.

You ever wondered why your parent does not have those big cars you envisage and with your small primary school knowledge, you vouch they cannot work as hard as you have been working. I mean, you can count from 1-100 without missing a number, such achievement, such pride.

However, you are in this situation, jumping buses from one station to another, if God loves you enough, someone will give you a ride, drop you at the closest junction where you will pick a bike or have a long conversation with your legs on the importance of walking as a form of exercise, you just want to be healthy.

If you are a lady, welcome to the world of cat-calling, some “Eis fine geh” “Wos, my colour” “My shape, na you I dey call”, some times you reply, other times you walk that beautiful walk of shame.

The basic thing is, your dream of getting a car is still in the plan, now, your age limit for purchasing that car is 30 something, a miracle would have happened then.

You are stuck with buses and the wonderful people you meet there, below are some type of people you meet on a bus:

The Nose Pickers
These ones love the dirt in their nostrils than any conversation. They dig deep and you wonder if they have their glory hidden there. After picking their noses, they then rub it by the door, that same door someone will grab unto while trying to enter, yes, that same one. You did not pay their cab fare, so there is little you can do. If you pick your nose in public, please stop it, it is disgusting.


The loud callers
These people will help you with the information you do not need. You will learn how “Iya Monsurat took Iya Bisola’s husband”, “how Chinedu sold fake wristwatch to Usman”, they will shout in such a manner that your earplugs will be unable to block out the noise. These ones call through the ride. You cannot tell them to keep quiet, so you listen to their family and business history.

The preachers
All the things you never knew were sins will be revealed to you by the almighty bus preachers. From how you are not supposed to have a relationship, to how your trousers will send you to hell, that attachment on your head will probably lead you to hell too. You are stuck there arguing with the preacher in your mind, wondering why the message is being twisted and why you really need to listen. You just want to ride peacefully to your destination.

The storytellers
These ones will tell you all the stories you are not interested in all in the name of getting to know you better. Who are you not to listen, come on, you do not want to be rude. From hi, I am so–so–and—so, just know you are in for it. They will ask for your house address, your office address, your family house, and if you are not careful, your genotype. When you decide to plug your earpiece, they will tap you and continue with their stories. Isn’t life good?

The fighters
For these set of people, the only thing left is to match them with Anthony Joshua. They fight with the conductors, then they switch to the passenger trying to settle their tongue fight with the driver. If you cough too much, you might get some scolding. While at it, they will mention all of their achievements that are not really an achievement.

The smelly group
There is always someone like this on the bus. They are probably in a war with perfumes and body sprays or someone with a mouth odour who loves to hear themself talk.

Moments like this, you think about ways you can make things better, maybe you spray your perfume inside the bus or you ask them to use it out of the goodness of your heart or just advise the driver to hang body spray so those with body odour can use it before stepping in because you did not come to this world to die of someone else’s body odour. For the mouth odour, you can always offer them a gum as an act of charity and if they insult you in the process, take it all in good faith.

The musicians
We all are not interested in listening to your music, please do not force us. They are either blasting music from their phones with poor speakers or they use earplugs and sing with some horrible voice. You can then plead with them to stop singing out or you enjoy the music you are not interested in, your choice.

The sleeping machines
If they sleep without disturbing you, that will be cool, however, these ones are more interested in using your shoulder as a pillow. They keep dosing and landing on your shoulder and there is really little you can do. Don’t you want to help the helpless? Just enjoy the ride, you are changing the world, one step at a time.

The google maps
These ones know all the shortcuts you can think of and they just can not just keep it to themselves, so your driver needs to know too since he is also trying to avoid the traffic. At the end of the day, the road might either be bad or it is even longer than the normal route.

You are stuck on your seat, remembering all the wonderful advice your parents must have thought you about not cutting corners, wishing you can teach the driver the importance of having a made-up mind and not cutting corners, but Alas! You cannot, you can only pray to get home the same way you left, with no broken shoulders or backache.

The seat owners
This is a life-saving secret, “there are times you ought to pay for two seats to allow conveniency.” It is unfair to sit like you own the bus while other people are struggling to sit comfortably. If you want to sit like a king or queen, please, just buy

Beggars
If you take the same transport another time, you should not be surprised to see them begging for the same thing. For some, that is the way they survive, be ready to hear sad stories that will drain your pocket. It is either they have no money to pay for transport or one of their siblings is on the way to fight the World War III and will need your financial support, either way, they ensure they get something from you.

https://www.nigerialog.com/metro/11-types-of-people-you-are-likely-to-meet-in-a/msg58715/#msg58715

In February 1897, a punitive expedition was carried out on the Benin Kingdom by the British Colonial forces under the Command of the ambitious and brute Admiral Sir Harry Rawson. A good part of the ancient Kingdom was burnt down, the royal palace and sacred rooms were sacked. The colonial officers who raided the Oba’s palace and sacred rooms couldn’t believe what they discovered in the royal rooms. They discovered thousands of antiques, rare brass/bronze sculptures, and carvings dating back to the 15th centuries and some to the beginning of the Kingdoms’ existence. These sculptures that proved hundreds of year’s civilization were embodied in different artworks.

Large sums of the plaques looted during the 1897 expedition were made of Bronze and Brass.


The British officers carried thousands of these beautiful, sacred items to Europe and other parts of the world. For the first time, the world was formally introduced to the “Benin Bronze/Brass Art”. It was an uncalled-for introduction, but the world welcomed it regardless. The arrival of these items in the European market changed the global view, sparked debate and also allowed the European world to see the beauty of these rare artefacts from Benin.

One of the earliest recordings of the Benin Royal court commissioning an art piece was around 1550, when Iyoba Idia, mother of the Oba Esigie passed away. The Oba’s Mother shortly before her death had created a larger than life image in Benin History. Iyoba Idia was a warrior, the Oba’s spiritual advisor, an innovator, an art creator and collector, so, it was right for the Oba to commission the Palace royal carvers to carver an art piece of her face to immortalize the woman who risked all for the Benin Empire.

Historians and scholars were able to draw out two important notes when Iyoba Idia died: the Oba’s place in the Benin art industry, and also the relevance and presence of the royal carvers who lived within the Palace walls. Although the Iyoba Idia Mask was made out of Ivory (there were other works made of Bronze and Brass), other guilds of artisans and artists existed around the Benin royal court. The duty of these carvers was to create a bust of every Oba of Benin – this would be placed in the Palace royal shrine- and also to diligently create art pieces as a way of documenting the palace history and the history of the Kingdom.

These sects/guilds of artisans were a group of men who have dedicated their lives to their craft and have pledged their service to the Oba. In the middle of the 19th century, these guilds which were mostly hereditary includes the wood and ivory carvers, Igbesanwman, the brass casters, IgunEronmwon, the Iron smithers, IgunEmaton, the weavers (Owinan’Ido), the carpenters (Owina) and the leather makers (Isekpokin). These guilds can be traced to the 15th/16th century and some of them to the beginning of the Kingdom itself. They shared a common objective for the Benin Kingdom and unwavering loyalty to their Oba-who they see as a god in human form.

After the sacking of Benin in 1897, the world was exposed to the beauty of Benin art, and the Empire later rose from the destruction it suffered at the hands of the British. The guild of Brass and Bronze casters at Igun Eronmwon got more organised and began to create more artworks, for the palace and the general public. It was the beginning of a new art age.

The responsibility of creating these Bronze/Brass artworks solely rest on the shoulders of the craft masters on “Igun Street”- A UNESCO World Heritage Site and cultural and traditional headquarters for Bronze craft masters of the Benin Kingdom. The street is just a stone throw from the popular Ring Road roundabout, where you have the Benin National Museum. The structure of the street is just like any street in Benin City, but unlike other streets, Igun street is one of the busiest streets for tourists anywhere in Africa. Igun street is the traditional and ceremonial home of the guild of Bronze casters for the great Benin Kingdom. The street consists of 31 guilds that have pledged their allegiance to the Oba of Benin. Some of the casters are 7th generation casters. The Bronze and Brass casters both share Igun street.

The cultural and traditional significance of Brass to the Benin people cannot be neglected. It is sacred and holds in high esteem. Like all metals, Brass is associated with Ogun, the god of war, agriculture, hunting and creativity. In Benin culture, it is also associated with the preservation of memories, hence, a lot of Bronze plaques are used to preserve the history and memories of Benin History. These craft masters on Igun street sacrifice goats and hens before commencing any production. The ritual is more intense if it’s a commissioned piece for the Oba or any royalty.

Even in the 21st century, the guilds are still secretive, exclusive and traditional in its modus operandi making it impossible for non-initiates to know the core of their craft. This has been the case for over 600 years.

The four walls of the Benin royal court, the Benin art – Bronze casting, wood carving, and ivory carvings, Brass casting – is more than just art. It is a collective embodiment that seals all the spirits that hold the great Benin Empire together, and this has been in place since the Ogiso royal dynasty. To the people of Benin Kingdom, it is the essence that makes them stand proud whenever you see a Benin man or woman.

The world is yet to fully comprehend the genesis of Benin art. Its source will remain a mystery that is forever locked in its essence, as long as an Oba sits over the affairs of the Kingdom, the world would have no choice but to look and marvel at the beauty and wonders of the Benin Art.

https://www.nigerialog.com/culture/appreciating-the-benin-kingdoms-art-plaques/new/#new

Many of us are well aware of the popular saying, “health is wealth” yet we skip a visit to the doctor’s until we are faced with a major health problem. There are some simple ways you can prevent health problems and improve your vitality, some of them are listed below.

Routine checkup
Getting a routine health screening every now and then is not a bad idea even if you think you are perfectly healthy. When you keep to your routine health checkup appointments, not only are you able to stay up to date as to your health situation but you can also get to discuss healh concerns with your healthcare provider.

Get moving

If you are not normally the active type, you can slowly increase your physical activity. Try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week.

Fruits are good for your heart

Heart disease is one of the major leading causes of death in men so make sure you eat fresh fruits and vegetables. You can alternate between which fruits you take on each day of the week.

Quit smoking

Whether you smoke cigarettes or chew tobacco, you already know that tobacco and the additional chemicals in cigarettes can lead to diseases such as high blood pressure, cancer, and more. Did you also know that tobacco can also contribute to poor mental health?

Take care of your mental health

In recent times, many prominent Nigerian celebrities and non-celebrities alike have shared their battle with depression. This goes to show that your mental health is inseparable from your physical health so it is important you take care of your mental and emotional well-being. If you are struggling with depression, talk to a professional.

https://www.nigerialog.com/health/simple-ways-to-improve-your-health-31366/new/#new